Soprano Victoria Tralongo and baritone Peter Kendall Clark, from the 2013 Chelsea Opera production of “A Distant Love: Songs of John and Abigail Adams.” The company’s Jan. 24 gala will raise funds to match their NEA grant and send the production on tour this summer.
BY SCOTT SITFFLER
(to submit an event, email scott@chelseanow.com)
ANNIVERSARY HUDSON GUILD THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS “A VALENTINE TO THE THEATRE”
It’s a little too early for Valentine’s Day — but just the right time to show Hudson Guild Theatre Company some love. The venerable community center’s premiere mode of cultural outreach, HGTC productions are often cast with local talent and always speak to the neighborhood’s diverse ethnicities and religions. Over the past 20 years, they’ve presented works by Shakespeare, Ibsen, August Wilson, James Baldwin, Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill and others (including an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and a 90-minute version of Wagner’s “Ring of the Nibelung”). Now, their 55th production, “A Valentine to the Theatre,” is a lighthearted revue of scenes and songs about life in the theatre — starring present members of the company and faces from distinguished productions of the past.
Jan. 23, 30, 31 & Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. At 2 p.m. on Jan. 24, 31 & Feb. 1. At Hudson Guild Theatre (441 W. 26th St. | btw. 9th &10th Aves.). Admission: Pay what you wish. Reservations 212-760-9817. Visit hudsonguild.org.
INFORMATION SESSION FOR TEENS WHO WANT TO JOIN COMMUNITY BOARD 4
Community Board 4 (CB4) has 50 members who meet monthly to help decide local issues (including schools, parks and housing). This year, for the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds can apply to join the board. An information session will be held for prospective candidates, on Fri., Jan. 23, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building Mezzanine (1 Centre St., north entrance). Registration is required, at teenboards.eventbritre.com. For more info on CB4, call 212-736-4536 or visit nyc.gov/mcb4 or email them at info@manhattancb4.org.
FUNDRAISER | CHELSEA OPERA PRESENTS “QUINNTESSENTIALLY YOURS II”
We’re not alone in singing the praises of that local treasure, Chelsea Opera. Last year, word came that it had received an Art Works Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. That grant will allow the professional opera company (now in its eleventh season) to restage their 2013 production of “A Distant Love: Songs of John and Abigail Adams” in Quincy, MA, on June 21. Nicely timed to coincide with (Founding) Father’s Day, the performance will take place in the carriage house of the Adams ancestral home — but only if they’re able to fully realize the $25,000 fundraising goal. Uncle Sam has ponied up half as a vote of confidence in Chelsea Opera, and now it’s our turn. On Jan. 24, funds raised from a special gala concert and reception will benefit the touring version of “A Distant Love.” The event features the written works of “Distant Love” librettist Terry Quinn set to music by six composers.
Sat., Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. (with post-concert Champagne Reception). At Christ & St. Stephen’s Church (120 W. 69th St., btw. Broadway & Columbus). Tickets: Preferred seating: $75 in advance, $85 at the door. General Admission: $50 advance, $60 door. Seniors & Students: $30 advance, $35 door. For more info, visit chelseaopera.org.
WINTER CLASSES AT PENN SOUTH CERAMICS STUDIO
Classes are about to begin! “Intermediate Handbuilding” happens 6–9 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 19–March 23. Prerequisite: “Beginning Ceramics” or prior Handbuilding experience. The “Beginning Ceramics” class meets Jan. 20-March 24, Tuesdays, 6–9 p.m. and involves building clay skills (no experience necessary). You’ll need to have taken that class, or have prior wheel experience, if you want to take the Intermediate/Advanced Wheel class. It happens every Wednesday, 6–9 p.m., from Jan. 21–March 25. The Ceramics Studio is located in the Penn South Co-ops. at the corner of 26th St. & 9th Ave. Applications can be found in the Ceramics Studio or at the Management Office (321 8th Ave.). Email your questions to pennsouthceramics@gmail.com, and visit pennsouthceramics.com for more info on all of their programs.
A scene from 2001’s “The Sleeping Beauty.” See excerpts from past Hudson Guild Theatre Company productions, at their 20th anniversary performances (Jan 23–Feb. 1).
