Natasha Ashley - Page 4

The classic American courtroom drama by Reginald Rose Twelve Angry Men, under the impressive direction of James Still, is now captivating audiences at Syracuse Stage. The production is co-produced with Indiana Repertory Theatre and showcases brilliant acting, a flawless and detailed set design by Junghyun Georgia Lee, and thought-provoking topics.

The Syracuse University Department of Drama has begun its 2019-2020 season with Michael Bennett's groundbreaking Pulitzer Prize and Tony-award winning musical A Chorus Line under the impressive direction of Brian J. Marcum. The authenticity, the emotion, the power, and the dancing bring a chilling production showcasing spot-on talent of a stellar cast.

The 50th anniversary national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar has now officially begun at Syracuse's Landmark Theatre. The iconic rock opera has intoxicating energy, intense choreography, and killer vocals under the direction of Timothy Sheader. The expression, the emotion, and mainly the choreography takes center stage in this new tour.

The Rev Theatre Company has brought a new Broadway-bound musical to the Finger Lakes and specifically, Auburn's Merry – Go – Round Playhouse. Loch Ness, A New Musical features spellbinding performances, breathtaking artistry, and moving music under the superb direction of Marshall Pailet. The beauty, the detail, and unique presentation makes this like no other musical; it is truly something special.

The Redhouse Arts Center opens its 2019-2020 season with none other than Jonathan Larson's Tony Award -winning musical RENT under the incredible direction of the Broadway-credited husband and wife team Hunter Foster and Jennifer Cody. Hunter Foster is the Redhouse Arts Center Artistic Director and this production will be hard to beat for the rest of the season thanks to the stellar cast, top-notch musical direction by Abel Searor, breathtaking set design by Carolyn Mraz, impressive choreography by Jennifer Cody, and, of course, the story that changed musical theatre history.

Syracuse Stage opens its 2019/2020 season with a world premiere production of Thoughts of a Colored Man, written by Keenan Scott II and directed by Steve H. Broadnax III. It is co-produced with Baltimore Center Stage and two commercial producers, Brian Moreland and Ron Simons, who anticipate moving this new play to New York after the run in Syracuse and Baltimore (beginning October 10). The play is real, raw, and truly captivating; the emotional and powerful stories are conveyed through music, dance, and poetic language.

The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival is now presenting a thought-provoking production of Working a Musical at the Merry – Go – Round Playhouse. The musical features a book by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso with additional contributions by Gordon Greenberg; music by Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Lin-Manual Miranda, Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead, Stephen Schwartz, and James Taylor; and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. Producing Artistic Director of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival, Brett Smock, directs and choreographs this simple, fresh, and relatable production.

Cortland Repertory Theatre is now entertaining audiences at the picturesque Little York Pavilion in Preble, New York with the highly entertaining Tony-nominated jukebox musical Million Dollar Quartet. Featuring the classic tunes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins, Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux's (book) musical is inspired by the night when Elvis Presley (Noah Jermain), Johnny Cash (Colin Barkell), Jerry Lee Lewis (Gavin Rohrer), and Carl Perkins (Todd Meredith) made history with their legendary jam and recording session on December 4, 1956 at the famous Sun Records studio in Memphis. Narrator Sam Phillips (Bobby Becher), founder of Sun Records and legendary producer, recalls that historic and magical evening when these musicians jammed out to their hits and he had a 'Million Dollar Quartet' on his hands for their only performance in the one-room studio.

The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival is now presenting a breathtaking and visually stunning production of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical South Pacific. The beautiful, relevant, and captivating love story sweeps the audience away to an island paradise under the creative direction of Scott Weinstein. This musical, that has garnered ten Tony Awards and three Academy Awards, can now add this brilliant production to its lists of accomplishments. The visual appeal, the creativity, the pertinent story, the music, and the cast are all phenomenal. Once again the magical stage at the Merry a?' Go -Round Playhouse has proven that they bring the Broadway-wow factor with a fresh take on this classic musical.

The Central New York (CNY) Playhouse is now entertaining audiences with its hilarious production of the record-breaking Tony Award-winning musical comedy, Producers. Sizzling with local talent under the superb direction of Dustin M. Czarny, the choreography, the casting, the sets, and, of course, the material itself does not disappoint.

Mamma Mia! 'Here we go again.' There is now another production in Central New York of this hit jukebox musical based on the songs of ABBA. This time around it is a delightful production at the picturesque Cortland Repertory Theatre in Preble, New York. For a musical that is repeatedly (sometimes too much) performed throughout the country, the Cortland Rep production, directed by Kerby Thompson, is quite fresh, powerful, and exciting.

The Merry a?" Go a?" Round Playhouse is now enchanting audiences with a breathtaking production of Grand Hotel the Musical. Director Brett Smock's productions often are memorable and this one is no exception. With the lavish set, spot on casting, and impressive choreography this production is one of the top productions I've seen presented at The Merry - Go a?" Round Playhouse.

Omigod you guys! Cortland Repertory Theatre is now entertaining audiences with the super-fun musical comedy Legally Blonde at their picturesque summer location at the Little York Pavilion in Preble, New York. It is a fabulously fun musical directed by Trey Compton and a wonderful summer treat covered in pink sprinkles for the summer.

Central New York Playhouse is now presenting their production of Neil Simon's farce Rumors under the direction of Korrie Taylor. This theater company often excels with their comedic plays, but unfortunately only some of the cast delivered the laughs on the night I attended.

The 2019 season of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival has officially begun at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, New York. The season's first musical is none other than the very familiar hit Grease, directed by Igor Goldin. It has been 21 years since a production of Grease entertained audiences at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and local audiences are, without a doubt, excited to see the familiar musical. The title of the show alone is making tickets disappear like lightning.

For one night only, the 10th anniversary touring production of Rock of Ages rocked out at Syracuse's Landmark Theatre. The jukebox musical featuring strobe lights, fog effects, classic '80s hits certainly got the crowd going as the cheesy, yet amusing story of love, hope, and dreams played out. It was 'nothing but a good time' as the energetic rock musical came to life under the direction of Martha Banta featuring powerhouse vocals, spot on '80s costume designs by Cynthia Nordstrom, and out of this world lighting by Mike Baldassari.

Talk about a swingin' good time at The Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, New York! Impeccably directed by Bob Brown, the current production of the jukebox musical of The All Night Strut! features sensational performances by a talented cast, spot on lighting design by Marie Yokoyama, energetic music direction by Barry Blumenthal, and top-notch accompaniment featuring members of the local award-winning CNY Jazz orchestra.

A stunning, visionary, and thought-provoking production of Jason Robert Brown's Drama Desk Award-winning musical, The Last 5 Years, is now delighting audiences at Syracuse Stage. The production is directed by none other than Jason Alexander, who is, of course, best known for his role in the television series Seinfeld. Alexander's vision results in a production that is refreshing, captivating, and brilliant. This production stands out from others because Alexander cast four actors rather than the traditional two. There is also the incomparable score by the brilliant Jason Robert Brown that is a delight to the ears.

The touring production of Finding Neverland has now soared into Syracuse's Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater as part of the Famous Artists Broadway Theatre Series. With an impressive book by James Graham and powerful music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Elliot Kennedy, this inspiring musical is pure fun and magic on stage.

The touring production of The Book of Mormon is now 'educating' and entertaining audiences in Syracuse's Landmark Theatre. This musical of course brings many laughs and pushes many boundaries by taking a fresh look at the familiar and friendly Mormons that may have knocked on your door. Whether you think the writers are mocking them or just helping you look at them in a different way is up for personal interpretation.