Summer Shortcuts V, a program of nine new ten-minute plays by nine playwrights, directed by five directors, and performed by fifteen actors, is coming to The Open Eye Theater, Margaretville, NY, August 20-30. The Summer Shortcuts program has become a favorite at The Open Eye, with its up-to-the-minute comedy and drama (including the work of local playwrights), and providing a wide range of directing and acting opportunities.
Five of this year’s playwrights are full-time or part-time residents of Delaware County: Anne Barone of Halcottsville, wrote “Gone Phishing;” Amie Brockway of Margaretville wrote “Dear Peter,” an adaptation from “The Story Girl,” a novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery; Gail Lennstrom of Margaretville, wrote “Catch a Falling Star;” Wilma Mazo of Andes and Hilton Head, SC wrote “Open Auditions;” and Verne Vance of Arkville and Boston, MA wrote “Home is the Place You Ought to Be.” Other playwrights in the program are known nationally: Sandra Fenichel Asher (Lancaster, PA) with “Dinner is Not Served,” Elin Hampton (Encino, CA) with “The Candidate,” Donna Hoke (East Amherst, NY) with “Black and White,” and Karen Howes (Huntington Beach, CA) with “The Perfect Maid.”
Directors of the nine plays are Amie Brockway, Marge Helenchild, Michelle Macau, Wilma Mazo, and Ron Nash. Actors in the multi-generational cast are Patricia Brannen, Alexis Marie Engelhardt, Anne Hersh, Michelle Macau, Wilma Mazo, Roy Moses, Mack Oliver, Saira Faye Pereira, Bill Piervincenzi, Emma Rotello, Elizabeth Sherr, Maritza Stamas, Marcy Thorn, Madison Tobon, Alice Zigelis, and Laura Walker.
“Performing in Summer Shortcuts is something like performing in repertory,” said Open Eye producing artistic director Amie Brockway. “All nine plays have been rehearsing for the past few weeks. A director may direct two different plays; and some of the actors appear in two or even three of them. Wilma Mazo has written one play, is directing another, and is performing in yet two more. It’s a great time for taking on new challenges and for artistic growth.”
The unit set, lighting, and sound has been created by Erwin Karl.
Performances are at The Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street, Margaretville, NY, for two weekends, from August 20 – 30, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 pm; Sunday at 3. There is plenty of free parking behind the theater in the Village Park. Adults are $20, Seniors $15, Youth to age 26 $10, and children Free of charge if accompanied by an adult. The performance on Friday, August 28 is Sold Out.
For further information and reservations, phone 845-586-1660 or e-mail openeye@catskill.net. Check our website at www.theopeneyetheater.org and “like” us on Facebook.
