IN REVIEW by Tim Rowland

Depot Theatre’s THE FANTASTICKS

THE FANTASTICKS, the comforting theatrical equivalent of ordering the same thing at the restaurant you always do, has not been around forever, although it may seem that way. Debuting in 1960, the musical proceeded to go on an historic, 42-year off-Broadway run, while becoming almost a legal requirement for every high school and community theater in the land. But don’t go to the Depot Theatre’s take on THE FANTASTICKS (running through Aug. 27) expecting the same-ole same-ole.

For the past couple of years directors have been under the hood of THE FANTASTICKS, souping up the old jalopy into a modern-day street rod. It began when New York director Michael Lluberes partnered with the show’s original lyricist Tom Jones to produce a same-sex version, trading in the boy and the girl around which the musical revolves into two young men and swapping out the two chuckleheaded fathers for chuckleheaded mothers.

The Depot’s take is a bit different, with actors across the spectrum of gender expression who step into and assume these historically archetypal roles – that admittedly takes some getting used to – but then as the show progresses creates an entirely new layer of interest for a musical that was in need of one.

Continued … Read the full review HERE.

Tickets HERE.

Depot Theatre, 6705 Main Street, Westport

Adirondack Family Book Festival

Location changed!

Due to rain in the forecast, Saturday’s Adirondack Family Book Festival will be held indoors at the Lake Placid Middle-High School, instead of outdoors at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site.

Read more (from Lake Placid News) HERE.

Outside Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project

The Lake City Mural Dedication

Saturday, August 26, 2023, 12 pm – 12:30 pm

Join Outside Art at The Lake City Arts Fest to celebrate and dedicate the Welcome to Plattsburgh: The Lake City Mural. Meet the mural artists and grab a mural map to see all the downtown murals. All are welcome!

Learn more about Outside Art HERE.

The Lake City Mural, 109 Margaret St, Plattsburgh

Celebrate Akwesasne Artists

August 26, 2023, 10-5. Included with Admission.

Meet a variety of Akwesasne Mohawk artists and artisans—from painters to storytellers, basketmakers to beadworkers—and learn more about creative expression and cultural traditions.

See the full schedule and get tickets HERE.

Adirondack Experience, 9097 State Route 30, Blue Mountain Lake

Lake City Arts Fest

Saturday, August 26, 2023, 12-6:30 pm

A showcase the local talent of artists from all mediums and backgrounds.

Lake City Arts Fest is a partnership between the Plattsburgh Arts Coalition, The City of Plattsburgh, and dozens of volunteer organizers.

See full details HERE.

Nine Young Essayists Awarded Prizes at Celebration

Hosted by ADK Center for Writing

Monday, August 28, 7 pm

Adirondack Center for Writing and Adirondack Voters for Change are proud and excited to present the nine winners of this past spring’s “My Dreams for My Community” Essays Contest at a celebratory event and reading at Adirondack Center for Writing.

The first, second, third place winners, along with a number of honorable mentions will receive their cash awards from Adirondack Voters for Change and then recite their short essays aloud for the audience. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to the public

The contest was presented in two categories: Youth (Ages 13 – 18) and Young Adult (Ages 19 – 25) and was open to any person in those age groups living in the North Country.

Learn more about the contest HERE.

Adirondack Center for Writing, 15 Broadway, Saranac Lake

Summer Concert Series
Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company
Thursday, August 24, 2023, 7:30 – 9:30 pm

The ever creative and collaborative choreography of Ellen Sinopoli returns to the Tannery Pond Community Center’s stage. The troop will perform a selection of its imaginative and inspiring works. Sinopoli’s dancers capture the audience with their skill, athleticism and artistry.

More details, including links to videos, HERE.

Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main Street, North Creek

Sembrich Summer Festival

Genghis Barbie

Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 7 pm

Genghis Barbie, the leading post post-feminist all-female horn experience, is the most innovative and energizing chamber ensemble of its generation. With a combined 24 years of conservatory training, Genghis Barbie delivers a visceral and unadulterated musical adventure.

Performing arrangements of pop music from all eras, contemporary commissions, and classical works, they are the most versatile and expansive group on NYCs classical/pop/rock/jazz/electro-acoustic scene.

This event is held outdoors under our lakeside performance tent.

More info and tickets HERE.

The Sembrich, 4800 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing