Bay Street Theatre's MEN'S LIVES Revival Begins Tonight, July 3

Bay Street Theatre has announced the second production of the 2012 Mainstage Season. MEN'S LIVES, by Joe Pintauro; based on the book by Peter Matthiessen is currently in rehearsal in New York City under the direction of Harris Yulin. Previews begin tonight, July 3 at Bay Street Theatre. The show will run through Sunday, July 29. Previews are sponsored by PCH Builders and Property Management.

MEN'S LIVES was the inaugural production presented on stage at Bay Street Theatre in 1992. Now like then, Long Island's East End Bay Men continue to fight for survival.

As Sir Walter Scott stated, "It's not fish ye're buying, its men's lives."

Sag Harbor playwright Joe Pintauro emphasizes, "War was declared on the beaches of the East End when local Bay Men were forced to launch a courageous fight against the crushing effect of history and economics on their lives in the Hamptons. Today the crisis is even worse."

"We thought this year was a perfect time to revive this wonderful play," says Murphy Davis, Artistic Director. "Not only does it have a timeless message about the human condition, it is more pertinent today than ever. MEN'S LIVES tells the tale of a family's struggle to maintain their way of life and fight for survival in these ever changing times. It is our way of honoring the Bay Men and their heritage, as well as the place where we all live. If you were here and saw our original production, come back…If you have never seen it, don't miss it!"

Joe Pintauro's (playwright) credits include SNOW ORCHID, a 1980 selection of the Eugene O'Neill conference (Circle Rep, London Gate). BESIDE HERSELF (Circle Rep) MEN'S LIVES (Bay Street Theatre 1990, 1991, 2012), BY THE SEA, collaboration with Terrence McNally and Lanford Wilson (Bay Street, Manhattan Theatre Club). SALVATION (London's Gate), CACCIATORE (Hudson Guild), RAFT OF THE MEDUSA (Minetta Lane, revival at The Cherry Lane Theatre), directed by Francisco Solorzano. Others include THE DEAD BOY and CATHEDRAL. His plays have been produced in many languages, including METROPOLITAN OPERAS 27 SHORT PLAYS, MOVING TARGETS, WILD BLUE, PERRY ST. ON THE WING, RULES OF LOVE (Charles Nelson Reilly Theatre Company) and AMERICAN DIVINE. Novels include State of Grace and Cold Hands (New York Times selection; best novels of the year.) He is the recipient of the John Steinbeck Literary Humanitarian award and the Life Time Achievement award at Guild Hall. Pintauro is busy working on a book of his photographs, a novel and full length play.

Harris Yulin (director) attended UCLA and studied acting with Jeff Corey before making his off-Broadway debut in NEXT TIME I'LL SING FOR YOU. From there, Harris continued acting in the classical arena with credits including A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, RICHARD III, KING JOHN, HAMLET and DANE. His Broadway debut was in WATCH ON THE RHINE; others include A LESSON FROM ALOES, UNCLE VANYA, HEDDA GABLER, THE DOCTOR'S DILEMMA, TARTUFFE, THE SEAGULL, THE VISIT, THE PRICE and THE DIARY OF Anne Frank. He was one of the founders of the Los Angeles Classic Theater. Off Broadway credits include directing BABA GOYA, THE LIME TREE BOWER and THE TRIP TO BEAUTIFUL. Films include "End Of The Road," "Doc Holliday," "The Midnight Man," "Night Moves," "Scarface," "Another Woman," "Narrow Margin," "Clear And Present Danger," "Bad Dreams," "Ghostbusters II," "Multiplicity," "Rush Hour," "Training Day," and "Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus."

The cast includes: Mark Coffin (Senator, Chuck Courtney), Rob DiSario (William), Deborah Hedwall (Alice), Scott Thomas Hinson (Popeye), Brian Hutchison (Lee), Peter McRobbie (Walt), Victor Slezak (Peter) and Myles Stokowski (Nate Spencer).

The designers for the show include Drew Boyce (Set Designer), John McKernon (Lighting Designer), Cynthia Flynt (Costume Designer), David Bullard (Sound Designer) and Kathy Fabian (Properties Designer). Others involved with this production are Max Tabet (Assistant Director); April Kline (Production Stage Manager), Elizabeth Schiavo (Production Assistant), Cindy Tolan and Adam S. Caldwell, CSA (Casting).

The 2012 Mainstage Season program is partially funded by the Suffolk County Executive's Office and Suffolk County National Bank. Tickets are available online at www.baystreet.org or by calling the Box Office at 631-725-9500. The Box Office is open Monday-Saturday, 11 am –show time and Sunday, 3 pm – show time.

The "Pay What You Can" performance will be Tuesday, July 3, with a limited number of tickets are available after 2 pm at the Box Office only and are based on availability. Hospitality Workers Nights are Wednesday, July 4 and Thursday, July 5. Tickets are $20 with proof of employment; based on availability. Available at the Box Office only.

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit institution presenting new, classic and contemporary works with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. This commitment extends to educational programs for all ages to foster the continued value of theatre as a vital art form for future generations.

Photo credit: Barry Gordin

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