The music of Bix Beiderbecke filled the air as young performers from Unity Stage Company’s Summer Stock for City Kids program sang and danced to the jazz legend’s music underneath the Sunnyside Arch at 46th Street and Queens Boulevard.
The concert in memory of Beiderbecke, a composer and musician who lived and died in Sunnyside, happened on the hot and sunny Saturday afternoon of Aug. 7.
The youngsters sang the 1920’s hit “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover” as well as one of the last recordings Beiderbecke played on – “Georgia on My Mind,” accompanied by Summer Stock for City Kids instructor Paul Whitty. Under the direction of choreographer Kate Scott, the youngsters, who will be in grades 1-7 in the fall, danced to “Riverboat Shuffle.”
The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Orchestra played fine, toe-tapping music for jazz fans and neighbors during the three-hour event.
Summer Stock for City Kids – Unity Stage’s summer camp program – concluded on Friday, Aug. 6. There were two sessions this summer: July 12 to July 23 and July 26 to Aug. 6. The days were filled with performing arts and exercises including singing, dancing, theater games, yoga and costume creations.
Under the leadership of Sofia Geier, Unity’s Producing Artistic Director, the staff included theater assistants Carmen Elisa Garcia and Adam Schultz; and instructors Molly Rosenberg, Kate Scott, Cohlie Brocato, Paul Whitty, and M.J. , Ted and Liz Geier.
Watch this space for information about After School Musical, Unity Stage’s after-school program, which starts in the fall.
(Photo by John Millus)
Aug. 16, 2010
Theater campers to perform at Bix Beiderbecke concert
Young performers from Unity Stage Company’s Summer Stock for City Kids program will sing and dance at the Bix Beiderbecke Concert under the Sunnyside Arch this Saturday, Aug. 7.
The concert in memory of Beiderbecke, a jazz legend who lived in Sunnyside, will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at 46th Street and Queens Boulevard. Summer Stock for City Kids will perform at approximately 4:15 p.m.
The kids will be singing the 1920’s hit “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover” as well as one of the last recordings Beiderbecke played on – “Georgia on My Mind.”
Under the direction of choreographer Kate Scott, the youngsters, who will be in grades 1-7 in the fall, will dance to two songs associated with the jazz great — “Fidgety Feet,” composed by Beiderbecke, and “Riverboat Shuffle.”
You’ll be able to hear fine jazz music from the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Orchestra and hang out with your neighbors and friends. For folks traveling by train, take the #7 train to 46th Street/Bliss station.
Summer Stock for City Kids – Unity Stage’s summer camp program – concludes on Friday, Aug. 6. There were two sessions this summer: July 12 to July 23 and July 26 to Aug. 6. The days have been filled with performing arts and exercises including singing, dancing, theater games, yoga and costume creations.
Under the leadership of Sofia Geier, Unity’s Producing Artistic Director, the staff has included theater assistants Carmen Elisa Garcia and Adam Schultz; and instructors Molly Rosenberg, Kate Scott, Cohlie Brocato, Paul Whitty, and M.J. , Ted and Liz Geier.
The youngsters and staff are excited about the concert performance on Saturday. We look forward to seeing you there!
Aug. 5, 2010
Long Island City, NY – Unity Stage Company wrapped up its first season of Extreme Plays Café, which introduces new plays by up-and-coming playwrights, with a lively reading of “Glassheart,” the afterstory of “Beauty and the Beast,” on Monday night.
Unity Stage held readings of original plays on three successive Mondays in July at Cranky’s Cafe in Long Island City, with the playwrights in attendance, and asked audience members to rate the plays. Now the company will use the audience evaluations to decide which play to produce in the fall.
Don’t let the fact that it was a reading fool you. This series was packed with drama and humor.
After the July 19 reading of her play, author Shannon Reed wrote in her blog: “‘Drag the Past’ went so well last night. Five years after I wrote it, I finally heard it aloud. With friends old and new in the audience. It needs some work, yet it works. What a relief! What joy! What a beautiful feeling!”
Robin Strasser (Dorian Lord on the daytime TV soap “One Life to Live”) and Shana Dowdeswell (“Distracted” with Cynthia Nixon) brought their mother and daughter characters to life in the reading of “Drag the Past,” Reed’s intriguing comedy. The cast also included Unity Stage alums Adam P. Murphy, David Sedgwick and M.J. Geier.
On July 12, a company of actors read “Keepers,” by Nick Gandiello, in which real estate agents Rusty and Sandy discover the difference between losing things – and losing everything.
In the final play, “Glassheart,” the Beast, cursed for centuries, moves with his one remaining servant, a magical lamp, into a shabby apartment near a 7-11. There he is befriended by a beautiful neighbor, but a meddling witch is forever complicating matters. It’s a bittersweet tale that makes us wonder if a happy ending is even possible in an ordinary world.
Cranky’s Cafe, 48-19 Vernon Blvd., is a trendy spot with a reasonably-priced menu and a stash of cool board games and books. Audience members were able to chat with the playwright and actors over coffee and dessert following each reading.
(Updated July 30, 2010)
Unity Stage’s “Loyalties” earns NY Innovative Theatre Awards nomination
Unity Stage Company’s production of the post-World War I drama “Loyalties” has earned a New York Innovative Theatre Awards nomination for Evan Thompson as Outstanding Actor in a Featured Role.
The play by Nobel Prize winning author John Galsworthy explores the relationships, tensions and prejudices between the social classes in England after the First World War, with messages that still resonate around the world today. Thompson played two characters from different social classes: the upper-class solicitor Jacob Twisden and the working-class butler Treisure.
The theater awards nominations were announced Monday night at a sold out event at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in West Greenwich Village. The winners will be announced at the Fifth Annual IT Awards on Sept. 20.
Unity Stage presented “Loyalties” with a professional company of 13 Equity and non-Equity actors from Jan. 7 to Jan. 30 at The Parlor at Cassino Restaurant in Long Island City. It was the first major production by a theater company whose mission is to bring high-quality, live theater to the booming Western Queens area, and to provide a creative home for diverse theater artists and theater lovers to explore the values that shape our changing world.
Thompson is a veteran actor and member of a theatrical family that includes his wife, Joan Shepard, and children, actor/directors Owen and Jenn.
“We are thrilled for Evan and for Unity Stage Company,” said company founder Sofia Geier. “It’s encouraging for a small, non-profit theater organization like ours to be recognized for presenting high-quality theater in an off-off Broadway setting.”
(July 20, 2010)
Daytime TV Actor Robin Strasser Stars in “Drag the Past”
Long Island City, NY – Robin Strasser of the daytime TV soap “One Life to Live” will be one of the actors participating in a reading of the intriguing new play “Drag the Past” tonight in Week Two of Unity Stage Company’s Extreme Plays Café.
Unity Stage wants to know which new play you think the company should produce for you next season. We like them all! Attend Extreme Plays Café, readings of three new, un-produced plays on successive Mondays in July at Cranky’s Café in Long Island City, and rate the plays. Your ratings will count when Unity Stage Company chooses its season.
Monday, July 12, we read “Keepers,” by Nick Gandiello – Real estate agents Rusty and Sandy discover the difference between losing things – and losing everything. A one-act slap in the face by one of New York’s hottest young playwrights.
Up next: Monday, July 19, “Drag the Past,” by Shannon Reed – Charlotte returns to Johnstown, Pa. to say goodbye to her mother as the “dirty, sexy money” from her childhood threatens to trash her future. Set on the steepest vehicular incline plane in the world. Robin Strasser (Dorian Lord on “One Life to Live”), Shana Dowdeswell (“Distracted” with Cynthia Nixon), and Unity Stage Company alum Adam P. Murphy (“Six Cylinder Love”) star in Reed’s toxic comedy.
Monday, July 26, “Glassheart,” by Reina Hardy – Cursed for centuries, the Beast from the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast” and his one remaining magical servant move into a shabby apartment near a 7-11. Is a happy ending even possible in an ordinary world? Chat with up-and-coming Chicago playwright Hardy after the reading.
All readings begin at 8 p.m. at Cranky’s Café, 48-19 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, Queens. Take the #7 train to Vernon-Jackson station, one stop from Grand Central Station. Cranky’s Café (www.crankyscafe.com) is a trendy spot with a reasonably-priced menu, plus a stash of cool board games and books. Get there early to order dinner, then hang out with the playwrights and actors over dessert following the readings.
For information and reservations call 718-361-5858.
(Updated 7-19-10)
Unity Stage Company summer camp kicks off
Welcome to Summer Stock for City Kids 2010! This summer our staff has an exciting program planned.
The day begins peacefully with Yoga led by certified instructor Mollie. Then each group of kids jumps into either Dance with Kate, Singing with M.J. or Mime with Cohlie.
Our program assistants Elisa and Adam will pay extra attention to the younger kids to make their experience great fun.
Along the way there are theater games, snack, lazing in the outdoor garden and, after lunch the kids will be creating their own FASHIONS with children’s design specialist Liz Geier.
Session I runs from July 12 to July 23. There are still FULL-DAY spots available in Session II from July 26 to Aug. 6. Call Sofia at 917-548-1086 for registration info.
Summer Stock for City Kids meets at the Sunnyside Reformed Church, 48-03 Skillman Ave. at 48th Street. We’re delighted to be working with your children again, and are eager to meet the many kids who are joining us for the first time this summer.
Cheers!
Summer Stock for City Kids 2010!
FULL DAY 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For children entering grades 2 – 7.
MORNINGS ONLY 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For children entering grades K – 1.
Session I – Mondays-Fridays July 12-23
Session II – Mondays-Fridays July 26-August 6
Unity Stage Company presents readings of three new plays
Long Island City, NY – Unity Stage Company presents Extreme Plays Café, readings of three original plays by exciting new writers, on successive Mondays in July starting July 12 at Cranky’s Café in Long Island City. Come enjoy the power and creativity of the written word in an intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
Monday, July 12, Keepers, by Nick Gandiello – Real estate agents Rusty and Sandy discover the difference between losing things – and losing everything. A one-act slap in the face.
Monday, July 19, Drag the Past, by Shannon Reed – An intriguing play about Charlotte, who tries to keep her balance as the past threatens to trash her future. A toxic comedy set on the steepest vehicular incline plane in the world.
Monday, July 26, Glassheart, by Reina Hardy – Cursed for centuries, the Beast from the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast” and his one remaining magical servant move into a shabby apartment near a 7-11. Is a happy ending even possible in an ordinary world?
All readings begin at 8 p.m. at Cranky’s Café, 48-19 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, Queens. Take the #7 train to Vernon-Jackson station, one stop from Grand Central Station.
For information and reservations call 718-361-5858. Buy tickets online @ www.unitystage.org. Suggested donation is $10.
Final three performances of “Six Cylinder Love”
For the past three weeks, a couple of New York City families have been living the high life in their Roamer automobile and suffering the consequences in a little theater just off Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside, Queens, in Unity Stage Company’s production of the comedy, “Six Cylinder Love.”
Theater-goers have just three more opportunities to enjoy the antics of the Sterlings and the Burtons as “Six Cylinder Love” presents its final live performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at ANOROC Hall, 45-23 47th St. near Greenpoint Ave. in Sunnyside, Queens, New York City. By subway take the #7 train to 46th St./Bliss St. Station.
Unity Stage Company, Sunnyside’s newest professional theater, strikes a contemporary chord with this Equity showcase about newlyweds who buy a car they can’t afford. Like the Burton family before them, the Sterlings live beyond their means, spending money they don’t have and then suffering the consequences.
“The professional cast did a superb job of bringing the characters and themes to life, “ said QueensBuzz.com.
John Morton is besotted newlywed Gilbert Sterling and Betsy Holt is his cooing bride Marilyn Sterling in the production. Cohlie Brocato is creative car salesman Will Donroy (played by Spencer Tracy in the 1931 film version). Some audience members will recognize Brocato for his work in recent music videos by Nickelback and Bullet for My Valentine.
Rounding out the cast are: Timothy Babcock as exasperated husband and father Richard Burton; Erin Etheridge as his wife, social climber Geraldine Burton; and M.J. Geier as their daughter , misguided socialite Phylis Burton. The fair-weather friends are: Veronica Reyes as 1920s modern wife Margaret Rogers, Marek Sapieyevski as bootleg whisky devotee Bertram Rogers, and Dan Dobransky as smooth-talking Harold Winston. Leo Mendoza is Tom, the janitor-entrepeneur, and Det. Doyle. And Adam P. Murphy is self-made millionaire George Stapleton. The automobile was created by artist Robin Frohardt.
Take this opportunity to see live theater and enjoy a very funny show performed by a troupe of talented actors.
WHAT: “Six Cylinder Love”
WHERE: ANOROC Hall, 45-23 47th St., Sunnyside, Queens, N.Y. Take the #7 train to 46 St./ Bliss St. station.WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, June 24, 25 and 26. Buy tickets online!
See you at the theater!
(Photo: QueensBuzz.com)
June 21, 2010
“Six Cylinder Love” Part of Arts Celebration
Queens Art Express Rumbles to Life
Sunnyside, NY – Queens Art Express (QAX) rumbled to life on Thursday and continues its “culture run” through Sunday on the # 7 subway line.
The four-day Queens Art Express “happening” shines a welcome spotlight on new and established arts organizations that are conveniently clustered around stops on the #7 line, beginning at the Vernon/Jackson station in hipster-cool Long Island City (one stop from Grand Central) and hurtling all the way up to the leafy beauty of Forest Hills.
Along the way there is a modestly priced (in some cases free) menu of gallery exhibits, theater productions, dance festivals, poetry events and museum shows to entice arts-aficionados from all over New York City to explore the bounty of Queens-created art. Hop on the #7 Local either at Times Square, 5th Avenue @ 42nd Street or Grand Central Station and marvel at Queens’ vibrant neighborhoods as seen from above on the elevated train. Visit www.queensartsexpress.org to see the dazzling list of events available for viewing along the #7 line.
Sunnyside has three arts organizations spread among two subway stops offering a “deluxe assortment” of treats for the adventurous cultural palate.
Sunnyside’s newest professional theater, Unity Stage Company,(46th Street/Bliss Street local stop) strikes a contemporary chord with four QAX performances of “Six Cylinder Love” – a flapper-era comedy about newlyweds who buy a car they can’t afford. Think Frank Capra’s screwball classics to give you the flavor of Unity Stage Company’s family-friendly show. Tickets: Fri. 6/11, Sat. 6/12 & Sun. 6/13 BRING A FRIEND & SAVE. Adults 2 for $22/Kids 2 for $12. Mention “Queens Art Express” to receive the discount. For more info www.unitystage.org. “Six Cylinder Love” continues through June 26.
The venerable Thalia Spanish Theatre (40th Street/Lowery Street local stop) is presenting two separate events: a free outdoor festival on Sunday June 13 1-2 p.m. in Thomson Hill Park, as well as their main stage production “The Prostitutes Will Precede You Into the Kingdom of Heaven.” For more info www.thaliatheatre.org.
Sunnyside Artists (46th Street/Bliss Street local stop) is presenting three free events in one on Sunday June 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. : Queen of Angels Art Fair III on Skillman Avenue, featuring works for every pocketbook, the opening of juried “Portrait of the Exquisite” at Bliss Bistro which will continue through July 13, and “The Art of Architecture” at the office of local architect Laura Heim. www.sunnysideartists.org
Queens Council on the Arts’ Hoong-Yee Lee Krakauer, David Bromley and his assistant Jessica Smith deserve QAX-kudos for putting together an arts event on such a grand scale. QAX partners are many, but, a couple deserve special mention for hooking up the various artists and arts communities. Thanks to TheQNote for the ultra-cool QAX Mixers, and thanks to LHaus for hosting the QAX Kick-Off party.
“Ink on the Arts”
Issue 1 June 10, 2010
SAT., JUNE 5, 2010, PERFORMANCE CANCELED
JUNE 3rd – JUNE 26th
Enjoy this fun and timely show Thurs., Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m.
Gilbert and Marilyn Sterling buy a car, and that’s where the trouble – and the laughs – begin. “Six Cylinder Love,” a professional Equity Showcase, is the first-ever revival of a 90-year-old family comedy with a modern message about people who buy a car they can’t afford.
Come enjoy Unity Stage Company’s latest ambitious production, starring 11 talented actors and featuring an artwork by Robin Frohardt as the flirty six-cylinder car.
The show opened Thursday, June 3, in previews at the ANOROC Democratic Club, 45-23 47th St., Sunnyside, Queens, N.Y. Take the #7 train to 46ST/ BLISS station.
Call 718-361-5858 for reservations or buy tickets at the box office. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. This week only, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. See you at the theater!
