Natasha Ashley - Page 3

Mamma Mia! 'Here we go again.' There is now another production in Central New York of this hit jukebox musical based on the songs of ABBA. This time around it is a delightful production at the picturesque Cortland Repertory Theatre in Preble, New York. For a musical that is repeatedly (sometimes too much) performed throughout the country, the Cortland Rep production, directed by Kerby Thompson, is quite fresh, powerful, and exciting.

The Merry a?" Go a?" Round Playhouse is now enchanting audiences with a breathtaking production of Grand Hotel the Musical. Director Brett Smock's productions often are memorable and this one is no exception. With the lavish set, spot on casting, and impressive choreography this production is one of the top productions I've seen presented at The Merry - Go a?" Round Playhouse.

Omigod you guys! Cortland Repertory Theatre is now entertaining audiences with the super-fun musical comedy Legally Blonde at their picturesque summer location at the Little York Pavilion in Preble, New York. It is a fabulously fun musical directed by Trey Compton and a wonderful summer treat covered in pink sprinkles for the summer.

Central New York Playhouse is now presenting their production of Neil Simon's farce Rumors under the direction of Korrie Taylor. This theater company often excels with their comedic plays, but unfortunately only some of the cast delivered the laughs on the night I attended.

The 2019 season of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival has officially begun at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, New York. The season's first musical is none other than the very familiar hit Grease, directed by Igor Goldin. It has been 21 years since a production of Grease entertained audiences at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and local audiences are, without a doubt, excited to see the familiar musical. The title of the show alone is making tickets disappear like lightning.

For one night only, the 10th anniversary touring production of Rock of Ages rocked out at Syracuse's Landmark Theatre. The jukebox musical featuring strobe lights, fog effects, classic '80s hits certainly got the crowd going as the cheesy, yet amusing story of love, hope, and dreams played out. It was 'nothing but a good time' as the energetic rock musical came to life under the direction of Martha Banta featuring powerhouse vocals, spot on '80s costume designs by Cynthia Nordstrom, and out of this world lighting by Mike Baldassari.

Talk about a swingin' good time at The Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, New York! Impeccably directed by Bob Brown, the current production of the jukebox musical of The All Night Strut! features sensational performances by a talented cast, spot on lighting design by Marie Yokoyama, energetic music direction by Barry Blumenthal, and top-notch accompaniment featuring members of the local award-winning CNY Jazz orchestra.

A stunning, visionary, and thought-provoking production of Jason Robert Brown's Drama Desk Award-winning musical, The Last 5 Years, is now delighting audiences at Syracuse Stage. The production is directed by none other than Jason Alexander, who is, of course, best known for his role in the television series Seinfeld. Alexander's vision results in a production that is refreshing, captivating, and brilliant. This production stands out from others because Alexander cast four actors rather than the traditional two. There is also the incomparable score by the brilliant Jason Robert Brown that is a delight to the ears.

The touring production of Finding Neverland has now soared into Syracuse's Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater as part of the Famous Artists Broadway Theatre Series. With an impressive book by James Graham and powerful music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Elliot Kennedy, this inspiring musical is pure fun and magic on stage.

The touring production of The Book of Mormon is now 'educating' and entertaining audiences in Syracuse's Landmark Theatre. This musical of course brings many laughs and pushes many boundaries by taking a fresh look at the familiar and friendly Mormons that may have knocked on your door. Whether you think the writers are mocking them or just helping you look at them in a different way is up for personal interpretation.

Stephen Karam's 2016 Tony Award-winning play The Humans is now engaging audiences at Syracuse Stage. Presented in association with Geva Theatre Center and directed by Mark Cuddy, this production of the uncannily relatable play is moving, emotional, and humorous.

The music, the lyrics, the story, and the characters - every element of Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party is very intense and intriguing. This production, presented by the Syracuse University Department of Drama at Syracuse Stage, doesn't hold back either. Set in the Jazz Age of the Roaring '20s, this production features a stellar cast, impressive set and lighting design by Alex Koziara, and meticulously detailed direction by Katherine McGerr. The spot-on choreography by Andrea Leigh-Smith and the powerhouse performances of the entire cast take center stage in this wild performance of Lippa's The Wild Party.

One the most acclaimed musicals in theatrical history is now performing at Syracuse's Landmark Theater as part of The Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series: Broadway in Syracuse. As presented by Cameron Mackintosh, the Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon Les Misérables is back with a fantastic new staging and breathtaking scenery.

For a one night only, the legendary Broadway, Television, and Silver Screen star Bernadette Peters sang with the Syracuse, New York orchestra known as Symphoria. Ms. Peters lit up the stage at Crouse Hinds Theater. Accomplished music director Marvin Laird, a friend of Ms. Peters, guest conducted Syracuse's Symphoria orchestra while Ms. Peters sang some of her greatest hits from the stage as well as many other familiar tunes. The talent, the energy, and the star power - it was all perfection.

Syracuse Stage has once again brought a creative and entertaining play to its audience. This time around it is Kate Hamill's modern take on the Jane Austen 1813 classic novel Pride and Prejudice. Hamill's creative and comedic Pride and Prejudice is certainly not what you might expect. The high energy comedic production is full of wonderful surprises under the impressive direction of Jason O'Connell.

A powerful and passionate production of Peter Pan dazzled audiences this past weekend at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse, New York. The Syracuse City Ballet out did their past productions with this high-flying adventurous ballet. The staging, the flying effects, and of course the dancing were all magnificent under the Syracuse City Ballet's Artistic Director Kathleen Rathbun (direction and choreography).

The Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, New York is now delighting audiences with their entertaining and engaging production of Herb Gardner's play I'm Not Rappaport. Impressively directed by Vincent J. Cardinal, the production marks the reunion of Fred Grandy and Ted Lange, castmates of the beloved television series The Love Boat.

Local talent Stephfond Brunson has brought none other than the global smash hit musical Mamma Mia! to life at the daring “theater in the mall,” otherwise known as The Central New York Playhouse. Thanks to Brunson's direction and high energy choreography, the catchy and pure fun musical built around the music of ABBA is, without a doubt, entertaining.

Syracuse Stage is now delighting audiences with a contemporary play Native Gardens by Karen Zacarías. The witty comedy, wonderfully directed by Melissa Crespo, features a fun and entertaining story that delves into important social issues. It also features some top-notch actors.

No doubt you will see tiaras, beautiful ball gowns, slippers made of glass, pumpkins, a Prince, and a clock striking midnight in the current touring production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Yes, the modern production keeps all those familiar things from the fairytale and the original 1957 musical starring Julie Andrews intact. However, this production - like the most recent Broadway revival on which it is based - features a new book by Douglas Carter Beane (2013 adaptation).  He gives the audience new characters and a more sympathetic stepsister.  He also provides the Prince with a story/personality and grants Cinderella the power to decide her own destiny.  Put succinctly, there are many socio-political undertones within the story and the characters that inhabit it.