Sandra Harberger - Page 2

In 1954, Joseph Papp began the first “Shakespeare in the Park” to bring the works of William Shakespeare to public by offering free performances in Central Park. Now many cities around the world offer variations of “Shakespeare in the Park” to their communities. Orangemite is performing “Shakespeare in the Park” in 4 different York, PA parks on June 16, 17, 23, and 24. The June 23rd performance is at Cherry Lane, and the June 24th performance is at Kiwanis Lake. This year’s “Shakespeare in the Park” is performing 3 one Act plays including “As You Like It,” “Romeo y Julieta” and “Henry VI, part one.”

“In the Heights” will introduce you to the complicated lives of the neighbors in Washington Heights of Upper Manhattan, New York City. You will meet Usnavi De La Vega. He is played by Louis Salazar, and I was amazed by his talent handling the difficult music style in the show. His love interest is Vanessa, played by the equally talented Tshyona Dagnachew. His cousin Sonny is played by Rio Gonzalez who brings the comedic talent that makes you love and root for the character. His grandmother, Abuela Claudia, is played by Danara Muldrow. She brings the warmth needed for the neighborhood matriarch.

TAFE: Theatre Arts for Everyone is presenting The Princess Rescuers under the direction of Diane Crews. Princess Rescuers is an an original play written by local York resident, Paige Hoke. Ms. Hoke is an Arcadia College graduate and wrote this play as her senior thesis. It is not surprising that it was a winner at the Kennedy Center College Theatre Festival. This unique fairytale has all the important ingredients of talking animals, princesses, evil queens, and magic.

The Misanthrope: A Comedy of Manners is a French play written by Molière and was first performed in 1666. This 5 act comedy pokes fun at the French social norms in high society. Chris Koslosky adapted and directed the play to fit the modern audience for OrangeMite Studios. It is surprising how little has really changed in terms of social norms of gossiping, bragging, backstabbing, and cynical complaining. Love can still complicated with triangles and jealousy.

Jordan Radis had the formidable task of portraying Ren McCormack, which is Kevin Bacon’s break-out role from the 80’s. He was able to pay homage to Kevin Bacon’s character while giving the it his own style. Audrey Taylor Floyd, who play Rusty, stood out with her impressive vocal performance in “Let’s Hear it for the Boy.” Though it is strange to hear pop songs from the 80’s sung in musical theatre style, Audrey was able to nail that song just like I remember hearing it many years ago. This show will make you laugh and want to dance and sing to songs you haven’t hear in years but still somehow know all the words.

The young ensemble cast at DreamWrights brought the book to life and made the packed audience of families laugh this weekend with their cast of colorful characters and animals. My own teenager loved this book as a child and giggled through out the performance! Stinky Cheese Man has lots of physical comedy that kids will laugh out loud at even if they don’t quite get the verbal humor of the parody yet. Sprinkled throughout the show is a few unique songs and even a puppet. Even the intermission was entertaining. Kids were getting their wiggles out dancing to music as the clocked counted down the minutes left before Act II.

The Musical Box Theatre presents The Addams Family in concert style from March 23-26 at the Double Barrel Roadhouse in Red Lion, Pa. The show was directed by Shana McCoy and choreographed by Rebecca Gentry. A concert performance utilizes minimal set design, staging, and costume changes. Music stands were used in this performance and uniquely incorporated into the show. Stripped to the bare bones, the voices and music are fully appreciated. The cast did an excellent job using their voices to tell the story of the Addams family.

If you are a fan of the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail, then you are going to love the irreverent humor of “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” “Spamalot” won 3 Tony Awards in 2005 including Best Musical, Best Director, and Best Featured Actress in a Musical. The Belmont Theater is presenting “Spamalot” for one more weekend under the direction of Rene Staub.

You will experience soulful gospel music, African American inspired movement, poetry, and letters as you are taken through the history of African American freedom seekers and allies. It is a performance I highly recommend. You'll leave wanting to learn more.