By Ron Hellman
Mallomars are back and so is Theatre Time Productions. But unlike those addictive chocolate-coated marshmallow treats (absent during the summer) that give you a sugar high, Theatre Time can give you a rush of pleasure any season without causing an overdose.
Founded in 1997 by wife-and-husband team Judy and Kevin Vincent, the company’s next show, “Macbeth Did It,” opens on Oct. 19 at the Colonial Church in Bayside. The comedy is its 24th production and it’s also a homecoming. Judy and Kevin met while performing in the Colonial Players’ “Room Service” at the church in 1996, and now some 16 years later, after a few changes of venue, they’re back.
Unlike some local groups that have been fortunate to remain in the same place, Theatre Time has performed in four prior locations, most notably at the First Presbyterian Church of Whitestone. Queens’ lack of real theater space is a constant problem — houses of worship are often the best available, if problematic, venues.
(A step in the right direction to fill the void has been taken by Variations Theatre Group, which is opening a brand new theater complex in Long Island City’s Court Square in the former U.S. Chain Factory. More about that good news coming soon.)
Theatre Time is a Batman-and-Robin enterprise: Judy and Kevin do most of the work and support each show out of their own pockets. Judy works at a pre-school and Kevin is in sales, and low-production budgets are a necessity. However, shortage of funds doesn’t detract from the dynamic duo’s attention to detail and their passion for quality theater. “We take everything very seriously,” says Judy, “and we expect others to do the same.” “Aim High and Get There” is their motto.
The Vincents live in Whitestone and have an 8-year-old daughter, Kyla, who attends P.S. 21. Following in the family stage tradition, she takes drama classes at the Poppenhusen Institute in College Point. Judy and Kevin are both accomplished actors, and, along with Tom Williams, have directed all of the company’s plays. Among their highlights were the 2006 production of “Dracula,” which had a special midnight opening, and “Beau Jest,” which was Judy’s directing debut.
“Macbeth Did It” was written by John Patrick, best known for his Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award stage adaptation of “The Teahouse of the August Moon,” as well as for a number of hit films in the 1950s including “Three Coins in the Fountain” and “High Society.”
This backstage comedy has a cast of 19 — a blend of familiar and new community theater faces — under Kevin’s direction, and apparently has not been done in the borough before. The Colonial Church has a great space for shows — “it’s as close to working in a real theater as you can find in Queens,” says Judy. The Vincents are hoping for a long-term relationship with the church and are looking forward to three productions a season to attract a growing audience.
Check out the group at www.theatretime.org or call (347) 358-8102 for tickets over the upcoming two weekends. Show up and have some fun, but don’t forget to bring your own Mallomars.
Contact Ron Hellman at RBH24@Columbia.edu
