Northeast Stage is full of new life and will be putting on an entirely local production starting this weekend.
At Greenport’s Holy Trinity Church Hall on Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14, the longstanding theatre company will put on Lessons from Hollywood, with Friday and Saturday showings at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. for $25.
This new show, written by James Pritchard and with costumes by Deanna Andes, will be directed by interim co-chair of Northeast Stage, Mark Heidemann.
Heidemann, a local actor and director, isn’t alone in his new role. Christian Lepore, another local actor and director, will also come over from Corchaug Repertory Theatre — another North Fork arts company — to fill the other co-chair role. Also on Northeast Stage’s board are Tom Gregory, Nicholas Auletti and Julia Cappiello, who all held integral roles at Corchaug Repertory Theatre before filling current chair Amie Sponza’s shoes.
“It’s in good hands,” says Sponza. “They have the appreciation and respect for the legacy that’s been created and want it to not only remain but grow, and they have that energy and the will and the intention to do that.”
Sponza, who was a founding member and headed the Shakespeare in the Park-producing nonprofit since 1983, decided it was time to step down from her leadership role recently in hopes of spending more time with her new grandson and focusing energy on her life coaching business.
“I want the company to thrive even if I’m not there,” says Sponza. “This has been my baby for almost 43 years and it’s time for the baby to grow.”
The new board, in their interim roles until Aug. 1, will be continuing the Shakespeare summer series plus other comedies, dramas and science fiction plays.
“We want to offer as many different tastes as we can,” says Heidemann. “Some people are going to want newer shows and we’ll certainly do that as well, but we also think it’s important to keep some classics out there in the world because some of them are incredibly timely.”
Heidemann also said that the board will continue Corchaug Repertory Theatre’s One Act Festival as a chance for local creatives to showcase their work.
Lepore had worked alongside Sponza, sparking the idea for the Corchaug Repertory board to assume responsibility at Northeast Stage. In 1998, Heidemann and Lepore played brothers in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound. When the opportunity arose to bring Corchaug Repertory Theatre to life, it fulfilled a long-term goal of theirs to operate a theatre company of their own.
Now, by taking advantage of Northeast Stage’s nonprofit status, it will be easier to apply and receive grants for the organization so they can continue that dream while extending the legacy of this well-known brand.
Their hopes for Northeast Stage are to grow the offerings, to bring people theatre that moves them and to eventually find a permanent home while keeping theatre accessible.
Learn more and get tickets for upcoming performances here.
