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Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

‘Choices: A Rock Opera’ Coming to the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center November 11, 12 & 13

September 13, 2022 by InsidePress

Following three OVERSOLD premiere performances at Whippoorwill Hall in Westchester County, NY, the creative team of Choices: A Rock Opera went back to the drawing board to improve the show wherever necessary. After meeting with several focus groups that included dozens of people with mixed theatrical backgrounds, ranging from casual theatergoers to Tony-Award winning producers and directors, it was determined by Choices creator John Krupa to “go deeper” with the show’s next performances at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on November 11, 12 and 13.

“The goal of the new shows is to explore the storyline, characters, emotions, reactions, and all interpersonal relationships to a deeper degree,” states Krupa.  To help achieve this, there is a new focus on acting, with a concentration on character motivation. In the prior performances, acting was secondary to singing and blocking. 

The storyline has been given greater depth by adding six brand new songs that provides more backstory and better explains certain elements of the storyline.  The show has even been working with a licensed therapist to help better understand why the characters might do what they do.

“In the first shows, we purposely left a lot to the interpretation of the viewer. In response, viewers suggested that we provide them a little more information about the characters and the storyline, to help them see things more clearly.  We were happy to oblige.” Krupa says the changes made “give more clarity to important elements of the plot, illuminating reasons why a character acts a certain way or interacts with another character in a certain way.  These changes do not change the storyline at all, but merely enhance it.”

Choices: A Rock Opera tells the story of a journey through life of a lead singer in a 1980’s “hair band”.  His journey is universal in the way that with each twist and turn he must make choices as to which path to take, knowing that all paths lead forward, and you can’t do-over your past.  With the changes made for the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center shows on November 11 & 12, viewers will have a deeper understanding of who this person is and why he makes the choices he does.  Choices is Broadway bound, and these Westchester shows (Westchester County, NY is home to the show’s creative team) are critical to the development of the story, and the show overall.

Tickets are on sale now for the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center November 11 & 12 shows at www.choicesarockopera.com. Check out that site for additional information on the show and to buy show merchandise.  See you at the next shows!

 

 

Filed Under: Gotta Have Arts Tagged With: Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Choices: A Rock Opera

What’s Love Got to Do with it? For the Shiners… Everything!

April 8, 2022 by Jean Sheff

Frank and Suzanne Shiner… with Baker! PHOTO BY Donna Mueller

Maybe you know Frank and Suzanne Shiner. Then again, you might not.

Ask Marlene Canapi, president of the Chappaqua Rotary Club, about the couple and she offers insight. “Frank and Suzanne are extraordinary community members,” she says. “They are always stepping up to the plate to help, but they keep their actions under the radar.” 

Canapi can reel off their many generous measures. “They’ve sponsored amazing benefit concerts, hosted fundraising and celebratory events at their home, and supported many local organizations including the Chappaqua Historical Society and the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center,” says Canapi. “They have given much and their actions continue. Their generosity and community spirit are ongoing.”   

True to their nature, the Shiners were modest, yet very honored, to learn that the Rotary Club of Chappaqua will present them with the Rotary Club of Chappaqua Community Service Award on May 4, 2022. This award is given to a person(s) who most exemplifies the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” The award comes with the opportunity for the honorees to make a Rotary sponsored donation to the non-profit of their choice.  

Canapi, who has known the Shiners for eight years, says it’s not only what they do but also how they do it that makes them so special. “They give from the heart,” she says.

The Shiners have had many challenges through the years, but their support of each other and their upbeat attitude along the way is exemplary. To hear Frank tell it, they just don’t get caught up or sidelined by unnecessary details. “When we purchased our home in Chappaqua some 18 years ago, the 9/11 tragedy was still top of mind,” he says. “Our realtor regretfully explained the only available date for the closing was September 11th. That suited us just fine. We are not superstitious.” They loved the 100-year-old home and were excited to move in and raise their three children there, Matthew (33), Jeremy (31) and Lindsay (22). That can-do attitude has always served them well.

Beginnings

The couple met in a New York City acting class when they were in their early 20s. Frank was an up-and-coming actor from Pennsylvania working a day job as a manual elevator operator. Suzanne was a dancer and aspiring actress who had just arrived from Arkansas to the big city. Frank admits he was smitten at once. “This woman (Suzanne) walks into class and I was never dazzled like that,” says Frank. “She was the last woman I ever looked at.” 

However, Suzanne, arriving fresh from a small town with 3,000 residents, enjoyed dating. “People dated back then,” she says. “I was having such fun being wined and dined.”

Frank was living at Leo House, a residence for men, and Suzanne was lodging at Katherine House for young women. Both houses had strict rules, and neither allowed guests. A lone pay phone in the hall was the only source of outside communication. With an enormous stack of quarters and nickels in his hand, Frank telephoned Suzanne. Every three minutes he’d feed the phone another coin. “We talked like that for hours,” he says. After that phone call, they were a couple.

They dated for a year and a half, spending most of their time talking, talking and talking. They’d move from coffee shop to coffee shop to split a cup of coffee, then stroll through Washington Square Park, or roam the streets of the city together. Meanwhile, Frank was getting work as an actor in soap operas and theatre. Suzanne says Frank excelled in Shakespearian roles. With what she calls sheer determination, and we suspect plenty of talent, Suzanne got soap, commercial, and theatrical roles. “It felt like a miracle,” the small-town girl in her says.

It wasn’t long before they had to get married. “There was just nowhere for us to be alone together,” Suzanne laughs. Even the proposal smacked of what would become their way of dealing with the world–focus on what’s really important–namely their love. Frank planned a true New York proposal by arranging a horse and buggy ride through Central Park. Come the day, the weather was miserable, sleet blanketed the streets and wind screeched around every city corner. Instead, Frank whisked Suzanne into the Essex House restaurant. He discreetly told the staff his intentions, and they showed them to a romantic corner booth and treated them royally.

There were no regrets; no mulling over plans gone awry. It was perfect foreshadowing for a life well spent together.

Suzanne found a letter she wrote to her mother when she first met Frank. The wining and dining were low key. “He would pick me up on his bicycle,” she wrote. It was the man he was that won her heart. “He had a passion and a love for life, he was just fearless,” she says. He also loved his parents, wonderful, smart people who lived simple lives and put all their children through college. Suzanne gets teary when she recalls thinking that she knew he could love the family they would build the same way. “He’s a good man,” she says. “He has worked hard every day and has done everything he can do to make a better life for his family.”

Building Their Family

That included giving up his theatrical dreams. Frank was up for a lead in a Broadway musical when the songwriter, Garth Brooks, had to pull out and then so did the investors. With one baby and another on the way, Frank realized he needed a solid job to support his family. Frank admits it wasn’t easy at first. He took a job in sales and sailed forward. He eventually started his own firm. Suzanne provided encouragement and took on the role of office manager and marketer. “He is a brilliant at business,” says Suzanne, “He wound up creating a nationwide company.”

The couple is community minded, and on moving to Chappaqua, they took on the roles of active citizens. They joined the Church of Saint John and Saint Mary in town, got involved in the school system, volunteered at area organizations and enjoyed life in what Suzanne says is “a lovely town where neighbors help neighbors.”

Challenging Times

During this time, their third child was born and when she was in elementary school, Suzanne was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. It was a dire diagnosis but 10 years and 14 operations later Suzanne is cancer free. It was a grueling, painful decade, but true to form, the Shiners rallied. “So much love came from the community to help us,” says Suzanne. “Complete strangers were delivering food!”

On the way home from a chemotherapy treatment, the couple stopped at a local restaurant. It was open mic night and Suzanne put Frank’s name on the list. Frank says he demurred when he was asked to perform. Suzanne insisted, “Sing for me.” The appreciative crowd, the bandleader’s reaction and the joy of performing propelled Frank back onstage.

Moving Forward

For eight years, Frank was a low-profile singing CEO, and he loved it. After selling the company, Frank and Suzanne turned their attention to performing and giving back. “Everything we make through performances is given to charity,” says Frank. “We’ve come full circle. We don’t have to worry about where our next meal is coming from, but I will never forget how that feels.”

Frank, now an award-winning vocalist, has been delighted to appear in sold-out concerts beside Vanessa Williams to raise funds for the 100 percent scholarship driven San Miguel Academy of Newburgh, at the Sheen Center for Thought & Culture, and the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. He’s also released two albums, appeared with Orchestra 914, and a performed at a wide variety of other professional venues.

For the empty nesters, music is healing. Suzanne says in this last third of their life they are delighted to be doing what they love–giving back as partners. “Frank’s my soldier, my warrior. He’s made a beautiful life for our family and I love seeing him happy.” Frank credits Suzanne for believing in him when he had nothing. “She’s my spark plug, my inspiration, the fire behind everything.”

Others see that devotion. Rotarian Marlene Canapi sums them up, “They are just lovely, incredible people.”

Catch Frank Shiner Live!

Attend Swingin’ into Spring on May 14, 2022 from 7-8:30 p.m. Frank Shiner is underwriting a fundraising concert at Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Chappaqua, New York to benefit San Miguel Academy of Newburgh. Frank performs with the 22-piece Orchestra 914 Big Band Ensemble under the musical direction of Russell Ger. The evening includes a special performance by the San Miguel Choir. 100% of your ticket purchase goes to benefit San Miguel Program of Newburgh. Tickets are $50 or $75.

To purchase tickets: https://newburghsanmiguel.org/news-events/

To learn more about Frank Shiner Music visit https://frankshiner.com.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Benefit Concerts, Central Park, Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Frank and Suzanne Shiner, Love Story, Marriage Proposal, New Castle Historical Society, Rotary Citizens of the Year, Rotary Club of Chappaqua, San Miguel Academy, The Sheen Center, The Shiners

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage… Capturing the Imagination of a Whole New Generation!

December 4, 2021 by Grace Bennett

Cast Dazzles at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center!

Shows are Continuing at ChappPac through December 19, and then it’s on to Broadway, Dec. 20-24 

Visit www.ACharlieBrownChristmasLive.com  Scroll to bottom for direct links to ticket sales.

Chappaqua, NY, December 4— While the opening show already took place last night, I’d be remiss not to urge families in Chappaqua, Westchester, and beyond, to go and grab tickets while you still can for family and friends, with Saturday night and Sunday performances happening this weekend too, to enjoy this delightful, playful, leaving-to-Broadway soon classic production here in town for a respectable stretch, December 3-19, before it moves to the Palladium in Times Square. Take out your holiday ‘to do’ list and add: Tickets to Broadway Heaven Here First on a Beautiful Stage in Chappaqua.

Todd Gershwin, producer, was on hand at a preview event to relate that the show has been a holiday ‘must see’ in cities across north America since 2017. “We’ve played in the biggest cities and theaters. We’ve been waiting for the right time to bring this show home,” said Gershwin, a Westchester resident for the last 15 years, too.  After Westchester, we’re going to New York City and Times Square at the Palladium,” he told press who if I had to guess were as mesmerized as I was  by the talented cast’s opening numbers.

“There’s nowhere else that we wanted to launch the show and develop the show but here,” Gershwin said of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center.  “The last few weeks in Westchester have been incredible and we plan on bringing many more big shows here.”

Along with the cast performing several opening numbers during a special preview, Director Robert Coulson took to the ChappPac stage as well to first thank Gershwin for his vision, and to also offer a poignant observation of the theatre experience in these pandemic times. “This is the first time a lot of people are seen here after the pandemic, being around our loved ones and our families, and making new memories and new holiday traditions,” said Coulson. “As soon as I found out that we were going to be doing this in Westchester and specifically in Chappaqua, I was thrilled!” said Coulson, who related that he went to school in Chappaqua, too.

He said that there’s a new version to the show, one “that makes it feel like a ‘book musical’… it has the traditional musical theatre element that we love.”

But what struck me most was Coulson relating that Charles Schultz was “a visionary… and that much like Fred Rogers, he did not speak down to children; he really tackled important issues in his comic strips, and that’s an important way to talk to kids, and also to adults,” who grew up with Charlie Brown in the mid ’60s.

“Being able to bring this to a new generation is really exciting,” he said, as was adding a new segment “when Lucy is talking to Schroeder about her crush and asks him to play Jingle Bells, and she finally gets to live her fantasy moment to be “the Christmas Queen.”

“We’re thrilled to share the show with Chappaqua and to people coming from all over the world to experience Christmas in New York.”

           

The following info was provided to the Inside Press:

More About A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage 

Just in time for the holiday season, everyone’s favorite Peanuts holiday special comes to life in A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage, Dec. 3 – 19 at Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (480 N Bedford Rd, Chappaqua, NY). Charles M. Schulz’s Emmy and Peabody award-winning story has been a longstanding tradition, warming the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over 50 years ago. Now, the live stage adaptation of the classic animated television special brings all your favorite characters to life -all set to the original special’s dialogue as well as the unforgettable sounds of the classic Vince Guaraldi musical score. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage celebrates the timeless television classic as the whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. After the final bow, the show crescendos into a celebration of song as the audience is invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing traditional Christmas songs and carols.  A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage, by Charles M. Schulz, is based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson, and adapted for the stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer, by special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage is produced by Gershwin Entertainment / Todd Gershwin. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage comes to The Chappaqua Performing Arts Center engagement prior to the New York City premiere engagement December 21 – 24 at The Palladium Times Square (1515 Broadway, NYC).  For more information, click here.

 

Filed Under: Cover Stories, Gotta Have Arts Tagged With: A Charlie Brown Christmas Live, Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Charles Schultz, Charlie Brown, Jingle Bells, Lucy, Musical Theatre, Robert Coulson, Schroeder, Times Square, Todd Gershwin

‘SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD’ at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

August 9, 2021 by Inside Press

Limelight Theatre Company will present four live performances of SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, featuring the talents of both Westchester and NYC-local professionals at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center at the end of this month on August 27, 28 and 29.

This highly anticipated production marks Westchester’s return to live professional theatre and will premiere on Friday, August 27th at 8pm. The opening night will be followed by performances on Saturday, August 28th at 3pm and 8pm, as well as on Sunday, August 29th at 3pm.

Written by Jason Robert Brown, the production of Songs of a New World is directed by Westchester’s own Richard F. Grasso, with music direction by Stephen Ferri. With lighting design by Adam Lobelson, sound design by Jon Weston and John Millerd, and a spectacular live band with all-new orchestrations, this production’s stellar team kicks off Westchester’s newest professional theatre company’s first mainstage production in a re-opened New World. Featuring incredible professional talent from both Westchester and New York City, Limelight Theatre Company announces its incredible cast: Grant Evan (Man 1), Stephanie Scuderi (Woman 1), James Harris (Man 2), and Raquelle Viteri (Woman 2). 

The show itself is about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, to take a stand, or turn around and go back. These are the stories and characters of today. Songs for a New World is the first musical from Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Bridges of Madison County) and this moving collection of powerful songs examines life, love, and the choices that we make.

“With the last 17 months of COVID-19, the world has been very closed off and people have spent a very long time not socializing in person. We are in a “New World” now,” says Richard F. Grasso, Director of the production, “My hope is for audience members to feel connected to each character in a different way, and by the end of the piece, I hope everyone will have felt transported and lifted through the power of live theatre.”

About Limelight Theatre Company: The Limelight Theatre Company is a nonprofit professional theatre company that strives to provide inclusive, accessible and affordable performing arts to Westchester and Putnam County, NY. Support the return to live theatre as Limelight Theatre Company tells important stories and places incredible artists and creators in the limelight. The Limelight Theatre Company plans to provide an array of events in the future, including mainstage productions, staged readings, and concerts, as they raise the voices and inclusivity of all artists, cultures, and backgrounds in our performing arts community. Join the return to live theatre right in the heart of Westchester and purchase your tickets for SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD today at https://www.limelighttheatrecompany.com/performances. For more information, you can visit their website at www.limelighttheatrecompany.com or email info@limelighttheatrecompany.com.  

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Chappaqua Crossing, Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, ChappPac, Limelight Theater Company, Songs for a New World

The Inside Scoop on Discovering Chappaqua

November 13, 2019 by The Inside Press

After living in Chappaqua for 23 years, it’s hard to imagine calling anywhere else home. Between raising my two wonderful kids here and running (since 2003) the Inside Press, a print and online publishing company – its flagship pub, Inside Chappaqua & Millwood regularly highlights the fun and fabulous options here – I can honestly tell you that I’m filled with joy and gratitude every single day. I am also always ‘discovering’ something new here, too, whether it is the opening of an exciting new arts venue like the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, a new hiking trail or new shopping or dining option. It is with these sentiments that I’m pleased to present to you the Discover New Castle guide. I hope it will prove useful and handy to long-time residents and also to any visitor considering calling New Castle home too. The guide has been produced in collaboration with Town Hall and all its articles can be found on a Town Hall website called Discover Chappaqua. Discoverchappaqua.com intends to continue to support, advocate for and promote our beautiful town, and I applaud those efforts.

Filed Under: Discover New Castle Tagged With: Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Discovering Chappaqua, Gratitude, inside chappaqua, Inside Press, Town Hall

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