‘Bad Dates’ is Good Virtual Viewing

Posted on March 2, 2021 by Karen Nowosad
Andrea Burns stars in Bad Dates through George Street Playhouse’s 2021 Streaming Season

Review

New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse launches their new Digital Productions with a one woman show that is sure to please. Bad Dates runs until March 14 and it marks the first of four productions being planned for the Playhouse’s 2021 Streaming Season. Written by Theresa Rebeck, Bad Dates stars Andrea Burns as divorcee and single mother Haley Walker. Peter Flynn, Ms. Burns real life husband, directs and their son, Hunter Flynn, edited this filmed production. If you are looking for something that is a cross between all those Netflix movies you’ve probably been watching and live theater, this production fills the bill.

Background

Development of new productions in this era of the CoVid pandemic presents some unique challenges. Press notes explained that George Street Playhouse “oversaw and maintained strict testing protocols and safety procedures.”

Additionally, Artistic Director David Saint said:

“Creating this production was a true family affair. Thanks to a generous GSP Board Member granting us use of her home as a filming location, our star, director, and cinematographer were able to form a safe familial ‘bubble’ and film this one-of-a-kind production from the ground up. We hope patrons will join us as subscribers this year as we work to create high-quality theatre in exciting new ways.”

The results of all this planning and designing is a show that is appealing to a wide audience, fun to watch, and clever in its approach to storytelling. It is also very timely because it centers around a woman choosing to go back out into the world and become an active part of it. This is something many face as the world begins to open up again. Have we gotten so comfortable in our own homes that we will not want to venture out? This story captures some of that feeling very well.

The Story-line

As the play opens, we meet Haley Walker who has decided to reenter the dating scene post a divorce and move with her daughter, Vera, to Manhattan. The opening scenes show many shoes she has accumulated as she tries them on while deciding which pair to wear on her date.

As the show progresses on, Haley’s story cleverly unfolds as she talks about the bad dates she has and a few good ones. Also woven into the story is information about her job. She has worked her way up in a restaurant owned by Romanians. Haley now runs the restaurant and is proud of her work. She realizes there is illegal activity going on with the owners and she makes sure she stays clear of it But she tries her best to keep everything going despite what the background is.

Tightly woven into the story is the relationship between Haley and her daughter Vera. We never see Vera but we learn about her and how important she is to Haley.

The story moves between some funny dialog talking about the enormous shoe collection to more serious issues. Fun to watch are the outfits Haley wears to go out on all dates which range from one time to a more serious relationship over a few months. But all along, Haley changes into a stronger, more confident woman all presented through well written dialog.

Why You Will Want to See Bad Dates

Not only is the story interesting, but the photography used in the filming of this production is first rate. The scenes are richly filled with detailed sets. The ability of the camera to pick up Haley’s expressions is an added plus to telling the story.

There is no doubt that one of the biggest reasons for seeing Bad Dates is the performance of the star, Andrea Burns. Ms. Burns is an accomplished stage actress with credits from Broadway hits In the Heights and On Your Feet. She moves smoothly between delivery of dialog that includes comedy with an edge of sarcasm at time to more serious subjects. The very fine acting given by Ms. Burns coupled with the camera work gives viewers a feeling of really getting to know Haley Walker.

Ticket Information for Bad Dates

Tickets for each show can be purchased for $33 per household at GeorgeStreetPlayhouse.org.

Patrons can also subscribe to all four shows this season for $132.

When your email arrives with your ticket and online link, you will also receive an excellent explanation of ways to watch the show not only on your computer, but also how to mirror or connect your computer to a television set allowing you to enjoy the show on a bigger screen.

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Pandemic Playhouse Gives Quality Productions

Posted on February 6, 2021 by Karen Nowosad
Overruled by George Bernard Shaw. Directed by Bonnie J. Monte. Pictured, from left to
right: Billie Wyatt and Christian Frost. Photo by Avery Brunkus.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Introduces Pandemic Playhouse Entertainment

In the midst of the live theater drought, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) introduces a new remedy: Pandemic Playhouse Entertainment (PPE). This initiative was described by Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte as being inspired by the old television shows of the 1950s and 60s such as Playhouse 90, Masterpiece Playhouse, and Philco Playhouse. Ms. Monte also explained that the STNJ will use their Main Stage at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, NJ and then provide the productions through an online platform which audiences can purchase to see.

It is the Shakespeare Theatre’s hope that this approach will help author’s words continue to be heard and seen while also providing some employment for their company of actors and the creative team as well. Additionally, it is hoped that the income from this programming will help them to survive the pandemic.

If the first offering now available is any indication of what this series will provide, then STNJ should be able to accomplish their goals. The quality of the production is first rate. It is theater created on film for those who enjoy seeing theater presented in a first class manner. There is no doubt that the company has struck gold with what what they are doing.

First PPE Offering Now Available – Shaw, Shaw, Shaw

PPE launched their first production this week with three George Bernard Shaw plays which ran last summer at STNJ’s outdoor Back Yard Stage in Florham Park. The program is titled Shaw, Shaw, Shaw because it is made up of three one act plays by the playwright. For theater goers who were at the outdoor production or those who missed it, this is a good chance to see this set of plays with some new elements that would not have been available outdoors.

The sound for these productions is perfect so that the all important dialog is easily heard. Showing a play on film allows close ups of each character and expressions that are crucial to getting the full meaning of what is being said are possible. The filming of each of the plays provides close ups as well as expansive views of the scene. The sets are well designed and the costumes are first rate. The ensemble company does an outstanding job of giving life to their characters.

In some ways, PPE is like going to the theater right in your own home with all the quality of acting and production that STNJ is so well known for. I went to the Back Yard Stage to see Shaw, Shaw, Shaw. I enjoyed seeing it again through the PPE. The enhanced visuals and sound gave me an entirely different perspective on the plays.

The Three Plays

The three works by George Bernard Shaw are good selections to use to open this new Entertainment source. Bonnie J. Monte directs. Each play is light with just enough humor in spots to give viewers an enjoyable experience. The three plays are Overruled – Passion, Poison and Petrifaction or The Fatal Gazogene – and Village Wooing.

A scene from Village Wooing by George Bernard Shaw. Directed by Bonnie J. Monte. Pictured is Katja Yacker. Photo by Avery Brunkus.

Overruled takes place on a ship out to sea for a pleasure cruise where two couples flirt with each other. It is a fast paced look at how men and women look at and regard each other. It runs approximately 42 minutes.

Passion, Poison and Petrifaction or The Fatal Gazogene is the lightest and perhaps the most whimsical of the three. It involves some slapstick comedy as an impending thunder storm approaches. It runs approximately 20 minutes.

The third play, Village Wooing, is thought to be the best known of the three. It covers three conversations that take place over a one year period between a man and a woman. They initially meet on a luxury ocean liner and eventually meet again in a small village and then a small village shop. The female character eventually wins out with what she wants. And the man is willing, eventually! This play runs just under an hour.

Accessing These Plays

Tickets to the individual plays cost $10, and a package containing all three Shaw plays will run $25. Tickets are on sale at www.ShakespeareNJ.org, or patrons may call the Box Office at (973) 408-5600 for more information.  

Be sure to indulge your theater appetite with a visit to the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Pandemic Playhouse Entertainment offerings. View the productions on your computer or get technology savvy and transmit to a nice big screen television set right in your own home. Turn the lights down, pull up a glass of your favorite beverage, relax, and enjoy.

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Save Birdland! Benefit Concert

Posted on January 24, 2021 by Karen Nowosad

Save Birdland Concert Jan. 24

A special virtual concert will be held tonight, Jan. 24 at 7:00 p.m. to benefit the legendary Birdland jazz club. The club, which has operated in New York City since December of 1949 hosts many greats of the music world. One only has to visit the Club on W. 44th Street to experience an extraordinary show along with the ambiance that only Birdland provides.

Save Birdland! is being presented to help the club survive the financial set backs due to the CoVid Pandemic. A GoFundMe account was set up the past few weeks to help in the efforts. This concert is part of those fundraising efforts.

Remarks from Producer Tom D’Angora

“Three weeks ago, thousands of us came together to save a beloved neighborhood café and theater. In what felt like a Christmas miracle, we did it! Together we raised enough awareness and money to save our beloved West Bank Café.  It was not saved  by some millionaire or the government, but by scores people who gave what they could… 5 dollars here… ten dollars there – proving the indomitable spirit of the arts community and exemplifying the extraordinary power of our unity.

Shortly after the community pulled off the West Bank miracle, my longtime friends, Jim Caruso and Susie Mosher, reached out and let me know that Birdland, was also in danger of closing its doors for good in just a few weeks if something isn’t done.

I thought about a New York without Birdland and I knew right away that we couldn’t let that happen.  Live music is imperative to the spirit and energy of this city.  I immediately told Michael D’Angora and Tim Guinee about the situation and they both agreed, that we need to launch a campaign to Save Birdland!

So here we are again asking the community to get onboard, by donating to and/or sharing this campaign. We can make sure Birdland stays open so we, as a community, can enjoy the greatest musicians in the world, doing what they do best, in one of the most iconic clubs in the world, right here in our beloved city.

We are so overwhelmed and proud to be a part of this generous and loving community. When we come together we can achieve anything! Let’s keep it going!”

Featured Appearances and Performances

As this article is published, this is the list of Featured Appearances and Performances:

Monty Alexander, Lucie Arnaz, Iain Armitage, Jacqueline Arnold, Kenneth Ascher, Colleen Ballinger, Erich Bergen, John Bucchino, Stephanie J. Block, Matthew Broderick, Scott Bradlee, Brenda Braxton, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ken Burns, Gunhild Carling & Her Darlings, Ron Carter, Jim Caruso, Desmond Child, Peter Cincotti, The Emmett Cohen Trio, George Coleman, Ravi Coltrane, Elvis Costello, Tom D’Angora, Michael D’Angora, Jeff Daniels, Django Festival Allstars, Clive Davis, Diana DeGarmo, Aisha De Haas, Natalie Douglas, Michelle Dowdy, Christine Ebersole, Kurt Elling, Kevin Eubanks, Giancarlo Esposito, Morgan Fairchild, Whoopi Goldberg, Mandy Gonzalez, Deidre Goodwin, Tim Guinee, Amanda Green, Julie Halston, John Heginbotham, Stephen Henderson, Sara Hickman, Perez Hilton, Clint Holmes, Sunny Holiday, Demetia Hopkins-Greene, Joe Iconis and Family, Sheila Jordan, Hilary Kole, Stacey Kent, Tory Kittles, Amy Hillner Larsen, Warren Leight, Amanda Lopez, Melissa Leo, Norm Lewis, Tzi Ma, The Manhattan Transfer, Wynton Marsalis, Lauren Marcus, Karen Mason, Marilyn Maye, Audra McDonald, Jane Monheit, Susie Mosher, Anson Mount, Bebe Neuwirth, Leslie Odom, Jr., Arturo O’Farrill Quintet, Mandy Patinkin, Christine Pedi, Wendell Pierce, John Pizzarelli, Martha Plimpton, Randy Rainbow, Chita Rivera, Justin “Squigs” Robertson, Mercedes Ruehl, Catherine Russell, Tom Seals, Victoria Shaw, Steve Smith, Dee Snider, Sting, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, Billy Stritch, Veronica Swift, Mary Testa, Steve Tyrell, Lillias White, Frank Wildhorn, Steve Wilson, Amra-Faye Wright, Ace Young, Karen Ziemba, Glenn Zaleski, along with Gianni Valenti, and remarks from President Bill Clinton.  

*Subject to Change

How to Find the Concert

The website for this event is www.savebirdland.com Be sure to stop there to make your donation. The button for Click Here to Donate is easy to find as it is right on the top of the page. It will lead you to the GoFundMe page for the event.

The actual concert will broadcast on YouTube.com. A video link is also on the event page.

Let’s do this! Let’s Save Birdland!

 

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