Scott Schwartz on Reimagining Dear Evan Hansen and Bay Street Theater's Milestone 35 Year Anniversary!

This time around, I sit down with SCOTT SCHWARTZ, Artistic Director of Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, as the iconic East End theater celebrates a landmark 35th anniversary season!

Scott gives us an exclusive look at directing Bay Street's bold, reimagined production of the Tony Award-winning phenomenon Dear Evan Hansen. We talk about what it takes to strip down a massive Broadway hit for an intimate stage, bringing out the raw humanity and emotion in the story, and why this show still resonates so deeply today.

Plus, Scott reflects on 35 years of artistic excellence at Bay Street Theater—how the institution has evolved, what makes Sag Harbor audiences so special, and what lies ahead! Whether you already have your tickets for Dear Evan Hansen or love hearing how legendary regional theaters operate behind the scenes, you won't want to miss this conversation!

Thank you to Scott and Bay Street Theater for making the time to make this happen!

#theatre #theater #localtheatre #longislandtheatre #longisland #sagharbor #baystreet #dearevanhansen

What happens when you step into the glitter, the wig, and the shoes of one of musical theater's most iconic characters?

In this episode, I sat down with actor Steven Charles to discuss his journey playing Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Steven shares the vulnerable, intense, and transformative experience of taking on such a powerhouse role. We dive into what it’s like to learn to be comfortable portraying a totally different version of yourself, while simultaneously discovering the surprising, deeply human similarities you share with the character.

Beyond the makeup and the wig, Steven talks about what theater truly means to him and why live performance is such a vital part of our lives.

And, because no episode of The Kyle Petty Show is complete without some laughter, we wrap up with a hilarious, unfiltered debate on the unspoken rules of Instagram etiquette for ALL folks.

In this episode, we discuss:

Becoming Hedwig: Steven Charles on the vulnerability and the emotional weight of bringing Hedwig to life.

Finding the Mirror: Learning to embrace a character who is vastly different from you, only to find your own reflection in them.

The Heart of Theater: A candid look at why the stage means so much to Steven and the power of theatrical storytelling.

The Social Media Rules: A hilarious breakdown of modern Instagram etiquette—what's acceptable and what's a total "no-go."

This was a SUPER fun one that you don't want to miss. Catch Steven in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" at Smithtown Performing Arts Center on July 25, July 30, and August 1st and tell them Kyle sent you!

#longisland #longislandtheatre #theatre #hedwig #smithtown

From Page to Stage: Bringing a One-Act to NYTF with Lisa NasoHow do you take a raw idea and turn it into a premiering play in the heart of the New York theater scene?In this episode, I sit down with playwright Lisa Naso to celebrate the upcoming premiere of their brand-new one-act play, "LADIES," running this month at the New York Theater Festival.As a non-binary artist navigating the modern theater landscape, Lisa shares a beautifully candid look at their creative journey. We explore the triumphs and hurdles of the writing process, the vulnerability of putting your words into the hands of actors, and the crucial (but rarely talked about) art of managing expectations with your creative team.In this episode, we discuss:

• How to find the core message of a one-act play.

• Moving from the solitary writing phase to the collaborative rehearsal room.

• Actionable strategies for maintaining healthy communication and boundaries with cast and crew.

• What to expect when premiering a show in a major NYC festival.

Connect with the Guest:Instagram: @lisa_naso // @ladiestheplayDonate to the Kickstarter by scanning the QR code in the video!Support the Podcast:If you loved this episode, please leave a 5-star review and subscribe!Follow on Instagram: @thekylepettyshow