It’s good news: ‘The show must go on!’ Sundog Theatre is back with live June performances and classes

PUBLISHED ON JUNE 3, 2021 | STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE | WRITTEN BY CAROL ANN BENANTI

Appearing in “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” which is now in rehearsal, are, from the left, Jason Munt, Jason Biss and Michael Robert Anderson. (Courtesy/Gina Policastro) Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Some good news: Live theatre is coming back to Staten Island — and after a year of remote educational programs and virtual performances, Sundog will offer live outdoor performances of the comedy, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” and in-person musical theatre kids classes, both beginning, Saturday, June 19. “After performing online and delivering over 100 arts programs online this past year, Sundog is excited to see our audiences and kids again,” says Susan Fenley, Sundog’s executive director. “Nothing compares to the energy and direct communication of live theatre. I believe New York City saw firsthand the lack of in-person arts programs as a major loss. Bring on the openings.”

LIVE SHOW

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, opens June 19 at the historic Biddle House, 70 Satterlee Street, on the ground of the Conference House in Tottenville.

Sundog Theatre — STARRING IN “THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED),” WHICH IS NOW IN REHEARSAL, ARE, FROM THE LEFT, JASON BISS, MICHAEL ROBERT ANDERSON AND JASON MUNT. (COURTESY/GINA POLICASTRO) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

A fast-firing comedy, it blasts through parodies of all 37 Shakespeare plays with only three performers in 97 minutes. The LA Times called the Broadway show: “Wildly funny. Masterful!” The Today Show says, “If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show! Directed by Tina Barone, it features actors Michael Robert Anderson, Jason Biss, and Jason Munt. Kurt Alger provides costumes. Performances will take place on Saturdays, June 19 and June 26, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Sundays June 20 and June 27, at 1 p.m. For tickets visit SundogTheatre.org and click “shows.” Park Director John Kilkullen says: “We are happy to have Sundog back working at the Park. Our partnership with them continues to grow, and we love introducing new people to The Biddle House.”

Tickets are free, and donations are suggested to help pay for the show and talent.

CLASSES NOW OPEN

Musical Theatre Kids classes are open to young people ages 9 to 17. Classes culminate in a final performance of the Sondheim Broadway musical fairy tale “Into the Woods Jr.,” about wishes and the choices we make. Classes take place outdoors at Monsignor Farrell High School, 2900 Amboy Rd., in Oakwood — with an indoor performance. With 20 years of experience teaching and directing theater, Melissa Tierney leads the class, which begins Saturday, June 19, for 12 sessions through Aug. 14. To register, visit SundogTheatre.org and click “classes.” “Monsignor Farrell knows the vital importance of actively supporting and encouraging our youth to discover both the visual and performing arts,” said Lou Tobacco, president of Monsignor Farrell High School. “We are proud to host our good friends at Sundog Theater this summer and look forward to watching talent grow.” Musical Theatre Kids classes are Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings at a cost of $250 per student with need-based scholarships available from Staten Island Borough President James Oddo and the Christopher Dillon Micha Scholarship Fund.

Both the show and classes will adhere to government guidelines related to COVID-19.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” was originally produced by the Reduced Shakespeare Company and is available for production by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing, Inc.

Sundog Theatre is a Staten Island-based performing arts organization that provides contemporary and original theater for adults and children, educational touring shows, and programs.

The H.H. Biddle House is part of the NYC Parks and Recreation Department. A New York City landmark, it was constructed in 1845 for Henry Hogg Biddle. Its large porch acts as a built-in stage, with seating on the lawn. The House is open weekly for tours. Visit the Parks Department site at nyc.gov/parks Monsignor Farrell High School, a boy’s Catholic high school, opened its doors in 1961 and was named in honor of Monsignor Joseph Farrell, a prominent priest and religious, political and community leader on Staten Island. It has a student body of more than 800. For information, visit www.msgrfarrellhs.org For further information, phone 718-816-5453 or visit SundogTheatre.org or info@SundogTheatre.org.