Discover Sea View Playwright's Theatre; The History & Mission of Sea View Playwright's Theatre; The Boys in the Band: A Landmark American Play; An Intimate Theatre Experience in Staten Island; Upcoming Productions at Sea View Playwright's Theatre; Why Visit Staten Island for Live Theatre?; Planning Your Staten Island Cultural Visit
Art and Culture: A Thriving Theatre Scene in New York City’s “Forgotten” Borough
Sea View Playwright’s Theatre: Live Theatre & Legendary Spirits Since 1979
It’s no secret that New York City is one of the premier destinations in the world for live theatre, but you may be surprised to discover a booming theatre community in its oft-overlooked borough of Staten Island. A charming chapel in the heart of the island is home to Sea View Playwright’s Theatre, one of the borough’s longest-operating theatre groups.
Sea View Playwright’s Theatre was founded in 1979 under the artistic direction of Joe Gheraldi, who continues to serve as the theatre’s artistic director presently. The theatre is dedicated to the performance of both traditional and workshop productions. The mission of the theatre is to reach all members of the community and to nurture an interest in live theatre for artists and audiences alike.
Photographer: Danielle Bacibianco
This past spring, Sea View Playwright’s Theatre presented their production of the groundbreaking 1968 play, The Boys in the Band by Mart Crowley. The story follows a group of gay friends who have gathered for a birthday party in a New York City apartment where wine and truth spill in tandem. The Boys in the Band is regarded as a landmark play in the American theatre canon for its early and honest time-capsule depiction of gay life before the Stonewall riots and the onset of the modern gay rights movement.
Under the direction of Gabrielle Canci and Ken Tirado, an ensemble cast of nine actors performed a run of five shows spanning two weekends in May. The artists brought Crowley’s complex characters to life on the stage as they explored the nuances of identity, friendship, and love. The intimate theatre space featured a multilevel set and a thrust stage with the audience surrounding the performers on three sides, creating an immersive theatrical experience.
Photographer: Danielle Bacibianco
The Boys in the Band was one of seven shows presented by Sea View Playwright’s Theatre for the 2026 season. The theatre’s upcoming shows include: Water by the Spoonful by Quiara Alegría Hudes (dir. Craig Stoebling), Sylvia by A.R. Gurney (dir. Gabrielle Canci), The Retreat From Moscow by William Nicholson (dir. Michael Somogyi), and Antigone by Jean Anouilh (dir. Joe Gheraldi).
Take a ferry ride or a quick drive over to New York City’s “forgotten” borough for a theatre experience you won’t forget.
For more information about Sea View Playwright’s Theatre and upcoming performances, please visit seaviewplaywrightstheatre.org.
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