NRCA Presents “Classic Sundays” at Hudson Park

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) is bringing Shakespeare and opera to Hudson Park this summer. In addition to its popular series of Summer Sounds Concerts on Wednesday and Friday nights, NRCA will present two “Classic Sundays”: On Sunday, July 21st at 4 pm the Rivertown Players will present Acting Shakespeare in America’s Wilderness, a family-friendly musical variety show that combines stand-up comedy, music and drama; and on Sunday, August 4th at 4 pm New Rochelle Opera will return with a program of opera and musical theater favorites. Both Sunday afternoon performances are free, thanks to special sponsors including Terri and Alvin Bowles.

On Sunday, July 21st CLASSIC SUNDAY WITH SHAKESPEARE will feature an innovative production from the Rivertown Playhouse (formerly Irvington Shakespeare Company): Acting Shakespeare in America’s Wilderness at 4 pm. The 90-minute performance creatively adapts Ian McKellen’s “Acting Shakespeare,” drawing inspiration from James Shapiro’s “Shakespeare in a Divided America,” and is intricately woven with the parody style reminiscent of Bo Burnham’s “Inside” and “Make Happy.” The audience is invited to journey through the early American wilderness of ideas, thought, and sentiment, witnessing how Shakespeare’s themes of power, love, betrayal, comedy, and tragedy were instrumental in shaping both our nation’s fascinating identity and its most defining moments. Family-friendly for all ages!

And on Sunday, August 4th CLASSIC SUNDAY WITH OPERA will showcase New Rochelle Opera performing favorites from opera, operetta and musical theater at 4 pm.

Begun with only a few props and bits of scenery and a nucleus of young, enthusiastic singers, New Rochelle Opera has been thrilling audiences with imaginative and sensitive stagings of full opera productions since its inception in 1984. Critics and audiences alike have praised the brilliance and professionalism of the performances: In 2019 Westchester Magazine awarded New Rochelle Opera a “Best of Westchester” award for “Best Underappreciated Arts Organization.” For more information visit the website at www.nropera.org.

To learn more about the New Rochelle Council on the Arts visit www.newrochellearts.org.

About New Rochelle Council on the Arts

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts mission is to stimulate and encourage the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and the public\’s interest and participation therein. It has been exemplified by our sponsorship of a vast number of exhibitions, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures, and concert series. To create opportunities for the public to encounter and explore art and increase access to the arts in New Rochelle.

NRCA has been in existence for nearly 40 years — it was created by a resolution adopted by the New Rochelle City Council on April 8, 1975. Our mission is to stimulate and encourage the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and the public’s interest and participation therein. This is exemplified by our sponsorship of a vast number of exhibitions, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures, and concert series.