It’s Raining Turtles!

Following a two year hiatus, The East End Special Players will return to the Bay Street Theater stage on Saturday, April 29, at 4 p.m. to present a premiere benefit performance of their new play “Turtles on the Tarmac.” The event begins Saturday, April 29, with a reception and silent auction starting at 3 p.m. Following the performance, a live auction will be held led by guest auctioneer and Wölffer Estate winemaker Roman Roth.

Imagine an airport, a storm, canceled flights, characters with names like Rotten Robin and Tammy Tam-Tam, stolen goods, spies, fast-paced slapstick, and a colorful kaleidoscope of mayhem and music. And yes, turtles! “Turtles on the Tarmac,” which the players have been developing for two years, despite COVID-19 interference and rehearsing online weekly, was created out of the fertile, often eccentric and always lighthearted imaginations of these seasoned actors, and is a family-friendly romp filled with music, intrigue, and an impromptu talent show.

The East End Special Players is a theater company celebrating differently abled actors. The troupe includes people with learning disabilities, autism, Down Syndrome, and other cognitive or physical challenges. This often-hidden world of talent has been performing on the East End for more than 30 years. In 2006, artistic director Jacqui Leader departed from traditional scripted theater and challenged the Players to develop their own performance material, in their own words, based on their own lives. What she discovered was a deep well of common emotions and life expectations. She also found an abundance of high-spirited good humor.

“Turtles on the Tarmac” follows in this tradition from their past hit plays “Whimsy World” and “Trouble in Jamaica.” In 2019 Bay Street Theater became the official home of the East End Special Players, formally acknowledging the group as company-in-residence.

Tickets for the performance start at $25 ($10 for students, children and individuals living in group homes). Preferred seating is $75. Bay Street Theater is on Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. Visit baystreet.org for tickets.