There are many components that bring value to a community. Thriving live theater is one of those culturally enhancing gems, and the East End is blessed with an abundance of talented theater companies. One of the premier theaters providing vibrant live theater is the Bay Street Theater. Since 2013, Scott Schwartz has been the Artistic Director of the Bay Street Theater. He has innovated the east-end theater scene but focuses on adding new and important programming and re-introducing a few classics. Tracy Mitchell, Bay Street’s Executive Director, has been at the helm since May 2008; together, they were kind enough to share their thoughts about the upcoming 2025 Mainstage summer season at Bay Street Theater. Together, Mitchell and Schwartz have brought the theater back from the pandemic days to be the thriving, well-attended venue it always was.
Bay Street Theater’s 2025 Summer Mainstage Season has the world premiere of “Bob & Jean: A True Love Story” (May 27 to June 15) by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner Robert Schenkkan and directed by Matt August. Next will be “Deceived” (June 24 to July 20), a new adaptation of Patrick Hamilton’s classic psychological thriller “Gaslight,” directed by Sheryl Kaller. The concluding production is “Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical” (July 29 to August 24), directed by Bay Street’s own Scott Schwartz.
Scott Schwartz started by proclaiming, “This is a season about passion, love, and our darkest hearts’ desires. I think this may be the most romantic and seductive season Bay Street has ever produced.”
Tracy Mitchell added, “I am so excited for Bay Street’s summer season—with a new website, new look, new staff, new Board members, and new attendees joining our long-time theater lovers. Bay Street is GROWING! And, if that weren’t enough, we have a brand-NEW show to kick off the season by Sag Harbor’s very own Pulitzer Prize-winning Playwright, Robert Schenkkan.”
Scott Schwartz said, “To have the opportunity to work with the brilliant Robert Schenkkan on a world premiere of his new play is a dream come true. He is one of our great American playwrights working today, and BOB & JEAN is an intimate portrait of his parents’ courtship and love.”
Then Schwartz said this about the next Mainstage show. “When I first read DECEIVED, this clever, edge-of-your-seat adaptation of GASLIGHT, I was spellbound. I know it’s going to keep our audience gasping and guessing for the month of July. Who doesn’t love a chilling psychological thriller?”
Finally, Schwartz discussed the show he is directing. “I’m very excited to be directing BOBBIE AND CLYDE. The beloved composer Frank Wildhorn and I have been talking about bringing his brilliant musical and great score to Bay Street for a long time. And 2025 is exactly the right moment! Our intimate stage and signature way of approaching musicals – stripping them down to focus on the songs, story, and relationships – will offer the audience a steamy and intense wild ride.”
Tracy Mitchell added her thoughts about the total programming at Bay Street this summer. She said, “This season’s Music Mondays and Comedy are all about WOMEN this year. The women of NPR Fame—Ophira Eisenberg & Paula Poundstone bring the laughs. And Broadway’s top stars like Betty Buckley, Kelli O’Hara, and Jackie Hoffman (to name a few) light up the marquee on Mondays. Plus, we’ve added a command performance by the Harlem Gospel Choir who tore the roof off Bay Street last summer, with folks fighting for tickets. And let’s not forget Sag Harbor’s own Donna Karan and Christie Brinkley, who joined as honorees for the Bay Street Gala on July 12. How’s that for fun?!”
Without a doubt, it shall be fun to get a peek at all the scheduling. Visit the “new” Baystreet Theater website. https://www.baystreet.org
