theater

October 18, 2014 - 6:52pm
Review: The stellar performances and somber tone of 'The Diary of Anne Frank,' which runs through November 1, delivers an unforgettable emotional resonance.

Editor's note: This review originally appeared at Green Room Reviews on October 18, 2014.

October 13, 2014 - 12:57pm
Review: A talented ensemble of collegiate performers and production workers makes 'Parade' into a haunting, emotional theater presentation.

Editor's Note: This review originally appeared at Green Room Reviews on October 12, 2014.

Syracuse University Department of Drama opened its season Friday, Oct. 11 with a heart-wrenching production of Parade.

May 2, 2014 - 6:34pm
Review: The production of the 2006 Tony Award-winning rock musical closes the university's season with creative daring.

It all seemed at first glance like I walked in the theater way too early.

The orchestra was splayed out on the left side of a giant, tattered barn that looked incomplete, half full. Shirts, pants, dresses, socks, shoes and various haberdasheries were arranged downstage-center. And the young, nubile ensemble were talking, laughing, mischievously whispering as they stretched, warmed up and put on their clothes.

April 11, 2014 - 2:42pm
Review: Nearing the 70 year anniversary of its premiere, Tennessee Williams' play is still just as potent and powerful in this regional production.

Life, memory, relationships. They can all be as delicate as glass, more difficult to maintain than to break.

Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, beautifully performed at Syracuse Stage, explores the fragility of the Southern Wingfield family that has already suffered through one of its parts breaking off.

December 8, 2013 - 8:41pm
Review: The Red House's production of 'The Music Man' suffers from the small space but is a triumph overall thanks to a talented cast.

There’s little new to be done with The Music Man. The 1957 Broadway classic is as uncontroversial as apple pie and as populist as Frank Capra.

That said, there’s a lot of charm in its wholesome story of a con man redeemed by love and a small town lit up by the excitement he brings. It’s a natural fit for community theaters that can cast and stage it well. The Red House’s production only gets about halfway there on both counts, but that can’t totally negate the musical’s strengths.

November 20, 2013 - 1:41am
Review: The Community Folk Art Center's production of the play 'When We Were Wanderers' focuses on race and gender issues with personal vignettes devised by the actors and director.

When We Were Wanderers, presented by the Department of African American Studies and the Syracuse University Community Theater Program, is a powerful portrayal of the role race and gender still play in society in 2013.

November 17, 2013 - 10:03pm
Review: The student cast members of "Translations" deliver commendable performances despite the unique challenge of speaking in different languages and in different accents.

"Translations", Syracuse University Drama’s second production of the season, tackles the issues of language and culture in Ireland in 1833, highlighting the power of language to unite or divide and its tie to heritage.

November 6, 2013 - 5:15pm
Review: Syracuse Stage's production of 'Scorched' grapples with heavy themes of family history and war.