Two World Premieres, Fanny Brice, and More Amazing Shortcuts
in Spotlight this Season at The Open Eye
Two world premieres, a solo performance musical about the famous singer comedienne Fanny Brice, an array of original short plays, and the ever- popular Youth Theater Workshop mark The Open Eye Theater’s 2014 spring, summer, and fall season. Among highlights, the Margaretville-based theater will present the world premieres of Donna Hoke's “Flowers in the Desert,” Sandra Fenichel Asher's "Death Valley, A Love Story," and Chip Deffaa's "One Night with Fanny Brice."
All performances take place at the Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street, Margaretville, NY. Ticket prices for all performances are $18 adults; $15 seniors; and $10 for youths up to 26 years. Tickets are available by phoning 845-586-1660. Or, for more information, visit the theater’s web site at www.theopeneye.org.
May 22 – June 1: World Premier, “Flowers in the Desert,” Kicks Off Season
The Open Eye's season officially kicks off Friday, May 23, with the opening of the world premier of “Flowers in the Desert,” a comedy/drama revealing love in many guises, by upstate New York playwright Donna Hoke. The show runs two consecutive weekends, beginning with a preview on Thursday, May 22, and playing Thursday – Saturday evenings at 7:00, and Sunday matinees at 3:00, through June 1. Elizabeth Sherr and Mack Oliver play Bridgett and Joe, a couple in transition, who look back and foreward, asking, "What if....?"
July 11 – 20: “One Night with Fanny Brice”
A one-woman show about the legendary entertainer, Fanny Brice, opens on Friday, July 11, with preview on July 10. Running two weekends, Thursday – Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees through July 20, the play stars Patricia Dell, with music direction and accompaniment by Kent Brown. This is The Open Eye’s second play from playwright Chip Deffaa, who penned last year’s popular two-man musical, “Irving Berlin's America.”
July 15 – 27: Youth Theater Workshop Camp
Children and young adults age 5 – 14 will work with two of The Open Eye’s talented arts education specialists, Carol Schwartz and Lynda Sharpe, on a performance of “The Reluctant Dragon,” adapted by the theater’s artistic director, Amie Brockway from the classic story by Kenneth Grahame. The two-week theater camp begins Tuesday, July 15, and runs through July 25, with performances scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27 at 2:30. Performances are free for children when accompanied by an adult. Registration is now open for the Youth Theater Workshop's summer camp. Thanks to generous grants from the Hudson Valley Foundation for Youth Health and The O'Connor Foundation, tuition for the camp is Pay What You Will. Phone 845-586-1660.
August 7 – 17: Summer Shortcuts
August ushers in “Summer Shortcuts IV,” a festival of original ten-minute plays by Catskill Mountain residents as well as playwrights from all over the country. Performances run Thursdays -Sundays, beginning August 7 through Sunday, August 17. Show times are 7 p.m. Thursdays - Saturdays, and Sundays at 3 p.m.
September 5 – 14: The World Premiere of “Death Valley, A Love Story”
“Death Valley, A Love Story” by veteran playwright Sandra Fenichel Asher, shows the transformative power of loss, confronting the past, and finding strength within oneself . The ensemble of three actors who play different aspects of one complex woman perform Thursday, September 5- Sunday, September 14. September 5 is a preview. Opening night is September 6. Evening performances begin at 7 p.m., Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.
September 20: “Art Martello Magic Show”
Art Martello returns to The Open Eye with a benefit performance of "Seeing is Believing--an Evening of Magic with Art Martello" scheduled for one night only, September 20, at 7 p.m. This A-MAAAA-ZING show of unique magical revelations is recommended for absolutely everyone, young and old.
November 30 – December 28: “DULCE DOMUM”
An adaptation by Amie Brockway of the classic novel, Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, tells the story of friendship and adventure from a rodent’s perspective. Performances begin on Sunday, November 30, with a 3 p.m. matinee, followed by student noontime matinees on Friday, December 5 and 12, and Monday December 14. Additional performances are scheduled for Friday, December 19 at 7 p.m., and 3 p.m. matinees Saturday, December 20, and Sundays, December 21 and 28.
