Central Pennsylvania Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations

Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Open Stage
by Andrea Stephenson - December 23, 2024

The heart and soul that this cast and crew put into the 25th year of A Christmas Carol at Open Stage is a testament to the staying power of the show itself as well as to the magic that Open Stage creates with every production....

Review: A 1940'S CHRISTMAS CAROL at The Musical Box Theatre
by Sandra Harberger - December 13, 2024

What I loved about the show was the way you felt transported back to 1943 as the live audience for the radio broadcast complete with an “applause” sign that lights up when it’s time to clap. You got to see how they made sound effects on air, and Mathew Szekeres did a great job as “Buzz” with all the...

Review: OTHER DESERT CITIES at Susquehanna Stage
by Jason Davis - December 09, 2024

Other Desert Cities may not be a play you’ve heard of, but it is certainly one you won’t want to miss. The Susquehanna Stage production of this contemporary drama is a powerful representation of Jon Robin Baitz’s sharp, emotionally charged script. While it’s only a 'Christmas play' in the same way D...

Review: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Keystone Theatrics At The Playhouse At Allenberry
by Andrea Stephenson - December 08, 2024

This entire production of Beauty and the Beast is everything that fans of the story could hope for. The cast and crew of Keystone Theatrics have put together a performance this reviewer could see over and over again....

Review: THE NUTCRACKER REIMAGINED at TAFE: Theatre Arts For Everyone
by Sandra Harberger - December 08, 2024

At TAFE: Theatre Arts for Everyone, Christmas has begun with their holiday show for the 2024 season. “The Nutcracker Reimagined” is onstage from December 6th to 14th. “The Nutcracker Reimagined” was written and directed by Diane Crews, and it is an adaptation of “The Nutcracker and the King Mouse,” ...

Review: CONEY ISLAND CHRISTMAS at DreamWrights
by Sandra Harberger - December 07, 2024

Iris Lewin portrayal of the older Shirley Abramowitz was sweet with moments of humor. Eva Jarret played the younger Shirley, and she brought her “Loudest Voice” to the role. Her parents were played by Zachary Claghorn and Isabell Amadio with authentic Jewish accents and mannerisms. Isabell Amadio na...

Review: 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS at Little Theatre Of Mechanicsburg
by Andrea Stephenson - December 01, 2024

The cast, crew, and creative team of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg present a show that is full of heart and hope, bringing light, life, and warmth to the stage....

Review: HAMILTON at Hershey Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - November 29, 2024

This production retains the same charm and value as what I have seen before, while adding a few additional tweaks to make it special. ...

Review: WHO'S HOLIDAY! at Open Stage
by Sandra Harberger - November 24, 2024

Open Stage is presenting “Who’s Holiday!” from November 23rd to December 22nd under the direction of Chris Gibson and starring the talented Rachel Landon. Rachel Landon’s portrayal of adult Sally Who is hilarious, raw, and outrageous. After five years, she has honed her craft! She speaks flawlessly ...

Review: A DOG'S LIFE at Hanover Little Theatre
by Andrea Stephenson - November 22, 2024

What did our critic think of A DOG'S LIFE at Hanover Little Theatre?...

Review: THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940 at Oyster Mill Playhouse
by Rich Mehrenberg - November 18, 2024

In summary, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 was a great introduction to Oyster Mill.  I look forward to getting back to this venue soon....

Review: FROZEN at Fulton Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - November 16, 2024

Fulton’s Frozen brings imagination, creativity, and positivity to the Lancaster stage.  Buy your tickets to this spectacle sooner rather than later....

Review: IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
by Jason Davis - November 12, 2024

As the holiday season swings into full gear, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre has opened its doors to one of the most beloved Christmas musicals of all time: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. This spectacular production, directed by Amy Marie McCleary, serves up a delightful mix of holiday cheer, dazzl...

Review: INTO THE WOODS at Theatre Harrisburg
by Andrea Stephenson - November 11, 2024

Into the Woods is one of this reviewer’s favorite shows, and the caliber of talent, intensity of emotion, and connections among the cast members make this production stand out....

Review: WINTER WONDERLAND at Magic And Wonder Dinner Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - November 10, 2024

Winter Wonderland is an excellent show for both locals and those visiting out of town.  It has great effects and will be appreciated by families and magic lovers of all ages.  I recommend adding tickets to your Christmas list!...

Review: THE LARAMIE PROJECT at DreamWrights
by Sandra Harberger - November 09, 2024

DreamWrights is presenting the award winning play, “Laramie Project,” from November 7th to 10th under the direction of Rodd Robertson. The 22 cast members for “Laramie Project” used simple costume changes with a minimal set design to portray 78 different characters in a series of interviews between ...

Review: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at Gamut Theatre
by Andrea Stephenson - November 04, 2024

The Pirates of Penzance at Gamut is fun, energetic, and hilarious. The voices are lovely, and the singers and orchestra make the challenging music sound easy. For an uplifting evening of laughter and joy, get your tickets for The Pirates of Penzance!...

Review: ASSASSINS at Susquehanna Stage
by Jason Davis - October 28, 2024

What did our critic think of ASSASSINS at Susquehanna Stage?...

Review: MISERY at Twin Valley Players Colonnade
by Andrea Stephenson - October 27, 2024

Throughout the production, the lights, sound, props, and projections are beautifully designed, illustrating not only the mood of the scene, but also the passing of time. Overall, the cast handles this intense thriller well, keeping audiences at the edge of their seats....

Review: THE PIANO LESSON at Lancaster Shakespeare Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - October 27, 2024

I am grateful that the company has decided to celebrate more non-traditional stories for a more diverse audience. Performances run now through November 1st. Let’s do this again soon!...

Review: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at Gettysburg Community Theatre
by Andrea Stephenson - October 27, 2024

The set is perfectly creepy, and the lighting, complete with candles hanging from the ceiling, sets the mood. While the entire cast brings an energetic and exciting performance, the Phantoms really bring the show to life. Overall, the cast and crew of The Rocky Horror Show at GCT is sure to be an au...

Review: CLUE at The Belmont Theatre
by Jason Davis - October 22, 2024

Get ready to laugh out loud! Clue, the latest offering from The Belmonte Theatre in York, PA, is always a hilarious hit, and this production is no exception. With a witty and ridiculous script that keeps audiences guessing, the talented cast elevates the already comedic material into a riotous eveni...

Review: DARK NIGHTS 3 at Hersheypark
by Jessica Crowe - October 21, 2024

For the third year in a row, Hersheypark is coming in strong with their attempt to become a premier destination in Central PA for spooky Halloween fun......

Review: RIDE THE CYCLONE at Open Stage
by Andrea Stephenson - October 20, 2024

Ride the Cyclone is a fascinating exploration of the dichotomy between what we project to the world and who we really are, what makes life worth living, and the importance of memory. It’s the perfect show for spooky season, and the perfect show for Open Stage....

Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Keystone Theatrics At The Playhouse At Allenberry
by Andrea Stephenson - October 20, 2024

Little Shop of Horrors is a show that continues to capture the audience’s imagination, and with stunning choreography and stellar acting, this production at Keystone Theatrics does not disappoint....