Broome Arts Mirror – Local Theatre Reviews
The Broome Arts Mirror is a group of volunteers affiliated with the Broome County Arts Council who write previews and reviews about local performances and arts shows. For inquiries, including having someone review your local production, please contact us at bamirror@broomearts.org.
EPAC to present high energy ‘Legally Blonde’
By George Basler Legally Blonde has been described as a pink cotton candy of a show that glories in its feel-good attitude. The musical uses a peppy score and high-energy dance numbers to satirize gender stereotypes, class snobbery and cliché “dumb blonde” jokes. “It’s like a chick flick and [...]
Savoyards to give Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Princess Ida’ a bright refresh
By George Basler During their creative partnership, W.S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan took satirical potshots at the British class system, the monarchy and the stuffy norms of upper crust society. In Princess Ida, or Castle Adamant, they took a more conservative tone by satirizing early British feminism, [...]
CRT’s ‘Ruthless’ is dark, delicious delight
Reviewed by George Basler The Chenango River Theatre is going “camping” for the summer. I’m not talking about the outdoor version with tents and mosquitoes. I’m talking about the indoor version that sports a theatrical style that is delightfully over the top. The style is on full display in Ruthless! [...]
Playing dirty: Chenango River show promises outrageous laughs
By George Basler The Chenango River Theatre is continuing its season with a parody of Broadway musicals featuring a character who will do anything -- and I do mean anything -- to land the lead in her school play. Ruthless! The Musical will open Friday (July 5) for a [...]
Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra renews music director’s contract for five years
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced the renewal of Music Director Daniel Hege's contract for an additional five years, “solidifying Maestro Hege’s continuing stewardship and artistic vision for the ensemble,” according to a press release from the orchestra. Hege first assuming the role of Music [...]
Ti-Ahwaga Players take a striking walk in the park
Reviewed by George Basler The musical Sunday in the Park with George asks some provocative questions: What obsession is needed to be a great artist? Why is great art sometimes not recognized in an artist’s lifetime? What is the personal cost of creating great art? A first-rate production being performed weekends [...]
KNOW cast skillfully spins tales of love and hope
Reviewed by George Basler Sometimes love can come in unexpected ways at unexpected times, so be ready to grab it with both hands. That’s the message of Almost, Maine, a charming, heartfelt show running through June 23 at KNOW Theatre in downtown Binghamton. The play, written by playwright/actor John [...]
SRO does Sondheim proud with brilliantly performed “Company’
Reviewed by George Basler More than half a century has passed since Stephen Sondheim and George Furth penned their landmark musical Company about upper middle class professionals navigating life in upscale New York City. But its theme about the challenges of dating, marriage and relationships remains as relevant as ever. SRO [...]
Award-winning Sondheim musical opening at Ti-Ahwaga
By George Basler Stephen Sondheim is a composer known for his intricate lyrics and rhyme schemes, and actor Matthew O’Ryan calls Sunday in the Park with George “quintessential Sondheim.” “It is one of his more difficult roles to manage. But doing it is a labor of love. It’s a fantastic [...]
Jazz master Davis returning to Binghamton for concert
By George Basler Steve Davis developed his love for jazz growing up in Binghamton in the 1970s and 1980s. He fondly remembers the vibrant music scene at the time. “A lot of music was happening in the eighties,” the nationally known jazz trombonist said. The Music [...]
‘Twisted Broadway’ raises funds and awareness during Pride Month
By George Basler The Binghamton Pride Coalition will continue what has become an annual tradition when it presents “Twisted Broadway” Saturday (June 15) at the Cider Mill Stage in Endicott. The cabaret-style performance, featuring songs from well-known Broadway shows, raises scholarship money for local students in the LGBTQIA+ community, [...]
Downtown Singers to conclude season with ‘Love, Harmony and Spirit’
The Binghamton Downtown Singers and Orchestra will present their annual spring concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (June 8) at Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, 308 Main St., Johnson City. Its theme: “Love, Harmony and Spirit.” Robert J. Manners, interim artistic director of the Downtown Singers, will [...]
SRO Productions III to present landmark Sondheim musical
By George Basler SRO Productions III is ending its season with a musical that in some ways revolutionized the American musical and helped make the reputation of Stephen Sondheim as a Broadway legend. Company, with music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by George Furth, was one of [...]
KNOW ends season with play about love and relationships
By George Basler Almost, Maine takes place in a fictional Maine community near the Canadian border, where residents are seeking relief from a long, cold, dark winter. The 2004 play, which has become a darling of regional theaters, opens Friday, June 7, for a three-weekend run at KNOW Theatre [...]
CRT’s ‘Boeing Boeing’ takes funny shots at ’60s playboy lifestyle
Reviewed by George Basler The play Boeing Boeing debuted in 1960 at the dawn of the “Swinging Sixties,” and the sex farce reflects the spirit of the time. The term “Women’s Lib,” let alone “Me Too,” hadn’t been spoken. Instead, the sexual revolution was dawning, Sinatra’s “Rat Pack” was in full [...]
