Theatre, Dance & Comedy Winter 2016

From Always Patsy Cline to Drunkle Vanya, 42nd Street to One Night With Fanny Brice, our Performing Arts Guide covers all the local theatre from the Armonk Players to the Performing Arts Center to Arc Stages in Pleasantville. Plus four great dance events including Martha Graham Dance and the best local comedy from An Evening With Groucho Marx and the Improvised Shakespeare to Ralphie May, Paula Poundstone and Robert Klein.

Theatre

Show Boat– – Westchester Broadway Theatre: With music by Jerome Kern and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Show Boat follows the lives of riverboat performers on the Mississippi, illuminating the racial and social changes shaping the country in 1890-1927. Its timeless score contains some of the most emotionally charged songs ever written for a musical, including “Ol’ Man River,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and “Make Believe.” Fri, 12/30-Sun 1/31/16: check times. (Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plaza, Elmhurst; www.broadwaytheatre.com)

Drunkle Vanya – Emelin Theatre: The theatrical company Three Day Hangover “stages” this send-up of Chekhov, complete with chilled vodka and audience participation at Mickey Spillane’s bar, right around the corner from the Emelin Theatre. Must be 21+ to attend and please drink responsibly. We’re there. Thurs-Sat, 1/21-23: 8pm. (Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)

Julius Caesar – Westchester Community College: What’s the saying? “Politics ain’t beanbag?” If you think we have a contentious political environment now, check out the way the Romans settled political differences. Shakespeare’s masterpiece political drama brings the dynamics of political intrigue, executive power, divided government and retribution to the stage like no other dramatic work. If you think the biggest problem in America is a do-nothing Congress, buy a ticket to Julius Caesar to see how the Roman Senate got things done. Et tu, Brute. All for just $22 a ticket and $16 for children under 13. Sat, 1/23: 8pm. (Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla; www.sunywcc.edu)

National Theatre Live – Coriolanus: The Donmar Warehouse’s standing-room-only production of Shakespeare’s tragedy of political manipulation and revenge features Tom Hiddleston, one of England’s most sought-after classical stage actors, in the title role. Director Josie Rourke’s production, cheered by the Independent as “magnificent,” was so highly praised in its 2013 premiere that the production quickly sold out and tickets were selling on online auction sites for more than £2,000. (Oh, those crazy lovable Brits, they do love their theatre.) Sun, 1/24: 2pm. (PepsiCo Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Always Patsy Cline – Westchester Broadway Theatre: The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961. Through letters and visits, the two share the homespun stories of laughter and heartache that brought together a housewife and a legendary country singer. The show features 27 classic songs, including “Crazy”, “Walkin’ After Midnight”, “I Fall to Pieces”, “Sweet Dreams” and “Back In Baby’s Arms“. Thurs, 2/4-Sat, 2/28: check times. (Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plaza, Elmhurst; www.broadwaytheatre.com)

42^nd Street – Stamford Palace Theatre: The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, 42nd Street tells the story of an understudy dancer from Allentown who steps in for the leading lady of a Broadway musical when she breaks her ankle – and becomes a star. The show includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as “We’re In The Money”, “Lullaby of Broadway”, “Shuffle Off To Buffalo”, “Dames”, “I Only Have Eyes For You” and of course “42nd Street”. This new production is directed by Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner, the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival. Fri, 2/5: 8pm & Sat, 2/6: 2pm. (The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Ave., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

Gruesome Playground Injuries – ARC Stages: Over the course of 30 years, the lives of Kayleen and Doug intersect at the most bizarre intervals, leading the two childhood friends to compare scars and the physical calamities that keep drawing them together. Gruesome Playground Injuries was written by Rajiv Joseph whose Broadway play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo was a 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist for drama. Fri-Sun, 2/5-21: (Arc Stages, 147 Wheeler Ave., Pleasantville; www.arcstages.org)

Love, Loss, and What I Wore – The Armonk Players: The Armonk Players present a staged reading of Nora and Delia Ephron’s 2008 play where five women reflect on past relationships and the wardrobes they wore. The production won the 2010 Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Performance. Wed, 2/10: 8pm. (Whippoorwill Hall, North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Rd. East, Armonk; www.armonkplayers.org)

National Theatre Live – Jane Eyre: Charlotte Bronte’s heroine was the ultimate survivor: overcoming poverty, injustice, and betrayal before her own bold fight for freedom. The Royal National Theatre’s December 2014 production of Sally Cookson’s reimaging of Charlotte Bronte’s heroine was cheered by the Evening Standard as “fresh, exciting and inventive.” Sun, 2/14: 2pm. (Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

The Intergalactic Nemesis – a live-action graphic novel: In this family-friendly performance, three actors voice dozens of characters, a Foley sound artist creates the audio effects, and a pianist plays a cinematic score, while projections of more than 1,250 individual full-color hi-res comic book panels tell a hilarious sci-fi adventure story. The Intergalactic Nemesis has been featured on television, including Conan O’Brien, and on stage in New York where the New York Post called it “Great fun! A happily retro multimedia extravaganza.” Recommended for ages 7 and up. Kids 16 and under go half-price. Sat, 2/27: 3pm. (PepsiCo Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Big Pants & Hot Flashes – WPPAC: What happens when two prime time comedians come out as gay and transgendered? Kevin Meany and Julia Scotti show you in this no holds barred comedy. Meaney performed on Broadway in Hairspray for five years and has appeared on all the late night talk shows and on 30 Rock and Gotham Comedy Live. Julia Scotti is a headline comedian who was a finalist in Ladies of Laughter and was named Advocate Magazine’s “Top 5 Hottest ‘Transgendered Comedians of 2013. Sat, 2/27: 8pm. (White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains; www.wppac.org)

One Night With Fanny Brice – The Armonk Players: Here’s another Simply Theatre! Play reading from The Armonk Players. Framed as a visit by Brice from the afterlife, this play revisits her life from her start in vaudeville to her career as the highest paid American singing comedienne and her relationship with career criminal Nicky Arnstein. The show moves from story to song including “Rose of Washington Square”, “My Man” and “Second Hand Rose”. With Christine DiTota and Assaf Gleizner. Thurs, 3/3: 8pm. (Whippoorwill Hall, North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Rd. East, Armonk; www.armonkplayers.org)

Man of La Mancha – Westchester Broadway Theatre: This five-time Tony award-winning musical inspired by Miguel de Cervantes classic novel enacts the magical tale of the greatest knight of all. Follow Don Quixote, the slayer of dragons, windmills and defender of ladies in distress, with his trusty sidekick Sancho Panza, on his quest to restore chivalry to the world and to claim his lady love – better known as “The Impossible Dream”. Thurs, 3/3-Sun, 5/1: check times. . (Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plaza, Elmhurst; www.broadwaytheatre.com)

Montana Rep: All My Sons – Performing Arts Center: Arthur Miller’s first great play was based on a newspaper account of a conspiracy between the Wright Aeronautical Company and military inspectors to approve defective military aircraft engines during WWII. Three Army Air Force officers were convicted of neglect of duty after an investigation conducted by then Senator Harry Truman. Originally produced on Broadway in 1947, this production is from Montana Rep, the theater-in-residence at the University of Montana and one of the most respected touring companies in the United States. Thurs, 3/10: 8pm. (PepsiCo Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

National Theatre Live –Les Liaisons Dangereuse: Josie Rourke’s new production marks the 30^th anniversary of Christopher Hampton’s adaption of a scandalous 18^th century novel of sex and intrigue in pre-revolutionary France. Featuring Janet McTeer, Tony Award winner for Broadway’s A Doll’s House in 1997, this production from Donmar Warehouse will be recorded in January 2016. Sat, 3/12: 2pm. (Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Frank Ferrante: An Evening With Groucho – Ridgefield Playhouse: The New York Times called him “the greatest living interpreter of Groucho Marx’s material.” Morrie Ryskind, co-author of Animal Crackers and A Night at the Opera, called him “the only actor aside from Groucho who delivered my lines as they were intended.” Frank originated the off-Broadway title role in Groucho: A Life in Revue (written by Groucho’s son Arthur) portraying the comedian from age 15 to 85. He won 1987’s Theatre World Award and has been nominated for an Outer Critic’s Circle Award, a Laurence Olivier Award and a Helen Hayes Award for his portrayals of Groucho in revue, and in stage versions of Coconuts and Animal Crackers. Sat, 3/19: 7:30pm. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Rhythm in the Night – Westchester Community College: A tale of good versus evil, love and salvation is told through Irish step dancing with a world-class troupe of 18 male and female dancers. This epic, 90-minute journey follows Mythical King Balor as he tries to find his way out of the dark world. There are battle scenes with lightning fast rhythms in this age-old art form and Irish dance spectacular. Sun, 3/20: 3pm. (Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla: www/sunywcc.edu)

Opera At The Cinema – Tosca: Belgium’s Opéra Royal de Wallonie presents a new production of Puccini’s tale of jealousy, turmoil, and despair in Rome during Napolean’s invasion of Italy in 1800. Tosca premiered in the Teatro Costanzi in Rome 100 years later and remains one of the most frequently performed operas in the Italian language. Paolo Arrivabeni conducts the classic opera, sung in Italian, with stage direction by Claire Servais.  All operas are shown with English subtitles. Sun, 3/20: 2pm. (PepsiCo Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Dance

Dance Off The Grid – Emelin Theatre: Dance Off The Grid returns to the Emelin Theatre for its third year. This three part series features multiple performances by some of the most influential artists in contemporary dance. The showpieces range from ballet to modern to puppetry and everything in between. Originally performed as Dance Under the Influence at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and produced by the late Valerie Gladstone, a dance critic and author who wrote for the New York Times, Washington Post, Harpers and ArtNews. Fri, 2/5 & 3/4: 8pm. (Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)

Stepcrew – Westchester Community College: Stepcrew combines Celtic music, vocals and three styles of percussive dance (Ottawa Valley Stepdance, Irish Stepdance, and Tap), in this high-energy production. The cast includes four touring members of The Chieftains, Ireland’s traditional music moguls, Canadian fiddle champion and the powerhouse vocals of Scotland’s Alyth McCormack. “Sun, 2/14: 3pm. (Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla: www/sunywcc.edu)

Martha Graham Dance Company: “Think of the magic of the foot, comparatively small, upon which your whole weight rests. It’s a miracle and the dance is a celebration of that miracle.” – Martha Graham. Now in its 90th anniversary season, the Martha Graham Dance Company carries on her legacy with performances selected from the 181 choreographic works she created and works by artists who have been inspired by Graham’s vision. Sat, 2/20: 8pm. (Concert Hall, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: “An infectiously joyful celebration of music and dance” – The New York Times. Following a sold out 2014 performance, Flamenco Vivo returns to The Center with Poema de Andalucía, a choreographic journey through the alluring cultures and traditions of the Andalusian provinces that form the cradle of Flamenco. This work celebrates the region’s unique and rich heritage through the language of music, song, and dance. Fri, 2/26: 8pm. (Concert Hall, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Comedy

LoHud Comedy Night – Schoolhouse Theatre: The Schoolhouse Theatre in Croton Falls presents a quartet of stand-ups straight from the NYC comedy club circuit including comedy festival fave John Moses, Russian stand-up Gregory K., Alex Barnett with his Jewish schtick on life in a bi-racial family, and Adam Oliensis, who explores his spiritual journey from East Africa, India and New Jersey to the NYC comedy scene. Sat, 1/23: 8pm. (Schoolhouse Theatre, 3 Croton Falls Rd., Croton Falls; www.schoolhousetheatre.org)

Dave’s Faves Comedy Show – The Ridgefield Playhouse: Three vets from The Late Show with David Letterman team up for a night of stand-up. Moody McArthy has appeared on Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Last Comic Standing. Joe Matarese’s rich material of the everyday neuroses of a man married to a psychologist landed him appearances on Letter, Craig Ferguson, Chelsea lately and his own Comedy Central Presents half hour special. The dog-loving and politically incorrect Adrienne Iaplucci was a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Fri, 1/29: 8pm. (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Laughtrax: Ladies of Laughter – Stamford Palace Theatre: Winners of the nationwide Ladies of Laughter stand-up comedy competition tour each year on the Funny and Fabulous Tour that has taken them over the years from top comedy clubs to Las Vegas casinos and even Madison Square Garden. You can see this year’s show in Stamford. Fri, 2/12: 8pm. (The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Ave., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

Laughtrax: Uptown Showdown: NYC’s Uptown Showdown presents a popular comedy-debate that has two teams going head-to-head about topics of great importance to pop culture sensibility! Writers from The Daily Show, The Onion, and The Moth square off in a debate with stand-up. Previous debaters have included celebrated wits Michael Ian Black, Janeane Garofalo, Michael Showalter and Jackie Hoffman. New York Magazine called it the city’s “best comedy show.” Thurs, 2/18: 8pm. (The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Ave., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

Ralphie May – Ridgefield Playhouse: Ralphie May has appeared at the biggest venues, slayed every late-night audience multiple times and recorded a special for every comedy-loving network on television. Last year Netflix exclusively launched his new comedy special Unruly at the same time it released the new season of House of Cards. You can see him riff on pop culture, the dangers of meeting Anderson Cooper and Chick-Fil-A at the Ridgefield Playhouse. Sat, 2/20: 8pm. (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Mario Cantone – Ridgefield Playhouse: Mario Cantone brings his On the Way to Broadway tour, to the Playhouse! The new show features his irreverent humor and impersonations. Best known for his role as the sassy wedding planner on Sex and the City and irreverent spots as a guest host on The View, Cantone gained critical acclaim on Broadway for his Tony Award-nominated one-man show Laugh Whore that later aired on Showtime. Fri, 2/26: 8pm. (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Laughtrax: Lynn Trefzger – Stamford Palace Theatre: For over 30 years, ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger has given life to a trunkful of comical characters. Fri, 2/26: 8pm. (The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Ave., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

Elizardo Castro – WPPAC: Check out his “I loved Menudo” routine. A former criminal defense attorney, Elizardo Castro recently won Best Stand Up at the United Solo Festival in NYC. His comedy touches on his Puerto Rican heritage, what it’s like for a New Yorican to speak Spanglish and is laced with a graceful physical flourishes. Sat, 2/26: 8pm. (White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains; www.wppac.org)

Laughtrax: Chicago City Limits – Stamford Palace Theatre: You can see New York City’s legendary improvisation comedy troupe on 74^th St. and Third Avenue Saturday nights at 8pm or you can check them out in Stamford. Fri, 3/4: check time. (The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Ave., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org) 

The Improvised Shakespeare – Emelin Theatre: Based on an audience member’s suggestion, The Improvised Shakespeare Co. creates a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your very eyes! The Improvised Shakespeare Company has performed Off Broadway and been featured at the Piccolo Spoleto Fringe Festival, Bonnaroo, the Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival, Outside Lands, San Francisco Sketchfest, Upright Citizen’s Brigade’s Del Close Marathon, and the prestigious Just For Laughs festival in Montreal and Chicago.  It has been named Chicago’s best improv group by both the Chicago Reader and the Chicago Examiner and has received a New York Nightlife Award for “Best Comedic Performance by a Group”. Sat, 3/12: 8pm. (Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)

Robert Klein – WPPAC: is 1973 album Child of the Fifties, Spin magazine’s 27th best comedy album of all time, features his classic routines like Substitute School Teacher, School Lunch and Civil Defense (No Talking). Robert Klein is a Westchester County resident and a regular local performer. Sat, 3/12: 8pm. (White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains; www.wppac.org)

Paula Poundstone – Tarrytown Music Hall: One of Comedy Central’s 100 greatest stand-ups of all time, Paula Poundstone won an American Comedy Award for Best Female Standup Comic, and in 2010 she was one of a select group voted into the Comedy Hall of Fame.  She is a regular panelist on NPR’s weekly news quiz show, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me. You can hear her in the new Disney Pixar film Inside Out opening on June 19th. Sat, 3/19: 8pm (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

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