DISPATCH - OCT 30, 2013
HAMPTONS, NY-
All Hallows Eve is nearly upon us and area arts organizations have stirred up ways to celebrate the spooky season. Options include a historic heart pounding journey unfolding at an art gallery, the screening of a theater production adaption of a horror classic, an exhibition featuring characters from the ultimate 'creepy' and 'kooky' family plus costume parties where creating characters are part of the fun. Halloween-themed celebrations take place from Thursday night through Saturday. One thing is for sure - murder, mayhem and scary fun abound in the Hamptons.
BENJAMIN BARNES' 'SHADY COTTAGE'
Terror begins on Thursday at Neoteric Fine Art with Benjamin Barnes 'Shady Cottage'. The interactive experience conjures an adaptation of the true history of the haunting of the gallery's building located in Amangansett. The nail-biting journey through the 'Shady Cottage' features historical and infamous Amagansett personalities who are interwoven with a tale of murder, mystery, and terror, according to creator (and gallery director) Scott Bluedorn. Afterwards, food and libation will be served in the parlor to encourage recovery. Costumes are encouraged.
Benjamin Barnes was the justice of the peace in Amagansett in the early 20th Century. His home doubled as a boarding house known as Shady Cottage, most likely due to the proximity of several large trees on the property. In the summers, the house would play host to well-to-do boarders and visitors from New York City on summer holiday. As justice, one of Benjamin's primary concerns was prosecuting the those who violated the town excise laws on liquor.
In those days, alcohol and its trafficking was vehemently opposed, especially by the summer colony. One day, a notice was found tacked to a tree outside of the Shady Cottage featuring a black hand print and the promise "we will do the rest".
Barnes, and others in the summer colony, recognized this is a death threat and as warning for Barnes to lay off his relentless pursuit of those selling liquor. To find the perpetrators, the summer colony members offered a reward for the capture of the author of the notice.
Benjamin Barnes' 'Shady Cottage' at Neoteric begins with this true history account and imagines Barnes's cold-blooded murder by an unknown assailant in his home. Even further, there are mysterious goings on within the shadowy interior…
Making appearances in the adaption are real people from Amagansett history. They include Stephen Talkhouse Pharaoh ("last of the Montauketts"); Captain Joshua B Edwards (the famous whale man); Benjamin H Barnes (Justice of the Peace of Amagansett); DH Hamilton (Pharmacist, liquor dealer, and accused conspirator) and various members of the Amagansett summer colony.
Benjamin Barnes 'Shady Cottage" will be presented on Thursday (Halloween) from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Friday, Nov. 1, from 8 to 11 p.m. at Neoteric Fine Art. Admission is $10. The gallery is located at 208 Main St., Amagansett, NY. www.neotericfineart.com.
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE'S FRANKENSTEIN
On Friday at 8 p.m. Guild Hall screens the National Theatre Live’s 2011 broadcast of Frankenstein in the John Drew Theater. The film captures the production by Nick Dear which is based on the novel by Mary Shelley. The screening returns to cinemas as part of the National Theatre's 50th anniversary celebrations.
Frankenstein had a soldout run at the National Theatre and went on to win awards including the 2012 Olivier Award for Best Actor for both Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. Cumberbatch (Star Trek: Into Darkness, BBC’s Sherlock) and Miller (Trainspotting, CBS’s Elementary) alternate roles as Victor Frankenstein and his creation. The production is directed by Oscar-winner Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire).
Tickets are $18 for General Admission and $16 for Guild Hall Members. Tickets can be purchased online at GuildHall.org or at the Box Office beginning three hours prior to the screening. Also through theatermania.com or by calling 1.866.811.4111. Free Student Rush tickets are available.
Guild Hall’s John Drew Theater is located at 158 Main St., East Hampton, New York 11937. www.guildhall.org.
The Creature (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Victor Frankenstein (Johnny Lee Miller) . Photo by Catherine Ashmore
The Creature (Bendedict Cumberbatch) and The Company. Photo by Catherine Ashmore
"CHAS ADDAMS: FAMILY AND FRIENDS"
An exhibition of cartoon drawings by Chas Addams is perfect match for the Halloween season. "Chas Addams: Family and Friends" features Addams's cartoon drawings of his famous ghoulish family (the Addams Family) plus his satirical commentary on live in New York City. The exhibition opened on Sept. 27 and continues through Nov. 7.
Charles Samuel Addams (1912 - 1988) was an American cartoonist known for his dark and macabre humor. Known for creating the Addams Family, Addams was a marquee contributor to The New Yorker until his death at 1988. His first work with the magazine was published when Addams was 21 years old.
Addams is estimated to have made thousands of cartoons, according to the Southampton Center. Over 15 books of his drawings have been published. His work is part of permanent collections held by The New York Public Library, The Museum of the City of New York, and the Library of Congress.
In addition to the exhibition, The Southampton Center is presenting an all-ages "Spooktacular Haunted House" in its historic building at 25 Jobs Lane where ghosts from Southampton History are rumoured to appear. The Haunted House opened last weekend but has its final fling on Halloween.
There are two versions available for the bold and weak of heart.
From 3 to 6 p.m., a family-friendly version with the lights on will be held. (Recommended for ages 8 and up). From 6 to 9 p.m., the lights go out for the bold. In addition, an all-ages costume content will be held beginning at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $5 at the door. The Haunted House is produced by Oscar Gonzalez.
COSTUME PARTIES
Costume Parties are being held around the Hamptons. Last weekend, Bay Street Theatre, the Southampton Center and the Southampton Social Club held parties to kick off the holiday. Following is a list of parties to celebrate Halloween taking place from Thursday to Saturday.
THURSDAY (HALLOWEEN)
Rowdy Hall - Rowdyween Party - East Hampton
Held 8 p.m. to Midnight. Admission is $30 and includes first drink. DJ, hors d'oeuvres and drink specials. Rowdy Hall is located at 10 Main Street, East Hampton, NY. www.rowdyhall.com.
Southampton Publick House - Halloween Costume Party - Southampton
Begins at 9 p.m. Admission is $10. Hosted by WEHM's Anthony with DJ Dory. Prizes for best costume. Drink and draft specials. Southampton Publick House is located at 40 Bowden Square, Southampton, NY www.publick.com.
SATURDAY
Solé East Resort & The Backyard Restaurant - Halloween in The Back Yard
Begins at 8 p.m. Admission is free. Free bar food, special entertainment and musical guests. Winner of the Best Costume contest receives a free weekend stay. Reduced room rates at Solé East. The party is located at The Backyard Restaurant, 90 Second House Rd., Montauk, NY. www.soleeast.com