(Long Island, NY) Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the success of the premiere concert reading of the first act of DreamWorks Theatricals new stage adaptation of The Prince of Egypt which was part of Bay Street Theater’s 24th Annual Summer Gala which took place in Sag Harbor at the Long Wharf on July 11, 2015 to benefit Bay Street’s educational and theatrical programs. The Prince of Egypt features book by Philip LaZebnik (writer of Mulan, Pocahontas) and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell); both creators attended the Gala. Bay Street’s Artistic Director Scott Schwartz directed the reading, Dominic Amendum was Musical Director, and casting was by Stewart/Whitley.
Ada Samuelsson. Photo Credit: Barry Gordin.
The special concert reading featured Broadway and film stars, as well as local talent, including Matthew James Thomas (Pippin,Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark) as Moses, Aaron Lazar (The Wolf of Wall Street, This Is Where I Leave You, J. Edgar) as Ramses, Tony Award winner Patina Miller (Pippin, Sister Act, Madam Secretary) as Tzipporah, Norm Lewis (Scandal, Porgy and Bess, Phantom of the Opera) as Jethro, Stephen Bogardus (West Side Story, Les Miserables, Man of La Mancha) as Seti, Julia Murney (Wicked, 30 Rock, The Wild Party) as Queen Tuya, Kyle Barisich (Phantom of the Opera, The Following) as Aaron, John Treacy Egan (Jekyll & Hyde, The Producers, Nice Work If You Can Get It) as Hoy, Ryan Knowles (We Will Rock You!, NEWSical: the Musical, Radio City Christmas Spectacular) as Hotep, Joanna Howard (Peter and The Starcatcher, National tour of Les Miserables) as Nefertari, Julia Motyka (Travesties,Richard III) as Miriam, and Anna Schiavoni as Young Miriam.
Jerry Cohen, Adrianne Cohen, Richard Kind. Photo Credit: Barry Gordin.
Along with the thrilling principal cast there was a large chorus of local performers led by Choir Master Greg Wilson. The chorus included: Gary Ducoing, Vivienne Grizzle-Jaber, Pattie Hulmes, Courtney Kossick, Matt Luca, Austyn Myers, Elizabeth Oldak, Ariana Pazz, Katelyn Piotrowicz, Zack Reily, Sarah Soltysik, Marquez Catherine Stewart, Matt Tursi, Jennifer Roller, Carlton Welsh, Christian Wern, Michelle Wern, and Greg Wilson.
Also in attendance to the event were Bill Damasche and Dori Berinstein from DreamWorks Theatricals.
The evening included a party with live and silent auctions. Photo Credit: Barry Gordin.
Honorees
The gala honored The Honorable Timothy Bishop and Joe Pintauro. The award to Timothy Bishop was given by Ana Daniel, Bay Street Theater’s Founding Chair. Joe Pintauro’s award was given by Scott Schwartz, Bay Street Theater’s Artistic Director.
The evening began with the premiere concert reading of the first act of The Prince of Egypt, and then continued in the tent on the Long Wharf with dinner prepared by Sterling Affair, and party with live and silent auctions, with celebrity auctioneer Richard Kind.
Dave and Trish Moffitt. Photo Credit: Barry Gordin.
Items in this year’s live and silent auctions were managed by 501 Auctions which included mobile bidding. Items include: a week at the beach on St. Barth’s at a luxury WIMCO villa with unparalleled concierge service and complimentary provisioning; 18 holes of golf for two with Richard Kind at The Bridge; a cocktail party at your home catered by Sterling Affair; dinner and two tickets to the hottest new musical on Broadway, Hamilton and so much more! The Silent Auction included Celebrity Doodles from Richard Kind, David Hyde Pierce, Stephen Schwartz, Lance Bass, Bob Balaban, Jason Alexander, Florence Henderson, Kathy Najimy, Debbie Gibson and more!
The flowers for the Gala were provided by Bridgehampton Florist. Owners Michael Grim and Jim Osburn have donated arrangements for the past 24 years. This year, they provided beautiful hydrangeas, adorned with peacock feathers.
Andrea Wahlquist. Photo Credit: Barry Gordin.
This year’s sponsors included: The Bridge Golf Course, Bridgehampton Florist, Channing Daughters Winery, David Scott Interiors, East End Limousine, The Golden Pear, Grand Hyatt Resort, David Lawenda/Facebook, Hamptons H2O Water, Merrill DataSite, Peconic Landing, Pierre’s Restaurant, Searles Graphics, Southampton Publick House, Suffolk County National Bank, Sterling Affair, Wimco Villas, Worth. Media Sponsors are Dan’s Papers and Hamptons Magazine.
Ana Daniel, Joe Pintauro. Photo Credit: Barry Gordin.
Looking ahead for next year as Bay Street Theater embarks on the 25th Anniversary of Bay Street Theater on Saturday, July 9, 2016, with honorary chairs Arlene & Alan Alda; honoring Adrianne & Jerry Cohen for 25 years of wisdom, service and commitment. To pay tribute to this extraordinary couple and to celebrate this milestone in the history of Bay Street, the Quarter Century Club has been established with a lead gift of $25,000 from Adrianne and Jerry Cohen. Membership in the Quarter Century Club will consist of people who commit to supporting Bay Street with an additional annual gift of $5,000 for 5 years for a total gift of $25,000. Funds raised will be earmarked for artist housing. Members will receive special recognition in the playbill and the first 25 names will be included on a distinctive plaque in the lobby. A special Quarter Century Membership Club Event will be held for members this fall. Celebrate Bay Street’s Silver Anniversary by joining the Quarter Century Club.
Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is a year-round, not-for-profit professional theater and community cultural center which endeavors to innovate, educate, and entertain a diverse community through the practice of the performing arts. We serve as a social and cultural gathering place, an educational resource, and a home for a community of artists.
