Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ at CM Performing Arts Center
What did our critic think of THE WIZARD OF OZ at CM Performing Arts Center? As soon as CM Performing Arts Center's live orchestra struck up the first few chords of 'The Wizard of Oz's' iconic overture, a wave of nostalgia hummed throughout the Noel S Ruiz Theatre. Multiple generations filled the house at the opening weekend matinee. Children, parents, grandparents, and children at heart visibly delighted in the stellar stagecraft, vibrant costumery, and charming performances featured in CM's Season 49 finale.
BWW Review: SWING! at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre At CM Performing Arts Center
Now playing at the adorable Noel S. Ruiz Theatre through September 28th, the lush show features a superb ensemble cast each of whom gets to shine. They're young, but they seem to 'get' this type of music, so devotees of this type of this style need not worry. Some of the iconic artists featured in the fun score are Duke Ellington, Casey MacGill, and Johnny Mercer. And, you're sure to recognize some of the classic song including a?oeIt Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) and a?oeBoogie Woogie Bugle Boya??
BWW Review: CM Performing Art Center presents MAMMA MIA! at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre
You will not be disappointed when you see a production of the worldwide hit Mamma Mia!. As the current offering from the Noel S. Ruiz Theater at CM Performing Arts Center, this show boasts a remarkable cast. Running through March 9th at the Oakdale venue, Patrick Grossman directs the superb production featuring our favorites from pop group ABBA.
BWW Review: CRY-BABY at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre
In a Grease-meets-Romeo & Juliet type of tale, the Tony nominated musical Cry-Baby brings loads of laughs. The Long Island premiere - running through May 12th at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center (CMPAC) - is superbly directed by Patrick Grossman - the Artistic Director of the Oakdale venue - and boasts an extraordinary cast. I've long admired the top notch comedic talent we have here on Long Island and the artists in this production certainly deliver sidesplitting performances.
BWW Review: GREASE at Noel S. Ruiz Theatre
The Pink Ladies and the Burger Palace Boys have claimed their turf at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre in Oakdale through May 7 in a delightfully nostalgic production of "Grease."
BWW Review: MEMPHIS at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre
The Long Island theatre community can seriously do no wrong when it comes to presenting multi Tony award winner Memphis, The Musical. Per usual when I see a production at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center, I am truly inspired by the talent of the cast and creative team. This wonderful incarnation, directed excellently by Artistic Director Patrick Grossman, runs at the Oakdale venue through February 4th kicking off their 30th anniversary. The cast, the passion, the creative team... everything is top-notch.
BWW Review: WEST SIDE STORY at CMPAC
Being there are many productions of the iconic musical West Side Story running at any one time, it is imperative that the cast be absolutely brilliant. Indeed, the company at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center does not disappoint under the outstanding direction of Martin Aviles, who has been in several productions of West Side Story himself. This dazzling production, playing through August 28th at the Oakdale venue, will leave you extremely impressed with the incredible talent Long Island has to offer.
BWW Reviews: 'It's All Happening' with BRING IT ON at CM Performing Arts Center
The lobby of the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center was bustling with excited audience members for the opening night of “Bring It On: the Musical”: its Long Island Premiere. Though the show started about twenty minutes late, that excitement held true through the entire show. Along with the guest I had brought with me, I had never seen the musical nor heard any of its music; but we assumed we would love it because we trust most of Lin-Manuel Miranda's artistry. “How bad could it be?”