It is going to be an exciting 2025-2026 year in the Utica and Syracuse Areas! There are so many good and new musicals coming to these stages for the first time.
“From four premiere engagements to the biggest hits heating up Broadway, this is one POPULAR season!” according to CNY Central.
Some of these musicals that included in the Utica area are the Sound of Music, Mrs. Doubtfire The New Musical Comedy, Clue Live On Stage, and lastly A Christmas Story The Musical. In the Syracuse area the following musicals will be presented: Wicked, MJ, The Music Man, & Juliet, A Beautiful Noise, Hamilton, and lastly Clue Live On Stage.
Some New Hartford students who are fans of theater and shared their reactions to the announcement of next season’s local shows.
“Yes I am so excited for them!” said Senior Raina Wadnola.
“I am most excited about the musical Wicked coming to the area.” said New Hartford seventh grader Sydney Badgley. “I am hoping that I will be able to get tickets and see it.”
Wicked stars two witches, one who is green and the other who is blonde. Starting with magic bubbles all the way to flying monkeys, Wicked Part One was released as a movie earlier this year. Many fans are stoked to see it hoping to snag a ticket.
So much work goes into making musicals from the endless hours of practice to outfits, lighting, and so many more things. The shows can last for several hours and they go on tour for so long. It is amazing to see the end result of how much work they put into each play.
“What I like most about them is seeing how they portray certain stories as well as how they deliver them,” said New Hartford 11th grade student Maddie Drake. “Everything from the ensemble pieces, lights, quick changes, everything.”
Students who like musicals and take music classes can join the Youth Ambassadors Program. Ambassadors can go for free and see multiple shows at the Stanley. With being in the program each ambassador must write a review of each show they see. They also offer a program over the summer. If you would like to get the information you can reach out to them on their Facebook page or ask someone who is part of the group.
“I did the ambassadors program because I grew up watching the Stanley shows and I knew I wanted to join once I was old enough,” said New Hartford Senior Grace Ruganis. “The best musical I’ve seen in the program for me was Little Women. I had never seen it before and it was incredible! I had always loved the music and I loved finally getting to watch it on stage.”
The Stanley and Syracuse’s Landmark theater are always great places to go and see some amazing shows.
