Scott Schwartz Predicts “An Epic Summer for Bay Street Theater”

Bay Street Theater Artistic Director Scott Schwartz predicts “An epic summer of live theater and live shows” at the historic Sag Harbor venue. He said, “This season we have so much to offer our audience.” He is thrilled with the way the theater-going audience has come back to live theater in force with pandemic fears now behind us. Mr. Schwartz also mentioned due to the enthusiasm of last year’s Bay Street Theater Annual Gala being held on the Bay Street premises, the plan for the 32^nd Gala is to continue that new tradition.

Schwartz is excited about many things concerning the opening Mainstage production, “The Subject Was Roses.” It opens on May 28 running through June 16^th with previews May 28th – 31st. There will be “talk backs” June 4th & 11^th.  “The Subject Was Roses,” with the Book By Frank D. Gilroy, will feature stars Talia Balsam and John Slattery, along with their son Harry Slattery. What is unusual about this production is that Schwartz believes this may be the first cast of this piece with an actual natural family: a father, a mother, and their son. He believes this will give this production a kind of a unique chemistry. This Pulitzer Prize and two-time Tony Award-winning play is a poignant drama set in The Bronx in 1946 about the emotional struggles and hidden tensions within a family as their son returns from service in WWII. As they confront their past and present, this timeless play explores enduring themes of reconciliation and the fragility of love. 

The Bay Street Theater 32nd Annual Gala will honor Director Schwartz’s “long-time friend and now East End homeowner,” Broadway show-stopper Neil Patrick Harris, and star of stage and screen David Burtka. Schwartz also had high praise for the third honoree community leader, Dr. Georgette Grier-Key.

The second Mainstage Production is “Master Class” by Terrence McNally, starting on June 25th and running through July 20^th. In his interview with hamptons.com, Artistic Director Schwartz made some news announcing  “Vicki Lewis” will be starring in the Bay Street production of “Master Class,” a virtuosic exploration of art, ego, and the pursuit of perfection. He said, “It’s biting, it’s funny, you not only learn about Maria Callas but these students. I think it’s going to be a really thrilling show.” “Master Class” entails a story of the waning years of opera diva Maria Callas as she retreats into memories of acclaim and adversity while contending with her students during a funny and brutal master class in singing.

Also running will be a Fourth Bonus Show- the premiere of a one-woman play by and starring Julia Motyka  titled “WHAT I KNOW, NOW.”  It will run July 15th – July 20th.

Artistic Director Schwartz also mentioned that at the same time “Master Class,” is being presented Bay Street will also stage, Mike Birbiglia: PLEASE STOP THE RIDE. It runs July 25th through July 28^th. Schwartz said it’s a special treat to have, “Mike Birbiglia for four nights this Summer.” The dates are Thursday, July 25th @ 6 pm, Friday, July 26th @ 7 pm, Saturday, July 27th @ 6 pm, Saturday, July 27th @ 8:30 pm and Sunday, July 28th @ 2PM. Mike will perform his newest show “Mike Birbiglia: Please Stop the Ride”. Birbiglia returns to Bay Street Theater, by popular demand, on the heels of his DOUBLE SOLD-OUT performances last summer of “The Old Man and the Pool” which debuted at Bay Street Theater and went on to be a hit Broadway show and Netflix comedy special. 

“The final full Mainstage show is Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein – The Musical,” said Schwartz. “This is based on the film by Mel Brooks, it was a Broadway Musical almost 20 years ago, and it’s so funny! It contains the classic, ‘Puttin on the Ritz,’ number that the monster does. He has all these great new songs by Mel Brooks.” This show starts August 1st and runs until August 25^th, with the previews August 1st & 2^nd. It is presented via Association with Berkshire Theater Group & Geva Theatre Center, with Music & lyrics by Mel Brooks. Book by Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan. Original direction & choreography by Susan Stroman Directed by Stuart Ross.

Music Mondays Returns and will feature Patti LuPone July 8th at 8:00 pm. The hit summer concert series that invites artists to perform for audiences and share stories of their time on and off the stage is held on Mondays. The Harlem Gospel Choir on August 5; Erich Bergen on August 12; and finishing with a performance of Ari Axelrod on August 19.

Bay Street will also have a series of themed Summer Tea Dances on select Sundays June 9th through August 25^th. The mixers will be the perfect casual antidote for wrapping up a weekend on the East End! Plus, attendees are invited to come early or stay after to catch a show on Bay Street’s Mainstage, with Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. and evening performances at 7 pm. The series of events will offer creative cocktail specials, light bites, theme days, fabulous music, and an abundance of dancing.

With all this scheduled, Bay Street Theater is truly poised to have an “EPIC 2024 summer.”