By Connor Adams Sheets
After a year of uncertainty, Kevin and Judy Vincent have found a home for their Whitestone community theater group, which will return to the stage next month with a production of “Twelve Angry Men.”
The Whitestone couple started Theatre Time Productions 14 years ago and for 12 years put on two plays a year at First Presbyterian Church, at 15-43 149th St. in Whitestone. But last spring the cost of renting space there was raised to a prohibitive level, so the Vincents had to move on, looking throughout the area for a new home.
They found that home late last fall at Whitestone’s Grace Episcopal Church, whose pastor, Father Brian Blayer, is committed to bringing theater, arts and culture to the community, Kevin Vincent said.
“We are really grateful to the Grace Church for giving us this opportunity to perform there because we see the value of being able to perform for the community and they do, too,” he said. “It’s a really good match, we’re super excited. The space is terrific and we can’t wait for people to see us there.”
The troupe has been rehearsing for the upcoming show since January, and the Vincents say it will be an intense, exciting one to attend. Their performances have always drawn good crowds of as many as 80 people from across the borough and surrounding area, and the couple hopes that trend will continue with their debut at Grace Episcopal.
Blayer, who has been at the helm of the church for only seven months, said he is excited for the performances because he thinks they are a great opportunity to get involved in the community.
“The church has historically been a part of theater. And I think what they’re doing is good and it’s a good way for us to reach out to the community to let them know we’re here for them simply by letting them come see a play. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Starring only 12 volunteer actors, each of whom play a juror in a 1957 murder trial, “Twelve Angry Men” deals with issues of justice and morality and builds in intensity as the 12 men decide the fate of a young man with the odds against him.
“We’re just so happy to have it still in Whitestone — that’s where our fan base knows us from. We really didn’t want to move out of the area, so this was a gift,” Judy Vincent said. “We want the Queens community to know we’re back.”
“Twelve Angry Men” will play at Grace Episcopal Church at 14-15 Clintonville St. March 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and March 13 and 20 at 3 p.m. Admission is $15 or $13 for seniors and students with identification. Theatre Time also offers an opening night special: All attendees will pay just $12 to watch the March 11 performance.
Reservations can be made by calling the Vincents at 347-732-9015.
Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at csheets@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
