BroadwayWorld.com Central New York Stories

BWW Reviews: Geva Theatre Center's Season Closer is a Happy Reverie

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:39:08 PST

It could be said that Shakespeare's most popular comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," has been overdone. After all, it's been around for a few hundred years- and that's a few hundred years longer than most plays last in rotation.

The tale of Athens nobility, thwarted love and forest fairies is known the world over, and theatres have reimagined the show in a vast array of eras and surroundings. Directors and designers constantly search for ways to reinvent the classic, seldom staying the course Shakespeare intended: a magical story filled with wit and whimsy.

But Geva Theatre Center is out to prove that sometimes, "the play's the thing."

Co-directors Mark Cuddy and Skip Greer have mingled deliberate interpretations of lofty Shakespearean verse with clean staging and talented actors. Add a dash of set and costume design that visualizes the masterful script and a world of fairy dust and stately Greek columns is created.

Jo Winiarski offers a stunning set that appears to be anchored on a giant, moss-covered tree stump. Luxuriant draperies hang to simulate Duke Theseus's court, and behind the curtains is a knoll twinkling with fireflies. The sides of the set look like layers, or perhaps (more metaphorically), the inner workings of a lens. Ann Wrightson's lighting design only furthers the ambiance of the set, backlighting an other-worldly sun and flecking the cast with soft moonlight.

Using a generous helping of glitter, a fairy ensemble in green-hued wigs and filmy, richly colored fabrics, Pamela Scofield dresses the cast in the stuff of dreams. From beginning to end, the play yields no shortage of fascinating things to gaze upon.

Each actor who graces the stage is better than the next, from local players to equity cardholders. The cast translates the beauty of the language from their woodland playground with a reverence that dares the audience not to stir for fear of collapsing weighty moments.

Among the cast, several players are particularly gripping. The beloved role of Robin Goodfellow (better known as Puck) is played with apt mischief by George Abud. Keith Hamilton Cobb and Carly Street play both the royal pairs -Duke Theseus and Queen Hippolyta, Oberon and Titania - with an ease and differentiation of character development. Street's natural sensuality plays into Titania more strongly, and Cobb is a patient, kind Theseus. Emily Kunkel (Helena), Ian Holcomb (Demetrius) and Brian O'Connor (Nick Bottom) provide the audience with plenty of merriment. Local actor Rebecca Rand (First Fairy), a high school student, is fearless as she interacts with Puck and delivers a sweet lullaby a capella.

At three hours long (including intermission), the play isn't quite "swift as a shadow or short as any dream," but it is one that will hold the attention of an elementary school student with its energetic cast and sublime aesthetic.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is an impressive closer for a smashingly successful 2012-13 season - including national headlines for Geva's "culture club" audience engagement and the four millionth ticket sale.

By the end of the show, Shakespeare's own words ring true: "No epilogue, I pray you, for your play needs no excuse."

A Midsummer Night's Dream runs through June 2. For tickets, call 585-232-GEVA.

Photo Flash: First Look at Joseph Graves in Syracuse Stage's AN ILIAD

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:48:13 PST

An Iliad, adapted from Homer by Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare, with translation by Robert Fagles, is directed by Penny Metropulos at Syracuse Stage, running now through June 9. BroadwayWorld has a first look at Joseph Graves as The Poet onstage below!

This remarkable adaptation of Homer's account of the Trojan War vivifies the tale's epic power while capturing the immediacy of a story told around an open fire. A lone poet weaves contemporary speech with evocative poetry to create an electrifying encounter with this profoundly resonant chronicle of a distant conflict.

For more information about the production, click HERE.

Photo Credit: Michael Davis

Joseph Graves (as The Poet) in the Syracuse Stage production of An Iliad

MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET Opens Chenango River Theatre's Season, 5/24

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:40:07 PST

It's a family legend: Way back in 1942, the Virgin Mary herself appeared in the Nowak family's barbershop in Buffalo, N.Y. And the Nowaks responded by building a 20-foot-high statue next door and opening a soup kitchen that serves miracle soup that heals the sick.

The Nowaks have been living with that story for almost six decades now. They're proud of that statue (the neighbors call her "Our Lady of South Division Street"). It makes them feel special. They're the chosen ones.

But now Ruth Nowak, granddaughter of the barber who started it all, has called a mysterious family meeting in the Nowak kitchen. And what she has to say could change the family forever. But during the course of the meeting, the entire family's faith is shaken when a deathbed confession causes the family legend to unravel. The results are hilarious.

Chenango River Theatre is opening their 2013 season May 24 with Tom Dudzick's Miracle on South Division Street (co-produced by NBT Bank and The Daniels Family). A long 2012 off-Broadway run established this new hit comedy about a Catholic family living in a fading working class neighborhood of Buffalo, still tending the family heirloom - a 20' shrine to the Blessed Mother that commemorates the day in 1942 that the Blessed Virgin Mary materialized in their grandfather's barbershop.

Chenango River Theatre's production features Suzan Perry in the key role of the family matriarch (Clara), committed to preserving both her family and its heritage. Suzan has been a guest artist numerous times in this area at Cider Mill Playhouse and Cortland Rep and will be making her first appearance with Chenango River Theatre.

Returning for her 3rd show with CRT is Laurel Casillo (previously seen in A Shayna Maidel and The Diary of Anne Frank) in the pivotal role of Ruth, the middle sibling who wants to turn the family story into a work of art on stage. Her older bowling-mad sister is played by Mikaela Kafka, who recently earned a nomination for best actress in NJ for her role in The Maids. Rounding out the cast is younger brother Jimmy (portrayed by Daniel Mian), a garbageman with a secret of his own who loves to tweak his two older sisters. Dan is a former graduate of BU's Theatre Department now working out of NYC.

Performances run from May 24 through June 16, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., plus Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. at Chenango River Theatre, 991 State Highway 12, Greene NY (15-20 minutes from Binghamton).

Season tickets start as low as $60 for all 4 shows and are on sale now at www.chenangorivertheatre.org. The entire 2013 season is sponsored by Empire Toyota of Oneonta. Individual tickets are $20 Thursday, $22 Friday, $23 Saturday and $21Sunday.

Avon Players Present THE FULL MONTY, Opening Tonight

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:17:55 PST

Avon Players Community Theatre presents "the hilarious and heartwarming musical comedy," The Full Monty, opening on May 17th and continuing on weekends through June 1st.

After observing how much their wives enjoy watching male strippers during their "Girls' Night Out," unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo, NY come up with a bold way to make some quick cash: put on their own act! Of course, they soon learn it's easier said than done, but during the process they rediscover the importance of friendship and the ability to have fun and find renewed self-esteem. As the guys work through their fears, they come to find that not only are they stronger as a group, but the strength they find in each other gives them the courage to face their demons and ultimately overcome them.

Avon Players' production is directed by John "JD" Deierlein with assistant direction by Ryan Moore and stars twenty talented men and women from across the Detroit metro area.

Performances will be on May 17-19, 24-26, 31 and June 1. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM and Sunday performances are at 2:00 PM. Ticket prices range from $16- $18 and may be purchased at our box office in person, by phone at (248) 608-9077, or online at our website: www.avonplayers.org. Student, senior, and group rates are available. This production is recommended for adults only.

The Avon Players Theatre is located at 1185 Washington Road, Rochester MI 48306 and is a 501(c)3 non-profit community theatre serving Oakland and Macomb counties since 1947.

CRT Announces Nominations for 2013 'Pavilion Awards'

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:46:17 PST

Cortland Repertory Theatre has announced the nominees for their eleventh annual "Pavilion Awards" which recognize Outstanding Achievement in local high school theatre. For the seventh year, First Niagara Bank serves as the Corporate Sponsor for this program, which allows for many categories within the musical and non-musical genres. Musicals in consideration were held at the Cortland, Dryden, Groton, Homer, McGraw and Tully High Schools. Non-musical plays were also presented at Cortland, Homer and Tully. The nominees are as followings:

Musical: Working (Cortland), Oliver! (Dryden), The Music Man (Groton), Wonderful Town (Homer), You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (McGraw) and My Fair Lady (Tully).

Play: The Mouse That Roared (Cortland), You Can't Take It With You (Homer), and Clue (Tully).

Ensemble (musical): Working (Cortland), Oliver! (Dryden), The Music Man (Groton), Wonderful Town (Homer), You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (McGraw) and My Fair Lady (Tully).

Ensemble (play): The Mouse That Roared (Cortland), You Can't Take It With You (Homer), and Clue (Tully).

Leading Actor in a Musical: Joel Twitchell (Groton), Josh Apker (Homer), Andrew Niver (McGraw), and Nathaniel Shahan (Tully).

Leading Actress in a Musical: Allie Young (Dryden), Brenna Hahne (Groton), Lucia Helgren (Homer), and Lauren Ralbovsky (Tully).

Leading Actor in a Play: Alex Klaes (Cortland), Alex Reynolds (Cortland), Richie Howell (Homer), and Erik Gustafson (Homer).

Leading Actress in a Play: Caitlin Little (Cortland), Lucia Helgren (Homer), and Lauren Ralbovsky (Tully).

Supporting Actor in a Musical: Jack Gerhard (Cortland), Will Hanson (Dryden), David Perfetti (Homer), and Noah Paccia (Tully).

Supporting Actress in a Musical: Emma Cleary (Cortland), Margaret Hoeschele (Cortland), Breanna Jones (Cortland), and Bethany Ellis (McGraw).

Supporting Actor in a Play: John Ruquet (Cortland), Nigel Van der Woude (Cortland), Jacob Elikins (Homer) and David Perfetti (Homer).

Supporting Actress in a Play: Kaitlyn Newman (Cortland), Sierra Wilhoit (Cortland), Lilly Gustafson (Homer), and Liz Redenback (Homer).

Featured Actor in a Musical: Dakota Hickey (Dryden), Zack Ossit (Groton), Benjamin Ackley (McGraw), and Drew Deal (Tully).

Featured Actress in a Musical: Olivia Lutwak (Dryden), Rebecca Woods (Dryden), Bailey Kote (Homer), and Kailey Riddick (McGraw).

Featured Actor in a Play: Brian Barnes (Cortland), Lukas Pizzola (Homer), Jackson Morris (Homer) and Zach Randall (Homer).

Featured Actress in a Play: Brooke Campbell (Cortland), Kaige Gailore (Homer), Jordon Green (Homer) and Tori Anderson (Homer).

Student Written One-Act Play: The 16th Hole by Y. BrIan Hughes, The Ruby of Venus by Brian Barnes & Conner Beattie, Mask by Lina Apte, and Secret of the Ocean's Depths by Iva Markicevic. All nominees are from Cortland High.

Technical Achievement: Theo Moore (Groton), David Levitskiy (McGraw), and Kiki Lee (Tully.

Theatre-As-Education: The Music Man (Groton), Wonderful Town (Homer), You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (McGraw) and My Fair Lady (Tully).

Also the students themselves will pick a "Most Valuable Player" from each production. This award is chosen for the person involved in the production who went above and beyond the call of duty for their show. This recognition is voted on and chosen by the cast and crews themselves; no outside judges are involved.

Scholarships are also available for graduating seniors who are pursuing higher education in the theatre arts. Members of the CRT Board of Directors Youth Programming Committee decide the recipients of these scholarships.

For the productions and acting awards, volunteer judges attended the shows. All are involved with Central New York theatre in some way, whether as a performer, technician, within the educational system or as an avid theatre-goer. In each category, the nominees who received the most votes have been selected as finalists. In the event that a judge is unable to attend a performance, the total number of points each nominee receives is divided by the number of judges attending to determine ranking. Factors such as the size of the role, number of songs, time on stage, etc. determine the category in which each actor is placed.

"This awards program focuses on creating a theatre community within the high schools in our area." CRT Producing Director Kerby Thompson explains. "We do everything possible to not make this adversarial between the schools, but rather an experience to be shared between the school and the students. They students have been involved in something they will remember for the rest of the lives, and this award ceremony is a fun way to end the school year."

The Pavilion Award Ceremony will be held on Monday, June 10th at 7:00 pm at the Little York Pavilion, home to CRT. The awards will be presented on the set for CRT's first show "The Unexpected Guest" and each school will perform a musical number from their show at the ceremony. Presenters will include actors, administration and staff of the 2013 CRT summer season, as well as representatives from First Niagara Bank. The CRT Board of Directors will host a reception afterwards. Call 607-756-2627 for more information.

Blackfriars Theatre Opens STEEL MAGNOLIAS on Friday

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:24:35 PST

Get a taste of the South up North with Blackfriars Theatre's production of Robert Harling's hilarious and heartbreaking play, Steel Magnolias. Set in a beauty parlor in Louisiana, Steel Magnolias is a story of the friendship between six Southern women who gossip, laugh, harangue and hold each other through the best and worst of what life has to offer; all with perfectly done hair. With favorite lines like, "If you can't find anything good to say about anybody, come sit by me," and "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion," this play is sure to have you rolling on the floor while reaching for your hankie.

"We have assembled a terrific cast of women to bring this classic comedy to Blackfriars Theatre," says Artistic Director and the play's director, John Haldoupis. "Funny, warm and at times heartbreaking, the show is a pure delight and the perfect surprise play to end our 63rd season." The cast includes Dawn Sargent as salon owner Truvy, Vicki Casarett as Clairee, Mary Tiballi as Shelby, Alexa Scott-Flaherty as M'Lynn, Kaitlin Meleski as Annelle and Cara D'Manuele as the grouchy yet lovable Ouiser.

Steel Magnolias is a celebration of strength and sisterhood and is ideal for a night out with your girl friends. It will be performed at Blackfriars Theatre (795 East Main Street, Rochester 14618) beginning May 17 and running throughJune 2. Performances are Thursday's, May 23 and 30 at 7:30 pm; Friday's, May 17, 24 and 31 at 8:00 pm; Saturday's, May 18 and June 2 at 8:00 pm, and Sunday's, May 19 and June 1, 2:00 pm. Tickets are $28.50-$36.50 and available in person at Blackfriars Theatre, online at www.blackfriars.org, or by calling 585-454-1260. If available, tickets can be purchased at the door beginning one-hour prior to performance. Box Office hours are Monday thruFriday, 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m., and Saturday's, noon to 4:00 p.m. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted at no additional charge.

Blackfriars Theatre, a professional, not-for-profit theatre located on Rochester, NY's "Theatre Row is located at 795 East Main Street. Parking is available on site. Handicapped seating is available. For more information regarding Blackfriars Theatre, please visit their website at www.blackfriars.org.

3rd Annual WAM/MOPCO Theatre Project Relocates to Schenectady High School

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:46:24 PST

For the third year in a row, WAM Theatre and The Mop & Bucket Company (MopCo) will bring together over 50 professional theatre artists from the Berkshires and the Capital Region to produce the 24hr Theatre Project. Together, these artists will mount five short works; all written, rehearsed and performed in 24 hours. The 3rd Annual Berkshires/Capital Region 24hr Theatre Project is hosted by Proctors in Schenectady, NY.

Due to scheduling conflicts in the GE Theatre, Proctors has moved the 24hr Theatre Project to the Black Box Theatre at John Sayles School of Fine Arts at Schenectady High School. A public performance will take place on Saturday, May 18 at 8pm.

"This venue, with its state of the art facilities, will serve as an ideal new space for the event. We sincerely apologize for the scheduling conflict and are delighted WAM and MOPCO worked so well with Proctors to ensure the show will go on!" says Philip Morris, CEO of Proctors.

Tickets ($20, $15 for students and industry) are available for purchase by calling Tickets at Proctors at (518) 346-6204 or visiting www.proctors.org/events/berkshire-capreg-theatre-project. Seating is limited at the new location; advance purchase is highly recommended.

Producers WAM Theatre and The Mop and Bucket Company are grateful to Schenectady High School, Bill Ziskin, Prince Sprauve for their last minute efforts to house the project; and to Proctors and Actors' Equity Association for their support.

The 3rd Annual Berkshires/Capital Region 24hr Theatre Project is sponsored in part by DidYouWeekend?, the Deann Dylandale Foundation and Price Chopper.

Cortland Rep Announces 'CRT Week' Tours, 5/20-24

Fri, 10 May 2013 22:59:56 PST

In conjunction with the opening of the Box Office for the 2013 summer season, Cortland Repertory Theatre is also announcing "CRT Week" from Monday, May 20 - Friday, May 24. During this week, the CRT Board of Directors and staff members will be offering open-house tours of the new CRT Downtown building at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm each day. The tours will be 5-10 minutes and will showcase the completed offices and lobby, as well as future Grand Hall and Theatre which is under construction.

"We've been in our new building for a year now," Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson explains, "and there are still many people who haven't had a chance to come in to see the work we've accomplished. During this week, we're offering quick tours for people to stop in on their lunch hour, or as they drive by on Port Watson Street, and get the full story of our future plans."

Thompson says that the theme for the week is "See how far we've come - see how far we've got to go." "We've heard many compliments when people come in for the first time. People are amazed at the warmth and elegance of the lobby, which is just an indication of what the rest of the building will look like when completed." he says. Along with the Box Office counter, the lobby is decorated with a gas fireplace, two crystal chandeliers and a patterned tin ceiling, along with locations for the future refreshment stand and a coat check.

"We are still raising funds to complete 'Act Two' of our Three Act revitalization project of the building" Thompson says. "Our immediate goal is to raise $500,000 to get the theatre up and running, and we are well on our way with an $180,000 state grant already awarded to the project." Thompson admits that while the "CRT Week" open house is partially planned to encourage donations, the primary goal is to display the completed work. "Seeing it as you drive by is not enough!" he says. "To really see our vision, people must see the inside. Stop on by!"

The Box Office will also be open for sales to all the theatre's summer shows starting onMonday, May 20, from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday - Friday, and noon - 6:00pm on Saturdays. For more information, call 607-753-6161 or visit cortlandrep.org.

3rd Annual WAM/MOPCO Theatre Project Relocates to Schenectady High School

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:42:31 PST

The 3rd Annual Berkshires/Capital Region 24hr Theatre Project is sponsored in part by DidYouWeekend?, the Deann Dylandale Foundation and Price Chopper.

3rd Annual 24 Hour Berkshire/Capital Region Theatre Project Set for 5/18

Mon, 06 May 2013 10:49:20 PST

For the third year in a row, WAM Theatre and The Mop & Bucket Improv Company (MopCo) will bring together over 50 professional theatre artists from the Berkshire and Capital Region areas to produce the 24hr Theatre Project. Together, these artists will mount five short works; all written, rehearsed, and performed in 24 hours. The 3rd Annual 24hr Berkshires/Capital Region Theatre is hosted by Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, NY, with a public performance taking place on Saturday, May 18 at 8pm.

Tickets are available for purchase by calling Proctors at (518) 346-6204 or visiting www.proctors.org/events/berkshire-capreg-theatre-project.

Tony nominated actress Jayne Atkinson (Berkshire Theatre Group, TV's House of Cards and 24) joins the project as a director this year. Also directing will be Michael Burns (Artistic Director of the Mop & Bucket Company), Dina Janis (Artistic Director of the Dorset Theatre Festival), Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill (Artistic Director of Capital Repertory Theatre) and Kristen van Ginhoven (Artistic Director of WAM Theatre).

Nearly 100 submissions of interest were received this year for the project, which brings together actors, directors, playwrights, designers and technicians from the Berkshire, MA and Capital Region, NY areas. The 2013 ensemble list as of April 1 is below.

"What is magical about this 24hr Project is that it combines the spontaneous creativity of improvisational theatre with the rigorous professionalism and production value of scripted theatre. It's the best of both worlds!" says Kat Koppett, Co-Director of the Mop & Bucket Company. "We can't wait for the clock to start ticking down again. It is always amazing to see how much comes together in 24 hours", adds Kristen van Ginhoven, Artistic Director of WAM Theatre.

Producers WAM Theatre and The Mop and Bucket Improv Company are grateful to Proctors Theatre and Actor's Equity Association for their support.

The 2013 24hr Theatre Project is sponsored in part by DidYouWeekend, the Dylandale Foundation and Price Chopper.

Media Sponsors for this project include All Over Albany.