STATEN ISLAND, NY – Some good news: Live theater is returning to Staten Island – and after a year of distance education programs and virtual performances, Sundog will feature outdoor performances of the comedy “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare ( abbreviated) ”and in-person musical theater lessons for children, both starting Saturday, June 19.

“After performing online and presenting more than 100 online arts programs last year, Sundog is delighted to see our audience and our children again,” said Susan Fenley, Managing Director of Sundog. “Nothing compares to the energy and direct communication of live theater. I believe New York City directly saw the lack of in-person arts programming as a major loss. Bring the openings.

LIVE SHOW

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)”, written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, opens June 19 at the historic Biddle House, 70 Satterlee Street, on the grounds of the Conference House in Tottenville.

A fast-firing comedy, it cuts through the parodies of Shakespeare’s 37 plays with only three performers in 97 minutes.

The LA Times called the Broadway show, “Very funny. Masterful!” The Today Show says, “If you love Shakespeare, you’ll love this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show!

Directed by Tina Barone, it stars actors Michael Robert Anderson, Jason Biss and Jason Munt. Kurt Alger provides costumes.

The performances will take place on Saturdays June 19 and 26 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and on Sundays June 20 and 27 at 1 p.m. For tickets, visit SundogTheater.org and click on “shows”.

Park Manager John Kilkullen says: “We are happy that Sundog is working at the park again. Our partnership with them continues to grow and we love to introduce new people to The Biddle House. “

Tickets are free and donations are suggested to help pay for the show and the talent.

COURSES NOW OPEN

Children’s musical theater classes are open to young people aged 9 to 17. Classes end with a final performance of Sondheim Broadway’s musical fairy tale “Into the Woods Jr.”, about the wishes and choices we make.

Classes are held outdoors at Monsignor Farrell High School, 2900 Amboy Rd., Oakwood – with an indoor performance.

With 20 years of experience teaching and directing theater, Melissa Tierney leads the class, which begins Saturday June 19 for 12 sessions until August 14.

To register, visit SundogTheater.org and click on “courses”.

“Bishop Farrell knows the vital importance of actively supporting and encouraging our young people to discover both the visual and performing arts,” said Lou Tobacco, President of Bishop Farrell High School. “We are proud to welcome our good friends to the Sundog Theater this summer and look forward to seeing the talent grow.”

Children’s musical theater classes are held on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings at a cost of $ 250 per student with needs-based scholarships available from Staten Island Borough President James Oddo and the Scholarship Fund of studies Christopher Dillon Micha.

The show and classes will follow government guidelines related to COVID-19.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” was originally produced by the Reduced Shakespeare Company and is available for production by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing, Inc.

Sundog Theater is a Staten Island-based performing arts organization that offers contemporary and original theater for adults and children, educational touring shows and programs.

The HH Biddle House is part of the New York City Parks and Recreation Department. A New York City landmark, it was built in 1845 for Henry Hogg Biddle. Its large porch acts as an integrated stage, with seating on the lawn. The house is open every week for visits. Visit the Parks Department website at nyc.gov/parcs

Monsignor Farrell High School, a Catholic high school for boys, opened in 1961 and was named in honor of Monsignor Joseph Farrell, a prominent priest and religious, political and community leader of Staten Island. It has more than 800 students. For more information visit www.msgrfarrellhs.org

For more information call 718-816-5453 or visit SundogTheater.org or info@SundogTheater.org.