Natasha Ashley - Page 7

Paula Vogel's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama of How I Learned to Drive is currently playing at Syracuse Stage in co-production with the Cleveland Play House. Astutely directed by Cleveland Play House Artistic Director Laura Kepley, this edgy, intermission-less 90-minute production is captivating, deeply thought-provoking, and controversial, and showcases the tremendous talents of the cast.

This past weekend, for two performances only, the touring production of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Live! entertained many families at Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse, New York. The production was just pure fun and a wonderful way to introduce young children to live theater. The music, the lights, the sets, and the costumes brought the familiar character of Daniel Tiger and all of his neighborhood friends to life.

The latest musical playing at Syracuse's historical Landmark Theatre is none other than the three time Tony Award-winning musical Wicked. The successful Broadway blockbuster with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman has everything - an amazing cast, spectacular sets, gorgeous costumes, and, of course, those famous Witches of Oz.

Syracuse Stage has almost turned into a 1940s jazz night club with Ain't Misbehavin,' a musical revue, named after the song of the same name by Fats Waller. The show features a book by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horowitz and musical adaptations and orchestrations by Luther Henderson. Directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris, the production easily transports the audience back to the Harlem Renaissance with its crazy good singers, skilled musicians, and, of course, swing dancing. It captures the mood of the era.

The international Irish dance phenomenon, Riverdance, is delighting Syracuse audiences at the Crouse Hinds Theater. Now in its 20th year, it's easy to see why this dazzling production remains so popular and beloved. Under the fabulous direction of John McColgan, the dancers, musicians, and singers give captivating and high energy performances that leave us wanting more.

Syracuse Stage's first production of 2017 is the 2013 Pulitzer Prize winning play, Disgraced, by Ayad Akhtar. Brilliantly directed by May Adrales at the Archbold Theatre at the Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Complex, the 90-minute production left the audience emotionally stunned as the curtain went down. The production is real, raw, and powerful.

Despite the ice storm outside, the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater was sizzling. The famous jukebox musical, Mamma Mia!, with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and a book by Catherine Johnson, is the latest national tour to come to Syracuse, New York as part of the Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series.

Syracuse Stage opened its 44th season with Gale Childs Daly's adaptation of Charles Dickens' masterpiece GREAT EXPECTATIONS, brilliantly directed by Michael Bloom. The production is humorous, fast-paced, and very easy to follow regardless of familiarity with the novel.

The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival has now opened its fourth premiere musical at Auburn's Merry-Go-Round Playhouse for the 2016 season with the regional premiere of TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL. The two-person musical is written Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman and was originally developed and premiered by The Human Race Theatre Company.

JERSEY BOYS, the harmonious hit jukebox musical with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe, and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, is touring the country again. The latest national tour of the audience-pleasing Tony Award-winning musical started off last week in Syracuse's historic Landmark Theatre. Local audiences were treated to a stellar production under the superb direction of Des McAnuff.

The latest production entertaining audiences at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, New York is the highly entertaining Tony-nominated musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Featuring the familiar and classic tunes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins, the rock n' roll musical provides loads of entertainment with a 'whole lotta shakin' going on.