SJC Long Island’s Clare Rose Playhouse celebrates its 36th anniversary season this academic year, and the playhouse’s director is thrilled to be opening its doors to the public after shutting in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Here at Clare Rose, we are looking forward to an exciting season after being dark for a year and a half,” said S. Grace Rowland, CSJ, Ph.D., director of the playhouse and associate professor of communication studies. “We have chosen three delightful comedies, which we hope will brighten everyone’s spirits after our struggles with the pandemic.”
This season’s plays include “The Wild Women of Winedale” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten; “Moving Mountains” by Lawrence Roman; and “A Bench in the Sun” by Ron Clark.
“Our students in the Play Production course (SPC 235) have designed and constructed a beautiful set, which will help convey the spirit of our November show, ‘The Wild Women of Winedale,'” S. Grace said. “We hope to see you in the audience!”
Auditions for future shows are open to everyone, including St. Joseph’s College students. Those interested can contact the Clare Rose Playhouse at 631.654.0199 for more information.
Performance Dates and Descriptions
All shows are on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Friday and Saturday performances take place at 8 p.m., and Sunday shows are at 3 p.m.
“The Wild Women of Winedale” • Nov. 5 – 21
Equal parts funny and touching, this comedy follows three women — two sisters and their sister-in-law — who are at a crossroads in their lives as one of them celebrates her 60th birthday. The trio proves that it’s never too late for a new adventure, as they find unorthodox ways to declutter their lives, homes and relationships.
“Moving Mountains” • Feb. 25 – March 13
Charlie, a 65-year-old widower, takes to the beach to meet women, most of whom end up accepting his advances. But when he meets Polly, a recent widow herself, she’s more reluctant to his charm. Charlie’s daughter brings humor to the mix when she finds out her father has become a real ladies’ man.
“A Bench in the Sun” • April 22 – May 8
Longtime friends Harold and Burt spend their days bickering on a park bench in the garden of the retirement home they live in — that is, until a former actress becomes a new resident, and they find something new to argue over. But when the trio learns their building is about to be sold and they would have to find new homes, they band together to try and stop it.
Ticket Prices
Individual tickets for general admission are $18 and for students and senior citizens (65 and up) are $15. Groups of 20 or more can purchase tickets at a rate of $13 per attendee. A season subscription offers an individual access to three plays for $39.
Dinner and a show costs $48 for general admission guests and $45 for students and senior citizens. Fridays and Saturdays include dinner at Harbor Crab in Patchogue at 5 p.m. before the 8 p.m. show at Clare Rose. Sundays include a matinee at the Playhouse at 3 p.m., followed by dinner at Harbor Crab at 6 p.m. Packages include the price of the meal, tax and gratuity. The package cost must be prepaid to Clare Rose Playhouse at least two weeks in advance, and the reservations are made for you.
All tickets can be purchased by cash or check, with checks made payable to St. Joseph’s College. For more information, visit the Clare Rose Playhouse webpage here or call 631.654.0199.
Note: As the Clare Rose Playhouse is part of SJC Long Island, it follows the COVID-19 safety protocols for St. Joseph’s College. All guests must show proof of vaccination upon entering the Playhouse, and masks are required inside the building.
