A Date With Destiny at Taylor Hall at Christ Church

Actors Conservatory Theatre (ACT) is wrapping up its 51st season with staged readings of two never-before-produced one-act plays on June 12, 13 and 14! All tickets are $12 at actshows.org.

A Date With Destiny, is written by Bob MacKay, a long-time actor and musician, and recent playwright. A Date With Destiny is an engaging comedy that takes place at a seaside amusement park where Jerry and Destiny are on their second date. Things are going fine until a fortune telling machine gets a little too personal. When asked what inspired him to write the play, MacKay said, “We all have issues we prefer not to advertise in the early stages of dating. But what happens when uncomfortable truths are ‘outed’ in an unexpected way?” A Date with Destiny is directed by Chris Manetakis, who has been directing shows in the Bronx and Westchester for over 25 years. Chris says “A Date With Destiny shows us that not only do our choices have consequences, but we have control over what we choose…It shows us that you are always just one decision away from a completely different life.”

The Transit Inn - by award-winning writer and actress, Kathryn Rossetter - is a clever and thought-provoking depiction of three people who are paused between living and dying. As they rehash their lives, their stories conjure resilience, dignity and hope. When asked what sparked the story, Kathryn described: “I met a woman at an old inn overlooking the Hudson. All we had in common was our age and the view, but we talked and laughed like old friends.” The Transit Inn is directed by Julia LaVerde, who has been involved in the Westchester community theatre circuit for 20 years. She describes directing the play as “…a fascinating and illuminating journey exploring Kathryn Rossetter’s beautifully written characters. How we spend our days and how we make the most of the precious time we have…The Transit Inn reminds us the best plan is ‘forward, only forward.’”

The Transit Inn and A Date With Destiny were selected through a competitive process as part of ACT Presents…Original Works, which provides playwrights with an opportunity to have their work “aired out” in a staged reading format. A talk back session will be held after each performance when audience members have an opportunity to ask questions and offer feedback to the playwrights and directors. ACT Presents…Original Works began in 2019 and has featured an original screenplay, and full length, one-act and short form plays.

Founded in 1975 by Arlene Wendt, ACT has staged over 140 main-stage productions in its 51-year history, including comedies, dramas, musicals and original works. ACT’s mission is to provide quality theater to Westchester audiences at a reasonable cost, to assist actors and technicians in the world of theatre, and to encourage community members to participate in the arts. ACT is an affiliate of ArtsWestchester.

The Transit Inn and A Date With Destiny will be presented on June 12, 13 and 14 at Taylor Hall at Christ Church, Bronxville. All tickets are $12 and are available via ACT’s website: www.actshows.org.