by Debbie Tuma
With the recent addition of Josh Gladstone and Donna Rubin, LTV Studios of East Hampton has added numerous theatrical productions, Cabaret, comedy, rock and roll, blues, family shows, dog shows, bubble shows, puppet theater, and even art shows to its ongoing local TV productions.
With the celebration of its 40th anniversary in bringing live government meetings and local TV shows on Channel 22, LTV is now expanding its free speech TV and media platform to provide even more creative expression to the community.
Gladstone, former Artistic Director of the John Drew Theater in East Hampton, said when LTV Director Michael Clark invited him to produce shows for LTV, he was ready for new challenges. So for LTV’s big anniversary, and with his connections to major stars, he put together a roster of year-round events.
One of these, which has been a big success so far, is the “Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea,” produced by Gladstone and Rubin. It’s a roster of the world’s best Cabaret and Broadway artists in the “intimate, funky, and unique environs of a reconfigured, industrial TV studio, with state of the art lighting and audio, merging with the romantic ambiance of cafe table seating, and a baby grand piano,” according to LTV’s website, www.LTVEH.org.
This “Summer Songbook” consists of eight productions, four of which were in July, and now continue with four more in August. On Saturday, August 3, is Jeff Harnar, singing songs of Cole Porter, called “It’s De-Lovely.” On Saturday August 17, Karen Akers stars in “Water Over the Bridge.” On Saturday, August 24, Mark Nadler and KT Sullivan star in “Always.” And on Saturday August 31, Christine Andreas takes the stage for “Paris to Broadway.”
I had the pleasure of seeing the Saturday July 13 production with famous actress Tovah Feldshuh doing a very funny, creative Cabaret show called, “Aging is Optional.” In addition to her fabulous singing voice, she portrayed many characters, from her own funny Jewish mother, to Ruth Bader Ginsberg, to a French woman, and also an old man, with a great range of accents, and wearing many different hats. Tovah’s energy alone, from belting out songs, to acrobatics, to fast costume changes, to tap dancing, showed that this seasoned actress is certainly aging gracefully! After her show, Tovah greeted guests and signed copies of her book, “Lilyville,” about her life and roles she’s played.
Some interesting events coming up at LTV Studios in August include The Mannix Show—“Guerrilla Girls; And Why They’re Important” on August 1, and Punkie Johnson of “Saturday Night Live” doing stand up comedy on August 2. Everyone should come to LTV Studios on August 4 for a very special treat called “Printaganza”—a Benefit Gala to raise funds for a badly needed new roof for LTV. This exciting event features a silent auction of prints from about 90 artists, which you can start looking at now online at LTVEH.org. Bids start as low as $50. There will also be a live auction with auctioneer Bill McCuddy, of about 10 prints by well known artists, including a famous “mystery artist” who has exhibited at MOMA, the Met and the Guggenheim Museum. Some of the well known artists are Dan Welden, Eric Fischl, Roy Nicholson, and Helen Harrison.
Throughout the day, there will be a film screening of a new documentary, “Lasting Impressions,” from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, and from 4 pm to 6:30 pm there will be wine, food, and dancing to music by the HooDoo Loungers. So come on down!
Another special event is taking place on August 9, with Simon Kirke of Bad Company playing along with Joe Delia, of Montauk.
Gladstone said he welcomes the whole community to come over and see what’s happening at LTV Studios. “We have this big space and it needs to be seen by the community,” he said. “This place started 40 years ago by Frazer Dougherty of East Hampton, and his legacy continues.”
To see times and dates for upcoming shows and events, please visit their website at www.LTVEH.org
