How are the Production at White Plains Performing Arts Center.

[esparza 333]

Posted: 7/19/08 at 10:32am

I am auditioning for Oliver there and I want to get an idea of how there shows are?

[TenThousandThings]

Posted: 7/19/08 at 10:46pm

I've only seen one show at WPPAC - How to Succeed -- and it was decent. Many cast members certainly had great experience and credits, and their performances were quite good. However, the "greener" cast members were flailing, and, in my opinion, through no fault of their own. There seemed to be little to no direction.

And although the space is difficult to work in (since it's a renovated movie theatre and a non-union house for the stage crew), they've done the most they possibly could. The sets move in and out on tracks, and the stage is wide but not deep. There is no crossover upstage. The dressing room areas are modern and spacious. Everything seemed to be quite good (costumes, sets, etc.) for the budget WPPAC is dealing with.

From an audience perspective, I had a seat towards the rear on the far left side of the house, but saw and heard everything clearly. The stadium seating is quite comfortable.

So while it was not the most innovative or thrilling night of theatre, I enjoyed the show. And, hey -- a job's a job -- so have a great audition!

[stevenycguy]

Posted: 7/19/08 at 11:42pm

I found the production values extremely professional & polished. The theater used to be a movie theater and it has stadium-style seating. Great theater to be at.

If you take Metro North, be warned that it's about a mile walk through a very desolate part of town to the theater. You might want to take a bus from Metro North to the theater. Or if you're on the bus anyway, save the Metro North fare and transfer at "Bedford Park Blvd" (last stop) for the D train or "Woodlawn" for the #4 train on your way home. About 2 hours each way to Midtown if you take the bus all the way through Westchester and then take the subway.