Sandra Harberger

If you liked the 2009 novel, then you will love this play. The story centers on Christopher, a teenager diagnosed with Autism. But, this isn’t a story about Autism. This story is about Christopher’s mission to uncover the truth about the death of his neighbor’s dog. He is quite the detective. Genevieve McLain gave an impressive and authentic performance of Christopher and how he sees the world. Bea Gilbert’s soothing voice was a perfect choice for Siobhan as she guides Christopher through this tough time in his life. The two worked well together.

Sharia Benn’s third installment weaves together poetry, Harrisburg’s African American history, and gospel music. Though it is part three, it can easily be enjoyed without seeing part one and two. Michael Bush’s artistic talent shone in the cemetery set. The costume designer, Sofia Sloat, designed beautiful period dresses hand painted with the lines of the play for the ancestors. The impressive cast brought intense emotion with a sprinkle of humor throughout the story. You are left the theatre feeling a strong call to action.

The well-known characters of Mary Lennox and Colin Craven were played by Braelyn Angell and Henry Gambrill. I enjoyed their transformation from angry children in pain to those with hope and kindness. Josiah Titus played their friend Dickon Sowerby with strength and confidence. Not surprising since Jill Titus played his equally strong and confident mother onstage, Susan Sowerby. My favorite characters were the two mice and robin played by Elsie Torres, Adalynn Richard, and Leah Miller. They added humor and magic to the story.

The narrator (Zachary Claghorn) entertained as he kept the audience aware of what book was coming up and set the tone of the show. Our lead Puffs were Wayne (Westley Smith), Oliver (Acell Spencer), and Megan (Bryn Walker). These three worked well together and showed a range of emotions throughout the show. Madison Buckley played Cedric, Voldy, Uncle Dave, Prof Turban,  Zach Smith) and was hilarious with her strength in playing different characters and voices. I highly recommend you seeing “Puffs.” It was a fun show with lots of laughs.

Daryll Perkins Jr.’s portrayal of Richard was excellent and perfectly evil for this tragic character. Chris Koslosky’s curses and predictions of downfall as the banished Queen Margaret was fantastic. The fighting scene between Richard (Daryl Perkins Jr.) and Henry Tudor of Richmond was realistic and tense. I’m pretty sure I held my breath for most of it. It was well choreographed, and both actors gave it their all and never missed a mark.

What I loved about the show was the way you felt transported back to 1943 as the live audience for the radio broadcast complete with an “applause” sign that lights up when it’s time to clap. You got to see how they made sound effects on air, and Mathew Szekeres did a great job as “Buzz” with all the different sounds throughout the show. Matt Yordy-Bahn was great as the host of the show keeping it all running smoothly between the telling of the Christmas Carol, songs, and advertisements. The cast seems to really enjoy getting to use different voices and accents throughout the show, and Justin Rosenberger, as “Cholly” really nailed using his voice for radio.

At TAFE: Theatre Arts for Everyone, Christmas has begun with their holiday show for the 2024 season. “The Nutcracker Reimagined” is onstage from December 6th to 14th. “The Nutcracker Reimagined” was written and directed by Diane Crews, and it is an adaptation of “The Nutcracker and the King Mouse,” which was written by the German author, E.T.A Hoffman, in 1816. “The Nutcracker Reimagined” is a wonderful holiday treat for the whole family.

Iris Lewin portrayal of the older Shirley Abramowitz was sweet with moments of humor. Eva Jarret played the younger Shirley, and she brought her “Loudest Voice” to the role. Her parents were played by Zachary Claghorn and Isabell Amadio with authentic Jewish accents and mannerisms. Isabell Amadio nailed her performance of the strict Jewish mother. The best part of any holiday show is always the children! Their exuberance and honest portrayal of the children they are made me chuckle many times.

Open Stage is presenting “Who’s Holiday!” from November 23rd to December 22nd under the direction of Chris Gibson and starring the talented Rachel Landon. Rachel Landon’s portrayal of adult Sally Who is hilarious, raw, and outrageous. After five years, she has honed her craft! She speaks flawlessly in rhyme with expert comedic timing and invites the audience into her world to share her story.

DreamWrights is presenting the award winning play, “Laramie Project,” from November 7th to 10th under the direction of Rodd Robertson. The 22 cast members for “Laramie Project” used simple costume changes with a minimal set design to portray 78 different characters in a series of interviews between Moisé Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project Company. Each member carried multiple characters utilizing their strength with different accents and body language. A broad range of emotion and attitudes from both sides of the spectrum was expressed.

The 12 cast members for “Laramie Project” used simple costume changes and props to portray more than 60 different characters in a series of interviews between Moisé Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project Company. Using 4 different entrances to the stage, the cast wove the emotional story of Matthew Shepherd life and death.

DreamWrights Playhouse is bringing “Newsies- The Musical” to the stage from October 4th through 13th under the direction of Gregory DeCandia. With a large and energetic cast for their production of “Newsies- The Musical,” you could feel their enthusiasm and vocal strength in each group number performed.

TAFE is proud to present the premier production of “The Influencer’s New Clothes” from August 23rd to 25th. This original play was written by York native, Paige Hoke. According to Ms. Hoke, her play is a modern adaptation of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” that focuses on “self-confidence, being a strong leader and traps of social media.'

The “Sound of Music” is a beloved musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and it originally opened in 1959 winning five Tony Awards. Actor Megan Urz takes the stage as Maria in the “Sound of Music” at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre from June 28th to August 10th.

What did our critic think of ALICE IN WONDERLAND at TAFE: Theatre Arts For Everyone?

Orangemite has adapted the two plays with provided narration which shorted the time to 2 1/2 hours to deliver York, PA the first live performance of these Shakespeare plays. Dr. William Wolfgang directed, narrated, and provided both piano and trumpet music (often simultaneously)!

DreamWrights is presenting “American Idiot” from June 7 to June 16th under the direction of Deirdre Casey. Louis Salazar was phenomenal in this emotional role through drug addiction, and I loved that his talent playing guitar was highlighted.

What did our critic think of A YEAR OF TOAD AND FROG at Musical Bos Theatre?

Dreamwrights presents “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage under the direction of Cal Weary from May 3rd to May 11th. The York community will enjoy this deeply moving 2017 Pulitzer Prize winning play with it’s familiar Reading, PA setting. The talented cast addressed the difficult themes of the show including race, addiction, xenophobia, poverty, unions, scabs, regret, and friendship. The audience needed a minute at the end to digest the depth of the show and the multiple moving performances by the cast members. I was impressed with the cast’s acting ability to portray their characters with raw emotion and depth.

Rupert’s Remarkable Request” is an awarding winning original play written by York local playwright Diane Crews. It is onstage at TAFE: Theatre Arts for Everyone from April 26th to 28th under the directions of Diane Crews. Rupert is a well-known character at TAFE, and he appears in “Rupert Meets Mrs. Tales,” which is one of the 4 touring shows the theatre offers the community. “Rupert’s Remarkable Request” is a unique show geared towards families and young readers. Rupert’s enthusiasm meeting new characters might encourage the love of reading for your family.