Stage
In addition to entertaining audiences, thoughtful works of stage and screen usually have something to say about the human condition. It's fitting, then, that Blackfriars' current show, "According to Goldman" - a play that's all about movies and the act of writing them - has quite a lot to say
Stage
When a venerable stage show is adapted into a successful Hollywood movie, it presents a unique challenge for future productions of the original piece. Do you slavishly try to recreate the movie that likely put many of the butts in your seats? Or do you stick to the original source
Stage
"Lipstick Massacre" is an original murder-mystery comedy written by Michael Steck, best known to Rochester audiences as drag queen Pandora Boxx. It's a frothy pastiche of several genres, including bawdy drag comedy, over-the-top soap opera, and the high camp found in the films of directors like John Waters and Charles
Choice Concerts
Earlier this year City Newspaper did a story on Rochester's building reputation as an "organ city," with a handful of diverse, yet musically and historically significant, organs within her confines. This weekend the folks at least partially responsible for the local organ movement - the Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative -
Choice Concerts
Russian pianist Andrey Pisarev has won many accolades, including first-place in the Rachmaninov Piano Competition (1983) and first place in the International Mozart Competition (1991; it was the first time first prize in the competition since 1956). The internationally recognized performer has visited Rochester several times, and returns for the
Family
Kids love Halloween - free candy, a chance to dress up, all that good stuff. There are a huge number of Halloween-themed events taking place over the next week-plus, but not all of them may be appropriate for all ages. Make sure to check that it's suitable for your little
Choice Concerts
Centuries after the end of her reign, Elizabeth I remains a fascinating subject for modern scholars and audiences alike. Her years at the head of English empire are often referred to as the "golden age," and although it was a period of intense conflict and upheaval, it was also a
News Articles
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra announced today that Music Director Christopher Seaman will step down from his current position with the symphony at the conclusion of the 2010-2011 season. Seaman, who has been with the RPO since 1998, was also given the lifetime title of conductor laureate. Seaman cited the recent re-opening
News Articles
Geva Theatre today announced that it has received a $2 million grant from New York state for capital improvements on and restoration of the 141-year-old building that currently houses the theater. Per a press release, the funds will go toward replacing the New York State Aresenal Building's roof, cleaning and
Stage
I was somewhat dubious going into "The Color Purple." I had never read the Alice Walker book, or seen the 1980's Steve Spielberg film adaptation, but I did know the broad strokes of the story: quasi-incest, teen pregnancy, possible infanticide, terrible physical and emotional abuse, racism, etc. So when the
Stage
Cirque du Soleil's "Alegria" begins almost imperceptibly. Pastoral sounds of bugs chirping provide the soundtrack as a group of bizarre, almost grotesque characters enter the stage and its vaguely woodland setting. One appeared to be a ringleader, clad in bold red with a hunched back and a nasty attitude. The
Choice Events
It's not strictly accurate to refer to Cirque du Soleil as "theater." The show incorporates dance, acrobatics, amazing costumes and atmospherics, music, magic, spectacle and surprise to create an immersive, fantastical experience. The world-renowned troupe brings its touring show "Alegria" to town this week. Expect to see contortionists, balance acts, fire-knife
Stage
For nearly a decade, all eyes in the Rochester cultural scene were fixed on Renaissance Square, specifically on the performing arts center that was at one point a key component in the project. The initial plans called for multiple performance halls, ranging from an intimate space for smaller shows to
Guides
I'm so thrilled summer is over. Not because I'm glad to see the sun, the beaches, or the long days go away. But because there are so many exciting things happening in Rochester this fall, I could hardly wait for it to start. This is truly a historic time for the
Stage
City Newspaper congratulates Adele M. Fico, the inaugural inductee into the Rochester Theater Hall of Fame. For more than 50 years Fico has worked as an actor, director, producer, stage manager, public relations-marketing director, and in other capacities in the local theater scene. She currently encourages the next generation of
Pop Culture
THE POLLS ARE CLOSED! Thank you to the THOUSANDS of local readers who submitted their answers for the best people, places, and things in Rochester. This year's voting broke records, and you can find out the results when our Best of Rochester 2009 issue hits stands on Wednesday, November 11!
Stage
In this edgy, post-modern world you may meet people who proclaim that they hate musicals. Musicals, they argue, are too campy or silly. These joyless individuals tend to take themselves too seriously, and should be avoided at all costs. They are also full of shit: you can't hate "musicals" any
Guides
Welcome to Rochester! (Or, if you went to high school here and decided to stick around: Thanks for staying!) You'll be spending much of your newly discovered, intoxicating free time exploring your campus, studying hard, and all that jazz. But once you've settled in a bit, don't be afraid to
Choice Concerts
On May 20, 2009, our country almost entered into a second civil war after wee underdog Kris Allen came out of nowhere to defeat The Anointed One, Adam Lambert, in the eighth season finale of "American Idol." The internet erupted instantly with the wailing and gnashing of teeth of disenfranchised
Stage
There were people testifying in the middle of Geva Theatre last Tuesday night. Let me be more specific: there were audience members standing up, spreading out their arms, and joyfully shouting "A-men!" during a blistering take on "God Bless the Child" in the middle of Act I of "Three Mo'
