While we can’t see plays in a traditional theater these days, there have been many pivots in the age of COVID theater with Zoom productions, and now Radial Park, a specially created Broadway-centric drive-in movie experience featuring live performances at Halletts Point, a 50,000 square-foot open-air space in Astoria, Queens.
Created in partnership with Friends of Halletts Point and Stark Production Group, this new theatrical experience will feature a variety of experiences including live performances from Broadway stars, movies on the big screen, karaoke with Bluetooth speakers, movie-style concessions, and much more.
The new live drive-in experience will begin previews this Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 8:00 PM with the longest running show on Broadway, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera including specially interwoven musical numbers with stars Derrick Davis (The Phantom of the Opera National Tour, The Lion King National Tour) and Ali Ewoldt (Les Miserables National Tour and Broadway, The Phantom of the Opera Broadway and The King and I Regional Tour and Broadway), who will bring this all-time fan favorite to life alongside a live 11-piece orchestra.
Guests will be able to enjoy the interactive, theatrical show from the safety of their own vehicles or via reserved picnic tables, which come with a retro boombox for audio. Reserved tables, spaced appropriately for social distancing, are available for those who prefer biking, walking, or taking the ferry to Halletts Point Play. Ice-cold beverages and movie theater snacks will be available on-site for purchase.
Following the requirements of government and health officials, Radial Park will implement strict health and safety protocols including temperature checks upon arrival via an infrared, touchless thermometer; color-coded wristbands for social distancing; “lifeguards” on duty who will be ready to blow the whistle to enforce strict social distancing; and more.
The Durst Organization will underwrite 20 tickets (per showing) for the Astoria Houses residents. A portion of the proceeds from tickets sales will benefit Friends of Halletts Point, a community non-profit organization that enhances the infrastructure, transportation connections, community programming and beautification of the Halletts Point peninsula.
The line-up at Radial Park will continue with multiple shows each week. Tickets ($75 – $150 per group) are now on sale and can be purchased online at RadialPark.com/tickets, where a complete schedule of events can also be found.
