NYS Music 2024

Category: Broadway/Musicals

  • Playhouse Stage Company Kicks Off 37th Season in Cohoes with A Christmas Story: The Musical

    Playhouse Stage Company is set to kick off its 37th season with A Christmas Story: The Musical from Dec 4 to 22.

    Cohoes Music Hall opens with the musical on Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm. Performances continue through December 22nd, with 7pm evening performances Wednesday through Saturday, as well as 2pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. The season kicks off with holiday season entertainment for young and old alike.

    A hilarious and heart-warming crowd pleaser, A Christmas Story: The Musical tells the story of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, who has pinned his hopes on getting a “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” for Christmas. The musical, with a book by Joseph Robinette, features all the iconic moments from the film, from the leg lamp award, to the bunny suit, to Ralphie’s friend Flick getting his tongue stuck to a frozen metal pole.

    It boasts a soaring, energetic score by Pasek and Paul, known for their work on Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman and more. The show is based on the 1983 MGM film, as well as the film’s inspiration, the novel In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd. The musical adaptation premiered on Broadway in 2012, in a production that featured two Playhouse Stage Company students and Capital Region natives, Jack Mastrianni and George Franklin.

    A Christmas Story musical
    “A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL.”

    A Christmas Story: The Musical is directed by long-time PSC Director Michael LoPorto, returning to the company after most recently directing the celebrated 2023 production of Something Rotten at Park Playhouse. LoPorto is joined by frequent collaborator Brian Axford as Musical Director. Playhouse Stage Teaching Artist and performer Gabi Bazinet-Douglas makes her PSC choreography debut on A Christmas Story after appearing as Brooke Wyndham in this past summer’s Legally Blonde: The Musical.

    The cast is led by well-known Capital Region actor and Sage Theatre Institute Professor David Baecker, as the show’s narrator, Jean Shepherd, as well as by PSC student Jack Holick as young Ralphie Parker. Joining them in the 26-person cast are Playhouse veterans Molly Rose McGrath and Nick Martiniano as Ralphie’s parents, and PSC Director of Education and Associate Artistic Director Ashley-Simone Kirchner, returning to the stage for the first time since 2019’s Avenue Q to play Ralphie’s teacher, Miss Shields. 

    The 37th Playhouse Stage Company Season continues in February with the dark musical comedy Heathers: The Musical, adapted from the 1989 cult classic film. In addition to productions at Cohoes Music Hall, the company will return to Park Playhouse in Albany’s Washington Park, and Guilderland Performing Arts Center in Tawasentha Park to present free, outdoor musical theatre for the community during Summer, 2025. Details about title selection and schedule will be announced in January.

    For more information on the upcoming show at Cohoes Music Hall – A Christmas Story: The Musical and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Theatre On The Road Announces 25th Annual Interactive “A Christmas Carol” Shows

    Theatre on the Road has announced the dates of their 25th annual interactive dinner production of A Christmas Carol touring throughout the Hudson Valley.

    Theatre On The Road

    Founded by Frank and Kristen Marquette, Theatre on the Road has been putting on a wide variety of traveling live theater productions for 25 years now.

    With a range of titles from Dracula to Whiskey Women, Theatre on the Road can bring any show anywhere- whether that be a traditional performance space, theater, restaurant, cafe, or school. Now in their 25th year active, Theatre on the Road has entertained nearly 100,000 people across seven states and two countries. 

    Returning for their final performances of the year, Theatre on the Road presents an exciting 13 performances of A Christmas Carol throughout the Hudson Valley, with some Victorian caroling in the mix to boot. Venues for this holiday classic span locations in Rhinebeck, New Windsor, Kingston, Broadalbin, Hopewell Junction, Milton, Kerhonkson, West Park, and Eldred.

    Guests in attendance will be transported into the wondrous winter world of the Dickens classic while enjoying a delicious three-course dinner included in the ticket price and Victorian holiday caroling before the show and during the dinner break. 

    “This annual event has grown to become a Hudson Valley holiday tradition for many of our audience members, and we’re thrilled to share the joy that this classic story brings.”

    – Frank Marquette

    The script for Theatre on the Road’s production of A Christmas Carol was written by its founders Frank and Kristen Marquette. In addition, Kristen is responsible for the show’s handmade wardrobing and Frank has taken on the mantle of producer, co-director, and one of two Narrators alongside Ellen Pavloff. Also co-directing is 20-year veteran of musical theater and Victorian caroling Marisa Gorsline.

    Names that will grace the various stages of the Hudson Valley include Griffin Stanger, Bob Greffrath, Dennis Wakeman, Steven Giammettei, Erin Herbert, Heather Roland Franco, Joe Maxwell, John Thayer, Scarlett Gorsline, and Georgie Berman.

    Tickets for Theatre on the Road’s 25th annual traveling performances of A Christmas Carol are on sale now- check out their official website for purchasing opportunities here.

    A CHRISTMAS CAROL DATES

    Sun, December 1 at 1pm & 5pm: The Beekman Arms, Rhinebeck

    Sun, December 8 at 5pm: The Meadowbrook, New Windsor

    Mon, December 9 at 6pm: VFW, Kingston

    Wed, December 11 at 7pm: The Beekman Arms, Rhinebeck

    Fri, December 13 at 6pm: Historic Hotel Broadalbin, Broadalbin

    Sun, December 15 at 4pm: Restaurant Six at Curry Estate, Hopewell Junction

    Wed, December 18 at 7pm: The Venue Uptown at the Best Western, Kingston

    Thurs & Fri, December 19 & 20 at 6pm: Buttermilk Falls Inn, Milton

    Sat, December 21 at 12pm: Soyuzivka Heritage Center, Kerhonkson

    Sat, December 21 at 7pm: Hudson House Distillery, West Park

    Sun, December 22 at 7pm: The Eldred Preserve, Eldred

  • Works & Process Announces Spring 2025 Season

    Championing artists and their creative process for each step from studio to stage, the Works & Process Spring 2025 season starts in January across New York City and Long Island.

    Works & Process Artists-in-Residence, provided with fully funded, week-long LaunchPAD residencies, gather for the first Dance Out East on Long Island on January 9–11, in partnership with The Church in Sag Harbor, Guild Hall of East Hampton, and The Watermill Center.

    Also kicking off the season is the third Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival at the Guggenheim New York on January 9–13, as part of JanArtsNYC. The Underground Uptown Dance Festival is one of the city’s largest and most influential arts gatherings and draws more than 45,000 performing arts leaders, artists, and enthusiasts from across the globe.

    The 40th season of Works & Process at the Guggenheim continues in the museum’s Peter B. Lewis Theater with events that highlight creative process by blending artist discussion and performance. A highlight of the programming will be a series of social dances in the Guggenheim’s rotunda, including a swing social to open the first Uptown Rhythm Dance Festival in partnership with 92NY.

    Dance will to a key aspect of this Works & Process season, with new dances by BalletX, Ballet Hispánico, Andy Blankenbuehler, New Jersey Ballet, Miami City Ballet, and the Vail Dance Festival. All events feature post-performance receptions that continue the conversation and help foster understanding, appreciation, and community.

    The upcoming season sees shows at a multitude of venues including the Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan West, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, The Watermill Center, National Sawdust and more. The season also sees multiple sub-series including the 40th Guggenheim Series, Dance Out East in Long Island, Underground Uptown Dance Fest, Rotunda Social Dances, and more.

    The season plans to include step by step showcases of various Broadway plays, detailing behind the scenes actions that prepare the play for the big stage. SMASH, inspired by the hit TV show, is finally coming to Broadway this spring.

    SMASH is a hilarious behind-the-scenes rollercoaster ride about the making of a Marilyn Monroe musical called Bombshell, it’s got all the iconic songs, kick-ass choreography, and backstage pandemonium that make Broadway the beloved institution it is today. The production will be helmed by five-time Tony Award–winner Susan Stroman and feature a score by Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award–winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who wrote over two dozen songs for the television show (many of which will be heard in the musical); a book by Tony Award–nominee Rick Elice and Tony Award–winner Bob Martin; and choreography by Tony Award–nominee Joshua Bergasse. Members of the creative team will participate in a moderated discussion and excerpts will be performed in advance of previews.

    40th Works & Process at the Guggenheim Series – Performance Highlights and Discussions

    Boston Lyric Opera: The Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi, libretto by Sarah Ruhl with Anthony Roth Costanzo, Sarah Ruhl, Zack Winokur, and Pam Tanowitz – Jan 14

    Miami City Ballet: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Pam Tanowitz – Jan 25

    Buena Vista Social Club by Marco Ramirez with Saheem Ali, Patricia Delgado, and Justin Peck – Jan 26

    Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by Phylicia Rashad – Jan 27

    SMASH by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Rick Elice, and Bob Martin, with Susan Stroman and Joshua Bergasse – Feb 3

    Never Alone by Andy Blankenbuehler – Feb 7

    Williamstown Theatre Festival: Jeremy O. Harris’s New Play First Look – Feb 9

    BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical with Jerry Mitchell – Feb 10

    Ballet Hispánico: Tango with Alejandro Cervera, Graciela Daniele, and Matthew Neenan – Mar 3

    San Francisco Opera: THE MONKEY KING (猴王悟空) by Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang with Diane Paulus – Mar 9

    BalletX: Maslow’s Peak by Jennifer Archibald – Mar 23

    Opera Theatre of Saint Louis: This House by Ricky Ian Gordon, Lynn Nottage, and Ruby Aiyo Gerber – Apr 6

    Glimmerglass Festival: The House on Mango Street by Derek Bermel and Sandra Cisneros – Apr 7

    New Jersey Ballet: Maria Kowroski and Harrison Ball – Apr 14

    The Metropolitan Opera: John Adams’s Antony and Cleopatra – Apr 28

    Vail Dance Festival – May 4

    The Works & Process 2025 season begins on January 9 and comes to a close on May 15, 2025. To see a complete calendar of events for the upcoming season, and to purchase tickets to any of the events, click here.

  • The Albany Symphony to Dazzle the Palace Theatre with “Magic of Christmas” Concert December 8

    The Albany Symphony plans to take the holiday season to new heights with their “Magic of Christmas” concert at The Palace Theatre this December.

    The award-winning Albany Symphony provides a whole lot of extra sparkle this holiday season in one of the Capital Region’s favorite holiday musical traditions. On Sunday, December 8, “The Magic of Christmas” fills The Palace Theatre with festive holiday music, family fun and special guests. The Albany Symphony and its sleigh-full of hometown talent will delight and entertain audiences of all ages with an afternoon of holiday musical favorites, a carol sing-along and a visit from the big man in the red suit.

    In keeping with the Albany Symphony’s longtime role as a collaborator, the orchestra is proud to be joined by community partners, including The Music Studio, Capital District Youth Chorale, Rince go Brach (formerly Boland) School of Irish Dance, Northeast Ballet, Saratoga Springs High School Choraliers, and Schalmont High School Concert Choir.

    Founded in 1930 in New York’s Capital Region, the Albany Symphony serves a diverse regional audience covering more than seven counties and parts of three states. In addition to an eight-concert subscription season, an annual multi-day American Music Festival including performances by the orchestra’s genre-bending ensemble Dogs of Desire, and a host of education and community outreach events, the Albany Symphony regularly serves as an ambassador for new music and Upstate innovation beyond the Capital Region. 

    “The Magic of Christmas” takes place from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday, December 8 at The Palace Theatre in downtown Albany. Conducted by David Alan Miller, prepare for an afternoon of festive family fun and cheer. Sponsored in part by Price Chopper and Market 32, the concert is jam-packed with holiday classics. Like everything the Albany Symphony does, the afternoon includes a medley of familiar and brand-new tunes, including “Joy to the World,” “Sing Noel,” “Santa’s Holly Jolly Little Christmas,” Nutcracker selections with dancers, and much more. In traditional joyful fanfare, audiences join in a Christmas sing-along to close the program. 

    For more information on “The Magic of Christmas” concert at The Palace Theatre on Dec 8 and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Swept Away – Featuring Music by The Avett Brothers – Opens on Broadway

    Swept Away, the new Broadway musical featuring the music of the beloved folk-rock band The Avett Brothers, opened on Tuesday, November 19 at the Longacre Theatre to a roaring standing ovation. The Avett Brothers joined the cast on stage for a special curtain call performance of the show’s title track. 

    swept away avett brothers
    Photo by Alyssa Greenberg

    The production incorporates songs from The Avett Brothers’ 2004 album, Mignonette, and others in their catalogue, plus one new song – “Lord Lay Your Hand on My Shoulder” – written by Seth Avett expressly for the production. The principal cast members, reprising their roles from the show’s previous sold-out and critically acclaimed runs at Berkeley Repertory in 2022 and Washington DC’s Arena Stage in 2023, include Tony Award winner John Gallagher, Jr. (Spring Awakening), Tony Award nominee Stark Sands (Kinky Boots), Adrian Blake Enscoe (Apple TV+’s Dickinson), and Wayne Duvall (1984). On Friday, November 22, The Avett Brothers will again join the Swept Away principals for a performance on NBC’s Today Show.

    The anticipated Broadway debut of Swept Away is the latest in a highlight-filled year for The Avett Brothers. In May, they released their first new album in five years, The Avett Brothers – now a Grammy nominee for Best Recording Package – followed by an extensive US tour.

    Swept Away is “a spellbinding tale” (The Washington Post) of shipwreck, salvation and brotherhood set on the high seas.

    An odyssey of “mythic proportions” (San Francisco Chronicle), Swept Away features a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan (Red, Moulin Rouge! The Musical), direction by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, American Idiot) and choreography by Tony Award nominee David Neumann (Hadestown).

    The Swept Away ensemble includes Josh Breckenridge, Hunter Brown, Matt DeAngelis, Cameron Johnson, Brandon Kalm, Rico LeBron, Michael J. Mainwaring, Orville Mendoza, Chase Peacock, Tyrone L. Robinson, David Rowen and John Sygar. Swings include John Michael Finley and Robert Pendilla.

    The Swept Away creative team includes Tony Award-winning set designer Rachel Hauck, Tony Award-winning costume designer Susan Hilferty, four-time Tony Award-winning lighting designer Kevin Adams, Tony Award-winning sound designer John Shivers, music arranger & orchestrator Chris Miller, music arranger & orchestrator/music supervisor Brian Usifer, music director Will Van Dyke, and casting director Jim Carnahan, Jillian Cimini, and Alexandre Bleau, CSA.

    Swept Away is produced on Broadway by Matthew Masten, Sean Hudock and Madison Wells Live. Wagner Johnson Productions serve as Executive Producers.

  • Endicott Performing Arts Center Presents Holiday Magic with EPAC Christmas Show

    Endicott Performing Arts Center (EPAC) located in Endicott, NY, has announced the magical EPAC Christmas Show, beginning on Friday, December 6.

    This shows offers the opportunity to experience the magic of the holiday season like never before at the Endicott Performing Arts Center. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a handpicked selection of captivating Christmas Shows that are sure to create lasting memories for audiences of all ages. Prepare to be transported to a world of wonder and joy with the EPAC Christmas Show December 6 & 7 with 7pm showtimes.

    This enchanting production is a heartwarming journey through the holiday season, featuring a dazzling array of music, dance, and captivating performances that perfectly encapsulate the magic of Christmas.

    Delve into the enchanting world of The Nutcracker December 12 – 15, a timeless holiday classic that continues to captivate audiences year after year. Follow Clara on her magical journey to the Land of Sweets as talented dancers from EPAC (1st Act) and The FUSE Dance Center of Binghamton (2nd Act) bring this beloved ballet to life with grace, skill, and artistry. This show begins at 7pm on Friday, Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.

    Experience a holiday extravaganza like no other with the EPAC Holiday Burlesque Show, Naughty & Nice December 21. This unique and sassy twist on traditional holiday entertainment combines comedy, dance, and glamour to create a festive experience that is both entertaining and unforgettable. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this one-of-a-kind celebration. This show is one night only and begins at 8pm Saturday.

    For more information on the upcoming EPAC Christmas Show Series and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • “A Wonderful World” Review – Louis Armstrong’s Biography Unfolds on the Broadway Stage

    Trees of green, red roses, and timeless jazz standards await audiences in Andrew Delaplaine and Christopher Renshaw’s “A Wonderful World”. The new Broadway presentation of Louis Armstrong’s personal life and music career opened at Studio 54 on November 12th. 

    James Monroe Iglehart in “A Wonderful World”. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

    As I took my seat at Studio 54, it was clear that the audience was a mixed bag of casual listeners, broadway lovers, jazz enthusiasts, and Louis Armstrong superfans. No matter what group each person fell into, we all knew at least one detail of Louis Armstrong’s story: the instantly identifiable tone of his voice.

    From the very first word of Aurin Squire’s book, it was clear that star and co-Director James Monroe Iglehart was able to channel Armstrong and imitate the gravelly tone with great precision. He fully embodies the icon in both his captivating vocals and his dialogue, the latter of which volleys seamlessly between dramatic and comedic throughout the production.

    As the story unfolds, we find that Squire’s book takes a brilliant approach to Armstrong’s biography, choosing to utilize the legend’s four wives to advance the plot through the 50+ years that are covered on stage. Each romance marks the beginning of a new chapter on the Studio 54 stage in a fast-paced narrative. This format not only lends itself well to walking the audience through Armstrong’s life and career, but it also treats us to four strong leading women.

    Most notably, Darlesia Cearcy, last seen on a Broadway stage earlier this year in “How To Dance In Ohio,” delivers a masterful performance as Louis Armstrong’s fourth and final wife Lucille Watson. Cearcy gives such a wide range of emotion in her lines that makes her one of the most well developed characters in the show despite the fact that she is not introduced until after intermission.

    James Monroe Iglehart and Darlesia Cearcy in “A Wonderful World”. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

    While the cast delivered an excellent performance, I was most impressed by a duo who was never on stage. Set Designers Adam Koch and Steven Royal somehow created a stage that was both simple and sophisticated, vintage and modern, and all around perfect for this story. The versatile scenery masterfully uses one stage design to carry audiences from jazz clubs to dining rooms to tour buses and beyond with very few changes between scenes. 

    “A Wonderful World”. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

    Overall, “A Wonderful World” delicately walks the line between a feel-good musical and an American history lesson. The beautiful set, joyous music, and captivating drama are sure to entertain audiences through their bright blessed days and their dark sacred nights.

  • Josh Groban’s “Find Your Light” Benefit Raises Money for Arts Education

    Powerful vocals, expressive dance, rousing instrumentals, moving testimonials, and stunning views of the city lights in Columbus Circle were in store for attendees of Josh Groban’s “Find Your Light” benefit concert for arts education. The annual fundraiser at Jazz at Lincoln Center raised $1.35 million to support arts programs across the country during its 20th anniversary event on October 29th. 

    Find Your Light
    Sara Bareilles, Jojo Levesque, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Renée Fleming, Josh Groban, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Misty Copeland. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

    After a social cocktail hour, patrons flooded the Appel Room in the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center venue for a star-studded lineup of performances. Throughout the night, the audience witnessed a reflection of the wide array of programs that received the Find Your Light Foundation’s support through the variety of song and dance on the setlist. From Jojo’s energetic delivery of Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire” to Matthew Whitaker’s jazz piano improvisation to contemporary dance choreographed by MOVE|NYC| to accompany Josh Groban’s live “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, there was truly something for everyone during the benefit.

    Matthew Whitacre. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

    The concert not only raised money for music, dance, and theater programs, but it also recognized the work of two advocates in arts education. The awards segment was initiated with a beautifully harmonized rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” sung by Sara Barielles and Josh Groban. The song, originally recorded by the duo during the Covid-19 pandemic, was dedicated to the first award recipient of the night: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. For his advocacy of the arts as it relates to medicine and world health, Dr. Murthy received the “Arts for Healing Award”. To celebrate the accolade, Dr. Murthy joined the band and treated the Find Your Light audience to a demonstration of the mridangam, a drum instrument commonly found in Carnatic music.

    The arts are not optional

    Dr. Vivek Murthy
    Find Your Light
    Dr. Vivek Murthy. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

    For the second award introduction of the night, Angel Blue’s masterclass-level vocal delivery of Puccini’s “Vissi D’arte” soared through the room as she sang the aria without a microphone. The sonic landscape of the piece provided the perfect opportunity for Josh Groban to acknowledge the second honoree. Renée Fleming accepted the “Find Your Light Award” for her notable contributions to the expansion and advocacy in music across the wide range of genres in which she has sung and joined Groban for a performance of Leonard Cohen’s well-known “Hallelujah”.

    Find Your Light
    Renée Fleming. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

    At the end of our lives, the last thing that remains is music memory

    Renée Fleming

    Groban closed the event alongside a choir of representatives from Broadway Bound Kids and the Stuttering Association for the Young, two organizations that were highlighted earlier in the evening. The ensemble’s uplifting “Bridge Over Troubled Water” left patrons feeling proud of the work they had done to support the arts and hopeful about the advances that are now possible through the funds raised during the benefit. Thanks to the work of Josh Groban and countless others behind the scenes, students across America may, too, find their light.

    Josh Groban auctions the prop razor from his recent Broadway bow as the title character in Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd”. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

  • NYCLU and ACLU Produce 22nd Annual “No Matter What We Sing Out for Freedom” Concert

    “Keep Marching On”- the closing number’s titular command that beautifully presented the recurring theme of the evening at the “No Matter What We Sing Out For Freedom” concert on October 28 at the NYU Skirball Center.

    Presented by the New York Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union, the production featured an uplifting setlist sung by a who’s who of Broadway greats. The event also celebrated this year’s recipient of the Michael Friedman Freedom Award: Busy Philipps.

    Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, and Katie Couric. Photo provided by NYCLU.

    As the house lights went down to begin the concert, the NYCLU and ACLU sought to conjure the positive energy and love that was synonymous with Gavin Creel, the Broadway actor and civil rights advocate who passed away in September at the age of 48. Creel opened the show via a video of his 2011 “Sing Out For Freedom” performance of his original song “Noise”. The cautious optimism and hope expressed in his act would continue throughout the evening.

    Sara Bareilles. Photo provided by NYCLU.

    As the show went on, host Katie Couric introduced musical performances from Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jenna Bainbridge, Sara Bareilles, Ally Bonino, Nadia Dandashi, Eden Espinosa, J Harrison Ghee, The Good Liars, Hawley Gould, Christine Heesun Huang, Alex Newell, Liana Stamper, and Monica Nulia Ramirez. Following Bareilles’ stirring rendition of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work”, she introduced her close friend and Girls 5eva costar Busy Philipps to receive the Michael Friedman Freedom Award.

    Honoree Busy Philipps. Photo provided by NYCLU.

    The Freedom Award, inaugurated in 2017 to recognize the work of people or organizations as humanitarians and activists, was presented to Busy Philipps on behalf of her advocacy and support for women’s rights. For all of her work in the civil rights realm, Busy Philipps joined an impressive roster of Freedom Award recipients including Shaina Taub, Harry Belafonte, and Alan Cumming.

    Busy is the definition of ‘put your money where your mouth Is

    Sara Bareilles

    As the United States rapidly approaches Election Day, the speakers and musicians of the NYCLU and ACLU “No Matter What We Sing Out For Freedom” concert shared a message of simultaneous hope and urgency to make their voices heard.

    J. Harrison Ghee. Photo provided by NYCLU.

    Through music and speeches, audiences were motivated to take full advantage of their right to vote and make change. However, the organizations’ work will not end on November 5th. Katie Couric summarized the mission best when she exclaimed “whatever happens, we stand for freedom”. Regardless of what the next chapter holds, these organizations will in fact keep marching on.

  • Cohoes Music Hall Hosts Cast Party Fundraiser for Capital Region Festival of Theatre on October 27

    Cohoes Music Hall announced that on October 27 the venue will host a grand Cast Party to raise funds for the inaugural Capital Region Festival of Theatre. The party is presented by Playhouse Stage Company.

    The party will be the biggest gathering of Capital Region theater fans ever in the interest of building a Festival to promote their interests. There will be a substantial sampling of the area’s entertainment, light fare provided by Cohoes’ finest restaurants, a cash bar, over $13,000 in Raffle prizes, wine pull and a generous wine sampling.

    Entertainment at the Cast Party will back up CRFT’s motto that “The Capital Region is a GREAT place to love theatre your whole life long.” Performers will come from the youth company, The Cue Theater, which serves students as young as 5 years old, to stand-up comedian and actor Judi Clements who takes her act to senior centers.

    Performer Claire Flynn

    There will be someone new to discover for even the most dedicated theatre fan in the wildly eclectic line-up curated by PSC Artistic Director Owen Smith who is also deservedly showing off a number from his company’s smash hit production from earlier this year, “Spring Awakening.”

    The lineup of performers so far includes Kelly Blitz, Shayne Cameris, Judi Clements, Ellen Cribbs, The Cue Theatre, Keith Dubois, Suzie Dunn, Claire Flynn, Jake Goodman, Steve Grogan, Taylor Hoffman, Jon Maltz, Maria Mucaria, Jeff Stubits, Luca Verner & Will Kempe’s Players.

    CRFT will have many donation opportunities from a huge raffle that over 30 theatre companies have donated tickets, t-shirts commemorating the event and buttons thanking every dollar offered. Cast Party begins on October 27 from 6:00PM to 9:30PM.

    Keith DuBois in “Spirit Awakening”

    To purchase tickets online and for more information on Cohoes Music Hall’s Cast Party on October 27, click here.