Ray Bradbury’s ‘Fahrenheit 451’ Ignites Bay Street Theater Stage in November

What happens when books burn — and with them, the freedom to think? They tried to silence stories. But Bay Street is turning up the heat.

This fall, “Fahrenheit 451” ignites the stage under the direction of Bay Street Theater co-founder and nationally recognized director Steven Hamilton, whose visionary work helped shape the company’s reputation for bold, thought-provoking theater. In this powerful new production of Ray Bradbury’s classic, Hamilton brings fresh urgency to a story that remains chillingly relevant. The play will run from November 13 through November 30 as part of Bay Street’s annual Literature Live! program.

In a future where books are outlawed and firemen set fires rather than put them out, truth is erased and one man’s rebellion becomes a spark for revolution. “Fahrenheit 451” tells the story of Guy Montag, a man whose crisis of conscience ignites a rebellion against a society built on censorship, conformity and distraction. The play poses timely and urgent questions about the cost of silencing ideas — and what it means to think freely in an age of disinformation.

“This production brings fresh urgency to Bradbury’s vision,” said Hamilton, a director, teacher and mentor whose work helped shape Bay Street’s early artistic voice. “It’s a story about the power of ideas, the danger of censorship, and the right to think critically — all of which feel more relevant today than ever.”

Originally published in 1953, Bradbury’s novel “Fahrenheit 451” has become a cornerstone of American literature and a warning cry against the suppression of truth. Hamilton’s direction aims to honor the novel’s legacy while engaging a new generation of audiences.

“Fahrenheit 451” is part of Literature Live!, Bay Street’s educational initiative that presents live theatrical adaptations of literary classics for students across Long Island. Since its launch, the program has served over 43,000 students with free admission each year. A matching fundraising campaign is currently underway to help sustain this program and other community events. School groups interested in attending should call 631-725-0818 ext. 107 or email Bethany Dellapolla at bdellapolla@baystreet.org

Tickets for the general public are $50 to $120 and are available at baystreet.org. Bay Street Theater is on Long Wharf in Sag Harbor.