黑料不打烊 Stage 鈥� 黑料不打烊

Jane Austen Returns to 黑料不打烊 Stage With Fresh and Fun ‘Sense and Sensibility’

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 17:54:56 +0000

continues its 2024/25 season with celebrated actor and playwright Kate Hamill鈥檚 whirlwind adaptation of Jane Austen鈥檚鈥淪ense and Sensibility.鈥� Directed by Jason O鈥機onnell, 鈥淪ense and Sensibility鈥� will run April 23-May 11 in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage, located at 820 E. Genesee St. in 黑料不打烊.

鈥淜ate Hamill鈥檚 first play, her adaptation of Jane Austin鈥檚鈥楽ense and Sensibility,鈥� has been at the top of our season lists ever since we produced her version of 鈥楶ride and Prejudice鈥� a few years ago,鈥� says Artistic Director Robert Hupp. 鈥�’Pride and Prejudice鈥� was a 黑料不打烊 Stage fan favorite and now, with Jason O鈥機onnell returning to direct 鈥楽ense and Sensibility,鈥� I know audiences are in for a special treat. I鈥檝e loved this adaptation of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ ever since I saw it in New York City over ten years ago. Its over-the-top theatricality and humor, combined with its honest and heartfelt compassion and warmth, make it just the kind of theatrical experience we all need right now.鈥�

鈥淪ense and Sensibility鈥� follows the Dashwood sisters鈥攖he pragmatic and practical Elinor, and the younger, romantically-minded Marianne鈥攁s they search for stability after the death of their father leaves them financially and socially unmoored in 18th-century England. While navigating the strict and strident niceties of their upper-class circles, the Dashwoods endure heartbreak, experience windfalls of love and fortune and dodge the never-ending gossip of the age.

Hamill, whose zippy adaptation of 鈥淧ride and Prejudice鈥� played to rave reviews at 黑料不打烊 Stage in 2019, transforms 鈥淪ense and Sensibility鈥� into an irreverent romp, giving Austen a playful update while preserving the wit and charm that has made the original such a beloved tale for more than 200 years.

鈥�’Sense and Sensibility鈥� was my first play鈥攚ritten in 2013鈥攁nd while it鈥檚 rare for me to go back to an older play, I simply could not resist joining this re-imagination for 黑料不打烊 Stage, one of my favorite places to work, directed by my husband,鈥� says Hamill. 鈥淭his is an especially important play for me; not only is it an essential part of the beginning of my playwriting career, but Jason and I also fell in love while I was writing and developing this play, and it鈥檚 such a treat to bring his version to these audiences.鈥�

O鈥機onnell returns to direct after leading the 黑料不打烊 Stage production of Hamill鈥檚鈥淧ride and Prejudice鈥� and performing in last season鈥檚鈥淎gatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express.鈥� He was also seen, with Hamill, in 鈥淭alley鈥檚 Folly鈥� and 鈥淭he Play that Goes Wrong,鈥� and as Salieri in 鈥淎madeus,鈥� directed by Robert Hupp. He originated the roles of Edward and Robert Ferrars in the off-Broadway run of 鈥淪ense and Sensibility,鈥� alongside Hamill as Marianne.

鈥淚 am always thrilled to return to 黑料不打烊 Stage, an artistic home away from home if ever I’ve known one,鈥� says O鈥機onnell. 鈥淎nd I’m especially excited to revisit this first play of Kate’s and to show audiences all the things that I felt about her and her work, back when I was first caught up in the whirlwind of her particular brilliance. This production is something of a love letter to the beginnings of our journey together, full of love and laughter鈥攁nd a touch of madness!鈥�

Hamill, who earned the top spot on American Theatre Magazine鈥檚 list of Most-Produced Playwrights of the 2024-25 Season, returns to the Archbold Theatre in the cast of 鈥淪ense and Sensibility,鈥� and is joined by Jamie Ann Romero as Elinor and Olivia AbiAssi as Marianne, with Gina Daniels (鈥淣oises Off鈥�), Jeff Gonzalez (鈥淧ride and Prejudice,鈥� 鈥淎madeus鈥�), Angie Janas (鈥淧ride and Prejudice,鈥� 鈥淭he Play That Goes Wrong鈥�), James Ragen (鈥淎 Christmas Carol鈥�) and Blake Segal (鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella,鈥� 鈥淎gatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express鈥�) in a variety of roles. Rounding out the ensemble and making their 黑料不打烊 Stage debuts are Amelia Gallagher, Salma Mahmoud, Keshav Moodliar, Chris Thorn and Maggie Weller.

The design team for 鈥淪ense and Sensibility鈥� includes choreography by Steph Paul, sets by Brittany Vasta (鈥淟ady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill鈥�), costumes by Raven Ong, lighting by Dawn Chiang (鈥淜ing James,鈥� 鈥淒ial M for Murder鈥�) and sound by 黑料不打烊 Stage resident sound designer Jacqueline R. Herter, with dialect coaching by Holly Thuma (鈥淭he Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,鈥� 鈥淥nce鈥�) and intimacy coordination by Yvonne Perry (鈥淒ial M for Murder鈥�).

黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for April 30 and May 11 at 2 p.m. and May 6 and 10 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. and an ASL interpreted performance on May 3 at 2 p.m. The Sensory Friendly/Relaxed performance of 鈥淪ense and Sensibility鈥� is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m.

黑料不打烊 Stage Trivia Night, a friendly competition hosted by 鈥淛eopardy!鈥� champion Dillon Hupp, will be held on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are required to participate. Pre-registration at 黑料不打烊stage.org is recommended.

Support for the 24/25 season includes season sponsors the Slutzker Family Foundation, the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation and Advance Media New York. The community partner for 鈥淪ense and Sensibility鈥� is Friends of the Central Library (FOCL).

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黑料不打烊 Stage Announces 2025-26 Season

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:49:21 +0000

International spy rings, eternal winters, courageous trailblazers and one super-secret message add up to an extraordinary , featuring a thrilling Broadway hit, fresh revivals of award-winning classics, an inspiring new American musical and a knockout world premiere play.

The six show subscription season, including a full schedule of educational, family and community related programming will run Sept. 10, 2025, to June 21, 2026. Subscription packages are on sale now at www.syracusestage.org or at the Box Office, 315.443.3275.

鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to announce an ambitious and exciting season of powerful theatrical stories for Central New York,鈥� says artistic director Robert Hupp. 鈥淲e鈥檝e spent the past year exploring dynamic narratives, assembling creative teams and building partnerships that ensure our ability to create entertaining, one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences that you can鈥檛 get anywhere else. Our work is created specifically for the wonderful people of Central New York, and we can鈥檛 wait to share with everyone these bold, fun, vibrant plays and musicals in the year ahead.鈥�

Subscription season at a glance:

鈥�The Hello Girls鈥� (Sept. 10 to 28, 2025), 鈥�The 39 Steps鈥� (Oct. 22 to Nov. 9, 2025), 鈥�A Christmas Story鈥� (Nov. 25 to Dec. 28, 2025), the world premiere of听鈥�Relentless鈥� (Feb. 4 to 22, 2026), 鈥�Joe Turner鈥檚 Come and Gone鈥� (March 11 to 29, 2026) and 鈥�Disney鈥檚 Frozen The Broadway Musical鈥� (May 13 to June 21, 2026).

Opening the season is 鈥�The Hello Girls,鈥� a new American musical inspired by the incredible true story of the first women to join the U.S. Army as bilingual telephone operators during WWI.

Originally commissioned by Prospect Musicals in New York City, 鈥淭he Hello Girls鈥� opened off-Broadway in 2018 to coincide with the centennial anniversary of the groundbreaking journey taken by the real-life Hello Girls, from the frontlines in France to their decades-long fight to be recognized back home. Writing for The New York Times, critic Laura Collins-Hughes called the production 鈥渁 rather thrilling thing鈥攕mart, human and sardonically feminist.鈥�

With a rich jazz and ragtime flavored score from Peter Mills, 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 new production of 鈥淭he Hello Girls鈥� is directed by co-writer Cara Reichel and is a co-production with Michael Cassel Group (Broadway: 鈥淭he Picture of Dorian Gray,鈥� 鈥淧retty Woman The Musical,鈥� 鈥淭he Cher Show鈥�) and runs Sept. 10 to 28, 2025.

In October, 黑料不打烊 Stage celebrates the return of a raucous comedy/mystery: The two-time Tony Award-winning 鈥�The 39 Steps,鈥� playwright Patrick Barlow鈥檚 rollicking sendup of Hitchcock鈥檚 1935 spy-thriller. Last seen at Stage in 2010, 鈥淭he 39 Steps鈥� runs Oct. 22 to Nov. 9, 2025.

For the annual holiday show, audiences are invited to relive one memorable December with the Parker family and 鈥�A Christmas Story,鈥� the charmingly nostalgic play based on the 1983 film and humorist Jean Shepherd鈥檚 childhood reveries. Marking the first time Hupp directs a show in the festive winter slot, 鈥淎 Christmas Story鈥� runs Nov. 25 to Dec. 28, 2025.

In the new year 黑料不打烊 Stage will present 鈥�Relentless鈥� by Rae Binstock, a world premiere drama about legacy and loyalty set in the world of professional boxing. Directed by associate artistic director Melissa Crespo (鈥淧rimary Trust,鈥� 鈥淥nce,鈥� 鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me鈥�), 鈥淩elentless鈥� depicts the intimate bout between a former contender and her old coach over whether to sell their iconic gym in a gentrifying Brooklyn. Building on 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 commitment to produce new work, this world premiere is co-produced by Sing Out, Louise! Productions (Broadway: 鈥淭he Notebook,鈥� 鈥�& Juliet,鈥� 鈥淗adestown鈥�) and runs Feb. 4 to 22, 2026.

鈥淚t鈥檚 always thrilling to direct a new play for the first time, and Rae Binstock鈥檚鈥楻elentless鈥� is sure to be a crowd pleaser,鈥� says Crespo. 鈥淲ith the International Boxing Hall of Fame located just 20 minutes east of 黑料不打烊, 鈥楻elentless鈥� is an electrifying glimpse into the world of boxing.”

鈥�Joe Turner鈥檚 Come and Gone,鈥� the powerful and poetic Tony-Award winning entry in Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson鈥檚 historic 鈥淐entury Cycle,鈥� comes to 黑料不打烊 Stage in the spring. The show is the seventh title in the 10-play cycle to be produced at Stage, and the first Wilson play presented at the theatre since 2014鈥檚鈥淭he Piano Lesson.鈥� Directed by Timothy Douglas, who led the 黑料不打烊 Stage productions of Wilson鈥檚鈥淛itney鈥� (2002) and 鈥淕em of the Ocean鈥� (2007), 鈥淛oe Turner鈥檚 Come and Gone鈥� runs May 13 to June 21, 2026.

And as the summer approaches, 黑料不打烊 Stage offers families a thrilling and entertaining way to cool off with 鈥�Disney鈥檚 Frozen The Broadway Musical,鈥� a spectacular musical based on the hit animated film. Featuring Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf the lovable snowman, 鈥淒isney鈥檚 Frozen The Broadway Musical鈥� is a co-production with the 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama and the first professional production of the musical in Central New York. Directed by Amy Anders Corcoran, with music direction by Brian Cimmet and choreography by Marjorie Failoni, the show will close out the subscription season and runs May 13 to June 21, 2026.

鈥淲e are so excited for families to experience 鈥楧isney鈥檚 Frozen The Broadway Musical鈥� live on stage for the first time in Central New York,鈥� says managing director Carly DiFulvio Allen. 鈥淲ith the songs and characters you know and love, this joyful production showcases the power of sisterhood and asks us to consider how far we would go for true love. With no seat further than 50 feet from the stage, you鈥檙e never far away from the magic, music and spectacle of this beautiful show. I can鈥檛 wait for audiences to experience it this spring鈥�

Supporting each production is a strong line-up of supplementary special event programming, including Prologue, a series of insightful pre-show conversations, talkbacks with cast and creative teams, community nights with show-specific activities and the return of Tuesday evening performances featuring a complimentary 鈥淭acos and Trivia鈥� event hosted by 鈥淛eopardy!鈥� Champion Dillon Hupp.

In addition, 黑料不打烊 Stage will offer a host of educational and community outreach programs, the return of Sensory Friendly/Relaxed performances for select shows and an array of accessibility offerings throughout the season including audio description, open captioning, ASL interpretation and the M&T Bank Pay-What-You-Will program.

In the fall the Children鈥檚 Tour resumes performances live in elementary schools with 鈥�My Robot鈥� by Finegan Kruckemeyer. Directed by Katherine McGerr, this delightful story explores the relationship between a young girl and her mechanical friend, and supports socio-emotional learning, understanding poetic language, creative thinking and STEM based problem solving.

]]> 黑料不打烊 Stage Celebrates Friendship and Fandom with ‘King James’ /blog/2025/02/24/syracuse-stage-celebrates-friendship-and-fandom-with-king-james/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:52:40 +0000 /?p=207811

黑料不打烊 Stage Announces Appointment of Carly DiFulvio Allen as Managing Director

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 14:35:17 +0000

has announced that Carly DiFulvio Allen has been named the theatre鈥檚 new managing director. DiFulvio Allen currently serves as the associate general manager at Disney Theatrical Group for productions of听 “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast”听worldwide. Beginning March 1, she fills the position at 黑料不打烊 Stage previously held by Jill A. Anderson.

黑料不打烊 Stage Announces Reading of Classic Comedy 鈥楬arvey鈥�

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:49:26 +0000

will hold a reading of Mary Chase鈥檚 classic comedy 鈥淗arvey,鈥� directed by associate artistic director Melissa Crespo and featuring a cast comprised entirely of local actors, including 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama faculty members and 黑料不打烊 Stage artistic director Robert Hupp.

鈥淗arvey鈥� will be presented in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊, New York, on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free of charge and must be reserved in advance at .

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which tells the story of a good-natured man whose best friend is an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit, served a major inspiration for playwright Eboni Booth鈥檚鈥淧rimary Trust,鈥� which will Jan. 22 through Feb. 9 in the Archbold Theatre.

鈥淚t鈥檚 wild how similar and uniquely different Harvey and Primary Trust are from one another,鈥� Crespo says. 鈥淭he first won the Pulitzer Prize in 1945, while the second won in 2024. Both plays deal with kindness and the importance of community care. I hope theaters around the country are encouraged to produce both plays in conversation with one another. It鈥檚 especially exciting to have a cast of local actors perform in 鈥楬arvey鈥� on top of the 鈥楶rimary Trust鈥� set, which happens to be set in Central New York.”

鈥淗arvey鈥� premiered on Broadway in 1944 and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1945. The playwright adapted her own script into an Oscar-winning film in 1950, starring Jimmy Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd. 鈥淗arvey鈥� was last seen on Broadway in 2012, starring Jim Parsons, for which he received a Tony nomination.

About Harvey

Elwood P. Dowd insists on including his friend Harvey in all of his sister Veta鈥檚 social gatherings. Trouble is, Harvey is an imaginary six-and-a-half foot-tall rabbit. To avoid future embarrassment for her family鈥攁nd especially for her daughter, Myrtle Mae鈥擵eta decides to have Elwood committed to a sanitarium. At the sanitarium, a frantic Veta explains to the staff that her years of living with Elwood鈥檚 hallucination have caused her to see Harvey also, and so the doctors mistakenly commit her instead of her mild-mannered brother. The truth comes out, however; Veta is freed, and the search is on for Elwood, who eventually arrives at the sanitarium of his own volition, looking for Harvey. But it seems that Elwood and his invisible companion have had a strange influence on more than one of the doctors. Only at the end does Veta realize that maybe Harvey isn鈥檛 so bad after all.

Harvey

By Mary Chase
Directed by Melissa Crespo
Stage managed by Rachel Mondschein

Cast (in alphabetical order)

Tanner Effinger (Elwood P. Dowd)
Robert Hupp (Judge Gaffney)
Lilli Komureck (Veta Simmons, Betty Chumley)
Alexis Martin (Myrtle Simmons)
Krystal Osborne (Miss Johnson, Nurse Ruth Kelly)
Derek Emerson Powell (Dr. Lyman Sanderson)
Blake Segal (Duane Wilson, E.J. Lofgren)
Holly Thuma (Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet)
Karis Wiggins (Dr. William R. Chumley)

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黑料不打烊 Stage Welcomes 2025 With ‘Primary Trust’

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:40:47 +0000

welcomes the new year with playwright Eboni Booth鈥檚鈥淧rimary Trust,鈥� the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about best friends, new beginnings and the undeniable power of everyday kindness. Directed by 黑料不打烊 Stage Associate Artistic Director Melissa Crespo (鈥淥nce,鈥� 鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me,鈥� 鈥淣ative Gardens鈥�), 鈥淧rimary Trust鈥� will run Wednesday, Jan. 22, to Sunday, Feb. 9, in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊, New York.

鈥淪tage鈥檚 production of 鈥楶rimary Trust鈥� is brought to life by a superb cast and creative team,鈥� says Artistic Director Robert Hupp. 鈥淲e鈥檙e eager to share this timely play so beautifully directed by our associate artistic director, Melissa Crespo. It鈥檚 just the right story at just the right time.鈥�

In Cranberry, New York, a small town just east of Rochester, 38-year-old Kenneth has a good job, a great boss and Bert, the best friend a guy could ask for. But his boss is moving to Florida, the bookstore he works at is closing and Bert? Well, he’s imaginary. As he confronts the traumas that led to his isolated existence, Kenneth must tend to old wounds, forge new friendships and let go of the things he no longer needs.

鈥淓boni Booth鈥檚 beautiful play 鈥楶rimary Trust鈥� about friendship and the smallest of chances is exactly what we need in our sometimes-lonely world,鈥� says Crespo. 鈥淚 hope Central New York audiences will particularly appreciate a story that鈥檚 set in their backyard.鈥�

Garrett Turner (Kenneth) returns to 黑料不打烊 Stage after playing Anger in the world premiere of 鈥淭houghts of Colored Man,鈥� and he is joined by Bjorn DuPaty, making his 黑料不打烊 Stage debut as Bert. The actors reunite after sharing a dressing room as understudies for the Broadway production of 鈥淭houghts of Colored Man鈥� in 2022.

Rounding out the cast of 鈥淧rimary Trust鈥� are Eunice Woods as Corinna, Wally鈥檚 Waiters and Bank Customers; Paul DeBoy (鈥淣ative Gardens,鈥� 鈥淭he Christians鈥�) as Clay, Sam and Le Pousselet Bartender; and Armando Gutierrez (鈥淥nce鈥�) as musician.

Bringing the fictional Central New York town of Cranberry to life is a design team that includes sets by Ann Beyersdorfer (鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me,鈥� 鈥淵oga Play鈥�), costumes by Carmen Martinez (鈥淥nce,鈥� 鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me鈥�), lighting by Alejandro Fajardo (who worked with Crespo鈥檚鈥淓l Otro Oz,鈥� a NYTimes Critics Pick), sound by 黑料不打烊 Stage resident sound designer Jacqueline R Herter (鈥淥nce,鈥� 鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me,鈥� 鈥淎nnapurna鈥�) and original music by cast member Armando Gutierrez.

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30, with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at , by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office. Pay-what-you-will performances for 鈥淧rimary Trust鈥� are Jan. 22鈥�26 inclusive; Prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain on Jan. 26, Feb. 1 and Feb. 6; the Wednesday at 1 lecture will take place on Jan. 29 before the 2 p.m. matinee; the post-show talkback will take place on Sunday, Feb. 2, after the 7:30 p.m. performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for Jan. 29 and Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. and Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. The sensory friendly/relaxed performance of 鈥淧rimary Trust鈥� is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

黑料不打烊 Stage is pleased to announce the addition of trivia night, a new event for the 24/25 season. Free for ticket holders, trivia night invites audiences to go head-to-head for a chance to win exciting 黑料不打烊 Stage prizes, in a friendly competition hosted by 鈥淛eopardy!鈥� champion Dillon Hupp with free pizza. Trivia night for 鈥淧rimary Trust鈥� will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are required to participate. Pre-registration at is recommended.

In conjunction with 鈥淧rimary Trust,鈥� 黑料不打烊 Stage will present a free reading of 鈥淗arvey鈥� by Mary Chase. The play, about a man whose best friend is an invisible 6-foot-tall rabbit, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1945, was made into an Oscar-winning film starring Jimmy Stewart and was a major inspiration for Booth鈥檚鈥淧rimary Trust.鈥� The reading will take place in the Archbold Theatre on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m., with free tickets available at 黑料不打烊Stage.org.

Primary Trust

By Eboni Booth
Directed by Melissa Crespo
Scenic design by Ann Beyersdorfer
Costume design by Carmen Martinez
Lighting design by Alejandro Fajardo
Sound design by Jacquline R Hertetr
Original music by Armando Guttierez
Stage management by Kristine Schlachter*
Casting by Bass/Valle Casting

CAST (in alphabetical order)

Paul DeBoy* (Clay, Sam, Le Pousselet Bartender)
Bjorn DuPaty* (Bert)
Armando Gutierrez* (Musician)
Garrett Turner* (Kenneth)
Eunice Woods* (Corinna, Wally鈥檚 Waiter, Bank Customer)

*Member of Actors鈥� Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

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2 VPA Faculty, 3 Arts Organizations Awarded NYSCA Grants

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:27:15 +0000

(NYSCA) grants have been awarded to two faculty members and three arts organizations at 黑料不打烊.

faculty members , assistant professor of musical theatre, and , assistant professor of film, each won $10,000 NYSCA grants for their work.

Kathleen Wrinn

Wrinn is a musical theater performer, lyricist and librettist in the Department of Drama and founding artistic director of the department鈥檚 New Works/New Voices initiative. She earned the grant for her musical, 鈥淭he Bridge, a New Musical Epic,鈥� which was developed with the New Haven-based arts venture studio Midnight Oil Collective and was showcased at Yale University this fall.

Soudabeh Moradian is a director, producer, screenwriter and editor in the Department of Film and Media Arts. Her film, 鈥�,鈥� is a psychological horror film exploring themes of trauma, misogyny and xenophobia.

Soudabeh Moradian

NYSCA grants also went to three University arts organizations:

: $49,500 to support general theater productions
(Punto de Contacto): $10,000 to support general operations
: $10,000 to support a project by artists and .

Molina Martagon and McMillan will work in residence at Light Work in February. The project will be a participatory exploration of spirituality and emerging technologies, guiding viewers through a process of body-centered storytelling, digital avatar creation and motion-capture. The resulting work will be exhibited at Urban Video Project next fall.

This year, NYSCA to individuals and organizations. In the last six years, it has presented 302 capital grants totaling $92 million across 10 regions of the state to support visual, literary, performing and media arts organizations. NYSCA also supports individual artists and awarded grants to 426 of them last year.

A scene from “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at 黑料不打烊 Stage.

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Becoming Cinderella: Junior Madison Manning Takes the Lead in the Drama, 黑料不打烊 Stage Production

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 23:30:03 +0000

Madison Manning, a junior musical theater major, stepped into an iconic pair of shoes for her lead role in 鈥�,鈥� co-produced by 黑料不打烊 Stage and the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Madison Manning (Cinderella), right, and Trisha Jeffrey (Fairy Godmother) in 鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella鈥� (Photos by Michael Davis)

Manning plays Cinderella in the production that runs through Jan. 5 in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage. All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets may be , by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office.

Manning shares insights into the production and her role.

What can audience members expect from this production?

They can expect a modern twist to it, especially because this is 鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella.鈥� It鈥檚 not something that鈥檚 very complex in language, and it鈥檚 more contemporary in its scene work, general dialogue, blocking techniques and the demeanor to which we perform the show.

Besides expecting a contemporary aspect, they can expect a lot of beauty in the staging, projections, lighting and costuming. Regardless of if they鈥檙e following the story or listening to the singing, people will come in and enjoy getting to see such beauty and attention to detail in the visual aspect of it. They can expect to see a heartwarming story that visually, emotionally and mindfully has a lot of love, care and warmth put into it.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your performance?

I鈥檓 big on finding inspiration in multiple mediums of art. Most of it comes from other theater, a lot of film and TV, and a few years ago I got into reading a lot of young adult fantasy novels. Even though those stories can be different from the ones told in theater, just tapping into different mediums of storytelling has been a big inspiration for how to tell a story to specific audiences with specific material or storylines.

If it had to be a person, I draw a lot of inspiration from Patina Miller and Cynthia Erivo鈥擝lack, female artists that are not only talented but driven and know how to collaborate with other artists. I also draw a lot of inspiration from the faculty at 黑料不打烊 and my peers. When you鈥檙e in class, watching other people perform, whether there鈥檚 solo performances, duets and trios, or scene work, you learn from your peers because you鈥檙e constantly watching them grow.

What do you want to convey in the character?

Cinderella speaks with animals.

In the original Disney movie, it literally says that Cinderella was abused, humiliated and forced to be a servant in her own home. Despite all of that, she woke up every single day with hope and optimism. She still showed the stepfamily gentleness and reverence in the face of their hatred and unjustified anger.

The biggest thing I want to convey about the character is that she鈥檚 not a damsel in distress and that her strength comes from her ability to choose kindness in the face of adversity. It鈥檚 much easier to be mean right back to somebody that鈥檚 being mean to you. It鈥檚 even harder to show them kindness, continuously show them love and make them a part of your life despite what they鈥檝e done.

What鈥檚 the best part about becoming this classic character, Cinderella?

鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella,鈥� co-produced by 黑料不打烊 Stage and the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, runs through Jan. 5.

The best part, besides wearing beautiful costumes and telling such a fun story, is getting to inspire little boys and girls throughout the 黑料不打烊 area. When I was a phantom in 鈥淎 Christmas Carol鈥� [the 黑料不打烊 Stage/Department of Drama co-production] last year, I got to crawl up and down the aisles and look into the faces of people. For children鈥檚 matinees, there were a lot of Black and brown children in the audience. The first thing I thought when I got cast was, 鈥淗ow great is it going to be for those boys and girls to see themselves represented on stage, not just as a side character or someone in the ensemble but someone who鈥檚 playing the main lead.鈥�

Adeera Harris 鈥�25, my cast member who plays Grace, also pointed out that it鈥檚 such a blessing to not see the pigeonholed stereotype of the Black girls, the sassy sidekick or the mean girls; rather, you get to see People of Color in our cast play the prince, the princess, one of the step-sisters, ensemble members and the fairy godmother. You get to see so much diversity that I think will impact a lot of children. My hope is that they take away that things are still possible, and it鈥檚 possible for them to be a source of inspiration and encouragement for others.

What鈥檚 the most challenging part of this role?

The most challenging part is definitely the singing. After doing three previews, I鈥檓 still nervous about getting through all 50-plus shows with this score. It鈥檚 a very demanding role vocally in a way that I鈥檓 not used to. I would consider myself a belter, but this role requires me to use my reinforced mix, which I鈥檓 just now developing as an artist.

I didn鈥檛 come into college with vocal training. I did choir in high school but never one-on-one training for my vocal instrument, so I always felt a little late to the game in terms of singing. I knew going into this I would need to really prepare and know these songs like the back of my hand, so that even if I was sick or lost my voice and got it back two minutes before curtain, I鈥檇 be able to do the show.

To read the full story, visit the .

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黑料不打烊 Stage Welcomes the Holiday Season With ‘Rodgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella’

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:21:31 +0000

continues the 2024-25 season with 鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella,鈥� the wondrous musical from theatre鈥檚 most iconic songwriting duo. Co-produced with the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the production is directed by Melissa Rain Anderson (鈥淎 Christmas Carol,鈥� 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥�), with music direction by Brian Cimmet and choreography by Jessica Chen. 鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella鈥� will run Nov. 22 to Jan. 5, 2025, in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊.

鈥淭his year, we invite everyone to make 黑料不打烊 Stage a part of your holiday celebration,鈥� says Robert Hupp, 黑料不打烊 Stage’s artistic director. 鈥淪tage鈥檚 production of 鈥楥inderella鈥� is a magical treat for the young and the young at heart. We鈥檙e eager to share our new production with Central New York; we promise you鈥檒l make memories that will last a lifetime.鈥�

Originally premiering as a live television program in 1957 with Julie Andrews in the title role, 鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella鈥� is a magical celebration that proves dreams come true, if only we dare to wish. This 鈥渆nchanted鈥� version of the beloved musical is based on the 1997 television film, featuring Brandy as the would-be princess and Whitney Houston as her fairy godmother, and boasts a cast of 30 spectacular performers made up of Broadway veterans, professional actors from around the country and students from the Department of Drama.

鈥淭his version of 鈥楥inderella鈥� is absolutely joyous and feels fresh and accessible for a modern audience of all ages,鈥� says director Melissa Rain Anderson. 鈥淭he heart of the story centers on the possibility of making a dream come true and the will to do something incredible with it. This classic fairytale charms with enchanted animals, soaring love songs and hilarious characters to entertain. Come see how we transform a plain pumpkin into a glimmering carriage and dancing mice into four regal horses with magical surprises along the way.鈥�

Returning to 黑料不打烊 Stage after appearing in last season鈥檚鈥淎 Christmas Carol,鈥� Department of Drama junior Madison Manning plays the title role in this fantastical and dazzling storybook come-to-life. The cast also features Trisha Jeffrey as Fairy Godmother, Darell Morris Jr. as Prince Christopher, Ann Arvia as Stepmother, David Lowenstein (鈥淎 Christmas Carol,鈥� 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥�) as King Maximillian, Celia Madeoy (鈥淒isney鈥檚 Beauty and the Beast,鈥� 鈥淓lf the Musical鈥�) as Queen Constantina, Blake Segal (鈥淎gatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express,鈥� 鈥淥ur Town鈥�) as Lionel and Department of Drama seniors Sydney Carmona, Adeera Harris and Zach Asnis as Joy, Grace and Charles the Cat, respectively.

The design team for 鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella鈥� features many names familiar to 黑料不打烊 Stage audiences, including sets by Kimberly Powers (鈥淎 Christmas Carol,鈥� 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥�), costumes by Ryan J. Moller (鈥淢atilda The Musical鈥�), wigs by Bobbie Zlotnik (鈥淎gatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express,鈥� 鈥淭ender Rain鈥�), lighting by Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz (鈥淎 Christmas Carol,鈥� 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥�), sound by 黑料不打烊 Stage resident sound designer Jacqueline R. Herter and projections by David Murakami.

Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics) were amongst the most celebrated songwriters of their time, with works that helped shape not only musical theatre as an artform, but popular culture writ large. Their first show, 鈥淥klahoma!鈥� in 1943, changed the landscape of contemporary operetta, and ushered in a golden age of American musicals, defined in part by their landmark works including 鈥淐arousel,鈥� 鈥淪outh Pacific,鈥� 鈥淭he King and I鈥� and 鈥淭he Sound of Music.鈥� Their adaptation of 鈥淐inderella鈥� premiered in 1957, and was their only musical written specifically for television audiences. The show was re-staged in 1965 for broadcast with Lesley Ann Warren in the title role, and again in 1997, notably featuring a multiracial cast. 鈥淐inderella鈥� premiered on Broadway in 2013, with an updated score and book. Oscar Hammerstein died in 1960 at the age of 65; Richard Rodgers survived his writing partner by nearly 20 years, passing away at the age of 77 in 1979. Today, their musicals are perennially produced in theatres large and small, seen on television screens around the world and enjoyed by audiences, young and old, who re-discover their timeless stories anew.

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at 黑料不打烊Stage.org, by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office. Pay-What-You-Will performances are Nov. 22鈥揇ec. 1 inclusive; Prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain on Dec. 1, 7 and 19; the Post-show Talkback will take place on Sunday, Dec. 15 after the 7:30 p.m. performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for Dec. 4, 15 and Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. The Sensory Friendly/Relaxed performance is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 4 at 2 p.m.

黑料不打烊 Stage is pleased to announce the addition of Trivia Night, a new event for the 2024-25 season. Free for ticket holders, Trivia Night invites audiences to go head-to-head for a chance to win exciting 黑料不打烊 Stage prizes, in a friendly competition hosted by 鈥淛eopardy!鈥� champion Dillon Hupp. Trivia Night will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are required to participate. Pre-registration at 黑料不打烊stage.org is recommended.

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University and Community Partners Help WCNY Form New Spanish-Language Radio Station

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:46:40 +0000

An important resource never before available to the greater Central New York and Mohawk Valley region鈥攁 Spanish-language radio station鈥攈as come to fruition through an initiative shaped by PBS affiliate WCNY and a number of community members, including several faculty and staff at 黑料不打烊.

The new station, 鈥�,鈥� is 鈥渁 thrilling and significant breakthrough鈥� for the growing Spanish-speaking community in the area, says , executive director of cultural engagement for the Hispanic community and director of the University鈥檚 . 鈥淭he station is poised to become a vital resource, reflecting the vibrant mix of Hispanic and Latino cultures and effectively engaging these populations like no other local or regional medium does.鈥�

Paniagua and many others at the University were integral to the development of the station. She first got involved in the summer of 2023 when WCNY CEO and President approached her wondering if a Spanish-language radio station was available in the area. When he discovered there wasn鈥檛 one, Gelman asked Paniagua to help him assess the community鈥檚 interest in filling that void.

Gelman formed a community task force, which he co-chaired with Paniagua and WCNY-FM Station Manager . Over many months, more than two dozen task force members planned the station鈥檚 structure, helped developed funding, sought collaborators and generated programming ideas.

Teresita Paniagua, left, the University’s executive director of cultural engagement for the Hispanic community, speaks to students at an event celebrating Hispanic culture. Paniagua was instrumental in spurring community interest in and involvement to help bring about WCNY’s Spanish-language radio station.

Several University faculty members and instructors from the College of Arts and Sciences, including , associate teaching professor of Spanish and Portuguese and Spanish language coordinator, and , Spanish instructor, participated in the task force efforts.

Also involved in other ways were , Spanish department professor and chair; , Spanish professor; , assistant teaching professor of film in the College of Visual and Performing Arts; , development director for 黑料不打烊 Stage; , professor of Spanish at Onondaga Community College; Josefa 脕lvarez Valad茅s, 听Spanish professor at LeMoyne College; and , a Newhouse School of Public Communications alumnus and former radio/TV producer who is an associate professor of communications at SUNY Oswego.

As part of the task force鈥檚 fact-finding, Paniagua enlisted Whitman School of Management students Nicolas Cela Marxuach 鈥�25, Zachary Levine 鈥�25 and Jonah Griffin 鈥�24 to develop and distribute a community interest survey, which the students circulated to several hundred local residents at community events. She says 98% of respondents supported the idea. The survey also provided insights into audience demographics and programming ideas鈥攊ncluding sports, community news, talk shows, music and faith-based content.

There are upwards of 1,000 Spanish-speaking radio stations in the U.S. but Pulso Central is the first of its kind in Central New York. The region is home to some 18,000 Spanish-speaking households, with Spanish-speaking people making up about 10.5% of the area鈥檚 population and comprising a segment of the community that has grown 30% over the past decade, according to research done by WCNY.

A Learning Resource

Pulso Central also provides a unique learning opportunity and 鈥渁n extraordinary new pedagogical tool for experiential education鈥� for the University’s students, says Ticio Quesada.

M. Emma Ticio Quesada, center, a professor in 黑料不打烊’s Spanish department, uses WCNY’s radio station studio as an experiential learning space and resource for her courses.

Five students from her immersive course, Community Outreach: Language in Action, are interning at the station. The students, Lailah Ali-Valentine, Adam Baltaxe, Kimberlyn Lopez Herrera, Nicolas Bernardino Greiner-Guzman and Jade Aulestia recently created their first podcast.

Ticio Quesada says she also expects students in SPA 300: Our Community Voices, an course, to benefit from the same kind of internship opportunity. The course connects native and non-native Spanish speakers, inspires them to contribute to the local community, and promotes inclusion and social justice.

Partnering Results

Miranda Traudt, the University鈥檚 assistant provost for arts and community programming, says the task force is a good example of the positive outcomes that can result when members of the University and local communities work together to achieve specific goals. 鈥淭his project continues La Casita鈥檚 meaningful engagement with Hispanic communities in Central New York and helps fulfill its mission through work in the arts, media, cultural heritage preservation and research adding to the high quality of life,鈥� she says.

Several dozen community members helped WCNY form and air the area’s first Spanish-language radio station. They included, from left, Mitch Gelman, WCNY president and CEO; M. Emma Ticio Quesada, 黑料不打烊 professor of Spanish; Stephanie Gonzalez Rawlings, content producer; and DJ Lorenz (Renzo Quesada), music host. (Photo by Eric Hayden, WCNY)

Game Changer

Paniagua believes the station 鈥渃an be a game changer,鈥� not only in providing news and information about and for the Latina/Hispanic community but also by 鈥渉elping to change long-established stereotypes and present a whole new world of possibilities for the people of this community,鈥� she says. 鈥淭here are many wonderful stories about people who have established their lives in this community and I hope Pulso Central can be a showcase for those stories.鈥�

Launch Event Oct. 24

An official launch event, 鈥�,鈥� will be held Thursday, Oct. 24, at WCNY studios and La Casita.

鈥淲CNY is thrilled to help launch Pulso Central,鈥� Gelman says. 鈥淥ur goal is to provide a platform that will come alive with music and talk that engages listeners and fosters community connection.鈥�

The station reaches listeners in 19 counties. Pulso Central airs on WCNY 91.3 HD-2 in 黑料不打烊, WUNY 89.5 HD-2 in Utica and WJNY 90.9 HD-2 in Watertown. It is accessible online at and streaming on the Pulso Central app.

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鈥楶颈辫辫颈苍鈥� Opens 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama 2024/25 Season

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:07:17 +0000

The begins the 2024/25 season with 鈥淧ippin,鈥� the Tony Award-winning musical from composer Stephen Schwartz (鈥淲icked,鈥� 鈥淕odspell鈥�) and Roger O. Hirson. Directed by Torya Beard, performances of 鈥淧颈辫辫颈苍鈥� will be held Oct. 11-20 in the Storch Theatre at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 East Genesee St. Tickets are available through the or by phone at 315.443.3275.

鈥淧ippin,鈥� the Tony Award-winning musical, runs Oct. 11-20 in the Storch Theatre at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/SU Drama Complex.听

Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

鈥淲e have assembled an extraordinary artistic team鈥揷omposed of award-winning creators, distinguished faculty, and accomplished alumni鈥搕o help us re-imagine and re-invigorate this timeless story of the search for purpose,鈥� says Ralph Zito, professor and chair of the department of drama. 鈥淎s always, our students have embraced the task with distinction, and we look forward to sharing the results of their creative work.鈥�

Originally premiering on Broadway in 1972, 鈥淧颈辫辫颈苍鈥� takes audiences on a magical and miraculous journey, while encouraging us all to find our own 鈥淐orner of the Sky.鈥�

DETAILS

鈥楶颈辫辫颈苍鈥�

Book by Roger O. Hirson
Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Directed by Torya Beard
Choreography and associate direction by Kevin Boseman
Music direction by Brian Cimmet
Additional choreography by Adesola Osakalumi
Scenic design by Ningning Yang
Costume design by Jessica Crawford
Lighting design by Andy LiDestri
Sound design by Kevin O鈥機onnor
Wig design by Dylinn Andrew
Dramaturgy by Molly Evert
Stage managed by Maya Rose Zepeda

Cast

Pippin: Connor English
Leading Player: Kendall Stewart and Gwendalyn Rose D铆az
Fastrada: Lili Williams
Catherine: Emily Pellecchia
Charles: Nyobi Boddie
Bertha: Izzy Scampoli

Ensemble

Samantha Jade Berman
Emily Castillo-Langley
Michael DiLeo
Malvina Lucchini
Caroline Marchetti
Justin Roach
Tobias Rytting
Bridgette Sanders (Theo)
Nicolette Smith
Gillian Stoltz
Truman Tinius (Lewis)

Swings

Mallika Jain Cadin
Cate Gould
Evan Leone
Declan Paul McMahon
Katie Wood

Additional Credits

Co-Dance Captains: Mallika Jain Cadin, Nicolette Smith
Assistant Director: Ella Claudine Femino
Associate Choreographer: Nicolette Smith
Assistant Scenic Designer: Luke Daniel Blumencranz
Assistant Lighting Designer: Harry Mullin, Reyna Sanchez
Assistant Stage Managers: Katrina Barrett, Fotini Lambridis
Rehearsal Pianist: Dan Williams

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黑料不打烊 Stage Opens 2024/25 Season With New Adaptation of Classic Nailbiter ‘Dial M for Murder’

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:08:01 +0000

黑料不打烊 Stage begins the 2024/25 subscription series with 鈥淒ial M for Murder,鈥� Jeffrey Hatcher鈥檚 fresh adaptation of the classic crime thriller. Directed by 黑料不打烊 Stage artistic director Robert Hupp (鈥淎gatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express,鈥� 鈥淥ur Town鈥�), the show will run Oct. 16-Nov. 3 in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊.

Margot Wendice is happily married to Tony, and the couple share a charming life and a modest flat in 1950s London. But not all is as it seems鈥擬argot has been involved with the famous American crime writer Maxine Hadley and is being blackmailed by a mysterious stranger who threatens to expose the affair to her husband. But Tony already knows, and he has just hatched a plot of deadly revenge.

鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to direct our season opening production of 鈥楧ial M for Murder,鈥欌€� says Robert Hupp, artistic director. 鈥淚 am a huge fan of this genre, and we had so much fun creating last season鈥檚鈥楢gatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express鈥� that I couldn鈥檛 wait to kill off more characters on our stage.鈥�

Written by Frederick Knott in 1952, 鈥淒ial M for Murder鈥� was adapted into a 1954 Alfred Hitchcock film starring Grace Kelly, and again in 1998 as the loose remake 鈥淎 Perfect Murder鈥� with Gwenyth Paltrow as the unsuspecting wife. Hatcher鈥檚 adaptation, which premiered at San Diego鈥檚 Old Globe in 2022, gives Knott鈥檚 clever original a fresh coat of paint, notably infusing the script with a touch of light comedy and a swifter pace for modern audiences.

Says Hupp, 鈥溾€楧ial M鈥� is less of a murder mystery and more of a psychological thriller. While the setting, 1950s London, remains the same as the Knott play and the Hitchcock film, our playwright, Jeffrey Hatcher, updates the storyline to raise the stakes and create even more tension in this powerful, suspenseful story. I think our audience will love the cast we鈥檝e assembled for 鈥楧ial M,鈥� and I can鈥檛 wait to share this deliciously dangerous play with everyone in Central New York.鈥�

“Dial M for Murder鈥� features (assistant professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Department of Drama) as Margot Wendice, Avery Clark as her scheming husband Tony and Krystel Lucas as Maxine Hadley. The ensemble rounds out with J.D. Webster as Inspector Hubbard and John Long as the killer-for-hire Lesgate. The design team includes sets by Stanley Meyer, costumes by Lux Haac, lighting design by Dawn Chiang, sound design by Tony Award nominee John Gromada (鈥淭he Trip to Bountiful鈥�) and hair and wigs by Brittany Hartman, with fight choreography by D.C. Wright. Blake Segal serves as the production鈥檚 dialect coach and Yvonne Perry as the intimacy coordinator.

Born in China to missionary parents in 1916, Knott studied law at Cambridge University and achieved the rank of major in the British Army before finding fame with 1952鈥檚鈥淒ial 鈥楳鈥� for Murder.鈥� The play aired on the BBC before critically acclaimed productions in London鈥檚 West End and on Broadway. Called 鈥渘otoriously unprolific鈥� in a 2002 obituary, Knott only wrote three other plays during his lifetime鈥斺€淢r. Fox of Venice鈥� (1959), 鈥淲rite Me a Murder (1961) and 鈥淲ait Until Dark鈥� (1966)鈥攂ut made enough from his work to live comfortably in Manhattan with his wife, actress Ann Hillary. Knott鈥檚 intricately plotted mystery plays continue to entertain audiences throughout the world with revival productions and new adaptations, including American playwright Hatcher鈥檚 stylish updates of 鈥淲ait Until Dark鈥� and 鈥淒ial M for Murder鈥�.

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $25 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at , by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office. Pay-what-you-will performances for 鈥淒ial M for Murder鈥� are Oct. 16-20 inclusive; prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions, take place one hour before curtain on Oct. 20, 26 and 31; the post-show Talkback will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, after the 7:30 p.m. performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for Oct. 23 and Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. The performance on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. is an audio described performance with Spanish language open captioning. The sensory friendly/relaxed performance of 鈥淒ial M for Murder鈥� is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m.

Support for the 2024/25 season includes season sponsors the Slutzker Family Foundation, the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation and Advance Media New York. The community partner for 鈥淒ial M for Murder鈥� is the 黑料不打烊 International Film Festival.

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New Name, New Strategic Priorities for 鈥楢rts at 黑料不打烊鈥�

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 22:11:12 +0000

A yearlong reimagining of ways to distinguish and enhance the array of arts and cultural programming offered at the University has resulted in a name change for the 听Coalition of Museums and Art Centers, a new website and a new strategic plan.

Under the new banner Arts at 黑料不打烊, are top-notch museums and galleries, active maker spaces, robust community centers and a myriad of creative events and programs.

The new name is part of a rebranding and profile-boosting effort to highlight the University鈥檚 arts offerings and strengthen and grow awareness of its diverse group of centers and programs, says , assistant provost for arts and community programming.

The initiative includes the , which comprehensively illustrates the range of arts centers and programming available to students, faculty, staff and community members. The site also includes a dedicated that highlights events, ongoing programs and exhibitions.

Spaces and programs include , , , , , , at 黑料不打烊 Libraries, , the , 黑料不打烊 Artist-in-Residence Program and the in New York City.

Outdoor visual displays are conducted at the Urban Video Project.

New ideas about how academic and community arts programming and experiences are presented to a range of constituencies鈥攕tudents, faculty, staff and the general public鈥攁nd as part of student experiential learning, teaching activities and individual entertainment and enjoyment resulted from a year-long planning process spearheaded by the , Traudt says.

Miranda Traudt

鈥淭his is much more than a name change. It鈥檚 a true rethinking of the arts at 黑料不打烊,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e purposefully considered how all the individual units and centers that are doing such fantastic work on their own could band together to have greater overall impact and visibility and to create wider local, regional, national and international awareness of these exceptional offerings.鈥�

In addition to enhancing the visibility of the separate arts programs and centers, Arts at 黑料不打烊 highlights how, grouped together, the units offer distinctive experiential learning opportunities for students that are typically available only at much larger national and international venues, Traudt says.

黑料不打烊 Stage puts students and their artistic presentations at the center of downtown 黑料不打烊 and hosts theater offerings that are enjoyed by all of Central New York.

鈥淭he 黑料不打烊 Art Museum has one of the largest university-owned art collections in the country. La Casita, as a vital part of the 黑料不打烊 Near West Side community, is the only Latin cultural center in this part of New York state. The Community Folk Art Center is a vibrant seat of community programming for people of all ages. Light Work鈥檚 renowned Artist-in-Residence Program has hosted more than 400 artists coming from every U.S. state and 15-plus countries. Urban Video Project is an important international venue for the public presentation of video and electronic arts and one of the few projects in the U.S. dedicated to continuous and ongoing video art projections. Exhibitions of nationally and internationally known artists hosted here mean you don鈥檛 have to travel to New York City to see that kind of artistic excellence.鈥�

Elisa Dekaney

Elisa Dekaney, associate provost for strategic initiatives, makes this comparison. 鈥淲e pride ourselves on the fact that the University鈥檚 study-abroad programs utilize their locations as classrooms. We say, 鈥楩lorence is our classroom; London is our classroom鈥� because of what these cities offer in the arts and cultural experiences. But we can also say 鈥樅诹喜淮蜢� is our classroom鈥� because of the rich arts programming the University offers right here.鈥�

Other goals defined in the strategic operating plan include serving as an international model of arts and humanities engagement for institutions of higher education; expanding community partnerships; growing reciprocal relationships with local, regional, national and international arts and strategic partners; increasing faculty, alumni and donor engagement with the arts programs and centers.

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Department of Drama Announces 24/25 Season

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:33:27 +0000

The is pleased to announce the 2024/25 season, consisting of six productions: 鈥淧颈辫辫颈苍鈥� (Oct. 11 鈥� 20), 鈥淭welfth Night鈥� (Nov. 15 鈥� 23), 鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella鈥� (Nov. 22 鈥� Jan. 5 and co-produced with 黑料不打烊 Stage), 鈥淎 Walrus in the Body of the Crocodile鈥� (Feb. 21 鈥� March 9), 鈥淲hat the Moon Saw, or I Only Appear to Be Dead鈥� (March 28 鈥� April 6) and 鈥淟ittle Women鈥� (May 2 鈥� 10). All productions will run in the Storch Theatre, with the exception of 鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella,鈥� which will be held in the Archbold Theatre. Tickets are available through the by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the 黑料不打烊 Stage / SU Drama Complex, 820 East Genesee St.

鈥淓ach of these plays explores the fundamental question of how we become the person we are meant to become,鈥� says Department of Drama Chair Ralph Zito. 鈥淥ver the course of the season, an exciting combination of student, faculty and guest artists will bring their considerable talents to bear on a collection of stories both familiar and unfamiliar, examining them in fresh and exciting ways.鈥�

Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy and Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz with a book by Roger O. Hirson, 鈥�Pippin鈥� opens the Department of Drama season this fall. Originally premiering on Broadway in 1972, 鈥淧颈辫辫颈苍鈥� introduces audiences to a mysterious troupe of actors as they tell the story of a young prince setting off on a magical and miraculous journey to find his own 鈥淐orner of the Sky.鈥� Directed by Torya Beard, who describes the production as an examination of 鈥渢he ways young people interact with the tools they have鈥� to 鈥渓earn more about themselves,鈥� this Tony Award-winning musical runs Oct. 11 to 20.

Up next is Shakespeare鈥檚 delicious comedy 鈥�Twelfth Night.鈥� Set on the island paradise of Illyria, the play follows shipwrecked Viola as she befriends a duke, a lady and a parade of rascals while searching for her twin brother Sebastian, who was lost at sea. Disguised as the dashing Cesario, Viola becomes entwined in the island鈥檚 drama, discovering the power (and lunacy) of love in its many forms. Directed by Will Pomerantz, 鈥淭welfth Night鈥� runs Nov. 15 to 23.

Celebrate the holidays with this season鈥檚 annual co-production with 黑料不打烊 Stage, 鈥�Rodgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella,鈥� with music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and adapted for the stage by Tom Briggs from the teleplay by Robert L. Freedman. Forced to satisfy the whims of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters while dreaming of a better life, Cinderella is given a chance at happiness when a Fairy Godmother transforms her into a princess and whisks her to the Royal Ball. Featuring additional music from the 1997 television film starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, this 鈥渆nchanted鈥� production of the classic musical is directed by Melissa Rain Anderson, with music direction by Brian Cimmet and choreography by Jessica Chen, and will run Nov. 22 to Jan. 5.

The spring semester begins with 鈥�A Walrus in the Body of a Crocodile,鈥� a zany, constantly evolving exploration of language, gender, and identity by MJ Kaufman. A lonely subway car, a crowded support group, a stifling writers鈥� workshop and a raucous frat house serve as the ever-changing backdrop in this nesting doll of a play about the identities we choose to share and the ones we鈥檙e forced to hide, even from ourselves. Directed by Daniella Caggiano, 鈥淎 Walrus in the Body of a Crocodile鈥� runs Feb. 21 to Mar. 1.

Next is 鈥�What the Moon Saw, or I Only Appear to Be Dead,鈥� a fantastical collage of Hans Christian Andersen鈥檚 fairy tales told through a post-9/11 lens, by Stephanie Fleishman. Traveling to Shanghai to celebrate his 200th birthday, Andersen encounters mermaids, a street urchin, a supermodel, teenagers in love, a cabdriver, firemen and husks of humans who appear as ghouls in this 鈥渒aleidoscopic meditation on how we move through calamity鈥� inspired by Andersen鈥檚 fragile, timeless tales. Directed by Danyon Davis, 鈥淲hat the Moon Saw鈥� runs Mar. 28 to Apr. 6.

The season concludes with 鈥�Little Woman,鈥� with a book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland. Following the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy and their beloved mother Marmee, this Tony Award-winning musical tells of the March sisters鈥� adventures during the American Civil War as they discover their passions, endure heartache, and find the courage to persevere in this ultimate coming of age story. Based on the celebrated novel by Louisa May Alcott and directed by David Lowenstein, 鈥淟ittle Women鈥� runs May 2 to 10.

Five-play subscriptions are or by calling 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office at 315.443.3275. Subscribers have access to discounted tickets for 鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella鈥� which is not part of 5-play subscription packages. Single tickets for all shows are also available.

DETAILS

鈥淧颈辫辫颈苍鈥�
Based on original story and characters by Damon Runyon
Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Directed Torya Beard
Oct. 11-20

鈥淭welfth Night鈥�
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Will Pomerantz
Nov. 15-23

鈥淩odgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella鈥�
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Adapted for the stage by Tom Briggs
From the teleplay by Robert L. Freedman
Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson
Co-produced with 黑料不打烊 Stage
Nov. 22 through Jan. 5

鈥淎 Walrus in the Body of the Crocodile鈥�
By MJ Kaufman
Directed by Daniella Caggiano
Feb. 21 through March 1

鈥淲hat the Moon Saw, or I Only Appear to Be Dead鈥�
By Stephanie Fleishman
Directed by Danyon Davis
March 28 through April 6

鈥淟ittle Women鈥�
Book by Allan Knee
Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Music by Jason Howland
Directed by David Lowenstein
May 2-10

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Legendary Comedy Troupe Second City Opens 黑料不打烊 Stage Season

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 19:22:25 +0000

begins its 24/25 season with a limited two-week run of from the legendary Chicago troupe. Presented as an off-subscription title, this hilarious evening of sketch and improv comedy features hand-picked material from the Second City鈥檚 star-studded history, and will run Sept. 18-29, in the Archbold Theatre.

鈥淲e鈥檙e kicking off this season with rollicking comedy,鈥� says Robert Hupp, artistic director for the production. 鈥淲e thought this was the best possible choice to welcome back audiences to 黑料不打烊 Stage. Nobody does comedy better than The Second City because every show is different: From their greatest hits sketches to on-the-spot improv, the audience gets to join in the fun at every performance. We invite folks to take a break from their routine and join us for a good laugh at 黑料不打烊 Stage.鈥�

Directed by Marla C谩ceres with music direction by Kai Elise, 鈥淭he Second City 65th Anniversary Show鈥� features songs, sketches and characters written by some of Second City鈥檚 illustrious alumni鈥攊ncluding Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, Eugene Levy and many more鈥攁nd is brought hilariously to life by an all-star ensemble including Tina Arfaee, Cat McDonnell, Zoe McKee, Bill Leitz, Preston Parker and Cassidy Russell.

Rooted in the groundbreaking improvisational games pioneered by Viola Spolin, The Second City opened its doors on a snowy Chicago night in December of 1959, and a comedy revolution began. Today, The Second City is a world-class entertainment company鈥攚ith a touring company, training programs and live theatres in Chicago, Toronto and New York City鈥攁nd continues to be at the forefront of improv and sketch comedy while bringing laughs to more than one million audience members a year.

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Performances on Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28 begin at 6:30 p.m. with a second show scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at , by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office. Pay-What-You-Will performances for 鈥淭he Second City 65th Anniversary Show鈥� are Sept. 18-29 inclusive; Trivia Night, hosted by 鈥淛eopardy!鈥� champion Dillon Hupp will take place on Thursday, Sept. 19, before the 7:30 p.m. performance; and a Happy Hour event on Thursday, Sept. 26, prior to the 7:30 p.m. performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its ASL-interpreted performance scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m.

“The Second City 65th Anniversary Show”

Directed by: Marla C谩ceres
Music direction by: Kai Elise
Stage management by: Indigo Coar

Cast (in alphabetical order)

Tina Arfaee
Cat McDonnell
Zoe McKee
Bill Letz
Preston Parker
Cassidy Russell

Understudies

Zoe Agapinan
Holly Barras
Deb Duncan
Eric Greenbaum
Dani James
Maz Lazerine
Katie Dreher

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Taking the Stage for an Immersive Lesson in Shakespeare

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:48:51 +0000

Sinead Feeney O鈥機onnor performing in her class鈥檚 production of A Midsummer Night鈥檚 Dream.

When enrolling in an English class about Shakespeare, you might imagine that the course will involve reading, writing and discussing the famous playwright and his plays. In professor of English听 class, ENG 411: Doing Shakespeare, which was offered in Spring 2024, this was just the beginning. Shirilan wanted students to explore for themselves how theatrical practice and production generate different modes of inquiry than text study alone. By engaging in hands-on and active learning, the experience aimed to enhance students’ problem-solving abilities, boost their confidence and encourage their creativity鈥攕oft skills which are crucial for success after graduation.

鈥淭he idea of the course, simply, is that students learn Shakespeare by 鈥榙oing Shakespeare,鈥欌€� says Shirilan. 鈥淚 issued an invitation to make of this course what they willed, and what they willed was a full production of a play chosen, as we strove to do with every decision, collectively.鈥�

Learning by Doing

Shirilan鈥檚 inspiration for this course draws from the educational technique of 鈥渓earning by doing,鈥� a teaching methodology where students retain information through active learning and hands-on experience. In 鈥淒oing Shakespeare,鈥� students were presented with a full range of options for the scale and scope of production to pursue.

鈥淭hey chose to mount a full show, or aim towards it, understanding that we would be working collaboratively and distributing the labors across as many hands as were able and willing,鈥� says Shirilan. 鈥淓veryone was involved in multiple areas of production. Everyone acted, most students took responsibility for a production element, including props, costume and sound design.鈥�

Together the students conceived of, organized and performed a full theatrical production of Shakespeare鈥檚鈥淎 Midsummer Night鈥檚 Dream.鈥� The crew, many of whom had little to no prior theater experience, included Tate Abrahmason, Maurissa DEmello, Sinead Feeney O鈥機onnor, Anderson Fuentes, Valerie Goldstein, Eva Greene, Victoria Lafarge, Jenny Lee, Ailis McVearry, Blair Seaman, Alexandra Steward and Cricket Withall.

Before moving into production, students spent the first half of the semester largely devoted to text study, table work, vision work and research. During the second half of the semester, the team went into production mode, blocking, rehearsing and producing the play. The semester concluded with a full theatrical performance at 黑料不打烊 Stage.

Professor Stephanie Shirilan reviewing the script during a rehearsal.

Wearing Many Hats

鈥淒oing Shakespeare鈥� offered students a unique opportunity to have a hand in every aspect of the performance, from design to direction.

Valerie Goldstein 鈥�24, who majored in policy studies in the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and minored in applied data analytics in the School of Information Studies, went into the experience thinking it would mostly involve acting, but was delighted to discover the wide range of skills she would ultimately utilize.

鈥淚 played Bottom and Oberon and was an assistant director, producer, projections designer and did other odd jobs like creating the daily rehearsal schedule, carpool system and tech to-do lists,鈥� says Goldstein. 鈥淭here were so many lessons in problem-solving and actually following through and creating something that I never would have learned in a traditional classroom.鈥�

After graduation, Goldstein accepted a position with听. As she embarks on a career in teaching and education policy, she says taking part in a course involving performance-based learning鈥攚here students apply their knowledge and skills to execute a task鈥攚ill inform her own instructional techniques.

Valerie Goldstein (right) playing the role of Bottom during the class鈥檚 performance of A Midsummer Night鈥檚 Dream.

鈥淚 think there are better ways to engage students than having them study something abstractly all the time,鈥� says Goldstein. 鈥淭his class gave me an opportunity to explore a new pedagogy that I may be able to implement in my own profession.鈥�

Blair Seaman 鈥�24, who majored in broadcast and digital journalism in the Newhouse School of Public Communications, was an assistant director and played Titania and Hippolyta in the production. Rounding out her time at 黑料不打烊 with an acting role in a Shakespeare play marked a full circle moment for her as she had previously participated in a children鈥檚 Shakespeare troupe in her hometown.

鈥淭he theater had a huge impact on me deciding to come to 黑料不打烊 to study journalism, as I wanted to fuse my love for storytelling with a passion for helping others,鈥� says Seaman. 鈥淎s much as I loved my degree, I had truly missed performing, and so, I eagerly jumped at the chance to take a class called 鈥楧oing Shakespeare.鈥欌€�

She notes that the class was the perfect way to end her four years at 黑料不打烊, and on a more personal level, provided an opportunity to memorialize her mother, who passed away when Seaman was a sophomore at 黑料不打烊.

鈥淸My mother] always sat front row in every production I had previously been a part of, and in a way, it felt like a gift to her to perform in one last show,鈥� Seaman says. 鈥淎s I said goodbye to my college experience, I was able to return to a passion of mine that was built up through her love.鈥�

Honoring a Classmate

While the performance marked a time to celebrate the culmination of the team鈥檚 hard work, it also presented a moment to honor a classmate who gave so much to the production but was unable to participate in the finale due to health reasons. Ailis McVearry 鈥�24 assumed various duties during the semester, from working as an assistant director to head of costuming to starring as Oberon and Theseus.

In support of their classmate, students collected contributions and donated proceeds from the final performance to defray transportation and other costs related to her care.

鈥淥ur final production honored her and the beautiful work she poured into this class both on and off the stage,鈥� says Shirilan. 鈥淲e hope that the money we raised can be used to provide comfort to her during this difficult time, assisting with medical bills and other essentials.鈥�

A Performance for the Ages

According to Shirilan, the culminating performance marked a milestone for the English department and the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), as it was likely the first full theatrical performance put on by an A&S class at 黑料不打烊 Stage. A testament to their hard work, shows were nearly sold out before opening night.

鈥淭he final performance was truly a triumph,鈥� recalls Shirilan. 鈥淚 was consistently amazed by the insights and discoveries made through this process, a success that reflects the astonishing commitment, capability and courage of this team.鈥�

With the high level of interest shown by students for this class, Shirilan is exploring possibilities for expanding the course as a 6-credit offering to facilitate running it as another full production experience. She is scheduled to teach it in Spring 2025 as a 3-credit course, for which students will collectively decide the scope and scale of production.

Watch the class鈥檚 performance of 鈥�.鈥�

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100 Black Men of 黑料不打烊 and 黑料不打烊 Stage Present ‘Citizen James, or the Young Man Without a Country’ by Kyle Bass

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 11:56:09 +0000

黑料不打烊 Stage, in partnership with 100 Black Men of 黑料不打烊, announced that the company鈥檚 2024/25 season will officially begin with 鈥淐itizen James, or the Young Man Without a Country鈥濃€攁 powerful and illuminating live world premiere production from resident playwright Kyle Bass on Aug. 2-3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Archbold Theatre, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊.

Directed by Joann Maria Yarrow, the live world premiere of 鈥淐itizen James鈥� will be presented as a two-night-only free celebration beginning on Aug. 2 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Baldwin鈥檚 birth鈥攃oincidentally, it is also the birthday of actor James Alton, who portrays Baldwin in the play.

Originally incubated as part of the Stage鈥檚 Backstory program and presented as a streaming-only event in the 2020/2021 season, this one-man show about a young James Baldwin follows the Paris-bound aspiring author and activist as he is seeking refuge from the racist violence of America in the 1940s, on his way to becoming a towering literary figure and a still-relevant voice of the Civil Rights movement.

鈥淚n his novels, essays, stage plays, speeches and interviews, James Baldwin was and remains a singular observer and chronicler not only of the Black American experience but of the American experience鈥攁 nation in conflict with itself,鈥� says Bass. 鈥淟ong one of my literary heroes, in 鈥楥itizen James鈥� I was interested in creating a portrait of Baldwin as a young, gifted, Black and unknown artist already possessed of the deep feeling, trenchant intellect, urgent concern and piercing insight that would become the hallmarks of his writing, his social activism and his international persona.鈥�

鈥�100 Black Men of 黑料不打烊 is thrilled to grow its partnership with 黑料不打烊 Stage this summer in celebrating James Baldwin鈥檚 Centennial,鈥� says Claude Greene, president, 100 Black Men of 黑料不打烊. 鈥淲e are grateful to CNY Arts and to New York State for providing the funding that allows us to further our mission to rebuild a sense of community in our backyards, and it is a privilege work alongside Kyle Bass as he shares Baldwin鈥檚 still-relevant genius with 黑料不打烊.鈥�

“Kyle Bass’ text is a brilliant homage to the genius of James Baldwin, his conflicts and struggles as an artist, and how they reflect our own contemporary times,鈥� says Yarrow, who also serves as the 黑料不打烊 Stage director of community engagement. 鈥淚t is uncompromising, inspiring and a celebration of 100 years of creative activism and social change.”

黑料不打烊 Stage will also host a pre-show event on Aug. 2 beginning at 6 p.m. to celebrate Baldwin鈥檚 indelible contribution to American culture. Featuring a showcase of books, fashion, records and art from community partners 100 Black Men of 黑料不打烊, Black Citizens Brigade, Black Cub Productions, Community Folk Art Center and 黑料不打烊 Libraries, the event will be catered by Our Vegan Corner and Hope Caf茅 with music by DJ Bella J from One the One DJ Center in 黑料不打烊.

The Friday, Aug. 2, performance will conclude with a post-show panel discussion, featuring playwright Kyle Bass, Joan Bryant, associate professor of African American studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Cjala Surratt, owner of Black Citizens Brigade. The panel will be moderated by Community Folk Art Center executive director Tanisha Jackson. The Saturday, Aug. 3, performance will also feature a post-show talkback with Bass, Alton and Yarrow.

“Citizen James鈥� is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the State Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.

The Friday, Aug. 2, performance for 鈥淐itizen James鈥� is sold-out. Tickets for the Saturday, Aug. 3, performance can be purchased by visiting and following the ticketing link.

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Salt City Drag Battle Returns to 黑料不打烊 Stage

Tue, 28 May 2024 13:44:05 +0000

Salt City Drag Battle

黑料不打烊 Stage has announced that the Salt City Drag Battle will return to the Archbold Theatre for the first time since 2019. Co-hosted by Darienne Lake and Aggy Dune, the event will feature eight contestants competing for the Salt City Drag Battle crown and a special performance from two-time winner Samantha Vega. The Salt City Drag Battle will be held at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., on Saturday, June 8, at 8 p.m.

The eight performers鈥揙’Nika Conda, Aria Vee, Fagitty Anne, Rhea Listic, Miiss Milky, Morticia Monroe, Nashley Tisdale and Opal Essence鈥搑epresent talent from across New York State. Each contestant will serve up their best runway looks and will perform for the chance to go head-to-head in front of a panel of three judges for the final lip sync round. The evening will feature a signature cocktail, wine, beer and light snacks. The Salt City Drag Battle is produced in consultation with Tanner Efinger and Breadcrumbs Productions. Tickets are $45 and .

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黑料不打烊 Stage Continues 50th-Anniversary Celebration With 鈥楥ast Party鈥� Fundraiser

Wed, 22 May 2024 18:22:59 +0000

黑料不打烊 Stage will continue its 50th-anniversary celebration on June 1 with the .

Featuring cuisine from local restaurants, a red carpet for guests to walk and have their photo taken and appearances from local favorites TeNesha Murphy, Al Annotto and David Lowenstein, the Cast Party is a departure from the traditional 鈥済ala鈥� and invites guests to 鈥渃ome as they are,鈥� whether that鈥檚 in their favorite dress or dressed up in their favorite jeans.

黑料不打烊 Stage is continuing its 50th-anniversary celebrations with the “Cast Party” fundraiser.

The lively, on-site event will celebrate 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 biggest stars鈥�50 years of generous, loyal patrons and supporters鈥攁nd will be held at the company鈥檚 home at 820 E. Genesee St. in 黑料不打烊.

Lowenstein, who audiences will recognize from his many roles in 黑料不打烊 Stage productions such as 鈥淭he Wizard of Oz,鈥� 鈥淗airspray,鈥� and most recently 鈥淎 Christmas Carol,鈥� will provide live entertainment in the Archbold Theatre. All proceeds from the Cast Party support artistic, community engagement and educational programming at 黑料不打烊 Stage.

“We can’t wait to open the doors to the kind of fun and unique evening only a theatre can create, all in support of Stage’s work in the community,鈥� says Jill A. Anderson, managing director.听鈥淲ith one-of-a-kind activities and entertainment, this event will be a great chance to celebrate!”

黑料不打烊 Stage will also host a silent auction that is open to both Cast Party attendees and the general public. Bidding is open for the online silent auction and includes a wide variety of unique items and priceless experiences, some starting at $30. A full list of items and descriptions is available for .

Interested participants can register for the auction online, or by texting 鈥渃astparty鈥� to 76278. Items available for bidding include a four-day golf vacation in Ireland; travel opportunities with round-trip airfare and deluxe accommodations to Cancun and the Berkshires; exclusive opportunities at 黑料不打烊 Stage, including tickets and chances to engage with artistic staff; specialty gift baskets; restaurant packages; and much more. Bidding closes on Sunday, June 2 at 9 p.m.

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黑料不打烊 Stage Closes Out 50th Anniversary Season With Heartwarming Irish Musical ‘Once鈥�

Sun, 05 May 2024 23:37:32 +0000

concludes its 50th Anniversary Season with 鈥淥nce,鈥� the irresistible Tony-award winning musical based on John Carney鈥檚 beloved 2007 Oscar-winning film. First seen on Broadway in 2012, 鈥淥nce鈥� is directed by 黑料不打烊 Stage associate artistic director Melissa Crespo and will run through May 19 in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊.

On the bustling streets of Dublin, Guy (Joe Boover), a brokenhearted, down-on-his-luck musician, is ready to call it quits when he meets Girl (Ana Marcu ’16), a winsome 茅migr茅 from the Czech Republic with a tangled history of her own. As they grow closer, the pair discover a kindred spirit that reignites their mutual passion for music even as their personal lives pull them towards wildly different futures.

鈥淚 have always wanted to direct 鈥極nce,鈥� especially because it is a show that will resonate so powerfully in our 黑料不打烊 community, and I am particularly proud of the ensemble of actor/musicians in this production,鈥� says Crespo.

Bringing the magical, musical Dublin of 鈥淥nce鈥� to life in the Archbold theatre are set designer Rodrigo Escalante, co-costume designers Jerry Johnson and Carmen Martinez, lighting designer Matthew Webb, music director Pearl Rhein, choreographer Fatima Sowe, 黑料不打烊 Stage resident sound designer Jacqueline Herter and dialect coach Holly Thuma, along with an ensemble of 13 actor-musicians providing their own accompaniment live onstage.

鈥淲e were slated to produce 鈥極nce鈥� in 2019 but the pandemic changed our plans,鈥� says artistic director Robert Hupp. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been looking for an opportunity ever since to create this knockout Tony-winner for central New York; it鈥檚 been our most requested musical and we鈥檙e thrilled to bring it to life now. This production is definitely worth the wait.鈥�

With a book by acclaimed Irish playwright Enda Walsh, 鈥淥nce鈥� is a uniquely heartfelt and captivating experience that blends a tender love story with lively, wistful songs from Glen Hansard and Mark茅ta Irglov谩, who starred together in the original film.

Prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions will take place one-hour before curtain on May 11 and 16. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for May 8 and 19 at 2 p.m. and May 18 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. The sensory friendly/relaxed performance of 鈥淥nce鈥� is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m.

The community partner for 鈥淥nce鈥� is DJ Bella J from On the One DJ Center in 黑料不打烊.

The Slutzker Family Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor for the 50th Anniversary Season. Additional season support comes from the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation and Advance Media New York. The production is dedicated to the memory of Jerry Johnson.

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‘The Droll (Or, a Stage-Play about the END of Theatre)鈥� Closes Out Department of Drama 2023-24 Season

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:31:06 +0000

The concludes the 2023-24 season with 鈥淭he Droll (Or, a Stage-Play about the END of Theatre),鈥� by Meg Miroshnik. Directed by Celia Madeoy, performances of 鈥淭he Droll鈥� will be held April 19-28 in the Storch Theatre at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 East Genesee St. Tickets are available through the or by phone at 315.443.3275.

It is one year after the End of Theatre and 12-year-old Nim Dullyn has just witnessed his first droll鈥攁n underground performance of comedic excerpts from famous plays. Seduced by the magic of the stage, Nim joins an illegal theatre troupe and sets out for the city, with the beastly Roundheads鈥攁 group of fundamentalists who deem theatre an abomination鈥攈ot on their trail.

鈥淢eg Miroshnik is an exciting young American playwright, and this is only the second fully-staged production of this inventive play that imagines a place and time without theatre,鈥� says Madeoy. 鈥淚t has everything: danger, deception, revolt, romance, comedy, cosplay, poetry, punk rock, fights, songs and spectacle. I鈥檓 thrilled for 黑料不打烊 audiences to experience it.鈥�

Inspired by the 17th-century theatre closures of Puritan England, “The Droll鈥� is a daring and darkly funny play that celebrates our need to come together in the act of collective storytelling.

Details

‘The Droll (Or, a Stage-Play about the END of Theatre)鈥�

By Meg Miroshnik
Directed by Celia Madeoy
Scenic design by Alexis Wilner
Costume design by Sofia Pizer
Lighting design by Mairead Cummins
Sound design by Kevin O鈥機onnor
Music composition by Eleni Stavros
Fight and intimacy choreography by Alec Barbour
Clown and movement direction by Richard Dent
Dialect coaching by Blake Segal
Dramaturgy by Antonia Portales
Stage managed by Kit Verweij

Cast

Roundhead……………………………………………………..Jim McMahon James
Killingworth鈥︹€�……………………………………………………….Anthony Tibolla
William Rifel……………………………………………………………………Will Nissen
Margaret Killingworth…………………………………………………….Micaiah John
Nim Dullyn………………………………………………………………Hazel Kinnersley
Thomas Dread Rosey………………………………………………….Nathan Ayotte
Doll Cutpurse………………………………………………………….Sarah Cummings
Roundhead Spy, Ensemble, Swing……………………………………..Kyle Hejlik
Roundhead Spy, Ensemble, Swing……………………………………Jamie Mack

Additional Credits

Fight Captain: Kit Verweij
Consultants: Meegs Longacre, Tatiyyanah Queen-Asia Hope Nelums
Assistant Director: Zach Asnis
Assistant Scenic Designer: Evan Hoover
Assistant Lighting Designer: James Klemmer
Assistant Stage Managers: Sami Renea English, Grace Mineiro

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黑料不打烊 Stage Announces 2024/25 Season

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 03:56:54 +0000

Glass slippers, world champions, missing love letters and many, many Mai Tais add up to a remarkable 24/25 season at 黑料不打烊 Stage, featuring a beloved Broadway musical, comedic dramas and unexpected twists on familiar favorites.

The six-show subscription season鈥攊ncluding the Julie Lutz Cold Read Festival of New American Plays, and a full schedule of educational, family and community-related programming鈥攚ill run from Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, to Sunday, June 29, 2025. Subscription packages are on sale now at or at the Box Office, 315.443.3275.

鈥淲e strive to create singular theatrical experiences that delight and entertain Central New York audiences,鈥� says 黑料不打烊 Stage Artistic Director Robert Hupp. 鈥淥ur 51st season illustrates the breadth and scope of all that theatre aspires to be: from world premieres and musical classics to the familiar and the adventurous, we create right here at our home on Genesee and Irving.鈥�

Subscription Season at a Glance

鈥�Dial M for Murder鈥� (Oct. 16 鈥� Nov. 3, 2024), 鈥�Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella鈥� (Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025), 鈥�Primary Trust鈥� (Jan. 22 鈥� Feb. 9, 2025), 鈥�King James鈥� (Feb. 26 鈥� March 16, 2025), 鈥�Sense and Sensibility鈥� (Apr. 23 鈥� May 11, 2025) and 鈥�The National Pastime鈥� (Jun. 11 鈥� 29, 2025).

Opening the season is 鈥�Dial M for Murder,鈥� directed by Robert Hupp (鈥淭he Play that Goes Wrong,鈥� 鈥淎gatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express鈥�). This crisp new adaptation from Jeffrey Hatcher smartly updates the intricately plotted Frederick Knott original, made famous by the 1954 film by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. Spinetingling suspense from a classic of the genre.

“This memorable movie thriller adapts beautifully to the stage,鈥� says Hupp. 鈥淎udiences have really enjoyed our forays into this genre of storytelling, and I鈥檓 thrilled to get the new season underway with a taut, edge-of-your-seat whodunit.鈥�

In November, 黑料不打烊 Stage will once again offer families a marvelous holiday treat with an invitation for audiences to dream up their own fairytale as they enjoy 鈥�Rodgers & Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella.鈥� Returning Director Melissa Rain Anderson (鈥淎 Christmas Carol,鈥� 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥�) brings to life this 鈥渆nchanted鈥� edition of the enduring musical. Co-produced with the 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama, the musical incorporates additional songs from the celebrated 1997 television film starring Brandy and Whitney Houston.

In the new year, Associate Artistic Director Melissa Crespo leads 鈥�Primary Trust鈥� by Eboni Booth. Set in the fictional town of Cranberry, New York, 鈥渏ust 40 miles east of Rochester,鈥� this delicate drama charts one man鈥檚 journey to put his past (and his love of 2-for-1 Mai Tais) behind him. Crespo, who staged the New York Times Critic鈥檚 Pick production of 鈥淓l Otro Oz鈥濃€攁 bilingual 鈥淲izard of Oz鈥� sendup鈥攁t the Atlantic Theatre this past winter, directs again at 黑料不打烊 Stage after helming the 50^th Anniversary season productions of 鈥淥nce鈥� and 鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me,鈥� and the East Coast premiere of 鈥淓spejos: Clean鈥� from 2022/2023 season.

“I couldn鈥檛 stop thinking about Eboni Booth鈥檚 beautiful play after I saw the off-Broadway world premiere at Roundabout Theatre Company in 2023,” says Crespo. 鈥淎nd I thought it was especially perfect for 黑料不打烊 Stage since it鈥檚 set not too far from us. After seeing 鈥楶rimary Trust,鈥� I am certain audiences will leave the theatre and run to call their friends and family just to say: I love you.”

鈥�King James,鈥� Pulitzer Prize nominated playwright Rajiv Joseph鈥檚 savvy investigation of male friendship, comes to 黑料不打烊 Stage in the spring courtesy of a co-production with Indiana Repertory Theatre. Following two die-hard Cleveland Cavaliers fans living in the shadow of superstar LeBron James鈥� career, the play will be directed by Jamil Jude, and is sure to resonate with 黑料不打烊 audiences as a love letter to basketball and the community building power of hometown teams.

Next is actor and playwright Kate Hamill鈥檚 whimsical, witty adaptation of Jane Austen鈥檚鈥�Sense and Sensibility,鈥� directed by Jason O鈥機onnell. Both director and writer are no stranger to 黑料不打烊 Stage: O鈥機onnell recently led the company鈥檚鈥淎gatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express鈥� as Hercule Poirot and was seen in 鈥淎madeus鈥� (2020) and 鈥淓ureka Day鈥� (2021); Hamill鈥檚 adaptation of 鈥淧ride and Prejudice鈥� played the Archbold Theatre in 2019 (directed by O鈥機onnell); and both actors, who were wed in 2020, starred together in productions of 鈥淭alley鈥檚 Folley鈥� (2021) and 鈥淭he Play the Goes Wrong鈥� (2022).

Closing out the season in June is 鈥�The National Pastime,鈥� a Julie Lutz Cold Read World Premiere about the collision of baseball and espionage. Written by Rogelio Martinez and directed by Johanna McKeon, this psychological drama continues the company鈥檚 commitment to developing new work, joining recent 黑料不打烊 Stage premieres 鈥淭ender Rain鈥� and 鈥淪alt City Blues鈥� by resident playwright Kyle Bass.

The production will also support the Julie Lutz Cold Read Festival of New American Plays, with events and readings held throughout the run of 鈥淭he National Pastime鈥� curated by Melissa Crespo. Christine Quintana, writer of 鈥淓spejos: Clean,鈥� will return to 黑料不打烊 Stage as the Cold Read Festival Playwright in Residence.

Hupp adds, “Live theatre is the opportunity we all need to gather with family and friends for remarkable, unforgettable evenings. We invite everyone to make 黑料不打烊 Stage a part of your life in the coming year.鈥�

黑料不打烊 Stage is also proud to present 鈥�Citizen James, or the Young Man Without a Country,鈥� a powerful and illuminating production from resident playwright Kyle Bass that was originally incubated as part of the company鈥檚 Backstory educational program.听 A one-man show about a not-yet-famous James Baldwin, 鈥淐itizen James鈥� follows the Paris-bound author and activist as he is seeking refuge from the racist violence of America in the 1940s, well on his way to becoming a towering influence in the Civil Rights movement.

Directed by Joann Yarrow, the show, which was presented last fall as part of Carrie Mae Weems鈥� 鈥淪hades of Brown鈥� conference at Brown University, will premiere as a one-night only event on August 2, to coincide with Baldwin’s 100th birthday鈥攃oincidentally, it鈥檚 also the birthday of actor James Alton, who portrays Baldwin in the play.

“Kyle Bass’ text is a brilliant homage to the genius of James Baldwin, his conflicts and struggles as an artist, and how they reflect our own contemporary times,鈥� said Yarrow, who also serves as director of community engagement. 鈥淚t is uncompromising, inspiring and a celebration of 100 years of creative activism and social change.”

In addition, Stage will offer a strong line-up of educational and community outreach programs, the return of Sensory Friendly/Relaxed performances for all six subscription shows, and an array of accessibility offerings throughout the season.

鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to be able to offer a Sensory Friendly/Relaxed performance for each of our subscription shows this year,鈥� says Kate Laissle, director of education. 鈥淭hese performances are part of other long-standing accessibility options like ASL interpretation, Audio Description, Open Captioning, and Assisted Listening Devices, and help further our mission to make theatre accessible to all.鈥�

In the fall, the Children鈥檚 Tour resumes performances live in elementary schools with 鈥�Pandora鈥檚 Suitcase鈥� by Sarah Bierstock. Directed by Christine Albright-Tufts in association with the 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama, this delightful story explores how both kids and adults can handle anxiety by learning how to ask others for help and encourages young people to be confident in the people they are becoming.

Laissle adds, 鈥淥ur education programs offer engaging, high quality artistic experiences for our youngest audience members. Research shows that people who are introduced to the performing arts before the age of eight are more likely to grow up believing that theatre is 鈥榝or them,鈥� so we鈥檙e happy to offer performances for theatre-lovers as young as 18-months.鈥�

Returning, too, is Theatre for the Very Young, a local touring production for children five and under, with 鈥�House for Mouse,鈥� conceived and directed by Laissle.

SHOW DETAILS

鈥�Dial M for Murder鈥�
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
From the original by Frederick Knott
Directed by Robert Hupp
Oct. 16 鈥� Nov. 3, 2024

A new take on the twisty Hitchcock thriller.

Margot and Tony live a seemingly charmed, married life in 1950鈥檚 London. But not all is as it appears: Margot, desperate to return to idyllic domesticity, has ended a lengthy affair with a dashing American lover, even as she鈥檚 being blackmailed by a mysterious stranger who threatens to expose her indiscretion. But Tony already knows, and he鈥檚 planned his own plot of deadly deceit. Adapted from the Frederick Knott original made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s film, Jeffrey Hatcher鈥檚 stylish adaptation keeps the twists coming until the very end.

听鈥淩odgers and Hammerstein鈥檚 Cinderella鈥�
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Adapted for the stage by Tom Briggs from the Teleplay by Robert L. Freedman
Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson
Music Direction by Brian Cimmet
Choreographed by Jessica Chen
Co-Produced with the 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama
Nov. 22, 2024 鈥� Jan. 5, 2025

听The classic musical brings 鈥渋mpossible鈥� dreams to life.

听The wondrous musical from Rodgers and Hammerstein proves that dreams do come true 鈥� if only we dare to wish 鈥� with the beloved songs 鈥淚n My Own Little Corner,鈥� 鈥淭he Prince is Giving a Ball,鈥� and 鈥淚mpossible/It鈥檚 Possible.鈥� Based on the 1957 television film starring Julie Andrews, this enchanted production of the enduring fairytale updates the classic story for modern audiences while retaining the original charm and magic and features additional music from the celebrated 1997 version starring Brandy and Whitney Houston.

鈥�Primary Trust鈥�
By Eboni Booth
Directed by Melissa Crespo
Jan. 22 鈥� Feb. 9, 2025

Old friends embrace new beginnings in Upstate NY-set drama.

In Cranberry, New York, 40 miles east of Rochester, 38-year-old Kenneth finds comfort in routine. He鈥檚 worked at the same bookstore for 20 years and has a standing date with his best friend Bert for happy hour Mai Tais. When the bookstore suddenly closes, Kenneth鈥檚 small-town existence is upended, forcing him to confront deeply buried traumas. A story of friendship, grief, and the heroism of everyday life, Eboni Booth鈥檚鈥淧rimary Trust鈥� reminds us that we can鈥檛 fully embrace our future until we let go of our past.

鈥�King James鈥�
By Rajiv Joseph
Directed by Jamil Jude
Co-Produced with Indiana Repertory Theatre
Feb. 26 鈥� March 16, 2025

Basketball makes and breaks the friendship of two die-hard fans.

Cleveland, 2003. Basketball wunderkind LeBron James has just been signed to the Cavaliers, and two die-hard fans strike up an unlikely friendship鈥搘ith high hopes for their new superstar player. As LeBron鈥檚 career takes him to the height of fame, pulls him away from Cleveland, and brings him triumphantly back to the city, Matt and Shawn鈥檚 lives play out off-court with all the drama of a championship season: full of slam dunks, huge upsets, and the unshakable bond of those who share a love of the game.

鈥�Sense and Sensibility鈥�
By Kate Hamill
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
Directed by Jason O鈥機onnell
Apr. 25 鈥� May 11, 2025

Love triumphs over tradition in this playful adaptation.

The world of the Dashwood sisters, Jane Austen鈥檚 destitute but determined heroines, comes playfully to life in Kate Hamill鈥檚 warm and inventive adaptation. Romance, heartbreak, twists of fate and never-ending gossip follow Elinor and Marianne, the eldest Dashwood daughters, as they navigate 18th century English society in search of stability after the death of their father. Filled with memorable characters, delicious wit, and timeless comedy, this whirlwind 鈥淪ense and Sensibility鈥� is a joyous celebration of one of literature’s most treasured stories.

鈥�The National Pastime鈥�

Written by Rogelio Martinez
Directed by Johanna McKeon
A Julie Lutz Cold Read World Premiere
June 11 鈥� 29, 2025

Baseball and espionage collide in this world premiere psychological drama.

Cuba, 2016. A mysterious illness rips through the American embassy in Havana. America, 2017. The Houston Astros are stealing signs, praying for a miracle on the field, and go on to win the World Series. With tensions heightened from the lead-up and aftermath of an election year, the two nations play a dangerous game in the shadows, with their shared national pastimes 鈥� baseball and espionage 鈥� as their weapons of choice.

SPECIAL EVENTS

鈥�Citizen James, or the Young Man Without a Country鈥�
By Kyle Bass
Directed by Joann Yarrow
ONE NIGHT ONLY
Aug. 2, 2024

Young James is an unknown aspiring 鈥淣egro鈥� writer whose first novel has yet to be published. He awaits his flight, having just left his family with the news of his decision to flee America for refuge in Paris. He speaks no French. He has a one-way ticket and $40 in his pocket. Witness James Baldwin as he decides he must do something to save himself from the violent reality of racist America in 1948, a decision that sets him on the path to becoming a brilliant, powerful, and prophetic voice of the Civil Rights era and beyond. More than a one-man show, 鈥淐itizen James鈥� is a bridge that connects the past to our now.

Julie Lutz Cold Read Festival of New American Plays
Curated by Melissa Crespo
Featured Playwright in Residence Christine Quintana
Concurrent with 鈥淭he National Pastime鈥�

In association with the world premiere of 鈥淭he National Pastime鈥� 鈥� which was developed through Cold Read 鈥�22 鈥� the Julie Lutz Cold Read Festival of New American Plays will feature readings and events that celebrate the playwriting process at 黑料不打烊 Stage. Christine Quintana, writer of 鈥淓spejos: Clean鈥� from the 2022/2023 season, will return to 黑料不打烊 Stage as the Cold Read Festival Playwright in Residence. Events to be announced.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

鈥�Pandora鈥檚 Suitcase鈥�
By Sarah Bierstock
Directed by Christine Albright-Tufts
In association with the 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama
Touring Sept. 24 鈥� Dec. 5, 2024

Pandora is Seriously Curious and Seriously Worried about a lot of things. She loves Environmental Science and asks a lot of questions in her pursuit of learning all she can. When the kids at school call her Teacher鈥檚 Pet one too many times, she decides to try out life at Dad鈥檚 house, and enrolls at Smarty Pants Academy. Before she leaves she just has this one, Exceptionally Important Scientific Experiment she must complete. It involves a large suitcase she lugs around with her. What could be inside and why does she need to drag it to the river? Pandora’s delightful story explores how both kids and adults can handle anxiety by learning how to ask others for help while encouraging them to be confident in themselves.

鈥�House for Mouse鈥�
Devised and directed by Kate Laissle
Local Touring Production
Spring 2025

Our mice have a problem. They don’t quite know what a house looks like but they sure know they’d like to build one. Can our audience friends help them figure out how to make a great house for everyone? Featuring boxes, parachutes, building things, things falling over, and the opportunity for our youngest audience members to help make our mouse’s goals a success. Specifically created for audiences ages 18-months to 5-years-old.

About 黑料不打烊 Stage

Founded in 1974 and celebrating its 50th Anniversary Season, 黑料不打烊 Stage is the non-profit, professional theatre company in residence at 黑料不打烊. It is nationally recognized for creating stimulating theatrical work that engages Central New York audiences and significantly contributes to the artistic life of 黑料不打烊, where it is a vital partner in achieving the educational mission of the University鈥檚 Department of Drama. Stage鈥檚 mission is to tell stories that engage, entertain, and inspire people to see life beyond their own experience. Each season, 70,000 patrons enjoy an adventurous mix of new plays, and bold interpretations of classics and musicals, featuring the finest theatre artists. In addition, Stage maintains a vital educational outreach program that annually serves more than 15,000 students from 14 counties. Nationally, 黑料不打烊 Stage is a member of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for American theatre; The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country; the Professional Non-Profit Theatre Coalition (PNTC), independent venues, promoters, and festivals representing every state, Washington, D.C., and Guam. Regionally, 黑料不打烊 Stage is a member of the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance (ACLA), Center State CEO, the University Hill Corporation, and the East Genesee Regent Association.

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鈥楾ouch(ed)鈥� Continues Department of Drama’s 2023-24 Season

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 20:46:48 +0000

The continues the 2023-24 season with “Touch(ed)鈥�, a darkly comic drama about sisterhood, mental health and the realistic limits of love from Tony Award-nominated playwright Bess Wohl (鈥淕rand Horizons鈥�).

Directed by Christine Albright-Tufts, performances of 鈥淭ouch(ed)鈥� will be held April 5-14 in the Loft Theatre at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/SU Drama Complex, located at 820 East Genesee St. Tickets are available through the or by calling 315.443.3275.

Performances of “Touch(ed)” run April 5-14 in the Loft Theatre at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/SU Drama Complex.

Set in a remote cabin in the woods, 鈥淭ouch(ed)鈥� follows Kay, a middle school science teacher from New York City, as she cares for her sister, who has just been released from a psychiatric facility after years of treatment. Desperate to reconnect and help heal what modern medicine has failed to, Kay and her novelist boyfriend, Billy, begin to coax her sister back to normalcy with home-cooked meals, board games and good, old-fashioned rest and relaxation. But when Billy starts taking her sister鈥檚 recovery into his own hands, Kay is forced to confront a terrifying prospect: Finally taking care of herself.

鈥淚鈥檓 so excited that our students have the opportunity to bring to life a play that deftly explores themes of mental health and suicide with thoughtfulness and care,鈥� Albright-Tufts says. 鈥淭he play manages to find joy in the darkness while honoring the struggles of those who face these illnesses.鈥�

Savagely funny, unapologetically modern and surprisingly tender, Wohl鈥檚鈥淭ouch(ed)鈥� is a skillfully observed drama about navigating life, love and loss in an age of endless anxieties.

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黑料不打烊 Stage Announces Youth Auditions for Lively Irish Musical 鈥極nce鈥�

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 20:07:24 +0000

is seeking talented local youth actors to audition for the role of Ivanka in its听upcoming production of 鈥淥nce,鈥� directed by Melissa Crespo.

黑料不打烊 Stage is seeking local youth actors to audition for the role of Ivanka for its upcoming production of 鈥淥nce.”

Auditioners should note that the production schedule for 鈥淥nce鈥� includes morning student matinees in addition to regularly scheduled matinee and evening performances. The “Once” production runs May 1-19. Cast members must be available for rehearsals at 黑料不打烊 Stage, beginning April 9. Rehearsals are not held on Mondays.

Young actors will not be required to be at all rehearsals. Rehearsals for youth actors will generally be held after 4 p.m. on weekdays and during the day on weekends. This is a non-AEA role which will be cast with more than one actor to alternate performances.

Auditions will be held at 黑料不打烊 Stage (820 E. Genesee St.) on March 2 from noon-2 p.m. Interested in auditioning? Contact Julia Rakus to sign up for an audition slot.听

Seeking casting for:
Ivanka: Any ethnicity, young girl aged 4 to 9. Seeking a versatile actor with a sweet-natured temperament. No speaking lines but may be required to sing. The ability to sing and/or play an instrument is a plus but is not required.

Notes:

Actors are required to bring a picture and resume.
Please be prepared to sing a verse of any song, a cappella, if you feel comfortable doing so.
Actors of all ethnicities are strongly encouraged to audition.

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黑料不打烊 Stage Welcomes 2024 With 鈥槹浔舨饣灞疴€檚,鈥� a Witty New Dramedy by Lynn Nottage

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 21:02:41 +0000

continues its 50th Anniversary Season with 鈥湴浔舨饣灞疴€檚,鈥� Lynn Nottage鈥檚 Tony-award nominated comedy following the formerly incarcerated cooks of a rundown truck stop diner on their quest to craft the perfect sandwich. First seen on Broadway in 2021, 鈥湴浔舨饣灞疴€檚鈥� is directed by Chip Miller and will run Jan. 31 to Feb. 18 in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊. It is co-produced with Portland Center Stage.

Tucked away on some seldom traveled stretch of road, Letitia, Rafael and newcomer Jason work under the watchful eye of Clyde, who runs her eponymous dive like a prison warden: It’s her way, or the highway. But under the tutelage of the sage-like Montrellous, the cooks learn to channel 颁濒测诲别鈥檚 antipathy into inspiration and use their kitchen skills to craft a recipe for a brighter future. Set outside of Reading, PA, 鈥湴浔舨饣灞疴€檚鈥� is a workplace comedy about horrible bosses, the revelations that come from hitting rock bottom and the power of art to redeem all who choose to eat at its table.

“I am so grateful to 黑料不打烊 Stage and Portland Center Stage for the opportunity to dive into Lynn Nottage’s excellent play,鈥� said Director Chip Miller. 鈥淲ith humor and heart, 鈥楥lyde’s鈥� is a meditation on how we access our humanity after we’ve been robbed of it and the power of a collective to make small, but significant steps towards redemption through the act of nourishing others. I cannot wait to explore the rich and delicious world of these characters with this incredible team of collaborators.”

The 鈥湴浔舨饣灞疴€檚鈥� production team includes Britton Mauk (sets), Dominique Fawn Hill (costumes), Marika Kent (lights), Phil Johnson (sound) and Dylinn Andrew (hair and wigs). The cast includes Andrea Vernae* as Clyde, Setareki Wainiqolo* as Montrellous, Orion Bradshaw* as Jason, Lauren Steele* as Letitia and Pascal Arquimedes* as Rafael.

鈥淲e are pleased to partner with our colleagues at Oregon鈥檚 Portland Center Stage to bring this powerful and timely story to life for Central New York,鈥� said Bob Hupp, 黑料不打烊 Stage artistic director. 鈥淟ynn Nottage is a preeminent theatrical storyteller and 鈥槹浔舨饣灞疴€檚鈥� is one of her best. After seeing it on Broadway in 2021, I felt confident 鈥槹浔舨饣灞疴€檚鈥� would be a story that would engage our community and I鈥檓 thrilled to share this funny, compelling play with everyone as part of our 50th Anniversary season.鈥�

Lynn Nottage鈥檚 plays include the Pulitzer-prize winning 鈥淩uined,鈥� 鈥淏y The Way, Meet Vera Stark,鈥� 鈥淢J The Musical” and 鈥淚ntimate Apparel,鈥� which was performed at 黑料不打烊 Stage in 2006. Born in Brooklyn in 1964, Nottage is a 2007 MacArthur 鈥淕enius鈥� Fellowship recipient, was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2019 and currently teaches playwriting at Columbia University.

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $25, with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at , by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office.

Pay-What-You-Will performances for 鈥湴浔舨饣灞疴€檚鈥� are from Jan. 31 through Feb. 4 inclusive; Prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain on Feb. 4, 10 and 15; the Post-show Talkback will take place on Sunday, Feb. 11, after the 7:30 performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for Feb. 7 and 18, at 2 p.m. and Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m.

The Slutzker Family Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor for the 50th Anniversary Season. Additional season support comes from the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation and Advance Media New York. The community partner for 鈥湴浔舨饣灞疴€檚鈥� is the Center for Community Alternatives.

颁濒测诲别鈥檚

Written by Lynn Nottage
Directed by Chip Miller
Co-Produced with Portland Center Stage
Scenic design by Britton Mauk
Costume design by Dominique Fawn Hill
Lighting design by Marika Kent
Sound design by Phil Johnson
Hair and Wig design by Dylinn Andrew
Production Stage Manager: Bianca Mercado-Boller*
Casting: Bass/Valle Casting

*Member of Actors鈥� Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

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鈥楢 Christmas Carol鈥� Returns to 黑料不打烊 Stage, Reimagined as a Music-Filled Celebration Featuring the Magical 2 Ring Circus

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:53:51 +0000

, in association with the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Department of Drama, continues 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 50th Anniversary season鈥攁nd the tradition of heart-warming, family-friendly holiday shows鈥攚ith 鈥淎 Christmas Carol,鈥� the classic novel by Charles Dickens, here adapted by Richard Hellesen, with music by David de Berry, and orchestrations by Gregg Coffin.

The production runs Nov. 24 to Dec. 31 in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊.

Melissa Rain Anderson, who dazzled audiences last season with 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid,鈥� returns to direct this co-production of 鈥淎 Christmas Carol,鈥� along with music director Brian Cimmet, choreographer Andrea Leigh-Smith and New York City-based 2 Ring Circus, together taking this timeless tale to new heights.

鈥淭his is absolutely my favorite adaptation of 鈥楢 Christmas Carol,鈥欌€� says Anderson. 鈥淭here is so much heart and joy woven into this classic holiday ghost story, and 2 Ring Circus’ work blends seamlessly into the production, using historic Victorian clowns and acrobatic lamplighters, as well as phantoms and ghosts that fly above the action and above the audience.鈥�

Featuring a cast of over three dozen performers, 鈥淎 Christmas Carol鈥� joins seasoned pros from across the country with students from the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Department of Drama and local young actors making their 黑料不打烊 Stage debuts in a music-filled spectacle that charts Ebenezer Scrooge鈥檚 soul-searching holiday sojourn, with help from a host of otherworldly spirits.

The production team, many returning from last year鈥檚鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid,鈥� includes Kimberly Powers (scenic design), David Kay Mickelsen (costume design), Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz (lighting design), Jacqueline R. Herter (sound design), Ryan Moller (wig design) and Blake Segal (dialect coach).

Anderson adds, 鈥淜im Powers’ scenic design allows the audience inside our magical world with steps leading out into the aisles, giving an immersive feel to the evening. We are grateful to share the true spirit of the holidays with the ultimate story of redemption, kindness, generosity and love.鈥�

鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to create this all-new production of the quintessential holiday classic for our 50th season,鈥� says Bob Hupp, artistic director. 鈥淭his one has something for everyone; it鈥檚 a treat for young and old alike.鈥�

With scores of memorable characters and iconic moments, Hellesen鈥檚 adaptation retains the playful, joyous and sometimes ominous tone of Dickens鈥� source material, while sprinkling in mesmerizing theatrical flair and spirited holiday songs like 鈥淗ome at Christmastide鈥� and 鈥淲assail.鈥�

鈥淚 love this particular adaptation of 鈥楢 Christmas Carol鈥� because it鈥檚 wonderfully faithful to Dickens鈥� novella and it brings to life the celebratory flavor of the season,鈥� adds Hupp. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also visually spectacular, which is something we鈥檝e come to expect from this visionary creative team. It鈥檚 the perfect holiday celebration.鈥�

Published in 1843 just days before Christmas, Dickens鈥� tale of generosity鈥檚 triumph over greed became an instant hit and is often credited with revitalizing the holiday tradition in England and the United States. 鈥淎 Christmas Carol: In Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas鈥� has since been adapted countless times for the stage and screen and continues to be a touchstone of popular culture today; Scrooge鈥檚 emphatic 鈥淏ah, humbug,鈥� and Tiny Tim鈥檚 declaration of 鈥淕od Bless us, everyone,鈥� are phrases known the world over.

Charles Dickens, widely considered amongst the greatest writers of English literature, authored some 15 novels, including 鈥淥liver Twist,鈥� 鈥淕reat Expectations,鈥� 鈥淭he Pickwick Papers鈥� and 鈥淎 Tale of Two Cities.鈥� He died in 1870, at the age of 58, and is buried at Poets鈥� Corner of Westminster Abbey in London, England.

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $40 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at , by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office.

Pay-What-You-Will performances for 鈥淎 Christmas Carol鈥� are Nov. 29 to Dec. 3 inclusive; prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain time on Dec. 3, 9 and 14; the post-show talkback will take place on Sunday, Dec. 3, after the 7:30 performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for Dec. 6 and 17 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m.

In addition, 黑料不打烊 Stage will have a Spanish language open-captioned performance of 鈥淎 Christmas Carol鈥� scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 30, at 7:30 p.m. With a translation commissioned from Claudia Quesada, this one-night only event is the first time 黑料不打烊 Stage has offered this Spanish language option for the Central New York Community.

A special sensory friendly and open captioned performance is scheduled for Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. The sensory friendly performance provides a welcoming environment that lets all patrons enjoy themselves freely without judgment or inhibition. This live theater experience invites autistic individuals, as well as those living with ADHD, dementia and other sensory sensitivities, to enjoy a performance in a 鈥渟hush free鈥� zone. House lights will be dimmed, but not turned out completely, patrons may move about as necessary for their comfort and patrons will not be discouraged from vocalizing during the performance. Fidget toys and other materials will be provided for patrons. All tickets to the sensory friendly performance are $35 and include a 100 percent refund right up to the start of the show if unable to attend.

The Slutzker Family Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor for the 50th Anniversary Season. Additional season support comes from the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation and Advance Media New York.听The community partner for 鈥淎 Christmas Carol鈥� is Interfaith Works of Central New York.

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‘Ghost Ship’ Continues Department of Drama 2023/2024 Season

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:19:48 +0000

The continues the 2023/2024 season with the mystifying and entrancing 鈥淕host Ship鈥� by Phillip Valle, directed by , assistant professor of acting in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Performances will be held in the Storch Theatre at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 East Genesee St. Tickets are available through the or by phone at 315.443.3275.

Climb aboard the haunted vessel the Mary Whalen with 15 other passengers and embark on a fully immersive, multisensory theatrical journey to uncover the truth behind the tragic murder of a young girl. But beware: beyond the distant sound of crashing waves and the wail of a foghorn lies a world of frightful visions that will linger long after you return to port.

For director Ricky Pak, “Ghost Ship” provides a rare opportunity to craft a theatrical horror experience that not only frightens, but also invites audience members to ponder the meaning behind the tragedies in our everyday lives: 鈥淥ur job as storytellers is to reflect more deeply on the story, the circumstances, our characters, and figure out: How did we end up here?鈥� Pak says. 鈥淲henever you look at any sort of real horror story, at the root of that is tragedy.鈥�

Pak also aims to highlight the classic nature of the play, emphasizing that 鈥淕host Ship鈥� is, although nontraditional in a theatrical sense, storytelling in its most basic form. He says, 鈥淲hat are the tragic elements of the story, of the characters, of the situation, and how do we focus on that, making it no different than any Shakespearean or Greek tragedy?鈥�

鈥淕host Ship鈥� will engage all five senses, enhancing the atmosphere and bringing the chilling tale of the Mary Whalen to life in the Storch Theatre. 鈥淚n this show, we’re going to see things. We’re going to hear things. We’re going to feel things鈥攁ctually physically feel things,鈥� Pak says.

The level of multi-sensory experience will be determined by each participant, and audience members who do not wish to be engaged with physically during the performances can express their preference before showtime, while still enjoying 鈥淕host Ship鈥� and its spine-tingling delights.

鈥淕host Ship鈥� sets sail multiple times per day Nov. 10-18.

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Billie Holiday Musical 鈥楲ady Day At Emerson鈥檚 Bar And Grill鈥� Continues 黑料不打烊 Stage 50th Anniversary Season

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 00:56:08 +0000

鈥淟ady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill鈥�

continues its 50th Anniversary Season with 鈥淟ady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill鈥� by Lanie Roberston, a jukebox musical that takes an unflinching look at the life and times of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. The production runs from Oct. 18 to Nov. 5, in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊.

Born Eleanora Fagan in Philadelphia in 1915, Billie Holiday began singing in Harlem nightclubs as a teenager, adopting a stage name that honored actress Billie Dove and her father Clarence Halliday. She quickly rose to fame, praised for the dramatic, emotional renderings she gave of jazz, swing and blues standards, employing her warm timbre, unique vocal phrasing and loose, improvised musicality.

Directed at 黑料不打烊 Stage by Jade King Carroll, 鈥淟ady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill鈥� dramatizes one of Holiday’s final concerts, given at the title venue in Philadelphia in 1959, just four months before she died of cirrhosis of the liver. Featuring a collection of Holiday鈥檚 most celebrated hits鈥揻rom the tender, romantic 鈥淲hen a Woman Loves a Man鈥� and ”What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” to the defiant, mournful ”God Bless the Child” and 鈥淪trange Fruit鈥濃€搕he play paints a portrait of a tortured yet brilliant artist grasping for a legacy, determined to share the joy and sorrow of jazz with those who need to hear it most.

鈥淏illie Holiday was a trailblazing artist who had a profound impact on the American musical scene,鈥� says Bob Hupp, artistic director. 鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 be more excited to welcome this amazing cast and creative team to 黑料不打烊 Stage and cannot wait for our audiences to experience the power and passion of Holiday鈥檚 music with this intimate and moving production.鈥�

Nicknamed 鈥淟ady Day鈥� by a music partner, Holiday led an often tumultuous life; after a difficult childhood, she struggled with drugs and alcohol, entered a series of troubled relationships and was arrested for narcotics possession in 1947. Because of legal issues and her ailing health, Holiday鈥檚 career suffered a downturn in the 1950s, but she remained a beloved and influential vocalist throughout her lifetime and is today considered one of the most important figures in American popular music. Holiday died on July 17, 1959, in New York City, leaving behind a collection of iconic recordings that earned her four posthumous Grammy Awards, and collectively inspired generations of artists to sing the blues. First staged at the Vineyard Theatre in 1986, 鈥淟ady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill鈥� premiered on Broadway in 2014 with Audra McDonald in the title role, earning her a sixth Tony Award for Actress in a Play.

Tracey Conyer Lee, last seen at 黑料不打烊 Stage in former artistic director Tazewell Thompson鈥檚鈥淐onstant Star鈥� in 2003, reprises the role of Billie Holiday in this new production, having played the famed singer seven times at theatres throughout the country. Joining Lee onstage is music director Gary Mitchell Jr. as Jimmy Powers, Holiday鈥檚 pianist, with DeVaughn Jackson providing bass accompaniment. The production team is led by director Carroll, with scenic design by Brittany Vasta, costume and wig design by Karen Perry, lighting design by Mary Louise Geiger and sound design by 黑料不打烊 Stage resident sound designer Jacqui Herter.

Pay-what-you-will performances for 鈥淟ady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill鈥� are Oct. 18-22 inclusive; prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain time on Oct. 22, 28 and Nov. 2; the post-show talkback will take place on Sunday, Oct. 29 after the 7:30 performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for Oct. 25 and Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m.

A special sensory-friendly and open-captioned performance is scheduled for Oct. 31, at 7:30 p.m. The sensory-friendly performance provides a welcoming environment that lets all patrons enjoy themselves freely without judgment or inhibition. This live theatre experience invites autistic individuals, as well as those living with ADHD, dementia and other sensory sensitivities, to enjoy a performance in a 鈥渟hush-free鈥� zone. House lights will be dimmed but not turned out completely, patrons may move about as necessary for their comfort and patrons will not be discouraged from vocalizing during the performance. Fidget toys and other materials will be provided for patrons. All tickets to the sensory-friendly performance are $35 and include the option for a 100 percent refund right up to the start of the show.

The Slutzker Family Foundation is the presenting sponsor for the 50th Anniversary Season. Additional season support comes from the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation and Advance Media New York. The community partner for 鈥淟ady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill鈥� is the 黑料不打烊 Chapter of Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority.

Lady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill

Written by Lanie Robertson
Musical arrangements by Danny Holgate
Directed by Jade King Carroll
Music direction by Gary Mitchell, Jr.
Scenic design by Brittany Vasta
Costume and wig design by Karen Perry
Lighting design by Mary Louise Geiger
Sound design by Jacqueline R. Herter
Stage Manager: Laura Jane Collins
Casting: Bass/Valle Casting

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鈥楪uys and Dolls鈥� Opens 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama 2023/24 Season

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 19:35:01 +0000

The begins the 2023/24 season with 鈥淕uys and Dolls,鈥� directed by Banji Aborisade, reviving the classic musical鈥搘ith a twist. Performances will be held Oct. 6-15 in the Storch Theatre at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 East Genesee St. Tickets are available through the or by phone at 315.443.3275.

鈥淚s it wrong to gamble, or only to lose?鈥� asks librettist, composer, and lyricist Frank Loesser through the charming yet impulsive Sky Masterson. The scene is 1950s New York City: Gangsters run loose, showgirls perform at nightclubs and missionaries work to convert the city鈥檚 lost souls. Nathan Detroit, purveyor of a high-stakes craps game, makes a devious bet with Sky Masterson, and it鈥檚 not just money that鈥檚 on the line. If Nathan wins, he鈥檚 $1,000 richer and Sky must convince the innocent Sarah Brown to run off with him to Havana, Cuba. And the stakes are even higher for Nathan鈥檚 unwitting fianc茅, Adelaide; it鈥檚 hard to plan a trip to the altar when the man of your dreams is constantly gambling away your wedding funds.

Director Banji Aborisade adds a new layer to the timeless musical with the addition of a Reader. 鈥淚 thought, what better way to do it than to bring in the lens of someone from today because it only adds to the material and doesn’t take away from it,鈥� says Aborisade. 鈥淚 think it is super exciting, which makes me double down on the fact that I think the show is timeless鈥攅very generation can bring a different understanding to it. And we can deepen, and honor, what the writers originally wrote with today鈥檚 knowledge and push it forward.鈥�

For Aborisade and his team, 鈥淕uys and Dolls鈥� is both a celebration of how the world has progressed since the 1950s and the people who may not have been recognized in that time but directly affected and inspired the world we live in today. It is also an opportunity to explore how some things have not progressed at all. 鈥淭he show is so deeply about relationships, and about change,鈥� he said. Can relationships old and new sustain the trials and tribulations that come with differing morals and lifestyles? Can Nathan run the illegal craps game without getting caught by the police or his fianc茅e? Can Sky and Sarah have a genuine relationship when their romance is based on a bet?

Details

鈥楪uys and Dolls鈥�

Based on the original story and characters by Damon Runyon
Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Directed and Choreographed by Banji Aborisade
Music direction by Brian Cimmet
Scenic design by Robert John Andrusko
Costume design by Katharine Tarkulich
Lighting design by Ethan Newman
Sound design by Kevin O鈥機onnor
Fight and intimacy choreography by Alec Barbour
Dialect coaching by Blake Segal
Dramaturgy by Alethea Shirilan-Howlett
Stage managed by Tess Vocalina

Cast

Zach Simpson Sky Masterson
Jessica Cerreta Sarah Brown
Diego Echeverria De Cordova Nathan Detroit
Sydney Kamel Miss Adelaide
Ethan Shavelson Nicely-Nicely Johnson
Ian Purcell Benny Southstreet
Jaemon Crosby Arvide Abernathy
Mackenzie Furlett General Cartwright
Morgan Perry Lt. Brannigan
Alice Meyer The Reader
Thomas Locke Harry the Horse, Ensemble
Justin Zimmerman Rusty Charlie, Ensemble
Adam Forward Big Jule, Ensemble
Ally Ebert Ensemble
Connor English Ensemble
Samantha Harnick Ensemble
Morgan Lewis Ensemble
Madison Marie Manning Ensemble
Jaelynn Ricks Ensemble
Blaise Rossmann Ensemble
Emma Sucato Ensemble
Axel Vera Ensemble
Rileigh Very Ensemble

Swings

Lauren Grace Holland
Caroline Marchetti
Hayden Poe
Austin Rose
Alex Russ
Lili Williams

Understudies

Thomas Locke (Sky Masterson)
Rileigh Very (Sarah Brown)
Adam Forward (Nathan Detroit)
Mackenzie Furlett (Miss Adelaide, Big Jule)
Connor English (Nicely-Nicely Johnson)
Hayden Poe (Benny Southstreet)
Austin Rose (Arvide Abernathy, Rusty Charlie)
Ally Ebert (General Cartwright)
Caroline Marchetti (Lt. Brannigan)
Morgan Lewis (Harry the Horse)

Additional Credits

Assistant Director: Samantha Croco
Assistant Choreographer: Samantha Harnick
Assistant Scenic Designer: Alexis Wilner
Assistant Costume Designer: Sofia Pizer
Assistant Lighting Designers: Maddy Clark, James Klemmer
Assistant Stage Manager: Rachel Mondschein
Dance Captain: Ally Ebert
Fight Captain: Jaemon Crosby
Intimacy Captain: Tess Vocalina

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黑料不打烊 Stage Opens 50th Anniversary Season With ‘What the Constitution Means to Me’

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:22:45 +0000

opens its 2023-24 50th anniversary season with 鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me,鈥� Heidi Schreck鈥檚 deeply personal and powerful exploration of how the United States鈥� founding document shaped her life and the lives of the women who raised her. The production runs Sept. 13 to Oct. 1 in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊.

First performed off-Broadway in 2018, 鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me鈥� was nominated for two Tony Awards and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for drama. The play follows Schreck鈥檚 sometimes humorous鈥揳nd often profound鈥搄ourney as she investigates what protections are promised by the U.S. Constitution, and questions who is protected and who is not.

As a high school student in Washington state, Schreck toured American Legions and gave speeches about the Constitution for college scholarship money. Her oration, which likened the Constitution to a crucible, praised the Founding Fathers for leaving room for interpretation. But soon Schreck, who moved to New York to pursue a career in acting, entered a period of growing disillusionment with the document, and began reflecting on the limits made by the men who authored the Constitution, and by those in power who interpret its words for all Americans. In an interview with National Public Radio, Schreck described the process of writing 鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me” as a sort of 鈥渞eckoning.鈥�

Reviewing for The New York Times, Ben Brantley called the play 鈥渁n endlessly open-ended conversation.鈥� At 黑料不打烊 Stage this conversation is brought to life by Mel House (Heidi), Phillip Taratula (Legionnaire) and Department of Drama students Emily Castillo-Langley and Malaika Wanjiku, who will alternate the role of The Student. The production team, which includes both Broadway veterans and 黑料不打烊 Stage resident artists, is led by Kathy A. Perkins (lights), Ann Beyersdorfer (sets), Carmen M. Martinez (costumes) and Jacqueline R. Herter (sound).

鈥淚 felt strongly that this was a great play for 黑料不打烊 Stage when I saw the Broadway production four years ago,鈥� says Bob Hupp, 黑料不打烊 Stage artistic director. 鈥淚 loved how Heidi Schreck personalized our nation鈥檚 founding document and used humor to explore such a timely subject matter. With a stellar cast and our insightful creative team, I look forward to seeing 鈥榃hat the Constitution Means to Me鈥� come to life for our Central New York audience.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 honored to helm one of the most important theatrical pieces of our current times,鈥� says director Melissa Crespo. 鈥淗eidi Schreck鈥檚 play breathes new life into the Constitution and will leave audiences smarter and more connected to each other, and our great country.鈥�

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $40 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at 黑料不打烊Stage.org, by phone at 315.443.3275, or in person at the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office.

Pay-What-You-Will performances for 鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me鈥� are Sept. 13 – 17 inclusive; Prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions, will take place one-hour before curtain time on Sept. 17, 23 and 28; the Post-show Talkback will take place on Sunday, Sept. 17, after the 7:30 performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for Sept. 20 and Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. and Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 2 p.m. A special sensory friendly and open captioned performance is scheduled for Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to scheduled performances and programming, 鈥淲hat the Constitution to Me鈥� will feature events in conjunction with the . 鈥�,鈥� showcasing artwork created by North Side Learning Center and La Casita Cultural Center鈥檚 community members, will be presented on Sept. 13 at 6 p.m in the Coyne Lobby at 黑料不打烊 Stage. Visitors to this opening-day exhibit are invited to stay to attend the first Pay-What-You-Will performance of 鈥淲hat the Constitution Means to Me鈥� at 7:30 p.m. 鈥溾€� a panel discussion featuring director Melissa Crespo, professors from the College of Law and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and moderated by Suzette M. Mel茅ndez, Faculty Fellow for the Office of Strategic Initiatives in Academic Affairs and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, will be presented on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m in the Archbold Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage. All 黑料不打烊 Symposium events are free and open to the public.

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黑料不打烊 Stage Receives Transformational Gift Honoring Julie Haynes Lutz

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:17:08 +0000

received a gift of $1 million from the estate of the late George Wallerstein, honoring his late wife, Julie Haynes Lutz, by establishing the Julie Lutz New Play Development Fund.

This transformational gift launches 黑料不打烊 Stage’s 50th-anniversary听fundraising campaign, raising $2.5 million to ensure the vitality, innovation and sustainability of 黑料不打烊 Stage for the next 50 years.

A gift of $1 million from the estate of the late George Wallerstein honors his late wife, Julie Haynes Lutz, by establishing the Julie Lutz New Play Development Fund.

Lutz was a ground-breaking astronomer and professor who loved traveling, the outdoors, music, food and theatre. She was a champion of the arts and was deeply committed to issues around diversity and inclusion. The Julie Lutz New Play Development Fund recognizes these interests and will specifically support new play activity, developing and producing exciting new work for the theatre.

鈥淭his gift marks a leap forward in 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 continuing commitment to foster and develop relationships with the most exciting artists working in the American theatre today, with a particular focus on sharing stories from underrepresented communities,鈥� says Jill A. Anderson, 黑料不打烊 Stage’s managing director. 鈥淒r. Lutz鈥檚 love of theatre and commitment to social justice is forever memorialized by this remarkably generous gift.鈥�

The first production under the umbrella of the Julie Lutz New Play Development Fund was the 2023 world premiere of 鈥淭ender Rain鈥� by Kyle Bass, 黑料不打烊 Stage playwright in residence. Bass鈥� original work has long been a cornerstone of 黑料不打烊 Stage, with shows like 鈥淧ossessing Harriet鈥� and 鈥渟alt/city/blues鈥� offering patrons the opportunity to see brand new plays and engage with stories that put their own community front and center.

“New plays and new voices are the lifeblood of a relevant theater,鈥� says Bass. 鈥淚n this regard, Julie Lutz’s extraordinary gift to 黑料不打烊 Stage and the new play development fund it endows will touch artists and audiences beyond our walls. It allows us to develop, launch and grow new and exciting works into the world.鈥�

The transformational nature of the Lutz Fund will continue to support the development of work in the vein of past Stage world premieres, like the 19/20 season production of Keenan Scott II鈥檚鈥淭houghts of a Colored Man鈥� which later opened at the John Golden Theatre in New York City, the joyful, Broadway-bound musical 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio,鈥� and last season鈥檚 powerful East Coast premiere of 鈥淓spejos: Clean,鈥� directed by associate artistic director Melissa Crespo.

The Julie Lutz New Play Development Fund grew from Lutz鈥檚 love of theatre, but also from her affectionate bond with her son-in-law, Bob Hupp, artistic director at 黑料不打烊 Stage. Lutz had a particular fondness for new work, which was heightened during the pandemic. At the suggestion of her daughter, Clea Hupp, Lutz experienced the work of 黑料不打烊 Stage by streaming productions at her home in Seattle, Washington.

It was during this online-only season, when professional theaters across the nation were shuttered, that the idea of establishing a new works fund was born to help support the playwrights and artists鈥攅specially those from communities whose stories are underrepresented in American theatre鈥攚ho create that new work, now and for years to come.

In addition to supporting new play development and production, prioritizes two primary areas: programming sustainability and capital investments, as well as providing resources for the Stage鈥檚 ongoing operational needs post-COVID.

黑料不打烊 Stage seeks to create a permanent Education and Community Engagement Fund, ensuring the continuation of vital programming essential to our community. Capital investments will be used to update equipment and technical tools available to the Stage production teams, including new accessibility, lighting, projection and sound equipment, as well as production communication systems.

鈥淪ome of my earliest childhood memories involve my parents getting dressed up to go to Daggy Theater to see a show,” says Lutz’s daughter, Melissa Lutz Blouin. “When we lived in London for a year on sabbatical, she took us to shows in the West End. We went to see plays when we visited her in Seattle. Her love of performance continued throughout her lifetime.鈥�

Julie Haynes Lutz died Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 77. She was one of the country鈥檚 first female astronomers, receiving a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in 1972. Her research focused on planetary nebulae, gas clouds formed by expiring stars. From 1971-96, she worked at Washington State University, serving first as the planetarium director and later as the Boeing Distinguished Professor of Mathematics and Science Education and director of the astronomy program. Lutz chaired the Department of Pure and Applied Mathematics from 1992-96 and was active in improving primary and secondary school science education. She also served as the director of the Division of Astronomical Sciences for the National Science Foundation from 1990-92 and as president of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific from 1991-93.

In 2000, she began working at the University of Washington as a NASA educator and was a professor emeritus. She was a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 2004, the United Negro College Fund gave Julie and her second husband, George Wallerstein, the President鈥檚 Award for their long-term fundraising activities for the organization.

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Department of Drama Announces 2023/2024 Season

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:36:08 +0000

The is pleased to announce the 2023/2024 season, consisting of six productions: 鈥淕uys and Dolls鈥� (Oct. 6 – 15), 鈥淕host Ship鈥� (Nov. 10 – 18), 鈥淎 Christmas Carol鈥� (Nov. 24 – Dec. 31 and co-produced with 黑料不打烊 Stage), 鈥淗ead Over Heels鈥� (March 1 – 9), 鈥淩andy鈥檚 Dandy Coaster Castle鈥� (March 29 – April 14) and 鈥淭he Droll (Or, a Stage-Play About The End of Theatre)鈥� (April 19 – 28).

This season offers several unique opportunities for audiences, providing a more immediate experience of the characters and action. 鈥淕host Ship鈥� is a fully immersive, multi-sensory theatrical experience with a limited audience of only 16 鈥榩assengers鈥� per performance and a 45-minute runtime. Due to the length of the show, multiple performances will be held each evening. 鈥淩andy鈥檚 Dandy Coaster Castle鈥� gives the audience the feel of being part of the employee鈥檚 breakroom and will be performed in the Loft Theatre instead of the Storch Theatre, where most Department of Drama productions are held.

To accommodate the unique theater experiences and seating of this season, the Department of Drama is offering a three-play subscription for 2023/2024. This subscription includes tickets for 鈥淕uys and Dolls,鈥� 鈥淗ead Over Heels鈥� and 鈥淭he Droll (Or a Stage-Play About the End of Theatre).鈥� Single tickets will be available for 鈥淕host Ship,鈥� 鈥淎 Christmas Carol鈥� and 鈥淩andy鈥檚 Dandy Coaster Castle鈥� with discounts available for subscribers.

鈥淚 am excited for the opportunities the upcoming season provides鈥搉ot only for our audiences but also for our student performers and designers,鈥� says Drama Department Chair Ralph Zito. 鈥淣ot only are we presenting our usual wide range of stories, but we are also digging deeply into the way those stories are told as we explore immersive theater, intimate storytelling and new ways to incorporate music and dance.鈥�

鈥淕uys and Dolls,鈥� is based on the story and characters of Damon Runyon, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, directed and choreographed by Banji Aborisade with musical direction by Brian Cimmet. Topping Entertainment Weekly鈥檚 list of the 鈥楪reatest Musicals of All Time,鈥� 鈥淕uys and Dolls鈥� is everything we love about musical theater. Nathan Detriot needs serious dough to keep his craps game afloat and his marriage-minded girlfriend, Adelaide, happy. When Nathan makes a bet with high-roller Sky Masterson, his problems appear to be solved. Featuring unforgettable show tunes like 鈥淟uck Be a Lady鈥� and the irrepressible 鈥淪it Down, You鈥檙e Rockin鈥� the Boat,鈥� 鈥淕uys and Dolls鈥� will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.

Up next, 鈥淕host Ship鈥� by Philip Valle and directed by Ricky Pak is referred to as a tragedy without explanation and a mystery without escape by its playwright. Calling on its audience to climb aboard the ghastly Mary Whelan as they re-live a 19th-century murder trail, 鈥淕host Ship鈥� is a 45-minute sensory voyage not for the timid of heart. Based on true events鈥揳nd a mysteriously incomplete record鈥搃t was honored by the Kennedy Center in 2019 with ten national awards, including Outstanding Theatrical Creation.

The co-production with 黑料不打烊 Stage is the iconic 鈥淎 Christmas Carol,鈥� by Charles Dickens, adapted by Richard Hellesen and David Deberry, with musical orchestration by Gregg Coffin. Located in the Archbold Theatre, this holiday season brings a tried-and-true family favorite to 黑料不打烊 with the greatest ghost story ever told. Melissa Rain Anderson directs the treasured production, which runs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31. Featuring the awe-inspiring 2-Ring Circus from New York City, this beautiful and timeless message of generosity鈥檚 triumphing over greed is sure to warm your heart and fill your soul when the weather turns cold.

The spring semester begins with 鈥淗ead Over Heels,鈥� by Jeff Whitty, adapted by James Magruder and directed by Kiira Schmidt-Carper and Kathleen Wrinn, with musical direction by Brian Cimmet. A hilarious and sexy celebration of love in all its infinite varieties, this bold and fierce modern musical comedy comes from the visionary minds that rocked Broadway with 鈥淗edwig and the Angry Inch,鈥� 鈥淎venue Q鈥� and 鈥淪pring Awakening.鈥� Told through the story of a royal family embarking on an extravagant journey and set to the iconic music of the 1980s all-female band The Go-Go鈥檚, it includes the hit songs 鈥淲e Got the Beat,鈥� 鈥淰acation鈥� and Belinda Carlisle鈥檚鈥淗eaven is a Place on Earth.鈥�

Following 鈥淗ead Over Heels鈥� is 鈥淩andy鈥檚 Dandy Coaster Castle,鈥� by Alexander Perez and directed by Adam Coy in the Loft Theatre. It鈥檚 always a great day at Randy鈥檚鈥搖nless you work there! 鈥淩andy鈥檚 Dandy鈥� is a darkly comedic play following the lives of five co-workers at a small, run-down amusement park in the Florida Panhandle. The highs and lows of working at 鈥淩andy鈥檚鈥� are no joke, but it鈥檚 also too funny and too relatable not to break your heart and leave you laughing throughout. 鈥淩andy鈥檚 Dandy鈥� explores class, capitalism and the American dream through the colorful lens of a deeply flawed and human group of people.

The season concludes with 鈥淭he Droll (Or, a Stage-Play About the End of Theatre),鈥� directed by Celia Madeoy. In 2011, playwright Meg Miroshnik pondered the question, 鈥淲hat would it have been like to discover a passion for acting during the 18 years in which theater was illegal and considered an abomination in 17th-century Puritan England?鈥� She also posed the question: 鈥淲hat is it like to fall in love with theater today in the face of anxieties about its future and future audiences?鈥� This daring and darkly funny play celebrates our need to come together in the act of collective storytelling.

A three-play subscription for 鈥淕uys and Dolls,鈥� 鈥淗ead Over Heels鈥� and 鈥淭he Droll (Or a Stage-Play About the End of Theatre)鈥� is through the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office, or by calling 315.443.3275. Single tickets for all shows are also on sale.

DETAILS

鈥淕uys and Dolls鈥�
Based on original story and characters by Damon Runyon
Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Directed and Choreographed by Banji Aborisade
Music direction by Brian Cimmet
Oct. 6 – 15

鈥淕host Ship鈥�
By Philip Vale
Directed by Ricky Pak
Nov. 10 – 18

鈥淎 Christmas Carol鈥�
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Richard Hellesen and David Deberry
Music by Gregg Coffin
Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson
Co-produced with 黑料不打烊 Stage
Featuring 2 Ring Circus
Nov. 24 – Dec. 31

鈥淗ead Over Heels鈥�
By Jeff Whitty
Adapted by James Magruder
Directed Kiira Schmidt-Carper and Kathleen Wrinn
Music direction by Brian Cimmet
March 1 – 9

鈥淩andy鈥檚 Dandy Coaster Castle鈥�
By Alexander Perez
Directed by Adam Coy
March 29 – April 14

鈥淭he Droll (Or, a Stage-Play About the End of Theatre)鈥�
By Meg Miroshnik
Directed by Celia Madeoy
April 19 鈥� 28

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黑料不打烊 Stage Adds Sensory Friendly Performance for Every Production in 2023-24 Season

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:38:30 +0000

Continuing the commitment to deliver artistic enrichment to every member of the Central New York Community, 黑料不打烊 Stage announces that its 50th anniversary season includes a milestone in theatrical accessibility: All six shows in the 2023-24 season will offer a Sensory Friendly performance for patrons of any age to enjoy.

In 2016 黑料不打烊 Stage offered its first Sensory Friendly performance with 鈥淒isney and Cameron Mackintosh鈥檚 Mary Poppins,鈥� which was met with overwhelmingly positive patron response. The community enthusiasm for this inclusive event prompted 黑料不打烊 Stage to include Sensory Friendly performances of the ever-popular holiday musical in each season that followed. This year, because of the continued success of these Sensory Friendly performances, 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 leadership is honored to expand this programming, giving community members of all ages opportunities to engage with each production of the 50th anniversary season in safe, inviting and meaningful ways.

鈥満诹喜淮蜢� Stage aims to cultivate an inclusive space for all who attend our performances. There are a number of people who are able to enjoy a production better when it is presented in the relaxed, accommodated environment of a Sensory Friendly show. The joy and communal experience of live theatre is something that we want everyone to be able to participate in,鈥� says Robert Hupp, artistic director.

Sensory Friendly performances are designed with unique considerations for autistic adults and children, patrons with anxiety, cognitive or physical disabilities and other sensory processing needs. Sensory Friendly performances operate differently from other traditional performances in several key ways. House lights will be dimmed at curtain though will remain on throughout the show鈥檚 runtime, the sound levels in the theater will be lowered significantly, guests will not be discouraged from vocalizing in response to the performance and patrons are invited to come and go as they please at any time during the show. By creating a nonjudgmental, 鈥渟hush-free鈥� atmosphere, Sensory Friendly performances are part of 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 commitment to make the theater a more accessible and inclusive live experience.

To prepare for Sensory Friendly performances, 黑料不打烊 Stage has engaged with community members and professional consultants to identify elements and content that may prove distracting or irritating to those in the neurodivergent community. For each show, 黑料不打烊 Stage has developed a Sensory Friendly Guide that outlines such moments and themes in the production in order to prepare audiences for the experience. For example, if there is a loud sound effect or slamming door, the guide will give an approximate time the event will occur, and small lights on either side of the theatre will illuminate prior to the event.

During Sensory Friendly+ shows鈥攆amily-friendly offerings, like this season’s 鈥淎 Christmas Carol鈥濃€攎oments or scenes may be altered to facilitate a more enjoyable experience. Performance modifications will vary depending on the show, and every consideration is made to uphold the artistic integrity of the production.

In addition to accommodations within the theater, trained staff will be on hand to assist patrons, and quiet spaces will be available for use any time before or during the Sensory Friendly performance. During Sensory Friendly+ shows, full Sensory Rooms will be available颅 and outfitted with sensory objects, gym mats and activity stations. Although Sensory Friendly shows are specifically designed for children and adults with sensory sensitivity needs, families of these individuals鈥攁s well as any member of the community鈥攃an also enjoy these performances.

黑料不打烊 Stage remains committed to making each and every performance accessible to all patrons, which is why Sensory Friendly safety kits are available at all non-Sensory Friendly performances. These kits include fidget toys, sunglasses and ear plugs for patrons to use throughout the show. More information about Sensory Friendly performances and sensory accommodations can be found on .

All tickets for Sensory Friendly performances for the 2023-24 are $35 and may be exchanged or returned for a 100% refund up until show time. Tickets and subscriptions may be purchased through the Box Office (315.443.3275) or at .

2023-24 Productions

“What the Constitution Means to Me”
By Heidi Schreck
Directed by Melissa Crespo
Sept. 13-Oct. 1
Sensory Friendly performance: Tuesday, Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m.

“Lady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill”
By Laine Robertson
Musical Arrangements by Danny Holgate
Directed by Jade King Carroll
Oct.18-Nov. 5
Sensory Friendly performance: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m.

“A Christmas Carol”
Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Richard Hellesen and David deBerry
Music orchestrations by Gregg Coffin
Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson
Featuring 2 Ring Circus
Co-produced with the 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama
Nov. 24-Dec. 31
Sensory Friendly+ performance: Saturday, Dec. 30, 2:00 p.m.

“颁濒测诲别鈥檚”
Written by Lynn Nottage
Directed by Chip Miller
Co-produced with Portland Center Stage.
Jan. 31-Feb. 18
Sensory Friendly performance: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.

“Agatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express”
Written by Agatha Christie
Adapted by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Robert Hupp
March 12-April 7
Sensory Friendly performance: Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.

“Once”
Book by Enda Walsh
Music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Mark茅ta Irglov谩
Based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney
Directed by Melissa Crespo
May 1-19
Sensory Friendly performance: Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 p.m.

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黑料不打烊 Stage Adds 2 Musicals to 50th Anniversary Season

Wed, 31 May 2023 12:47:12 +0000

黑料不打烊 Stage announced two musicals that will complete the lineup for the organization鈥檚 . Audiences are immersed in the soulful music of Billie Holiday with Lady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill, Oct. 18 through Nov. 5. Closing the season is the much anticipated Once, running May 1-19, 2024. Previously announced, the remainder of the season includes What the Constitution Means to Me, A Christmas Carol, 颁濒测诲别鈥檚 and Agatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express.

鈥淭hese two exciting additions to our 50^th season lineup reflect our desire to encourage everyone to make 黑料不打烊 Stage a part of their life in the coming year,鈥� says Bob Hupp, artistic director of 黑料不打烊 Stage. 鈥淚n our intimate space we create these productions, especially for our Central New York audience, and we can鈥檛 wait to get the new season underway.鈥�

With a book by the brilliant Irish playwright Enda Walsh, it is no surprise that 黑料不打烊 Stage audiences have been asking for Once since it was originally announced as part of the 2019/2020 season that was cut short.

The Broadway musical adaptation of the indie film was nominated for 11 Tony Awards and won eight including Best Musical, Best Actor and Best Book in 2012. A year later it also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. With music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Mark茅ta Irglov谩, Once is the story of a jaded Irish busker on the verge of abandoning his songs and a young Czech 茅migr茅 who rekindles his passion for music and his desire for life and love. Their story springs to life on stage with the spirit and energy of a lively pub music session as the performers serve as cast and band. Directed by 黑料不打烊 Stage Associate Artistic Director Melissa Crespo, Once is a warmly affecting show that understands the power of music to move the human heart.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been years in the making, but our most-requested musical will finally be part of our new season. Once is one of my personal favorites and I can鈥檛 wait to see it on our stage next spring,鈥� says Hupp.

In the second slot Lady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill, by Lanie Robertson, musical arrangements by Danny Holgate and directed by Jade King Carroll, chronicles Billie Holiday鈥檚 life story through the songs that made her famous. It premiered in 1984 in Atlanta and was followed by a successful Off-Broadway run, which won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Book. Lady Day鈥檚 Broadway debut came in 2014, starring Audra McDonald, and won her the Tony Award for Best Actress. The production was then relocated to New Orleans where it was filmed and made into a movie for HBO. McDonald returned to the role in London鈥檚 West End in 2016.

Lady Day takes audiences to 1959 in a small, seedy bar in Philadelphia. Holiday puts on a show that unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witness to one of the last performances of her life. One of the greatest jazz and blues singers of all-time shares her loves and losses through her poignant voice and moving songs, including: 鈥淪trange Fruit,鈥� 鈥淕od Bless the Child,鈥� 鈥淲hen a Woman Loves a Man鈥� and 鈥淎in鈥檛 Nobody鈥檚 Business if I Do.鈥� Lady Day replaces the previously announced Thunder Knocking on the Door.

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets for all shows听start at $25 with discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Subscriptions are on sale now and can be purchased by听visiting , by calling 315.443.3275 or by visiting the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office at 820 E. Genesee Street. Single tickets go on sale in July.

黑料不打烊 Stage also offers a variety of performances designed to create access for all and enhance the theatre-going experience. Pay-what-you-will performances for Lady Day and Once are on Oct. 18鈥�21 and May 1-5 respectively. Open-captioned performances are scheduled for Oct. 25 and Nov. 4 and 5 for Lady Day and May 8, 18 and 19 for Once. Audio-described performances are on Nov. 4 and May 18; American Sign Language translation is offered at performances on Oct. 28 and May 11. Sensory-friendly performances are available for both productions on Oct. 31 and May 14.

Audiences can gain deeper knowledge about the productions with prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain, on Oct. 22, 28 and Nov. 2 for Lady Day and May 5, 11 and 16 for Once. The post-show talkbacks will take place on Oct. 29 and May 5 following the 7:30 p.m. performance.

The Slutzker Family Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor for the 50^th Anniversary Season. Additional season support comes from the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation.听

Show Details

What the Constitution Means to Me
By Heidi Schreck
Directed by Melissa Crespo
Sept. 13 through Oct. 1

Lady Day at Emerson鈥檚 Bar and Grill
By Lanie Robertson
Musical arrangements by Danny Holgate
Directed by Jade King Carroll
Oct. 18 through Nov. 5

A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Richard Hellesen and David DeBerry
Music orchestration by Gregg Coffin
Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson
Featuring 2 Ring Circus
Co-produced with the 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama
Nov. 24 through Dec. 31

颁濒测诲别鈥檚
By Lynn Nottage
Directed by Chip Miller
Co-produced with Portland Center Stage
Jan. 31 through Feb. 18

Agatha Christie鈥檚 Murder on the Orient Express
By Agatha Christie
Adapted by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Robert Hupp
March 13-31听

Once
Book by
Music and Lyrics by and
Based on the motion picture written and directed by
Directed by Melissa Crespo
May 1-19

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黑料不打烊 Stage Closing Season With Performance of the Ultimate Whodunnit, ‘CLUE’

Mon, 22 May 2023 19:21:18 +0000

Artistic Director Robert Hupp and Managing Director Jill Anderson announced they will close the 2022/2023 season with a production that celebrates the pure joy and simple fun of live theatre, the fan favorite and ultimate whodunnit, “CLUE.” The production runs June 7 through June 25 听at 黑料不打烊 Stage in the Archbold Theatre.

Based on the iconic 1985 film鈥攚hich was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game鈥�”CLUE” is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. In a remote mansion not far away from Washington D.C., six mysterious (and colorful) guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu.

黑料不打烊 Stage closes its 2022/2023 season with a production of the ultimate whodunnit, “CLUE.”

When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects鈥攄oes the sudden demise of Mr. Boddy have any connection to the ongoing hearings conducted by Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee? As the body count rises, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard and Wadsworth, the butler, race to find the killer. “CLUE” is a comedy filled with twists and turns that will leave both diehard fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out who did it, where they did it and with what.

鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to conclude our current season with this popular production of ‘CLUE,’鈥� Hupp says. 鈥淎s a board game and later as a movie, ‘CLUE’听has been part of our cultural landscape for decades. Now we can dive into the fun of seeing those iconic characters come to life on stage. ‘CLUE’ is just a great, fun night of theatre for everyone to enjoy. We opened ‘CLUE’ a few weeks ago in Indianapolis, so I鈥檝e had the opportunity to see this production. Believe me, this cast kills it. This kind of pure entertainment is something we all need today and a delightful finale to our 49th season.鈥�

The cast creating all this fun-filled chaos onstage are Ryan Artzberger (Mr. Boddy, Motorist, Chief of Police), Emily Berman (Miss Scarlet), Emjoy Gavino (Mrs. White), Devan Mathias (Cook, Telegram, Backup Cop), Beethovan Oden (Professor Plum), Andrea San Miguel (Yvette), John Taylor Philips (Wadsworth), Eric Sharp (Mr. Green), Kerrington Shorter (Unexpected Cop, Backup Cop), Claire Wilcher (Mrs. Peacock), and Henry Woronicz (Colonel Mustard).

鈥�’CLUE’ is truly a multigenerational phenomenon,鈥� says director听Benjamin Hanna, who was recently named artistic director at Indiana Repertory Theatre. 鈥淭he stage version of ‘CLUE’ is a delightful mashup of genres and styles. It combines our love of crime novels, mystery, farce and gaming, all while celebrating some favorite pop-culture characters. This adaptation is a blend of iconic film moments and the board game, creating a beautiful playground for our magnificent cast to contribute their own comedic genius.鈥�

‘CLUE’ is based on the Paramount movie and classic board game of the same name. It contains mild profanity and adult themes and will be best enjoyed by patrons 12 years and older.听All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets can be purchased by visiting , by calling 315.443.3275 or by visiting the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office at 820 E. Genesee St.

Pay-what-you-will performances are听June 7-11 inclusive; Prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one hour before curtain time on June 11, June 17 and June 22; the post-show Sunday discussion will take place on June 18 after the 7:30 p.m. performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for June 14 and June 25 at 2 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Saturday, June 24 at 2 p.m.

A special sensory-friendly and open-captioned performance is scheduled for June 24 at 7:30 p.m. The sensory-friendly performance provides a welcoming environment that lets all patrons express themselves freely without judgement or inhibition. This live theatre experience invites autistic individuals, as well as those living with ADHD, dementia, and other sensory sensitivities, to enjoy a performance in a 鈥渟hush-free鈥� zone. House lights will be dimmed, but not turned out completely, patrons may move about as necessary for their comfort and patrons will not be discouraged from vocalizing during the performance. Fidget toys and other materials will be provided for patrons. All tickets to the sensory-friendly performance are $30 and include a 100% refund right up to the start of the show.

Season support for 黑料不打烊 Stage is made possible by the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation, Advance Media New York and The Slutzker Family Foundation.

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Department Of Drama Presents 鈥楳elancholy Play: A Chamber Musical鈥�

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 21:58:02 +0000

Who says sadness isn鈥檛 fun? Certainly not award-winning playwright Sarah Ruhl.

The Department of Drama closes its 2022/2023 season with Ruhl鈥檚鈥淢elancholy Play: A Chamber Musical,鈥� directed by Daniella Caggiano, April 28 through May 7. Performances will be held in the Storch Theater at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/黑料不打烊 Drama Complex, 820 E. Genesee St. Tickets are available through the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office at or by phone at 315.443.3275.

In the absurd, sensual and heartfelt play, Ruhl endows melancholy with aphrodisiac power in the person of Tilly, a bank teller whose lingering sadness attracts everyone around her. So acute is the attraction that when Tilly suddenly finds happiness, she throws the others into despair. With characteristic whimsy and nuanced seriousness, Ruhl considers the many different ways to find joy and how sadness is a necessary component of happiness.

The play鈥檚 lyrical nature and musicality underscore the depth of feeling and the ways those feelings can create ripples鈥斺€淢elancholy is looking out of an open window full of longing. Depressed is behind a thick pane of glass,鈥� wrote Ruhl.

Director Caggiano explores the tensions between the play鈥檚 absurdity and serious undertones. This version of the piece is set in 2002, a time when mental health was a subversive subject, doomed to be tucked under beds and shut behind closed doors.

鈥淥ur show emphasizes how important community is, to have a community that cares, for a space to have community with other people,鈥� says Caggiano. This atmosphere of community permeates the rehearsal room which emphasizes equal collaboration and fun. 鈥淚t鈥檚 called a play, if we鈥檙e not having fun, what are we doing.鈥�

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World Premiere of ‘Tender Rain’ Up Next at 黑料不打烊 Stage

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 12:16:41 +0000

The next performance in 2022/2023 season is the world premiere of “Tender Rain,”听written by resident playwright Kyle Bass and directed by Rodney Hudson, the longtime Department of Drama faculty member.

The production runs Wednesday, May 3, through Sunday, May 21, at 黑料不打烊 Stage in the Archbold Theater.

Set in a small Southern city, circa the mid-1950s, “Tender Rain” introduces us to Milton Millard Milton, a white banker, and Ruthie Mimms, an older Black woman, and their deeply familial and complex relationship which profoundly influences Milton鈥檚 life.

Approaching late-middle-aged and childless, Milton and his wistful wife, Dolores, are lost in a marital fog of secrets and emotional withholding. Is there a way forward for them? Can Milton seek aid from Ruthie without destroying their relationship? Will the momentary escape Milton finds in the arms of a younger woman spare him the reckoning he must ultimately face?听“Tender Rain” richly observes a layered emotional landscape rooted in an oppressive society as it explores intimacy, race, and the assumptions we all make about one another.

Kyle Bass

“Tender Rain” is the fourth play written by Bass and produced by 黑料不打烊 Stage for their mainstage. Bass has also written two Backstory scripts as part of 黑料不打烊 Stage Education programming, and as part of a project focusing on the lives of student military veterans, Bass wrote “Separated,” which was presented on the Storch stage and at the Paley Center in New York City.

黑料不打烊 Stage Artistic Director Bob Hupp says, 鈥淭he beauty of this play lies in the richness of Kyle鈥檚 language. ‘Tender Rain’ tackles the complexity of relationships in ways that transcend the time in which the play is set. This is not a play that could easily translate to television; this is a work that demands to live on a stage. That鈥檚 what I find so compelling about Kyle鈥檚 work, and that鈥檚 why we鈥檙e honored to support his craft as our resident playwright, and as a defining voice of our organization.鈥�

Bass refers to “Tender Rain” as a 鈥渟ymphonic drama,鈥� and it is also the first full-length play Bass ever wrote.

鈥淚t鈥檚 strange and wonderful to be working on this play again nearly 20 years after I first started writing it as my graduate thesis. In revisiting it for its world premiere, I could revise the play, but I could not revise the playwright who first brought it to the page鈥攁n exercise in acceptance and possibility. My process mirrored the underlying metaphor of the play: how do we as a nation fully acknowledge and reckon with the difficult and unchangeable truths of our shared past and move forward together in the light of those truths towards a more compassionate future?鈥� Bass says.

The cast features Devereau Chumrau as Lily/Doctor, Brian Dykstra as Milton Millard, LeeAnne Hutchison as Dolores Millard, Marjorie Johnson as Ruthie Mimms, Erin Lockett as Deirdre/Aralia, Niall Powderly as Eddie 鈥淏rother鈥� James, and Jenny Strassburg as Mary Honeycutt.

Director Hudson’s creative team consists of scenic designer Se Hyun Oh, costume designer Tracy Dorman, lighting designer Dawn Chiang, sound designer Fabian Obispo and wig designer Bobbie Zlotnick. Laura Jane Collins is the stage manager.

Hudson was an assistant professor in the ‘ drama department for 26 years, directing over 30 productions.

Opening Night for the world premiere is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 5. All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with discounts available for students and groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased by visiting , by calling 315.443.3275, or by visiting the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office at 820 East Genesee St.

Pay-what-you-will performances are May 3-6; prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain time on May 7, May 13 and May 18; the post-show Sunday discussion will take place on Sunday, May 14, after the 7:30 performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for May 10 at 2 p.m., May 20 at 7:30 p.m. and May 21 at 2 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on May 20 at 2 p.m. The production Happy Hour takes place an hour prior to the 7:30 p.m. curtain on May 11.

Season support for 黑料不打烊 Stage is made possible by The Slutzker Family Foundation.

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黑料不打烊 Stage to Hold Youth Auditions for 2023-24 Season Holiday Production

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 19:23:09 +0000

The 黑料不打烊 Stage artistic team is seeking local youth actors for roles in the upcoming production of its recently announced 2023-24 season鈥檚 holiday production, “A Christmas Carol.”

Auditioners should note that the production schedule for “A Christmas Carol” includes morning student matinees in addition to regularly scheduled matinee and evening performances. The production runs Nov. 24-Dec. 31 and cast members must be available for rehearsals beginning Oct. 24 at 黑料不打烊 Stage. Rehearsals are not held on Mondays. Young actors will not be required to be at all rehearsals. Rehearsals for youth actors will generally be held weekdays after 4 p.m. and during the day on weekends.

The opportunity:

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
Adapted for the stage by Richard Hellesen and David deBerry
Music orchestration by Gregg Coffin
Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson
Music direction by Brian Cimmet
Choreography by Andrea Leigh-Smith
Aerial design by 2 Ring Circus
Co-produced with the 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama

Seeking casting for:

Beggar child/school boy: Any ethnicity, young boy aged 8-12. Excellent singer/actor who moves very well. Seeking a versatile actor with strong language skills, fun playful energy and grounded genuine honesty.
Fan/Belinda Cratchit: Any ethnicity, young girl aged 9-12. Excellent singer/actor who moves very well. Seeking a versatile actor with strong language skills, fun playful energy and grounded genuine honesty.
Boy Scrooge/Edward Cratchit: Any ethnicity, young boy aged 8-10. Excellent singer/actor who moves very well. Seeking a versatile actor with strong language skills, fun playful energy and grounded genuine honesty.
Tiny Tim/school boy: Any ethnicity, young boy or girl aged 5-8. Actor who moves very well. Seeking a versatile actor with fun playful energy and grounded genuine honesty. Says: 鈥淕od bless us everyone.鈥�
Turkey boy/school boy: Any ethnicity, young boy or girl aged 8-10. Excellent singer/actor who moves very well. Seeking a versatile actor with strong language skills, fun playful energy and grounded genuine honesty.
Chestnut seller/school boy: Any ethnicity, young boy or girl aged 10-12. Excellent singer/actor who moves very well. Seeking a versatile actor with strong language skills, fun playful energy and grounded genuine honesty.

Auditions will be held in-person on April 28 and 29. All audition submission instructions will be updated on the .

Notes:

Actors are required to bring a picture and resume.
Actors will be emailed a few pages of the script in advance to prepare for auditions.
Actors should prepare up to 32 bars of a song or Christmas carol and bring the sheet music for that song to the audition.
Actors of all ethnicities are strongly encouraged to audition.
Please note that proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to work at 黑料不打烊 Stage.
Interested actors must .

Any questions about the auditioning process should be directed to Cynthia Reid.

The greatest ghost story ever told, Charles Dickens鈥� beloved “A Christmas Carol” is a tried-and-true family favorite. It shines a light on the power of kindness and love in an uplifting tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey to redemption. “A Christmas Carol” is 鈥渁 beautiful, timeless message of generosity鈥檚 triumph over greed,鈥� according to the Chicago Tribune.

Subscriptions for the 2023-24 season are on sale now at or by calling the Box Office at 315.443.3275. Single tickets go on sale in July.

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黑料不打烊 Stage Announces Two-Day Vendor Fair As Part of ‘Our Town’

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 20:15:03 +0000

Artistic Director Robert Hupp and Managing Director Jill Anderson announced today, that as part of the theatrical run of Thornton Wilder鈥檚 beloved play, 鈥淥ur Town,鈥� 黑料不打烊 Stage will host a two-day Our Town Vendor Fair on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 1鈥�8:30 p.m. 鈥�,鈥� directed by Robert Hupp, runs Wednesday, March 29, through Sunday, April 16, at 黑料不打烊 Stage in the Archbold Theatre.

As part of the community engagement efforts at 黑料不打烊 Stage, Joann Yarrow, director of community engagement and education, thinks the vendor fair provides the perfect connecting point for Syracusans. “We are so excited to involve local vendors of our town of 黑料不打烊 to share the variety of artistry and unique offerings. It is important to support our local small businesses who bring so much to 黑料不打烊” says Yarrow.

Community friends and neighbors can gather at this two-day event in the theatre lobby as artisans and small-business owners display products for sale ranging from jewelry to health and beauty products and d茅cor and home goods to the latest in pet needs for our animal friends. The Our Town vendor fair is free, and all members of the community are welcome, a ticket purchase to the production is not required.

Vendors currently scheduled are:

Au M茅lange: Cleanse, Nourish and Restore with the rejuvenating oils of Au M茅lange
Better Brittle: West African-style small-batch brittles made right here in 黑料不打烊
Diane Schenandoah: Indigenous arts
Soul Love Candle Co.: Magical soy wax candles and wax melts adorned with crystals
Room to Improve: Home d茅cor and gift shop based in Minoa, New York
Styles by Bellamy: Women鈥檚 clothing and jewelry
Marcrame by Tatinanna Monet: Artisan shop selling eco-friendly macrame home d茅cor items
AFROdisiac Ceramics: Handmade ceramic works by local artist
Happy Tails Dog Shop: Specialty dog shop focusing on high-quality supplements, treats and enrichment toys

An American masterpiece, 鈥淥ur Town鈥� is described by Wilder as, 鈥渁n attempt to find value above all price for the smallest events in our daily life.鈥� The playwright succeeded with this graceful and poetic play that reminds us to cherish every moment we鈥檙e together and to embrace the true wonder (and brevity) of being alive.

Famous actors of stage and screen have taken on the challenging role of the Stage Manager, including Paul Newman, Spalding Gray, Henry Fonda and Helen Hunt.

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets can be purchased by visiting , by calling 315.443.3275, or by visiting the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office at 820 East Genesee Street.

Season support for听黑料不打烊 Stage is made possible by the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation, Advance Media New York, and The Slutzker Family Foundation.

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Department of Drama Presents ‘Dance Nation’

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 21:16:08 +0000

The continues the 2022/2023 season with the 2017 Susan Blackburn Prize-winning play 鈥淒ance Nation鈥� by Clare Barron. Directed by Katherine McGerr and choreographed by Felipe Panam谩, the play takes audiences on an emotional and powerful journey of one team鈥檚 quest to a national dance competition. Performances will be held Friday, March 24, through Sunday, April 2, in the Storch Theater at the 黑料不打烊 Stage / SU Drama Complex, 820 East Genesee St. Tickets are available through the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office at or by phone at 315.443.3275.

鈥淭his is a play about 13-year-old girls. It鈥檚 also a play about women, ambition and desire,鈥� says Barron. Set in the pressure cooker milieu of an impending competition, Barron uses the comedic drama of a Liverpool, Ohio dance team to expose their rivalries, competitiveness, support and joy, and to reveal not only their sensitivities and insecurities but their fierce undeniable power. 鈥淒ance Nation鈥� has been called a refreshingly unorthodox play that conveys the joy and abandon of dancing, while addressing the changes to the body and mind of its characters as they peer over the precipice toward adulthood.

McGerr, alongside the production team and various consultants, wanted to channel the energy and spirit of the play into the rehearsal room and cultivated a space that encouraged collaboration and throws a 鈥測ay party!鈥� whenever a mistake is made 鈥� a mistake that will inevitably lead to growth. Much like this play whose enemy is self-judgment, those in the rehearsal room are encouraged to grow, play and embrace their individuality.

Above all else, 鈥淒ance Nation鈥� poses the question, 鈥淲hat am I going to do with all this power?鈥� encouraging adolescents and adults alike to take the stage and use their microphones as conduits for the cosmos.听

鈥淒ance Nation鈥澨�By Clare Barron

Directed by Katherine McGerr
Choreographed by Felipe Panam谩
Scenic design by Angel Lam
Costume design by Sofia Pizer
Lighting design by Mairead Cummins
Sound design by Kevin O鈥機onnor
Fight choreography by Alec Barbour
Intimacy choreography by Yvonne Perry
Voice/Verse coaching by Holly Thuma
Dramaturgy by Wesley Tipton
Stage manager: Jess DeLucia

Cast

Kailee Brandt Amina
Olivia Busche Zuzu
Emily Castillo-Langley Vanessa/Moms
Avaana Harvey Connie
Sofia Leche Ashlee
Adelaide Lobenthal Sofia
Rachel Mondschein Minda
Kobi Oliver God Mic
Alex Russ Luke
Isaiah Tucker Dance Teacher Pat
Emma Waterhouse Maeve

Understudies

For Ashlee 鈥� Gwendalyn Rose Diaz
For Maeve 鈥� Paide Kenneally
For Connie 鈥� Lizzie Khan
For Vanessa / Moms 鈥� Julia Kolinski
For Sofia 鈥� Malvi Lucchini
For Zuzu 鈥� Gillian Stoltz
For Dance Teacher Pat 鈥� Truman Tinius
For Luke 鈥� Axel Vera
For Amina 鈥� Bella Zonderman

Performances

Friday, March 24, 8 p.m. (Preview)
Saturday, March 25, 8 p.m. (Opening)
Sunday, March 26, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, March 29, 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 30, 8 p.m.
Friday, March 31, 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 1, 2 p.m. (Open captioned)
Saturday, April 1, 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 2, 2 p.m. (ASL interpreted)

Additional Credits

Dance/Fight/Intimacy Captain: Truman Tinius
Assistant Directors: Stella Bunch, Anthony Islam
Assistant Scenic Designer: Evan Hoover
Assistant Costume Designer: Adeline Livingston
Assistant Lighting Designer: Maddy Clark
Assistant Sound Designer: Jay Korter
Assistant Stage Managers: Rachel Mondschein, Kobi Oliver
Casting Associate: Carrie DeGraw
Intimacy Shadow: Willow Funkhouser
Consultants: Kadesha Adelakun, L.C.S.W.; Adriana Galav谩n, Ph.D.; Emily K. Harrison, Ph.D.

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Thornton Wilder American Classic 鈥極ur Town鈥� Up Next at 黑料不打烊 Stage

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 19:35:28 +0000

Artistic Director Robert Hupp and Managing Director Jill Anderson announced the next production in their 2022/2023 season, and it鈥檚 one for the ages. Thornton Wilder鈥檚 cherished and frequently produced play “” runs Wednesday, March 29, through Sunday, April 16, at 黑料不打烊 Stage in the Archbold Theatre. Hupp will direct the production.

Noted actor of stage, TV and film, Jim True-Frost will play the seminal role of the stage Manager in “Our Town.” Best known for his portrayal of Roland 鈥淧rez鈥� Pryzbylewski in the HBO series “The Wire,” True-Frost also starred as James Woodrow in “Treme” and as George Buxton in “Homicide: Life on the Street.” He鈥檚 appeared in such films as “Singles,” “The Hudsucker Proxy” and “Affliction,” and is a company member at the famed Steppenwolf Theatre Company. True-Frost and his family are current residents of 黑料不打烊.

An American masterpiece, “Our Town” is described by the Wilder as, 鈥渁n attempt to find value above all price for the smallest events in our daily life.鈥� The playwright succeeded with this graceful and poetic play that reminds us to cherish every moment we鈥檙e together and to embrace the true wonder (and brevity) of being alive. Famous actors of stage and screen have taken on the challenging role of the stage manager, including Paul Newman, Spalding Gray, Henry Fonda and Helen Hunt.

黑料不打烊 Stage Artistic Director and the Director Robert Hupp says, 鈥�’Our Town’ is among my favorite plays, and I am delighted to return to it here at 黑料不打烊 Stage. It is a play of eternal, aching beauty. And while its themes are transcendent, I believe it is important to shape our production in ways that speak to Central New York today.听It鈥檚 intentional that of the 20 actors in our cast, 17 call Central New York home. Working together with our amazing design team, we look forward to bringing this timeless and timely classic to life for our audience.鈥�

In addition to True-Frost, the cast features Michael Stewart Allen as Dr. Gibbs, Alberto Bonilla as Mr. Webb and Che Lyons as Mrs. Gibbs, and Christine Albright-Tufts as Mrs. Webb.

The ensemble cast is made up of Blake Segal, Michael Barbour, Ricky Pak, Danyon Davis, Whitney Pak, Lilli Komeruk, Derek Powell, Ahmanee Simmons, and Donovan Stanfield. The design team includes Jason Ardizzone, Tracy Dorman, lighting designer Yael Lubetzky, Michael Keck and Danyon Davis. Stuart Plymesser is stage manager.

Scenic designer Jason Ardizzone is an Emmy Award-winning set designer (NBC鈥檚 concert production of “Jesus Christ Superstar”) and is working on the set design for Adele鈥檚 Radio City concert event among other notable achievements. “Our Town” sound designer Michael Keck is also composing an original score for the 黑料不打烊 Stage production.

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets can be purchased by visiting 黑料不打烊Stage.org, by calling 315.443.3275 or by visiting the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office at 820 E. Genesee St.

On Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, 黑料不打烊 Stage will host the “Our Town” Vendor Fair. Join community friends at this two-day event in the lobby before and after the show as artisans and small-business owners display products for sale ranging from jewelry to beauty products and decorative items to home goods. The fair is free, and all are welcome.

Pay-what-you-will performances are March 29-April 2 inclusive; prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain time on April 2, April 8 and April 13; the post-show Sunday discussion will take place on Sunday, April 2, after the 7:30 performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for April 5 at 2:00 p.m. and April 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively, as well as an audio-described performance on Saturday, April 15, at 2:00 p.m.

Season support for听黑料不打烊 Stage is made possible by the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation, Advance Media New York and The Slutzker Family Foundation.

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La Casita Co-Hosting Feb. 19 黑料不打烊 Stage Play Reception and Community Events

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:50:41 +0000

are scheduled around the 黑料不打烊 Stage presentation of the play, 鈥�.鈥�

The play tells of two women of vastly different backgrounds who meet by chance at a wedding in Canc煤n when a torrential downpour forces each woman to consider their personal storms and the potential for change. The work is part of the 黑料不打烊 Drama Department presentations at 黑料不打烊 Stage.

These events are scheduled:

Thursday, Feb. 16

A of the playwright鈥檚 newest work, 鈥淓l Terremoto,鈥� at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 19

1 p.m. – A pre-show discussion about cultural representation and cross-collaboration will be moderated by the play鈥檚 director and Associate Artistic Director for 黑料不打烊 Stage Melisa Crespo. Participants will include playwright and author of “Espejos: Clean” Christine Quintana; La Casita鈥檚 Community Engagement Coordinator Catalina Ni帽o Cordero G鈥�21; and Rita Paniagua, who is a City of 黑料不打烊 councilor-at-large and board president of CNY Arts. The event takes place at 黑料不打烊 Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊.
2-4 p.m. – Matinee performance, “Espejos: Clean” at 黑料不打烊 Stage
4-6 p.m. – La Casita Cultural Center co-hosts an after-show reception at its 109 Otisco St., 黑料不打烊, headquarters. Guests are expected to include the play鈥檚 director, Melissa Crespo, its playwright, Christine Quintana, and some cast members. The reception is sponsored by the . Admission is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

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黑料不打烊 Stage to Present ‘Espejos: Clean’ in English and Spanish

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 16:19:12 +0000

黑料不打烊 Stage’s next production is “Espejos: Clean,” written by Christine Quintana and performed in both English and Spanish with respective supertitles simultaneously, running Feb. 15 to March 5. In cooperation with Hartford Stage, “Espejos: Clean” is directed by 黑料不打烊 Stage Associate Artistic Director Melissa Crespo both in Hartford, Connecticut and 黑料不打烊, New York.

In “Espejos: Clean,” the lives of two women with vastly different life experiences intersect at a destination wedding at a high-end resort in Canc煤n, Mexico. Adriana has left her home in Chetumal, Mexico, and is working as the manager of the housekeeping staff at the resort. Sarah is from Vancouver and is the sister of the bride and self-acknowledged family screw-up. One evening during a torrential downpour, Adriana and Sarah鈥檚 worlds collide, leading them to confront their own storms and consider the possibility that they may not be as alone in the world as they initially believed. “Espejos: Clean” is an eye-opening story about the ties that bind us and making meaningful connections.

鈥�Christine Quintana鈥檚 “Espejos: Clean” perfectly embodies the saying 鈥榃e don鈥檛 see the world as it is, we see the world as we are.鈥� I am honored to lead this beautifully heartbreaking and at times hilarious story that pushes us to heal our own trauma and challenge our own assumptions,” says Crespo. “Christine says this play 鈥榠s an exercise in compassion.鈥� I am excited to see audiences in 黑料不打烊 embrace this play, no matter where you come from.鈥�

“Espejos: Clean” is written by Quintana with Spanish translation and adaptation by Paula Zelaya Cervantes. The play is directed by Crespo and features Kate Abbruzzese as Sarah and Emma Ramos as Adriana. The fully women-led design team includes scenic designer Mariana Sanchez, costume designer Lux Haac, lighting designer Colleen Doherty, sound designer Daniela Hart and UptownWorks, and projection designer Lisa Renkel. Laura-Jane Collins is stage manager. “Espejos: Clean” is a co-production with Hartford Stage.

“Managing Director Jill Anderson and I hope the good people of Central New York and beyond will join us for this beautifully-drawn theatrical experience that takes on cultural misconceptions and internal reckonings,”听 says 黑料不打烊 Stage Artistic Director Bob Hupp. “Under the insightful creative leadership of Melissa Crespo, we are proud to present a play told entirely in English and听Spanish for the first time in the organization鈥檚 history. Whether English or Spanish, or another language entirely, is your first language, you will understand and appreciate the humanity of this expertly crafted play.鈥�

“Espejos: Clean” runs Wednesday, Feb. 15 through Sunday, March 5. All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets can be purchased by visiting 黑料不打烊Stage.org, by calling 315.443.3275, or by visiting the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office at 820 East Genesee St.

The M&T Bank Pay-What-You-Will performances are Feb. 15-19. Prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain, take place Feb. 19, February 25 and March 2. The Post-show Sunday Discussion will take place on Feb. 26 after the 7:30 p.m. performance. 黑料不打烊 Stage has open-captioned performances scheduled for Feb. 22 at 2 p.m., March 4 at 7:30 p.m. and March 5 at 2 p.m., as well as an English-only audio-described performance on March 4 at 2 p.m.

Season support for 黑料不打烊 Stage is made possible by the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation, Advance Media New York and The Slutzker Family Foundation. “Espejos: Clean” is made possible by CNY Latino, Urban CNY听and WAER 黑料不打烊 Public Radio. The community partner is the 黑料不打烊’a La Casita Cultural Center.

听

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黑料不打烊 Stage Holding Youth Auditions for Two Upcoming Productions

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 22:34:59 +0000

The artistic team is searching for talented local youth actors for performance opportunities in the upcoming productions of Thornton Wilder鈥檚 American classic “Our Town,” and the world premiere of “Tender Rain,” by Kyle Wright, 黑料不打烊 Stage’s resident playwright.

Auditioners should note that the production schedule for “Our Town” includes three student matinees in the morning, in addition to evening performances. The “Our Town” production runs March 29-April 16, while “Tender Rain” runs May 3-21.

Cast members must be available for rehearsals at 黑料不打烊 Stage, which begin March 7 for “Our Town,” and April 4 for “Tender Rain.” Rehearsals are not held on Mondays. Young actors will not be required to be at all rehearsals. Rehearsals for youth actors will generally be held on weekdays after 4 p.m. and during the daytime on weekends.

“Our Town”
By Thornton Wilder, directed by Robert Hupp
Seeking casting for:
Wally Webb: Any ethnicity, young boy aged 11 to 13, a Boy Scout. Sincere and friendly.
Rebecca Gibbs: Any ethnicity, young girl aged 11 to 13. Has a strong sense of energy and wonder about the world. Inquisitive and curious.

“Tender Rain”
By Kyle Bass, directed by Rodney Hudson
Seeking casting for:
Deirdre: Black female, age 12. Scared but brave. Longs to return home. Also plays Aralia: Black female, age 11. The Doctor鈥檚 daughter. Shy. Smart. Neat as a pin.

Auditions will be held in-person on Jan. 25 and Jan. 28. All audition submission instructions will be updated on the .

Notes:

Actors are required to bring a picture and resume.
Actors will be emailed a few pages of the script in advance to prepare for auditions.
Actors of all ethnicities are strongly encouraged to audition.
“Our Town” .
“Tender Rain” .
Please note that proof of vaccination is required to work at 黑料不打烊 Stage.
.

Any questions about the auditioning process should be directed to Cynthia Reid, cjmoor02@syr.edu.

Tickets for both “Our Town” and “Tender Rain” are on sale through the , or by calling 315.443.3275.

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University Event Parking To Go Cashless Beginning Dec. 6

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:59:58 +0000

Starting on Tuesday, Dec. 6, when the 黑料不打烊 men鈥檚 basketball team hosts Oakland University, fans will no longer need cash to pay for parking at campus events. The University鈥檚 Parking and Transportation Services department has transitioned to a cashless payment model in all University-owned lots and garages.

Accepted forms of payment include all major credit cards, as well as Google Pay and Apple Pay. The transition follows the move to cashless payment options , which took place in the fall of 2021.

The change will also affect the University鈥檚黑料不打烊 Stage lot on Irving Avenue. Stage visitors will first encounter the new system on Wednesday, Dec. 7, during that day鈥檚 showings of “Disney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid.”

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Additional Access to Live Theater at 黑料不打烊 Stage Made Possible by New Gift From M&T Bank

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 20:19:33 +0000

Central New Yorkers now have more opportunities to access live theater at thanks to support from M&T Bank.

With a $20,000 grant, the theater will be able to substantially increase the number of pay-what-you-will performances for each show remaining in its 2022/2023 season and will also bring back the Stage for All program. The two programs help ensure all community members have access to high quality live theater while removing cost as a barrier.

鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing like the joy that live entertainment brings. It鈥檚 a chance to join with family and friends, to unplug from our screens and to celebrate our vibrant arts community. We are proud to help bring that shared experience to as many members of our community as possible,鈥� says Steve Gorczynski, Central New York regional president, M&T Bank.

According to Americans for the Arts, the nation鈥檚 leading nonprofit organization for advancing arts and arts education, improving access to the arts not only provides benefits to the individual, such as decreased stress levels and social isolation, but research shows that the arts have benefits for communities as a whole.

Art consumption provides a common bridge that increases friendship, empathy and mutual trust by bringing generations together, encouraging partnerships and intercultural understanding. A five-year study of low-income Chicago neighborhoods by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation showed that access to the arts brought 5-10% increases in housing, population and school test scores, along with decreases in crime.

The M&T Bank Pay-What-You-Will Performance Program allows 76 tickets over the course of five days for each production to be available for whatever price patrons wish to pay. The pay-what-you-will performances are available on the following dates:

鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥�: Nov. 30-Dec. 4
鈥淓spejos: Clean鈥�: Feb. 15-19
鈥淥ur Town鈥�: March 29-April 2
鈥淭ender Rain鈥�: May 3-7
鈥淐濒耻别鈥�: June 7-11

Since the pay-what-you-will program鈥檚 inception in the 2017/2018 season, more than 1,100 tickets have been purchased at a price point that community members are able to pay. The grant from M&T Bank subsidizes the gap between the actual ticket price and the amount paid for a pay-what-you-will ticket, which averages between $7 and $8.

鈥淎t 黑料不打烊 Stage, we believe theater should be accessible to all,鈥� says Bob Hupp, artistic director, 黑料不打烊 Stage. 鈥淩egardless of the barrier to attendance, each of us should be able to enjoy the communal and transformational experience of sharing the intimacy of live theatre. This grant goes a long way in breaking down the barrier of price to our neighbors, and we鈥檙e grateful to M&T Bank for its generosity.鈥�

Pay-what-you-will tickets must be claimed in person at the Box Office, 820 E. Genesee St., 黑料不打烊, or by phone, 315.443.3275, on the day of the desired performance. The box office opens at 10 a.m. and remains open through the start of the show. There is a limit of two tickets per person, and they are subject to availability.

In addition to the pay-what-you-will performances, the M&T Bank Stage for All program connects 黑料不打烊 Stage to local community organizations. Deeply reduced ticket vouchers are provided to other local nonprofits to distribute to community members they serve. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children.

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黑料不打烊 Stage Celebrates the Holidays With ‘2 Ring Circus’ and 鈥楧isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥�

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:25:45 +0000

Put the 鈥渟ea鈥� in the holiday season with the family favorite musical 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥� at Nov. 25-Jan. 8. Tickets are available now at or through the Box Office (315.443.3275). All ticket purchases are protected by 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚鈥淲orry Free Guarantee,鈥� which provides automatic refunds to patrons if performances are canceled.

Based on the phenomenally popular 1989 animated motion picture (Academy Award winner for Best Score and Best Song 鈥淯nder the Sea鈥�), 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥� tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid determined to explore life beyond the depths of her watery home. A trip above the surface of the sea sets her on a romantic adventure filled with possibility and fraught with peril, as she enters into a dangerous bargain with the sea witch Ursula.

As the first princess released in the Disney Renaissance era, Ariel made a splash in 1989 for being the first modern heroine. The New York Times referred to her as 鈥渁 spunky daredevil,鈥� and Roger Ebert praised the character, 鈥淎riel is a fully realized female character who thinks and acts independently, even rebelliously.鈥�

In addition to 鈥淯nder the Sea,鈥� the vibrant score includes 鈥淧art of Your World,鈥� 鈥淜iss the Girl,鈥� 鈥淭he World Above,鈥� 鈥淪weet Child,鈥� 鈥淧oor Unfortunate Souls鈥� and many more sung by a beloved cast of characters including Flounder, Sebastian, Chef Louis, Scuttle and, of course, Prince Eric.

Co-produced with the , 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥� features a cast of 35 led by the accomplished performer Katie Emerson as Ariel. Emerson has performed the role previously under the direction of Melissa Rain Anderson, who returns to 黑料不打烊 Stage to guide this production.

Anderson says she believes this is a great tale to tell at the holidays because it offers an opportunity to 鈥済et behind a real hero鈥� who gives up her home and much more in order to fulfill her life.

鈥淚t shows just how strong you have to be to become who you are destined to be,鈥� she says.

Assisting Anderson in bringing the show to the stage is a creative team of talented designers and artists. 黑料不打烊 Stage veteran Brian Cimmet returns as music director and conducts an 11-piece orchestra. Choreography is by Adam Cates. Kimberly V. Powers is the scenic designer with fantastical costumes by Rafael Castanera and wigs by Jason Estrada. Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz is the lighting designer and 黑料不打烊 Stage veteran Jacqueline R. Herter is the sound designer.

The return of 鈥�2 Ring Circus鈥� to 黑料不打烊 Stage (鈥淭he Wizard of Oz,鈥� 2017) adds high-flying aerial excitement to the production. 2 Ring鈥檚 special circus skills and acrobatics make this production a version of the musical 鈥渘ot done by anyone before,鈥� says Anderson. 鈥淭he characters will dance in the air.鈥�

鈥淭he holiday time is a great time for families at 黑料不打烊 Stage,鈥� says Bob Hupp, artistic director, 黑料不打烊 Stage. 鈥淭his season is especially exciting as we welcome back 鈥�2 Ring Circus鈥� to help us create a truly magical production of 鈥楧isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid.鈥� Watching this cast light up the rehearsal room, I can鈥檛 wait for our community to see them on stage in this stunning production.鈥�

With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright, 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥� ran for 50 previews and 685 performances on Broadway from 2008-09. It received a Tony nomination for Best Original Score. It has had numerous productions around the world.

Special Events

Nov. 30-Dec. 4: M&T Bank Pay-What-You-Will Performances
There will be 76 tickets available for whatever price patrons wish to pay over the course of five days. Pay-what-you-will tickets must be claimed in person at the Box Office or by phone on the day of the performance wished to be seen, subject to availability. The Box Office opens at 10 a.m. Monday-Friday and noon on Saturday and Sunday and will remain open until the start of the show. There is a limit of four tickets per person.
Dec. 4 at 1 p.m.: Prologue (free for ticket holders at 2 p.m. performance)
A pre-show discussion with 黑料不打烊 Stage Artistic Director Bob Hupp, who will share behind-the-scenes information about 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥� one hour prior to curtain. The prologue will be held in the Sutton Pavilion.
Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.: Wednesday @ 1 Lecture (free for ticket holders at 2 p.m. performance)
Join Leo Rode, education coordinator at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, for a talk about the real-life under the sea creatures found in 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid.鈥� The lecture will be held in the Archbold Theatre.
Dec. 7: Open Captioning at 2 p.m. Performance for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing
Dec. 8: Happy Hour
Join us before the 7:30 p.m. performance for drink specials, complimentary appetizers and live entertainment, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Sutton Pavilion.
Dec. 10 at 1 p.m.: Prologue (free for ticket holders)
A pre-show discussion with 黑料不打烊 Stage Artistic Director Bob Hupp who will share behind-the-scenes information about 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥� one hour prior to curtain. The prologue will be held in the Sutton Pavilion.
Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.: American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted Performance at 2 p.m. for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing
Dec. 11: Actor Talkback (free for ticket holders at 7:30 p.m. performance)
A Q&A session with the actors following the 7:30 p.m. performance. The talkback will be held in the Archbold Theatre.
Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.: Prologue (free for ticket holders)
A pre-show discussion with 黑料不打烊 Stage Artistic Director Bob Hupp who will share behind-the-scenes information about 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥� one hour prior to curtain. The prologue will be held in the Sutton Pavilion.
Dec. 17: Audio Described Performance at 2 p.m. for patrons who are blind or visually impaired
Dec. 17: Open Captioning at 7:30 p.m. performance for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing
Dec. 18: Open Captioning at 2 p.m. performance for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing
Jan. 7 at 2 p.m.: Sensory Friendly Performance
The sensory friendly performance provides a welcoming environment that lets all patrons express themselves freely without judgment or inhibition. This live theatre experience invites and encourages individuals with autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dementia and sensory sensitivities to enjoy the performance in a “shush-free” zone. All tickets for the sensory friendly performance are $30 and include a 100% refund right up to the start of the show.

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New Plays, Series of Panel Discussions Highlight 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 Cold Read Festival

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 21:33:55 +0000

From left: “Draft/Pages” featured playwright Rogelio Martinez, “Solo Act” writer/performer Jessica Bashline, “In Process” playwright Ty Defoe and “Write Here” playwright Craig Thornton

Plays by Rogelio Martinez, Ty Defoe, Jessica Bashline and Craig Thornton highlight 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 2022/2023 Cold Read Festival of New Plays, Oct. 18-23.

Curated by Stage鈥檚 Associate Artistic Director Melissa Crespo, the festival features four readings performed live in the Archbold Theatre and, for the first time, a series of panel discussions streamed live online and addressing various topics related to the creation of new work for the stage.

Started in 2017 by Kyle Bass, who at the time was associate artistic director, the festival saw in-person events until it was canceled or moved online due to COVID. This year鈥檚 festival marks the first return to in person readings since 2019.

鈥淧laywrights need a launchpad to create new work and I鈥檓 proud to continue what Kyle started,鈥� says Crespo.

The four readings are 鈥淭he High Cost of Heating鈥� by Thornton (Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.), 鈥淥ur Words Are Seeds鈥� by Defoe (Oct. 22, 2 p.m.), 鈥淯苍迟颈迟濒别诲鈥� by Bashline (Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m.) and 鈥淭he National Pastime鈥� by Martinez (Oct. 23, 3 p.m.). Tickets are $5 for each reading and available at .org or at the Box Office (315-443-3275). Readings are free for 黑料不打烊 Stage subscribers.

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paula Vogel (鈥淗ow I Learned to Drive鈥�) and playwright Sarah Mantell (鈥淓verything that Never Happened鈥�) joins Crespo and Stage鈥檚 resident playwright Kyle Bass for the first panel discussion 鈥淥n the Future of New Plays,鈥� Oct. 18. On Oct. 19, lyricist and bookwriter Maggie-Kate Coleman and composer and actor Robi Hager discuss 鈥淐reating New Musicals鈥� with producers Ben Holtzman and Sammy Lopez (鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥�) and 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama faculty member Kathleen Wrinn. A discussion of 鈥淣ew Work for Young Audiences鈥� brings Defoe and Stage鈥檚 associate director of education Kate Laissle together with playwrights Dwayne Hartford (鈥淭he Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane鈥�) and Karen Zacar铆as (鈥淣ative Gardens鈥�) on Oct. 20. On Oct. 21, Eric Grode, the director of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication鈥檚 Goldring Arts Journalism and Communications Program, joins dramaturg Sarah Rose Leonard and writer Britanni Samuel, and co-editors of 3Views, for a panel 鈥淥n Theatre & Criticism.鈥� All discussions stream live online from noon to 1 p.m. (EST). Access is free of charge, advance registration required at or through the Box Office.

The Festival closes with a new event, an evening of free prose and poetry readings by writers from YMCA鈥檚 Downtown Writers Center at The Fitz on Salina St. (Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m.).

The start of the Cold Read Festival of New Plays at 黑料不打烊 Stage signaled a heightened commitment to supporting and developing new work at 黑料不打烊 Stage. Since then, that commitment has led to five world premiere productions: 鈥淧ossessing Harriet,鈥� 鈥淭houghts of a Colored Man鈥� (moved to Broadway in October 2021), 鈥淪omewhere Over the Border,鈥� 鈥渟alt/city/blues鈥� and this season鈥檚 acclaimed 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio.鈥� Later this season, Bass鈥� drama 鈥淭ender Rain鈥� will add a sixth world premiere.

The Cold Read Festival gives audiences the opportunity to experience the playwright at the beginning of their creative journey,鈥� said Bob Hupp, 黑料不打烊 Stage artistic director. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 expanded discussion series gives us a rare and exciting opportunity to hear from leading playwrights and artists from across the country. Together, the readings and conversations are a perfect way to experience the playwright鈥檚 craft.鈥�

FESTIVAL EVENTS SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, OCT. 18, NOON

Live Streamed Panel Discussion: On the Future of New Plays

This live conversation offers a rare opportunity to witness how creative artists envision a future and develop new work. How do these writers generate new ideas? What will playwriting look like in a post-COVID-19 America? How will their work impact the future of playwriting?

Panelists:

, Resident Playwright, 黑料不打烊 Stage (鈥淭ender Rain,鈥� 鈥淧ossessing Harriet鈥�)

Melissa Crespo, Associate Artistic Director, 黑料不打烊 Stage

, Playwright (鈥淓verything That Never Happened,鈥� 鈥淭he Good Guys鈥�)

, Playwright (鈥淚ndecent,鈥� 鈥淗ow I Learned to Drive,鈥� Pulitzer Prize Winner)

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19, NOON

Live Streamed Panel Discussion: Creating New Musicals

What goes into making a new musical? From the classroom to Broadway, musical theatre creators discuss the trials and triumphs of what it takes to make a musical.

Panelists:

, Artistic Director, Polyphone Festival; Playwright; Lyricist; Bookwriter (Jonathan Larson Award Recipient)

, Composer (鈥淟ittle Duende鈥�); Performer (Original Broadway cast of 鈥淪pring Awakening鈥�)

, Producer, Co-Founder of P3 Productions

. Producer, Co-Founder of P3 Productions

, Assistant Professor of Musical Theater, 黑料不打烊 Department of Dram

THURSDAY, OCT. 20, NOON

Live Streamed Panel Discussion: New Work for Young Audiences

What does it mean to create and present theatre for young audiences and families? Why is it important to engage young audiences at an early age? Join us for a live discussion about the creation and future of Theatre for Young Audiences.

Panelists:

, Playwright (鈥淥ur Words Are Seeds鈥�); Performer; Composer

, Playwright (鈥淭he Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane鈥�); Artistic Director, Childsplay

Kate Laissle, Associate Director of Education, 黑料不打烊 Stage

, Playwright (鈥淣ative Gardens鈥�); Founding Artistic Director, Young Playwrights Theater

FRIDAY, OCT. 21, NOON

Live Streamed Panel Discussion: On Theatre and Criticism

Theatre has managed to scrape by in our ongoing pandemic, but with all of the challenges facing live performance, where does criticism fit? Join our live discussion about the state of theatre and how critics navigate an ever-changing landscape.

Panelists:

, Director, Goldring Arts Journalism and Communications Program, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Sarah Rose, Leonard Freelance Dramaturg and Co-Editor of 3Views

, Freelance Writer and Co-Editor of 3Views

FRIDAY, OCT. 21, 7:30 p.m.

In Person Reading: Write Here 鈥� A reading of a new play by a local playwright

鈥淭he High Cost of Heating鈥�

By Craig Thornton

Directed by Melissa Crespo

In this hilarious and chilling absurdist play, 鈥淭he High Cost of Heating,鈥� a seemingly affluent couple is disturbed by their large heating bill but quickly grow terrified as it starts to physically grow and take over their home. Familiar class issues of work, marriage, and lifestyle are pushed aside as more primal needs鈥攆or heat, shelter and food鈥攖ake over, in increasingly ridiculous and nightmarish ways. As a crypto-fascist army of marching salami sandwiches breaks into their home, the two are reduced to cawing like crows and feeding off croutons, with only their shared terror in the face of the unknown providing any sort of humanity鈥� or hope.

Craig Thornton studied dramatic writing at New York University (BFA), The American Film Institute and Godard College (MFA). His first play 鈥淵oo-Hoo Sheila鈥� was produced in New York City shortly after his graduation from Tisch School of the Arts. Other full productions include 鈥淗appy Birthday, Tina Marie鈥� (LA and NYC),鈥� The Sweet Life,鈥� 鈥淲e鈥檙e a Close Family,鈥� 鈥淟ife on the Lawn鈥� (LA), 鈥淭he Moment,鈥� 鈥淚n My Shoes,鈥� productions or staged readings have occurred in Phoenix; Kenosha, Wisconsin; Bangor, Maine; and upstate New York: Watertown, Buffalo, Rochester and 黑料不打烊. His docudrama 鈥淚n My Shoes鈥� telling true stories of teenagers whose parents were actively deployed during conflict in the Middle East was featured in a national story on CNN and referenced in a congressional study on military communities. Several of his plays have been finalists in nationally recognized playwriting contests, most notably, 鈥淭he High Cost of Heating;鈥� The New Works Festival, The Northern Writes Festival, The Riva Shiner Award, Screencraft Stageplay and runner-up for the Yale Drama Series prize; considered one of the most competitive and prestigious international play competitions. 鈥淲hat We Hold Onto鈥� which was developed at the HBO workspace was a finalist at The O鈥橬eil National Playwrights Conference. His career in television has been recognized with two New York State Broadcasters Association Awards, an AP award and two 黑料不打烊 press Club Awards. Other awards include NYSTA and TANYS and a MacDowell Colony Fellowship. He is a former artist in residence at Empire State College where he taught in the wounded warrior unit at Fort Drum guiding soldiers through memoirs. Also a screenwriter with several features optioned, he currently teaches screenwriting at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at 黑料不打烊.

听SATURDAY, OCT. 22, 2 p.m.

In Person Reading: In-Process 鈥� A new play in-process that will premiere later this season

鈥淥ur Words Are Seeds鈥�

By Ty Defoe

Directed by Joann Yarrow

鈥淥ur Words Are Seeds鈥� explores the past, present and future of Shenandoah, an Oneida Nation, non-binary and self-proclaimed Indigi-nerd teenager, and their great-great-grandmother, who started their family calling of writing letters to the United States Government demanding land back. Watch as Shenandoah鈥檚 and their ancestors鈥� struggles intersect, and as Shenandoah connects with the Water of Onondaga Lake to find their voice and create a call to action for their generation to protect, defend, and acknowledge the Haudenosaunee Nation, their traditions, and the land we all share.

Ty Defoe (Giizhig) is from the Oneida and Ojibwe Nations. He is a Grammy award-winning composer, a librettist, interdisciplinary artist, actor, Broadway choreographer, eagle dancer and hoop dancer. Ty interweaves artistic projects with social justice, indigeneity, trans rights, Indigi-Queering and environmentalism. Awards, residencies and fellowships: 2022 The Kennedy Center’s 鈥淣ext 50,鈥� 2021 Helen Merrill Award-winner, TransLab Fellow, Robert Rauschenberg Artist in Residence, Jonathan Larson Award, Cordillera International Film Festival Finalist, 2021 Cultural Capital Fellow, Eugene O鈥橬eill Theater Center finalist and the ASCAP Musical Theater Workshop. Ty鈥檚 songs have been featured at: Lincoln Center, Joe鈥檚 Pub, Ars Nova, 54 Below, The Met, and The Kennedy Center. Ty鈥檚 theatrical work has been presented at: Guthrie Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Yale Institute of Musical Theater, La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, Native Voices at the Autry, The New Victory Theater, First Stage, The Millennium celebration in Cairo, Egypt; International Music Festival in Ankara, Turkey; and Festival of World Cultures in Dubai. Works: 鈥淭ransWorld,鈥� 鈥淩ed Pine,鈥� 鈥淭he Way They Lived,鈥� 鈥淎jijaak on Turtle Island,鈥� 鈥淗ear Me Say My Name,鈥� 鈥淗art Island Requiem,鈥� 鈥淐louds are Pillows for the Moon,鈥� 鈥淲ind Changes Direction,鈥� 鈥淏efore the Land Eroded,鈥� 鈥淏asketBall Is ‘War, Minus the Shooting’ In Sectarian Lebanon,鈥� 鈥淩iver of Stone,鈥� 鈥淔irebird Tattoo,鈥� 鈥淭rial and Tears鈥� (with Dawn Avery) and 鈥淭he Lesson鈥� (with Nolan Doran and Avi Amon). Ty is a core member of All My Relations Collective, recent piece: 鈥淕IZHIBAA GIIZHIG | Revolving Sky

SATURDAY, OCT. 22, 7:30 p.m.

In Person Reading: Solo Act鈥� An intimate workshop production of a new piece

听鈥淯苍迟颈迟濒别诲鈥�

Written and performed by Jessica Bashline

Directed by Margaret Ledford

Almost 10 years ago Jessica found herself on a journey, discovering the truth about the history of reproductive rights in Pre-Roe United States. Learning about the past allowed her to confront her own present, and ask questions about our future.

Jessica Bashline is an Assistant Professor of Theater at the University of Miami, where she teaches acting and theater creation. She was the Artistic Director and co-founder of听, a theater company in New York City dedicated to creating magical new theater that ignites in audiences and artists, the power of possibility. In addition she was the Consulting Artistic Director of the听听when it opened in downtown Manhattan, curating a full season for 2 theaters. Before that she served as the Artistic Director of Wingspan Arts, an arts education company in New York City.

Bashline works primarily as a freelance theater director specializing in new play and musical development, her favorite credits include;听鈥淟oving Repeating鈥澨�(NYC Premiere),听鈥淟ife of the Party鈥澨�(NYU-Premiere Production of Larry O鈥橩eefe & Nell Benjamin鈥檚 new musical), at NYU Steinhardt 鈥淕ypsy,鈥� 鈥淢idsummer Night鈥檚 Dream,鈥� 鈥淭welfth Night,鈥澨齱ith Strange Sun听鈥淐loser Than You Think鈥澨�(World Premiere),听鈥淭he Drowning Girls鈥澨�(NYC Premiere).

As a playwright Bashline has written two full length pieces.听鈥淲ickedest Woman,鈥澨齌he story of Ann Lohman, midwife and abortionist in the 1800鈥檚 in NYC. Finalist, Scrap Mettle Arts Playwrights Festival, Production January 2019 NYC, and slated for publication Spring 2021.听听鈥淕arden of Memories鈥澨齮he story of siblings dealing with the loss of their mother and the acceptance of their past. Runner Up W. Keith Hedrick Award at HRC Showcase Theater and Semi-Finalist, Trustus New Playwrights Festival 2016.

In addition to her work as a director and playwright, Bashline is an accomplished acting coach, focusing primarily on audition coaching and musical theater work.听 She also works with people in all professions to incorporate theater techniques into their daily lives, as a means of self-expression and empowerment.

鈥婤ashline has a BFA in Acting from Boston University and an MFA from Goddard College. Her practical focus has been on theater creation, primarily directing. Her research focuses on both feminist theater and progressive pedagogical approaches to teaching acting and directing, on both the university and high school levels.

SUNDAY, OCT. 23, 3 p.m.

In Person Reading: Draft/Pages鈥� A first-ever reading of a 黑料不打烊 Stage commission

听“The National Pastime鈥�

By Rogelio Martinez

Directed by Margarett Perry

In 2017 the Houston Astros were stealing signs and banging on a garbage can. They would go on to win the World Series. In 2017, a mysterious illness that came to be known as Havana Syndrome started to attack embassy officials in Havana. Havana Syndrome would lead to the emptying of the American embassy in Havana. In 鈥淭he National Pastime,鈥� baseball and espionage come together in an atmosphere of secrets and paranoia.

Rogelio Martinez is an award-winning playwright whose plays have been workshopped and produced in theaters across the country and abroad. His play, 鈥淏orn In East Berlin,鈥� was first performed at the Stasi Museum, Berlin in both English and German, and then premiered at San Francisco Playhouse in February 2020. More recently, Martinez worked on 鈥淭he Seven Deadly Sins鈥� project for Miami New Drama. It was the largest theatrical production allowed by equity during the pandemic. It won the Drama League Award – Outstanding Interactive or Socially-Distanced Theater. In 2021, Martinez worked on a new television project for Tom Fontana, based on the book, 鈥淵ear of Dangerous Days.鈥� His play, 鈥淏lind Date,鈥� was produced at the Goodman Theatre under the direction of Tony nominee Robert Falls, with Tony Award winning actress Deanna Dunagan playing the role of Nancy Reagan, and was awarded an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award. Martinez is a recipient of a 2017 Guggenheim Fellowship, Princess Grace Award, and a Mid-Career Fellowship at the Lark Theater Company. His work has been workshopped and commissioned by various theaters across the country including the Public Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Mark Taper Forum, South Coast Repertory, Atlantic Theater Company, Arden Theater, Asolo Repertory, and Ojai Theater Company, and many more. Martinez鈥檚 plays include 鈥淚lluminating Veronica,鈥� 鈥淎rrivals and Departures,鈥� 鈥淎ll Eyes and Ears,鈥� 鈥淏lind Date鈥� (all published by Broadway Play Publishing). This year Broadway Play Publishing will publish 鈥淏orn in East Berlin,鈥� and 鈥淚 Regret She鈥檚 Made of Sugar鈥� (Princess Grace Winner). He is an alumnus of New Dramatists. Martinez teaches undergraduate playwriting at NYU and has also written for children鈥檚 television. Martinez was born in Sancti-Spiritus, Cuba and came to this country on the Mariel boatlift.

SUNDAY, OCT. 23, 7:30 p.m.

In Person Event: Open Mic Night 鈥� Festival Closing Celebration

听Celebrate the end of the festival with 黑料不打烊 Stage partners at The Fitz in downtown 黑料不打烊 (321 S. Salina St.) for an evening of poetry and prose with students from the writing community at the YMCA’s Downtown Writers Center.

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Department of Drama Opens 2022/2023 Season With 鈥楽weet Charity鈥�

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 20:41:13 +0000

The begins the 2022/2023 season on Oct. 15 with the popular musical 鈥淪weet Charity鈥� directed by David Lowenstein and choreographed by Kira Schmidt-Carper, with musical direction by Brian Cimmet. Performances will be held Oct. 15-23 in the 黑料不打烊 Stage/SU Drama Complex at 820 East Genesee St. Tickets are available through the or by phone at 315.443.3275.

Written by Neil Simon with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, 鈥淪weet Charity鈥� is an integral part of the musical theater lore of Gwen Verdon and Bob Fosse, filled with great songs and plenty of humor. Some of the original show鈥檚 dazzling choreography is incorporated in the Department of Drama鈥檚 current production with 鈥淩ich Man鈥檚 Frug鈥� guest-choreographed by Verdon Fosse Legacy Dancer Lloyd Culbreath. And featuring such famous tunes as 鈥淏ig Spender,鈥� 鈥淚f My Friends Could See Me Now,鈥� 鈥淚鈥檓 a Brass Band鈥� and 鈥淏aby, Dream Your Dream,鈥� this treasure from the 鈥�60s is packed with heart, energy and genuine affection for the art of musical theater.

Self-acceptance and self-discovery are major themes throughout this season’s productions according to Department Chair Ralph Zito, and 鈥淪weet Charity鈥� is no exception. At the heart of 鈥淪weet Charity鈥� is Charity Hope Valentine, romantic and optimistic, who is trying to make a life for herself in the big, bad city. In moments of intense dance and song, audiences will see Charity on a quest for transformative self-love. Lowenstein wants audiences to remember that the Fosse-filled energy, glitz and glam of this hit musical come with a deeper message: 鈥淭he search for love is always a worthwhile goal.鈥�

The message of self-love extends beyond the stage, however, as Schmidt-Carper, alongside Lowenstein and the production team, worked to create a rehearsal atmosphere packed with dance wellness and joy. 鈥淭his show is a celebration of self,鈥� says Schmidt-Carper. 鈥淎nd this company鈥檚 work on and off stage is no different.鈥�

Show Details for ‘Sweet Charity’

Book by Neil Simon
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano
Directed by David Lowenstein
Music directed by Brian Cimmet
Choreographed by Kiira Schmidt-Carper
Scenic design by Jason Zong (he/him)
Costume design by Adeline Santello (she/her)
Lighting design by Ben Wolfe (he/him)
Sound design by Jacqueline R. Herter (she/her)
Dialect coaching by Blake Segal (he/him)
Fight/stunt choreography by Alec Barbour (he/him)
Intimacy choreography by Hannah Roccisano
Dramaturg: Carrie DeGraw (she/her)
Stage manager: Emma Yehle (she/her)

Cast

Katarina Kelly (she/her) as Charity
Stella Schwartz (she/her) as Nickie
Olivia Lacie Andrews (she/her) as Helene
Sarah Bottino (they/she) as Herman
Jay Owens (he/him) as Vittorio Vidal, Daddy Brubeck
Sammy Haines (he/him) as Oscar
Charlotte Bush (she/her) as Ursula, ensemble
Jess Ceretta (she/her)鈥攅nsemble
Eve Dillingham (she/her)鈥攅nsemble
Rachel Langetieg (she/her)鈥攅nsemble
Gabriela Moncivais (she/her)鈥攅nsemble
Sofia Swensen (she/her)鈥攅nsemble
Shaun Collins (he/him)鈥攅nsemble
Michael Di Leo (he/him)鈥攅nsemble
Tobias Rytting (he/him)鈥攅nsemble
Truman Tinius (he/him)鈥攅nsemble
Isaiah Tucker (he/they)鈥攅nsemble
Dylan Knight Weaver (he/him) as Charlie, ensemble

Swings

Ethan Clark Davis (he/him), McKay Marshall (she/her), Axel Vera (he/him)

Understudies

Jess Cerretta (Helene)
Rachel Langetieg (Nickie)
Gabriela Moncivais (Charity)
Michael Di Leo (Herman)
Tobias Rytting (Vittorio Vidal, Daddy Brubeck)
Dylan Knight Weaver (Oscar)

Performances

Friday, Oct. 14, 8 p.m. (preview)
Saturday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m. (opening)
Sunday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2 p.m. (Open captioned)
Saturday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m. (ASL interpreted)

Additional Credits

Dance captain: Rachel Langetieg
Assistant director: Ethan Harpole (he/him)
Assistant choreographer: Emma Sucato (she/her)
Assistant scenic designer: Luke Blumencranz (he/him)
Assistant costume designer: Lillian Benge (she/her)
Assistant lighting designers: Brooklyn Green (she/her), Mabel McPhee
Assistant sound designer: Jay Korter
Assistant stage managers: Mia Font-Lorie (she/her), Emily Kellner (she/her)
Casting associates: Carrie DeGraw, Anthony Islam
Casting assistant: Ellen Kingman
Wigs provided by Wigboys

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Performances of 黑料不打烊 Stage’s 鈥楬ow To Dance in Ohio鈥� Cut Short Due to COVID Cases in the Cast

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:34:39 +0000

announced that its groundbreaking, world-premiere production of 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥� will be cut short due to numerous COVID-19 cases in the company. Despite regular testing, stringent adherence to Actors Equity Association鈥檚 COVID protocols and an above-standard number of understudies in place, proceeding with performances has become impossible with the number of positive cases. The production was originally scheduled to play through Sunday, Oct. 9. Plans for future productions at locations outside of 黑料不打烊 will be announced at a later date.

黑料不打烊 Stage will contact all ticketholders directly about the cancelation. Automatic refunds will be issued for the full value of tickets. Ticketholders will receive an email when the refund is processed. There is no need to contact the Box Office to receive a refund. If patrons have questions, they can contact the Box Office at 315.443.3275, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

鈥淓ven with understudies and continual attempts by the production team to find a way forward, we have run out of viable options to proceed,鈥� says Jill Anderson, managing director. 鈥淲e are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this news brings to the 鈥極hio鈥� team and patrons.鈥�

Robert Hupp, artistic director, says that Stage intends to continue with live theater throughout the remainder of the season beginning this month with the Cold Read Festival of New Plays, Oct. 18-23.

鈥淲e are heartbroken by this turn of events that prevents us from welcoming patrons to our last week of performances for 鈥楬ow to Dance in Ohio,鈥欌€� says Hupp. 鈥淲e thank everyone who joined us for this world premiere, and we look forward to seeing what鈥檚 in store for this exceptional production that started right here in 黑料不打烊.鈥�

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Department of Drama Announces the 2022/2023 Season

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:10:12 +0000

The听 announced the schedule for the 2022/2023 season, which kicks off on Oct. 15 with the popular musical “Sweet Charity,” Oct. 15-23 in the听黑料不打烊 Stage/Drama Theater Complex.

In addition to 鈥淪weet Charity,鈥� the shows that make up the six-play subscription season include “Failure: A Love Story” (Nov. 12-19), “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” (Nov. 25-Jan. 8 and co-produced with 黑料不打烊 Stage), 鈥淏arbecue” (Feb. 18-26), “Dance Nation” (March 25-April 2) and “Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical” (April 28-May 7).

Six-play subscriptions and flexible four packs are on sale now online through the , or by calling 315.443.3275.

Ralph Zito is chair of 黑料不打烊’s Department of Drama.

鈥淚 am delighted to bring our audiences a season of live theater filled with a wide array of love stories 鈥� stories that look beyond and behind romance to explore the transformational power of many kinds of love: familial love, self-love, self-acceptance and self-discovery,鈥� says Ralph Zito, Department of Drama chair.

“Sweet Charity,”听directed by David Lowenstein with choreography by Kira Schmidt-Carper and musical direction by Brian Cimmet, was written by Neil Simon with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. 鈥淪weet Charity鈥� is an integral part of the musical theater lore of Gwen Verdon and Bob Fosse, filled with great songs, dazzling choreography and plenty of humor. At its heart is Charity Hope Valentine, romantic and optimistic, who is trying to make a life for herself in the big, bad city. Featuring such famous tunes as 鈥淏ig Spender,鈥� 鈥淚f My Friends Could See Me Now,鈥� 鈥淚鈥檓 a Brass Band鈥� and 鈥淏aby, Dream Your Dream,鈥� this treasure from the 60s is packed with heart, energy and genuine affection for the art of musical theater.

Up next is “Failure: A Love Story,” directed by Thom Miller. In one scene, a character asks, 鈥淚f you knew how long you had, would you be able to live your life?鈥� Written by playwright Philip Dawkins, this bittersweet consideration is at the center of this whimsical and profound, simple and elegant play. In Chicago in 1928, the three Fail sisters鈥擭elly, Jenny June and Gerty鈥攎eet untimely ends, but their unfortunate fates are tempered by the richness of life and love. With echoes of Thornton Wilder and tinged with the nostalgia of popular songs from a bygone era, this delicately romantic and funny play reminds us that 鈥渏ust because something ends, doesn鈥檛 mean it wasn鈥檛 a great success.鈥� Dawkins is a Chicago-based playwright and educator currently working on an American English translation of Michel Tremblay鈥檚鈥�Messe Solennelle Pour Une Pleine Lune D’茅t茅鈥� and an audio play for Audible.com

The holiday co-production with 黑料不打烊 Stage is the beloved family musical 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid,鈥� directed by Melissa Rain Anderson, choreographed by Adam Cates, with musical direction by Brian Cimmet.听鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid,鈥� written by Doug Wright, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, is a deep dive into musical family fun with Ariel, Sebastian, and all the watery gang from this beloved tale. With spectacular aerial acrobatics provided by 2 Ring Circus (鈥淭he Wizard of Oz,鈥� 2017), this production promises enough thrills and delights for landlubbers of all ages.

The spring semester begins with 鈥淏arbecue,鈥� a satirical and insightful play from the pen of Robert O’Hara, the no-holds-barred playwright, and is directed by Gilbert McCauley. It features the O鈥橫allery family: five siblings鈥攆our sisters, one brother鈥攁ll with various addictions, dependencies and issues, one with perhaps more than the others. Is a surprise intervention at a family picnic on behalf of the 鈥渢roubled鈥� one a good idea? If so, why does the brother arrive with a taser? Starting with the O鈥橫allerys themselves, this is a play full of surprises and very good theatrical ideas from the most appropriately inappropriate satirist in American theater today. In addition to his playwriting, O鈥橦ara has achieved success as a director. He was nominated for the 2020 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for 鈥淪lave Play鈥� and recently helmed 鈥淎 Long Day鈥檚 Journey into Night鈥� off-Broadway.

The 2017 Susan Blackburn Prize-winner Clare Barron says her play 鈥溾€楧ance Nation鈥� is a play about 13-year-old girls. It鈥檚 also a play about women, ambition and desire.鈥� Directed by Katherine McGerr, “Dance Nation is set in the pressure cooker milieu of an impending national dance competition. Barron takes us into the insular world of a team from Liverpool, Ohio, to expose their rivalries, competitiveness, support and joy, and to reveal not only their sensitivities and insecurities but their fierce undeniable power. A refreshingly unorthodox play that conveys the joy and abandon of dancing, while addressing the changes to body and mind of its characters as they peer over the precipice toward adulthood. Barron is a playwright and actor from Wenatchee, Washington. In addition to being a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for 鈥淒ance Nation,鈥� she also won the 2015 Obie Award for Playwriting for 鈥淵ou Got Older.鈥�

The season concludes with Sarah Ruhl鈥檚鈥淢elancholy Play: A Chamber Musical,鈥� directed by Rebecca Aparicio.听Who says sadness isn鈥檛 fun? Certainly not Ruhl, an award-winning playwright. In her absurd, sensual and heartfelt 鈥淢elancholy Play: A Chamber Musical,鈥� Ruhl endows melancholy with aphrodisiac power in the person of Tilly, a bank teller whose lingering sadness attracts everyone around her. So acute is the attraction that when Tilly suddenly finds happiness, she throws the others into despair. One even transforms into an almond. Yes, the nut. It will be up to Tilly to restore her. With characteristic whimsy and nuanced seriousness, Ruhl considers the many different ways to find joy and how sadness is a necessary component of happiness. Ruhl is a playwright and essayist. Her most popular works include 鈥淓urydice,鈥� 鈥淭he Clean House鈥� and 鈥淚n the Next Room.鈥� She received a MacArthur Fellowship and the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater Award for being a distinguished American playwright.

鈥淎s always, our young artists continue to entertain and inspire us as they work with their mentors鈥攂oth from within the faculty and from the wider professional field鈥攖o deepen their understanding of the art of storytelling. They are eager to share what they鈥檝e learned, and we are eager to have you join us,” Zito says.

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黑料不打烊 Stage to Hold General Auditions for 2022-23 Season

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:15:56 +0000

will host general auditions for local Equity and Non-Equity actors on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 E. Genesee St.

黑料不打烊 Stage is seeking local actors for several upcoming performance opportunities as part of its Cold Read Festival of New Plays (Oct. 18-23), 鈥淥ur Town鈥� (March 20-April 16, 2023), and other opportunities that may become available over the course of the season.

Auditioners should note that productions include a significant number of morning student matinees in addition to evening performances. Auditioners must sign up for an audition online using . For more information, contact Cynthia Reid at cjmoor02@syr.edu.

Actors 18 and up of all ethnicities are strongly encouraged to audition. All actors are required to bring a picture and resume. Actors should prepare two contrasting monologues or one monologue and 32 bars of a song, not to exceed four minutes. Singers should bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided.

Auditions for children will be held at a later date.

The Cold Read Festival, to be held Oct. 18-23, is a new play development program featuring work from some of the freshest voices writing for theatre today. It is curated by Melissa Crespo, and participants include Rogelio Martinez, Draft/Pages featured playwright-in-residence; Priyanka Shetty, Solo Act featured artist; Ty Defoe, In Process playwright; and Craig Scott Thornton, Write Here artist.

“Our Town,” by Thornton Wilder, will be presented March 20-April 16, 2023, and directed by Robert Hupp, artistic director of 黑料不打烊 Stage.

鈥淭he life of a village against the life of the stars鈥� is how Wilder described his heralded masterpiece. 鈥淚t is an attempt,鈥� he wrote, 鈥渢o find a value above all price for the smallest events in our daily life.鈥� He succeeded with this graceful and poetic play鈥攁 heartfelt call to cherish every unimportant moment we鈥檙e together and to embrace the true wonder and brevity of being alive. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? Whether in Grover鈥檚 Corners, New Hampshire, at the turn of the 20^th century, or 黑料不打烊, New York, in 2023, Wilder鈥檚 enduring classic asks us to stop and ponder what truly matters, and to consider that for a great many of us the answers will be the same.

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黑料不打烊 Stage Adds Sensory Friendly Performances to 2022-23 Season

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 20:12:27 +0000

In its commitment to better serve all of the Central New York community, has announced the addition of two sensory friendly performances to the 2022-23 season: 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥� on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and 鈥淐濒耻别鈥� on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. A sensory friendly performance for 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid鈥� was already scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Single tickets and a are available now.

Sensory friendly performances are designed to welcome patrons who live with neurodiversity, such as autism or other sensory sensitivity needs, by creating a judgment-free atmosphere in the theater. During the performance, house lights will be dimmed but not turned out completely, patrons may move about as necessary for their comfort, and patrons will not be discouraged from vocalizing during the performance.

In addition, fidget toys and other materials will be provided for patrons. Trained support staff will be on hand to assist and quiet rooms and 鈥渃ool down鈥� spaces away from the theatre will be available.

Depending on the content and production elements, changes also may be made to the onstage performance. These could include modifying or eliminating some lighting and/or sound effects and editing content from scenes. These modifications will vary depending on the show.

鈥淎s a mother with a child with autism, this offering is such a blessing to have families experience theatre together,鈥� says Joann Yarrow, director of community engagement and education for 黑料不打烊 Stage. 鈥淥ver the years, my family and so many other families have come to appreciate not only the sensory accommodations made but even more so the welcoming and non-judgmental environment.鈥�

Since 2016, 黑料不打烊 Stage has been offering a sensory friendly performance for the holiday musicals. The success of these performances over the past few seasons and the overwhelmingly positive patron response to them has encouraged Stage鈥檚 leadership to expand the service to include other shows in the season.

鈥淎fter seeing how successful our sensory friendly series has been, we knew it would be important to continue to welcome families back this season who may not be comfortable attending a traditional performance,鈥� says Robert Hupp, artistic director. 鈥淭he joy and communal experience of live theatre is something that we want everyone to be able to enjoy. That鈥檚 why we expanded to three shows this year.鈥�

All tickets for sensory friendly performances are $30 and may be returned or exchanged up to performance time. A sensory friendly subscription package that includes a ticket to each performance is also available for $90, allowing patrons to save on ticketing fees. Tickets and subscriptions may be purchased through the Box Office (315-443-3275) or at , where information about all of 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 is available.

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Department of Drama Alumni Bring Tony Winning Creative Team to 黑料不打烊 Stage

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 18:46:20 +0000

Producers Ben Holtzman ’13 (he/him), Sammy Lopez ’13 (he/him), Fiona Howe Rudin (she/her) and 黑料不打烊 Stage announce that are now on sale for the world premiere musical 鈥溾€� With rehearsals scheduled to begin in 黑料不打烊 in August, the full creative team has been finalized.

鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥� is inspired by Alexandra Shiva鈥檚 Peabody Award-winning documentary of the same name. With book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik (she/her), music by Jacob Yandura (he/him), choreography by Mayte Natalio (she/her) and direction by Sammi Cannold (she/her), 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥� is scheduled as the 2022/2023 season opener at 黑料不打烊 Stage and will run Sept. 21 to Oct. 9, 2022. Tickets are available at or at the 黑料不打烊 Stage Box Office (315-443-3275).

The full creative team includes scenic designer Robert Brill (鈥淐abaret,鈥� 鈥淎in鈥檛 Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations,鈥� 鈥淭houghts of a Colored Man鈥�) co-costume designers Sarafina Bush (鈥淔or Colored Girls . . .鈥�) and Michael Ryan Andolsek, lighting designer Bradley King (Tony Awards 鈥淗adestown鈥� and 鈥淣atasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812鈥�) and sound designer Connor Wang. Music direction is by Lily Ling (she/her) with music supervision by Matt Gallagher. Scott Rowen (he/him) is the production stage manager and Laura Jane Collins (she/her) the assistant stage manager. Mary McGowan (she/her) is the associate director, Justin Prescott (he/him) the associate choreographer, and Nicole D鈥橝ngelo (they/she) the music associate.

The 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥� cast includes Tony Award-winning 鈥淩ent鈥� star Wilson Jermaine Heredia (he/him), Broadway veterans and seven autistic actors. Heredia leads the cast as Dr. Emilio Amigo, alongside Haven Burton (she/her; 鈥淪hrek the Musical,鈥� 鈥淰iolet鈥�) as Teresa, Darlesia Cearcy (she/her; 鈥淪huffle Along,鈥� 鈥淥nce On This Island鈥�) as Johanna, Carlos L. Encinias (he/him; 鈥淟es Mis茅rables,鈥� 鈥淢amma Mia!鈥�) as Kurt, Desmond Edwards (he/him) as Remy, Amelia Fei (she/her) as Caroline, Nick Gaswirth (he/him; 鈥淣atasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812鈥�) as Michael, Melina Kalomas (she/her) as Amy, Madison Kopec (she/her) as Marideth, Liam Pearce (he/him) as Drew, Marina Pires (she/her; 鈥淎laddin,鈥� 鈥淥n Your Feet!鈥�) as Ashley Amigo, Imani Russell (they/them) as Melissa, Conor Tague (he/him) as Tommy, and Ashley Wool (she/her) as Jessica. Elana Babbitt (she/her), Corrine Ferrer (she/her), and Zach Simpson (he/him) are the understudies. Imri Leshed (they/he) and Nicole Fazia (they/she) are the swings.

鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥� is a heartwarming new musical that explores what it means to belong, the courage it takes to put yourself out in the world, and the universal need to connect. Based on Shiva鈥檚 award-winning documentary, produced by HBO in 2015, the musical follows the challenges and exhilarations faced by a group of seven autistic young adults at a counseling center in Columbus, Ohio. With the support of clinical psychologist Dr. Emilio Amigo, the center arranges a spring formal dance, and encourages them as they encounter love, fear, stress, excitement and hope, along the path to human connection.

Through a dedication to authentic autistic representation, the musical鈥檚 creators adhere closely to the documentary鈥檚 narrative and spirit, offering a visible platform for autistic actors in a way that has never happened before in a new musical, both on and off the stage. Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt (she/her) serves as the production鈥檚 ASD creative consultant with Becky Leifman ’10 (she/her) as the director of community engagement. Additional administrative support will be provided by associate producer Jeremy Wein (he/him), assistant producer Keara Moon (she/her) and producing intern Pua Tanielu (she/her).

The musical was originally developed with the legendary Broadway director Harold Prince and is dedicated to his instrumental work on the project. The production has received support from the Prince Fellowship and the Shubert Organization鈥檚 Artistic Circle. Holtzman, Leifman and Lopez are alumni of 黑料不打烊.

About P3 Productions
is a Tony Award-winning producing team led by Ben Holtzman (he/him), Sammy Lopez (he/him), and Fiona Howe Rudin (she/her). Upcoming Productions: How to Dance in Ohio (World Premiere: 黑料不打烊 Stage), Gun & Powder, Midsummer, Bradical, and projects with award-winning artists John Leguizamo and Shakina Nayfack. Select Co-Producing/Investment credits: Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, A Christmas Carol, Be More Chill, The Kite Runner, and A Strange Loop (with A Choir Full Productions), and others. Keara Moon (she/her) serves as the company鈥檚 assistant producer with Pua Tanielu (she/her) as the producing intern.

About 黑料不打烊 Stage
Founded in 1974, 黑料不打烊 Stage is the non-profit, professional theatre company in residence at 黑料不打烊. It is nationally recognized for creating stimulating theatrical work that engages Central New York and significantly contributes to the artistic life of 黑料不打烊, where it is a vital partner in achieving the educational mission of the University鈥檚 Department of Drama. 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 mission is to tell stories that engage, entertain and inspire people to see life beyond their own experience.听Each season 70,000 patrons enjoy an adventurous mix of new plays, and bold interpretations of classics and musicals, featuring the finest theatre artists. In addition, Stage maintains a vital educational outreach program that annually serves more than 21,000 students from 16 counties. 黑料不打烊 Stage is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance (ACLA), the University Hill Corporation and the East Genesee Regent Association. 黑料不打烊 Stage is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country.

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黑料不打烊 Stage Concludes Season With Performances of 鈥荣补濒迟/肠颈迟测/产濒耻别蝉鈥� and 鈥楾he Most Beautiful Home鈥aybe鈥�

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 22:01:33 +0000

concludes the 2021/2022 season with a new play on the mainstage, an original play about housing insecurity in America and partnerships with and 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Juneteenth celebration. Corollary events around the shows and partnership include artist talks and panel discussions at 黑料不打烊 Stage and the Everson Museum.

Collectively, the shows and added events focus attention on important concerns for the 黑料不打烊 community, especially relating to the history of the 15th Ward and the impact of the construction and impending dismantling of the I-81 overpass.

The main components of the partnership are stage鈥檚 production of resident playwright Kyle Bass鈥� 鈥渟alt/city/blues,鈥� 鈥淭he Most Beautiful Home . . . Maybe鈥� by artists and activists Mark Valdez and ashley sparks and the Everson Museum exhibition 鈥�15-81,鈥� featuring architect and urban designer Sekou Cooke鈥檚 project 鈥淲e Outchea: Hip-Hop Fabrications and Public Space.鈥�

鈥淎 rich array of artistic work marks the conclusion of 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 21/22 season,鈥� says Bob Hupp, artistic director, 黑料不打烊 Stage. 鈥淭hese works highlight what 黑料不打烊 Stage does best as we shine a spotlight on issues that affect all of us who call 黑料不打烊 home. Through our creative lens we explore and give voice to the obstacles and opportunities that engage our community. Through new work, discussions and collaborative interactions, we strive to give everyone a new way of thinking about and addressing seemingly intractable challenges.鈥�

鈥荣补濒迟/肠颈迟测/产濒耻别蝉鈥�

Directed by Gilbert McCauley, 鈥渟alt/city/blues鈥� is a contemporary drama set in a downtown bar in a fictionalized 黑料不打烊 where a controversial highway project that has long divided the city is due to be dismantled. What comes next for the city, the once thriving neighborhood destroyed by the highway and the individuals who frequent the local watering hole Tipsy鈥檚 Pub threads through the narrative of the play.

With gentrification underway in the neighborhood and more change coming soon, the fate of Tipsy鈥檚 is uncertain, as are the fates of those whose lives are connected to it. This includes Prof D (Leo Finnie) a Black man who claims to be 81 years old and who lives in an apartment above the bar. He is a storyteller and a blues aficionado with a killer collection of vintage vinyl, who also claims to be a retired professor. Carrie (Joey Parsons) is the bartender, 30s, white and a veteran of the Iraq war, who has her eye on a small parcel of land with apple trees. The resident barfly is a fiftyish white man named Fish (Rand Foerster) who likes his drink too much and can make enough trouble to occasionally get himself barred from Tipsy鈥檚.

The newcomer to the scene is Yolonda Mourning (Chantal Jean-Pierre), a Black woman in her 40s, who is a consultant for the city on the highway project. She is not typical of Tipsy鈥檚 clientele. She has recently moved to a new apartment in the downtown neighborhood after separating from her husband. Her son Malcolm (Jeremiah Packer), 17, is the fifth character. He aspires to be a blues musician and has a tense relationship with his mother.

鈥淭his is a story about a town and a bar at a crossroads, and five people who are at crossroads in their lives,鈥� McCauley says. 鈥淲e often arrive at places where we have to make decisions and figure out what direction to take. That鈥檚 what facing these characters, and what we face that today, even as a nation, as a country. Where are we going?鈥�

Bass based Tipsy鈥檚 on a real Downtown 黑料不打烊 pub and many parallels exist between the Salt City of the play and 黑料不打烊. But Bass points out, the Salt City of the play is more of a fraternal twin to 黑料不打烊. The play, he says, is inspired by this community.

鈥渟alt/city/blues鈥� runs June 9-26. Tickets are on sale now at .

鈥楾he Most Beautiful Home鈥aybe鈥�

鈥淭he Most Beautiful Home . . . Maybe,鈥� is an original work of devised theater whose goal is to use the imaginative resources of theater to explore solutions to chronic housing problems plaguing the country.

Through workshops that bring together stakeholders involved in housing policy鈥攑oliticians, developers, advocates, activists, the homeless鈥擵aldez and sparks seek creative solutions to housing insecurity by challenging participants to consider the question 鈥淲hat if everyone in this country had a home?鈥� The input collected at the workshops forms the basis for the performance piece.

黑料不打烊 Stage has hosted four workshops in the lead up to the performance and local participants have included Deka Dancil, diversity, equity and inclusion specialist, St. Joseph鈥檚 Health; Lanessa Chaplin, Esq., project counsel, New York Civil Liberties Union; and author and playwright Juhanna Rogers, among others.

To date, 鈥淭he Most Beautiful Home . . . Maybe鈥� has performed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Mixed Blood Theatre, and recently at Los Angeles鈥� REDCAT in the Walt Disney Concert Hall Complex. In speaking with the Los Angeles Times, sparks said that the skills theater artists have 鈥渁re actually superpowers for solving community problems and creating spaces for people to have hard conversations.鈥�

鈥淲hat would we create?鈥� Valdez asks. 鈥淲hat kind of high density, co-op driven models of housing could we create? How do we build the additional 68 million homes that we need? How do we incentivize mom-and-pop landlords to keep their units affordable?鈥�

Valdez and sparks note that the pandemic has exacerbated an already widespread and chronic problem, with many middle-class Americans experiencing housing insecurity.

鈥淚 can feel my body get lighter when I imagine that world where people are not living in the fear and stress of being unhoused or losing their home, or worried about where they鈥檙e going to live when they鈥檙e old,鈥� sparks says. 鈥淥ur country would actually just be healthier and more prosperous if there was housing stability.鈥�

鈥淭he Most Beautiful Home . . . Maybe鈥� runs for three performances only, June 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Arthur Storch Theatre at 黑料不打烊 Stage. Admission is free.

Everson Museum of Art and Juneteenth Partnerships

The exhibition 鈥�15-81鈥� presents Cooke鈥檚 project 鈥淲e Outchea: Hip-Hop Fabrications and Public Space鈥� alongside documents relating to the 15th Ward. Commissioned by New York鈥檚 Museum of Modern Art in 2021 as part of the exhibition 鈥淩econstructions: Architecture and Blackness in America,鈥� 鈥淲e Outchea鈥� focuses on the legacy of placement and displacement of Black residents in 黑料不打烊 and considers various events in the city鈥檚 history鈥攖he razing of the 15th Ward, the building of multiple public housing projects and the construction of Interstate-81鈥攚hile simultaneously critiquing recent proposals to replace low- income communities with mixed-income housing.

By contextualizing the 鈥淲e Outchea鈥� project with photographs and ephemera that tell the story of the once vibrant 15th Ward, Cooke points to a post-81 黑料不打烊 future of entrepreneurship and innovation.

鈥�15-81鈥� is on display through Aug. 21.

Patrons of the 鈥�15-81鈥� exhibition and members of the Everson will receive $10 off admission to 鈥渟alt/city/blues鈥� at 黑料不打烊 Stage. Stage patrons get free admission to the Everson with proof of purchase of 鈥渟alt/city/blues鈥� tickets.

Events at Stage and the Everson will also be officially part of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 annual Juneteenth celebration. The June 12, 7:30 p.m. performance of 鈥渟alt/city/blues鈥� will be Juneteenth Night at 黑料不打烊 Stage. Juneteenth Festival organizers will be available at 黑料不打烊 Stage with information about the upcoming festival on June 17 and 18.

Discount tickets will be available for 鈥渟alt/city/blues鈥� and the Everson will host a free screening on June 18 of Bass鈥� one-person play 鈥淐itizen James, or the Young Man without a Country鈥� as part of the Juneteenth celebrations. Originally, commissioned for 黑料不打烊 Stage鈥檚 Backstory educational program, the play depicts young James Baldwin at La Guardia airport awaiting a flight to Paris that will give him refuge from the racist violence of America in the 1940s and set him on the path to becoming a towering influence in the Civil Rights movement.

鈥淭he path to creating new work is not always predictable, especially today, but the rewards of this effort can be immeasurable,鈥� adds Hupp. 鈥淲e鈥檙e honored to produce resident playwright Kyle Bass鈥檚 powerful new play and to present our participatory co-production with Minneapolis鈥� Mixed Blood Theatre. Taken as stand-alone works, they offer exciting and unique theatrical opportunities. Taken together, 鈥荣补濒迟/肠颈迟测/产濒耻别蝉鈥� and 鈥楾he Most Beautiful Home鈥aybe鈥� afford the one-of-a-kind experience we are committed to creating for Central New York.鈥�

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Department of Drama Presents 鈥楢s You Like It鈥�

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:52:14 +0000

The presents the final show of the 2021/2022 season with 鈥淎s You Like It,鈥� a ravishing new musical adaptation of Shakespeare鈥檚 classic story by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery. The production, directed by Rodney Hudson, will perform in the Storch Theater at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 E. Genesee St., April 30 to May 7.

Named as one of the best shows by The New York Times in 2017, 鈥淎s You Like It鈥� is an immersive fairytale experience that touches upon feuding families and lovers in disguise. Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind and niece Celia, escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation, where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, the refugees find community and acceptance under the stars. This show is a celebration of community, togetherness and diversity.

鈥淭his production of 鈥楢s You Like It鈥� is a declaration of love,鈥� says Rodney Hudson, director. 鈥淲hile it seems that American society has become more accepting and inclusive of the LGBTQI+ community, governmental policies have shown that the country needs more growth than some are willing to accept.鈥�

Hudson is passionate about issues of equality in the LGBTQI+ community and relates this story to the current and unjust Parental Rights in Education bill. He adds, 鈥淎s a declaration of love, this production of 鈥楢s You Like It鈥� investigates how we, as humans, accept the love around us and showcases the various forms love can have. We ask you the question, 鈥榃ho can love?鈥� and invite you to join us on the journey as we find the answer.鈥�

The original story of 鈥淎s You Like It鈥� is believed to be written in 1599 and published in the First Folio in 1623. In the summer of 2017, with collaborators Taub and Sonya Tayeh, Woolery directed this new musical adaptation of 鈥淎s You Like It鈥� at Central Park鈥檚 Delacorte Theater with 200 New Yorkers as part of the The Public Theater鈥檚 Public Works Program. Founded by Woolery in 2015, the Public Works at The Public Theater is an initiative that seeks to engage the people of New York by making them creators and not just spectators. Working with partner organizations in all five boroughs, Public Works invites members of diverse communities to join in the creation of ambitious works of participatory theater.

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

Masks are required at all times by everyone regardless of vaccination status, except while eating or drinking in designated areas. Food and drink will not be permitted in the auditorium.

鈥淎s You Like It鈥澨�

A musical adaptation of William Shakespeare鈥檚鈥淎s You Like It鈥�

Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery
Music and lyrics by Shaina Taub
Orchestrations and band arrangements by Mike Brun
Directed by Rodney Hudson
Music directed by Brian Cimmet
Choreography by Felipe Panam谩
Scenic design by Kristina Fosmire
Costume design by Amaan Khan
Lighting design by Em Stripling
Sound design by Jacqueline R. Herter
Wig design by Michael A. King
Fight choreography by Alec Barbour
Assistant music director: Jacob Stebly
Dramaturg: Puaseisei Patu-Tanielu
Stage manager: Emma Yehle

Cast

Malaika Wanjiku Jaques
Alexandra Kafrissen Rosalind
Thomas Riggleman Orlando
Samantha Harnick Celia
Kevin Ilardi Oliver
Dylan Knight Weaver Duke Senior
Ian Purcell Duke Frederick
Will Foohey Touchstone
Hayden Poe Andy
Olivia Lacie Andrews Phoebe
Sofia Swensen Silvia
Rileigh Very Mama Corin, Ensemble
Blaise Rossman Papa Corin, Ensemble
McKay Marshall Miss Amiens, Hisperia
Shaun Collins William, Frankie Flow, Ensemble
Adam Forward Bronco, Ensemble
Zach Simpson Adam, Caveman
Elana Babbitt Announcer, Ensemble
Corinne Ferrer Agent, Ensemble
Alice Meyer Little Jaques, Ensemble

Swings

Rachel Langetieg, Austin Rose

Performances

Friday, April 29, 8 p.m. (Preview)
Saturday, April 30, 8 p.m. (Opening)
Sunday, May 1, 2 p.m. (ASL Interpreted)
Wednesday, May 4, 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 5, 8 p.m.
Friday, May 6, 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 7, 2 p.m. (Open captioned)
Saturday, May 7, 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 8, 2 p.m.

Additional Credits

Puppeteers: Elana Babbitt, Shaun Collins, Kevin Ilardi, Blaise Rossmann
Dance Captain: Blaise Rossmann
Fight Captains: Adam Forward, Austin Rose
Assistant to the Director: Puaseisei Patu-Tanielu
Assistant Choreographer: Olivia Lacie Andrews
Additional Staging and Choreography: Olivia Lacie Andrews, Blaise Rossmann
Assistant Scenic Designer: Angel Wai Yan Lam
Associate Costume Designer: Rosario Appleton Figueira
Assistant Costume Designer: Ryn Gross
Assistant Lighting Designer: Mairead Cummins
Assistant Sound Designer: Malena Logan
Assistant Stage Managers: Emily Kellner, Maya Royston
Casting Assistant: Liam Bierley

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黑料不打烊 Stage Presents Award-Winning Children鈥檚 Show 鈥楧oodle POP鈥�

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 14:12:23 +0000

From South Korea to 黑料不打烊, the sensational has delighted young audiences with the amazing show 鈥淒oodle POP,鈥� which arrives at 黑料不打烊 Stage for four performances May 4 (10 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and May 5 (9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.). Tickets may be purchased at or by calling the Box Office at 315.443.3275.

Appropriate for ages 3+, 鈥淒oodle POP鈥� is a touching and playful non-verbal show that uses music and sound effects performed live, along with stunning interactive screen projections and live whiteboard drawings to create an imaginative world.

Two engaging characters named Woogie and Boogie start to doodle and introduce a tiny turtle who must find its way back to the sea. So begins an interactive adventure that will spark the imaginations of young audiences.

Stage鈥檚 Director of Community Engagement and Education Joann Yarrow and Associate Director of Education Kate Laissle saw 鈥淒oodle POP鈥� as part of the International Performing Arts for Youth Festival in Philadelphia and immediately wanted to bring it to 黑料不打烊. 鈥淒oodle Pop is so much fun for all,鈥� says Yarrow.

Based in Seoul, South Korea, the BRUSH Theatre performs worldwide and has garnered awards at international festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe. The company is dedicated to creating quality theater for young audiences in order to inspire children to enrich their daily lives with art. This is the company鈥檚 first appearance in Central New York.

鈥淲e鈥檝e wanted to expand our family programming, and this fun show launches what we hope is more unique programming for kids and for kids at heart,鈥� says Hupp.

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黑料不打烊 Stage Announces 2022-23 Season

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 13:23:25 +0000

Two world premieres, two musicals, cutting edge contemporary drama, a beloved American classic and a mystery/comedy make 2022/2023 a season to reconnect with great theater at . It is a season filled with enjoyment and opportunities to experience an intriguing variety of live theater.

The six show subscription season runs Sept. 21, 2022-June 25, 2023 and includes the world premiere musical 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio,鈥� Disney鈥檚 “The Little Mermaid,鈥� the East Coast premiere of 鈥淐lean/Espejos,鈥� 鈥淥ur Town,鈥� the world premiere of Kyle Bass鈥� 鈥淭ender Rain,鈥� and 鈥淐lue.” Subscription packages are on sale now at or at the Box Office, 315.443.3275.

鈥淭his season is about connection. It鈥檚 what I鈥檝e missed most these past two years: connecting with friends, connecting with family, connecting with one another,鈥� says Artistic Director Robert Hupp. 鈥淎t 黑料不打烊 Stage, we鈥檝e selected a new season that celebrates our need to connect. It celebrates the fun, the mystery and yes, sometimes the heartbreak of connections made and missed. We鈥檝e all been through a lot, often in isolation, and we believe coming to 黑料不打烊 Stage to share experiences you can only enjoy through live performance is the perfect way to connect, and reconnect, with each other.鈥�

First up is 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio,鈥� a heart-filled new musical, based on the Peabody Award-winning documentary of the same name that explores what it means to belong, the courage it takes to put yourself out in the world and the universal need to connect. Set at a counseling center in Columbus, 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥� follows seven autistic young adults as they come of age and find their ways in the world.

Created by Jacob Yandura (music) and Rebekah Greer Melocik (book and lyrics) and directed by Sammi Cannold, this musical adaptation adheres closely to the documentary in narrative and spirit, and the cast will include autistic actors in the seven principal roles. The musical is dedicated in loving memory to Broadway legend Harold Prince, who was instrumental in its inception. Filmmaker Alexandra Shiva said in an interview that she chose this age group鈥攍ate teens to early twenties鈥攂ecause while autistic children get attention, those on the brink of becoming adults are often overlooked. The musical, like the film, illuminates this crucial time in the lives of these young people. 黑料不打烊 Stage will produce this world premiere musical in association with Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez and Fiona Howe Rudin. Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt serves as the autism spectrum disorder creative consultant with Becky Leifman as the director of community engagement. Holtzman, Lopez and Leifman are alumni of the Department of Drama.

For the holidays, the grand tradition of a family musical co-produced with the Department of Drama takes a deep dive under the sea with 鈥淒isney鈥檚 The Little Mermaid.鈥� The 2 Ring Circus (鈥淭he Wizard of Oz,鈥� 2017) returns to add spectacular high-flying acrobatics to this beloved tale of Ariel鈥檚 adventures up 鈥渨here the people are.鈥� Melissa Rain Anderson directs, with choreography by Adam Cates and musical direction by Brian Cimmet.

In the new year, associate artistic director Melissa Crespo guides the exceptional bi-lingual drama 鈥淐lean/Espejos,鈥� written by playwright Christine Quintana, with Spanish translation and adaptation by Paula Zelaya Cervantes. At a destination wedding in Canc煤n, two women with very different life experiences meet by chance and become catalysts for change in each other. Adriana is local and works at the resort and speaks only Spanish. Sarah is Canadian, sister of the bride, and speaks only English. The audience follows their journey together in both languages aided by supertitles in English and Spanish.

鈥溾€楥lean/Espejos鈥� is a thrilling theatrical experience layered with complexity and magical realism unlike anything ever seen at 黑料不打烊 Stage,鈥� says Crespo.听鈥淚 am so grateful to share this beautiful play with our audience.鈥�

Of special note in the spring is the opportunity for Artistic Director Robert Hupp to direct one of his favorite plays, Thornton Wilder鈥檚鈥淥ur Town,鈥� which has been long postponed due the pandemic. Wilder, who would have turned 125 this year, is enjoying a revival around the country from the Dallas Theatre Center to Lincoln Center. 鈥淥ur Town鈥� is by far his best known play, a poetic and graceful reminder to cherish every unimportant moment and to embrace the true wonder and brevity of being alive. Set in the small New Hampshire town of Grover鈥檚 Corners, the play, Wilder said, places 鈥渢he life of a village against the life of the stars.鈥� A true American masterpiece.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been well over 20 years since 黑料不打烊 Stage produced 鈥極ur Town,鈥� and longer since I鈥檝e directed it,鈥� says Hupp. 鈥淚 am eager to return to Grover鈥檚 Corners. I believe Wilder鈥檚 timeless play speaks powerfully to us today; its soaring simplicity is a necessary antidote to the cacophony of our lives.鈥�

A second world premiere follows in the season, resident playwright Kyle Bass鈥� 鈥淭ender Rain.鈥� Set in a small Southern city in the 1950s, this elegiac drama uses the strained relationship of a middle-aged white couple to explore the complexities of race relations and how an oppressive society’s pain, violence and suffering leaches insidiously into domestic lives and intimate relationships. Rodney Hudson is set to direct. Bass, who is represented in the current season with 鈥渟alt/city/blues鈥� (June 8-26), scored a hit for 黑料不打烊 Stage with 鈥淧ossessing Harriet鈥� in 2018.

鈥淒ramas of diverse, complex and fully-drawn characters situated in emotion-bringing circumstances; plays that give voice to the poetry of human desires, struggles and perseverance are the plays I like best,鈥� says Bass. 鈥溾€楾ender Rain鈥� is my offering to the theater of poetic realism. Rodney Hudson’s theatrical vocabulary is, I think, wonderfully suited for the play.鈥�

Closing out the season is the board game turned feature film turned theatrical comedy/mystery, “Clue.鈥� Mixing the usual suspects from the popular game with the red scare politics of the 1950s, 鈥淐濒耻别鈥� is a farce meets murder mystery delight that hits all the right notes. On a dark and stormy night, a cast of familiar characters gathers at a remote mansion for dinner and murder. Who done it? Where? And with what? It is pure theatrical fun to conclude the exciting season.

The Cold Read Festival of New Plays returns live and gets a new time slot in the fall of 2022. (In previous seasons it was in the spring.) Associate Artistic Director Crespo takes over curatorial responsibility for this compact and intense celebration of new work. Details and schedule to be announced.

In addition, Stage will offer a strong line-up of educational and community outreach programs throughout the season. In the fall (Sept. 20-Dec. 16), the Bank of America Children鈥檚 Tour resumes performances live in elementary schools with 鈥淭he Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane鈥� by Dwayne Hartford and based on the book by Kate DiCamillo. Directed by Katherine McGerr, this fantastical play tells the tale of a vain china rabbit who gets lost at sea and embarks on a long journey, during which he learns the importance of love.

Of special note is the commission of an original play by Ojibwe and Oneida performance artist, activist and writer Ty Defoe for Stage鈥檚 Backstory program. Working with students and community members of the Onondaga Nation, Defoe will create an original work based on the story of the Sky Woman. Defoe is a Grammy award-winning composer and a 2021 Helen Merrill award-winning playwright.

Returning, too, is “Theatre for the Very Young,” a program for children five and under. In the 2022/2023 season, this program will be performed in partnership with and at the Everson Museum.

鈥淥ur new season centers great stories, many told on our stage for the first time, brought to life by amazing actors, directors and designers,鈥� says Hupp. 鈥淭his is what you expect when you come to 黑料不打烊 Stage. Enriching activities that give you deeper understanding of the work, created in an environment that makes for a special and fun night out, makes 黑料不打烊 Stage the kind of experience you can鈥檛 get anywhere else in Central New York.鈥�

Show Details

World Premiere Musical
鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥�

Book and Lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik
Music by Jacob Yandura
Based on Alexandra Shiva鈥檚 documentary film 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥�
Directed by Sammi Cannold
Produced in association with Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez and Fiona Howe Rudin
Sept. 21-Oct. 9, 2022

鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥� is a heart-filed new musical based on the Peabody Award-winning documentary of the same name that explores what it means to belong, the courage it takes to put yourself out in the world and the universal need to connect. Set at a counseling center on Columbus, 鈥淗ow to Dance in Ohio鈥� follows seven autistic young adults as they come of age and find their ways in the world.

Disney鈥檚 “The Little Mermaid鈥�

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film that was produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written and directed by John Musker & Ron Clements
Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson
Musical Direction by Brian Cimmet
Choreography by Adam Cates
Co-produced with the 黑料不打烊 Department of Drama
Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023

Dive into musical family fun with Ariel, Sebastian and all the watery gang from this beloved tale. With spectacular aerial (what?) acrobatics provided by 2 Ring Circus (鈥淭he Wizard of Oz,鈥� 2017), this production promises enough thrills and delights for landlubbers of all ages. Nothing fishy about this holiday treat.

East Coast Premiere
鈥淐濒别补苍/贰蝉辫别箩辞蝉鈥�

By Christine Quintana
Spanish translation and adaptation by Paula Zelaya Cervantes
Directed by Melissa Crespo
Feb. 15-March 5, 2023

The lives of two women with vastly different life experiences intersect at a destination wedding in Canc煤n. Adriana is from a small town not far from the resort where she has worked her way up from maid to floor manager. Sarah, from Vancouver, is the sister of the bride and maid of honor and the self-acknowledged family screw up. A chance encounter during a torrential downpour leads each woman to confront her personal storm and to consider the possibility that, though isolated, she may not be as alone as she believes. Change is hard but possible and hope may be closer than it sometimes seems. An engaging and poignant bi-lingual theatrical experience, 鈥淐濒别补苍/贰蝉辫别箩辞蝉鈥� is performed in English and Spanish with supertitles in both languages.

听鈥淥ur Town鈥�

By Thornton Wilder
Directed by Robert Hupp
March 29-April 16, 2022

鈥淭he life of a village against the life of the stars鈥� is how Thornton Wilder described his heralded masterpiece 鈥淥ur Town.鈥� 鈥淚t is an attempt,鈥� he wrote, 鈥渢o find a value above all price for the smallest events in our daily life.鈥� He succeeded with this graceful and poetic play鈥攁 heartfelt call to cherish every unimportant moment we鈥檙e together and to embrace the true wonder and brevity of being alive. Do any human beings
ever realize life while they live it? Whether in Grover鈥檚 Corners, New Hampshire, at the turn of the 20^th century, or 黑料不打烊, New York, in 2023, Wilder鈥檚 enduring classic asks us to stop and ponder what truly matters, and to consider that for a great many of us the answers will be the same. Bob Hupp directs one of his favorite plays.

听World Premiere
鈥淭ender Rain鈥�

By Kyle Bass
Directed by Rodney Hudson
May 3-21, 2023

鈥淩ain is like sorrow. It exposes our roots.鈥� In this elegiac drama, playwright Kyle Bass introduces Milton Millard, a white banker who lives in a small Southern city with Delores, his wife whom he can hardly see anymore and who endures a vague but nagging trepidation. They are a late-middle-aged childless couple lost in a fog of what cannot be undone. Is there a way forward for either of them? Can Ruthie Mimms, the Black woman who raised and protected Milton in childhood and beyond, rescue him once more? The momentary escape Milton finds in the arms of a younger woman will not spare him the reckoning he must face. Set in the 1950s, 鈥淭ender Rain鈥� explores the complexities of race relations and how oppressive society鈥檚 pain, violence and suffering leaches insidiously into domestic lives and intimate relationships. A journey through a richly layered emotional landscape from the author of 鈥淧ossessing Harriet.

听鈥淐濒耻别鈥�

Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn
Written by Sandy Rustin
Additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
Based on the Paramount Pictures motion picture
Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE
Original music by Michael Holland
Directed by Ben Hanna
June 7-25, 2023

Farce meets murder mystery in this hilarious theatrical adaptation of the famed board game and 1985 motion picture. In a remote mansion not far from Washington, D.C., a mysterious and familiar cast of characters鈥擟olonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum and Miss Scarlet鈥攇ather for a dinner party and an evening of murder. Does the sudden demise of their host, Mr. Boddy, have any connection to the ongoing hearings conducted by Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House of Un-American Activities Committee? It鈥檚 all fun and games until someone gets clobbered by a candlestick in the library. After that, it鈥檚 even more fun.

Cold Read Festival of New Plays

Curated by Associate Artistic Director Melissa Crespo
Oct. 18-22, 2022
Events to be announced.

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Department of Drama Announces Comedy-Drama ‘Sender’ Feb. 18-27

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:55:36 +0000

The in the College of Visual and Performing Arts presents the authentically compassionate story of written by Ike Holter. This whip-smart comedy-drama begs the audience to ponder what it means to reach adulthood and is it even desired in this day and age? The production, directed by Terrance I. Mosley, will perform in the Storch Theater at the 黑料不打烊 Stage/黑料不打烊 Drama Complex at 820 E. Genesee St. from Feb. 18-27. .

Premiering in 2016, 鈥淪ender鈥� is the third play in Holter鈥檚 seven-play Rightlynd Saga, a fictional town in Chicago鈥檚 51st ward. 鈥淪ender鈥� thrives on the contrast between order and chaos and the tensions that emerge as we leave childhood and adolescence behind to contend with the demands of 鈥渁dulting.鈥� Holter presents us with four millennial friends wrestling with these issues. While each is at a different stage of 鈥済rowing up,鈥� one of these friends has disappeared and is presumed dead. Yet, at the beginning of the play, he returns and completely upends the balance established in his absence.

On a deep level, 鈥淪ender鈥� is about a group of millennials aging into their 30s, struggling with growing up and moving beyond childhood into adulthood. There are scenes that engage with the sappy drunk nights of dreaming what could be, and fear of who you will become in the future. Yet, the power of the play is in its ability to generate different feelings and reactions depending on the age of the audience member.听This witty, razor-sharp play explores hipster culture, chasing down the truth and asks the question of what it means to be an adult in a world that refuses to grow up. It may be part of a series, but 鈥淪ender鈥� truly stands on its own.

Holter is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a recipient of the 2017 Windham鈥揅ampbell Literature Prize and is an alumni resident playwright at Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago. In addition, he has been commissioned by The Kennedy Center, South Coast Rep and The Playwrights’ Center. Holter鈥檚 first play, 鈥淗it the Wall,鈥� received an Off-Broadway run and successfully made the Chicago Tribune鈥檚 Top Ten Plays of 2012 list. He is a staff writer for the FX series 鈥淔osse/Verdon鈥� produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and is developing a TV miniseries that centers around the 1983 election and the reign of the first African American mayor to hold the office in Chicago.

鈥淪ender鈥� will be performed with two casts.

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

At the door, audience members 5 and older will be required to show proof of full vaccination, or for those not vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result. For children under 5, proof of negative test is strongly encouraged but not required for entry to the theatre.

A valid negative COVID-19 test must meet the following conditions: A negative PCR test from a health care provider within 72 hours of entry for the event you are attending or a negative Antigen test from a healthcare provider within six hours of entry for the event you are attending.

Vaccination verification is accepted in any of the following forms: physical vaccination card, New York State Excelsior Pass, digital vaccination cards through your home health department or photo of vaccination card. Full vaccination means that either 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of FDA or WHO authorized double-dose vaccines or that 14 days have passed since receiving the sole dose of FDA or WHO authorized single-dose vaccines.听Without vaccination proof or a negative Covid-19 test, patrons will not be allowed into the building.

Masks are required at all times by everyone regardless of vaccination status, except while eating or drinking in designated areas. Food and drink will not be permitted in the auditorium.

鈥淪ender鈥� Credits

By Ike Holter
Directed by Terrence I. Mosley
Scenic design by Malena Logan
Costume design by Adeline Santello
Lighting design by Sarah Schultz
Sound design by Kevin O鈥機onnor
Fight choreography by Alec Barbour
Intimacy choreography by Yvonne Perry
Dialect coach: Blake Segal
Acting coach: Sonita L. Surratt
Consultant: Chuck Morris
Dramaturg: Megan Cooper
Stage manager: Kiara Brown

Cast (Arbor Mist)

Suhail Kumar Lynx
Eve Dillingham Tess
Charlotte Bush Cassandra
Dylan Knight Weaver Jordan

Cast (Peach Schnapps)

Sammy Haines Lynx
Mary Underwood Tess
Morgan Perry Cassandra
Adam Forward Jordan

Performances

Friday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m. (Preview)
Saturday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m. (Opening)
Sunday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m. (Open captioned)
Saturday, Feb. 26, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 27, 2 p.m. (ASL interpreted)

Additional Credits

Assistant Director: Ethan Harpole
Assistant Scenic Designers: Miranda Barrick, Yuchau Zong
Assistant Costume Designer: Marshall Breaux
Assistant Lighting Designers: Eli Golding, Sophia O鈥機onnor
Casting Associate: Anthony Islam
Casting Assistant: Kate Grover
Assistant Stage Managers: Hope Allen, Maya Zepeda

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“Melissa Crespo鈥檚鈥楢ha鈥� Moments.”

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 22:42:08 +0000

, Artistic Director of 黑料不打烊 Stage, was featured in the American Theater story “” The piece shines a light on Crespo’s incredible reputation across the theater industry as a stage director. The story also quoted , assistant professor of acting in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

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