CityStage kicks off season
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By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
SPRINGFIELD At a time when other theatrical venues in the region are struggling with deficits, CityStage announced its eighth season with the added news that the organization turned a small profit last year a profit that was quickly rolled into refurbishing the theater's air conditioning and emergency lighting systems.
Springfield Performing Arts Development Corporation (SPADC) President Cynthia Anazalotti said that CityStage's success in overcoming operating deficits and a building in need of repairs left by the former StageWest is due to the hard work of the staff, the support of audiences and the financial contributions of area patrons and businesses.
Aside from the first two years of CityStage's operation, the venue has been self-supporting, Anazalotti said.
She explained to Reminder Publications that organizations such as The Bushnell in Hartford, Conn., do take bigger financial risks by presenting larger more expensive shows. What CityStage has done to make sure it stays viable is to conduct a number of surveys to see what people would like to see and what they can afford.
"People want to come in and relax and forget about their troubles," she said.
CityStage has proven to be an economic engine for downtown Springfield. Last year, it was the host of 200 events that drew 150,000 people to the theater. She said that about half of the audience members went out to a downtown restaurant either before or after their CityStage or Symphony Hall events.
Although the city owns Symphony Hall, CityStage produces many of the theatrical events at the venue.
There will be several new features on the schedule this year. CityStage will be presenting its first Stand Up Comedy series. There will be a shopping event titled It's All about You: A Stress-free Holiday Shopping Event and a family-friendly hypnotist will also perform.
This year, SPADC will present:
Tea for Three: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty at CityStage from Sept. 22-25
Emmy Award-winning actress Elaine Bromka will star in this portrayal of three First Ladies.
Thoroughly Modern Millie at Symphony Hall Oct. 16
The highly acclaimed Broadway musical is based on the 1967 film of the same name tells the story of a Kansas girl in the 1920s who comes to new York in search of a new life.
Hank& My Honky Tonk Heroes at CityStage Oct. 19-23
Jason petty and his four-piece and returns to CityStage and this musical revue featuring the music of Hank Williams and the performers whom influenced him.
Paul Venier, the Comedy Tornado
at CityStage Oct. 29
Venier's show is a high energy performance including live music, interaction with the audience and prop humor.
Inspecting Carol at CityStage from Nov. 10 to 20
A co-production with New Century Theatre, this is a farce about a struggling community theater, which makes the mistake of confusing an actor looking to audition for a informer from The National Endowment for the Arts.
The Pink Floyd Experience at Symphony Hall Nov. 18
This is a tribute performance honoring the music of one of rock's greatest bands.
The Male Intellect New and Improved at CityStage Jan. 11 though 22, 2006
Return to CityStage is writer and performer Robert Dubac with a new edition of his popular take on the American male.
Are We There Yet? at CityStage from Jan, 25 to 29, 2006
A musical revue that takes a fresh look at the typical and not so typical American family.
Oklahoma at Symphony Hall Jan. 26, 2006
The classic American musical comes to Springfield with a new touring production.
Capitol Steps at CityStage Feb. 8 through 12
The acclaimed musical satire group returns to the Pioneer Valley with new jabs at your favorite elected officials.
Sex & the Second City at CityStage Feb. 22-26, 2005
Alumni of the famed improvisational comedy troupe will bring this musical comedy about marriage, divorce and lovelorn attorneys to Springfield.
Harlem Gospel Choir at Symphony Hall Feb. 24, 2006
Springfield's St. John Youth Choir will join the world famous choir on stage.
The Will Rogers Follies at Symphony Hall March 2, 2006
The life of American original Will Rogers is shown through a performance of the Ziegfeld Follies in the touring company of the Broadway play.
The Bunk Bed Brothers at CityStage March 2 through March 12
Two of the writers from Seinfeld have written a new comedy about two brothers who are forced to spend the night together in their childhood bedroom.
Suds at CityStage from March 22 to 26
Suds is a rocking musical soap opera featuring 50 classic pop songs from the 1960s.
Lord of the Dance at Symphony Hall march 31 and April 1, 2006
This will be the chance to see this touting production of the celebrated dance performance in Springfield.
My Sinatra at CityStage from April 19 to 23, 2006
Singer Cary Hoffman just doesn't try to impersonate Frank Sinatra, he presents the songs with compelling stories of their composers and Sinatra himself.
Dr. Travis Fox at CityStage April 28, 2006
Fox is the star of Hynomania, a family-oriented hypnosis show that features Las Vegas-style drama, comedy, music and grand scale visuals.
For tickets and more information, call 788-7033 or log onto www.citystage.symphony hall.com
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