Sandra Harberger

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.

DreamWrights is performing “A Trip to the Moon” by Tracy Wells under the direction of Crystal Ganong from April 5th to April 14th. This vignette-style play will take you back to the summer of 1969 in America when everyone was talking about landing on the moon, Woodstock, and Vietnam. Each short scene was titled by an iconic song from 1969 and addressed themes from the time. Many issues are still relevant today like women’s rights, civil rights, and trusting the government.

The original “Pride and Prejudice” was written in 1813 and has sold over 20 million copies and inspired many adaptations in written form, television, or film. Kate Hamill offers a unique twist on the antics of the 5 daughters in the Bennent family. You will be laughing out loud at the physical comedy and fast pace of the show.

“W;t” is heartbreaking, honest, and funny. The cast did an excellent job portraying the raw emotional and physical damage caused by cancer.

Playing themselves with a minimal set design, the actors utilized an improv style packed with pop culture references to takes us through the big moments in history. I was especially impressed with their use of impersonations, accents, and physical comedy. They kept the show going at a fast clip, and I was feeling out of breath right a long with them. Comedy is hard physical work!

“White Christmas” was adapted to the stage in 2000 by David Ives and Paul Blake including music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. The Musical Box is performing this well-loved holiday musical at the Double Barrel Roadhouse December 15th to 16th under the direction of Shana McCoy.

This 30 minute show is perfect introduction to theatre for young children and those young at heart. I highly recommend checking out “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at DreamWrights on stage from December 8th -17th.

Jess Haag was excellent as the rental shop owner. She brought energy and optimism to the role coordinating the perfect Christmas for her customer. She worked well in contrast to bring out the hopefulness and love in Kevin Alvarnaz’s, John Dale. The five children stole the show getting laughs for being adorable and enthusiastic for Christmas.

Douglas D. Cooper (Leo) and Aaron Trusky (Jack) took on the difficult roles of being Shakespearean actors portraying women to con a dying woman and still have the audience cheer for them. Their strong acting skills and comedic timing make this show hilarious. This ensemble cast works well together to pull off the physical comedy and slap-stick humor.

The ensemble cast of The Alchemist works well together to present this face-paced comedy for York, PA. Located in the Dance Hall of Brookside Park, the OrangeMite found the perfect setting for this old English play