Emily Brontë said, “May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope.”
While spring is in full swing and East Enders prepare for the big, bad Memorial Day Weekend at the end of the month, this weekend still harkens back to Brontë’s idea: new beginnings are upon us. For this weekend across the Hamptons, performance art takes front and center stage. Hampton Ballet Theatre School puts on a comic ballet at Guild Hall while the Playwrights’ Theatre of East Hampton at LTV host a staging of “God of Carnage,” exploring themes of marriage, friendship and the dynamics of power.
The Hamptons Comedy Festival comes to Sticks and Stones Comedy Club in Southampton this Saturday while nonprofit farm Share the Harvest hosts a springtime market in East Hampton. The Long Island Game Farm in Manorville hosts a special event for their 55th anniversary. They recently launched the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc., its new nonprofit arm dedicated to protecting the animals and supporting educational initiatives to ensure and raise awareness on the issues animals face. Even if you don’t love zoos (because we have mixed feelings, too), that’s something to get behind.
See a play come to life at LTV
The Playwrights’ Theatre of East Hampton at LTV Studios (75 Industrial Road, Wainscott, 631-537-2777), in association with Kassar Productions, present a full-staged play of “God of Carnage” starting today and continuing through this weekend at the Wainscott-based public access station. The play, originally done in French (Le Dieu du carnage) is a play by Yasminia Reza that was first published in 2008. It follows two sets of parents; the son of one couple has harmed the son of the other couple at a public park. The parents then meet to civilly discuss the matter, unsuccessfully, as the evening shifts and the meeting becomes chaotic. Showtimes are tonight, tomorrow (May 2) and Saturday (May 3) at 7:30 p.m. with matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday (May 4) at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and $15 for students. VIP café seating is available for $60 per person (includes a drink).
Dive into Gingy’s Diaries at SAC
Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Lane, 631-283-0967) hosts a live theatrical event “Gingy’s Diaries, or Love, Loss and Real Life” starting tomorrow and continuing through Sunday. From the pages of the diary of Ilene Beckerman, author of “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” the play is about how Beckerman sees the world and relationships as they really are, with five women taking the stage to convey Gingy’s most public and private moments. Tomorrow’s show starts at 7 p.m. with additional performances on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20, $15 for members.
Attend a springtime ballet at Guild Hall
A spring production of the comedic ballet “Coppelia” will be performed by the Hampton Ballet Theatre School at Guild Hall (158 Main St., 631-324-0806) in East Hampton tomorrow night at 7 p.m. With a lively score by Leo Delibes, the ballet is choreographed by HBTS director Sara Jo Strickland featuring hand sewn costumes by Yuka Silvera, Strickland and Kate McManus. HBTS professional level 9 student Avery McCleland will be dancing the lead role of Swanhilda, with additional guest artists including Nick Peregrino, Jacob Tyler, Omari Contaste and Malik Berry. Set to occur in the fully renovated Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan Theater at Guild Hall, tickets start at $35 in advance, $40 day of and are available here. Performances will continue through this weekend with a 7 p.m. show on Saturday, and two shows on Sunday at noon and 5 p.m.
Show up for a springtime market
The nonprofit farm, Share the Harvest, dedicated to fighting food insecurity on Long Island, hosts a spring market at Hoie Hall at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (18 James Lane) on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in East Hampton. The community-centered event includes a lineup of local vendors, food and drink artisans, live music and more. Visitors can enjoy tunes from Chris Kline as well as raffles, fresh flowers and produce, and a large variety of food and drink offerings. Slow Food East End will join in as special guests. Participating vendors will donate 15% of their proceeds to Share the Harvest Farm. If you can’t make it and would like to make a donation, click here.
Hear some live tunes on Shelter Island
Live music will be at the Rams Head Inn (108 Ram Island, 631-749-0811) on Shelter Island all weekend long. Starting with Emily Weitz, featuring Bosco Michne, performing tomorrow from 5 to 8 p.m., Bill Cento will be tickling the ivories on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. On Sunday, it’s Dick Behrke’s jazz quintet featuring John Ludlow from 5 to 8 p.m.
Celebrate Long Island Game Farm’s 55th!
The kickoff for Long Island Game Farm’s 55th anniversary is this Saturday at 10 a.m. located at 489 Chapman Boulevard in Manorville. Emceed by Doug Geed, a 10-time Emmy Award winner and former News 12 anchor and reporter, the event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony of the Woodland Trail, a universal access trail suitable for wheelchairs. The trail was renovated with funds from the Suffolk County Jumpsmart program. The ceremony will start the Trail Trot and Animal Antics, a non-competitive run/walk through the trail followed by animal inspired challenges for kids. The day will also include an open house, a performance from local Long Island songwriters, an interactive sculpture installation project led by artist Tonito Valderrama, talks from local nature and animal activists and much more. Discounted admission for the day is $15 per person. Call 631-878-6644 for more information.
Laugh your head off at Sticks and Stones
Sticks and Stones Comedy Club (25 Pond Lane, 917-855-4828) in Southampton presents the Hamptons Comedy Festival All-Star Showcase this Saturday, May 3. Starting at 7 p.m., the show features curated talent from NYC’s best comedy clubs, like Comedy Cellar, Gotham Comedy Club and Comic Strip Live. Saturday’s lineup includes “the world’s funniest accountant” Steve GB, the quick-witted, tart-tongued Rob White, Sag Harbor’s own “Millennial Stoner” Joe Winchell, Harry Freedman (longtime touring mate of Ray Romano), and the dynamic and charming Ryan Kenny. Enjoy drink and snacks in the gallery with live music from local composer and guitarist David Kra of Kraman at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $40.25.
Make a bouquet for Mom
In honor of Mother’s Day, the Hampton Maid (259 E. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, 631-728-4166) and R.aire will host a flower arranging class this Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. Guided by Rose Andres, of Andres Family Farm, the class features the freshest spring blooms available for guests to create a bouquet to bring home, glass vase and all. $100 per person includes the glass as well a welcome opportunity to enjoy small bites and a glass of rose as they design, sip and create their flower bundles. Seats are limited, so make your reservation here.
