08/12/2021
Bristol Valley Theater presents world premiere musical’s “‘S Wonderful: An Evening With George Gershwin”
Bristol Valley Theater, the Finger Lakes’ award-winning, professional theater, will conclude its live, outdoor theater season in Naples, NY with ‘S Wonderful: An Evening with George Gershwin, a world-premiere musical, written and performed by BVT actor, playwright, and composer Michael Radi. The musical will run from August 19 – September 4 at the specially constructed outdoor stage located in the theater’s parking lot.
‘S Wonderful stars Michael Radi, a BVT favorite and Honeoye native, stepping into the shoes of iconic American composer George Gershwin for an evening of song and reflection over his lifetime of work. Radi takes his place at the piano to bring George’s music and passion to life, including beloved hits like Summertime, Rhapsody in Blue, Embraceable You, and Fascinatin’ Rhythm.
“Gershwin is arguably one of the greatest American composers” says Bristol Valley Theater Executive Artistic Director Karin Bowersock. “And Michael’s play takes us on a journey through his iconic life, music, and inspirations. We are finishing this extraordinary summer with one to make your heart soar.”
‘S Wonderful will run in repertory with Neat, a lovingly crafted memory play about a young Black woman’s coming of age in Albany, and the profound influence of a most unlikely family member, her mentally disabled Aunt Neat. Neat, written by Charlayne Woodard and starring Judith Annozine, plays at Bristol Valley Theater August 18th through September 3rd
The creative teams for both plays running in August consist of scenic designer Shelley Barish, lighting designer Greg Solomon, costume designer Samantha Miller, sound designer Rich Miller, scenic assistant Jason Dixon, electrics assistant Jonathan Langberg, and costume assistant Zech Saenz. ‘S Wonderful is directed by Katelyn Machnica and stage managed by Meaghan Finlay.
The 2021 BVT Summer Season will be performed outdoors on a newly constructed outdoor stage and with limited, socially distanced seating at 151 S. Main Street, Naples, NY. Performance times are August 19th, 21st, 25th, 27th, and September 2nd at 8:00pm and August 22nd, 26th, 28th, September 1st, and 4th at 2:00pm. Bristol Valley Theater’s full schedule and further information is available on their website, www.bvtnaples.org.
Tickets for Bristol Valley Theater’s 2021 Summer Season, both virtual and live, are on sale through the website, or by calling the Box Office at 585-374-6318. Tickets are also available at the door, but seating is limited to insure social distancing. BVT will also offer virtual streaming options for all performances for those who prefer to watch from home through their streaming partner at showtix4u.com/events/bvt.
