Dan's Papers - September 21, 2007 - play review: 300 Stories of Sag Harbor

Within the walls of the historic 160-year-old Whalers Church in Sag Harbor, Stacy Dermont presented her latest play, 300 Stories of Sag Harbor, during last weekend's celebration commemorating Sag Harbor's 300th anniversary. Ms Dermont, originally from Springville, New York just outside of Buffalo, now lives in Sag Harbor and through her work has brought Sag Harbor's history back to life. She uses a different character to narrate each century of its existence.

In Act I (Prehistory-1806) the vehicle for transporting the audience is Spirit Guide William Wallace Tooker (1848-1917) who lived in Sag Harbor and preached from the very pulpit that actor Robert L.S.Wilson stood behind as he recited Ms. Dermont's written words as if they were his own. The church, which seats 800 in its Cuban mahogany 8 ft. by 3 ft. pews was built in the last glory days of whaling in Sag Harbor. This was just before the California gold rush took so many of the ships from whaling to transporting goods, along with the replacement of whale oil with kerosene to light lanterns. Mr. Wilson, who was dressed in period-style clothes, was a commanding presence. He brought the church to life with his recollection of Sag Harbor's prehistory of Indian tales and how the town was settled. A spirited account of how the whaling trade came to dominate the town's development was woven from tales of Mr. Tooker heard while growing up and learning the lore. His line, "It's been a while since I preached from this lectern, well over 100 years in fact," made me chuckle. But then I looked around and caught the historical significance of the statement.

Act II, (1807-1906) was in the hands of actor Brittany Brown who played the role of period artist Annie Burham Cooper Boyd (1864-1917). She was effective at conveying the history of the 1800s including the fires, wars, the new whaling wealth and the maturity of Sag Harbor's character. Brown perfectly acted out Dermont's vision to create "historical theater using professional actors." Using her seasoned acting skills, Brown captivated the audience and had them paying attention to every word. The softness and clarity of her presentation truly portrayed the character of Boyd. The Whaler's Church, with its Roman and Gothic columns, dramatized the character that Ms. Brown portrayed. Sag Harbor's history came to life through the words of a woman who lived in that century.

Act III, (1907-2007) was in the hands of Bonnie Grice, who played herself. Ms. Grice has been the voice of the local public radio station for over twenty years, and she was most informative and entertaining. Her contemporary style brought a unique energy to the end of the show. Referring to herself as a "fresh local," Ms. Grice explained that she is a "not-for-profit-gal in a for-profit-town," and then asked, "Are we a historical village or a theme park?" Expressing her opposition to new condos and the cost in human life of the war in Iraq, she then mentioned the courage of Sag Harbor citizens who fought in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. Ms. Brice recalled the great hurricane explaining how the great tower of the Whaler's Church blew off and landed in the cemetery before falling over and being smashed to pieces. She talked of parades and of opposition to the new CVS store. She voiced concern that an old way of life is giving way to another - a luxury summer home way of life. She left the impression that something very special might be transformed into something very ordinary, but held out faith that the people would somehow do the right thing concerning affordable housing to prevent the demise of a year-round community.

It was a successful weekend for Demont, who credited Toni Munna for her skillful directing of the actors. Her next project, "Homofiles," another original oral, history-based play, should be ready for production in November. Ms. Dermont is a local voice that will be heard in the future. For information check out website www.dermontandmunna.com.