FOLLOW THE SHORT CUTS TO THE OPEN EYE THEATER
In the seven ten-minute plays of Summer Shortcuts III, opening Thursday, August 8, at The Open Eye Theater in Margaretville, bold and daring playwrights use comedy, drama, and verse to provide glimpses of the universal human condition. Performances are Thurs., Fri., and Sat. at 7:00; Sun. at 3:00, for two weekends, through August 18.
In this program of short plays, Lost River Birds search for their homes; Man discovers Dog is his best friend; Business Woman and Clown plan a birthday party; Veteran Actor puts Assistant Stage Manager to the test; Grandmother takes a solo journey; Octogenarian takes a chance on love; and Woman seizes life. Local playwrights Amy Royal of Fleischmanns and Verne Vance of Arkville are featured with their plays “Loretta’s Bench” and “Autumn Nocturne” respectively. The other playwrights, selected from over 150 submissions are Edward Mast of Seattle, WA; James Harmon Brown of Los Angeles, CA; Stacey Lane of Miamisburg, OH; John Levine of Berkeley, CA; and Donna Hoke of East Amerst, NY.
This is the third year in a row that The Open Eye Theater has produced a program of ten-minute plays under the collective title of Summer Shortcuts, and these programs have proven to be integral to the theater’s artistic vitality. “Producing a program of short plays gives more directors an opportunity to work in innovative ways, and gives our actors a chance to play a wide variety of strong characters,” explained Open Eye producing artistic director Amie Brockway. “Besides that, it gives our audience a chance to get acquainted with some of the freshest playwriting voices in American theater.”
Performing in Summer Shortcuts III are Patricia Brannen, John Exter, Mark E. Gunst, Marge Helenchild, Elizabeth Kemble, Wilma B. Mazo, Alexis Molnar, Catherine R. O’Brien, Marcy Thorn, Verne Vance, and Alice Zigelis. Directors are Wilma Mazo, Sharone Stacey, Bill Tari, and Amie Brockway.
Performances of Summer Shortcuts III at The Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street, Margaretville, are August 8-18, Thurs. – Sat. at 7:00, Sun. at 3:00. Tickets are Adults $18, Seniors $15, Youth (up to age 25) $10.
Participating in the popular Dinner & Theater program are Binnekill Square Restaurant and Inn Between Steak and Seafood House. Patrons receive priority seating at the theater and choose dining before or after the show. The Inn Between serves Brunch on Sunday. For more information and reservations, phone 845-586-1660, e-mail openeye@catskill.net, or visit our website at www.theopeneye.org.
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
