In this small-town comedy-drama, a local woman who does sex work to support her family gets an unusual request from one of her regulars, raising unexpected possibilities and conflicts which complicate her relationship with her teenage daughter. Join us at Harvey’s for a FREE play reading of this area premiere and buy a drink or two while you’re at it and pay-what-you-will to support our new Pub Theatre tradition. $5 guarantees you a seat in this limited 50 seat venue.
A surgeon dealing with the terminal illness of her own son performs a routine appendectomy on a young Black man from an impoverished neighborhood who dies on the operating table. His grandmother seeks accountability and, through a series of encounters, both Black mothers journey along parallel pathways of grief and guilt. Join us at Harvey’s for a FREE play reading of this area premiere and buy a drink or two while you’re at it and pay-what-you-will to support our new Pub Theatre tradition. $5 guarantees you a seat in this limited 50 seat venue.
Talk back with playwright and recovering emergency physician, J. Thalia Cunningham, to discuss current issues in our increasingly dehumanized healthcare system following the reading.
BASED ON THE LEGENDARY STORIES BY ROBERT W. CHAMBERS
The Last Queen of Yhtill confronts Hastur the Unspeakable, who is determined to bring about the end of an inverted world. Based on the legendary horror stories by Robert W. Chambers, The King in Yellow has been referred to as the single greatest book of weird fantasy written in the U.S. between the death of Poe and the rise of Lovecraft. Don’t miss this uniquely original Halloween offering, a journey into existential horror suited to our time.
an American interwar radio producer navigates the gender stereotypes and dogmatism of her times to bring Arthur Conan Doyle's master sleuth to the radio waves in a difficult and dynamic era. Join US for a look behind the scenes and in front of the microphone as our fearless troupe prepares for the first American radio broadcast of the thrilling Sherlock Holmes mystery, The Speckled Band on October 20, 1930.
I see fire and I see rain. I see iTheatre Saratoga presenting our 4th Annual Holiday Music Event…AN ELEMENTAL CHRISTMAS.
Whatever the weather, we’ll be together, experiencing the musical building blocks of our world, along with some holiday favorites performed by a top notch group of musicians and dynamic vocalists. Expect an original evening - “Let it Snow” side by side with Joni Mitchell’s “River.” Talking Head’s “Burnin’ Down the House” together with “Winter Wonderland.”
iTheatre’s Holiday Music event was conceived by iTheatre Saratoga Artistic Director and prolific playwright Mary Jane Hansen to put a new spin on the typical Holiday concert with a different theme for each year. Cash bar with craft beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks are available to enhance your enjoyment of the festivities. Get in the spirit, avoid the crowds, and shop local! Last minute holiday gifts courtesy of local artisans will be available for purchase.
iTheatre Saratoga’s Holiday Music event returns to Saratoga's historic Music Hall. This year’s theme - Colorful Christmas! A unique evening of classic “colorful” songs along with some holiday favorites performed by a top notch group of musicians and dynamic vocalists.
iTheatre’s Holiday Music event was conceived by iTheatre Saratoga Artistic Director and prolific playwright Mary Jane Hansen to put a new spin on the typical Holiday concert with a different theme for each year. This year’s Colorful Christmas band features Emmy-nominated composer Will Severin of acclaimed fusion act Crazy Swedes on guitar and vocals. Will has performed in Broadway orchestra pits, as well as stages across the country in addition to serving as chairman of iTheatre Saratoga. On drums and vocals is George Snyder, a veteran of the capital region music scene and member of Crazy Swedes. Wayne Hawkins is the keyboardist extraordinaire who has performed and recorded with various musical acts. Bass guitarist Josh Gordon, who previously handled bass duties with American Idol’s Madison VanDenburg, holds down the low end. Young vocal dynamo Abby DeGregory rounds out the group.
Cash bar with craft beer (courtesy of Common Roots, SingleCut, Walt & Whitman), wine (courtesy of Purdy’s), soft drinks (courtesy of EBI Saratoga), and snacks are available to enhance your enjoyment of the festivities. Get in the spirit, avoid the crowds, and shop local! Last minute holiday gifts courtesy of local artisans The Dark Gem Shoppe, The Backstage Stylist, BEAUTI, and Busy Basket Boutique will be available for purchase. A truly original evening - where else will you hear Prince’s “Purple Rain” and “Silver Bells” in the same set this Holiday season? Join us where more surprises await…over the rainbow.
The world’s best-known royals in a brand-new gossipy satire that lifts the veil on their fairy-tale romance, their struggles with the press, their fraught relationships with the senior royals – and that thunderbolt interview with Oprah. In California, the superstar rebels discover that royalty casts a shadow they can’t escape. Includes cameos by the Queen, Charles, William & Kate, plus Greta Thunberg, Elton John, Jerry Hall and Janet Street-Porter. A U.S. premiere from the U.K.
From the team that created the West End hit ‘Round the Horne…Revisited’ and ‘Dom the Play’ (Theatre Royal Windsor and Assembly Rooms Edinburgh.) Original production written by David Evans and directed by Michael Kingsbury.
Join us at Harvey’s for a FREE play reading of a uniquely royal comedy and buy a drink or two while you’re at it to support our new Pub Theatre tradition.
A TALE OF CINDERELLA
Exciting and entertaining, heartwarming and tuneful, the film of A TALE OF CINDERELLA, set in Venice, Italy is the perfect family entertainment: a familiar story with surprising plot twists delightfully told in song, dance and drama. Outstanding production values will appeal to children, their parents and everyone in between. A brief talkback with some of the musical’s creators will follow the film.
“A dazzling rendering of a perked-up classic” - Backstage
“A delightful representation of the Broadway experience” - Entertainment Weekly
“A good looking, award-winning rendering of the tale.” - The New York Times
Made possible by: The New York Foundation for the Arts and The New York State Council on the Arts
In conjunction with the book, "MOST OF IT WAS BEAUTIFUL, A Personal History of the First State Created Theatre for Young Audiences in America" by Patricia Di Benedetto Snyder
We are raising finishing funds to help with the final details and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us at Creative Place International/iTheatre Saratoga.
Famous for defending the Chicago Seven, William Kunstler was America’s leading radical lawyer and a Civil Rights activist. Jeffrey Sweet’s play introduces Kunstler, the legendary legal renegade, to European audiences this spring at The White Bear Theatre. Kunstler brings to life two people coping with disillusion while showing how the law, courage and idealism can make a difference, following the lawyer as he is challenged by a young black law student.
Kunstler vividly brings to life the Chicago Seven conspiracy trial and the Central Park Five, using the lawyer’s own memoirs to get a sense of his thought process, philosophy and language. Sweet also draws on scenes from public record, including the trial in Chicago and Kunstler’s speeches. Interweaving real moments and imagined scenes, Kunstler brilliantly conveys the lawyer’s remarkable life and work – the Kunstler family have even fed back the reality of the production and Kunstler’s voice.
This gripping production stars Jeff McCarthy (Urinetown; Chicago; Beauty and the Beast), the star for whom the play was written as Kunstler, and Nykila Norman as Kerry, the young law student who has a bone to pick with Kunstler and his methods. Kunstler is directed by Meagen Fay (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), who was friends with Kunstler himself and witnessed some of the historical moments in the play first hand.
The Creative Place International/iTheatre Saratoga and AND Theatre’s critically-acclaimed production of Kunstler has previously been a hit in the US, including at the Tony Award-winning Barrington Stage, Universal Preservation Hall, and off-Broadway at 59E59 in New York City. The play is co-produced in London by Hint of Lime Productions. An events programme will run alongside the production at The White Bear Theatre.
Meet us at Saratoga’s historic Music Hall (psst...follow the signs) for a unique evening of classic “far out” songs along with some holiday favorites performed by a top notch group of musicians and dynamic vocalists. (Come thirsty and bring only those that know how to have a good time!) Cash bar and surprises await...in a galaxy far, far away.
Join iTheatre Saratoga for a thrilling evening of mystery as we bring Agatha Christie's classic novel, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, to life on stage at Saratoga's historic Music Hall at 474 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, NY. The intricate plot, complex characters, and unexpected twists caused a sensation when it was first published and marked a pivotal point in Christie's life and career. Immerse yourself in the world of Detective Hercule Poirot as he unravels one of Dame Agatha's most acclaimed and timeless masterpieces. With its suspenseful atmosphere and clever storytelling, this in-person event promises an unforgettable experience for fans of crime fiction and theater alike. Don't miss your chance to witness this world premiere adaptation by Mary Jane Hansen of Agatha Christie's brilliant work live on stage.
Join us on Saturday, September 9th and 16th at Saratoga Arts for a series of new play readings. Here’s the schedule:
By Jenny Lyn Bader
Mike Vogel, a staunch believer in freedom of ideas, founds the public conversation series “How to Talk to People You Violently Disagree With,” at Avalon, a liberal arts college that prides itself on championing civil public discourse. But things heat up when Professor Vogel invites a wildly controversial speaker to participate. Soon the campus is reeling with controversy, vandalism, and an accusation of harassment that occurred years ago on the pages of a libertarian journal. The Invitation to Damon is a comedy about political correctness, civil conversation, and the extremes that people will go to in order to avoid extremists.
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
A kid’s double bill featuring a talking brain and a galactic space adventure!
By Madeleine Berkowitz
By Jenny Lyn Bader
Inspired by the short story “NATIVES” by Madeleine Berkowitz
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
By Alisa Matlovsky
From March 7, 2020, until June 24, 2021, New York State — and New York City in particular due to its density — remained under a state of emergency. These are the 474 Days that spanned a series of racially charged acts of violence, a Presidential election, a violent attempt at an insurrection at the nation’s Capital, hurricanes, earthquakes, and, underlying it all — escalating the level of anxiety and hostility — the blind, voracious virus, SARS-coV2. 474 Days details what it was like to work at a grocery store for the period of time when the city was shut down and when it began its tentative (and arguably premature) re-opening. Learn how these essential workers (for they are, indeed, essential) coped, rationalized and took care of themselves. These are their stories in their own words.
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
iTheatre Saratoga/AND Theatre company’s acclaimed production stars Broadway veteran Jeff McCarthy as the legendary Kunstler—a self-described “radical lawyer” and civil rights activist. Famous for defending the Chicago Seven and his involvement at Attica and Wounded Knee, attorney William Kunstler had an outsize personality and a tremendous appetite for life. In this two-character drama, tensions flare when he arrives on a college campus to give a seminar. The brilliant young law student assigned to introduce him objects to his appearance and is determined to confront him. Has Kunstler finally met his match?
“Wise and revealing. A skillful script. An eye-opening history lesson. Jeff McCarthy seduces his audience. Mr. McCarthy has the Kunstler style down pat…”
– The New York Times
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State legislature.
Be a part of iTheatre Saratoga/CPI & AND Theatre Company’s journey to the 2023 Fringe Fest in Edinburgh, Scotland with KUNSTLER! Your benefit ticket includes a meet and greet with KUNSTLER’s cast, featuring Broadway star Jeff McCarthy and Nykila Norman, hors d’ouevres & beverages included. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to support your local arts organizations and to continue the vital mission of cultural exchange. This VIP Experience is an additional $20 on top of your ticket price. Quantities are limited. First come, first serve.
Age 21+ / Dec. 16 & 17, 2022
On Fri. Dec. 16 and Sat. Dec. 17, iTheatre Saratoga in collaboration with CCiAC will present Oh, Garçon!, which boasts to be dinner and a show like you’ve never quite experienced!
This immersive performance staged around a dinner party will transport guests to another time and place where haute couture is all the rage. Diners will relax, sip some wine and enjoy a three-course meal, prepared by a private chef and served by a unique waiter who can be summoned with Oh, Garçon!" The waiter will be none other than Aaron Marquise, a professional clown who trained at Montreals prestigious Ecole Nationale de Cirque. The concept of it started with the idea of creating a space where strangers can connect over food and laughter.
"I love dinner parties, which combine food and conversations between strangers. Of course I also love circus, and being the center of attention, obviously", said Marquise. "In Oh, Garçon! I found a way to bring all of these things together in a unique way, where people get a restaurant-going experience they’ve never wanted before." The format allows Marquise to provide an experience for guests and then step away from it momentarily, as a waiter would, leaving room for dinner guests to become part of the entertainment as they would at any other dinner party.
Seating is communal, dinner party style. Attendees may be required to move around the performance venue. Anyone with limited mobility should contact us when purchasing tickets.
Guests will be asked for dietary requirements when purchasing tickets and our chef will craft any necessary changes around that. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free options.
Critics are raving about Oh, Garçon!, Marquise adds, "I've never waited longer for a meal, they say. I don’t think this guy is a real waiter, and my favorite: If you want one of the best meals you’ve ever had in one of the most aesthetically pleasing atmospheres, all delivered with the finest service around…go someplace else."
Limited seating available, so book now!
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State legislature.
Sponsored in part by the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust
CCiAC's season is sponsored in part by Price Chopper/Market 32
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State legislature.
Sponsored in part by the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust.
Theatre Saratoga presents a reading of the new play, MY NAME IS SUSAN. This Danish drama is a life-affirming story about four women and their strong and loving friendship. When Susan is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, her friends gather around her to reflect on the life lived and the choices they have made. Through laughter and tears, Susan’s tragedy changes them all. iTheatre’s reading features Anny DeGange Holgate, Mary Jane Hansen, Kim Wafer, and Benita Zahn.
Water, Turf, Air & Fire. Add in some smoking hot oil and the almighty dollar and you have a story as old as anyone can remember, and a few new inventions along the way. The fundamental constituents of the universe hold sway in Saratoga Chips, but a few man-made elements like currency & crime, celebrity & scandal reign supreme. From the gambling houses to the springs, from the piazzas of the grand hotels to the Graveyard of Favorites, see what happens when historical characters collide in the town you thought you knew. Commodore Vanderbilt, Mark Twain, Ulysses S. Grant, Madame Jumel, John Morrissey, Solomon Northup, and aeronaut Carlotta Myers are just a few of the famous names that pass through Saratoga Chips, an entertaining evening of history, comedy and music from Saratoga’s Victorian era.
iTheatre Saratoga returns with a world premiere of not one, not two, but three Agatha Christie classics! Poirots Investigate features a trio of thrilling one-act mysteries, each with a unique portrayal of Christie’s celebrated savant. Whether in the English countryside, the Egyptian desert, or the comfort of their own study, our Belgian detectives use their "gray cells” to solve crimes that defy quotidian logic, all while managing to keep themselves (for the most part) dust and wrinkle free.
iTheatre invites you to rethink the classic renditions and take another look at the eccentric character and Poirot’s steadfast partner-in-crime-solving, Hastings. Upending superstitions, stereotypes, simplism, and sleights of the mind, Poirot proves his timelessness and enduring propensity to entertain. Poirot and Hastings go head-to-head this Halloween season with menacing spirits, the Curse of Men-her-Ra, and the very notion of suspicious disappearance.
Join us as we present the first theatrical production at the newly renovated Saratoga City Music Hall at Saratoga’s historic City Hall.
In accordance with current NYS and Actors’ Equity Association mandates, audiences are required to present proof of full vaccination status. A fully vaccinated individual’s last dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to attendance. Patrons must bring a photo ID AND one of the following to gain admittance:
◦ a physical vaccination card; OR
◦ a photograph of vaccination card; OR
◦ a digital vaccination record (ie. Excelsior Pass).
Patrons under 12 years of age must present, prior to entry, proof of a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours. In addition: All patrons, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks inside the theatre at all times. Tickets sales are limited to 50 percent of capacity to allow for social distancing.
COVID-19 protocols and safety measures are subject to change and iTheatre Saratoga is committed to staying up-to-date with all state, local, and AEA guidance.
INVASION USA - CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE FIFTH KIND
Picture this: you return from an extended work trip to find some other life form living in your house, eating your food, and you still can’t get a straight answer about what happened to your cat. This and other stories may find their way into iTheatre Saratoga’s 2021 Youth Theatre Workshop, INVASION USA: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE FIFTH KIND. Now back to the problem at hand: what if the last time you were home was some 15,000 years ago, local time, and those pesky intruders have gone ahead and named the place “America?"
The performance project for 8-16 year olds sets out to explore a variety of social issues affecting our youth, push the boundaries of theatre, and incorporate the insights of iTheatre's young collaborators. Starting August 23 with a week of playwriting and improvisation, the second week will focus on rehearsals culminating with a showcase featuring the workshop participants.
A nominal enrollment fee of $400 is charged per/student for the two-week program, with limited scholarships and reduced rates for households with multiple children available. Slots available for one or two weeks. All classes and performances are set to take place in Saratoga Springs, NY.
REHEARSALS: MON - FRI 10:30am - 3:30pm from AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 3
STUDENT SHOWCASE: SEPTEMBER 3 at 5:30pm
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: (518) 587-5827 or EMAIL: itheatresaratoga@gmail.com
- STAY TUNED FOR INFO ON OUR OUR FUTURE RADIO DRAMAS AND PRODUCTIONS -
iTheatre Saratoga presents a new radio drama series to keep theatre arts alive when live performances are either inaccessible for audiences or unfeasible for many regional operations. Fully produced with sound design and original music for a true “theatre of the mind” adventure, iTheatre’s creative team have done a number of full-cast recordings in the past and have even won the prestigious Audie Award for their work in the audiobook medium.
A LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
Our first release, A LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, features Broadway and film veteran Jeff McCarthy as the legendary Aaron Burr, with support from iTheatre Saratoga’s acting company of professionals and Broadway veterans including Tony Award winner Ron Holgate. The cast of twenty-five also includes players from Lake George Dinner Theatre, The Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY, Theater Voices, The Ghent Playhouse, Sand Lake Center for the Arts, and Contemporary Circus & Immersive Arts Center; proceeds from the radio drama will benefit iTheatre and its collaborators from these area arts organizations during this challenging time.
KUNSTLER
After sold out engagements Off-Broadway and repeat engagements at Barrington Stage in Massachusetts, iTheatre Saratoga/Creative Place International present KUNSTLER as a radio drama. Starring Jeff McCarthy as KUNSTLER, with Keona Welch as Kerry and directed by Meagen Fay. 10% of proceeds will be donated to The Center for Constitutional Rights in honor of William Kunstler.
- CLICK ON THE IMAGE(S) BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RADIO DRAMAS -
Written by Mary Jane Hansen
The discovery of headless remains in the woods outside of Sleepy Hollow reawaken the superstitions and fears of the village. Washington Irving assists Aaron Burr and his associate Clara in defending Abraham "Brom Bones" Van Brunt, who may be responsible for the death of Ichabod Crane some 20 years earlier. Is there a murderer in their midst or could it be the spectre of the headless horseman?
iTheatre Saratoga revisits its celebrated historical play, A LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, with a consortium of Capital District theatre arts organizations. Broadway and film veteran Jeff McCarthy leads the cast as the legendary Aaron Burr, supported by iTheatre Saratoga’s acting company of professionals and Broadway veterans including Tony Award winner Ron Holgate, together with an ensemble of players from a handful of regional companies. The original work written by iTheatre's Artistic Director (Mary Jane Hansen) delves into the back story of how Washington Irving came to write the famous story, with a fair share of regional history, mystery, and the supernatural— a great listen for the Halloween season.
Fully produced with sound design and original music for a true “theatre of the mind” adventure, iTheatre’s creative team have done a number of full-cast recordings in the past and have even won the prestigious Audie Award for their work in the audiobook medium.
iTheatre Saratoga’s radio drama of A LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW is available for download purchase via BandCamp. Proceeds from your purchase will support iTheatre Saratoga, Lake George Dinner Theatre, The Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY, Theater Voices, The Ghent Playhouse, Sand Lake Center for the Arts, and Contemporary Circus & Immersive Arts Center in their continuing mission to bring quality arts programming to our region.
Written by Jeffrey Sweet
After sold out engagements Off-Broadway and repeat engagements at Barrington Stage in Massachusetts, iTheatre Saratoga/Creative Place International present KUNSTLER as a radio drama. Starring Jeff McCarthy as KUNSTLER, with Keona Welch as Kerry and directed by Meagen Fay.
Famous for defending the Chicago Seven and his involvement at Attica and Wounded Knee, the radical attorney and civil rights activist William Kunstler had an outsize personality and a tremendous appetite for life. In this two-character drama, tensions flare when he arrives on a college campus to give a seminar. The brilliant young law student assigned to introduce him objects to his appearance and is determined to confront him. Has Kunstler finally met his match?
10% of proceeds donated to The Center for Constitutional Rights in honor of William Kunstler
Broadway veteran Jeff McCarthy returns in KUNSTLER!
"KUNSTLER is an eye-opening history lesson.” —NYTimes
"Regardless of your opinion of William Kunstler, you will find KUNSTLER to be a captivating and entertaining show.” —BroadwayWorld.com
"This is a captivating and powerful theatrical event that will leave you cheering.” —StageBuddy.com
A LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW - Written by Mary Jane Hansen
The discovery of headless remains in the woods outside of Sleepy Hollow reawaken the superstitions and fears of the village. Washington Irving assists Aaron Burr and his associate Clara in defending Abraham "Brom Bones" Van Brunt, who may be responsible for the death of Ichabod Crane some 20 years earlier. Is there a murderer in their midst or could it be the spectre of the headless horseman?
iTheatre Saratoga revisits its celebrated historical play, A LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, with a consortium of Capital District theatre arts organizations. Broadway and film veteran Jeff McCarthy leads the cast as the legendary Aaron Burr, supported by iTheatre Saratoga’s acting company of professionals and Broadway veterans including Tony Award winner Ron Holgate, together with an ensemble of players from a handful of regional companies. The original work written by iTheatre's Artistic Director (Mary Jane Hansen) delves into the back story of how Washington Irving came to write the famous story, with a fair share of regional history, mystery, and the supernatural— a great listen for the Halloween season.
KUNSTLER - Written by Jeffrey Sweet
Famous for defending the Chicago Seven and his involvement at Attica and Wounded Knee, the radical attorney and civil rights activist William Kunstler had an outsize personality and a tremendous appetite for life. In this two-character drama, tensions flare when he arrives on a college campus to give a seminar. The brilliant young law student assigned to introduce him objects to his appearance and is determined to confront him. Has Kunstler finally met his match?
After sold out engagements Off-Broadway and repeat engagements at Barrington Stage in Massachusetts, iTheatre Saratoga/Creative Place International present KUNSTLER as a radio drama. Starring Jeff McCarthy as KUNSTLER, with Keona Welch as Kerry and directed by Meagen Fay. 10% of proceeds will be donated to The Center for Constitutional Rights in honor of William Kunstler.