Theater Preview: February

What's Opening

Feb. 11-19

AR Gurney’s “Love Letters” and Billy Van Zandt & Jane Millimore's "You've Got Hate Mail" at Not Another Theater Company

This Valentine's Day, instead of doing just the normal (typical) dinner, why not treat that special person to live theater AND dinner? This is a dinner theater experience with a double feature of plays. The first, by AR Gurney, is about a 50-year love affair that revolves around letters (you know, that ancient contraption sent by snail mail). The second, by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Millimore, is about e-mails and how much damage they can sometimes cause in relationships.

Feb. 11-26

William Shakespeare’s “Anthony and Cleopatra” at Syracuse Shakespeare Festival

If your taste for romance runs a little more classical (and tragic), then the Syracuse Shakespeare Festival's production of this Shakespearean tragedy might be satisfying. It's about the love affair between Cleopatra and lover Antony and like any tragic romance, it does not end well. 

Feb. 18-27

Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata” at SU Drama

It may have been performed all the way back in 411 BC, but this age-old tale about a battle of the sexes will still make you laugh. Though it probably will not offend as many sensibilities as it used to. Bu when it has women using sex to force their husbands into playing nice with each other, how is that hilarious?

Feb. 22

“Rain A Tribute to the Beatles” at Famous Artists Broadway Series

Do you love the Beatles? Are you angry that you were born in the wrong era and never saw them live? Then this Broadway import might satisfy your desire to hear live Beatles. This tribute show has singers who look and sound like the real thing. So for one evening, you can pretend that you too are in the presence of John (and Paul, Ringo, George).

Feb. 23-March 13

August Wilson’s “Radio Golf” at Syracuse Stage

The final installment of Wilson's epic, ten-part "Pittsburg Cycle," and his final work, "Radio Golf" is about an African-American man as he struggles to become Pittsburg first Black mayor. It won the Tony for best play in 2007.

What's Been Playing

Through Feb 13

Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” at Syracuse Stage

When it premiered on Broadway in 1996, it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and created a genre of fans called "Rent-heads." 15 years later, this rock musical about a group of struggling artists living with HIV/AIDS still manages to make people cry and sing along. "Viva la vie boheme!"

Through Mar. 10

“Harry Crocker and the Saucerer’s Stove” at the Acme Mystery Theatre Company

It’s a “Harry Potter” parody, but unlike other parodies, this one contains food, in the show itself and as a piece of dinner theater. You definitely won't go home hungry.