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.
Chenango Arts Council executive is leaving
The Press & Sun Bulletin is reporting that Victoria Calvert Kappel, executive director of Chenango County Council of the Arts in Norwich, is leaving her position after 15 years. CCCA is a primary arts presenter and administers state-funded Decentralization (DEC) Grant Programs for three counties, including Broome. Read the [...]
Can Detroit's magnificent art collection be saved?
A coalition of foundations and other private groups are pooling big money to try to prevent the sell-off of the Detroit Art Museum's incredible collection as of the city's bankruptcy negotiations. Read more in the Detroit News.
'Phantom' series shines spotlight on high school performers
By Barb Van Atta A shout-out to Press & Sun-Bulletin reporter Meghin Delaney for her ongoing series of articles on Union-Endicott High School’s upcoming production of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. For years, one question has always been on the minds of those of us whose extracurricular endeavors [...]
Youthful cast brings freshness and talent to 'Songs for a New World'
Reviewed by George Basler Some of my favorite old-time movies growing up were the Judy Garland /Mickey Rooney movie musicals. They all had pretty much the same plot that ended with Mickey and Judy gathering a bunch of willing young people and intoning “let’s put on a show,” or [...]
Have the arts been part of your holiday season?
All work (or shopping) and no play (or celebrating) makes for a dull holiday. Have you been taking time to enjoy the arts this season? Please share.
Ti-Ahwaga 'Christmas Story' is family affair and family fun
Reviewed by Nancy Oliveri For the 12th time in as many years, the Ti-Ahwaga Community Players in Owego are presenting Philip Grecian's A Christmas Story, based on the 1983 film of the same name. This stage version, with roots in the writings of Jean Shepherd, is directed by Ti-Ahwaga’s [...]
First-rate BU cast tackles challenging 'Angels in America'
Reviewed by George Basler While there are some dissenters, Tony Kushner’s Angels in America generally has been considered a masterwork of American drama ever since it opened on Broadway in the 1990s. The massive, seven-hour play -- so big that it’s broken into two parts, “Millennium Approaches” and “Perestroika”-- cleaned [...]
Are the arts part of your holiday?
BAMirror reviewers will be busy this holiday season, but they can use your help. If you've attended a holiday-themed event or performance, please share your reactions. Both brief comments and full "reviews" are welcome.
Were the arts part of your week?
Between the turkey and the shopping, did you visit a museum, see a show, attend a concert (like BAMirror reviewer Nancy Oliveri) or maybe even sing a little yourself? Please share.
Madrigal Choir’s Christmas concert smoother than a mug of mulled cider
Reviewed by Nancy Oliveri Is there a more beautiful sound than the harmonies of a professional choir singing sacred songs for Christmas? What if they are accompanied by Paul Sweeny on guitar, Barbara Kauffman on recorders, Peter Browne on the organ, and directed by Bruce Borton? Having just heard the [...]
Have you been art-full?
Did you catch the opening of a new movie, check out Roberson's holiday display or some other exhibit, or enjoy a play or concert? I attended the SUNY Broome Choir's performance on Friday (Nov. 22); what did you do in the arts this week?
KNOW Theatre Festival celebrates visual and dramatic arts
Reviewed by George Basler As a professional playwright, Charlene Donaghy looks forward to the KNOW Theatre’s annual Playwrights and Artists Festival as a unique opportunity. “There is something very unusual and very challenging about looking at somebody else’s art and being inspired by it,” she said. Donaghy, who hails [...]
Personal poetry for everyone: Campus paper reviews BCAC reading
Reviewed by Anna Szilagyi On Monday (Nov. 18), students, faculty, locals and poetry lovers flocked to Broome County Arts Council on State Street, Binghamton, for the “Literati Reading Series.” The program featured poets Rachel McKibbens and Abby Murray and made the sometimes intimidating art of poetry accessible to everyone. The [...]
BU’s 'Rent' is poignant, compelling.
Reviewed by Nancy Oliveri As of this writing (Nov. 17), you still have several opportunities to see the amazing fall musical by the Binghamton University Theatre Department. Jonathan Larson's Rent, directed by Tom Kremer, is at once heartbreaking, funny and even more poignant, because it has been dedicated to [...]
Philharmonic, guest violist dazzle with virtuosity
Reviewed by Tony Villecco While it’s no big news that the Binghamton Philharmonic has some damn fine musicians, I dare say at Sunday afternoon’s performance (Nov. 10) at Binghamton University's Anderson Center, had I closed my eyes I would have felt the presence of the Cleveland Orchestra or even the New [...]
