theater

Old World opera meets new media
By Nigel Smith
February 24, 2010 - 10:44pm
Syracuse Opera calls on College of Visual and Performing Arts students to create abstract video backdrops for 'The Flying Dutchman.'

Richard Wagner is considered a god among titans by opera aficionados.

His operas are grand opuses, largely inspired by northern European mythology and legend. Because Wagner operas call for such elaborate sets, staging one is an ambitious endeavor for any company — even one the size of the Metropolitan Opera. Syracuse Opera — the only year-round professional opera company serving upstate New York — has been a successful institution since its first season in 1974, but staging a Wagner opera remains a challenge.

Review: Falling into "Rabbit Hole"
By Kristen Rajczak
October 28, 2009 - 5:57pm
SU's Black Box Players portray a grieving family.

The sound of little boy’s voice, calling to his father over the barks of his dog should be one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. In “Rabbit Hole,” produced by Syracuse’s Black Box Players, it’s the saddest. The story of a family grieving over the loss of its youngest member – the four-year-old Danny – David Lindsay-Abaire’s play burrows beneath the sorrow admitted in polite company to the messy anguish that causes discord between spouses, siblings and friends.

SU alums Koppel and Langella share the stage
By Nathan Mattise
October 1, 2009 - 10:03pm
The former anchor for ABC's 'Nightline' interviews the award-winning actor at Syracuse Stage as part of this year's SU Homecoming.

Oscar-nominated actor Frank Langella (Syracuse University class of '59) and award-winning journalist Ted Koppel (class of '60) weren't best friends during their undergraduate years, but you wouldn't be able to tell from the conversation they had during "One on One: Frank Langella and Ted Koppel," one of the highlight events in this year's Orange Central weekend.

'Reel' intimacy
By Nathan Mattise
October 1, 2009 - 2:32pm
Manlius Art Cinema provides an intimate, independent alternative to traditional movie theaters.

If you’re heading to the Manlius Art Cinema for showtime, don’t expect to find the crowded parking lot and long lines you’re accustomed to at the local Regal Theater. In fact, you could drive right by the small theater because it’s subtly nestled between a local pottery shop and an embroidery store. Once inside, you may even need to run out to an ATM because of the cash-only policy (in place because credit card fees would drive the ticket prices up).