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.
Were you are-full this week?
Did you watch a show, hear a concert, visit a gallery? Please share your reflections.
Levine will conduct again at Met
Following up on last year's announcement: "James Levine is making a comeback." "Defying opera world doubters who thought he was too ill, weak or disengaged, the longtime and much loved music director of the Metropolitan Opera plans to return to the podium for the first time in two years, [...]
At CRT, murky play attacks big issues
Reviewed by George Basler Steven Dietz has said “conspiracies are catnip to a playwright” because of the level of obsessiveness and outlandishness for the personalities involved, and because there’s always enough “truth” to ground their actions. Obsessiveness and outlandishness are certainly on display at the Chenango River Theatre in Greene, [...]
Endicott native Paglia ponders the future of fine arts; what's your view?
In a recent Wall Street Journal article, American author, teacher and social critic Camille Paglia wrote that "too many artists have lost touch with the general audience and have retreated to an airless echo chamber... "For the arts to revive in the U.S., young artists must be rescued from their [...]
Ti-Ahwaga actors tap into depth of 'Death of a Salesman' characters
Reviewd by George Basler With Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller created one of the great dramas of the 20th century and one of the towering figures of American literature: Willy Loman, the doomed salesman of the title. So, I was more than a little worried while driving up [...]
BPO classical season has stunning start
Reviewed by Lee Shepherd Noah Bendix-Balgley has it all – tall and imposing, well-spoken, personable, a fine composer as well as superb violinist, and if Saturday’s performance (Oct. 6) with the Binghamton Philharmonic is any indication, on his way to a world-class career. The full-house audience in Binghamton University’s [...]
Early Serling play gets a staged reading
Heidi Weeks, Jim Hull By George Basler The night of Jan. 12, 1955, was one that changed Rod Serling’s life. On that night, his teleplay, “Patterns,” appeared on the Kraft Television Theatre during what is now called “the Golden Age” of live television. The [...]
New Binghamton Philharmonic director plans community outreach
EDITOR’s NOTE: This fall, BAMirror is chatting with recently appointed leaders of local arts organizations. Today we talk with the interim executive director of the Binghamton Philharmonic, which opens its 2012-2013 season this weekend (Saturday, Oct. 6). By George Basler Jon Mosbo is quick to list the many strengths of [...]
'Expressions' series now taping … and you're invited
A quick reminder that WSKG is taping new segments of the "Expressions" series (for airing later), on several Thursdays in October, and you can be part of the studio audience. This Thursday (Oct. 4) is the Dave Eggar Quartet; Oct. 18 is tenor Steve Nanni and pianist Pej Reitz; [...]
Crabb funeral arrangements complete
A funeral service for Binghamton Downtown Singers co-founder Alan C. Crabb will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 22) at Christ Episcopal Church, 187 Washington St., Binghamton, with the Rev. Stephen Heiss officiating. Heiss is pastor of Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Binghamton, which in recent years has been the rehearsal home of [...]
Know Theatre does first-rate job with provocative play
Reviewed by George Basler When David Mamet’s Oleanna first opened 20 years ago, fistfights reportedly broke out in the theater lobby. The two-character play is designed to provoke intense arguments, debate and even anger. The riveting production that runs through Sept. 30 at the KNOW Theatre in downtown Binghamton [...]
Cranberry Coffeehouse is an unsung local treasure
Reviewed by Lee Shepherd Last Saturday (Sept 15), Bill Christophersen and Dave Howard launched the fall Cranberry Coffeehouse season with a rousing fanfare! The duo, on fiddle and guitar, serenaded the crowd with everything from Texas rags to Appalachian ballads, from modal melodies to dance tunes. Their repertoire stretched [...]
Cider Mill actors strong, but opening show is weak
Reviewed by George Basler Alan Ayckbourn is a busy guy. In his career, the British playwright has produced a remarkable 76 plays. Although it can’t be proven, some have called him the most produced English playwright in history, other than William Shakespeare. One hopes, then, that It Could Be [...]
Downtown Singers co-founder Alan Crabb dies in Pa. hospital
Alan Crabb By Barb Van Atta Alan C. Crabb, Artistic Director and co-founder of the Binghamton Downtown Singers, died Saturday morning (Sept. 15) at University of Philadelphia Hospital, of multiple complications following heart surgery. He was 70. Funeral arrangements are pending at Barber Memorial [...]
Cider Mill director charting a new course for established theater
EDITOR’s NOTE: Over the next few weeks, BAMirror will be chatting with recently appointed leaders of local arts organizations. We begin, appropriately, at the Cider Mill Playhouse, which opens its 37th season tonight (Sept. 13). By George Basler As he begins his first full season as executive director of [...]
