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Former Sleepy Hollow Resident Joe Godfrey Debuts Off-Broadway Play

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y. -- Joe Godfrey, who grew up in Sleepy Hollow, is opening his new Off-Broadway play will keep audience members guessing.

Former Sleepy Hollow resident Joe Godfrey has a play premiering on Off-Broadway this month.

Former Sleepy Hollow resident Joe Godfrey has a play premiering on Off-Broadway this month.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Godfrey's play "Romance Language," opens this month at Theatre 511 at Arts Nova on West 54th St. The family drama is about a mother in her 50s who develops a relationship with her Italian teacher, who is in his 30s. The woman's daughter, also in her 30s, disapproves.

The play had workshop productions in Chicago before its Off- Broadway premiere.

"It's very exciting," Godfrey said. "As the song goes, 'If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.' It's really a thrill, you'll never know what they say. I think we have a terrific cast and an excellent director. I'm a teeny bit nervous, but we're in very good hands."

Godfrey grew up in Sleepy Hollow, when it was known as North Tarrytown. A Sleepy Hollow High School graduate, he said it was a wonderful high school to attend. 

"A number of my classmates went into the arts," Gofrey said. "They had a very strong drama program, we had a wonderful teacher. I acted in every show."

Growing up in Sleepy Hollow was an enjoyable experience for Godfrey, who lived in the Philipse Manor neighborhood.

"We had big wide streets and you could ride your bike everywhere or go swimming," Godfrey said. "I went to movies at the Tarrytown Music Hall. There was a nice of mix of people of different ethnicity." 

After graduating Sleepy Hollow, Godfrey became a writer and an actor, but was most known for doing voiceovers for commercials. He said "Romance Language" was inspired by the play and movie "The Heiress."

"You don't really see the possibility of a daughter damaging a parents choice for happiness," Godfrey said. "You often don't know where your ideas are going to come from, but all of a sudden, you have one. I hope it's an honest family drama."

Godfrey said he hopes the audience learns it's never too late to try something new and be careful of family getting in the way.

"Keep your eyes wide open," Godfrey said.

For more information on "Romance Language," visit www.romancelanguageplay.com 

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