Music occupies an irreplaceable space in the public consciousness, for fans and artists alike. Whether in the form of popular music that we listen to, soundtracks for films and television, plot pieces in musical theater or classic anthems we sing along to at concerts, music has a way of bringing people together. Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theater continues to celebrate that, bringing yet another musical master to the stage for their next Music Monday: Melissa Errico.

As an award-winning performer, singer, actress and writer, Melissa Errico has mastered music in all of its forms. From her performances in leading roles on Broadway, such as her Tony-nominated turn in Michel Legrand’s Amour and her breakout role in My Fair Lady, to her recent focus on her cabaret-style shows and themed recorded albums, Errico has proven that her voice is versatile enough to keep up with her many talents. She even uses her voice in print, as a writer for The New York Times.

Recently, she’s been keeping busy by dazzling audiences with an array of performances across the country and is bringing her show titled “Let Yourself Go” to the Bay Street Theater on August 21. Famed musical theater composer Stephen Schwartz will join Errico to perform a few songs from his repertoire.

Here, Errico speaks on the show in her own words.

Your upcoming show at Bay Street seems to be summer-themed, with a mix of Broadway show tunes and classics, and you promise the audience the chance to let go. Why the theme of letting go?

I just think that post-pandemic, amid all the political crises we face — and that I have to confront every day as much as everyone else — there’s a moment when we just need some release, an hour or two of giddy fun, something sexy and summery and easy. I don’t mean “letting go” in the sense of not caring, but sort of in the Barbie phenomenon sense — allowing us to see the meaning lurking in sheer pleasure. Let’s all celebrate life! We deserve to.

You’re originally from Long Island and have performed many times out in the Hamptons. How does your familiarity with the Island and the audience inform your performance?

I’ve spent countless summers out here, first as a girl in Manhasset and then as a young performer in Sag Harbor and East Hampton, and after that as a mother with girls in tennis camp. I love the summer feeling; I love the potato fields and ocean. I always feel alive in the world out here — ocean air and starry nights. My husband and I spent many of our first summers out here, so there’s a spell of romance for me in it, too.