Patricia Lewis

Currently playing at Rochester’s JCC Centerstage Theatre is a play that seems out of place in our modern era of intense division and heightened polarization because it explores the deep respect and affection between two people who hold sharply different political and philosophical views, performed by two women who capture all the intellect, humor, and authenticity of the play’s subjects.

 Blackfriars Theatre will present Mala, a one-woman tour de force, by Melinda Lopez. Performances run March 22 - April 5.

What did our critic think of CLUE at Blackfriars Theatre? For Blackfriars Theatre’s opening production of the 2023-2024 season, Rochester theatregoers are being treated to the classic pop culture whodunit, “Clue”, whose adaptations have spanned board game, film, musical and play. While the murder-mystery is a genre that does not want for copycats, “Clue” is arguably the standard-bearer for the modern era.

Unleashed! Improv will perform their hilarious, improvised show, “Secrets'' at the 2023  Rochester Fringe Festival (running September 12 - 23) on Wednesday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, September 22 at 6 p.m. at Focus Theatre (260 East Main Street, Suite 3100 – Sibley Square). 

Probably the most anticipated event of Blackfriars Theatre's (795 East Main Street) upcoming season is their opener, Clue: On Stage. Based on the classic Hasbro board game—and the fan-favorite 1985 film—by the same name, Clue: On Stage opens on a dark and stormy night with a mysterious dinner party and even more mysterious guests. When the bodies start dropping, hilarity ensues as the guests race to discover who did it, where, and with what.

Join Blackfriars Theater for a stunning one-man portrayal of a town in mourning over the disappearance of a young man. One actor portrays every character as he unravels the story of Leonard Pelkey, an infectiously positive and flamboyant fourteen-year-old boy who goes missing from his home in a small Jersey Shore town.

The University of Rochester’s International Theatre Program presents the world premiere of Fellowship—a newly commissioned work from playwright Sam Chanse. The production runs from September 29 through October 8 at the University’s Sloan Performing Arts Center.

Blackfriars Theatre continues its 2021-2022 season (doing alternating repertory performances with Charlayne Woodard's 'Pretty Fire') with 'Silent Sky', an original play by Lauren Gunderson, who holds the unique accolade of being America's most produced living playwright. It's an inspiring show that touches on themes of gender and patriarchy on the surface, but if you dig a little deeper you'll also uncover explorations of space, time, human connection, and one's legacy.

Blackfriars Theatre returns to live, indoor performances this October with two beautiful and heart-warming productions to kick off its 72nd Season in downtown Rochester. Pretty Fire by Charlayne Woodard is a one-woman tour de force and is the recipient of the NAACP Theatre Awards for Best Play and Best Playwright.

Blackfriars Theatre's fifth show of its 70th Anniversary Season tells the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. Silent Sky is written by Lauren Gunderson, one of America's most produced living playwrights.

Over 50 prominent musical artists, including Dave Matthews, Peter Gabriel and Mike Rutherford, have come together to record a tribute to Johnny Clegg, a true South African legend who has made and continues to make an indelible mark on music history. Last night, the recording was revealed to Johnny Clegg at Ellerman House in Cape Town, South Africa.

The year is 1929, and Tampa-based cigar rollers Marela and Ofelia anxiously await the arrival of their new, dashingly handsome "lectore." Anna in the Tropics is written by Nilo Cruz and won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2003. The play centers around the common Cuban tradition in which lectors are employed by cigar factories to educate and entertain the workers through the reading of novels. The arrival of a new lector is a cause for celebration, but when he begins to read aloud from Anna Karenina, he unwittingly becomes a catalyst in the lives of his avid listeners, for whom Tolstoy, the tropics, and the American dream prove a volatile combination.

Blackfriars Theatre spreads cheer for the entire family this holiday season with Little Women, The Musical, the Broadway musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's beloved book.

Blackfriars Theatre spreads cheer for the entire family this holiday season with Little Women, The Musical, the Broadway musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's beloved book.

The Public Theater is currently presenting its Free Shakespeare in the Park production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, directed by Lear deBessonet with choreography by Chase Brock. The show officially opened last night, Monday, July 31 and runs through Sunday, August 13. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the opening night red carpet below!

The Public Theater is currently presenting its Free Shakespeare in the Park production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, directed by Lear deBessonet with choreography by Chase Brock. The show officially opened last night, Monday, July 31 and runs through Sunday, August 13. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from opening night below!

The Public Theater is currently presenting its Free Shakespeare in the Park production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, directed by Lear deBessonet with choreography by Chase Brock. The show officially opened last night, Monday, July 31 and runs through Sunday, August 13. Let's see what the critics had to say...

The Public Theater is currently presenting its Free Shakespeare in the Park production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, directed by Lear deBessonet with choreography by Chase Brock. The show officially opens tonight, Monday, July 31 and runs through Sunday, August 13. BroadwayWorld has a first look at highlights from the show below!

Need an escape before the end of the summer? Low on cash? We've gotcha covered. Instead of an expensive getaway, let theatre be your way to get away. The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park has become one of New York City's most cherished summer traditions, offering free performances at Central Park's Delacorte Theatre all summer long, but it is far from the only frugal theatre option this month. Below, check out where you can find free performances in New York City, all August long!

The Public Theater's Free Shakespeare in the Park production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, directed by Lear deBessonet, began previews on Tuesday, July 11 and runs through Sunday, August 13 with an official press opening on Monday, July 31. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!