Rockland / Westchester Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations

Review: FAITH HEALER Mesmerizes at Schoolhouse Theater
by Bruce Apar - December 13, 2024

When a play is rooted strictly in powerful monologues that are written by a master of the form like Mr. Friel, it demands virtuoso acting, which is precisely what this cast delivers to the audience. ...

Review: Stellar Ensemble Stars in THE HUMANS at Elmwood Playhouse
by Bruce Apar - November 19, 2024

For that verite vibe to work its magic requires a high order of acting, and veteran director Lisa Spielman has cast Elmwood’s production with that requisite caliber of talent.  ...

Review: A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD at Katonah Classic Stage
by Bruce Apar - October 29, 2024

Mr. Dawson’s staging is highly effective in its simplicity and pacing, holding the audience in thrall throughout. That, of course, also is a testament to the two very fine actors he’s cast.  ...

Review: STAGE KISS at Harrison Players
by Bruce Apar - October 25, 2024

The real-life director of Stage Kiss, Anthony Valbiro, has brought his reliably effective stagecraft instincts to this polished production...

Review: A Seductive DRACULA by Kate Hamill at Town Players of New Canaan
by Pia Haas - October 21, 2024

What did our critic think of A SEDUCTIVE DRACULA AT TOWN PLAYERS OF NEW CANAAN...

Preview: BEST OF CACTUS FLOWERS at Axial Theatre
by Bruce Apar - September 22, 2024

One play asks the very timely question, 'Do your elected representatives really live the values they trumpet on the campaign trail??...

Review: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Is Monstrously Funny at Elmwood Playhouse
by Bruce Apar - September 17, 2024

The Elmwood cast, directed with the requisite command of comic timing and savvy stagecraft by Director and Choreographer Jason Sommers, is comprised of an impressive array of skilled performers who seem to be enjoying their over-the-top antics as much as the audience does. ...

Review: THE STEEL MAN Forges Forth at Penguin Rep Theatre.
by Bruce Apar - September 15, 2024

At the center of the orbit of mashed-up relationships is the consummate performance of Sam Guncler. He prowls the stage as a feral Leo with gritty gravitas. He is the “steel man” not just because he lives in Pittsburgh, but also because he has defied death several times, including twice surviving fi...

Review: A Masterful MASTER HAROLD… AND THE BOYS at The Schoolhouse Theater
by Pia Haas - September 13, 2024

What did our critic think of A MASTERFUL MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS at The Schoolhouse Theater?...

Review: 'MASTER HAROLD' ... AND THE BOYS in Stellar Production at Schoolhouse Theater
by Bruce Apar - September 12, 2024

The great playwrights find imaginative and diverting ways to prick our conscience and provoke our curiosity about the mysteries of life. They force us to think about the human condition, in all its felicities and foibles, through the metaphorical use of familiar objects and experiences. Kites and ba...

Review: THE PROM Pulses with Heart at Ridgefield Theater Barn
by Bruce Apar - September 10, 2024

It is on the wings of wit and pleasantly wacky characterizations that the operative message of tolerance is delivered, in one case with the revival meeting fervor of “Love Thy Neighbor,” led by the fun and funny antics of Michael Valinoti as genially goofy Trent Oliver. ...

Review: DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE at Penguin Rep Theatre
by Bruce Apar - August 04, 2024

With 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise,' Mr. Ludwig willingly dates himself, to give us a poignant glimpse into what it was like, 80-plus years ago, to woo someone without benefit of physical connection and with a world war raging....

Review: CENTENNIAL CASTING at Penguin Rep Theatre
by Bruce Apar - July 02, 2024

Mike Labbadia creates a larger-than-life Vincent whose slow burns, emotional outbursts, and comically hapless attempts at romance reminded me of Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden in seminal sitcom The Honeymooners. I mentioned the Gleason comparison to Mr. Labbadia after his performance. What I didn’t...

Review: DESPERATE MEASURES at Armonk Players
by Bruce Apar - June 12, 2024

One of the several surprises I encountered as Desperate Measures got underway with a bang at North Castle Library’s Whippoorwill Theater in Armonk, N.Y. is that the dialogue is all rhyming couplets. If that brings to mind the prolific punslinger Wild Will Shakespeare, it should, because the premise ...

Review: WHAT KEEPS US GOING at The Schoolhouse Theater
by Bruce Apar - June 07, 2024

Tony winner Karen Ziemba (for 'Contact') leads a stellar cast directed cannily, as usual, by iconic theater maven Austin Pendleton...

Review: THE BAKER'S WIFE Is Full of Flavor at Ridgefield Theater Barn
by Bruce Apar - June 06, 2024

This thoroughly enchanting production, replete with two strong leads and a 14-piece orchestra, triumphs in its simplicity of story brought alive with an easy-on-the-ears, tuneful Schwartz score...

Review: THE SABBATH GIRL Lights Up Penguin Rep Theatre Through May 26
by Bruce Apar - May 09, 2024

The composing team of Gitter and Berg turn out some very serviceable tunes that drive both the story and the character arcs with a simple style that helps the passionate performers invest their characters with a lot of heart....

Review: GOD OF CARNAGE at Whippoorwill Hall Is an Audience Pleaser
by Bruce Apar - May 09, 2024

Each cast member excels in creating a strong, distinct persona that adds up to a sizzling ensemble....

Review: THE Manor Club Presents THE HEIRESS
by Pia Haas - April 13, 2024

What did our critic think of THE HEIRESS AT THE MANOR CLUB at The Manor Club?...

Review: THE LAST FIVE YEARS Soars at Core Theatre Group
by Rachel Stone - February 23, 2024

Last night, I was lucky enough to attend the opening night of Core Theatre Group’s (Hudson Valley’s newest theatre company), production of The Last Five Years, starring Season 6 winner of the The Voice Maelyn Jarmon and Clay Singer (The Band’s Visit).  This production, directed with honesty and inve...

Review: CLUE at Ridgefield Theater Barn
by Bruce Apar - February 15, 2024

Based on the 1985 movie, the script of 'Clue' is a fun romp rife with wordplay and sight gags. Need a break from streaming and bingeing and all the newfangled ways to get your entertainment fix? ...

Review: ITALIAN AMERICAN RECONCILIATION at Elmwood Playhouse
by Pia Haas - January 26, 2024

What did our critic think of ITALIAN AMERICAN RECONCILIATION at Elmwood Playhouse?...

Review: THE GREATER NEWBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW at Aquinas Hall
by Peter Danish - December 14, 2023

What did our critic think of THE GREATER NEWBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW at Acquainas Hall?...

Review: It's Worth Visiting CLYBOURNE PARK at Elmwood Playhouse
by Bruce Apar - November 19, 2023

The excellent ensemble's work across the board is as riveting as it is skillful, testament also to director Kathleen Mahan...

Review: A DIVINE SISTER ACT at Actors Conservatory Theatre
by Pia Haas - November 17, 2023

What did our critic think of A DIVINE SISTER ACT AT ACT at Actors Conservatory Theatre? Actors Conservatory Theatre brings a delightfully entertaining production to Bronxville’s Taylor Hall. Based on the hilarious 1992 hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act, received five Tony Award nominatio...