SUNY New Paltz Theatre Arts to present “Philadelphia Story”

The Department of Theatre Arts at SUNY New Paltz will present Philip Barry’s classic play “Philadelphia Story,” directed by visiting lecturer Brendan Burke, from Oct. 2-5 & Oct.16-19 in Parker Theatre on the New Paltz campus.

The 1939 classic comedy, made popular by the portrayal of Tracy Lord by Katharine Hepburn on both stage and screen, tells the story of a socialite preparing for her wedding. When her ex-husband arrives uninvited, she finds herself torn between him, her fiancée, and a reporter covering her wedding for a national tabloid. This wonderfully witty story unfolds and reminds us that sometimes you have to let go of what you have in order to get what you want.

“The play is a mix of old-fashioned expectations and ideas, yet there are many themes in the play that ring contemporary,” said Burke. “In particular, the issues of class and privacy and, of course, Tracy’s contempt for human frailty and weakness.”

For more than a decade, Burke has served as producing artistic director of Shadowland Theatre, the popular Actors’ Equity theatre in Ellenville, N.Y. His productions at Shadowland Theatre include: “Falling,” “Good People,” and “Unnecessary Farce” (all directed this past summer), as well as “The Dangers of Electric Lighting,” “Bill W. & Dr. Bob,” “Yankee Tavern,” “Ladies Man,” “Boeing Boeing,” “The Seafarer,” and dozens more.   He also recently directed “Jackass Flats” as part of the New York International Fringe Festival.

Performances of “Philadelphia Story” will be held on Oct. 2-4 & Oct. 16-18 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 5 & Oct. 18-19 at 2 p.m. Reserved ticket prices for showings are $18 for general admission, $16 for seniors (62+), SUNY faculty/staff, and non-New Paltz students, and $10 for New Paltz students. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.newpaltz.edu/theatre or by calling (845) 257-3880.