Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center brings Broadway to the Hudson Valley

SUGAR LOAF — Theater-goers who haven’t taken the opportunity to enjoy a performance at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center recently are missing out on one of the finest cultural assets in the area.

In February 2012, the Kings Theatre Co., a not-for-profit theater production company, took ownership of what was then known as the Lycian Center.

The Theater Company had been the primary operating entity at the Lycian, which was founded by Richard Logothetis in 1993. And last October, the Kings Theater Board of Trustees celebrated the grand opening of the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center with the stated intention of becoming the premiere performing arts center for the greater Hudson Valley.

What many local residents may not realize is that the entertainment available at their doorstep is what normally would entail an expensive and time consuming trip to Manhattan.

‘Annie’ and Norma Desmond
Two recent examples are cabaret style performances presented last month.

On July 13, Andrea McArdle, the original Annie in the Broadway production of “Annie,” wowed the audience with a musical journey from Broadway to Hollywood.

McArdle became the youngest performer ever to be nominated for a Tony Award as Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Her more recent and numerous credits include “Les Miserables,” both on Broadway and in the national tour.

On July 27, the audience gave a standing round of applause for a thrilling performance by award-winning Broadway, TV and recording star Karen Mason.

A 10-time winner of the Manhattan Association of Cabaret (MAC) awards, Mason, a winner of the Nightlife Award for Major Female Vocalist and three Bistro Awards, originated the role of Tanya on Broadway in “Mamma Mia.” She also played the lead role of Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard. “

In the intimate setting of the Performing Arts Center both performers were also able to interact with the audience and field questions after each show.

Southside Johnny
The Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center is an all-volunteer not-for-profit community organization committed to improving the quality of life in Orange County and the surrounding communities.

The Children’s Theater production of “The Ugly Duckling Musical” was performed Aug. 10. And on this Saturday, Aug. 17, there will be a special performance by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.

That group first achieved prominence in the mid-1970s, emerging from the same New Jersey Shore music scene as Bruce Springsteen, who, with other famous artists, has also performed with the band on numerous occasions. And Rolling Stone Magazine has voted the group’s “Hearts of Stone” among the top 100 albums of the 1970s and 1980s.

For tickets and information about upcoming events call the box office at 610-5335 or visit www.sugarloafpac.org