The Vineyard Playhouse opens its 2012 Monday Night Special series on June 25.
While the Playhouse’s historic building on Church Street is undergoing renovations, the theater’s summer programming will be presented at various other Island venues. The first Monday Night Special will be at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, located at 130 Center Street in Vineyard Haven.
According to Playhouse Executive Artistic Director MJ Bruder Munafo, the Monday Night Specials are designed to assist in the development of new theatrical creations, often featuring guest artists for one “special” night only. Usually presented as staged or concert readings of new plays, the 2012 schedule includes a diverse lineup of talent on every Monday from June 25 through September 3.
The first offering, on Monday, June 25 at 7 pm, is “The King,” a short one-character play conceived, adapted from “King Lear,” and performed by John Basinger. The text is all Shakespeare’s and Jim Stidfole directs the play.
The next Special is on Monday, July 2. Playhouse Artistic Associate Joann Green Breuer has directed a piece entitled “Making a Movie: A Theatrical Presentation of Two Works by Mordecai Richler” that features noted actors Tony Shalhoub, Brooke Adams and Robert Brustein.
The readings are followed by a brief Q&A with the authors, directors, cast, and audience, and finally an informal reception.
General seating for the readings can be reserved in advance online through The Playhouse website at vineyardplayhouse.org, or if available, tickets can be obtained at the door on the night of the show. Admission is a $25 minimum donation. Playhouse membership discounts apply. The M.V. Hebrew Center is air- conditioned and a fully accessible. Proceeds benefit The Vineyard Playhouse.
For more information about Monday Night Specials or other Playhouse shows and programs, contact The Playhouse box office at 508-687-2452 or email boxoffice@vineyardplayhouse.org.
