By Alison Lowenstein
Brooklyn, NY Expert, about.com
As a self-proclaimed theater geek, I'm lucky to have access to Brooklyn's many theaters. With highlights like the notable BAM Harvey Theater and St. Ann’s Warehouse, the borough's thriving theater scene is also home to theater companies, festivals, immersive theatrical experiences, and smaller theatrical venues.
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From the Royal
Shakespeare Company at BAM to cutting edge performances at the Bushwick
Starr, here’s your guide to Brooklyn theater.
Third Rail Projects
Celebrities have been traveling to a faux 1970’s tropical themed tiki bar in Bushwick for The Grand Paradise, an immersive theatrical experience. The Grand Paradise is the work of the Third Rails Project who also created the long running, Then She Fell,
another popular immersive theatrical show based on the writings of
Lewis Carrol, which is held in Williamsurg. The Grand Paradise invites
theatergoers into a bar where they will be immersed in a period piece in
the 70s. Like most immersive theatrical experiences, it's best if you
don't know that much before going into the theater.
Get tickets for this unique Brooklyn experience.
Bushwick Starr
This
Obie award winning Not-For-Profit theater in the heart of Bushwick has a
full season of plays and also hosts a popular reading series, as well
as a puppet and poet festival. Since 2007, Bushwick Starr has been the
home to emerging artists. If you want to see authentic Brooklyn theater,
visit Bushwick Starr.
Brick Theater
I
recently saw a production at this black box theater in Williamsburg and
was very impressed with the talent at this 70 seat theater. The Brick
Theater has a stellar line up of shows. Upcoming shows include the Trans
Theatre Festival and Shakespeare in the Theater. Afterward grab a drink
or a bite at one of the many restaurants in this lively section of
Brooklyn.
Irondale
It's
been over five years and I still talk about the incredible Sarah Ruhl
play I saw at this restored church turned theater in Fort Greene.
Although I'll admit the seats are pretty basic and not too comfy, but
you'll be distracted by the incredible range of theatrical production
that are held at Irondale. If you live in Brooklyn, they also offer
acting classes for kids.
St. Ann’s Warehouse
If
you want to be apart of the cutting edge theater scene, you must get a
ticket to whatever is staged at St. Ann's Warehouse. The theater is
beloved by the Brooklyn community and "for 34 years, St. Ann’s Warehouse
has commissioned, produced, and presented a unique and eclectic body of
innovative theater and concert presentations that meet at the
intersection of theater and rock and roll." Warning--buy tickets early,
because many of their productions are sold out for the entire run. Yes,
it's that good.
BAM
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BAM
Harvey Theater is a Brooklyn institution and is a must-visit. The
theater is home to numerous productions including visits from the Royal
Shakespeare Company to other classics like Ibsen and Wilde. The theater
has quite a history, originally built in 1904 as The Majestic Theater,
it was transformed into a movie house in the early 1940s, which
shuttered in the 60s. After almost two decades of being closed, the
theater was restored and reopened in 1987, and now is the BAM Harvey
Theater.
Gallery Players
In
a borough filled with edgy theater, it's nice to see some classics.
Gallery Players in Park Slope has a season of old school plays and
musicals. However, every June they host The Black Box New Play Festival,
where you can see various works from emerging playwrights.
Puppet Works
Fans
of puppetry must head to this marionette puppet theater in Park Slope.
When my children were younger we never missed a production. Marvel at
the artistry and enjoy classic tales like Alice in Wonderland at this
beloved Park Slope puppet theater. An added plus, tickets are only $9
for kids and $10 for adults.
