Get Your Tickets Now For Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Presentation Of Noel Coward's Classic Comedy Blíthe Spírít December 12 Thru 21 - If You Had A Séance, Who Would You Invite?

The Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) will be performing Noel Coward's Blithe Spírít December 12 - 21 at the MST&DA's Howe Theatre (548 Main Street).

According to MST&DA: 

Have you heard the buzz about our spectacular production of Blíthe Spirit? It's an event you absolutely can't miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!

About Blíthe Spirit

The smash comedy of the London and Broadway stages, this much revived classic from one of the twentieth centuries most admired playwrights offers up fussy, cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine, remarried but haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late first wife, the clever and insistent Elvira who is called up by a visiting ‘happy medium’, one Madam Arcarti. As the world's (and unworldly) personalities clash, Charles is faced with the dilemma of facing both his current wife – the recently married Ruth, whilst placating his previous one – who is out to win him back – whatever it takes! Throw in a disbelieving man of medicine, Dr Bradman and his chatty wife, along with a clumsy maid and you have a comedy that has withstood the tests of time and is as popular now as when it was first performed.

Click here for tickets and 

more information.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Main Street Theatre & Dance (@mstda_ri)

MST&DA:

... has offered music, theatre and dance training along with performance opportunities for all ages for over 40 years in the Roosevelt Island community.

Our Mission - MSTDA nourishes creativity by providing high quality music, theatrical and dance training as well as performing opportunities to everyone in our diverse community. We offer every person, child or adult, the opportunity to participate in the arts without discrimination due to race, color, national origin, sex including gender and orientation, cultural background, socio-economic status, age, ability, or disability. With a robust scholarship program no one is turned away for financial reasons.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Main Street Theatre & Dance (@mstda_ri)

Here's how you get to the MST&DA. 

Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Offering London Academy Of Music & Dramatic Arts Acting And Public Speaking Lessons For Kids & Adults - You're Invited To Saturday September 7 Open House To Learn More About All MST&DA Programs

Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) Executive Director Kristi Towey reports: 

We are so excited to offer London Academy Of Music & Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) acting and public speaking classes and private lessons to ages 5 and up. The program is a wonderful compliment to our performance theatre for ages 8+. This past year, all LAMDA students from MSTDA earned Distinctions and Merits from the in person examinations conducted by a LAMDA examiner from London.

Tomorrow morning, September 7th, we have our Open House from 9:30-noon. We welcome anyone to stop by if they have questions about any of our programs. There will be a LAMDA demo class for ages 5+ at 9:30am. Email MSTDA to reserve a spot in a demo class or to get more information at info@mstda.org.

According to the MST&DA:

MSTDA’s successful LAMDA program expands further after an amazing set of results!

Since its launch at MSTDA two years ago the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) program has grown from strength to strength.

MSTDA is proud to be one of only a few centers in the country that are able to offer the Internationally recognized LAMDA qualifications to young people and adults alike.

The Learners spend the academic year working towards their LAMDA assessment covering all aspects of theater and performance - as well as public speaking and for our younger Learners poetry and reading.

Each program is designed to instill confidence and increase self expression and communication skills in a fun learning environment whilst maintaining integrity and discipline of a professional drama training program.

Led by the LAMDA Representative for the US, Mark Waite, and experienced LAMDA tutor, Kiat Sing Teo, this year has seen our largest number of entrants and all students received Distinctions and Merits across the board.

Connor Ausman - who you may have seen playing Leonard Vole in the MSTDA production of ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ earlier this year, managed to achieve a Distinction in the Gold Medal Award - the highest accolade LAMDA can give and one of only five awarded in the entire US this year.

As one of the oldest drama schools in the world - the LAMDA Exam program is now available in over 150 countries and the newly appointed Patron is none other than Benedict Cumberbatch.

Each year, over 100,000 people from diverse backgrounds and abilities take LAMDA exams, united by their enthusiasm for communication and performance and a desire to succeed.Higher level exams (medals) offer UCAS points for UK universities and are valid for American college applications.

This year saw our first visiting assessor since we began the program. The Chief Examiner, Ms Linda Macrow, flew in from London to assess our Learners directly and was impressed with the high standards achieved at MSTDA, which was reflected in the results achieved.

New Programs and Continuing Enrollment

With the new academic year upon us we have decided to expand the program further and will be inviting 12 of our top theater students aged 11 - 16 years to join an exclusive program that will enable them to focus purely on Acting for the Theatre and support the many production-led programs MSTDA are known for.

Selected learners will explore theatre-making and acting fundamentals.For more information on the syllabus, visit LAMDA Exams

This sits alongside our Introductory and Junior LAMDA programs for ages 5+ as well as the one-to-one sessions which also focus on Speaking in Public.

The program culminates in a showcase for parents. This engaging syllabus builds confidence, enhances collaboration, improves language skills, and strengthens memorization, all while ensuring fun

Enrollment is now open for all of our LAMDA programs and other classes at MSTDA with scholarships available. To learn more about LAMDA at MSTDA, visit their website here - https://www.mstda.org/lamda. To view the full Fall schedule and register for classes, click here - https://www.mstda.org/fall2024

Here’s to another successful year as MSTDA aims to become the leading LAMDA Centre in the state, if not the country! Contact mwaite@mstda.org for further details on any of our LAMDA offerings.

As reported earlier this week, MST&DA is holding cast auditions for their upcoming Adult Workshop production of Nöel Coward's comedy Blithe Spirit on Sunday September 8.

MST&DA is located at 548 Main Street.

Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Holding Auditions For Adult Workshop Production Of Noel Coward's Comedy 'Blithe Spirit" On Sunday September 8 - Registration For Fall Classes Open Now Too

The Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) is holding auditions for their Adult Workshop production of Noël Coward's comedy Blithe Spirit.

According to the MST&DA:

AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT!!

A heavenly comedy of ghostly proportions.....

In-Person Auditions Sunday, September 8th

AUDITION INFO & SIGN UP

Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance on Roosevelt Island is pleased to announce their next Adult Workshop production will be the multi-award winning comedy - Noel Coward’s ‘Blithe Spirit’ - which will run from Dec 12 - 21. Directed by Mark Waite, we will once more give an MSTDA ‘twist’ to a classic theatrical piece.

About the show: The smash comedy of the London and Broadway stages, this much revived classic from one of the twentieth centuries most admired playwrights offers up fussy, cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine, remarried but haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late first wife, the clever and insistent Elvira who is called up by a visiting ‘happy medium’, one Madam Aracarti. As the world's (and unworldly) personalities clash, Charles is faced with the dilemma of facing both his current wife – the recently married Ruth, whilst placating his previous one – who is out to win him back – whatever it takes! Throw in a disbelieving man of medicine, Dr Bradman and his chatty wife, along with a clumsy maid and you have a comedy that has withstood the tests of time and is as popular now as when it was first performed.

Seeking: We are seeking a cast of men and women with acting abilities to play principal and supporting roles. Audition is required to join this production class. If unable to attend, virtual auditions will be accepted.

Click here for more info.

Questions? Contact Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance at info@mstda.org

MST&DA Executive Director Kristi Towey adds: 

This will be director Mark Waite's second adult production at MSTDA. His first one, 'Witness for the Prosecution', in March of this year was so well received, we extended the show into a second weekend of performances. We are so excited to have him directing 'Blithe Spirit' this year. I'd love to share it with your readers and hope we get some new interest! We have so many talented people on Roosevelt Island!

Also, registration is now open for Fall classes at MST&DA: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Main Street Theatre & Dance (@mstda_ri)

Explore the various classes available for all ages at MST&DA.

Here's how you get to the MST&DA.

Click here for more info on MST&DA, classes and auditions for the Blithe Spirit adult workshop. production.

Last Chance To Get Your Tickets For Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Musical Production Of The Wind In The Willows By Our Local Jonathan & Kimbirdlee Fadner Husband & Wife Team - Performances Thursday August 15 To Sunday August 18

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Main Street Theatre & Dance (@mstda_ri)

According to the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA):

On Thursday, August 15th, 2024, Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance’s Make-a-Musical Summer Program will present “The Wind in the Willows”, a staged premiere of a new musical by Jonathan Fadner and Kimbirdlee Fadner. “The Wind in the Willows’ is based on the classic novel by Kenneth Grahame and takes place in a mythical countryside where humanity and animals connect. There will be four performances on Aug 15, 16 and 17 at 7pm and Aug 18 at 3pm. The show takes place in the Howe Theatre at 548 Main St on Roosevelt Island. Tickets can be found at MSTDA’s website and can also be purchased at the Box Office 30 minutes prior to the start of the show each day. 

MSTDA’s Make-a-Musical program is dedicated to creating and producing new theatrical works in New York City. “The Wind in the Willows” joins an impressive list of musicals launched by the Fadner team that includes full length musicals “The Monkey King, a Kung Fu Musical,” “The Ghosts All Around You,” “Book About Life,” and numerous one act musicals co-created with the Make-a-Musical kids!

“Our original production of Wind in the Willows was cut short and made virtual by Covid 19 back in 2020. This show is all about community and sticking together to see each other through tough times. Perseverance in the face of obstacles, and protecting the people and the community that you call home. MSTDA has been that for me for the last 9 years, and working on Wind in The Willows has brought back all the memories of sticking together and hunkering down with our theater community in the midst of a lockdown. I am so honored to have these young actors putting life into this story and so thankful for their efforts! I'm so grateful to be part of a community that helps me tell these stories.” - Jonathan Fadner (Writer/Composer/Director)

Jonathan Fadner also builds the set and props for “The Wind in the Willows,” arranges and records musical demos with his wife Kimbirdlee, and works with his own two children, Jack and Charlie and a cast of 14 talented young actors to bring this heartwarming musical to life. He works alongside a creative team that includes long-time MSTDA staff Jeanne Castagnaro (Costume Designer), Zackry Childers (Lighting Designer), Kimbirdlee Fadner (Music Consultant), Tanya Starace (Set Designer and Board Secretary) and Isaiah Reynolds (Choreographer). The team is excited to welcome Louise Wang, a talented and dedicated teen intern who performed with the Children’s and Teen Theatre for many years, in her debut as Production Stage Manager. The team is rounded out by Ben Hill as Assistant Director and another bright and promising young intern, Micah Silverman as Costume Assistant.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and Roosevelt island Operating Corporation Public Purpose Funds Grant.” Video from a live preview performance at the Roosevelt Island Public Library.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Main Street Theatre & Dance (@mstda_ri)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Main Street Theatre & Dance (@mstda_ri)

Jonathan Fadner shows up how be built a boat for the set of The Wind In The Willows.

Purchase tickets and more info here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Main Street Theatre & Dance (@mstda_ri)

Get your tickets here.

Theater Of War Presents Dramatic Reading By Acclaimed Actors Of Sophocles' Ajax At Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park Wednesday September 27 - Register Now For Your Free Tickets

Theater of War Productions is presenting a dramatic reading of scenes from Sophocles' Ajax on Wednesday September 27 at Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park starting at 5:00 PM. According to the FDR Four Freedoms Park Conservancy:

Theater of War: Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

5:00 pm - 7:00pm EDT

Theater of War is a groundbreaking public health project that presents acclaimed actors performing scenes from Sophocles’ Ajax—an ancient play about the suicide of a great, respected warrior—as a catalyst for guided audience discussions about the visible and invisible wounds of war, and the impact of deployment on individuals, families, and communities. Using Sophocles’ play to forge a common vocabulary for open dialogue, these events are aimed at generating compassion and understanding between diverse audiences. Each performance is followed by community panelist remarks and a facilitated audience discussion.

This hybrid presentation of Theater of War—in Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park and on Zoom—will feature performances by Chad Coleman (The Wire, The Walking Dead), Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Fleishman is in Trouble), Amy Ryan (Only Murders in the Building, The Office), Bill Camp (Lincoln, Dark Waters), Marjolaine Goldsmith (Company Manager Theater of War Productions) Eduardo Jany (US Army Veteran, Col USMC (Ret.)), Latoya Lucas (Iraq War Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient), and Craig Manbauman (Nurse, Poet, US Air Force Veteran).

Translated, directed, and facilitated by Bryan Doerries.

Co-presented by Theater of War Productions and Four Freedoms Park Conservancy

For more information or to get your free ticket, click here.

According to the Theater Of War Productions website:

Theater of War Productions works with leading film, theater, and television actors to present dramatic readings of seminal plays—from classical Greek tragedies to modern and contemporary works—followed by town hall-style discussions designed to confront social issues by drawing out raw and personal reactions to themes highlighted in the plays. The guided discussions underscore how the plays resonate with contemporary audiences and invite audience members to share their perspectives and experiences, and, helping to break down stigmas, foster empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of complex issues.

Click here for free tickets to the free reading of Sophocles' Ajax at the FDR Four Freedoms Park on September 27.

Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Performing The Prom This Weekend, Tickets Were Sold Out But Due To High Demand Sunday Matinee Show Added

The Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) Adult Production Class is performing The Prom this weekend.

According to MST&DA: 

About The Prom:

Book & Lyrics by CHAD BEGUELIN

Book by BOB MARTIN

Music by MATTHEW SKLAR

Based on an original concept by JACK VIERTEL

Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue...and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, THE PROM expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever. 

The Prom is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, mature themes and some adult language.

MST&DA Executive Director reports that:

We added a 1:30pm Sunday matinee because all other shows, including Saturday matinee are sold out!!

Click here to get your tickets.

Here's a sneak peek of the the show. 

Click here to get your tickets for the Sunday March 5 matinee MST&DA performance of The Prom. 

MST&DA is located at 548 Main Street.

UPDATE 3/2:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Main Street Theatre & Dance (@mstda_ri)

What Is The Meth? A Live Storytelling Event Founded By Roosevelt Island Resident Teddy Angelus Playing In Nearby Astoria Saturday September 24, Get Your Tickets, It's Going To Be Wild Night Of True, Uncensored And Unscripted Stories

Teddy Angelus is a Roosevelt Island resident and a Storyteller. According to Mr Angelus:

Before Covid, I started a series of live storytelling events called The Meth. When Covid hit, I had to put The Meth on pause and now it's back....The Meth is back!

I've teamed up with 2 industry colleagues, Greg Kritikos and Tara Segda.

Please join me, Greg and Tara on Saturday September 24th, as The Meth comes to Astoria at the Archdiocesan Hellenic Cultural Center located at 27-09 Crescent Street, Astoria, NY 11102

 

The Meth is a series of live storytelling events.

 

All stories are true, uncensored and unscripted. 

Click here for tickets.

Get Your Tickets Now To See Roosevelt Island MST&DA Teen Theatre Perform Musical Comedy Whodunit "Curtains" This Weekend Friday May 20 - Sunday May 22

The Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) Teen Theatre program presents the musical comedy whodunit Curtains this weekend, Friday May 20 - Sunday May 22

According to MST&DA:

Come see MSTDA Teen Theatre’s Whodunit Musical Comedy: “CURTAINS” 

“It’s the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959. Boston’s Colonial Theatre is host to the opening night performance of a new musical. When the leading lady mysteriously dies on stage the entire cast & crew are suspects. Enter a local detective, who just happens to be a musical theatre fan! Packed with glorious tunes and a witty, charming script filled with delightful characters, CURTAINS is a hilarious journey for both performers and the audience.” – Theatrical Rights Worldwide

Get your tickets now 

to see some very talented Roosevelt Island young people from the MST&DA Teen Theatre perform Curtains this weekend. 

Here's a snippet of a 2019 Theory Of Relativity Performance by MST&DA Teen Theatre.

More info about MST&DA programs and classes available at their website.

What Do Charles Dickens, Nellie Bly, Scrooge, Smallpox Hospital, Octagon Lunatic Asylum, Red Bus And The People Of Roosevelt Island Have In Common? They're All Appearing In Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Holiday Musical "The Ghosts All Around You", Buy Your Tickets Now And Consider A Giving Tuesday Donation For New Sound System

According to the Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance:

Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance announces the opening of “The Ghosts All Around You” in the Howe Theatre, running Dec 10-12 and 17-19 (in-person & livestreamed). A multigenerational, multicultural cast of talented MSTDA actors, along with a stellar creative team including acclaimed director Steven Eng and a longtime creative contributor to MSTDA, assistant director Jacqueline Lucid are launching what is sure to become a holiday tradition for Roosevelt Island, right on Main Street NYC!  

                                                                Image From Irena Island Images

What do Charles Dickens, Nelly Bly, Scrooge and the people of Roosevelt Island all have in common? They will all be appearing live this holiday season on Roosevelt Island! The ghosts of Roosevelt Island will be coming to life to tell a tale in which worlds are interwoven in a gripping and meaningful story of equality, human connection and compassion, just in time for the season of giving! 

Composer and Co-writer, Fadner has been riding a ghostly train of thought similar to the “greatest writer in English history”, Charles John Huffman Dickens. Jonathan Fadner’s driving musical score ranges from totally rockin’ to heartbreakingly beautiful. 

The musical is set on Roosevelt Island, featuring landmarks such as the Smallpox Hospital and The Octagon (formerly the NYC Insane Asylum). Even the Roosevelt Island Red Public Bus plays a role! Every year, since her husband William (played by Gabriel Portuondo) died, the struggling yet optimistic single mother Cheryl Makepeace (played by Kimbirdlee) reads “A Christmas Carol” to her three young children, hoping to teach her kids goodwill and kindness. This year, the family moved to Roosevelt Island, and Cheryl works for the modern day Scrooge and real estate tycoon, Potiphar Stingyas (played by Russ Cusick.) Circumstances arise to reveal inequalities and painful pasts which lead to self-examination, redemption and valuable life lessons, as the ghosts of the past try to break through and a memorable story is told and sung.

Last year was a time of development for “The Ghosts All around You.” At the time, the city was in the grips of the Covid 19 pandemic and life was scary and uncertain. MSTDA forged ahead by reinventing their programming and allowing creative artists a safe haven to be creative and stay connected and safe. Their perseverance is paying off this year with a staged production of the new musical, including costumes by Amelia Dombrowski, choreography by Isaiah Reynolds, lighting design by Zackry Childers (stage manager), music direction by Jonathan Fadner, and digital projection and set design by Rachel Reuben. Executive Director Kristi Towey, AED/THeatre Dept Head Kimbirdlee Fadner and the MSTDA Board of Directors are thrilled to produce this community-minded new work.

Here's a montage of 2020 performances from The Ghosts All Around You by the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance.

Also, consider making a Giving Tuesday donation to the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance.