Queens Theatre in the Park (QTP) continues the 2009/2010 Theatre Series with the world premiere of AGAINST THE RISING SEA by Kelly Masterson. Presented in association with Cobalt Blue Productions, LTD & Joe Cacaci Productions, and running from October 15 - 25, 2009 the show comes to life in the Claire Shulman Playhouse Main Stage Theatre at Queens Theatre in the Park.
Tickets are $32-38 and are available at www.queenstheatre.org or by phone at 718-760-0064.
AGAINST THE RISING SEA is the On Golden Pond of our times, starring Patricia Conolly and Tony Award winner Elizabeth Franz (Death of a Salesman). This funny and poignant play is set in Provincetown on Cape Cod. Goldie and Lina's life together comes full circle when their paths collide with a younger version of themselves. The story of relationships, an uncertain future, and a troubled past is directed by Joe Cacaci.
"When I wrote AGAINST THE RISING SEA in 1989, the gay community was just beginning to push for civil union recognition and things like visitation rights. 20 years later, as we mount this production, gay marriage is a part of the national debate. Forefront in our minds is the question what is marriage, what is commitment? Those important questions make AGAINST THE RISING SEA more relevant today than it was when I wrote it," says playwright Kelly Masterson.
"A new relationship is rocky, an old one is challenged and a beautiful house in Provincetown becomes the catalyst in this story about the importance of honor, honesty, and the enduring power of love itself. Often troubles are hidden under the surface, unresolved, waiting to explode. Sometimes they can't be resolved, but overall, love will endure. We are honored to present Kelly Masterson's play; we think this play about four women speaks to everyone," says producer Melly Garcia.
AGAINST THE RISING SEA will be performed from October 15 - 25, 2009, with performances on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2pm; Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; and Sundays at 3pm, with additional performances on Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 15 at 2pm.
Queens Theatre in the Park is committed to presenting performing arts that provide audiences with the highest quality work. QTP also produces new plays, with a concentration on up-and-coming directors and playwrights. QTP has broadened the experience of its core audience to include works by under-recognized artists from around the world and works that tap into the diverse communities of Queens.
Queens Theatre in the Park is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in the New York State Pavilion designed for the 1964 World's Fair by Philip Johnson. The Pavilion was converted to a theatre in 1972 and was operated by various organizations until 1985. QTP was officially established in 1989 with the full support of the community and the Queens Borough President. After a $4 million renovation that brought full ADA compliance, the Theatre officially opened to the public in 1993 in a facility that allows it to stage productions equal to those of any Off-Broadway house in Manhattan in its 464-seat main stage theatre and its 99-seat studio theatre. What was then a small cabaret-style theater with an operating budget of under $500,000 has transformed itself into a major performing arts center with exhibition galleries with a projected operating budget of $3.9 million for FY2009.
QTP became an independent nonprofit in 1997. It is a member of the Cultural Institutions Group receiving support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. The Theatre presents and produces 300 performances annually. QTP serves 100,000 people annually who reflect the rich demographics of its community population. Currently 75% of the Theatre's constituency is from Queens. In addition to its own season, QTP frequently provides its space for use by community arts organizations and local promoters.
QTP has recently completed a $ 23 million physical transformation of the Theatre. This major capital investment has added a 75-seat cabaret performance space with a full service cafe and kitchen facility; created a dramatic new 3,000 square foot lobby/reception area; provided new visitor amenities and improved the facility's accessibility. These improvements have transformed Queens Theatre in the Park into a destination for the residents of the borough and beyond.
