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.
SPARE gives 'Letter Writing' its local premiere
Reviewed by Nancy Oliveri The original two-act play Letter Writing, written and directed by Marisa Valent for SPARE Productions, opened Thursday night (Aug. 18) and runs through Saturday (Aug. 20). Performed once before in Syracuse, Letter Writing is having its Binghamton-area premiere at the Cider Mill Playhouse, and its [...]
You are what you eat: Looking back at the Tier's year of 'Sweeney Todd'
By George Basler The Southern Tier, during the past year, wallowed in revenge, murder, cannibalism and lust. Don’t panic: We’re not talking real life here, but the world of the stage. For whatever reason, Broome and neighboring counties were treated to three productions of Sweeney Todd, Stephen Sondheim and [...]
What did you do in the arts this week?
I went to First Friday in downtown Binghamton, where I toured galleries and helped promote the Broome County Arts Council's upcoming Heart of the Arts celebration. What did you do in the arts this past week? -- Barb Van Atta
Five Heart of the Arts recipients announced today
By Barb Van Atta When members of the local arts community gather next month to honor five of their own, they also will be honoring the past, present and future of the arts in Broome County. At a press conference this morning at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Binghamton, [...]
Opera, musicals and four-letter words: Sondheim explains all at Glimmerglass
By George Basler Stephen Sondheim is not a big opera fan. That’s one discovery I made while attending an appearance by Sondheim last weekend at the Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown. The renowned composer was interviewed by Jamie Bernstein, Leonard Bernstein’s daughter. The two have known each other from the [...]
Brunelli gallery's Summer Salon is a carnival of enjoyment
Reviewed by Matthew Pitcher Anthony Brunelli Fine Arts gallery is back at it again with another highly impressive exhibit. The “Summer Salon Group Exhibition,” on display through September, showcases 10 artists who employ a wide range of creative mediums and styles. The atmosphere of this show is like a [...]
What did you do in the arts this weekend?
I was at the Summer Savoyards' production of H.M.S. Pinafore. Where were you in the arts this weekend? -- Barb Van Atta
Savoyards launch tuneful 'Pinafore' full of high seas hijinks
Reviewed by Lee Shepherd True confessions: I know Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore inside and out – but only as a pit orchestra musician. I always wondered what was going on above my head, what all the foot stomping was about and why the audience was snickering, chortling and [...]
What did you do in the arts this week?
When he wasn't rehearsing for the Summer Savoyards' upcoming production (July 15-17) of H.M.S. Pinafore, my son and I caught his friends in Theatron's The Robber Bridegroom and SPARE's Chicago. How about you? Were you performing, rehearsing or applauding from the audience? Did you visit a gallery, a museum [...]
Get your musical fix with SPARE’s 'Chicago'
Reviewed by Nancy Oliveri If you really love musicals and can’t get enough of them this summer, the relatively new group SPARE (Singers Performers Actors Repertory Entertainment) has put together an energetic production of Chicago, the long-running Broadway show by Fred Ebb (book and lyrics), Bob Fosse (book) and [...]
Superb cast of CRT's 'Last Gas' runs on all cylinders
Reviewed by Lee Shepherd As the Press & Sun-Bulletin’s Chris Kocher said in his preview of the Chenango River Theatre’s show Last Gas, the title sounds suspiciously like “Last Gasp.” But in the clever play by John Cariani, the bittersweet ending finds lead character, Nat Paradis (played by CRT [...]
Theatron's 'The Robber Bridegroom' falls flat
Reviewed by George Basler Theatron Productions began a few years ago with the laudable goal of staging older musicals that are not frequently seen in the Binghamton area. But, good intentions aside, the company’s production of The Robber Bridegroom, which runs through this weekend at the Tri Cities Opera [...]
What did you do in the arts this weekend?
Did you catch the last weekend of a spring show? Or were you rehearsing for a summer performance? Did you tour a gallery or museum, or settle back in one of those movie theater recliners for Finding Dory? How was the world of arts and entertainment part of YOUR world [...]
Take time to meet up with 'Confluence'
By Matthew Pitcher There is a hidden gem in the Binghamton City Hall that dozens of people look past every day. Located in the second-floor Plaza Gallery is the modern art sculpture Confluence created by the late Charles Dalpiaz. For the everyday passerby, this construction blends into its concrete landscape, [...]
Were the arts part of your weekend?
I caught the final performance of the Ti-Ahwaga Community Players' delightful production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. What did you do in the arts this week? -- Barb Van Atta
