ROUNDING THIRD Premieres at Chenango River Theatre, Closes 7/31

What better way to celebrate summer than the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and two Little League coaches going head to head in what has to be the only baseball play to include Brigadoon, living in a van, and the fine art of equipment bag stuffing? Join the crowd in the bleachers at Chenango River Theatre for Rounding Third, a baseball comedy by Richard Dresser, based on his own experience coaching his son in Little League. 

Long time coach and baseball buff Don, for whom winning is the only thing, is stuck with assistant coach Michael, who wants trophies for everyone and whose only youth sport was, uh, well, curling. In Canada.

Both Don and Michael are well-meaning dads in their own way, eager to coach their sons' team - as soon as they can agree on exactly what that means. Together for an entire season, the two men nearly come to blows over how to lead the team. Are we raising kids to be feel-happy losers? Or kids who'll do whatever it takes to win?

This sidesplitting send-up of modern parenting slugs a home run with its comic look at raising kids in our modern world. Ever since its premiere, audiences and critics have loved this play. It reflects the passion, joy and pain that fills the heart of any parent who has ever loved a child competing for anything, from sports to spelling bees to talent shows.

Professional actors Drew Kahl and Jack Harris star as the two coaches - they've proven to have great chemistry working together in two of CRT's most popular comedies, True West (2007) and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (2010). Both Drew and Jack have extensive credits at regional theatres throughout the East. Directing is CRT's Artistic and Managing Director Bill Lelbach. Julie Duro, who designs lighting all over the country, returns to illuminate the stage. Barbara Kahl, who teaches costume design at SUNY Oneonta and is CRT's resident costume designer, once again handles the wardrobe design.

With  season ticket sales increasing by over 25% for the 2011 season, performances will sell out for this crowd-pleasing comedy. Early reservations are recommended.

Rounding Third is Co-Produced by IBM and James & Debra Dyal. Performances are July 8 - 31 - Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm, plus Sunday matinees at 2:00pm at Chenango River Theatre, 991 State Highway 12, Greene NY (15-20 minutes from Binghamton).

Tickets are $18 Thursdays, $19 Fridays & Sundays, and $22 on Saturdays. All performances start on time - late seating is not available. The box office opens one half hour before curtain. The 24 Hour Reservation Line accepts reservations at any time at 607 656-8499 (TIXX). Tickets may be charged to MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Visit www.chenangorivertheatre.org for a complete schedule and more information.

Photo Caption: The baseball comedy about two Little League coaches with completely different approaches to the game opens July 8 at Chenango River Theatre. Pictured are Jack Harris (Coach Don, all red cap) and Drew Kahl (Assistant Coach Michael) in a scene from one of the final rehearsals.

 

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