Reviews
Read Thomas Warfield’s D&C Blog about The Boys in the Band HERE
He’s in the ‘Band’- Jason Juliano gets serious for role in groundbreaking play
By Ben Beagle bbeagle@batavianews.com |
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is being performed at MuCCC in Rochester this weekend.
John Murphy, the musical director, and Audra Cramer, who plays Rona Lisa Peretti, joined us on the News 8 at Noon on Wednesday.
Timeless “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” is Onstage Now (YNN)
CITY Newspaper
THEATER REVIEW: “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”By Eric Rezsnyak on June 22, 2010
Discover the value of local theater- read the letter to the editor by HENRY SCOVEL STEWART
GRRC opens Albee’s ‘Virginia Woolf’ on Thursday- Daily News Online
‘Bash’ play gives violence a face and voice MPN Now
Stage shows galore this summer
D&C Theatre Blog by Ralph Meranto
What is art? John Borek thinks he
has the answer
John Borek has launched an art movement.
Sort of. You decide.
JEFF SPEVAK • STAFF MUSIC CRITIC • MAY 23, 2010 Conceptual artist John Borek, 61, standing in his Rochester home, addresses the age-old question, what is art, with his projects. He says his conceptual-art credo is, “Think the illogical through to the logical.” (CARLOS ORTIZ staff photographer)
DOWNLOADING THE PROFESSOR OF RAP: THE ALBUM IS FREE UNTIL MAY 28TH!
‘Shakespeare’s Romances’ — Four readings from the Bard at MuCCC
By L. David Wheeler, staff writerMessenger PostPosted May 20, 2010 @ 04:43 PMRochester, N.Y. —
CITY Choice Event THEATER:
Shakespeare Marathon Weekend (5/21-23)
Political farce from David Mamet in final weekend
Watch 1 minute trailer video for “November” at MuCCC HERE
Presidential politics in play in MuCCC production
ON STAGE: A capsule look at area theater shows
A small price to pay to preserve the spirit of community
POSTED BY JEFF SPEVAK • APRIL 21, 2010 • 11:32 AM
Enjoy the new venues for stage shows D&C
Community theaters find audiences, volunteers 
Stuart Low – MATT WITTMEYER staff photographer,
2 top local actors share commitment to their craft Stuart Low – Staff writer
Community theaters find audiences, volunteers
Stuart Low
read the MPN story By Staff reports Messenger Post Posted Mar 25, 2010 @ 10:24 PM
ON STAGE: ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ at MuCCC
For Penfield alumni, a ‘Primeval’ reunion
By L. David Wheeler, staff writerMessenger Post
Craig Thornton
By Ben Beagle bbeagle@batavianews.com
Review: ‘Moose Murders’ good for silly laughs
JEFF SPEVAK • D&C STAFF MUSIC CRITIC • FEBRUARY 21, 2010
A “cool space for cool people” celebrates an anniversary
Posted at: 02/19/2010 2:25 PM | Updated at: 02/19/2010 8:53 PM
By: Janet Lomax | WHEC.com
A year ago Douglas Rice decided to renovate an old church on Atlantic Avenue into a theatre.
Of ‘Moose’ and mirth: an Arthur Bicknell celebration at MuCCC
Two locals add songs to turn Broadway bomb into camp JEFF SPEVAK • STAFF MUSIC CRITIC • D&C FEBRUARY 11, 2010
One of the oddest theater stories of the millennium soon returns in a weekend dubbed “What is Art?” Each night revolves around readings of three plays by Art himself, Arthur Bicknell, at the South Wedge theater MuCCC. What is Art? will debut on Feb. 19, followed by Moose Murders on Feb. 20 and My Great Dead Sister on Feb. 21. continued…..
PHOTO: Anthony Lovenheim Irwin, left, and Joe Fox-Boyd wrote music for the revived play Moose Murders. (ANNETTE DRAGON)
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Controversial and lauded ‘Spring Awakening’ opening at Auditorium Theatre
Based on banned play, lauded musical ‘Spring Awakening’ brings young rebels to Auditorium stage
STUART LOW • STAFF WRITER • FEBRUARY 7, 2010
A commitment to his craft Rochester-area theater veteran honored at TANYS Festival
Michael H. Arve, director of development for the Greater Rochester Repertory Companies Inc., has been awarded the Mary Eva Duthie Award for outstanding contributions to theater in New York State.
TANYS Endowment Awards
- Community Service Award, Douglas Rice, for renovating a former church into the MuCCC Theater (Multi-Use Community Cultural Center), 142 Atlantic Ave., Rochester.
By Eric Rezsnyak on January 26, 2010
Marriage spoof ‘Ping’ opens Thursday (D&C)
listen to act 1 of James Howard Kunstler’s “Big Slide” performed at MuCCC by GRRC
Wonder of the World in MPN Now
Stasz/Pruitt Wonder of the World on WROC-TV story and video
TANYS awards 2009 in Daily News Online
MPN interview with James Howard Kunstler
Big Slide in Batavia Daily News
The year in A&E: 2009 By L. David Wheeler, staff writer Daily Messenger excerpt:
For small performance groups, a new go-to spot
WHAT’S UP? A new venue for area performance groups — particularly those without a home of their own — opened up in March, when Doug Rice converted an old Rochester church into a theater. The “Multi-use Community Cultural Center” (MuCCC), at 142 Atlantic Ave., has hosted theatrical performances from the likes of Method Machine, Geomantics Dance Theater and the Greater Rochester Repertory Companies, as well as readings, concerts and improv comedy. According to John Borek, director of artist development, the MuCCC has hosted 16 companies since it opened.See Messenger article from March 2009.
WHAT’S BEEN Built in 1887 as the East Rochester Baptist Mission, the building later became a Baptist Church and, in the 1970s, the Prayer House Church of God by Faith. The congregation eventually outgrew the building; Rice — stepping down as ArtWalk director after a decade — bought it and quickly renovated the building. Method Machine inaugurated the venue March 14 with its one-woman play “Edge,” starring Marcy Savastano as troubled poet Sylvia Plath. Rice recently was recognized by the Theater Association of New York State with the Outstanding Community Service award, only the fifth time the award has been given in more than 50 years.
WHAT’S NEXT? Author James Howard Kunstler will introduce a staged reading of his “Big Slice” Jan. 9 as the MuCCC continues its American Playwrights Series. Also coming up: a fully staged presentation of Nancy Pres-ton Stark’s “Ping” by GRRC; and the Post Capitalist Art Festival presenting “Moose Murders,” billed as the worst-reviewed play ever.
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ART REVIEW: Rochester Contemporary Members Exhibition (CITY newspaper)
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| GRRC (Greater Rochester Repertory Companies, Inc.) announces that Diane Chevron and Dr. Allan O’Grady Cuseo have been recognized for their stellar work in the GRRC production of LOVE LETTERS. The production was directed by Michael H. Arve |
Excellence in Ensemble Acting Award has been presented by TANYS Roving Adjudicator to Diane Chevron as Melissa Gardner and Allan O’Grady Cuseo as Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. She had this to say about their performances: ”Diane Chevron and Alan O’Grady Cuseo brought A. R. Gurney’s Love Letters to life with compassion and dignity. These two talented actors swept the audience into the lives of the characters with their hearts, voices and facial expressions. Ms. Chevon and Dr. Cuseo should work together more often.”
photo credit: Gerry Szymanski
For further information please contact:
Michael H. Arve
CITY newspaper reviews “CLOSER”
MuCCC founder Doug Rice awarded TANYS award
TANYS Awards Community Service Award to Douglas Rice
Doug Rice, the founder of ARTWalk, an award-winning outdoor art museum in
Rochester, New York, has received the Theater Association of New
York State Award for Community Service for his latest arts enterprise, the MuCCC Theater (Multi-Use Community Cultural Center) at 142
Atlantic Avenue, Rochester, New York. The award is given to someone in the State of New York who has done outstanding work to further the growth of community theatre in New York State. This is only the fifth time in the Theater Association’s more than fifty year history that the award has been given.
Since March 2009, the MuCCC has presented the works of 14
theater or performance companies. Among companies who have
received recognition for the work mounted at MuCCC are GRRC
(Greater Rochester Repertory Company), Method Machine and
Geomantics Dance Theater.
• Method Machine opens its run of Patrick Marber’s “Closer” at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC), 142 Atlantic Ave., Rochester. An exploration of the struggle for intimacy, it tells the story of four people — played by Jonathan Ntheketha, Marcy Savastano, Jill Rittinger and Michael Francis O’Connor — whose lives intertwine over four years. It’s performed in the round and directed by David Henderson. Upcoming shows are 8 p.m. Dec. 4-5 and 10-12, with a 2 p.m. show Dec. 6. Thursday’s preview performance is pay-what-you-can; the others are $20 ($10 students/seniors). Details: www.methodmachine.org.
• St. Fortune Productions, a new performance company, will present “Strychnine” — billed as “a Neon Science Thriller Comedy” at 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, and Monday, Dec. 7, in the MuCCC, 142 Atlantic Ave., Rochester. (Next weekend, Dec. 13-15, it moves to the VIP studios in the Village Gate Square, 274 N. Goodman St., Rochester.) According to St. Fortune, it’s set in The Lone Star bar in the middle of nowhere, Texas, where two troubled, complex men find the Heart of the Stars in a woman “who is totally an alien.” Written by Janszoon Gasper and directed by Gavin Price, it stars Jamal Abunnasir, Jeff Andrews, Norma Butikofer and John Thompson. Admission: $10 ($7 students/seniors). Details: www.stfortuneproductions.com
http://www.mpnnow.com/entertainment/x1682948519/ON-STAGE-Whats-opening-this-weekend-at-area-theaters
GRRC’s MICHAEL ARVE Receives TANYS award press release
TRUE WEST WINS ACTING AWARDS AT FESTIVAL 2009 
GRRC’s highly praised and critically well reviewed production of TRUE WEST was given even more praise this past week-end at the TANYS Festival 2009. GRRC announces that Louie Podlaski and Jeff Zielinski were both honored with OUTSTANDING acting awards as well as being voted “audience favorites” for their brilliant portrayals of Lee and Austin in Sam Shepard’s harrowing TRUE WEST.
The production had already been honored by TANYS in June when it was first presented. Excellence in Acting Awards and a Meretorious Direction Award for Michael H. Arve were bestowed on the company.
TRUE WEST then became eligible to be considered for Festival and on November 1st was chosen from a very large field to be one of 7 productions from across New York State to perform at Festival and be adjudicated by Nationally renowned adjudicator, Steven Willis.
Please contact Michael H. Arve for further information.
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MuCCC to accept TANYS “Special Service” award Nov 21, 2009 at the TANYS annual convention held this year in Batavia. This award is given to people or organizations who have contributed greatly to the improvement of Community Theatre in the State of New York.
TANYS Festival 2009- Welcome to “50 Years of Festival!” TANYS is excited to be celebrating 50 years of theatre festivals in New York State November 20, 21, 22, 2009 at Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY. Michael Park will be our celebrity chair. Join us for great theatre, BMI Technical Design Competition, workshops and much, much more. Become an Early Bird and save until October 15th. See you at Festival! More info click here
October 5, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TWO GRRC PLAYS BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR TANYS FESTIVAL 2009
GRRC has been informed that two of their productions from their 2009 season have become eligible for inclusion in this year’s TANYS FESTIVAL 2009 – 50 YEARS OF FESTIVAL.
The productions are Sam Shepard’s TRUE WEST and Maxim Mazumdar’s OSCAR REMEMBERED, which were, performed this past June and September, respectively in Rochester’s newest performance space MuCCC.
Erik Resnyak of City Newspaper had this to say about TRUE WEST “…….is a smart, sometimes funny, ultimately brutal play brought to life through equally smart staging and a fantastic cast.” Of Louie Podlaski’s performance as Lee, he said: “ I can’t imagine Lee portrayed any other way.” He was equally impressed wiith Jeff Zielinski’s performance as Austin and he found that
Zielinski’s acting was “……totally captivating, and felt true, not like fiction at all. Zielinski carried that level of craft throughout the play,
The production received production and acting awards from TANYS.
Maxim Mazumdar’s one man examination of the life of Oscar Wilde as told through the eyes of Lord Alfred Douglas”was also honored with an OUTSTANDING actor merit award for Kevin Indovino as well as an Excellence in direction nod for Michael H. Arve
During the Festival window TANYS adjudicates over 150 show across the state and then the adjudicators choose the eligible groups and then narrow those down to between 7 and 8 shows to be performed at their annual festival. Those 7 or will be chose on November 1, 2009.
This year’s Festival will be held at GCC’s(Genesee Community College) STUART STEINER theatre in Batavia
November 20 – 22. Broadway and Television Actor and former Rochester resident Michael Park is this year’s “celebrity host”.
Production photos available on request.
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CITY Newspaper LITERARY EVENTS: Poetry Reading (10/3)
By Jen Graney on September 30, 2009
And if you miss the Poetry Connection, there’s another poetry open mic you might want to catch. ImageArt’s Open Mic Poetry and Art Auction event takes place Saurday, October 3, at MuCCC (142 Atlantic Ave). The open mic runs 7-9 p.m., and the art auction follows 9-10 p.m. One audience choice award of $200 will be given to one of the poets. Seeimageout.com for details on how to enter.
View YNN News Story on Rochester Stories:
Rochester Stories, Told Through Acting, Dance, Film By: Chelsea Eggleston
A local theatre company’s upcoming performances celebrate Rochester and its 175th anniversary.
The Flour City Theatre Company presents ‘Can of Worms: Rochester Stories.’ It features references to Rochester culture, including the traffic on I-490 and the city’s most famous dish, The Garbage Plate.
“There’s so much to write about and be inspired by,” said performer Ruth Childs. “I’ve just lived in Rochester for 8 years, but it’s been a really great place for me to work as an artist, live and raise a family, so I don’t think people had trouble coming up with something to write about.”
To learn more about the city, its people and stories, you can catch ‘Can of Worms’ ?Friday and Saturday night and next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:30 p.m.
All shows are at MuCCC at 175 atlantic Avenue.
Call (585) 732-4709 for more information or click on the link below.
THEATER: “Can of Worms” CITY Choice Event (9/24-10/2) read the city choice listing here
Our fair city continues to celebrate its 175th anniversary with various events and exhibits around town. The local Flour City Theatre Company gets in on the action with an evening of theater, dance, and film. “Can of Worms: Rochester Stories” consists of three short plays, two short dance pieces, two short films, and three songs, each written or developed by a Rochesterian, or related to Rochester in some way.
“Can of Worms: Rochester Stories” will be staged Thursday-Saturday, September 24-26, and Wednesday-Friday, September 30-October 2. All shows start at 7:30 p.m. at MuCCC (142 Atlantic Ave). Tickets cost $15, $10 for students with ID. Go to muccc.org or go to flourcitytheatre.orgfor more info.
See the D&C’s “Panorama” on MuCCC click here
Playwright-publicist talks shop in discussion series
SANKOFA Theatre Festival 8/21/2009 CITY newspaper Choice Event
CITY CHOICE:
THEATER: “Ping” (8/17-8/18)
http://rochestercitynewspaper.com/events/choice/2009/08/THEATER-Ping-8-17-8-18/
By Kathy Laluk on August 12, 2009
“Ping” will be performed Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18 at MuCCC.
Greater Rochester Repertory Companies combines both the comedy and the drama of modern-day relationships for its latest production, a staged reading of the play “Ping” by Nancy Preston Stark. Following on the heels of the popular show “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” (which played for an unprecedented eight years at the Downstairs Cabaret Theatre), “Ping” tells the story of Edith, a married women who runs to her divorcee neighbor/best friend, Lil, when she starts having problems with her husband Dick and his, well, dick.
The staged reading is a benefit for the MuCCC space, and features Denise Bartalo, Diane Chevron, and Peter Elliot and will be performed Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 18, at MuCCC, 142 Atlantic Ave. The first performance is already sold out, so reserve your tickets now by calling 234-1254. For more info, visit muccc.org.
VIDEO: Fairport production of ‘Rent’ opens Wednesday
The production of “Rent” by Fairport Summer Performing Arts has a new look and will open tonight at the Multi-use Cultural Community Center (MuCCC) in Rochester. continued at this link:
http://www.mpnnow.com/towns/fairport/x1543603781/VIDEO-Fairport-production-of-Rent-opens-Wednesday
Worth going: ‘Rent’
JULY 18, 2009 Fairport Summer Performing Arts finally has found a venue for its production of the musical Rent. The new Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC) at 142 Atlantic Ave. will host the show at 7:30 p.m. July 29 to Aug. 1. Previous musicals by Fairport Summer Performing Arts were held at Fairport schools, and organizer Linda Murphy had hoped the same for Rent despite its controversial content. The musical updates the opera La Boheme with contemporary themes of drug use, homosexuality and AIDS.
Murphy’s group intended to use a toned-down version, but Fairport school authorities still felt it was inappropriate for a district facility, and was counter to the mission of the program.
MuCCC founder Doug Rice met with officials from Fairport Summer Performing Arts and arranged for the upcoming performances. “It’s a great partnership,” he says.
continued at http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200907180300/LIVING/907180314
June 24 True West
http://rochestercitynewspaper.com/entertainment/stage/2009/06/THEATER-REVIEW-True-West/
Local Students Write about Prejudice Reported by: WROC-TV Monday, Jun 8, 2009 @08:15am EDT
Some local high school students have been recognized for sorting out their differences.
It was all part of the the James Rice Memorial Essay Contest. Teenagers were asked how they would try to put an end to prejudice.
Former Contest Judge Naresh K. Chawba says,” We try to teach peace and live together. We can always find a common ground with everybody and get along in life. We try to put this in the childrens’ minds, highschool children because if they learn they can propagate the idea because they are the future of any nation any community.”
Five area students were recognized for their essays on stopping prejudice. They were from Brighton, Webster-Schroeder and Fairport high schools.
June 16, 2009 at 11:45am DANCE: Geomantics Dance Theatre’s “Your Life Is Not Your Own”
http://rochestercitynewspaper.com/events/blog/2009/06/DANCE-Geomantics-Dance-Theatres-Your-Life-Is-Not-Your-Own/
Listen to “Pantheon’s Edge” playwright M. Allan Davis on the Bob Smith-1370 Connection radio program, wxxi 1370 am, Tuesday May 19 at 12 noon.
Local playwrights think new show will resonate with 20-somethings
Emily Shearing
Metromix
April 23, 2009
Reported by: WROC-TV
Tuesday, Apr 21, 2009 @01:00pm EST
EDGE:
THEATER REVIEW: “Edge” Indicting the world with her work
http://www.scene4.com/archivesqv6/may-2009/html/nedbobkoff0509.html
Recession can’t close curtain on four Rochester-area theater projects
Rochester’s New MuCCC [Multi-Use Community Cultural Center] hosts Method Machine
Making the MuCCC: A new venue for Rochester
R News Ribbon Cutting for New Cultural Center
R News Adaptive Reuse Offers New Arts Space
