Natasha Ashley

The REV Theatre Company in Auburn, New York ends their 2021 summer season with Almost Heaven, The Songs of John Denver under the direction and choreography of Brett Smock. The title says it all, it is in fact over twenty songs by John Denver and others along with orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Jeff Waxman and original concept by Harold Thau.

42nd Street is without a doubt a must see at The Rev Theatre Company in Auburn, New York. The treat to see a live performance, or to perform in one, is something that I think we will not take for granted again. Theater is essential and this production proves that. The heart, songs, dancing, and the powerful performances that the entire cast and production team bring to The Rev’s production of 42nd Street is something that those who love live theater have missed so much. We welcome you back with open arms. 

Syracuse Stage never ceases to amaze me with their eye for productions, casting, and unique presentations. I have to say I was concerned when I saw that this streaming production was three hours long. However, it was three hours very well spent. Syracuse Stage’s production of the stunning documentary drama Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominated playwright Anna Deavere Smith is beautifully and creatively directed by Steve H. Broadnax III.

Shows CANCELLED! That seems to be the trend for theatrical productions in 2020. The holidays and shows are two things that go perfectly together. People love memories, traditions, treats, and entertainment for the Holidays and for many, that means a special trip with family and friends to the theater. For the performers performing during the Holidays, it is a time to bring joy to the audience and to celebrate with their theater family.

Syracuse’s beloved Redhouse Arts Center once again let their creativity shine through as they found a way to still bring a production of the classic Holiday story, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play to virtual viewers.

Syracuse Stage is one of only a few theatres across the country currently producing stage productions. The first production of their mainstage season is Talley’s Folly under the always superb and detailed direction of Syracuse Stage’s Artistic Director Robert Hupp. This fully staged production of Lanford Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play has been filmed and is now available to patrons online through video on demand streaming.

Syracuse Stage and their re-imagined 20/21 season brings a real and raw original play beautifully written and directed by Dr. Juhanna Rogers titled A Gatherin' Place. The show highlights local Black women telling their own stories. It was filmed at Syracuse Stage's Archbold Theatre and is available for free streaming. The emotional and powerful play is performed by members of the Auburn based community theater, The Harriet Tubman Troupe. Each woman delivers her role with such real and raw emotion in this intriguing story of being unapologetically, a Black woman.

This 2020/2021 season at Syracuse Stage is obviously starting out a little different than usual as theaters all over are adapting to how they present stories to their audiences. Syracuse Stage opens its season with two productions available online (both free of charge). Syracuse Stage has partnered with more than 75 theaters across the country to broadcast a radio adaptation, produced by Berkeley Repertory, of Sinclair Lewis’ 1930s politically charged novel It Can’t Happen Here.

Theater audiences, performers, and creative teams have certainly been longing for a live onstage production since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, audiences in Ithaca, New York had their chance to see a creative approach to a live performance with The Cherry Arts fully masked production of the entertaining farce, The Fan by Carlo Goldini under the creative adaptation of director Samuel Buggeln. The performances are now available to watch online and were performed live in front of an audience that was distanced, outdoor, and masked following all of New York state’s safety precautions and guidelines.

For two days only, snuggled in the beautiful Dwyer Memorial Park (the home of Cortland Repertory Theatre's Little York Pavilion) Cortland Repertory Theatre, SUNY Cortland Theatre Department, The Cortland Youth Bureau, and the Cortland Performing Arts Institute brings a delightful socially distant drive-thru theatrical experience with Stories in the Park. As you drive down the winding path in the safety and comfort of your car some favorite childhood stories come to life with elaborate costumes, energetic performers, and gorgeous scenic designs.

Syracuse's Redhouse Arts Center is back at it again bringing theater to audiences virtually with their now streaming production of the world premiere of the virtual sequel Still Waiting a Play Created for Zoom by Marc Palmieri and wonderfully directed by Hunter Foster. The play is of course part II of Waiting For the Host, which made its streaming debut at Virtual Redhouse on May 28, 2020. The sequel Still Waiting began streaming on Thursday, June 25, 2020 and is available for viewing through June 29, 2020.

Many theaters are all finding unique ways to still bring theater, concerts, and the arts to their audiences. Facebook live, Zoom, and other streaming services are certainly getting a work out as schools, theaters, performers, and many workplaces have all shifted online due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Redhouse debuted its first virtual play Waiting for the Host by Marc Palmieri under the visionary direction of Hunter Foster on Thursday, May 28, 2020 and it will be available for purchase and streaming through June 1, 2020.

Like many other theaters all over the world the Redhouse Arts Center has unfortunately experienced many cancellations and rescheduling of shows that are a part of their 2020 season. To still support the theater and continue giving access to the arts, like other theaters the Redhouse has shifted to online programs under 'Virtual Redhouse.' Virtual Redhouse has expanded. Starting May 4th and running through May 17th the Redhouse is offering a chance for their virtual audiences to experience and view their 2019 production of the Off-Broadway hit Almost, Maine. This production entertained audiences at Redhouse in January and February for their 2019 season. The live stream is available for purchase at www.theredhouse.org and the cost, which includes all fees, is only $15. Once purchased you have 24 hours to view and enjoy the enchanting production as directed by the talented Steve Hayes who made his directorial debut with this production. The stellar cast features Laura Austin, Lilli Komurek, Alyssa Otoski-Keim, John Bixler, Basil Allen, and Derek Emerson Powell.

On Saturday, April 18, 2020 the Central New York Theater community came together to support one of their own local actors. Patrick's Positivity Parade was a 'car train' of over 150 vehicles that drove through Patrick Carman's neighborhood to show support, love, and positivity for the 26-year-old with a health condition.

Syracuse Stage's stunning production of Amadeus under the always meticulous direction of Robert Hupp opened on Friday, March 13, 2020 and also closed on the same night due to the coronavirus outbreak. The decision to suspend the rest of the production's run was a choice that Hupp told the audience a?oewas the right thing to do.a?? Although Governor Cuomo banned gatherings of more than 500 people, the Archbold Theater seats 499 so the board technically had the choice. They made the right, yet very tough choice like so many theaters across the country.

The Central New York Playhouse is now entertaining audiences with the delightful romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love. The play by Lee Hall is adapted from the popular 1998 film of the same name. With numerous productions of Romeo and Juliet occurring throughout Central New York the timing is perfect for a refreshing relief, a play that is about writing Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Even better, the production is witty, refreshing, and entertaining.

Now performing at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater as part of the Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series: Broadway in Syracuse is the touring production of A Bronx Tale the Musical. The musical features a book by Chazz Palminteri, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Glenn Slater. This touring production features a dynamite cast with stellar vocals that mesmerized the audience.

Redhouse's production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet appropriately opened on Valentine's Day under the fresh direction of Melissa Rain Anderson. The romantic tale of a forbidden love comes to life with a fresh take on the characters, time period, and costumes. The result is intriguing and captivating.

Syracuse Stage along with the Syracuse Department of Drama brings a captivating and raw production of Sarah DeLappe's The Wolves under the impressive direction of Melissa Rain Anderson. The production features numerous Syracuse University student actors along with members of the Actors' Equity Association as they bring the Pulitzer Prize nominated drama about nine young women soccer players to life with such immense intensity and talent. The production is intense, chilling, and brilliant.

The Baldwinsville Theatre Guild has brought a truly breathtaking production of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's Bright Star to their stage under the superb direction of Colin Keating. Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's beautifully crafted bluegrass musical is breathtakingly brought to life by the stellar cast. This local community theatre production could give some professional theaters a run for their money thanks to Director Keating's spot-on casting, his detailed direction, and the unbelievable talents of local community theater performers that are often seen throughout Central New York.