Off the beaten path: quality theater in the burbs….

Today I rediscovered one of the best kept secrets on the cultural scene of Northern Westchester. I am talking about the Schoolhouse Theater in Croton Falls. I did attend one play there last year, and remember that I was very impressed with the quality of performance, promised myself to come back this year, and forgot all about it.  Well, I was talking to an associate of mine the other day, and she mentioned that she just saw a theater production at a Schoolhouse Theater the previous night. What a great timing – I had no plans whatsoever for this Saturday night, the husband was in agreement, children were all taken care of, and so, despite the terrible stormy weather, we were all set for taking in some culture!

The Schoolhouse Theater was formerly a Croton Falls elementary school. In 1983 the school building was transformed into an Arts Center, providing studio and gallery space to visual artists. In 1987, the first play brought from New York – Bedroom Farce – was a great success, and that’s how the Schoolhouse Theater was born. The list of actors and authors, who helped to put the Schoolhouse on the map, includes Karen Valentine, Polly Draper, David Margulies, Joyce Carol Oates, Hilma Wolitzer, Sybille Pearson, and the late Paul Zindel among others.

Tonight’s play “Kimberly Akimbo” had to do with a girl, who has a rare genetic disease and is aging 4.5 times faster than normal, and her highly dysfunctional family. The acting was simply superb. The main role was portrayed by Ruth Reid, who was so true in her performance of a 16-year old you would think she spent few months in my house observing my daughter (who is turning 17 at the end of March)! Ms. Reid’s co-stars were quite brilliant in playing Kimberly’s parents, aunt, and her classmate Jeff. Coincidentally, this weekend’s edition of New York Times has published a review of “Kimberly Akimbo“, giving it high marks.

The intimacy of the theater really adds to the overall experience. The theater itself is very small, and you feel (and you are!) very close to the stage where an action is taking place. In the intermission, you can enjoy a cup of coffee (complimentary!), see current exhibit at the gallery, and check out small gift shop.

I enjoyed our visit to the Schoolhouse Theater so much that I am planning to become a regular subscriber here. There are only 3 productions that are played at the Schoolhouse Theater every season, and this way, I won’t miss any of them! “Kimberly Akimbo” is playing through March 28, and after it there is one more production scheduled for May 2010 – “The Imaginary Invalid” by Moliere.

I invite you too, to check out this great theater – attend a play or a special event – and support the local arts!

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