Tag: Cortland Repertory Theatre

Cortland Repertory Theatre Announces 2023 Summer Season

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.

December 2, 2022
Cortland Repertory Theatre Will Host Tribute Concerts to Barry Manilow and Carole King

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.

November 5, 2022
Cortland Repertory Theatre Announces Cancellation of “Orient Express”

The Cortland Repertory Theatre has announced the cancellation of the remainder of their 2022 mainstage performances, including the remaining shows of Murder on the Orient Express due to positive COVID cases within the CRT company.

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.

July 27, 2022
Cortland Repertory Theatre Presents Revival of “Kiss Me, Kate”

Cortland Repertory Theatre presents a “revival” for the third show in their 50 Anniversary season, the well-known show “Kiss Me, Kate,” running from July 6-16.

Kiss Me, Kate is about actor/director Fred Graham trying to mount a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew with his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi in the leading role. Also included in the mix are musically inclined, gangsters. Featured will also be Cole Porter’s most classic tunes, “Another Openin’ Another Show,” “So in Love,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Always True to You.”

Jahmar Ortiz as Fred Graham and
Briana Gantsweg as Lilli Vanessi.

Maclain Rhine and the company.

Leading the cast as Lily Vanessi is Briana Gantsweg, previously seen on the CRT stage in Born Yesterday and Rough Crossing. Playing Fred Graham is Jahmar Ortiz, who also continues their role as Director of Culture and Inclusion as they did for CRT’s production of Hair earlier this summer. Many different CRT interns perform in the production as well.

Kiss Me, Kate is directed by Mark Reynolds, who previously won the SALT award for Newsies (Best Musical), CRT’s record-breaking production of Footloose, Born Yesterday, The Rat Pack Lounge, The Kitchen Witches, and more. Choreographer Bryan Knowlton returns for a third summer after working on Mamma Mia! and Saturday Night Fever in the past.

Jahmar Ortiz as Fred Graham with Company.

The Cortland Repertory Theatre will also offer a “Friday Night Talk Back” after the evening performance on July 8th, with a Q&A session with the actors, director, designers, and crew. Tickets are also on sale for the rest of the summer season, which includes Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins.

July 11, 2022
Cortland Repertory Presents “Kiss Me, Kate” For 50th Anniversary Season

Cortland Repertory Theatre proudly presents the third show in their 50^th 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 Porter include “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.

July 2, 2022
Swing Time With Judy Carmichael Is Coming To The Cortland Repertory Theatre

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.

May 3, 2022
Cortland Repertory Theatre Announces 50th Anniversary Summer Season

Cortland Repertory Theatre has announced the activities for their 50th anniversary summer season. Running from June 8 to August 20, patrons will have the chance to see a variety of entertainment at the Little York Pavilion in Preble, NY

This summer, the Cortland Repertory Theatre will showcase three musicals and two plays, including “Hair”, “Over the River and Through the Woods” and “Kiss Me, Kate”. June 8 -18, the CRT will debut their rendition of the tribal rock musical “Hair”, featuring music by Galt MacDermot and lyrics by Gerome Ragni. The show examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world, with spotlights on identity, community and global responsibility.

From June 22 – July 1, patrons will enjoy a revival of “Over the River and Through the Woods” by Joe DiPietro. Originally produced in 2005, this fan favorite comedy tells the story of a young Italian man navigating moving away from his family as they do everything in their power to stop him.

From July 6 – 16, the second CRT revival will make its appearance with the return of “Kiss me, Kate”. Originally performed in 1984, this musical mixes unique characters with classic songs like ‘So In Love’ and ‘Too Darn Hot’.

From July 20 – 30, patrons can enjoy the regional premiere of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery “Murder on the Orient Express”. The stage version of this classic mystery will be a special treat to CRT audiences.

Ending the summer is a special production of Mary Poppins, running from August 3 – 20. Although based on the Disney film and stories by P.L. Travers, new songs and music will be added to enhance the musical’s magic. The classic childhood story will enchant those who see it.

Every show will be held indoors, as opposed to last year’s season, and CRT has taken great precautions to keep all attendees safe. New technology has been installed in all theatre facilities, including the Pavilion’s theatre and backstage area, as a way to filter air and reduce the amount of germs transmitted. Covid guidelines will be finalized at a later date.

Five-show summer subscriptions, as well as more ticket information, can be found here.

April 20, 2022