In the Cortland Repertory Theatre’s 2022 season, only two performances were able to be completed, due to unfortunately timed cases of COVID-19 within the theatre’s cast and crew. The scheduled play, Agatha Christie’s “Murder On The Orient Express” was never executed.
Luckily, Artistic Director Kerby Thompson said the set, props and costumes from were stored over the winter, so the Cortland Repertory summer season, celebrating the organization’s 51st anniversary, will kick off at the Little York Pavilion in Preble, NY on June 7, with Christie’s chilly murder mystery.
The 2023 season will contain three plays and two musicals: the Agatha Christie, Tony-nominated “Xanadu “by Douglas Carter Beane, “Unnecessary Farce” by Paul Slade Smith, “The Cake” by Bekah Brunstetter and wrapping up the season, “The Wizard of Oz.”
“Xanadu” will be showing from June 21 to June 30. This performance is based on the 1980 cult classic, with music and lyrics by Jeff Lyne and John Farrar. For fans of 80s pop, look no further — “Xanadu” features renditions of iconic hits from the period like “Strange Magic,” and “Evil Woman,” between hilarious story lines of forbidden love and greek gods on Venice Beach, California.
“Unnecessary Farce” centers on an embezzling mayor, his accountant, undercover police and a Scottish hitman. It’s one of Cortland Repertory Theatre’s most popular comedies, planned to show in this 2023 season between July 5 and 15.
“The Cake” was originally planned for the theatre’s 2020 season, but had to be canceled because of the pandemic. This comedy centers on a woman living in North Carolina who is cast onto an Americanized “Great British Baking Show,” but her life is complicated while she bakes a wedding cake for her late best friend’s daughter’s wedding. It will be playing July 19 and July 28.
Finally, closing the season, is Cortland Repertory Theatre’s original telling of “The Wizard of Oz.” This stage version, premiering August 2 to August 19, was adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company and is based upon the classic movie.
Cortland Repertory Theatre is now selling 5-show summer subscriptions along with 5 or 6 pack Flex Passes. The 5-show subscription allows the patron to see all 5 productions; the Flex Passes allow the purchaser to choose the shows they see. Special pricing is available for youth, seniors, military and first responders. Get tickets at their site.
Throughout the winter season, historic venues across Central New York present holiday show offerings to keep up with the Christmas festivities. The most popular event being Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker; it wasn’t until the 1960s that performances of this ballet really took off as an annual Christmas tradition. This year, there will be many popular holiday events preformed in places such as Utica, Cortland, and Endicott this December.
EPAC Nutcracker with the FUSE Dance Center of Binghamton
Established in 1998, The Endicott Performing Arts Center provides a high quality performing arts venue to local, regional, and touring artists. Thus, enabling their students to present, develop, and improve their artistic efforts. This season, EPAC presents four performances of “The Nutcracker” December 9th, 10th, and 11th. With the amazing dancers from The FUSE Dance Center of Binghamton, teaming up with the EPAC Repertory Company, ‘The Nutcracker’ has become a holiday tradition that you don’t want to miss.
Four performances are held on Friday December 9 at 7pm, Saturday, December 10 at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, December 11 at 2pm.
Tickets are $20 Adults / $18 Seniors and Children.
For more information, reserve seating, and to purchase tickets, click the link here.
Photo credit to Matt Ossowski
Upcoming Concerts and Events at The Stanley Theatre
This holiday season, there will be many upcoming shows you won’t want to miss at The Stanley Theatre. The most popular being The Nutcracker which the Board of Directors and Artistic Director, Melissa Larish, have endeavored to make the production unique, through major investments in sets, costumes, choreography, lighting and guest artists. Other shows like Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Home Alone, and A Charlie Brown Christmas will all be held throughout December.
The Nutcracker
December 2nd | 7:00 p.m.
December 3rd | 7:00 p.m.
December 4th | 2:00 p.m.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
December 7th | 7:30 p.m.
Home Alone (1990)
December 8th | 6:30 p.m.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 20th | 7:00 p.m.
Cortland Rep Downtown Holiday Events
Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown, located at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland, offers an exciting and festive December of holiday shows and events. For the first time since 2019, CRT is offering a weekend of photos with Santa, on Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm, and on Sunday, December 4th from 1:00pm–3:00pm. Along with this, they will also be offering a Holiday Broadway Brunch on December 10th, a performance by The Rave-On’s December 11th, Third Thursday Trivia on December 15th, and more to come.
Holiday Broadway Brunch
December 10th at 11:00am
The Rave-Ons
December 10th at 7:30pm and December 11th at 2:00pm
Third Thursday Trivia
December 15 at 7:00pm
The Story of Ebenezer Scrooge by The Traveling Lantern Children’s Theatre Company
December 17th at 11:00am
Dancin’ Thru the Decades New Year’s Eve Community Dance
December 31st at 9:00pm
For more information or to purchase tickets to any of these events, please visit the link here.
The Center of The Arts in Homer hosted an astounding show on Saturday, November 5 with well known tribute band The Machine performing Pink Floyd. With a 30+ year legacy of extending the voice of Pink Floyd, The Machine continues to carry on the reputation of the British rock band that began in 1965.
The Machine is a New York based group of four, expanding the Floyd reputation of the 1970’s. The band consists of drummer Tahrah Cohen, electric guitarist Ryan Ball, pianist Scott Chasolen and lead singer and guitarist Chris Deanglis. The group performs in memory of Joe Pascarell, who founded the band back in 1988.
The Machine put on a show and performed some of Pink Floyd’s top hits, “Comfortably Numb,” “Wish You Were Here,” and many others from album Dark Side of The Moon, released in 1973. The album was conceived as a concept of mental health regarding former original band member Syd Barrett who left the group in 1968.
Overall The Machine performs Pink Floyd plays with such accuracy, it’s truly outstanding the band has been able to continue the legacy and importance of Pink Floyd which has greatly impacted the music community. Playing all around the world, sold out shows and growing their audience. The Machine has truly become a tribute phenomenon.
The Cortland Repertory Theatre announced a weekend of memories with two tribute concerts scheduled- one for Barry Manilow and the other for Carole King.
The concerts are called “One Voice: The Music of Barry Manilow” and “Tapestry Unraveled: The Music of Carole King.” Manilow’s tribute concert will take place on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m., and King’s will take place on Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cortland Repertory Theatre.
Barry Manilow had an astonishing 50 Top 40 hits and Billboard Magazine ranks him as the #1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time. Broadway National Touring performer Mark Sanders performs a touching and brilliantly done tribute honoring Manilow. He will be performing Manilow’s biggest hits, like “Mandy, I Write Songs” and “Copacabana.”
Hailed as one of the most successful and talented female pop artists, Carole King has left a huge mark on the music industry. Singer Tina Naponelli captures the essence of King, with a powerful voice and soulful dedication. She will pay homage to King by performing some of her classic songs, including “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Chains,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” and many more.
Both singers will be accompanied by a five-piece live band. Tickets to see the Barry Manilow and Carole King tribute acts are available now at the Cortland Repertory Theatre’s box office or online here.
On Wednesday October 26, Renaissance made an appearance at The Homer Center of Arts on their historic Legacy Tour. Renaissance became a progressive rock band starting back in 1978 when top hits “Carpet of the Sun” and “Ashes are Burning” came out.
The Legacy Tour was a celebration for Annie Haslam’s 75th year, in celebration to Annie’s solo music career and The Renaissance band for over 50 years. The group includes Jason Hart, David Keyes, Rave Tesar, Frank Pagano and lead vocals Annie Haslam and Michael Dunford. Combining rock, classical folk, jazz, and the lead female vocal, Renaissance has maintained their musical groove.
The Homer Center of the Arts was the perfect venue for hosting the Legacy Tour. The U shaped arranged seating brings the audience together. Renaissance welcomed the crowd from beginning to end which truly connected the crowd.
Renaissance’s great success began in the 70’s, and this show made it clear that their passion for music has carried with them throughout the decades. Highlights of their success in the 1970’s included sold out shows at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall and The Royal Chorale Society, while also recording and releasing these sold out shows as live albums.
Wednesday’s show at Homer Center for the Arts did an outstanding job bringing the 70’s rock back on stage. While Renaissance still pursues their music career, fans are nothing but excited to see what’s next in store for these progressive rock legends.
CRT just presented their revival of Kiss Me, Kate for their 50 Anniversary Season, but now all mainstage shows are canceled as the ongoing situation with the COVID pandemic is evolving. The Bright Star Touring Company’s children’s productions of The Little Mermaid on July 28 at 10 A.M. and Upcycled Cinderella on July 29 at 10 A.M. will continue as scheduled.
In Cortland county, there are 84 active cases, and the new BA.5 subvariant is responsible for 125,000 new cases and more than 400 deaths each day in the United States, according to seven-day averages on The Washington Post’s covid tracker. The subvariant is causing 80% of infections and is more contagious than other variants by far.
In order to stay safe during this unstable time, people need to get vaccinated, wash their hands, social distance, and wear masks, especially as the fall and winter approach. The Cortland Repertory Theatre has a special filtration system to help suppress airborne and surface microorganisms and pathogens including viruses (COVID and others), bacteria, and mold, and is encouraging people to wear masks and not attend shows if sick.
The CRT Box Office staff will be contacting ticket holders to discuss options for refunds or ticket donations. For more information about the upcoming shows, and to buy tickets, go here.
Cortland Repertory Theatre proudly presents the third show in their 50th Anniversary season, the well-known backstage musical Kiss Me, Kate. The show was last produced at this theater in 1984, Kiss Me, Kate is a hilarious and tuneful show with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.
Jahmar Ortiz as Fred Graham and Briana Gantsweg as Lily Vanessi in Cortland Repertory Theatre’s production of Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me, Kate”, running from July 6 – 16.
Sparks fly both onstage and off when actor/director Fred Graham attempts to mount a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew with his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi in the leading role. Added to the mix is a flirtatious ingenue, her gambler boyfriend and some musically inclined gangsters, creating a sharp, witty and riotous evening of big laughs, dancing and some of Cole Porter’s most classic tunes.
Familiar favorited tunes by include Cole Porterinclude “So In Love,” “Too Darn Hot,” “Always True to You (In My Fashion),” and “Tom, Dick or Harry.” You won’t want to miss this high energy musical.
See all show dates and times below.
July 6, 2022 7:30 pm
July 7, 2022 7:30 pm
July 8, 2022 2:00 pm
July 8, 2022 7:30 pm
July 9, 2022 7:30 pm
July 10, 2022 2:00 pm
July 12, 2022 7:30 pm
July 13, 2022 2:00 pm
July 13, 2022 7:30 pm
July 14, 2022 7:30 pm
July 15, 2022 7:30 pm
July 16, 2022 7:30 pm
George Sidney’s terrific film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical “Kiss Me, Kate”
Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-427-6160 or by visiting the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland. Visit the link here to purchase tickets online.
Visit the link here for more information on all upcoming performances.
The annual CFCU Cortland Main Street Music Series continues to grow with a 2022 line-up featuring the best local talent from CNY plus world-class bands. The series celebrates 19 years of bringing local, regional and national acts to Downtown Cortland with genres ranging from rock, Americana, folk, country, blues and many points in between. Doors open at 5pm for all shows and music begins at 6pm every Friday in July.
The City of Cortland, home of the Main Street Music Series, is centrally located in the scenic seven valleys of Central New York. Historically known as the Crown City, for its position as the highest elevation city in the state, Cortland is a gateway to the Finger Lakes Region and destination spot for live music and cultural events.
15 artists will grace the CFCU Community Credit Union stage over the course of five free concerts, all taking place at Rose Hall, at 19 Church Street Cortland.
The series kicks off with a triple billing on Friday, July 1st with headliners James Barker Band and supporting acts Taylor Made and Jon Rogalia. James Barker Band have fueled an incredible story over the last six years, largely on their own, from playing opening spots in small Ontario bars to charting multiple No. 1 singles, garnering hundreds of millions of global streams, and headlining some of Canada’s largest country music festivals. Now, with new music on the way, the four-piece is continuing their meteoric ascent in Nashville. In 2017, they sent their single “Chills” straight to the top of Billboard’s Canadian Hot 100 chart. The upbeat anthem also achieved Platinum status, alongside other songs from their introductory LP Game On, earning them numerous national awards. In addition, these best-friends have already amassed another six GOLD-certified and PLATINUM-certified tracks.
The second week of the series follows on July 8th with local roots rock band The Unknown Woodsmen and fellow area artists The Rollin’ Rust and Austin MacRae. Music fans across the Northeast are talking about CNY-based band The Unknown Woodsmen, who draw from the classic sounds of rock to create their own blues-reggae flavor of infectious rock grooves. Since its inception in 2011, the band has spent countless hours honing their signature sound and tirelessly performing throughout the Northeast. Whether it is their crafty hooks, old-school grooves, or energetic stage presence, The Unknown Woodsmen captivate crowd after crowd at show after show to a growing base of loyal fans in the Central New York region.
The series turns things up a notch in the third week, when The Rods headline the Friday, July 15th show at Rose Hall. They’ll be joined by supporting acts Sydney Irving and the Mojo and local singer songwriter Quona Hudson. The Rods are a series favorite and classic heavy metal band that rocked their way through the 80’s with a powerful, raw energy that led them on tours with some of today’s greatest metal bands—Judas Priest, Ozzy, Motorhead, and Metallica, to name just a few. Listeners will find that The Rods are still a force to be reckoned with today, as they continue on at full-throttle, with a new line-up and a forceful, vintage sound.
Friday, July 22nd, the CFCU Cortland Main Street Music Series will drench Rose Hall in the blues, when Joe Louis Walker brings his band to the Cortland stage, with opening sets by regional favorites Mike Powell and Raedwald Howland-Bolton. Joe Louis Walker, a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and four-time Blues Music Award winner celebrates a career that exceeds a half a century. A true powerhouse guitar virtuoso, unique singer and prolific songwriter, he has toured extensively throughout his career, performed at the world’s most renowned music festivals, and earned a legion of dedicated fans. Walker’s 1986 debut album Cold Is the Night on HighTone announced his arrival in stunning fashion, and his subsequent output has only served to further establish Walker as one of the leading bluesmen on the scene. NPR Music has called Walker “a legendary boundary-pushing icon of modern blues,” and he is already being referred to within the blues world as a living legend.
Rounding out the last show of the series on Friday, July 29th, Rose Hall will welcome headlining act Upstate along with opening artists Miss Tess Duo and Cloey Tierno.
The CFCU Cortland Main Street Music Series, presented by CFCU Community Credit Union, is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with a mission to enrich Cortland’s culture and contribute to a vital downtown by providing an annual series of concerts by local, regional and national artists. Additional sponsorship is provided by the Cortland County Business Development Corporation and the Cortland County Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote “Crown City Rising,” a communications platform aiming to inform downtown stakeholders and the community at large about the ongoing Main Street reconstruction process.
More information can be found by visiting CrownCityRising.com and more information about the series can be found by following updates on Facebook and Instagram or by visiting their website at MainStreetMusicSeries.com.
Singer-songwriter Brandy Clark, who is a 10-time Grammy nominee and CMA “Song of the Year” recipient, is set to perform an intimate night of stories and music Monday at the Center for the Arts in Homer.
Brandy Clark, photo credit: Chris Phelps
Every songwriter has stories to tell. The Art of the Storyteller Tour will feature new unreleased music from Clark’s upcoming album she is currently working on. Recently performing on “CMT Crossroads: Leann Rimes & Friends,” there is no doubt she is one of the most respected artists of our time. As well as being on her own musical journey, Brandy has written hits for many of todays top artists like Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Alicia Keys, and more.
“I hope people listening find themselves in me finding myself.”
Brandy Clark
Each stop features different special guests giving local singer-songwriters a chance to share their story. Central New York’s own groovy indie-folk group, The Rollin’ Rust, will be joining her on Monday evening.
The Rollin’ Rust. Photo provided by website, www.therollinrust.com
Brandy Clark–“The Art of the Storyteller Tour” June 17 – Montgomery, NY – City Winery June 18 – Holyoke, MA – Race Street Live June 20 – Homer, NY – Center For the Arts June 21 – Toronto, ON – Great Hall June 23 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark June 24 – Gary, IN – Hard Rock Casino June 25 – Minneapolis, MN – Dakota
General Admission tickets are available for $25, here.
Jazz pianist Judy Carmichael will perform at the Cortland Repertory Theatre May 7, and bring the “Swing” to Spring. “Swing Time” will be a celebratory night of swing era music, along with the Great American Songbook.
Swing
Carmichael, also known as “Stride”, is a grammy nominated pianist/vocalist who is proficient at playing stride and swing music. She has endless performances, from popular venues, to private recitals, to appearances on the radio or television.
Her impact on music is not only within the states, but around the world. In fact, under the United States Information Agency, Carmichael has toured in India, Portugal, Brazil and Singapore. Furthermore, her talents have spread from the most exquisite venues like Carnegie Hall to Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice. However, music is not Carmichael’s only strong suit; she has also performed comic skits.
Carmichael has a great understanding and knowledge of jazz, which is the root of her music. She values it so proudly, and has studied jazz from the beginning of its era to this very day. Carmichael adds a “fresh, dynamic interpretation of her own”, according to Washington Post.
Her hard work does not go unrecognized, considering Carmichael is one of the few jazz pianists honored as a Steinway Artist. Additionally, she participated as a panelist at National Endowment for the Arts and was included in a number of jazz anthologies. Carmichael is also listed in Who’s Who in the East, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry in America, Who’s Who in American Woman, American Women in Jazz, Who’s Who in the World, as well as the Encyclopedia of Jazz.
The Cortland Repertory Theatre administration has announced that vaccination cards are not required for attendance and although face masks are encouraged, it is not mandatory for this event. However, either of these policies may be subject to change, in accordance with the CDC.
This one night event will be located at 24 Port Watson Street, in Cortland. Tickets are $30.00 and are currently available.
