Since 2016, boots on the ground theater® has delivered captivating, one-of-a-kind productions to Mainstage audiences in the Hamptons. Our shows have transported theatergoers across time and place—from the dense jungles of Vietnam and the iconic 221B Baker Street home of Sherlock Holmes in London, to a stylish Upper East Side apartment belonging to a Broadway playwright, a quaint railroad town in Yorkshire, England, and the American South in the 19th century, where Annie Sullivan first meets young Helen Keller. These immersive journeys bring history, classic tales, and contemporary stories vividly to life right here in our community.
Theater in the Hamptons
Mainstage Productions
Critically Acclaimed Theater in the Hamptons
Cast of
World War II
A Radio
Christmas Show
Critically Acclaimed Theater in the Hamptons
Since 2016, boots on the ground theater® has delivered captivating, one-of-a-kind productions to Mainstage audiences in the Hamptons. Our shows have transported theatergoers across time and place—from the dense jungles of Vietnam and the iconic 221B Baker Street home of Sherlock Holmes in London, to a stylish Upper East Side apartment belonging to a Broadway playwright, a quaint railroad town in Yorkshire, England, and the American South in the 19th century, where Annie Sullivan first meets young Helen Keller. These immersive journeys bring history, classic tales, and contemporary stories vividly to life right here in our community.
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Photo credit Dana Shaw
World War II: A Radio Christmas Play
December 5-14, 2025
Embark on a heartwarming ‘Sentimental Journey’ with us back to Christmas Eve 1944 for a World War II Radio Christmas live on stage. Honoring our courageous veterans and the end of the war 80 years ago. Authentic stories from the war, plus live sound effects and jingles— the way radio used to inspire. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and we’ll ‘Sing Sing Sing’ into the holidays with joy! Talented cast dressed in their 40s finest, directed by James Pritchard.
Photo credit Dana Shaw
World War II: A Radio Christmas Play
December 5-14, 2025
Embark on a heartwarming ‘Sentimental Journey’ with us back to Christmas Eve 1944 for a World War II Radio Christmas live on stage. Honoring our courageous veterans and the end of the war 80 years ago. Authentic stories from the war, plus live sound effects and jingles— the way radio used to inspire. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and we’ll ‘Sing Sing Sing’ into the holidays with joy! Talented cast dressed in their 40s finest, directed by James Pritchard.
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
October 10-26, 2025
It’s a simple traditional family drama where the famous actress sister comes home with her latest boytoy to sell the family home out from under her gay brother and adopted, overwhelmed sister before heading off to a neighbor’s Disney-themed party. And, oh yes…there’s a psychic cleaning lady with a voodoo doll!
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
October 10-26, 2025
It’s a simple traditional family drama where the famous actress sister comes home with her latest boytoy to sell the family home out from under her gay brother and adopted, overwhelmed sister before heading off to a neighbor’s Disney-themed party. And, oh yes…there’s a psychic cleaning lady with a voodoo doll!
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Photo credit Dana Shaw
The Railway Children
March 14-23, 2025
This lovely story explores the bonds of family, love, and trains. This is Gen C Creative’s first performance! Gen C Creative is boots on the ground theater’s youth program. These talented, young actors are on stage with seasoned adult actors. This is a play for all ages! Come out and support local theater!
Photo credit Dana Shaw
The Railway Children
March 14-23, 2025
This lovely story explores the bonds of family, love, and trains. This is Gen C Creative’s first performance! Gen C Creative is boots on the ground theater’s youth program. These talented, young actors are on stage with seasoned adult actors. This is a play for all ages! Come out and support local theater!
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Love Letters
February 14-16, 2025
“Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney. Two lifelong friends Andrew and Melissa have exchanged notes, cards and letters with each other for over 50 years discussing their hopes dreams and disappointments… But long after the letters are done, the real question remains: after all their letters have they made the right choices? It’s a funny and emotional tale of the power of friendship and love … and the lost art of letter writing.
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Love Letters
February 14-16, 2025
“Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney. Two lifelong friends Andrew and Melissa have exchanged notes, cards and letters with each other for over 50 years discussing their hopes dreams and disappointments. But long after the letters are done, the real question remains: after all their letters have they made the right choices? It’s a funny and emotional tale of the power of friendship and love… and the lost art of letter writing.
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Photo credit Dana Shaw
A Christmas Carol
December 6-15, 2024
A live radio play adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It is being performed live in front of an audience by 8 actors and an Emcee, aided by sound effects and the other effects of the golden age of radio.
Photo credit Dana Shaw
A Christmas Carol
December 6-15, 2024
A live radio play adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It is being performed live in front of an audience by 8 actors and an Emcee, aided by sound effects and the other effects of the golden age of radio.
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Photo credit Dana Shaw
It's Only A Play
October 18-November 3, 2024
It’s the opening night of “The Golden Egg” on Broadway. The producer has thrown a lavish party for the cast and crew as they await the reviews… Gossip, name-dropping, drinking, back-stabbing… Will “The Egg” be panned? Or will it be the hit they know it is?
Photo credit Dana Shaw
It's Only A Play
October 18-November 3, 2024
It’s the opening night of “The Golden Egg” on Broadway. The producer has thrown a lavish party for the cast and crew as they await the reviews… Gossip, name-dropping, drinking, back-stabbing… Will “The Egg” be panned? Or will it be the hit they know it is?
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Love Letters
March 1-3, 2024
“Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney. Two lifelong friends Andrew and Melissa have exchanged notes, cards and letters with each other for over 50 years discussing their hopes dreams and disappointments… But long after the letters are done, the real question remains: after all their letters have they made the right choices? It’s a funny and emotional tale of the power of friendship and love … and the lost art of letter writing.
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Love Letters
March 1-3, 2024
“Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney. Two lifelong friends Andrew and Melissa have exchanged notes, cards and letters with each other for over 50 years discussing their hopes dreams and disappointments. But long after the letters are done, the real question remains: after all their letters have they made the right choices? It’s a funny and emotional tale of the power of friendship and love… and the lost art of letter writing.
Photo credit Dana Shaw
Photo credit Dana Shaw
The Chalk Garden
October 6-15, 2023
Mark Heidemann is back in his role as director with The Chalk Garden by Enid Bagnold. Because the wealthy Mrs. St. Maugham needs help raising both her garden and her granddaughter, Laurel, she hires a secretive but green-thumbed governess named Madrigal to care for the angst-ridden teenager. When Laurel unearths Madrigal’s mysterious past, the butler Maitland persuades the youngster not to tell what she’s discovered.
Photo credit Dana Shaw
The Chalk Garden
October 6-15, 2023
Mark Heidemann is back in his role as director with The Chalk Garden by Enid Bagnold. Because the wealthy Mrs. St. Maugham needs help raising both her garden and her granddaughter, Laurel, she hires a secretive but green-thumbed governess named Madrigal to care for the angst-ridden teenager. When Laurel unearths Madrigal’s mysterious past, the butler Maitland persuades the youngster not to tell what she’s discovered.
Photo credit Tom Kochie
Photo credit Tom Kochie
Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll & Hyde Play
October 14-30, 2022
“Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll & Hyde Play” is a wild romp through the life and times of Robert Louis Stevenson and his landmark novella “Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde”. This reimagining by Lauren Wilson of the classic story, directed by Mark Heidemann, is a high power, high humor farce complete with victorian costumes, cross dressing and slapstick comedy all shrouded in the darkness of the original tale.
Photo credit Tom Kochie
Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll & Hyde Play
October 14-30, 2022
“Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll & Hyde Play” is a wild romp through the life and times of Robert Louis Stevenson and his landmark novella “Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde”. This reimagining by Lauren Wilson of the classic story, directed by Mark Heidemann, is a high power, high humor farce complete with victorian costumes, cross dressing and slapstick comedy all shrouded in the darkness of the original tale.
Photo credit Tom Kochie
Photo credit Tom Kochie
The Agitators
April 8-16, 2022
The Agitators marked our 4th boots on the ground theater Mainstage production and we were thrilled to take our boots on the road to the historic Vail-Leavitt Music Hall in Riverhead. The Agitators by Mat Smart tells the true story of the lifelong friendship between Frederick Douglass and Susan B Anthony. It’s an emotional ride exploring these two 19th century icons and their 50+ year history together. The show ran for only 5 shows April 8-16 but we were blown away by the audience response!
Photo credit Tom Kochie
The Agitators
April 8-16, 2022
The Agitators marked our 4th boots on the ground theater Mainstage production and we were thrilled to take our boots on the road to the historic Vail-Leavitt Music Hall in Riverhead. The Agitators by Mat Smart tells the true story of the lifelong friendship between Frederick Douglass and Susan B Anthony. It’s an emotional ride exploring these two 19th century icons and their 50+ year history together. The show ran for only 5 shows April 8-16 but we were blown away by the audience response!
Photo credit Dane DuPuis
Photo credit Dane DuPuis
Sherlock's Secret Life
March 2020 & September & October 2021
The game’s afoot! This rollicking romp of a play by Ed Lange is a new take on the world’s most famous detective and his partner in crime Dr. Watson. Filled with mystery, intrigue, romance, a healthy dose of hilarity and a shocking ending that can make even those die hard Sherlock Holmes fans gasp out loud. We were thrilled to bring Sherlock’s Secret Life to life in its Long Island premiere in March 2020 at the Southampton Cultural Center, only to have it close after one weekend thanks to Covid. We were excited to bring Sherlock back in the Fall of 2021.
Photo credit Dane DuPuis
Sherlock's Secret Life
March 2020 & September & October 2021
The game’s afoot! This rollicking romp of a play by Ed Lange is a new take on the world’s most famous detective and his partner in crime Dr. Watson. Filled with mystery, intrigue, romance, a healthy dose of hilarity and a shocking ending that can make even those die hard Sherlock Holmes fans gasp out loud. We were thrilled to bring Sherlock’s Secret Life to life in its Long Island premiere in March 2020 at the Southampton Cultural Center, only to have it close after one weekend thanks to Covid. We were excited to bring Sherlock back in the Fall of 2021.
Photo credit Mary Godfrey
Photo credit Mary Godfrey
The Red Badge of Courage
October 2018
Based on the classic Civil War novel by Stephen Crane this timeless and compelling story of a young private in the Union Army was adapted for the stage by Catherine Bush and featured in its Long Island/New York premiere. It tells the tale of young Henry, newly enlisted and seemingly ready to “see the elephant” of war only to find his fear overtakes him and he runs. He ultimately finds redemption, but at what cost. With assistance from a local Long Island regiment of reenactors we were able to equip our actors and the set with uniforms and sundries true to the era. And true to our mission at boots on the ground theater®, we featured a student actor from one of our Long Island East End high schools in the lead role of Henry, as well as free performances for area students.
Photo credit Mary Godfrey
The Red Badge of Courage
October 2018
Based on the classic Civil War novel by Stephen Crane this timeless and compelling story of a young private in the Union Army was adapted for the stage by Catherine Bush and featured in its Long Island/New York premiere. It tells the tale of young Henry, newly enlisted and seemingly ready to “see the elephant” of war only to find his fear overtakes him and he runs. He ultimately finds redemption, but at what cost. With assistance from a local Long Island regiment of reenactors we were able to equip our actors and the set with uniforms and sundries true to the era. And true to our mission at boots on the ground theater®, we featured a student actor from one of our Long Island East End high schools in the lead role of Henry, as well as free performances for area students.
Photo credit Tom Kochie
Photo credit Tom Kochie
The Miracle Worker
April 2018
William Gibson won a Pulitzer Prize for his play based on Helen Keller’s 1903 autobiography “The Story of My Life.” First performed in 1959 featuring Anne Bancroft as teacher Annie Sullivan and Patty Duke as Helen it was later adapted into an Oscar winning film with both actors reprising their roles. The Miracle Worker has become a staple for schools and theaters around the country. No wonder. This true story of Helen, blind deaf and mute since she was a baby, who learns to overcome her physical challenges and ultimately learns to love thanks to the firm but caring hands of her teacher, is a powerful lesson for young and old. Once again boots on the ground theater® featured a student actor from a local Southampton Middle School in the lead role of Helen. And we provided free performances for Southampton area students.
Photo credit Tom Kochie
The Miracle Worker
April 2018
William Gibson won a Pulitzer Prize for his play based on Helen Keller’s 1903 autobiography “The Story of My Life.” First performed in 1959 featuring Anne Bancroft as teacher Annie Sullivan and Patty Duke as Helen it was later adapted into an Oscar winning film with both actors reprising their roles. The Miracle Worker has become a staple for schools and theaters around the country. No wonder. This true story of Helen, blind deaf and mute since she was a baby, who learns to overcome her physical challenges and ultimately learns to love thanks to the firm but caring hands of her teacher, is a powerful lesson for young and old. Once again boots on the ground theater® featured a student actor from a local Southampton Middle School in the lead role of Helen. And we provided free performances for Southampton area students.
Deep Down in Brooklyn: An American Story
November 2016
Our MainStage debut! Ed German’s story is an amazing amalgam of history, music and personal reflection… often funny, sometimes frightening, and always deeply moving. Ed is an actor, artist, Purple Heart Veteran and a Long Island radio legend. Over the past 20+ years his night time jazz and soul shows have won a wide listening audience. He spins tunes and weaves a web of stories from his life. So much so he decided to write it all down. His memoir “Deep Down in Brooklyn: An American Story” follows his life from his early years in Brooklyn to his enlistment (at age 18) in the Marines to fight in Vietnam. Our founder/Artistic Director Bonnie Grice worked with Ed for many years and asked if she could help bring his story to the stage. He agreed and together, using music clips, visuals and Ed himself, botgt brought Ed’s one man show to life in front of a standing room only crowd at Guild Hall in East Hampton.
Deep Down in Brooklyn: An American Story
November 2016
Our MainStage debut! Ed German’s story is an amazing amalgam of history, music and personal reflection… often funny, sometimes frightening, and always deeply moving. Ed is an actor, artist, Purple Heart Veteran and a Long Island radio legend. Over the past 20+ years his night time jazz and soul shows have won a wide listening audience. He spins tunes and weaves a web of stories from his life. So much so he decided to write it all down. His memoir “Deep Down in Brooklyn: An American Story” follows his life from his early years in Brooklyn to his enlistment (at age 18) in the Marines to fight in Vietnam. Our founder/Artistic Director Bonnie Grice worked with Ed for many years and asked if she could help bring his story to the stage. He agreed and together, using music clips, visuals and Ed himself, botgt brought Ed’s one man show to life in front of a standing room only crowd at Guild Hall in East Hampton.