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BWW Exclusive: Resounding is Bringing Theater Back to NYC at Radial Park

Standing in the middle of an empty parking lot at the water's edge of Astoria, Queens, Steve Wargo, Creative Director of Resounding, took a few 360-degree turns around the expanse of asphalt and thought, "This is going to be awesome."

The parking lot, however, is Radial Park, a hybrid amphitheater and drive-in, complete with a stage, lighting grid, dressing rooms, concessions, spaces for both parked cars and picnic tables for those who prefer their theatre al fresco, and all capped with a towering movie screen that makes the onstage actors' live performances larger than life.

No stranger to making theater in unconventional spaces, Wargo, along with his business partner, Tony-nominated producer Blair Russell, searched for a venue outside the mainstream for their first effort of 2021, someplace unexpected and safe for all involved, someplace that offered an avenue to create a new mode of storytelling for a new way of going to the theatre.

"It's not the usual 'theater-in-a-box' experience we're offering. We're fully maximizing what we can do, given the circumstances, and along the way we're innovating; we're reinventing the wheel of what a night out at the theatre can mean," said Wargo. "Theater requires a text, humans in a space, and an audience. The rest is details. I've got the texts, we've assembled a small army of exquisite, brave actors, and then we found our space. Now all we need is the audience leaning and listening in, and voila: New York has theater again."

The texts are the five separate plays Resounding is presenting at Radial Park from April 23-May 23. The diverse casts, totaling thirty actors on full union contracts, run the gamut of what it means to be a working actor in New York, including a TV legend, Tony nominees, Broadway regulars, and the top talent from across New York theatre that, combined, make New York the rich haven it is, has been, and should be again for theater folk of all stripes.

Wargo added, "There is no hierarchy now. Theater is theater. The lines separating "on" from "off" and "off-off" have been erased. Our shows are fantastic, the talent is top-drawer, the experience is unlike any other. We are a New York City theater operation, so nothing less should be expected. New York City audiences deserve nothing less, no matter the circumstances."

And luckily for theater-goers worldwide, each Resounding performance this spring will also be live simulcast online, just as their remotely-produced Fall season was. Tickets start at $10 for the live audio stream bringing each performance to your headphones wherever you are.

Wargo concluded, "It's a tall order, trying to restart an engine that's been off and rusting for over a year, but New Yorkers are tougher than obstacles such as this. I've lived here through 9/11, Sandy, blackouts and riots. All we're asking is that New Yorkers take the brave step forward to be an audience again, to stand up for their town as the center of the theater world, to not assume that someone else is going to show up. No one is coming to save us but us. I know we'll rise up again - together."

For tickets, visit: https://www.resounding.live/radialpark

Montego Glover and Quentin Earl Darrington to Lead BEYOND THE VEIL at Radial Park at Halletts Point Play

Resounding, the immersive-audio entertainment company, announced today casting for the world premiere live outdoor performance and simulcast of Beyond the Veil, an original ghost thriller by Steve Wargo, as part of the month-long residency at the theatrical drive-in experience Radial Park at Halletts Point Play.

Leading the cast are Tony Award nominee Montego Glover (Memphis, Les Misérables, Hamilton) as Rebecca, a Spiritualist medium determined to bring justice to the dead, and Broadway's Quentin Earl Darrington (Ragtime, Cats, Once on This Island) as the Narrator, a small-town doctor wracked with grief and beset by spectral visitations.

Beyond the Veil, a world-premiere ghost play, will run for two performances only Friday, April 30, Saturday, May 1 at 8:00 PM ET, and runs approximately 60 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets, starting at just $10, are now on sale at resounding.live/radialpark.

Joining Glover and Darrington are Broadway's Alyssa Fox (Frozen, Wicked) as Mother, Siho Ellsmore (Resounding's Dracula, Nutcracker; Jewtopia) as Miriam, Mary Jo McConnell (National tours: Sister Act, All Shook Up) as Cora, and John Stimac (Resounding's Dracula; Met Opera: Akhnaten) as Father.

Fresh off a successful launch and fall run of remotely produced and performed live immersive-audio plays, Resounding will be producing some of the first live entertainment events in New York City in 2021 at the stunning outdoor venue in Astoria featuring unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline.

Wargo will direct his ghost play, with Sound Design by Josh Samuels, which will include a fully immersive "horrorscape" of creaks, faceless whispers, shocking screeches and suspenseful silence to tell the tale of two grieving families who come together to seek help from a medium to "lift the veil" to the realm of the dead and find closure. What they discover there is the stuff of nightmares and will haunt them, and audiences, long after the seance has ended.

The production will be performed for both an in-person audience and via audio simulcast as part of a month-long festival at the theatrical drive-in experience Radial Park. In-person audiences will be given special "silent disco"-style headphones to get the full immersive sound experience while enjoying atmospheric and stage projections on the venue's 50x60 foot screen. Award-winning NYC bartender Jena Ellenwood will curate an at home experience for remote audiences including exclusive access to seance-themed dinner menu suggestions and a custom cocktail recipe perfect for enjoying a "night out, in."

Other immersive audio plays in the five-week residency (April 23 - May 23), include the unauthorized parody in iambic pentameter of a classic film script, Clu-eth (April 23 - 24), an adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest (May 7 - 8), the company's ever-popular Treasure Island, starring Tony Award nominee Rob McClure (May 14 - 15), and Triassic Parq: The Musical (May 21 - 23).

Additional free tickets will be available to NYCHA Astoria Houses residents via digital lottery.

Guests at Radial Park can enjoy the theatrical show from the safety of their own vehicles or via reserved picnic tables spaced appropriately for social distancing for those who prefer biking, walking, or taking the ferry to Halletts Point Play.

Following the requirements of government and health officials, Radial Park will continue to implement strict health and safety protocols including temperature checks upon arrival via an infrared, touchless thermometer; color-coded wristbands for social distancing; and more.

Radial Park's cinemersive experience, dubbed "Broadway at the Drive-In," officially opened October 1, 2020 with Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera on the big screen along with live specially interwoven musical numbers from Broadway's Derrick Davis and Ali Ewoldt alongside a live 11-piece orchestra and continued with Purple Rain featuring Aaron Marcellus, Nick Rashad Burroughs and Lenesha "Sister" Randolph and Selena, starring two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada singing hits from the films in front of live bands. This Spring Broadway at the Drive-In returns with the iconic, blockbuster, fan-favorite film, The Blues Brothers beginning Thursday, May 27, 2021.

Radial Park at Halletts Point Play is led by producers Jeremy Shepard and Marco Shalma with a creative team that includes two-time Tony Award and three-time Emmy Award winner Dale Badway (Executive Producer and Creative Director) Shira Milikowsky (Creative Director and Producer) and Vanjah Boikai (Associate Producer).

The Resounding team includes Steve Wargo (Creative Director), Blair Russell (Director of Operations), Jen Ash (Production & Broadcast Director), and Holly Buczek, CSA (Casting Director).

Charity Angel Dawson, Nick Rashad Burroughs, and More Set For THE BLUES BROTHERS at Radial Park

The cast has been announced for this spring's The Blues Brothers, the latest "Broadway at the Drive-In" cinemersive experience at Radial Park as it continues its residency at Halletts Point Play.

Leading the company of The Blues Brothers are Broadway's Charity Angel Dawson (Mrs. Doubtfire, Waitress) as Mrs. Murphy, Nick Rashad Burroughs (Radial Park's Purple Rain, Kinky Boots) as Reverend Cleophus James, F. Michael Haynie (Wicked, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Elwood Blues, Brian Charles Johnson (Spring Awakening, American Idiot) as "Joliet" Jake Blues, and Antoine L. Smith (Carousel, The Color Purple) as Ray. Additionally, The Blues Brothers will feature Ladonna Burns and Anne Fraser Thomas as the Blues Sistas.

Check out the trailer below!

The Blues Brothers, directed by Kristine Bendul and Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva, featuring a live band and theatrical performances seamless timed in-sync with the movie in a one-of-a-kind hybrid mashup, will officially open Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 7:00 PM ET and continue every Friday and Saturday evening at 8:00 PM ET through Saturday, June 26.

Tickets for The Blues Brothers are now on sale at radialpark.com

Radial Park's cinemersive experience, "Broadway at the Drive-In," officially opened October 1, 2020 with Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera on the big screen along with live specially interwoven musical numbers from Phantom alums Derrick Davis and Ali Ewoldt alongside a live 11-piece orchestra. The series continued with Purple Rain featuring Aaron Marcellus, Nick Rashad Burroughs and Lenesha "Sister" Randolph and closed out 2020 with Selena, starring two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada singing hits from the films in front of live bands.

Radial Park is led by Executive Producer Jeremy Shepard and an eclectic steering committee and creative team that includes two-time Tony Award and three-time Emmy Award winner Dale Badway (Artistic Producer of cinemersive content), Marco Shalma (Media Relations, Marketing, Producer), Vanjah Boikai (Associate Producer), Emily Marshall (Musical Director), Michael Garner (Operations), and John Jeremy Norman (Special Events and Strategic Advisor).

Guests can enjoy the interactive, theatrical show from the safety of their own vehicles or via reserved picnic tables spaced appropriately for social distancing for those who prefer biking, walking, or taking the ferry to Halletts Point Play. Whether attending in a car or without, each ticket secures a 16' by 16' demarcated space which accommodates up to five adults, in compliance with current local, state, and Federal guidance.

Beverages and movie theater-style snacks are available for purchase, alongside a selection of food trucks offering Mexican, Southern Style, and All-American options.

As directed by local, state, and Federal authorities, Radial Park will continue to implement strict health and safety protocols including temperature checks at arrival via touchless thermometers, and color-coded wristbands which nonverbally communicate individual preference for a spectrum of strict or very strict social distancing practices.

In addition to their marquee program, "Broadway at the Drive-In," Radial Park will present a robust slate of programming including "Sound Up New York," a music festival series bringing together established and up-and-coming artists, "Sunday-Funday," a partnership with Masc Hospitality to curate an open-air foodie experience celebrating New York's finest brews & grub with live entertainment and activities, and "The Big Screen," a collaboration with studios and film festivals from the Tri-state area to bring back lush theatrical releases and to support the local filmmaking community.

The Durst Organization will underwrite 20 tickets (per showing) for the Astoria Houses residents. A portion of the proceeds from tickets sales will benefit Friends of Halletts Point, a community non-profit organization that enhances the infrastructure, transportation connections, community programming and beautification of the Halletts Point peninsula.

Sonia Manzano, Tyler Hardwick, Christine Bruno and More to Star in THE TEMPEST at Radial Park

Resounding has completed casting for the upcoming live outdoor performance and simulcast of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Leading the cast is Sesame Street legend, author, and Emmy-winning writer Sonia Manzano as Prospera. Joining Manzano are are Broadway's Tyler Hardwick (Once On This Island) as Ferdinand and Captain, Christine Bruno (Best Summer Ever) as Trinculo and Gonzalo, David Carl (Resounding's Nutcracker; Trump Lear) as Alonso and Stephano; Sam Given (The Inheritance) as Ariel and Sebastian; L'Oreal Lampley (Williamstown's A Son, Come Home) as Miranda; and Kurt Uy (Resounding's Treasure Island; CBS: Tommy; FBI) as Caliban and Antonio.

The show is presented by Tony nominated producer Blair Russell (Slave Play, streaming production of The Last Five Years) and award-winning writer and director Steve Wargo. Wargo will direct his hour-long adaptation of Shakespeare's romantic fantasy developed with family audiences in mind. Speaking about the production, Wargo said, "This is the most diverse and inclusive cast I have ever had the pleasure to direct, and all in the effort of introducing Shakespeare to younger and uninitiated audiences. The enormous honor of being able to present this to the world with the starring talent of a woman who helped millions of us learn how to read is very special."

Shakespeare's classic play will be presented in a whole new way with special 360° sound design by Resounding Resident Designer Andy Evan Cohen. At Radial Park the live in-person audience, one of the first since theaters have reopened, will be given special headphones to get the full immersive sound experience while watching the cast on stage with atmospheric projections displayed above on the venue's 50x60 foot screen. Remote audiences listening live via 360° audio simulcast will enjoy exclusive access to Mediterranean-themed dinner menu suggestions, decor inspiration, and a custom cocktail recipe, all created and curated by award-winning NYC bartender Jena Ellenwood.

Performances will take place Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8 at 8:00 PM ET, and run approximately 60 minutes with no intermission. Tickets, starting at just $10, are now on sale at resounding.live/radialpark.

Additional free tickets will be available to NYCHA Astoria Houses residents via digital lottery.

Fresh off a successful launch and fall run of remotely produced and performed live immersive-audio plays, Resounding will be producing some of the first live entertainment events in New York City in 2021 at the stunning outdoor venue in Astoria featuring unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline. Other plays in the series include Clu-eth starring Manu Narayan, Beyond the Veil starring Montego Glover and Quentin Earl Darrington, Treasure Island starring Rob McClure and Maggie Lakis, and a concert revival of the musical Triassic Parq, featuring its original off-Broadway cast.

Radial Park guests can enjoy the performance from the safety of their own vehicles or via reserved picnic tables spaced appropriately for social distancing for those who prefer biking, walking, or taking the ferry to Astoria/Hallett's Point Play.

Following the requirements of government and health officials, Radial Park will continue to implement strict health and safety protocols, including temperature checks upon arrival via an infrared, touchless thermometer; color-coded wristbands for social distancing; and limited, distanced seating.

Radial Park at Halletts Point Play is led by producers Jeremy Shepard and Marco Shalma with a creative team that includes two-time Tony Award and three-time Emmy Award winner Dale Badway (Executive Producer and Creative Director) Shira Milikowsky (Creative Director and Producer) and Vanjah Boikai (Associate Producer).

The Resounding team includes Steve Wargo (Creative Director), Blair Russell (Director of Operations), Jen Ash (Production & Broadcast Director), and Holly Buczek, CSA (Casting Director).

DETAILS:

RESOUNDING presents

The Tempest

Friday, May 7 & Saturday, May 8 at 8:00 pm ET

Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased by visiting www.resounding.live/radialpark

Running Time is approximately 60 minutes

Upcoming Resounding performances include

Clu-eth (April 23-24), Beyond the Veil (April 30-May 1), Treasure Island (May 14-15), and Triassic Parq: The Musical (May 21-23)

Rob McClure and Maggie Lakis Will Lead TREASURE ISLAND at Theatrical Drive-in Radial Park

Rob McClure and Maggie Lakis will lead a live outdoor performance and broadcast of the pirate classic Treasure Island as part of the month-long residency at the theatrical drive-in experience Radial Park at Halletts Point Play.

They will be joined by Victoria Huston-Elem (Finding Neverland 1st Nat., Addams Family 1st Nat.), Christian Elan Ortiz (West Side Story), Kurt Uy ("Tommy," Vietgone), and Stuart Williams ("The Plot Against America," "Turn: Washington's Spies").

Treasure Island, the fourth in a series of five immersive-audio plays performed for both in-person audiences and via simulcast, will take place Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 8:00 PM ET and runs approximately 70 minutes.

Tickets, starting at just $10, are now on sale at resounding.live/radialpark.

In-person audiences will be given special "silent disco"-style headphones to get the full immersive sound experience while enjoying atmospheric and stage projections on the venue's 50x60 foot screen. Remote audiences are encouraged to enjoy a "night out, in" with exclusive access to pirate-themed dinner menu suggestions, decor inspiration, and a custom rum cocktail recipe, all created and curated by award-winning NYC bartender Jena Ellenwood.

Resounding Creative Director Steve Wargo directs his adaptation, inspired by a 1938 broadcast helmed by Orson Welles, about the sailing ship Hispaniola, where young Jim Hawkins and the crew seek the lost treasure of Captain Flint with only a scrawled, stolen map to guide them. All must beware, for there's mutiny aboard as well, with the cunning and roguish Long John Silver ready to kill all who stand between him and the buried booty awaiting them on the isle.

About the production, Wargo said, "This is going to be so much fun to perform under the stars and for both an in-person audience and listeners all around the world at the same time. We are so excited to welcome this amazing cast back to the stage and cannot wait to create, together, the world of Treasure Island in the ears and imaginations of all who attend. Telling stories in front of a live audience is a thrill we all have missed so much. We can't wait to get back to work."

In addition to Resounding's popular Treasure Island, other immersive audio plays in the five-week residency (April 23 - May 23), include the unauthorized parody in iambic pentameter of a classic film script, Clu-eth (April 23 - 24), a new ghost thriller, Beyond the Veil (April 30 - May 1), and an adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest (May 7 - 8). The fifth production, a musical will be announced.

Additional free tickets will be available to NYCHA Astoria Houses residents via digital lottery.

Fresh off a successful launch and fall run of remotely produced and performed live audio plays, Resounding will be producing some of the first live entertainment events in New York City in 2021 at the stunning outdoor venue in Astoria featuring unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline.

Guests at Radial Park can enjoy the interactive, theatrical show from the safety of their own vehicles or via reserved picnic tables spaced appropriately for social distancing for those who prefer biking, walking, or taking the ferry to Halletts Point Play.

Following the requirements of government and health officials, Radial Park will continue to implement strict health and safety protocols including temperature checks upon arrival via an infrared, touchless thermometer; color-coded wristbands for social distancing; and more.

Radial Park's cinemersive experience, dubbed "Broadway at the Drive-In," officially opened October 1, 2020 with Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera on the big screen along with live specially interwoven musical numbers from Broadway's Derrick Davis and Ali Ewoldt alongside a live 11-piece orchestra and continued with Purple Rain featuring Aaron Marcellus, Nick Rashad Burroughs and Lenesha "Sister" Randolph and Selena, starring two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada singing hits from the films in front of live bands. This Spring Broadway at the Drive-In returns with the iconic, blockbuster, fan-favorite film, The Blues Brothers beginning Thursday, May 27, 2021.

Radial Park at Halletts Point Play is led by producers Jeremy Shepard and Marco Shalma with a creative team that includes two-time Tony Award and three-time Emmy Award winner Dale Badway (Executive Producer and Creative Director) Shira Milikowsky (Creative Director and Producer) and Vanjah Boikai (Associate Producer).

The Resounding team includes Steve Wargo (Creative Director), Blair Russell (Director of Operations), Jen Ash (Production & Broadcast Director), and Holly Buczek, CSA (Casting Director).

Blair Russell is a recipient of AKA NYC's Black Producer 500 Hours Initiative, a program designed to support emerging black creators and producers. The AKA team will be donating creative, strategic, and marketing hours to work on Resounding.

Resounding is partnering with Radial Park to present five in-person live immersive audio plays featuring live actors for five weekends, including a remount of the company’s popular Treasure Island, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, a new ghost thriller, Beyond The Veil, and an unauthorized parody in iambic pentameter of a classic film script, Clu-eth, and the musical Triassic Parq with the original off-Broadway cast.