What did our critic think of THE SHADOW BOX at BACCA Arts Center? With his 1977 Pulitzer Prize Winning play, The Shadow Box, Michael Cristofer creates his own display case, a shadow box if you will, showcasing life's unfortunate one sure thing, death. In the play's program, a quote is provided from renowned psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. She stated, 'There are five different stages that a person will go through when he faces the fact of his own death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages will last for different periods of time; they will replace each other, or exist at times side by side...But the one thing that usually persists through all these signs is hope.' Cristofer allows the audience to see these varying stages of grief through his characters. The play takes place at three hospice cottages where we see how death affects three terminally ill patients and their loved ones. Shadow boxes are usually created to display memories and keepsakes. Cristofer uses the cottages metaphorically to showcase the grieving process.
You will not be disappointed when you see a production of the worldwide hit Mamma Mia!. As the current offering from the Noel S. Ruiz Theater at CM Performing Arts Center, this show boasts a remarkable cast. Running through March 9th at the Oakdale venue, Patrick Grossman directs the superb production featuring our favorites from pop group ABBA.
After seeing Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida at The Noel S. Ruiz Theater at CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale, NY, I can officially say that this theater and production is the closest Long Island will ever get to Broadway! Aida was truly unbelievable and will go down as one of the best theater experiences I've ever had with Long Island theater.
Winner of four 2000 Tony Awards, Elton John & Sir Tim Rice (Official)'s AIDA is an epic tale of love, loyalty, and betrayal, chronicling a love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love.
You're a guest at the riotous wedding of Rebecca Steinberg and Brian Howard in Smithtown Center For The Performing Arts' fantastic musical production 'It Shoulda Been You.' Family squabble, friendly foolery, and shocking surprises are all present in this delightful show that revolves around a young couple on their wedding day. This Long Island premiere has a book and lyrics by Brian Hargrove with music by Barbara Anselmi. Michael Cooper, Will Randall, Carla Rose Fisher, Ernie Lijo, and Jill Abramovitz also contributed to the lyrics.
The holidays came early this year to the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre in Oakdale as they present the blissful Irving Berlin tuner 'White Christmas' through December 18. This cheerful old fashioned Broadway musical is based on the classic Paramount motion picture starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as song and dance men searching for stardom while looking for love on the way. Misunderstandings, mayhem, and mountains of mistletoe all ensure an endearing love story and the happiest holiday for all.
"Monty Python's Spamalot," the Tony Award winning Broadway musical comes to life at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre until November 5 in Oakdale, New York and it is spectacular! From the hysterical performances to the amazing sets and vibrant costumes, this production dazzles and shines!
Join the The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre for Monty Python's Spamalot, running until November 5th. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
Particularly over the past several years, the Tony winning musical Avenue Q has become a favorite show of mine. It is emotional, hilarious, relatable, and an original American production utilizing the fascinating art of puppetry. Now running through October 1st at Long Island's Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center (CMPAC), this wonderfully executed production is superbly directed by Heather Van Velsor who additionally operates the puppets Kate Monster and Lucy in the show.
In spite of what you may have heard or read about this show from its 2006 Broadway incarnation, The Wedding Singer is certainly an enjoyable time. Who doesn't love 1980's campiness? Not only that, the Tony nominated stage version stays very true to the hilarious Adam Sandler movie particularly with the dialog.
Having previously attended a wonderful local production of Meredith Willson's Tony winning musical The Music Man, I was bursting with high hopes for the incarnation at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CMPAC. In a strong main stage directorial debut, CMPAC vet Matt W. Surico - usually the Music Director and/or cast member - doesn't disappoint assembling an outstanding cast and crew for this classic show.
Voting has opened for the 2015 BroadwayWorld Long Island Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of November 27th. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.
BWW Review: THE ADDAMS FAMILY at CMPAC
Kicking off their 37th season, The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center has mounted a terrific production of the Tony nominated musical Bonnie & Clyde. With a book by Ivan Menchell, this is a 'biographical' story of the two most notorious gangsters. Many themes are touched upon in this story - despite their violent, criminal shenanigans - including true love, the solidarity of family, and unwavering loyalty. Running through September 27th at the Oakdale, Long Island, venue, the show is truly top notch.
When you attend a production of Mel Brooks' musical Young Frankenstein, your full intension must be for laughs because this show is anything but serious. Above everything, the large cast is super talented and delivers their performances entertainingly and with heart.
It's alive! The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks' monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches.
It's alive! The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks' monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches.
Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy - considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. It soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a cast of vivid characters: Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight 'mission doll' and Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler who would bet on anything that would turn him a profit - until he meets his match in Sarah. We also meet the chronically ill Adelaide and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiance, desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating crap game. Will 'Luck Be A Lady' to these star crossed lovers?
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