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The Hudson Warehouse's production of Chekhov's "The Seagull" debuts Friday night.

It's the second of three productions for the summer.

Members of the company say the shows have become increasingly popular draws for theater lovers since they began in 2004.

"The audiences come year after year, and it's wonderful. They can come here and they're by the river and the sun is setting and they bring their families and they bring food, and they just sit and relax and see this amazing free classical theatre. And I don't know where else in the city you can just sit here and watch the setting sun and have this wonderful golden hour with our cast," said Hudson Warehouse Managing Director Susane Lee.

"It's love, the economy and art, and all of the characters in 'The Seagull' debate this vigorously," said Hudson Warehouse Director Tom Demenkoff.

Actors say the lush park provides for a unique stage where audience members can expect the unexpected.

"It's thrilling and freeing actually, because the rules of conventional theater go out the window," said actor Brad Coolidge.

"The audience is right there with you so have to be able to take them in and really take in the air and the trees and it's really a special place to perform," said actor Nick DeVita.

Performances of "The Seagull" will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday through July 31st.

Hudson Warehouse is sponsored by the Fractured Atlas non-profit arts service organization but hopes to get its own non-profit status in order to raise more funds.

"For years we have been on a shoestring budget and we pay for a lot of this out of our own pockets," said Lee.

The shows take place at the North Patio of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at 89th Street in the park.

For more information, visit HudsonWarehouse.net.