An exciting world premiere is just a few weeks away and just a few miles down the road. Written and directed by four-time Tony winner Steven F. Lane, it’s entitled “A Moment in Time.” Set to the music and lyrics of the great singer/songwriter John Denver, the story unfolds in war torn Afghanistan. This special event is on a very limited run at the Dix Hills Performing Arts Center at Five Towns College.
A true Broadway dynamo, Lane enjoys a well-deserved reputation.
A View: What were your motivations for using John Denver’s music and lyrics?
Lane: I had seen enough anti-war and anti-American plays to last me a lifetime, so I felt it was time to celebrate America and the young men and women who are putting their lives in harm’s way fighting to protect our country. John Denver, through his music and lyrics, does this with honesty and sincerity. This was my motivation.
A View: What made you select Afghanistan?
Lane: It makes the story more timely and it follows through with the “Mountain Range” theme I’ve created.
A View: How would you compare “celebrities” with college students onstage?
Lane: College students are more reliable.
A View: How do you see this production within the context of recognition by your peers/public/producers etc?
Lane: I see it as an opportunity to develop a new musical using theater students and professionals in the business and having first rate facilities at the Dix Hills Performing Arts Center to work with.
A View: Do you have any thoughts on this Long Island venue?
Lane: Having grown up on Long Island, June, with the trees and flowers in full bloom, is a great time of year to be out here.
A View: Why do you prefer musicals?
Lane: Although my training is classical theater, BFA from Boston University College of Fine Arts, I seem to prefer musicals. From a practical standpoint, I own and operate the Palace Theatre in New York City, which is a musical theater house, and producing musicals for the theater has always been my priority.
A View: Would you take this production to Manhattan if the conditions were right?
Lane: If the conditions were right.
The show runs June 25 to 27. Call 631-656-2193 or www.dhpac.org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.
