Natasha Ashley - Page 2

Syracuse's Redhouse Arts Center is back at it again bringing theater to audiences virtually with their now streaming production of the world premiere of the virtual sequel Still Waiting a Play Created for Zoom by Marc Palmieri and wonderfully directed by Hunter Foster. The play is of course part II of Waiting For the Host, which made its streaming debut at Virtual Redhouse on May 28, 2020. The sequel Still Waiting began streaming on Thursday, June 25, 2020 and is available for viewing through June 29, 2020.

Many theaters are all finding unique ways to still bring theater, concerts, and the arts to their audiences. Facebook live, Zoom, and other streaming services are certainly getting a work out as schools, theaters, performers, and many workplaces have all shifted online due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Redhouse debuted its first virtual play Waiting for the Host by Marc Palmieri under the visionary direction of Hunter Foster on Thursday, May 28, 2020 and it will be available for purchase and streaming through June 1, 2020.

Like many other theaters all over the world the Redhouse Arts Center has unfortunately experienced many cancellations and rescheduling of shows that are a part of their 2020 season. To still support the theater and continue giving access to the arts, like other theaters the Redhouse has shifted to online programs under 'Virtual Redhouse.' Virtual Redhouse has expanded. Starting May 4th and running through May 17th the Redhouse is offering a chance for their virtual audiences to experience and view their 2019 production of the Off-Broadway hit Almost, Maine. This production entertained audiences at Redhouse in January and February for their 2019 season. The live stream is available for purchase at www.theredhouse.org and the cost, which includes all fees, is only $15. Once purchased you have 24 hours to view and enjoy the enchanting production as directed by the talented Steve Hayes who made his directorial debut with this production. The stellar cast features Laura Austin, Lilli Komurek, Alyssa Otoski-Keim, John Bixler, Basil Allen, and Derek Emerson Powell.

On Saturday, April 18, 2020 the Central New York Theater community came together to support one of their own local actors. Patrick's Positivity Parade was a 'car train' of over 150 vehicles that drove through Patrick Carman's neighborhood to show support, love, and positivity for the 26-year-old with a health condition.

Syracuse Stage's stunning production of Amadeus under the always meticulous direction of Robert Hupp opened on Friday, March 13, 2020 and also closed on the same night due to the coronavirus outbreak. The decision to suspend the rest of the production's run was a choice that Hupp told the audience a?oewas the right thing to do.a?? Although Governor Cuomo banned gatherings of more than 500 people, the Archbold Theater seats 499 so the board technically had the choice. They made the right, yet very tough choice like so many theaters across the country.

The Central New York Playhouse is now entertaining audiences with the delightful romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love. The play by Lee Hall is adapted from the popular 1998 film of the same name. With numerous productions of Romeo and Juliet occurring throughout Central New York the timing is perfect for a refreshing relief, a play that is about writing Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Even better, the production is witty, refreshing, and entertaining.

Now performing at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater as part of the Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series: Broadway in Syracuse is the touring production of A Bronx Tale the Musical. The musical features a book by Chazz Palminteri, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Glenn Slater. This touring production features a dynamite cast with stellar vocals that mesmerized the audience.

Redhouse's production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet appropriately opened on Valentine's Day under the fresh direction of Melissa Rain Anderson. The romantic tale of a forbidden love comes to life with a fresh take on the characters, time period, and costumes. The result is intriguing and captivating.

Syracuse Stage along with the Syracuse Department of Drama brings a captivating and raw production of Sarah DeLappe's The Wolves under the impressive direction of Melissa Rain Anderson. The production features numerous Syracuse University student actors along with members of the Actors' Equity Association as they bring the Pulitzer Prize nominated drama about nine young women soccer players to life with such immense intensity and talent. The production is intense, chilling, and brilliant.

The Baldwinsville Theatre Guild has brought a truly breathtaking production of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's Bright Star to their stage under the superb direction of Colin Keating. Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's beautifully crafted bluegrass musical is breathtakingly brought to life by the stellar cast. This local community theatre production could give some professional theaters a run for their money thanks to Director Keating's spot-on casting, his detailed direction, and the unbelievable talents of local community theater performers that are often seen throughout Central New York.

For the 2019 holiday season Redhouse Arts Center has brought an entertaining and new musical production of A Syracuse Christmas Carol to their stage under the direction of Hunter Foster. The musical is of course inspired by the classic Holiday story of Scrooge and it incorporates everything and anything related to the city of Syracuse and the surrounding areas. It is a delight for those born and raised in Syracuse as all those familiar people, products, and locations pop up throughout the show. The production charms if you are from or have ever lived in the Syracuse area.

This week the new national tour of The Lincoln Center Theater Production of My Fair Lady opened at Syracuse's Landmark Theatre and it is a moving, powerful, and beautiful production under the superb direction of Bartlett Sher. It is in fact the classic My Fair Lady  you are probably used to seeing but it does offer a fresh take on the classic musical in this new and breathtaking production.

The family-friendly show that the Central New York Playhouse brings to their stage every holiday season is always something to look forward to and this time around, it's a definite audience favorite. Featuring spot-on direction by Shannon Tompkins, this production of Annie is, without a doubt, the best production that has graced the stage at the Central New York Playhouse for the holidays.

The festive treat of The Nutcracker presented by The Syracuse City Ballet has once again entertained numerous audiences this past weekend to kick off the 2019 Holiday season. Under the devoted direction of the Syracuse City Ballet founding Artistic Director Kathleen Rathbun, the show once again brought memories that will last a lifetime. Featuring the choreography by Kathleen Rathbun, staging and additional choreography by Aldo K. Santiago, along with familiar music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaiovsky the Syracuse City Ballet's production features local professional, pre-professional, and student dancers. In certain performances there are different dancers taking on the roles. The heart, beauty, and energy of this production is always a highlight for this time of year and I was treated to their final 3 PM performance on Sunday, December 1st.

Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse University Department of Drama is now enchanting audiences with their production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The musical is under the always superb direction of Donna Drake and musical director Brian Cimmet, the creative team that brought the last two holiday favorites to Syracuse Stage. Like their past productions, Wizard of Oz and Elf their production of Beauty and the Beast kicks off the Holiday season with magical sets, costumes, and dazzling talent.

That harmonious hit jukebox musical Jersey Boys is once again back at Syracuse's Landmark Theatre as part of the Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series: Broadway in Syracuse. The musical of course tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice.

What better way to bring the Baldwinsville Theatre Guild's season to a close than with an evening of Disney classics. The delightful cabaret took place for a one night only performance at the lovely and cozy Mohegan Manor, a restaurant and banquet event facility in the heart of Baldwinsville, New York. Colin Keating (director) and Erin Sills (Assistant Director) brought a dynamic cast together to showcase some familiar and favorite Disney songs.

Redhouse Arts Center is now bringing the laughs with Yasminas Reza's hysterical comedy God of Carnage. The production features a four-member Equity cast, under the superb direction of Redhouse's Artistic Director Hunter Foster. The comedic timing, the staging, and the chemistry are all outstanding.

The iconic creepy and mostly kooky family is now entertaining audiences at The Central New York Playhouse under the direction of Bella Lupia and music direction by Abel Searor. The familiar family effortlessly comes to life with spot on casting and gorgeous costumes. The new musical, with a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, comes to the Central New York Playhouse just in time for Halloween.