ONCE, winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will play the Stanley on January 12 & 13, presented by Broadway Utica. Tickets for ONCE are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Broadway Utica at (315) 724-7196 or by visiting www.broadwayutica.com.

ONCE, which was also named Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics’ Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Awards, ran for more than 1,100 performances on Broadway with acclaimed international productions from London and Melbourne to Japan and South Korea.

ONCE features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, a book by award-winning Irish playwright & screenwriter, Enda Walsh (Penelope, Hunger, The New Electric Ballroom), direction by the acclaimed Scottish director of Black Watch, John Tiffany, movement by Steven Hoggett (Black Watch, American Idiot) and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe (Mamma Mia!). The set and costume design are by five time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (The Coast of Utopia, Mary Poppins), lighting design is by Tony winner Natasha Katz (Aida, The Coast of Utopia), and sound design is by Clive Goodwin.

ONCE is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music.  Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together.  Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, ONCE is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty… and unforgettable in every way.

The 2007 Academy Award-winning film, ONCE, was written and directed by John Carney, and starred Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, with original music and lyrics by Mr. Hansard and Ms. Irglová.

The Oscar winning independent Irish film, ONCE was made for $150,000. Shot in 17 days, it went on to gross $20M worldwide becoming a critically acclaimed international smash. It stars Glen Hansard, from the popular Irish Rock band The Frames, and Markéta Irglová. Glen and Markéta won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original song for “Falling Slowly,” the Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best Music, and the soundtrack was nominated for two Grammy Awards.

www.oncemusical.com

Broadway Utica is delighted to announce that the North American tour of the new stage adaptation of THE WIZARD OF OZ will preview on November 27 & 28 at 7:30 PM at the Stanley in Utica, prior to the official tour kick off in Cleveland, OH on December 1. Tickets are still available for both performances and can be purchased by calling (315) 724-7196 or visiting www.broadwayutica.com.

This production of THE WIZARD OF OZ is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic.  Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this new production contains the beloved Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

THE WIZARD OF OZ had its world premiere at The London Palladium Theatre in March of 2011.  After a successful West End run, the production had its North American premiere in Toronto in December of 2012, and then embarked on a U.S. tour beginning in September of 2013.

The national tour of THE WIZARD OF OZ will feature the same award-winning creative team from London and Toronto:  Jeremy Sams (direction), Robert Jones (set and costume design), Arlene Phillips (choreography), Hugh Vanstone (lighting design), Mick Potter (sound design), Jon Driscoll & Daniel Brodie (video/projection design), David Cullen (orchestrations) and Graham Hurman (musical supervision).   Animals will be provided by William Berloni.

Starring as Dorothy is Sarah Lasko.  A University of Maryland graduate, Sarah most recently appeared at Maryland’s Imagination Stage, where she originated the role of Lisa in Double Trouble, the musical adaptation of The Parent Trap.  She appeared at the Kennedy Center as a soloist in “An Evening with Barbara Cook” and in “NSO Christmas Pops with Marvin Hamlisch.”

Mark A. Harmon will star as Professor Marvel/The Wizard.  Mark was seen in the national tours of Mamma Mia! (Harry Bright) and Hairspray (Wilbur Turnblad).  He received a Carbonell Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical for A Little Night Music (Broward Stage Door Theatre).  Shani Hadjian will star as the Wicked Witch of the West.  Shani appeared in the national tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Madame de la Grande Bouche) and Fancy Nancy (Mom).  Also starring in the production are Aaron Fried as Lion, Jay McGill as Tin Man, Morgan Reynolds as Scarecrow and Rachel Womble as Glinda.

Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for the whole family.

www.wizardofozthemusical.com
www.facebook.com/wizardofozthemusical
twitter.com/yellowbrickroad

Today students from SUNY Polytechnic Institute had the opportunity to meet and chat with members of the technical staff from Broadway Utica’s upcoming presentation of BULLETS OVER BROADWAY. Students were offered a brief presentation by each technical crew member and were then able to question each technical members in a round table style format. Technical staff from a variety of different departments participated, including:

-Renee Levine (Assistant Audio)
-Shawn Carman (Head Props)
-Savannah Bell (Assistant Electrics)
-Carly Anderson (Wigs)
-Stephen Bogaev (Head Carpenter)

About BULLETS OVER BROADWAY:

A playwright who needs someone to back his next show. A mobster who needs some way to please his showgirl girlfriend. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship – or a brand new musical comedy! Loaded with big laughs, colorful characters and the songs that made the 20s roar, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY brings musical comedy back with a bang!

BULLETS OVER BROADWAY is teching its first national tour in Utica, and will be at the Stanley, October 1 & 2, at 7:30 PM. Tickets are still available for both performances through Broadway Utica by calling (315) 724-7196 or visiting www.BroadwayUtica.com.

Today, cast members from Broadway Utica’s upcoming presentation of JERSEY BOYS had the opportunity to tour Adirondack Distilling Company, a locally owned producer of fine spirits.

In addition to touring the distillery, the cast members had the opportunity to sip the local spirits, including a specially created JERSEY BOYS cocktail, dubbed: The Adirondack Sherry.

The cocktail includes:

2oz 601 Bourbon (produced by Adirondack Distilling Company)
1oz Sherry
1oz Blackberry Syrup
1/2oz Lemon Juice
1/2oz Simple Syrup

JERSEY BOYS will be performing at the Stanley Theatre, September 17-20. Tickets are still available for all performances. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit: www.broadwayutica.com or call (315) 724-7196.

JERSEY BOYS is the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award Winning true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi.  This is the true story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time.  They wrote their own songs, invented their own sound and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were thirty. The show features all their hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Working My Way Back To You.” For more information, please visit www.JerseyBoysTour.com.

Do you know a high school student interested in theatre; encourage them to apply to become a Broadway Utica Youth Ambassador! Each year, BU chooses two students from each of the surrounding high schools who are given free Broadway Utica season tickets.  The program is in its fourth year, and is named after late local educator and BU Board Member, Bernadette Eichler.

Broadway Theatre League’s 2015-2016 season includes:

-Jersey Boys– September 17, 18, 19, & 20
-Bullets Over Broadway– October 1 & 2
-Wizard of Oz– November 27 & 28
-Once– January 12 & 13
-42nd Street– February 9 & 10
-Ragtime– April 6 & 7

In exchange for the season subscription, students are required to post their thoughts about each show on Facebook and/or Twitter and submit a short critique of each show to Broadway Utica.  Some critiques may be posted on the BU blog and/or website.

The goal of the program is to engage area teens and encourage their interest in theatre. The students’ interests can be in any area including acting, producing, management, choreography, lighting, sound, costume or set design.

Student Eligibility

• Student must be a junior or senior in high school for the 2015-16 school year.
• Student must have the ability to attend and provide his/her own transportation to the opening night of all five season shows.
• Student must have a Facebook and/or Twitter account and be willing to submit their comments through social media within 12 hours of viewing the performance.

Application Materials

• Student must have a teacher recommendation.
• Student will be required to submit a short essay explaining why they would like to become a Youth Ambassador.

Applications to become a part of the program are due Wednesday, July 1, 2015. For more information about Broadway Utica’s Youth Ambassador Program visit www.BroadwayUtica.com or call Erika Heintz at Broadway Utica at (315) 724-7196.

Broadway Utica and First Source Federal Credit Union are teaming up over the next few weeks to collect new and gently-used children’s books for various local organizations that service the underprivileged. Members of the community are encouraged to donate children’s books by dropping them off at First Source Federal Credit Union located at 4451 Commercial Drive, New Hartford and Broadway Utica, 258 Genesee Street, Utica. Book collection will begin immediately and continue until April 7, when Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is performed at Utica’s Stanley Theatre.

“Belle of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast had a love for books and reading. Therefore, we want to use that example to give back to the local community by encouraging young people to read. The best way we can do that is by ensuring books are readily available to all children in the Utica area,” said John Fehlner, executive director of Broadway Utica.

“First Source is proud to support Broadway Utica and be a part of the book drive. By pouring books into underprivileged homes, we can provide them with the basic tools that every child needs to succeed… books,” said Pamela Way, community relations specialist at First Source Federal Credit Union.

Broadway Utica brings the NETworks presentation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to Utica April 7 & 8 at 7:00 PM.  For more information on the production, or to purchase tickets, call 315-724-7196 or visit www.BroadwayUtica.com.

Broadway Utica today announced  its 2015-16 Broadway series, which kicks-off September 17-20, with Jersey Boys. Jersey Boys goes behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony Award winning true-life musical phenomenon.  From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s just too good to be true.

The 2015-16 season includes:

Bullets Over Broadway, October 1 & 2, 2015. Bullets Over Broadway is a hilarious musical comedy with a bang! A young playwright in desperate need of financial backing for his next show accepts an offer he can’t refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl girlfriend. Written by Woody Allen, Bullets Over Broadway is loaded with big laughs, colorful characters, and the songs that made the 20s roar.

The Wizard of Oz, November 27 & 28, 2015. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz!

Once, January 12 &13, 2016. Once features an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage in telling the enchanting tale of Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights… but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.

42nd Street, February 9 & 10, 2016. 42nd Street, is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story and includes some of the greatest songs ever written– “We’re in the Money,” Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle off to Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes for You,” and of course, “42nd Street.” It’s the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical “Pretty Lady.” When the star breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star!

Ragtime, April 6 & 7, 2016. Ragtime unfolds in turn-of-the-century New York with the stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician– all three united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow. Their compelling stories are set to theatre’s richest and most glorious Tony Award-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

Existing subscribers can renew their seats immediately. New subscriptions will go on sale June 1. Extra tickets for all shows will go on sales to subscribers June 15 and to the general public on June 22. For subscription prices or additional information, call Broadway Utica at (315) 724-7196 or visit www.BroadwayUtica.com.

Direct from Broadway, SISTER ACT, the hilarious, five-time Tony-nominated musical smash, is coming to Utica, presented by Broadway Utica.  Called “In a word, DIVINE!” by the Associated Press, SISTER ACT is at the Stanley on February 17 & 18 at 7:30 PM, for a limited engagement! Tickets are still available for both performances and range from $24.75-$69.75. To purchase tickets, call (315) 724-7196 or visit www.BroadwayUtica.com .

Produced by Whoopi Goldberg, TROIKA Entertainment and Sister Act On Tour, LLC, SISTER ACT received five 2011 Tony® Award nominations including BEST MUSICAL, BEST ORIGINAL SCORE (Alan Menken (music)/Glenn Slater (lyrics), and BEST BOOK OF A MUSICAL (Cheri & Bill Steinkellner and Douglas Carter Beane).

“To hear people laugh and cheer the way they do at SISTER ACT—a show people think they know but are pleasantly surprised to discover is not what they are expecting—is a magical experience for a producer,” says Producer Whoopi Goldberg.  “Happily, audiences across the country are able to get in on the fun as Deloris and her fabulous sisters spread the love nationwide.”

SISTER ACT features an original score with music by multi-Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning composer Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Enchanted), lyrics by Tony and Academy Award-nominee Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid), and a book by multi-Emmy Award winners Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (“Cheers”) with additional book material by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane (Xanadu, The Little Dog Laughed). Directed on Broadway by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks (Guys and Dolls, A Funny Thing…Forum, Smokey Joe’s Café), the production features choreography by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia, Bombay Dreams) and is based on the Touchstone Pictures motion picture Sister Act written by Joseph Howard.

WHAT THE CRITICS HAVE TO SAY:

Elisabeth Vincentelli of The New York Post calls SISTER ACT, “One of the season’s happiest surprises!  Off the chart and packed with goodies, to which we say: Amen!  Joe Dziemianowicz of The New York Daily News raves “A blessed event has landed on Broadway. Sister Act is a feel-good crowd pleasure worth celebrating. It keeps on purring from one happy moment to the next.”  Charles Isherwoood of The New York Times says, “When the wimples start quivering and the nuns start rocking to raise the Gothic rafters, all’s right in the kingdom of musical comedy!” and Mark Kennedy of The Associated Press calls SISTER ACT, “In a word, divine.  This is a musical that hits all of the right spots, achieving something close to Broadway grace. It will convert you.”

ABOUT SISTER ACT

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put into protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won’t be found-a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior. Using her fabulous disco-ness and killer voice to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church, but in doing so blows her cover.  Soon it’s nun-on-the-run time but she finds salvation in the heavenly power of her newly found sisterhood. Based on the mega-hit film, SISTER ACT features an original Alan Menken/Glenn Slater score with a vast inspiration of musical styles from Motown, soul and funk to great big disco anthems and Barry White inspired musical comedy.

SISTER ACT features scenic design by Klara Zieglerova (Jersey Boys), costume design by Lez Brotherson (Swan Lake), lighting design by Natasha Katz (Once), sound design by Peter McBoyle (Come Fly Away) and hair design by David Brian Brown (Death of a Salesman).

For more information, please visit www.sisteractontour.com

Broadway Utica announced today that its presentation of NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT on January 27 & 28 at the Stanley in Utica includes Skaneateles native, Rachael Scarr as Eileen Evergreen. Individual tickets for the Utica premiere of the show are now on sale! Tickets are available at by calling Broadway Utica at (315) 724-7196 or by visiting www.BroadwayUtica.com.

In addition to Scarr, Alex Enterline and Mariah MacFarlane will star as wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter and feisty bootlegger Billie Bendix, respectively. The tour will also feature Reed Campbell as Cookie McGee, Aaron Fried as Duke Mahoney, Stephanie Gandolfo as Jeannie Muldoon, Stephanie Harter Gilmore as Duchess Estonia Dulworth, Benjamin Perez as Senator Max Evergreen, Thomas Schario as Chief Berry and Barbara Weetman as Millicent Winter.

Rounding out the company are Jessica Bare, Kayla Starr Bryan, Christian Bufford, Elyse Collier, Carl DeForrest Hendin, Nick Jones, Kristina King, Alison Morooney, Sarah Primmer, Kevin Michael Raponey, Justin Schuman, Heather Stinson and Chris Woods.

The musical comedy features music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin and a book by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro (Memphis) inspired by material by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse. The production features direction and choreography by three-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes), recreated by David Eggers.

The creative team also includes Shoko Kambara (scenic design, based on the original Broadway scenic design by Derek McLane), Martin Pakledinaz (costume design), Amy Clark (costume coordinator), Paul Toben (lighting design, based on the original Broadway lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski), Keith Caggiano (sound design, based on the original Broadway sound design by Brian Ronan) and Paul Huntley (hair and wig design).

The musical staff includes David Chase (music arrangements), Shawn Gough (music supervisor), Charlie Reuter (music director) and Bill Elliott (orchestrator). Casting is by Wojcik/Seay Casting, and Stacy Myers serves as the company manager.

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, which played over 500 performances during its 2012-2013 Broadway run, is filled to the brim with classic Gershwin songs, including “But Not For Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” This sparkling, madcap tale combines laughter, romance and high-stepping Broadway magic for an evening bursting with girls, glamour and the glorious songs of Gershwin.

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT is produced by Work Light Productions.

For more information, please visit www.NiceWorkOnTour.com.

Christmas is coming a little early this year for 12 local families in Central New York. Broadway Utica teamed up with the Neighborhood Center to provide free tickets to approximately 50 individuals for its upcoming performance of ELF, on November 10. Additionally, the families will create a Christmas-themed craft, under the direction of teaching artist, Mary Krenitsky Perrone, PhD and the Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassadors. The families will proudly display their artwork in the Stanley Theatre’s second floor new wing, and will have the opportunity to meet members of the ELF cast just prior to the show.

“At Broadway Utica we believe that everyone deserves a serving of the arts regardless of financial resources. We also believe that education is a life-long pursuit and  keep our doors open to interested learners of all ages and experience levels. With this said, we’re happy to expand our cultural and educational opportunities to our community,” said Erika Heintz, coordinator of programs & production.

Although performances may only be in town for a few days, whenever possible, Broadway Utica strives to create opportunities that incorporates its visiting performers to help them understand the sense of community that exists within the Mohawk Valley.  In some cases, it has coupled a show with a community event that benefits a local non-profit.  In other cases, it has brought a piece of a show to a population that may not have the opportunity to partake in a traditional performance. This effort is all part of its mission to act as a community partner. For more information about Broadway Utica’s community involvement visit: www.BroadwayUtica.com or call (315) 724-7196.