Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts invites audiences to kick off the summer season with a special concert of the new musical “Talk of the Town” on Saturday, May 23, at 7 PM.
Set in the vibrant world of 1920s New York, “Talk of the Town” brings to life the true story behind the founding of The New Yorker. It is a story of ambition, creativity, and the relationships that helped shape an American cultural institution.
With a book by Eve Potts, a remarkable 96-year-old playwright believed to be one of the oldest new voices in American theater, and Andrew Bentley, and music and lyrics by Jeffrey Stock, this new musical will make Bay Street “the talk of the town” for Memorial Day weekend in Sag Harbor.
At this musical’s center are editor Harold Ross and writer Jane Grant, a forward-thinking voice whose influence helped define both the magazine and its moment. Emerging from the same dynamic literary circle as Dorothy Parker, the story also introduces audiences to figures such as Irving Berlin and Alexander Woollcott, offering a glimpse into a time when art, culture, and conversation were constantly evolving.
Presented as a concert featuring brilliant Broadway actors and singers, this performance will place the focus on the music and storytelling, creating an engaging and intimate experience. As a new work in development, it offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience a musical still evolving and to be part of its creative journey.
VIP tickets are available and include a reception with the creators immediately following the performance, offering a chance to connect more deeply with the artists and the work.
“The more we explored the origins of the magazine, the more we realized there was a love story at the heart of it all,” said Andrew Bentley. “Once we found that, we knew we had the makings of a musical.”
“At Bay Street Theater, supporting new work is a core part of our mission,” said Artistic Director Scott Schwartz. “’Talk of the Town’ is a perfect example of how a new piece can grow through collaboration, discovery, and live audience engagement. And it will be a witty, joyful, and stimulating start to our 35th Season, one that invites audiences to come closer than ever to stunning live performances.”
Tickets are available at baystreet.org or by calling 631-725-9500.