Live Performances on Tap This Weekend: Island Theatre’s “This Wide Night,” BPA’s Starry Night, and Upcoming: Crescendo Rehearsals and Sing Sing

This Wide Night presented by Island Theatre this Saturday and Sunday 

Bainbridge’s own Island Theatre presents “This Wide Night,” the moving story of two women, recently released from prison, who are attempting to navigate the world “outside” and challenges to the friendship they developed “inside.”

Performances take place at the Bainbridge Public Library on Saturday, January 25 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, January 26 at 3:00 pm. Admission is by minimum donation of $5. No reservations are necessary. It is recommended for high school age and up.

The play runs 90 minutes with an intermission. Both performances will be followed by an audience discussion with the director and actors. On Sunday, special guest State Representative Tarra Simmons, who has served time herself and focuses, as a legislator, on the criminal justice system, will discuss what is happening in Washington State and issues facing women as they re-enter society.

“This Wide Night” is directed by  Jeffrey Brown and features Charlie Malo, Terace Yeatts and David Hager.

The piece was commissioned by the English theatre group Clean Break, which was created by two prisoners in 1979. Today, the group commissions an annual original production, which then tours theatres and prisons in England. They also run an education program, focused on skills helpful to re-entry, including theatrical skills. They work in prisons, and with young women at risk.

More information is available at islandtheatre.org 

“THIS WIDE NIGHT”

Saturday, January 25 @ 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 26 @ 3:00 p.m.
Bainbridge Public Library, 1270 Madison Ave. N.
Suggested minimum donation: $5

One Starry Night Presented Saturday, January 25 at BPA 

This Saturday, BPA will host its annual One Starry Night gala at the Buxton Center to raise funds in support of all its ongoing programs from Mainstage productions to the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, from its Studio Series to Theatre School program, and so much more.

Although tickets for this event are sold out, anyone wishing to share their support may donate to the gala online at any time or join us at one of the exciting upcoming events listed below!

Donate: https://bainbridgeperformingarts.thundertix.com/donations/new?campaign_id=1356

Crescendo resumes on Jan. 27 with Director Wendi Olinger and its new accompanist Owen Espinosa! Rehearsals will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Ovation Studio, 600 Ericksen, Suite 103.

I hope to see all of you there!

The basic fee remains $99, but the Ovation Board also offers two other levels of support at higher amounts to help support Crescendo programs. You can pay with a credit card at ovationmtb.com/crescendo or bring a check, made payable to Ovation, to your first rehearsal. Some partial or full scholarships are available, thanks to our generous sponsors.

The spring session will include a song the choir will perform at the Ovation Gala on March 8, along with several other special performances. The session will end with a public concert at 7 p.m., May 12, at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. Also of note, there will not be rehearsals on Feb. 17 and April 7 because of winter and spring breaks for the public schools.

The Choir is welcoming a new accompanist, Owen Espinosa. He grew up in Kitsap County, began to play piano at age 7, and recently graduated with a degree in piano performance from Biola Conservatory of Music. He teaches at the Island Music Guild and said his goal is to help each student discover “the joy that music can hold in their lives.” Also, he recently placed first in the Masterworks Concerto Competition and performed with the Masterworks Festival orchestra in Kentucky.

Music Director Olinger has chosen several interesting, fun pieces already, and the choir will vote on the rest of the session’s songs at the first rehearsal, says Connie Bye, one of the choir’s volunteer organizers. “If you have friends, relatives or neighbors who enjoy singing, please invite them to give Crescendo a try. They can sing with us, get a feel for the group and the music, then decide if they want to join.”

Helpful things to bring to rehearsals: a pencil to mark your music, a water bottle, a black, 3-ring binder to hold your music.

BPA Teams Up with the Bainbridge Island Film Festival for a special screening of Sing Sing 

Based on the true story of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison, the film follows Divine G (Colman Domingo), a wrongfully convicted man who discovers purpose and healing through theatre.

Featuring authentic performances by formerly incarcerated men, Sing Sing is a deeply moving exploration of transformation, brotherhood, and redemption. Praised by critics and honored as one of the top ten films of 2024, this award-winning movie promises an unforgettable cinematic experience. Don’t miss this inspiring story of hope and humanity.

When: Friday January 31st at 7pm at BPA

Details: 117 minutes  |  Rated R and not recommended for young audiences. Learn more about the Bainbridge Island Film Festival at bifilmfest.org

Tickets: $10 https://bainbridgeperformingarts.thundertix.com/donations/new?campaign_id=1356

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