Escaping the hustle and bustle of congested city life is something many people today dream about. Taking a break from the crime, politics and current events in order to seek out a place where the days consist of tranquility and peace would appeal to most. Aristophanes’ Birds is a play first performed in 414 B.C., but the theme is a timeless one. In today’s world, you can escape for just a little while with `Birds,` as presented by Steamer No. 10 theater in Albany’s Westland Hills park.
The story tells of two men who decide to escape from an Athens that has traded peace for another war, and with it more laws, taxes, and debts. They flee to the realm of the birds where they found a new utopian state that is set in the sky. The cast of birds, gods, and Athenians vie for control of the town and tariffs. The two lead characters, Ready and Happy, are played by Mark Stewart and Dav Freedman.
Stewart performs in local and regional theater and independent films. Recent stage credits include The Bogle in Witandwill’s production of `Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol` and Dan White in Three Dollar Bill’s Production of `Odd Man Out.`
`I am proud and excited to be part of the venue’s flagship summer production,` said Stewart.
Freedman works as an artist, novelist, director and actor. His achievements include the director of Footprints Productions, a summer and after-school enrichment program where he has taught theater and art for over 20 years.
Other performers include Ted DeBonis as Tereus, the leader of the birds and Carol Charniga as Owl. Both performers have experience performing in the Capital District as well as Massachusetts and New York City.
Steamer No. 10 is named after the former fire station that it is housed in and opened in 1991. The station underwent a $300,000 renovation and now seats 120 people. There are five shows a year with the support of grants from the New York State Council in the Arts and Verizon Wireless. Plays rely on audience participation and offers unique entertainment. Steamer No.10 targets younger audiences for the majority of its performances, with the exception of some plays such as `Birds,` a play with witty humor and themes intended for a more mature audience. Artistic Director Fiona Thompson said the visuals and costumes are incredible.
`This is a broad range play that boasts incredible visuals. The fabrics are so rich, it’s easy to see the great deal of work put into the production,` said Thompson.
The team consists of Director Ward Dales, Choreographer Alan Weeks, Sound Designer Benjamin Chadabe, along with James McDermott who provided the adaptation. Ward has performed, designed and directed for the theatre and cabaret stage in New York City and in Europe, but has called the Capital Region his creative home nearly 15 years. Weeks is a producer, director, choreographer, and performing artist. His directorial and choreographic credits include the Broadway production of `Ain’t Misbehavin’,` as well as `Sophisticated Ladies,` `Funny Girl` and `Tap Dance Kid.` His film credits include `The French Connection,` `Brighton Beach Memoirs,` `Truck Turner` and `Shaft.` Finally, Chadabe has performed with dancers including Min Tanaka and the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company, with voice artist Jaap Blonk, and with other composers and improvisers including Damien Catera, Bryan Kieser, Warren Burt, and Elliott Sharp. He has recently performed in New York City at Tonic, Hip Chips Festival, NYU, and The Stone. Together they have put a modern twist on a play that allows the audience to connect more closely to the show’s history.
`We are really hoping to get across to our audience and patrons that this is a play rich on comedy and contains material that will appeal to an adult audience, it’s really something different for us,` said Thompson.
Performances begin July 22 and will run through August 13. On Saturday, July 22, `Birds` will be perfomred at 8 p.m., and on Sunday, July 23, at 2 p.m. On July 27, 28 and 29, August 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 at 8 p.m. On July 30, August 6 and 13, shows are at 2 p.m.
Admission is free and donations are greatly appreciated. For information, contact the Steamer No. 10 Theatre at 438- 5503.
The entrance and parking for Westland Hills Park is at Colvin and Austain avenues and Zoar Avenue in Albany.“