For the sixth year in a row, the Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) will be offering Summer Stars, a free musical theatre program for children ages 8-13 who are residents of Queens. Auditions will be held on Saturday, June 21.
In past years, Summer Stars performers have been showcased in musical revues, or starred in short musicals. This year, the Stars will work with a director/choreographer and musical director to develop two original musicals.
“I am very excited to be collaborating with the TADA! Theater this year,” said APAC Executive Director Taryn Drongowski. “Although Summer Stars is now in its sixth year, each summer we challenge ourselves to make the program even more creative and memorable for the kids who participate. Our Summer Stars have always acted, sang and danced. By working with TADA! this year, we’re giving the Stars an opportunity to be playwrights as well. I can’t wait to see what they come up with!”
The program includes seven Saturday afternoon rehearsals from June 28 to August 16 and will culminate in two public performances of the original works on Saturday, August 23.
Audition information: Kids auditioning will sing a song of their choice (music is not needed) and should be prepared to dance. Past performance or training experience is not required. Auditions will be on Saturday, June 21 starting at 10 a.m. at the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, 21-12 30th Road at 21st Street in Astoria.
To schedule an appointment, call 718-393-7505 or e-mail taryn@apacny.org.
Beari Productions stages ‘Triple Play’
BY TONIA N. CIMINO
Beari Productions is putting on an original production called “Triple Play” that showcases the works of three local playwrights.
The show consists of three original one act plays: “Cardinal” by Myles Moffit (directed by Amanda Doria); “The Late Great Hawkins Long” by Alan David Perkins (directed by Jessica Petschauer); and “The Cat Connection” by Elyse Nass (directed by Malini Singh McDonald).
Moffit and Nass are new to Beari, but Perkins has presented other works of his on Beari’s stage: “Standard Deviation,” “When Hell Freezes Over” and “F2F.” His works have been presented internationally.
Nass is a published writer with Samuel French, Inc. and Moffit is just beginning to present his works in New York.
The cast for these wonderful one act plays include many well-known Queens performers: Nancy Keegan, Mary Lynch, Ed Schuldner, Jimmy O’Neill, Rene Bendana, Bernie Bosio and Paul Morisi who was most recently seen in Beari’s “Magical, Musical Moments VII.”
For an enjoyable evening, go see “Triple Play” at Trinity Lutheran Church, 63-70 Dry Harbor Road, Middle Village. There are three remaining performances: Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 22 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. For information and reservations call 718-736-1263.
