BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2017 27 COMPILED BY JAIME DEJESUS RICHARD III Shakespeare lovers should head to Carroll Park where theater company Smith Street Stage will be presenting a production of “Richard III.” Returning to the park for its eighth year, the free outdoor performance is part of Shakespeare-under-the-Stars. The classic tale tells the story of a country in turmoil and a madman lusting for power. As the ruthless and charismatic Richard claws his way to the throne, a nation is forced to the breaking point in this chilling tale of a tyrant, his enablers and those who attempt to resist. “Richard III” premieres on Wednesday, June 8 and runs until Thursday, June 25, with the performances starting at 7:30 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday at Carroll Park, 219-237 Carroll Street. Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to curtain time. Ground seating is open to the public, as well as a limited number of chairs. Many theatre-goers bring picnic blankets; some bring chairs of their own. ARCHITECTURE AT GREEN-WOOD Get to Green-Wood for its Architecture at Green-Wood event. This walking tour explores the critical role architects have played in transforming the landscapes of not only Green-Wood, but New York City. The vast space is home to a large collection of 19th-century architectural gems by some of the most famed architects in American history. Designing works to immortalize their patrons, many have also established their own permanent residences here. The event will be held on Saturday, May 27 from 1- 3 p.m. at Green-Wood Cemetery, 25th Street and Fifth Avenue. Tickets are $20 for members of Green-Wood and BHS and $25 for nonmember. For more information, go to www.green-wood.com. SUMMER READING Bookworms are in luck as the Brooklyn Public Library kicks off its Summer Reading program on Thursday, June 8. The day will include free, fun activities and entertainment. This year, the plaza will be transformed into a maker space with projects for all ages. This includes scrap sculpture, games, giveaways, face painting, art and more. The free event will be held at the Central Library Plaza, 10 Grand Army Plaza, at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.bklynlibrary. org. BUZZ BROOKLYN NCT honors beloved former member with "Show Boat" performance BY JAIME DEJESUS [email protected] A different take on a classic musical that will also pay tribute to a beloved local is coming to Bay Ridge. Narrows Community Theater (NCT) will honor the late Mickey Sullivan, a longstanding member of the board of directors dating back to NCT's founding in 1971, with a concert version of one of his favorite musicals, "Show Boat." The classic musical is set on a riverboat on the Mississippi and tells the story of the Hawks family and its troupe of actors aboard the Cotton Blossom floating theater, but the concert version, "cut down the story a lot and reduced a lot of it to basic dialogue and narration. That’s meant to highlight the musical aspect of the show and really let it take center stage and shine," according to director Sean Pallatroni, who is excited to bring the show to the neighborhood. "Historically, it’s a very important show as it deals a lot with the racial tensions of the period, but most importantly, the music is spectacular," he said. "'Show Boat' is of course a quintessential staple of American musical theater. It was really the first show that had a story and then music set to it and it evolved from there. No one had ever done that before. "What makes this production supremely unique is that it isn’t the full version of the show," Pallatroni added. "We spent a lot of time really perfecting the ensemble parts, the solo parts, and really highlighting everything musical about the show. We’re going to have an eight-piece orchestra which Narrows has never done before." The decision to dedicate the show to Sullivan was a logical one. "Mickey Sullivan stayed on the board until he passed away about two years ago and he nominated 'Show Boat' for us to do many times in concert. It never got voted in and as a tribute to him, we’re doing it now," said Maryjo Tipaldo of NCT's Board of Directors. "He was like our historian and had great Broadway knowledge. He was a very active member of Saint Patrick's parish and I think people will be coming to the show because of the tribute because he was so well known. There are five of us that are in the show that have worked closely with him so it means a lot." "The whole weekend is going to be dedicated to him," added Pallatroni. "One of his granddaughters is in the production. His family is honored and thrilled for him to be recognized this way. It’s a great way to celebrate his memory and the continuation of Narrows and its growth and innovation in bringing new and old shows into the community." “Mickey’s love for the art of theater and his lifelong dedication to keeping it available as a vital part of our local community knew no limit," said a family spokesperson. "He was an active part of NCT until his very last day on earth. We were blessed beyond measure to have his influence in our lives and he will forever be remembered as an inspiration to us all.” The cast is also expected to wow audiences. "It's amazing that this caliber of music is right here in the community," Pallatroni said. "I think what's most important for me is that everyone comes in with different levels of experience. Some come in doing it for a long time, others have a natural talent, some of them work on their talent, but the important thing is getting everyone to that same level of excellence and that’s what we strive for in rehearsals. The audience will recognize it." NCT's "Show Boat" will be performed on Friday, June 2 at 8 p.m., Saturday, June 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 4 at 2 p.m. in St. Patrick’s Auditorium, Fourth Avenue and 97th Street. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 seniors/students under 21. For more information, visit www.narrowscommunitytheater. com. CULTURE BRIEFS Photo courtesy of Narrows Community Theater The cast and crew of "Show Boat."
BSM05252017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above