Tag Archives: Washington Park

“Mesmerized” by Piper Theatre’s The Island of Doctor Moreau

Richard Grayson, author of Brooklyn Diaries, I Brake for Delmore Schwartz, And to Think He Kissed Him on Lorimer Street, and other titles, ventured to Park Slope this weekend to see Piper Theatre’s outdoor production of The Island of Doctor Moreau.

I love to read Grayson’s reactions to local culture. He’s smart and very knowedgable about art and theater.

He’s also an interesting guy. I’ve read the Brooklyn Diaries, which is compulsive reading (by a compulsive writer) for those interested in one young man’s college and post-college years in 1970’s and 80’s Brooklyn.

Grayson writes about his cultural wanderings in Williamsburg and other neighborhoods on his blog, Dumbo Books of Brooklyn. Just this week, he’s written about  a zine fest at Pete’s Candy Store, Eugene Mirman in Williamsburg Park and a recent breakfast in Ft. Greene. He also takes pictures.

“Tonight we were mesmerized by a stunning performance of an innovative, visceral, and commanding adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau conceived and executed by the amazing Piper Theatre outside the Old Stone House in Park Slope’s Washington Park.”

Xanadu: Happy, Campy Fun in Park Slope’s Washington Park

What a pleasure to join more than 400 neighbors on the Turf behind the Old Stone House  to watch Piper Theatre’s production of  Xanadu, the theatrically re-imagined 1980’s Olivia Newton- John movie.

Have You Never Been Mellow?

Props to cast, especially Alissa Laderer, MaryAnne Piccolo, who bring much in the way of  joy, talent and enthusiasm to their singing and dancing (sometimes on roller skates). They made it look easy and artful on an extremely humid night. What spirit!

Have You Never Been Mellow?

Truth be told, the show itself has few memorable songs (Have You Never Been Mellow?) but overall conveys a spirited disco feeling with soaring gospel harmonies. The set and costumes are colorful and  campy fun and the glittery, Spandex spectacle is a pleasure to watch from the plastic lawn sipping a beer from The Gate, munching on Starburst (bought at the concessions stand).

Have You Never Been Mellow?

Set in Venice Beach circa 1980, the story, by Douglas Carter Beane (the award-winning playwright of “The Little Dog Laughed” and “Lysistrata Jones”), is about Kira, a Greek muse who descends from Mt. Olympus to inspire Sonny, a street artist with a dream to open a roller disco.

Have You Never Been Mellow?

Silliness, satire and star-crossed love come together in a happy frolic directed by John Macinerney, who was kind enough to provide me with my very own day glow necklace. At the end of the show, the cast joyously tossed beach balls to the audience.

On a very hot Friday night, it felt like we were at Venice Beach being very mellow indeed.

Damn, I can’t get that song out of my head. Dates: July 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8 PM at the Old Stone House (The Turf).

The photo is  by my friend Josh Mack.