Airmid Theatre Company Prepares Its Second Annual Summer Theatre Festival
Online, July 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Airmid Theatre Company returns to the Nissequogue River State Park (formerly the Kings Park Psychiatric Center) at 799 Saint Johnland Road in Kings Park, NY for its second FREE Summer Theatre Festival. The Festival, originally slated to begin in early July but postponed due to threatened parks closures, will once again present two productions with 15 performances of each play from July 26, 2010 to August 29, 2010.
The festival opens with Airmid's Family Series show geared specifically to children and families. Returning to the helm of the afternoon's Family Series production is director Laura Konsin, who brings to life the "Snickerty Nick & the Giant" by Julia Ellsworth Ford part of Airmid's Family Series: Introducing Women Playwrights to Young Audiences program. The play features: Michael Blais, Caitlin Duffy, Megan Heverin, April Lavelle, and Tommi May McNally. Produced by Tricia McDermott, Costumes: Sherry Kfar.
A classic tale with a twist. Fun for the whole family! The play runs approximately 55 minutes and includes audience participation; for ages 5 and up. Performances can be seen Mondays to Fridays at 1:00 pm from July 26 to August 13. (New York State Parking fees apply prior to 4 pm).
Snickerty Nick works for the hard-hearted giant, Baron Bomberrum who wants to know why his garden just won't grow. No silver bells, no cockleshells, no flowers all is row for him! Can the giant, and his garden, be transformed by the kindness of a child? With a little help from Nicky, of course it can! Music, rhyme, and lots of silliness come together in this interactive and lively adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic tale, "The Selfish Giant".
Written in the early 1900's and published in 1919, "Snickerty Nick" is one of many plays that grew out of the educational system's use of theatre in the schools and was performed by children, amateurs, and professionals. The text weaves together familiar fairy tales, nursery rhymes and music to tell a new version of the beloved Oscar Wilde classic, The Selfish Giant.
Like the Wilde story, the hard-hearted giant wants to know why his garden just won't grow but it takes the kindness of a child to transform his heart. But Ford puts her own unique stamp on the play by creating the character, Snickerty Nick. Exploring issues like the environment and our place in it, love, and pacifism, Ford, with director Konsin's help, breathes new life into the original 1888 tale providing a new grounded and rough and tumble aspect to the story. Music, rhyme, and athleticism come together in this interactive and lively adaptation.
Snickerty Nick will be performed on the south side of the park, next to the parking lot for Tiffany Soccer fields. No parking fees will be required for this year's family show. All vehicles including buses and vans are welcome at no charge.
The second production of the summer season is a revival of the Broadway's 1933 screwball comedy smash "Three-Cornered Moon" by Gertrude Tonkonogy. Directed by Airmid's founder and Producing Artistic Director Tricia McDermott, the play features: Thomas Brown, Ellen DiStasi*, Katherine Heverin*, Antoine Jones, Tommi May McNally, Elena Mercantini
Set Design: Tymberley Whitesel, Costumes: Sherry Kfar, Lights: Justin Hoffman, Stage Manager: Sarah Lewis, Assistant Director: Kaley Sullivan, Dramaturg: Elysse Yulo, Technical Director: Buddy Braile, Technical/Production Advisor: Richard Callahan.
*indicates membership in Actors Equity Association
The production runs August 11 to August 29, 2010. The performance schedule is Wednesdays through Saturdays evenings at 7:00 pm and Sunday afternoons at 3:00 pm.
The play centers on the wildly eccentric and wealthy Rimplegar family, mother, 3 sons and one young lady all living the life of Riley where there is no concern for how or where the money comes from. It's no work and all play for this wealthy Brooklyn family. But when a stock market mishap wipes them out, the family must give up its extravagant ways and take jobs. The mad-capped boys get hired as a lifeguard and jazz musician, extra bedrooms are rented out to romantic rivals, but only the levelheaded, love interest Elizabeth finds real work at R.H. Macy's. Even as the family is forced to cope with having little food and little warmth, one love blooms, while another begins to wither. Yet the family keeps up its cheerful ways as best it can as they wait for Donald to pass the state bar exam.
Written by Tonkonogy in just two weeks, this charming screwball comedy was the toast of Broadway in 1933, setting the tone for future plays like You Can't Take it with You to be successful for generations to come.
Summer Theatre Festival audiences are encouraged to arrive early and picnic in the park prior to both the afternoon and the evening performances.
About the Airmid Summer Theatre Festival
2010 marks the second year for Airmid's free Summer Theatre Festival, which includes both "Three-Cornered Moon" by Gertrude Tonkonogy, Directed by Tricia McDermott and the family series play "Snickerty Nick & the Giant" by Julia Ellsworth Ford, Directed by Laura Konsin.
Audiences should provide their own seating, blankets on the grass, or chairs, and are encouraged to come to the park early to enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner in the park (not provided). Cancellation due to inclement weather will be announced 1 hour prior to performances. Call 631-704-2888 or check on Airmid's Upcoming Events page for details. Parking fees may be required based on time of arrival in the park.
Airmid's Summer Theatre Festival has been funded in part, by Suffolk County under the auspices of the Office of
Cultural Affairs, Steve Levy County Executive and administered by the Smithtown Arts Council, the New York State Council on the arts through the Decentralization program administered by Huntington Arts Council. Funding support also provided Suffolk County Legislator Wayne Horsley and Astoria Federal Savings.
Festival Sponsorships and Advertising opportunities still available. Contact Airmid at support@airmidtheatre.org for details on donor/sponsor levels, ad sizes and pricing.
Airmid Spotlights and Race for the Role Contest
As part of the festival and to encourage support for other local non-profits in our community, Airmid repeats our Spotlight Nights from last year. During 13 of the 15 evening performances, Airmid has invited other organizations to join us in the park to interact with our audiences and get the word out on their own vital work. Each Spotlight night is based on a theme, which will include: domestic violence, health and wellness, hunger relief, children, service organizations, and animals.
Airmid has launched our new Race for the Role contest to encourage an additional easy and exciting marketing and visibility program for Long Island organizations. Race for the Role is a fundraising contest for not-for-profits where the top three organizations will win for their "actor" a walk-on role in Airmid's "Three-Cornered Moon". For complete details on Airmid Spotlights and Race for the Role, contact Kelly Woodward at 631-704-2888.