By: Ted Potrikus
03/16/2022 10:09 am

Cooperstown Central School presents the junior/senior play “Puffs” this weekend – a ‘clever and inventive play that never goes more than a minute without a laugh,’ says Nerdist. The show presents “a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children.” Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers who, says Hollywood Life, “are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along.” From left to right, the cast includes Crystal Castle, Lilly Grady, Oliver Wasson, Simon Hurysz, Max Jones, Maddy Hayes, Annie Walker, and Quinn Lytel. Tickets are $5 at the door, with performances March 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m. at the Sterling Auditorium. For mature audiences (rated PG-13).
By: Ted Potrikus
03/16/2022 10:05 am

A cast of 43 local actors brings “Newsies” – the Disney film turned Tony Award-winning Broadway hit — to life on the mainstage of Oneonta’s Foothills Performing Arts Center March 18 – 20.
Set in turn-of-the century New York City, it’s the rousing, true-story tale of Jack Kelly (played by Quinn Kelley), a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titan of publishing, Joseph Pulitzer (played by Doug Decker) raises distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right!
With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein, this production of Orpheus Theatre is directed by Mary-Jo Merk, with choreography by Angela Miller and Kaitlyn Jackson, musical direction by Tim Horne, costumes by Kathleen Mami-Moore, and stage management by Kate Simeon.
Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family. Director Mary-Jo Merk is excited to present this powerful show to local audiences, saying “The story behind NEWSIES is true! The audience will get to learn a bit of American history, while at the same time enjoying an exciting, high-energy musical!”
General admission tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65+ and $10 for children and students 17 and under. Tickets are available for purchase online at: www.orpheustheatre.org. If seats are still available, they will be sold at the door starting one hour prior to showtime.
Orpheus Theatre is committed to providing a safe theatrical experience for all involved. Seats available will be limited, in accordance with New York State and CDC guidelines. Audience members will be asked to wear a mask regardless of current mandates and/or vaccination status.