Andrew J. Koehler

The highly-anticipated opening of Cultural Arts Playhouse’s SOMETHING ROTTEN is finally here! The latest in the playhouse’s theatrical ventures, this production is truly something special. Read more about the cast and company here!

Let's kick off the 2024 season with a review of the final show I attended in 2023! I had the pleasure of attending closing weekend of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, presented by Cultural Arts Playhouse this past November. Directed by Tony Frangipane, the production was bursting at the seams with vibrancy and new life breathed into classic characters that everyone knows and loves. 

The next theatrical venture of CAP Merrick opens this weekend! Kick off your 2024 with CARRIE: THE MUSICAL. Directed by Tony Frangipane, with musical direction from Jared Glazer, the production is electric and is bound to be a hit, especially amongst fans of the 1976 Brian De Palma film and Stephen King book of the same name. Check out some photos below, courtesy of Tony Frangipane, Anthony Orellana, Chrissy Ganci, and Danielle Jenkin Photography. 

ELF: THE MUSICAL opened to glowing audience response at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Syosset on December 9th. Directed by Shiloh Bennett, the production is bursting with fantastic tunes, boasting musical direction from Zach Mandernach, and electrifying choreography provided by Camilla Montoya. Get your tickets before they head back to the North Pole on January 7th! Check out production photos below, all provided by Danielle Jenkin Photography.

What did our critic think of CRISTI’S CASE CRACKERS: FATALITY AT THE PHOENIX FOOTBALL STADIUMS LUXURY BOX at Merrick Theatre?

What did our critic think of ALL SHOOK UP at CAP Merrick?

What did our critic think of BYE BYE BIRDIE at Cultural Arts Playhouse?

What did our critic think of THE LIGHTNING THIEF at Cultural Arts Playhouse? Cultural Arts Playhouse (CAP) Merrick’s latest engagement, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, is blowing the roof off of the theatre.

Mezzo Theatrical Productions, founded by Long Island based visionary John Mezzo, opens its doors this year as Nassau County’s newest troupe for high quality, high class entertainment. This summer, they are presenting the classic musical INTO THE WOODS, written by James Lapine and the late Stephen Sondheim. This production is directed by the incredible John Mezzo, and music directed by the spectacular Rich Giordano. The show stars a melting-pot of Long Island and other New York talent, Julie Stewart (the Witch), Hannah Pipa (the Baker’s Wife), Sean Ryan (the Baker), Bridget Cunningham (Cinderella), Jason Steven Kopp (Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince), Kevin Kirley (Jack), Mairead Camas (Little Red Ridinghood), John Mezzo (Narrator/Mysterious Man), Matt Ranagan (Rapunzel’s Prince), Jennifer Gillen-Goldstein (Jack’s Mother/Cinderella’s Mother), Randi Kopp (Evil Stepmother/Granny/Giant’s Voice), Elizabeth Anglim (Florinda), KG Foley (Lucinda), Bella Carrano (Rapunzel), and Andrew J. Koehler (Steward/Cinderella’s Father). The production is being presented from August 4-12 at the Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City. 

“The play can be described as a perfect combination between EUPHORIA and A BRONX TALE. Themes in the play include growing up in an Italian family, teen mental health, drug abuse, toxic masculinity, growing up around organized crime, and the struggles of an actor in the industry.” says playwright and star of A BEAUTIFUL LIFE: 4 OF 4 Sean Amato. 

HEAD OVER HEELS opened this weekend at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Syosset this past Saturday night. Based on the 1593 story “The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia,” this 2018 Broadway hit features the music of the Go-Go’s, including “We Got The Beat,” “Heaven Is A Place On Earth,” “Vacation,” and, of course, “Head Over Heels.” Directed by CAP Artistic Director/General Manager Tony Frangipane and Diane Marmann, the production shines in all the right places. 

What did our critic think of MEAN GIRLS at Cultural Arts Playhouse? The 2018 smash-hit musical MEAN GIRLS, based on the 2004 cult classic is playing at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Merrick. Directed by Taneisha Corbin, the production is bursting at the seams with energy and electricity. 

What did our critic think of MATILDA at Cultural Arts Playhouse?

MAMMA MIA! will have you smilin' and havin' fun! Read about it here: