Constructing all their sets on site, the company-that-could often had to leave their labor-of-love creations when forced to seek a new locale, building an ever-growing deficit in their collective budget.

Presently renting space in Salem Lutheran Church, the folks at Narrows are arduously planning for their upcoming show – the last of the year – though they would gladly do more if finances allowed.

“We could do at least four productions a year if we had a home,” Sullivan said and the remaining board members readily agreed; eager in their artistic pursuits.

With scores attending their bi-seasonal auditions, those running the shows at Narrows certainly do not lack for talent. Aspiring actors even come from the bustling corners of Brooklyn’s metropolitan sister, Manhattan, eagerly seeking a chance at the stage.

In fact, nearly 40 such enthusiastic entertainers showed up on the first days of auditions, though only a select few will get the coveted roles. In the end, though, the neighborhood will be the true winner.

“It truly gives an opportunity to the Bay Ridge community,” said board member Betty Kash. “A lot of people in Bay Ridge have never been to Broadway for a few reasons – one, of course, is the price of tickets.”

As with most community theaters, the price of tickets is cheap: $20 general, and $15 for children, seniors, and students under 21.

In 1972, however, Sullivan recalls that it was indeed the ticket prices that saved the show. Unable to pay the director, at the time, the respective members of Narrows were forced to sell tickets well in advance to cover the professional fee. In the end, they reigned triumphant and the proverbial show smoothly went on.

They’ll be the first to attest, however, that they’ve come a long way since then, particularly due to the overwhelming flair for the dramatic shared by its respective counterparts.

“We’re all volunteers, so we’re obviously doing this out of passion and love,” said Susan Huizinga, president of the Narrows board. In fact, only the directors, musical directors and musicians get paid.

With plans to direct “Fame” at a middle school this year and having recently completed a run of “The Jungle Book” at a summer camp, Huizinga is only one among the many at Narrows who had a different focus in their professional career.

With other board members employed in demanding occupations such as finance and counseling, it’s hard to imagine how they find the time for theatrical endeavors.

“To me, there’s a thrill of performing,” said Ann C. Gubiotti, a board member who works in banking by day. “When you have a live audience there and they respond to what you’re doing, it is wonderful. It’s what really eggs you on.”

Although never possessing any theatrical aspirations as a child, Gubiotti quickly discovered her acting chops as a performer, though her introduction to the art form was reluctant at best.

“I always liked to sing and friends called me a wimp for not wanting to audition,” Gubiotti said. “I came and auditioned for ‘Guys and Dolls.’ I was one of the ‘Save a Soul Mission’ dolls and I absolutely loved it.”

Since then, she’s become a fully dedicated member of the Narrows family.

The spirit of community stretches past the board, however. In 1971, Sullivan says, the company, unaware of the legal formalities of running a theater, had yet to establish their non-profit status, potentially leading to many legal woes. Attorney Andrew Sichenze helped Narrows’ three founding members – David Forsynth, Anthony Micari and James Moakler – incorporate free of charge.

They have been happily producing since then.

“One of the reasons we’ve been very successful is it’s not a clique,” said Sullivan.

“In fact, we don’t even like each other,” replied Kash in jest, to the presence of warm, resounding laughter.

While many theater companies provide preferential treatment to long-standing members, seniority – while treated with respect at Narrows – takes a back-seat to talent. In fact, the respective members of the theater troupe believe that the consistent influx of fresh blood allows their company to thrive.

Now in preparation for “Damn Yankees,” scheduled to premiere on November sixth in St. Patrick’s Church, the atmosphere at the makeshift recital hall is hectic.

“In this particular show, you need people who can do a lot,” said director Dawn Barry, whose introduction to Narrows came at its first performance – she played Bonnie in “Anything Goes.”

A boisterous belter, Barry primarily looks for someone who can entertain, as this musical requires its protagonists to have quite a few abilities – Lola must be a triple threat, but everyone needs a fair dose of charisma, aside from the requisite talent.

As the performers prepare for a show to seat nearly 200 audience members, one struggles to recall the sense of joy attached to musical theater in lieu of all the hard work. After all, the nature of the business is to entertain.

“This is going to be fun,” Barry said. “We’re going to enjoy ourselves. I know it’s going to be hard work, but we’ve got a good group here.”