Joan Vadeboncoeur
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Caz College stages winning dramas
Posted on Entertainment on November 21, 2010, 5:00AM
You have to give Cazenovia College’s fledgling theater program credit for being daring. In a brief five years, it has gambled that audiences would go for two projects that would turn off the conventional theatergoer. Currently on view is “Dead Man Walking,” based on the movie that won Susan Sarandon a best-actress Academy Award for her performance as Sister... Full story »
Simon comedy opens new season at Cortland Rep
Posted on Entertainment on November 14, 2010, 5:10AM
Cortland Repertory Theatre kicks off its 40th anniversary season on a comic note with Neil Simon’s “Rumors.” Four couples gather in the posh home of New York City’s deputy mayor to celebrate his 10th anniversary, only to discover there are no servants, the hostess is missing, and the host has shot himself through the earlobe. Thus begins an evening... Full story »
Singer back for 'Master Class'
Posted on Entertainment on October 31, 2010, 5:00AM
It’s been a long time since Central New Yorkers have heard Cathleen O’Brien sing opera. That changes this weekend when she portrays the central role of famed diva Maria Callas in “The Master Class,” which is being given its local premiere by Salt City Center for the Performing Arts. Terrence McNally’s play with music is based on a series... Full story »
Sargent exhibit worth a drive to Cooperstown
Posted on Entertainment on October 17, 2010, 5:06AM
Courtesy of the Fenimore Art Museum THIS PAINTING of Madame Paul Escudier by John Singer Sargent is on display at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown. Why drive to Cooperstown now that fall has arrived? Well, the drive is not terribly long, and it’s beautiful as the leaves turn yellow and orange. Last Sunday, they glowed under the bright sunshine.... Full story »
Syracuse University grads in 'A Chorus Line'
Posted on Entertainment on October 14, 2010, 10:51AM
How good are the students the Syracuse University drama department is sending out into the tough theater world? If you’re attending the national tour of “A Chorus Line” at the Civic Center’s Crouse-Hinds Theater, you’ll get a strong sample from three of the cast members. Seth Danner, Class of 2010, was picked for this tour only a few months... Full story »
Children’s play highlight open house at Syracuse Stage
Posted on Entertainment on October 10, 2010, 5:06AM
Courtesy of Michael Davis LORI PASQUALINO plays s Annabel Drudge in âAnnabel Drudge ... and the Second Day of School.â It’s never too soon to expose children to the arts. Or so a young mother at the Oct. 2 open house of Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse University drama department must believe. There was a baby on board for the... Full story »
Pacifica Quartet opens Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music 2010-11 season
Posted on Entertainment on October 07, 2010, 1:24PM
Pacifica Quartet makes its Central New York bow as the opening attraction of the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music season. The foursome was chosen by New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art as its quartet-in-residence. The Guarneri Quartet had held that distinction for 42 years. The Pacifica Quartet also received a 2009 Grammy for Best Chamber Music Performance. Members are... Full story »
New theater company stages original work
Posted on Entertainment on October 03, 2010, 5:15AM
There is a new community theater company in your future. The Covey Theatre Company will present its debut production — “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe” — in November. The troupe was founded by Garrett Heater — a SALT Awards winner for leading actor in the Simply New Theatre mounting of “The Pillowman” — in partnership with actress Susan Blumer... Full story »
Syracuse University drama department opens 2010-2011 season with 'Cabaret'
Posted on Entertainment on October 01, 2010, 11:46AM
David Wanstreet is the director and choreographer for the show. Full story »
'Boardwalk' role goes to actor with local ties
Posted on Entertainment on September 26, 2010, 5:12AM
Frank Shattuck used to spend his summers in Cazenovia. Full story »
New Syracuse theater company sets new season
Posted on Entertainment on September 19, 2010, 5:10AM
Not Another Theater Company hasn’t celebrated its first birthday. But it has already won a performance slot at the New Times Theatre at the state fairgrounds. Dustin M. Czarny, founder and artistic director of the company, said he will stage a full production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Into the Woods” May 12 to 28, 2011. The first act recounts... Full story »
Theatrical director Peter Sellars to speak at Syracuse Stage
Posted on Entertainment on September 16, 2010, 7:06AM
He speaks at 7 p.m. today in the Archbold Theatre at Syracuse Stage. Full story »
Manolakos sings original tunes
Posted on Entertainment on September 12, 2010, 5:00AM
Carrie Manolakos comes back home Thursday for her second gig at Le Moyne College’s Coyne Performing Arts Center. This time, she’s showing off her songwriting skills. The Manlius Pebble Hill graduate will sing her own tunes, which have been described as showing influences from Alicia Keys, Sara Bareilles and Carole King in a blend of soul, pop and folk... Full story »
Designer for Shakespeare play wins fair ribbon
Posted on Entertainment on September 05, 2010, 5:15AM
She’s a winner — a blue ribbon one. She is Barbara Toman, costume designer for the Syracuse Shakespeare Festival. Want proof? Visit the Art and Home Center at the New York State Fair to see her winning entry. The elaborate gown she created this spring for actress Nora O’Dea to wear as the wife of the title character in... Full story »
'Andrews Brothers' showing at Cortland Repertory
Posted on Entertainment on September 02, 2010, 6:10AM
The guys are stagehands subbing for the backup singers for star Peggy Jones. Full story »
Henninger grad acts in Merry-Go-Round's 'Man of La Mancha'
Posted on Entertainment on August 29, 2010, 5:00AM
You may not recognize the name Marisa Fratto when you open the program for “Man of La Mancha,” which debuts Wednesday at Owasco’s Merry-Go-Round Theatre. Try Toni Fratto. She used that billing and M. Toni Fratto during her performing days in local community theater. Fratto was a familiar figure — starting with Salt City Center for the Performing Arts... Full story »
Theater notebook: Lots to see outside the fairgrounds
Posted on Entertainment on August 26, 2010, 11:20AM
Everyone’s going to the New York State Fair, which opens today. But not to worry if you’re not a fair fan. There are plenty of other opportunities for entertainment, plus holdovers at two of the three summer theaters in the area . ‘WHITE NIGHTS’ IN SKANEATELES The Skaneateles Festival offers a three-part event, “White Nights,” which will be launched... Full story »
SU drama grad lands role at Merry-Go-Round
Posted on Entertainment on August 22, 2010, 5:20AM
Syracuse theater audiences last saw Sarah O’Connor singing, dancing and acting in the spring Syracuse University drama show, “I Love You Because.” The senior musical-theater major has been elevated to the featured role of Rose, sister of the central character, Esther Smith, in the current mounting of “Meet Me in St. Louis” at Owasco’s Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. O’Connor will culminate... Full story »
Theater notebook: Hangar opens 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'
Posted on Entertainment on August 19, 2010, 12:06PM
Every year, newspapers across the country sponsor spelling bees. Yet who would have thought the subject would make a Tony Award-winning musical? That’s exactly what happened when “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” reached Broadway. It took top book of a musical honors at the Tonys in 2005 and has toured the country since it closed in New York.... Full story »
Cazenovia-raised actress Siobhan Fallon Hogan is in Central New York for the summer
Posted on Entertainment on August 15, 2010, 4:29AM
Summer. The time to abandon the heat, sounds and smells of the city. Time to move to the country for its beauties and comforts. Actress Siobhan Fallon Hogan makes the trek every summer — going back to Cazenovia where she lived for many years and graduated from high school. Some years ago, she purchased a home where the family... Full story »
Syracuse's Shakespeare in the Park opens today
Posted on Entertainment on August 11, 2010, 6:31PM
Beatrice and Benedick are warring, although secretly they love one another. The above means Syracuse Shakespeare Festival is ready to set up shop in the Thornden Park amphitheater with its production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Kate Fahey and Mark Weatherup top the cast as the warring couple. Among other actors are Basil Allen, Matt Miniatt, Bob Reid, Erin Reid,... Full story »
Glimmerglass Opera's 'Tender Land' filled with fine performances
Posted on Entertainment on August 08, 2010, 5:20AM
Tazewell Thompson has taken Glimmerglass Opera audiences to long-ago Italy, merry old England and into a nunnery in his previous works for the Cooperstown company. This year, he’s sending them into America’s heartland and into the lives of hardscrabble farm folks. The seldom-performed “The Tender Land” by Aaron Copland also is giving Glimmerglass’ Young American Artists program a major... Full story »
Merry-Go-Round Playhouse stages 'Meet Me in St. Louis'
Posted on Entertainment on August 05, 2010, 2:19PM
Fairs are dotting the local musical theater stage. At Cortland Repertory Theatre, they’re inviting theatergoers to come to the fair in MacConnachy Square in “Brigadoon.” Over at Auburn’s Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, audiences are being transported back in time to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. “Meet Me in St. Louis” tracks the adventures of the Smith family as they savor... Full story »
CNY theater community loses two veterans
Posted on Entertainment on August 01, 2010, 5:00AM
Not all theatrical talent is singing, dancing and acting. Some of the most talented and valuable people are out of view to audiences. Last month, Central New York lost two of these important folks: Larry Goodsight, age 65, and Edith Basile, age 87. Neither basked in the glow of stage lights. Early in his New York City years, Goodsight... Full story »
Talent Company gets "All Shook Up"
Posted on Entertainment on July 29, 2010, 9:51AM
The show is comprised of Elvis Presley hits. Full story »
Artistic director to leave Appleseed Productions
Posted on Entertainment on July 28, 2010, 2:53AM
Syracuse, NY -- Jon Wilson is leaving Appleseed Productions theater troupe Aug. 21, after 12 years as artistic director. The Rev. Nelson W. Gaetz, senior pastor of Atonement Lutheran Church, where the company is based, said Appleseed’s board of directors made the decision as it re-evaluates the direction of the company. “We want to think and rethink Appleseed completely,”... Full story »
Syracuse Children's Chorus names interim conductor
Posted on Entertainment on July 26, 2010, 5:45PM
Syracuse, NY -- Carolyn Weber, an instructor of voice in the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University, has been named interim conductor of chorale for the Syracuse Children’s Chorus. Deborah Cunningham continues as associate director and Marcia DeMartini remains as assistant director. Assuming the title of director emeritus is founder Barbara Marble Tagg. Weber earned a bachelor of music... Full story »
'Superman' musical may be headed to Broadway stage
Posted on Entertainment on July 25, 2010, 5:02AM
Kevin Moriarty, the former artistic director of Ithaca’s Hangar Theatre, may have a musical destined for Broadway coming out of his current position as artistic director of the prestigious Dallas Theater Center. It’s a revised version of “It’s a Bird ... It’s a Plane ... It’s Superman.” The show was a flop in its first run on Broadway in... Full story »
'Penelope, of Ithaca' premieres at Hangar Theatre
Posted on Entertainment on July 22, 2010, 5:45AM
There is a world premiere at Ithaca’s Hangar Theatre, commissioned in honor of its multimillion-dollar renovation. Titled “Penelope, of Ithaca,” it comes from New York City-based playwright Kenny Finkle, whose career was fostered at the theater. The love story ties together the Greek myth of Penelope and Odysseus with day-to-day life in contemporary Ithaca. The work is Finkle’s second world... Full story »
SU drama faculty making moves
Posted on Entertainment on July 18, 2010, 5:00AM
Nathan Hurwitz is on the move. Hurwitz, a Syracuse University drama department faculty member, is departing for a position at New Jersey’s Rider University and “exciting new challenges.” His departure leaves the department’s opening show, “Cabaret,” temporarily without a music director. It would have marked the reunion of Hurwitz with director David Wanstreet with whom he collaborated on “Steel... Full story »
