PUBLISHED ON FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE | WRITTEN BY VICTORIA PRIOLA

 

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Sundog Theatre is taking its annual performance schedule to the virtual space amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The theater company, used as a creative outlet for local actors, playwrights and production crew, will continue its “Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry” series virtually this year from March 20 to April 3.

“This past year, most conversations and news dealt with the pandemic,” said Sundog’s executive director Susan Fenley. “We wanted to present different takes on how people are working through it. Some of the plays are quite funny, while others are poignant and thought provoking. ‘Scenes’ has a following that is awaiting our virtual presentation this year. I don’t think our talented team will disappoint.” “Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry” consists of six one-act plays set on or around the ferry. Every year, writers are asked to incorporate a common theme in their submissions. This year, in light of current events, playwrights from throughout the United States submitted scripts that illustrate post-COVID-19 realities. Many of the submissions tell stories with humorous or dramatic tones.

Designated judges from Sundog chose six of the submitted plays to receive a financial award and remote production privilege.
Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry 2020

SCENES FROM THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY 2020. (COURTESY/KAREN O’DONNELL)

The winning productions are:

“Just Stop!” by John Reoli Jr. of New York; directed by Barbara Brandt

Description: Five months into the pandemic, Frederick and Orlando find themselves riding the Staten Island Ferry, where a cough takes them back in time.

“Safe Harbor” by Matthew Gilleece of Staten Island; directed by Cash Tilton

Featuring actors: Claudia Minor Troyer and Michael Schiavo
Description: Robin, an efficiency expert, notices Donald, an entrepreneur, doing something illegal. Their personalities clash — but can their battle of wits develop into a mutually beneficial arrangement?

“That’s the Spirit!” by Carole Kass of Staten Island; directed by Hadly Patterson

Featuring actors: Sabrina Kalman, Emma Pittman and Lee Tennenbaum

Description: For one Staten Islander, a routine trip on the ferry becomes the voyage of a lifetime, thanks to some extraordinary visitors.

“The Last Legal Pub in New York” by Mike Veasey of Staten Island; directed by Ken Tirado

Featuring actors: Matthew Gilleece, Sheena Rodriguez and Israel Adam Wasserstein
Description: Passengers enjoy an evening ride, realizing that they are sitting in the only indoor space in NYC where they can enjoy drinks with friends.

“The Lighthouse Keepers” by Alli Hartley-Kong of Caldwell, N.J.; directed by Remy Barson

Featuring actors: Bailey Claffey and Coldin Grundmeyer
Description: Catie, an up-and-coming actress, and Paulie, a morgue worker, meet at the beginning of the pandemic. She contemplates a big life decision with his reluctant help.

“To Flirt…Afloat…” by Vicki Riba Koestler of Alexandria, Va.; directed by Gary Bradley

Featuring actors: Kieran Graulich and Elise Rooker
Description: Two young strangers, masked, socially distanced and wary of sharing air, seem to want to forge a connection, but then again …

HOW TO VIRTUALLY ATTEND

The virtual performances of “Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry 2021″ will be available to watch from 7 p.m. March 20 to April 3.
Registration to view the performances is available at SundogTheatre.org/Scenes2021. After registering, audience members will receive instructions on how to view the show.
This year, Sundog is asking for donations instead of charging a standard admission price of $20. Donations help pay for the show, talent and support the theater.