The Irvington Town Hall Theater (ITHT) kicks off its 2017-'18 season with an exciting line-up that promises something for everyone. The ITHT Commission and theater manager believe that programming should reflect how the community is changing; to that end, ITHT continues to offer an expansive selection of family-friendly events but is also expanding its programming for adults.
The All Shorts Irvington Film Festival (As iFF) returns for its third season on Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 pm (followed by an after-party for all festival ticket-holders and filmmakers). The Fall 2017 program, "A Film For Every Palate," screens nine breathtaking films from Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Syria, and the United States -- chosen out of more than 250 submissions from filmmakers around the world.
With each festival, the selection process has grown increasingly competitive, and As iFF is now recognized internationally as a sought-after festival by both acclaimed and up-and-coming filmmakers. "Three years ago we envisioned the Irvington Town Hall Theater as the setting for a world-class, international film festival," says festival director, Laurie Chock. "Too bold for a small village? Too ambitious a dream? Maybe not. The submissions poured in this year: first-rate films from all over the world. We have dramatically exceeded our own expectations and put Irvington on the map of international film festivals. It's been a thrilling ride so far, and we are so grateful that the residents of Irvington, the Rivertowns, and beyond have responded with such incredible enthusiasm."
ITHT unveiled its Stage Door Reading Series in 2014 (staged readings of original works in progress by established and new playwrights), which has since grown into the ITHT Stage Door Playwright Festival -- premiering on November 11 and 12. Almost 100 playwrights submitted works this season; festival chair Judy Klein Frimer and her committee have tirelessly reviewed all the submissions to select a handful of one-acts that will be presented, followed by Q&A's with the playwrights. While in its infancy, this festival will be a springboard for playwrights to get their work up on its feet, and for ITHT audiences to participate in the process by talking with the playwrights and other industry professionals.
"We are very passionate about this new festival," says Frimer. "I'm also so thankful to Pamela Eskind of William Raveis Legends Realty for her generous donation that helps to make these two festivals possible. She and other area sponsors stepped up this year to show how important the arts are to our community."
ITHT opened the season in September with "It's Easy - the Friend Strong Musical" presented by See the Wish, which runs until October 8. Common Ground Concerts will be returning throughout the season with outstanding artists performing a hybrid of musical genres, starting with Red Molly on October 1. The Irvington Historical Society teams up with the Best of Film Series again this season to present classic movies including a Halloween treat on October 27; and the very first "Tedx Talks" debuts in Irvington with "RISE," presented by TedxTarrytown, on October 22. Village favorites, Clocktower Players and Broadway Training Center, will also present beloved musicals for families and children throughout the season. Audiences can look forward to adult comedy events presented by Take a Number, Inc. beginning on November 10, as well as the return of the "Mayor Presents" concert around the holidays.
"I am thrilled by the diversity of what we're offering this season," says theater manager,
Greg Allen. "I'm starting my fourth season here, and we've tried several things over the past three years. Some things take off, some don't - but in the arts we just keep trying by bringing new ventures to audiences and letting them decide what it is they want to see."
Check out
www.irvingtontheater.com for ticket information and details.
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