A Summer of Rich Culture at Guild Hall
Guild Hall is home to the historic John Drew Theater, which has hosted a veritable Who’s Who of 20th century theatrical luminaries since its inception in 1931. John Drew, a celebrated thespian and reigning lion of the Barrymore clan, chose East Hampton as his summer home. He so charmed the citizens of the town that they dedicated the theater posthumously in his honor.
The theater enchants audiences with its octagonal shape and blue-and-white-striped tent-like ceiling that sweeps up to a chandelier of glass balloons. But it is not just the interior that captivates audiences; it is the magic of what happens onstage. World class performers including Academy Award–winning actors, comedians, performance artists, cabaret stars and jazz greats are among the many entertainers who have performed at Guild Hall.
The outstanding performances, exhibits and presentations for the summer 2012 season includes and array of favorites from all avenues of the arts.
•The Museum at Guild Hall’s 74th Annual Artist Member Exhibition will be on view through Saturday, June 9. The exhibition will showcase a wide range of artists. A few notable winners include; Top Honors, Mary Ellen Bartley, A Road Divided, (photograph), and Kyla Zoe Rafert, who captured the award for Best New Artist with “Lady-Like Behavior” (print on paper).
•Luv, created by Murray Schisgal and directed by Lonny Price, is a comedy about indiscriminate neuroses full of self-absorbed caricatures and incessant clashes of clichés. Starring Ricardo Chavira (Carlos Solis on Desperate Housewives), Jennifer Regan and Robert Stanton. Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays, June 7- June 30 at 8 p.m. and June 17 & July 1 at 2 p.m.
•Crossroads, July 5 is a musical showcase featuring London born Daisy Jopling, violinist extraordinaire who has performed with the likes of Bobby McFerrin, Joe Zawinul, Omara Portuondo and Boris Grebenshikov, just to name a few. Jopling has also worked in film with the arranging and recording of the music (with Trilogy, a trio she is a member of) of Hans Zimmer in Hollywood, Spanglish and The Road to El Dorado. The show begins at 8 p.m.
•On July 6 at 8:30 p.m., Films at the Farm: E.T. The American science fiction classic written by Melissa Mathison and produced and directed by Steven Spielberg. Presented in partnership with the East Hampton Historic Society at the Mulford Farm. Remember to bring a picnic and a blanket.
•An Evening with Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin is a season spectacular that reunites Tony Award winning virtuosos (and lifelong friends) for the first time since Evita. Coming to Guild Hall on July 7 at 7 p.m. This unique love story is sure to delight audiences.
•The Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island Present The Mikado, a comical musical set in Japan. Revolving themes about love and status intertwine throughout the plot. See it July 9 at 8 p.m.
•And let’s not forget about the kids. Guild Hall will be hosting KidFest Summer Wednesdays in July and August. This hands-on arts-and-crafts workshop will follow with animated kid-friendly performances. Workshops will be held on July 11, 18 and 25, and August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 3:30-4-30 p.m. For ages 5 and up. Kids Performances includes The Gizmo Guys, July 11 at 5 p.m. (recommended for all ages) and The Mr. Molecule Science Show on July 18 at 1:30 and 5 p.m.