It’s hard not to appreciate a good theatrical performance from time to time. And it’s probably safe to say that there are a number of people who miss going to a theater on a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon to catch the latest touring show or local production. A lot of times musicals and plays take more effort to find. Their advertisements get lost in entertainment guides among the latest movies and dance clubs. So, we’ve eliminated the need to hunt for a theatrical performance and highlighted some of the bigger shows and organizations in the Rochester area. The list is far from comprehensive, so if you don’t see something that fits your particular tastes, do a little searching of your own.
The Downstairs Cabaret TheatreThe Downstairs Cabaret Theatre is a local professional theater group that puts on a variety of shows. They put on comedies, musicals, dramas, you name it. They also have a couple of locations, all of which are pretty close to Eastman. The best part of the Downstairs Cabaret is their student rates, where you pay less than half the normal ticket price.I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
This show takes a comical look at everything you know or never wanted to admit about dating. The show gives perspectives from all different ages.
Playing now through Feb. 23. Tickets are $24 for the public, $10.50 to $12 for students.
The Big Voice: God or Merman?This story follows two men — one Catholic, one Baptist — and their faith as they find theater legend Ethel Merman.Playing now through Feb. 28. Tickets are $24 for the public, $10.50 to $12 for students.
Geva TheatreLocated in the city, close to the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, the Geva Theatre runs more intellectual plays. They have two stages and a restaurant on site. They also offer student tickets specials. If you present your ID 15 minutes before the show, you can get any seat in the house for $8. You can only get this special if you go 15 minutes before the show starts, so you have to be pretty flexible about your plans.
36 Views This show is a beautiful display of Asian art. It tells the story of when a Japanese pillow book is found and follows the book to see if it is real.Playing Feb. 18 – March 23. Tickets are $12.50 to $37. Student prices available.
Theophilus North Theophilus decides to take a trip of discovery to learn more about the world. One hundred and eighty miles from home, his car breaks down and Theophilus learns a lesson in friendship.Playing April 1 – May 4. Tickets are $12.50 to $37. Student prices available.
Todd UnionThe most convenient way to catch a show is to go to one of the productions right here on campus. The International Theatre Program holds shows in Todd Union, above the post office. They have a varied repertoire, producing plays ranging from traditional favorites to student-written one-acts.Hamlet
The classic Shakespearean tragedy tells the story of Prince Hamlet’s crippling indecision. His uncle has killed Hamlet’s father, the king, and married his mother. Now Hamlet must decide whether — and how — to avenge his father’s death.Playing April 17 – May 3. Tickets are $5 for students, $6 for faculty and $8 for the public.
Rochester Auditorium Centref you’re looking for musicals more on par with Broadway, the Rochester Auditorium Center features the professional touring shows that come to town. Even though they only stick around for a couple of days, these shows are pretty great, with awesome talent and pretty cool sets too. The down side to these shows is they’re kind of expensive, but if you get the chance to go, definitely take it.
The Music Man It’s the year 1912 and Harold Hill, a traveling salesman, goes to a small town in Iowa and falls in love with Marian Paroo. Hill pretends to be a music teacher and cons the townspeople into buying expensive music equipment. Chaos erupts as the town begins to realize Hill is a phony and the action continues from there.Playing Feb. 4-9. Tickets are $25.50 to $52.50
The Full Monty Jerry’s in need of some serious cash if he wants to keep seeing his son. So he dreams up a clever scheme to make money and tries to pull it off with a little help from his friends.Playing March 18-23. Tickets are $25.50 to $55.50
