BY CHRISTINA SHANAHAN
As the summer heats up, the Rockaway Theatre Company in Breezy Point debuts its annual summer musical in its newly renovated facility. This month’s show, “Bye Bye Birdie,” stars local actors who have been rehearsing for the past several weeks.
According to Susan Jasper, a producer for the theater company, the talented actors are recruited from all five boroughs and from various local theater companies.
“We cast two sets of actors for each show, which gives more young people a chance to perform,” Jasper explained.
The “Bye Bye Birdie” performances this summer are particularly notable because The Rockaway Theatre Company just completed renovations of the theatre’s front area and restrooms. Audience members for the musical will be among the first to enjoy these accommodations.
The company, which is housed in the Post Theatre at Fort Tilden in Breezy Point, was founded in 1997 and began performing in the current location shortly thereafter. The Post Theatre, originally an Army movie theater, required major renovations, all of which have been done by Rockaway Theatre Company volunteers using the group’s own funds.
The Rockaway Theatre Company will present shows such as “Blithe Spirit” in August, “Brighton Beach Memoirs” in October, and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in November. To purchase tickets to any of the shows, call the reservations hotline at 718-374-6400 or visit rockawaytheatrecompany.org.
The Rockaway Theatre Company
Post Theatre at Fort Tilden
Gateway National Recreation Area
Breezy Point, NY
718-374-6400
www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org
