Liberty Free Theatre

presents Russian masters

Karen Young, featured on Sopranos, in comic masterpiece by Chekov

LIBERTY, NY — The Liberty Free Theatre at 109 South Main Street will present a reading of Anton Chekov’s comic masterpiece, “The Bear,” with special guest Karen Young, on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. Paul Austin, founder and artistic director of the Liberty Free Theatre, and James Shearwood are also featured. The evening will begin with a performance of poems by the founding father of modern Russian poetry, Alexander Pushkin.

In “The Bear,” a grieving widow has shut herself off from the world to show that, unlike her departed husband, she can be faithful unto the grave and prove she knows real love. A landowner whose mortgage is due comes calling to collect on a debt owed him by the late husband. Shouting, fainting, rage, tears, broken furniture and dueling pistols provide plenty of laughs and a surprise ending.

Audiences may recognize Young as FBI agent Robyn on The Sopranos. She has also appeared in over 20 films including “Joe the King,” “Torch Song Trilogy,” and “Daylight.” Young said, “My career started while I was studying with Paul Austin at the Image Theatre in New York, so I’m especially pleased to working with him again at the Liberty Free Theatre.”

James Shearwood has appeared in New York City at venues including Playwrights Horizons, New Federal Theatre and the Ensemble Studio Theatre. His plays have been produced at the Yale Cabaret, in New York City, Paris and at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Performances are free, but seating is limited and reservations are suggested. The audience is invited to gather after the performance for food, drink and music.

For more information call 845/292-3788.