Sandra Harberger

Rupert’s Remarkable Request” is an awarding winning original play written by York local playwright Diane Crews. It is onstage at TAFE: Theatre Arts for Everyone from April 26th to 28th under the directions of Diane Crews. Rupert is a well-known character at TAFE, and he appears in “Rupert Meets Mrs. Tales,” which is one of the 4 touring shows the theatre offers the community. “Rupert’s Remarkable Request” is a unique show geared towards families and young readers. Rupert’s enthusiasm meeting new characters might encourage the love of reading for your family.

DreamWrights is performing “A Trip to the Moon” by Tracy Wells under the direction of Crystal Ganong from April 5th to April 14th. This vignette-style play will take you back to the summer of 1969 in America when everyone was talking about landing on the moon, Woodstock, and Vietnam. Each short scene was titled by an iconic song from 1969 and addressed themes from the time. Many issues are still relevant today like women’s rights, civil rights, and trusting the government.

The original “Pride and Prejudice” was written in 1813 and has sold over 20 million copies and inspired many adaptations in written form, television, or film. Kate Hamill offers a unique twist on the antics of the 5 daughters in the Bennent family. You will be laughing out loud at the physical comedy and fast pace of the show.

“W;t” is heartbreaking, honest, and funny. The cast did an excellent job portraying the raw emotional and physical damage caused by cancer.

Playing themselves with a minimal set design, the actors utilized an improv style packed with pop culture references to takes us through the big moments in history. I was especially impressed with their use of impersonations, accents, and physical comedy. They kept the show going at a fast clip, and I was feeling out of breath right a long with them. Comedy is hard physical work!

“White Christmas” was adapted to the stage in 2000 by David Ives and Paul Blake including music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. The Musical Box is performing this well-loved holiday musical at the Double Barrel Roadhouse December 15th to 16th under the direction of Shana McCoy.

This 30 minute show is perfect introduction to theatre for young children and those young at heart. I highly recommend checking out “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at DreamWrights on stage from December 8th -17th.

Jess Haag was excellent as the rental shop owner. She brought energy and optimism to the role coordinating the perfect Christmas for her customer. She worked well in contrast to bring out the hopefulness and love in Kevin Alvarnaz’s, John Dale. The five children stole the show getting laughs for being adorable and enthusiastic for Christmas.

Douglas D. Cooper (Leo) and Aaron Trusky (Jack) took on the difficult roles of being Shakespearean actors portraying women to con a dying woman and still have the audience cheer for them. Their strong acting skills and comedic timing make this show hilarious. This ensemble cast works well together to pull off the physical comedy and slap-stick humor.

The ensemble cast of The Alchemist works well together to present this face-paced comedy for York, PA. Located in the Dance Hall of Brookside Park, the OrangeMite found the perfect setting for this old English play

In 1954, Joseph Papp began the first “Shakespeare in the Park” to bring the works of William Shakespeare to public by offering free performances in Central Park. Now many cities around the world offer variations of “Shakespeare in the Park” to their communities. Orangemite is performing “Shakespeare in the Park” in 4 different York, PA parks on June 16, 17, 23, and 24. The June 23rd performance is at Cherry Lane, and the June 24th performance is at Kiwanis Lake. This year’s “Shakespeare in the Park” is performing 3 one Act plays including “As You Like It,” “Romeo y Julieta” and “Henry VI, part one.”

“In the Heights” will introduce you to the complicated lives of the neighbors in Washington Heights of Upper Manhattan, New York City. You will meet Usnavi De La Vega. He is played by Louis Salazar, and I was amazed by his talent handling the difficult music style in the show. His love interest is Vanessa, played by the equally talented Tshyona Dagnachew. His cousin Sonny is played by Rio Gonzalez who brings the comedic talent that makes you love and root for the character. His grandmother, Abuela Claudia, is played by Danara Muldrow. She brings the warmth needed for the neighborhood matriarch.

TAFE: Theatre Arts for Everyone is presenting The Princess Rescuers under the direction of Diane Crews. Princess Rescuers is an an original play written by local York resident, Paige Hoke. Ms. Hoke is an Arcadia College graduate and wrote this play as her senior thesis. It is not surprising that it was a winner at the Kennedy Center College Theatre Festival. This unique fairytale has all the important ingredients of talking animals, princesses, evil queens, and magic.

The Misanthrope: A Comedy of Manners is a French play written by Molière and was first performed in 1666. This 5 act comedy pokes fun at the French social norms in high society. Chris Koslosky adapted and directed the play to fit the modern audience for OrangeMite Studios. It is surprising how little has really changed in terms of social norms of gossiping, bragging, backstabbing, and cynical complaining. Love can still complicated with triangles and jealousy.

Jordan Radis had the formidable task of portraying Ren McCormack, which is Kevin Bacon’s break-out role from the 80’s. He was able to pay homage to Kevin Bacon’s character while giving the it his own style. Audrey Taylor Floyd, who play Rusty, stood out with her impressive vocal performance in “Let’s Hear it for the Boy.” Though it is strange to hear pop songs from the 80’s sung in musical theatre style, Audrey was able to nail that song just like I remember hearing it many years ago. This show will make you laugh and want to dance and sing to songs you haven’t hear in years but still somehow know all the words.

The young ensemble cast at DreamWrights brought the book to life and made the packed audience of families laugh this weekend with their cast of colorful characters and animals. My own teenager loved this book as a child and giggled through out the performance! Stinky Cheese Man has lots of physical comedy that kids will laugh out loud at even if they don’t quite get the verbal humor of the parody yet. Sprinkled throughout the show is a few unique songs and even a puppet. Even the intermission was entertaining. Kids were getting their wiggles out dancing to music as the clocked counted down the minutes left before Act II.

The Musical Box Theatre presents The Addams Family in concert style from March 23-26 at the Double Barrel Roadhouse in Red Lion, Pa. The show was directed by Shana McCoy and choreographed by Rebecca Gentry. A concert performance utilizes minimal set design, staging, and costume changes. Music stands were used in this performance and uniquely incorporated into the show. Stripped to the bare bones, the voices and music are fully appreciated. The cast did an excellent job using their voices to tell the story of the Addams family.

If you are a fan of the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail, then you are going to love the irreverent humor of “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” “Spamalot” won 3 Tony Awards in 2005 including Best Musical, Best Director, and Best Featured Actress in a Musical. The Belmont Theater is presenting “Spamalot” for one more weekend under the direction of Rene Staub.

You will experience soulful gospel music, African American inspired movement, poetry, and letters as you are taken through the history of African American freedom seekers and allies. It is a performance I highly recommend. You'll leave wanting to learn more.