Fahrenheit 451 - Bay Street Theater | 11.15.25

Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor is currently presenting "Fahrenheit 451” from November 13th to November 30th and is based on the 1953 novel by Ray Bradbury of the same name. It tells the story of a future America where books are viewed as instruments that lead to confusion and division and have been outlawed. The government has mandated that all books must be burned by their appointed “firemen” and destroyed. Furthermore, if books are found inside a home the entire structure would be burned down. The story’s central character is Guy Montag, a fireman who is questioning his job more and more and how positive it is to censor people.

Guy is played by John Kroft who delivers a passionate, captivating performance. It’s difficult to take your eyes off of him, even when he isn’t speaking! Guy soon meets Clarisse McClellan (played exquisitely by Anna Francesca Schiavoni) who recently moved to the area and questions the Firemen’s practices and challenges him with a simple question that plagues him for the remainder of the show. The pause after her question was deafening - She captured the nuance of a younger girl perfectly and was fun to watch, offering some comic relief at points as well. J. Stephen Brantley delivers a strong performance as William Claude Beatty, the Fire Chief. His presence is chilling and keeps you guessing - there are moments where Guy is questioning many of his choices and has conversations with William and it’s anyone’s guess if he is empathizing with him or working against him and it's incredible to watch.

John Kroft, J. Stephen Brantley.

Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater, baystreet.org

One character that seems to have fully bought into the book burning and censorship concept is Guy’s wife Mildred, played masterfully by Daniela Mastropietro. There are things Mastropietro did that I have no words for! I don’t want to give too much away regarding the plot because if you are unfamiliar, it’s awesome to experience in the moment but she acted this role brilliantly. She made me feel uncomfortable in all the best ways. She’s another person you can’t look away from! Her facial expressions are big and intense and her monologues are emotional and gut wrenching. I can’t say enough good things about her performance.

Daniela Mastropietro.

Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater, baystreet.org

Rounding out the cast was Dan Pavacic, Nicole Marie Hunt, Matthew Conlon, Bonnie Comley, Stewart F. Lane, and Emma Walton Hamilton who all contributed greatly to the success of this production. I’d be remiss to not also mention Hunt, who delivers a monologue that was so passionate I’m still thinking about it days later. She is a force! On the creative side, I loved the set. Initially it looks unassuming - but the back wall is lined with video and is integral to setting each scene. It was stunning to see! The way the visual effects were used to depict Mildred’s point of view was incredibly creative. I’m also the kind of person who appreciates the choreography of set pieces moving about and the way pieces came out of the back wall was a nice touch; quite unique and satisfying when pieces are returned.

You’ll see what I mean when you go.

And with all of these things going on, my favorite part about this production was how timely it is. “Fahrenheit 451” may have been written in 1953 about a time somewhere in the future, but it is chilling to think of the parallels between what transpires in this story and what is happening in the world today. In America we are seeing books being banned and people relying more and more on electronic devices and digital mediums to obtain their information - yet we remain tragically uninformed on some of the most pressing issues and topics affecting us. My biggest takeaway from this show is that knowledge and information lives in us and we are not powerless; it is up to us to share our wisdom to make the world a better place. That message is so important these days and I’m grateful that I was exposed to this story - so much so that I think I need to read the book as well! The message is timeless and we can all learn from it.

Bay Street Theater’s captivating production of “Fahrenheit 451” delivers a powerful, thought-provoking message during a time when it is most needed. I strongly encourage you and a friend to catch this show before it closes on November 30th! Tickets can be purchased in-person or over the phone through the box office or via their website at baystreet.org.

Nicole Marie Hunt.

Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater, baystreet.org

Cast:

Guy Montag - John Kroft

William Claude Beatty - J. Stephen Brantley

Fireman Black, EMT 3 (Pretty Boy), Family Theatre Host, Aristotle, Chorus 3 - Dan Pavacic

Fireman Holder, EMT 2 (Bach), Book Person, Chorus 2, Maya Angelou, Mrs. Hudson, Ensemble - Nicole Marie Hunt

Clarisse McClellan - Anna Francesca Schiavoni

EMT 1, Faber, Announcer, Parlor Wall Personalities - Matthew Conlon

Mildred Montag, Chorus 1, Margaret Atwood - Daniela Mastropietro

Good Morning Show Host, Mary Shelley, Ensemble - Bonnie Comley

The Family Theater Show Attorney, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ensemble - Stewart F. Lane

Computer Voice - Emma Walton Hamilton

Creative Team:

Director - Stephen Hamilton

Assistant Director - Brian Clemente

Production Stage Manager - Chris Daly

Assistant Stage Manager - Kat Hansell

fight Director - Rick Sordelet

Scenic & Projection Designer - Mike Billings

Sound Designer - David Brandenburg

Lighting Designer - Garett Pembrook

Lighting & Technical Supervisor - Hannah Corbett