Andrew J. Koehler

Cole Porter’s ANYTHING GOES, the latest theatrical venture by CM Performing Arts Center (referred to hereinafter as CMPAC), is a surefire hit. Directed by Kevin Burns, the production dazzles from start to finish. Under Burns’ direction, viewing the production felt as though you were stepping back in time to 1934.

It’s no secret that the right ingredients, and a touch of heart, make the best pies. WAITRESS at the John W. Engeman Theatre in Northport is a very strong representation of this notion.

LITTLE WOMEN, the musical based on the 1869 novel of the same name written by Louisa May Alcott, is currently running at CAP Merrick through April 27th. The production truly captures the heart and soul of the widely-celebrated source material. Please note, the following review comes from two viewings of this production as an effort to catch as much of the cast as possible. 

Experience the magic of MATILDA THE MUSICAL at Cultural Arts Playhouse! Enjoy stellar performances and captivating choreography until April 27, 2025.

When “the sun is shining and it’s a lovely day,” it’s a great day to see a musical. In a world filled with woe, and “every hour going oh, so slow,” it’s the perfect time to take in AVENUE Q at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Syosset! Directed by Tony Frangipane, this production pulls out all the stops, and has audiences laughing from the pre-show announcement to the curtain call. You’re bound to forget that there are people on stage operating the puppets! Musically directed by Rich Giordano, the well known songs sound better than ever. Choreographed by Danielle Coutieri, the movement seems right out of an episode of Sesame Street.

What did our critic think of RENT at CM Performing Arts Center?

The 2004 winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical is set to take the stage at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Syosset this spring! Directed by Tony Frangipane, music directed by Rich Giordano, choreographed by Danielle Coutieri, and stage managed by Jared Glazer, this production is bound to have you bursting at the seams with laughter and joy! 

Are you looking for a special night to share with your special someone, or looking to go on a self-date where love is in the air? Look no further than The Cultural Arts Playhouse! The Cultural Arts Playhouse of Merrick's annual Valentine's Day event is back and better than ever!

The tragic love story BARE: A POP OPERA opens tonight at CAP Merrick. Directed by Domenick Napoli, this production is a standout. Under Napoli’s direction, every actor takes a journey that is intricate and relatable. In a class by itself, it comes with soaring vocals, musically directed by Mario Mannarino, explosive choreography provided by Ruben Fernandez. 

What did our critic think of NEXT TO NORMAL at CAP Merrick?

This Sunday, the Carriage House Players wrap up a triumphant run of William Shakespeare’s classic ROMEO & JULIET presented at the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium.

CAP Merrick has some 'magic to do' over the next month! Their latest theatrical venture, PIPPIN opened on May 25th!

The highly-anticipated opening of Cultural Arts Playhouse’s SOMETHING ROTTEN is finally here! The latest in the playhouse’s theatrical ventures, this production is truly something special. Read more about the cast and company here!

Let's kick off the 2024 season with a review of the final show I attended in 2023! I had the pleasure of attending closing weekend of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, presented by Cultural Arts Playhouse this past November. Directed by Tony Frangipane, the production was bursting at the seams with vibrancy and new life breathed into classic characters that everyone knows and loves. 

The next theatrical venture of CAP Merrick opens this weekend! Kick off your 2024 with CARRIE: THE MUSICAL. Directed by Tony Frangipane, with musical direction from Jared Glazer, the production is electric and is bound to be a hit, especially amongst fans of the 1976 Brian De Palma film and Stephen King book of the same name. Check out some photos below, courtesy of Tony Frangipane, Anthony Orellana, Chrissy Ganci, and Danielle Jenkin Photography. 

ELF: THE MUSICAL opened to glowing audience response at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Syosset on December 9th. Directed by Shiloh Bennett, the production is bursting with fantastic tunes, boasting musical direction from Zach Mandernach, and electrifying choreography provided by Camilla Montoya. Get your tickets before they head back to the North Pole on January 7th! Check out production photos below, all provided by Danielle Jenkin Photography.

What did our critic think of CRISTI’S CASE CRACKERS: FATALITY AT THE PHOENIX FOOTBALL STADIUMS LUXURY BOX at Merrick Theatre?

What did our critic think of ALL SHOOK UP at CAP Merrick?