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Ariana Straznicky-Packer

Ariana Straznicky-Packer

No stranger to the stage, Ariana Straznicky-Packer is a professional violinist whose heart belongs to Broadway. A classically-trained musician, actress, vocalist, and writer, she is full of surprises. One thing you can always count on: She is always creating. 

After spending fourteen years building a flourishing career as a violinist, she is thrilled to return to the musical theater world as a singer, actress, and now, reviewer. With a Master of Music Degree from The Hartt School, Ariana performs in Connecticut's premier symphonies, teaches at her private studio, and founded award-winning wedding music company, Ariana Strings LLC. Thriving amidst the battle between time management and ambition, she also strongly advocates for musicians by serving on orchestra committees and as newly-appointed President of the American Federation of Musicians Union (CT Local). 

Pre-conservatory, Ariana made fond memories in community and college theater: learning to tap in Nunsense is a particular highlight. Thrilled to dust off her tap shoes, she recently returned to the stage as leading lady, Linda Mason in Holiday Inn at CT Theatre Company. 

Ariana is a triple threat performer who is taking up the mantle of a critic to defend and promote the arts she has dedicated her life to. Away from the arts, you'll find her spending time with her husband and little dog, studying languages, eyeing the latest designer bags, and traveling the world (22 countries and counting!) 






MOST POPULAR ARTICLES


Review: THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JANE AUSTEN, ABRIDGED at Playhouse On Park
Review: THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JANE AUSTEN, ABRIDGED at Playhouse On Park
October 19, 2023

What did our critic think of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JANE AUSTEN, ABRIDGED at Playhouse On Park? What happens when an acting troupe of diehard Jane Austen fans get together to spread the love of the regency?

Review: World Premiere of SUMMER STOCK Opens To A Standing Ovation
Review: World Premiere of SUMMER STOCK Opens To A Standing Ovation
August 1, 2023

Summer Stock has its eyes set on Broadway. Does Summer Stock deserve a Broadway run? Absolutely. In this critic’s opinion, it couldn’t get there soon enough.

Interview: Connecticut playwright Marc Deaton of ELEGY FOR A FALLEN ANGEL
Interview: Connecticut playwright Marc Deaton of ELEGY FOR A FALLEN ANGEL
July 31, 2023

The world premiere of new play, Elegy for a Fallen Angel, is coming to Connecticut next month. Opening for two performances only at Madison Lyric Stage. I sat down with playwright Marc Deaton to learn more.

Review: BANDSTAND at Playhouse On Park
Review: BANDSTAND at Playhouse On Park
July 27, 2023

What did our critic think of BANDSTAND at Playhouse On Park? The multi-award winning Broadway musical Bandstand has arrived at Playhouse on Park with bells on (That pun is for the horn section.) With music by Richard Oberacker and book and lyrics by Oberacker and Robert Taylor,  Bandstand is set just after the end of World War II. It tells the story about a group of six veterans and a war widow who struggle to cope and find their way back to normal lives. Battling survivor’s guilt, amongst other excruciating mental and physical ailments, they turn to music and form a band with the goal of winning a national song contest.

Review: The Goodspeed's GYPSY is a Real Good Time!
Review: The Goodspeed's GYPSY is a Real Good Time!
May 27, 2023

They say “April showers bring May flowers” and the Goodspeed expertly planted their garden perfectly: This May and June, Everything is coming up roses, with Gypsy!

Review: TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at The Bushnell
Review: TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at The Bushnell
April 12, 2023

A jukebox musical depicting the true life story of the award-winning Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll, Tina Turner is now playing at The Bushnell through April 16th. Don't miss this incredibly moving, tour-de-force musical featuring an unforgettable cast and electrifying performances.

TOOTSIE is Unstoppable at The Bushnell
TOOTSIE is Unstoppable at The Bushnell
February 24, 2023

Tootsie, the musical comedy based on the 1982 film of the same name, is visiting The Bushnell now through February 26th. With music and lyrics by David Yazbek and book by Robert Horn, this Tony-Award winning show shines a light on society's treatment of women and the trouble with show business, all while delivering laughs galore.

Review: SIX: THE MUSICAL at The Bushnell
Review: SIX: THE MUSICAL at The Bushnell
January 18, 2023

What did our critic think of SIX: THE MUSICAL at The Bushnell?Six: The Musical is a refreshingly self-actualized, informative, fun, empowering, modern feminist musical that is not to be missed. Bring your bestie and expect to have a blast.

Review: 42ND STREET at Goodspeed Opera House
Review: 42ND STREET at Goodspeed Opera House
October 22, 2022

Though I’m a huge musical fan, the 1933 film never really made a big impression on me. When I heard 42nd Street was coming to The Goodspeed, I hoped it would change my mind. Spoiler alert: It absolutely did! The timeless musical is a perfect addition to the season. It’s charming and delightful, as well as substantial.

Review: PLAYHOUSE ON PARK'S 14TH SEASON OPENS TO STANDING OVATION WITH LADY DAY at Playhouse On Park
Review: PLAYHOUSE ON PARK'S 14TH SEASON OPENS TO STANDING OVATION WITH LADY DAY at Playhouse On Park
October 4, 2022

Have you ever wished that you could go back in time and see your favorite musician in concert? Well, now is your chance at Playhouse on Park. Their 14th season opening was nothing short of spectacular.

Review: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: A NEW MUSICAL at The Goodspeed
Review: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: A NEW MUSICAL at The Goodspeed
August 17, 2022

Brand new musical Anne of Green Gables is at the Goodspeed now through September 4, 2022. The classic story is brought to life in a heartfelt and clever folk-rock musical with beautifully developed and charming characters. he cast is absolute perfection and I would fight anyone who dares to change it. The writing and music is more than promising and I wish I could get my hands on this exact soundtrack. Anne of Green Gables is charming, well-written, and the performances are phenomenal. Don’t miss this bold and vibrant new musical.

Review: SECONDO at Theaterworks Hartford
Review: SECONDO at Theaterworks Hartford
August 15, 2022

Featuring a picture frame with perfect timing and a judgmental Alexa, Secondo is a heartwarming and clever comedy not to be missed.

Review: PIPPIN Spreads Sunshine, Bringing the Party to West Hartford at Playhouse On Park
Review: PIPPIN Spreads Sunshine, Bringing the Party to West Hartford at Playhouse On Park
July 28, 2022

What did our critic think of Pippin Playhouse on Park? It's the final production in the Playhouse on Park 13th season and runs from July 6th - August 21st. Come for the show, stay for the great dancing, fun music, and comedy.

Review: Oh, What a Night! JERSEY BOYS Rocks the House at The Palace Theater
Review: Oh, What a Night! JERSEY BOYS Rocks the House at The Palace Theater
July 1, 2022

I thoroughly enjoyed the production alongside an equally energetic crowd who delightfully sang along and met the cast with an enthusiastic standing ovation.

Review: HAMILTON Brings the Revolution to The Bushnell
Review: HAMILTON Brings the Revolution to The Bushnell
June 30, 2022

June 22nd through July 10th, The Bushnell is The Room Where It Happens. On Tuesday evening, I had the pleasure of seeing the Hamilton National Tour alongside a fully packed house of diehard fans, who bopped along in their seats with delight and delivered a well-deserved standing ovation. I know it’s cliché to say Hamilton is excellent, but it’s excellent.

BWW Review: KISS MY AZTEC!  at Hartford Stage
BWW Review: KISS MY AZTEC! at Hartford Stage
June 14, 2022

Kiss My Aztec! Is a hilarious musical based on Latin American history “…. Very loosely!” This upbeat show is a real party with entirely original music, bold and bright-colored sets and costuming, as well as an exceptionally multitalented cast that keeps the energy up from start to finish.

BWW Interview: John Leguizamo of KISS MY AZTEC! at Hartford Stage
BWW Interview: John Leguizamo of KISS MY AZTEC! at Hartford Stage
May 29, 2022

Read an interview with John Leguizamo in which he takes about Kiss My Aztec! an irreverent new musical loosely based on Latin American history. Travel back to the 1500's as a group of Aztecs lead the resistance against Spanish invaders. With a fierce female warrior at the helm and a not-so-fierce clown in tow, they mount a scrappy attack - and get entangled with royalty, colonizers, pop stars, and puppets

BWW Review: CABARET at The Goodspeed
BWW Review: CABARET at The Goodspeed
May 26, 2022

Wilkommen, bienvenue, and welcome Cabaret to the Goodspeed Stage! The classic musical makes its premiere on the Goodspeed Stage and runs now through July 3rd, 2022.

BWW Review: ZOEY'S PERFECT WEDDING at TheaterWorks Hartford
BWW Review: ZOEY'S PERFECT WEDDING at TheaterWorks Hartford
May 25, 2022

Zoey’s Perfect Wedding is a hilarious play about love and relationships with a deeper message about the pressures we endure from societal expectations. Set at the most disastrous wedding reception of all time, the title is assuredly ironic, featuring drunken speeches, an incompetent wedding planner who makes everything worse, and hi-jinx galore.

BWW Review: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at Shubert Theatre
BWW Review: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at Shubert Theatre
May 20, 2022

The national tour of An American in Paris is making its final stop at Shubert Theatre, New Haven, now through May 21, 2022. Based on the Academy Award winning 1951 film starring Hollywood legends Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, the production features the iconic music of George and Ira Gershwin, including “I Got Rhythm,” “S’Wonderful,” and more.



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