Ten Syracuse Area Productions to Look Forward to in 2019

Happy New Year to the Syracuse area theater community! We have a new year filled a variety of theatrical productions throughout the greater Syracuse area coming up! We are fortunate to live in an area that has so many talented actors, technicians, and directors as well as dedicated theater companies - not to mention supportive theatergoers. From the local theaters to the Equity tours that come through the area, we are lucky that Syracuse offers many opportunities to experience live theater. Having seen countless productions in this area since I was young and reviewed many shows for the past few years, I thought I would take a moment to share which productions I am most excited about in 2019!

To be clear, this list encompasses the ten shows that I am most excited to see that have been announced so far. It in no way reflects the opinions of the wider Syracuse's theater community or BroadwayWorld.Com at large.

The Last 5 Years, Syracuse Stage, May 29 - June 16, 2019

My favorite Jason Robert Brown musical! I have listened to the cast recording nonstop for many years, seen a production in the Washington, DC area, and of course, watched the film starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan. The emotional story focuses on two New Yorkers falling in and out of love. Cathy is an aspiring musical theater performer and Jamie is a novelist. Cathy tells the story from the end and Jamie tells the story from the beginning. This production is extra special because television star and Tony Award winner Jason Alexander is the director. Jason Robert Brown's passionate and intricate music along with Jason Alexander's direction will be a real treat for all. For tickets and information, click here.

South Pacific, Merry - Go - Round Playhouse, August 7 - August 28, 2019

I always look forward to the summer season at the Merry- Go- Round Playhouse and there is always at least one certain show that I can't wait to see. This year it is a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical South Pacific. The Tony and Academy Award-winning musical is set on an island paradise during WWII and features some of the most iconic songs in musical theater such as, "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair," "There is Nothin' Like a Dame," just to name a few. I have never seen this musical live and I am really looking forward to seeing it this summer! For tickets and information, click here.

Legally Blonde the Musical, Cortland Repertory Theatre, June 19 - July 6, 2019

OH MY GOD, you guys! Cortland Rep is bringing the smash hit Broadway musical to their stage this summer! The catchy musical, like the movie, centers on Elle Woods as she follows the love of her life and ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School. While there, Elle find herself and a new love. The musical features catchy tunes, a comedic script, and beloved characters that many know and love thanks to film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon. I saw it in NYC with the original cast and loved every minute of the fun-filled show and I can't wait to see the production again at Cortland Repertory Theatre! For tickets and information, click here.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, The Landmark Theatre , February 12 - February 17, 2019

The touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella will be gracing the stage at this historic theater in about a month - and I for one can't wait! Yes, I was obsessed with the Disney film and still am. I love all romantic musicals, but there is something a little more special about Rodgers and Hammerstein's works. I can't wait to see that pumpkin transform, the gorgeous Cinderella dress, glass slippers, and all those little details that bring me back to childhood. The musical, of course, is not the same as the Disney animated film. It also features a contemporary take on the classic tale. Seeing this musical is dream come true! For tickets and information, click here.

Almost, Maine, The RedHouse, January 24 - February 3, 2019

This comedy is sure to be a delight at The RedHouse. Steve Hayes, who was last seen in the RedHouse production of La Cage Aux Folles, is making his directorial debut with Almost, Maine. This comedy centers on a quirky group of friends, lovers, and strangers falling in an out of love. The production will feature six versatile actors some that have been other productions at The RedHouse. I am looking forward to an evening of laughter and seeing some familiar faces on stage. For tickets and information, click here.

The Wild Party, Syracuse University Department of Drama/ Syracuse Stage, March 29 - April 7, 2019

I love this show! A few years ago, I was lucky to see it performed at one of the local community theaters (Central New York Playhouse) and they did a phenomenal job. What is there not to love about Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party? It is set in the Roaring 20s so you can bet it is a wild good time. Queenie and Burrs host a wild Hollywood party and you can bet there will be trouble and scandal thanks to the guest list, intoxicating beverages, and more. I am especially looking forward to the stellar vocals and dancing that the Syracuse University drama students will bring to this production. For tickets and information, click here.

Working the Musical. Merry - Go - Round Playhouse, September 4 - September 21, 2019

This musical is about the hopes, dreams, and joys of the average working American. Based on Studs Turkel's best-selling book of interviews with American workers, Working centers on the people that the world often takes for granted. The musical features songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), James Taylor, and Stephen Schwartz (Wicked). I am very curious to see this most likely powerful and moving production. For tickets and information, click here.

Million Dollar Quartet, Cortland Repertory Theatre, August 28 - September 13, 2019

I am delighted to see this show again. I am not usually a jukebox fan but, this show is an exception. Four legends on the night of December 4, 1956 come together for the greatest jam session ever. Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins? What is there not to love about their music. The musical features some of the greatest music of all genres - rock 'n' roll, gospel, R&B, and country. For tickets and information, click here.

Grease, Merry - Go - Round Playhouse, June 5 - June 26, 2019

Rydell High will be a part of the Finger Lakes Musical Theater Festival this summer. The music, the dancing, the costumes, the set, and the hair will, without a doubt dazzle the audience. The musical, of course, features all the songs everybody knows and loves from the hit film, including "You're The One That I Want," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Greased Lightning," and so many more. I can't wait to tap my toes along to the music this summer because it has been far too long since I have seen it performed live! For tickets and information, click here.

The Addams Family, Central New York Playhouse, October 11 - October 26, 2019

The Addams Family: A New Musical features an original story where Wednesday Adams is all grown up and falls in love with a sweet and respectable young man - so clearly this is a nightmare for Gomez. The family is hosting a dinner for Wednesday's normal boyfriend and his normal parents, so this will be scary situation for that oh-so-creepy and kooky Adams family. I am looking forward to seeing this musical at The Central New York Playhouse; it will be the perfect Halloween treat. For tickets and information, click here.

To post a comment, you must register and login.