Sag Harbor - Bay Street Theatre continued its 20th year celebration with their "Rock The Dock" Summer Gala Benefit on Saturday, July 16, 2011, hosted by Chris Bauer ("True Blood"), Blythe Danner ("Meet the Parents"), and Richard Kind ("Spin City" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm"). The favorite annual event was held under a large tent erected on the pier in Sag Harbor, including cocktails, dinner, live music, dancing and silent/live auctions.

The evening kicked off with cocktails and delicious hors d'oeuvres while temptations enticed guests at the silent auction. Auction items included vacations in Miami, New Orleans, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, as well as celebrity lunches, sports packages, designer jewelry and accessories, restaurant packages, spa packages, collectibles and much more. New this year was also a "Mystery Box." CharityBuzz.com conducted the on-line bidding.


When speaking with Bauer he relayed, "I'm ecstatic to be associated with this theater as both a Board member and as an actor. The audiences are sophisticaled and engaged, and that really is encouraging and inspiring. The team at Bay Street is just fabulous to work with. This is such a beautiful location, and I really enjoy the time I get to be here." When asked if his preferred medium is television, film or live theater, Bauer candidly responded, "My preference is acting."

Guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner catered by Sterling Affair Caterers. Music and entertainment was provided by celebrity DJ Tom Finn, and a special performance by the urban dance and percussion troupe, The Street Beats Group.

The Summer Gala Benefit is Bay Street's most important fundraising event of the year, with proceeds going to support year-long programming, including the Summer Mainstage productions, as well as Educational Outreach Initiatives including Literature Live, Summer College Internships and Theatre Camps and Classes for kids.

The always lovely Danner revealed, "This is such an important night for Bay Street, and any event that keeps local theater moving forward is something to be involved with, and to always encourage."


Well known comedic actor and Board member Kind served as the Fantasy Live Auctioneer. Items included a one week stay for four in your own luxury villa in St. Bart's provided by Wimco, a walk on role in "Enter Laughing: The Musical" at Bay Street Theatre in August, opening night tickets and after party for Broadway's 2012 production of "Evita" with Ricky Martin, golf with Kind at the Bridge and much more.

Kind was refreshingly candid when discussing local and regional theater by bluntly asserting "Whatever gets their asses in the seats is what we as the Board need to accomplish." Continuing, Kind stated "I love to do theater particularly in the summer, and this theater offers such quality productions that I always want to participate. It is so difficult these days to sustain local and regional theater, and this theater is succeeding at that, and I'm just thrilled to be a part of it." Commenting on his upcoming plans, Kind revealed "I'm doing 'Luck' (HBO) with Dustin Hoffman and it is very exciting."


Sponsors for Bay Street's 2011 Summer Gala included Bridgehampton Florist, Channing Daughters Winery, Dan's Papers, Party Rentals, Ltd ., Searles Graphics, Southampton Publick House, Sterling Affair Caterers, and Suffolk County National Bank.

Other attendees included Liev Schreiber, Naomi Watts, Mercedes Ruehl, Fisher Stevens, Robert Zimmerman, and Roberta Wallach.

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit institution presenting new, classic and contemporary works with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. This commitment extends to educational programs for all ages to foster the continued value of theatre as a vital art form for future generations.

Bravo to Bay Street Theatre and its Board members and supporters for shining the spotlight on local theater with stars shining on the stage, (and above the tent) for a magical evening.