CenterStage Theatre
2024–25 Season Tickets Available Now!
CenterStage Theatre’s 2024–25 Season
School of Rock
December 7–22, 2024
Directed by Karin Bowersock
Music Directed by Jason Tortorici
Vocal Directed by Jordan Bachmann
Choreography by Katie Keller Groat
Based on the hilarious film, this fish-out-of-water musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of straight-A students into a mind-blowing rock band with roof-raising energy. A family show for all ages!
Sponsored by
Saturday, December 7, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 8, 2pm
Wednesday, December 11, 7pm
Thursday, December 12, 7pm
Saturday, December 14, 2pm
Saturday, December 14, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 15, 2pm [OC]
Wednesday, December 18, 7pm
Thursday, December 19, 7pm
Saturday, December 21, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 22, 2pm [OC]
Presented in partnership with
Hitmakers: Superstars of the 70s
February 1–16, 2025
Written by Danny Kincaid-Kunz
Musical Direction & Arrangements by Casey Filiaci
Directed by Ralph Meranto
Choreography by Katie Keller Groat
In this 10th Edition of the Hitmakers we explore the vast and varied artists that defined the “Me Generation.” Singer-songwriters, pop music, R&B, soft rock, glam, and even a little country music will merge into an all new show highlighting the top-charting artists of the 1970s.
Sponsored by Debby Goldman
Saturday, February 1, 7:30pm
Sunday, February 2, 2pm
Wednesday, February 5, 7pm
Thursday, February 6, 7pm
Saturday, February 8, 2pm
Saturday, February 8, 7:30pm
Sunday, February 9, 2pm [OC]
Wednesday, February 12, 7pm
Thursday, February 13, 7pm
Saturday, February 15, 2pm
Saturday, February 15, 7:30pm
Sunday, February 16, 2pm
The Berlin Diaries
March 2–16, 2025
A World Premiere Play by Andrea Stolowitz
Directed by Lindsay Warren Baker
Hidden secrets are revealed when a great-grandfather’s Holocaust-era diary sends a young woman on a “Finding Your Roots” style journey of discovery across the globe on a quest to fill in the missing branches of her family tree. Two dynamic performers play dozens of roles in this contemporary play about the search for home and the family you never knew existed.
A National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere
Saturday, March 1, 7:30pm (Private performance)
Sunday, March 2, 2pm
Thursday, March 6, 7pm
Saturday, March 8, 7:30pm
Sunday, March 9, 2pm [OC]
Thursday, March 13, 7pm
Saturday, March 15, 7:30pm
Sunday, March 16, 2pm
Presented in Partnership with
Cornell/Weinstein Family Foundation presents
An American in Paris
May 3–18, 2025
Music and Lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin
Book by Craig Lucas
Directed by Ralph Meranto
Choreographed by Draper Artistic Director Jamey Leverett
Musical Direction by Andrew Cooke
Inspired by the 1951 film of the same name, this Tony Award-Winning new musical is an epic song and dance extravaganza about an American soldier at the end of WWII.
Sponsored by
Dawn Lipson
Nelson B. Delavan Foundation
Saturday, May 3, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 4, 2pm
Wednesday, May 7, 7pm
Thursday, May 8, 7pm
Saturday, May 10, 2pm
Saturday, May 10, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 11, 2pm [OC]
Wednesday, May 14, 7pm
Thursday, May 15, 7pm
Saturday, May 17, 2pm
Saturday, May 17, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 18, 2pm
Presented in Partnership with
[OC] denotes live open captioned performances.
Ideal seating on right side of the audience.
Click here to learn more.
Autumn in NYC
November 19–21
Registration is currently closed.
For more information, please email [email protected]
Support the Arts
Donor: $100
Friend: $250
Patron: $500
Supporter: $1,000
Supporting Show Sponsors: $2,500
Lead Show Sponsor: $5,000
Supporting Season Sponsor: $10,000
Lead Season Sponsor $25,000
E-mail [email protected] with any questions, or click below to give today!
About Us
CenterStage Theatre has been delivering spectacular performances that touch and inspire audiences for more than 40 seasons, including original plays and Broadway hits. We continue to open minds, start conversations, and delight theatre lovers, thanks to the support of patrons, volunteers, and sponsors.
The mission of CenterStage Theatre at the JCC is to entertain, enlighten and educate the Greater Rochester community by providing quality theatre that is relevant to the Jewish experience and has universal appeal.
Our focus is developing new works, presenting world and area premieres of America’s hottest new plays and musicals and re-imagining beloved classics. We love plays and musicals that spark conversations, celebrate world-changing people and events and bring the world closer together.
Ticketing Information
Having trouble ordering tickets online? Try these possible solutions:
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If you have ordered tickets with us before, your e-mail will be associated with an existing account, and you won’t be able to create a new one using the same e-mail address.
If you wish to login but don’t remember you password, click “Use Normal Login” and then “Forgot Password?” to reset.
This account is not associated with your JCC membership account, and your credit card information is not stored.
Promo Codes
If you have a promo code, it must be entered before selecting seats. After applying a promo code, you will receive additional pricing options when selecting seats, indicated by a star.
Ticket Credits
If you have credit from a past show, you’ll need to contact us to redeem it. Call our office at (585) 461-2000 x235 or e-mail [email protected].
Selecting Seats
Grey seats are unavailable, and blue (or other color) seats are available. You can view an image of the seat map here: JCC Hart Theater Seat Map
Shopping Cart
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Name & Billing Address
Please make sure all fields are filled out correctly and there are no extra spaces before/after any field. Phone numbers must include area code.
Payment Info
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You must check the box next to “I agree to the terms & conditions” before you will be able to place your order.
Ticket Delivery
If you ordered electronic tickets, your tickets will be in your order confirmation e-mail from when the order was placed. Click the “VIEW ETICKETS” button at the top of this e-mail to open your tickets to open and either display on your phone or print out. Check your junk mail if you don’t see this e-mail (sent from “JCC Rochester”). You may be asked to authenticate your e-tickets by verifying your e-mail and order ID, or you can access your tickets via the attached pdf.
“Will call” tickets will be available for pickup up at the door starting 1 hour prior to showtime.
We can always print your tickets at the door regardless of delivery method – just ask at the box office when you arrive!
Subscribe + Save
Subscriptions to our 2024–25 Season are
on sale Friday, May 10 at 12pm.
Accessibility
Hearing Assistance
- Theater equipped with an FM Hearing Assistance System. Ask the box office for details.
- 2nd Sunday shows will be Live Open Captioned. For best view, select seats on audience right (3rd-5th rows are ideal).
2024–2025 Season Open Captioned Dates:
What the Constitution Means to Me
Sunday, October 13, 2pmSchool of Rock
Sunday, December 15, 2pm
and Sunday, December 22, 2pmHitmakers: Superstars of the 70s
Sunday, February 9, 2pmThe Berlin Diaries
Sunday, March 9, 2pmAn American in Paris
Sunday, May 11, 2pm
Accessible Approach/Entrance
- Venue is at ground level
- Route of travel not requiring use of stairs and is at least 36” wide
- Stability of route of travel (slip resistant, stable, firm)
- Objects can be detected by person with visual disability using a cane
- Curb cuts at drives, parking lot and drop-offs
Parking and Drop-Off Areas
- Accessible spaces closest to the entrance with accessible aisles
- Drop off with accessible path for paratransit users to entrance
- Parking lot with 20 van accessible spaces available
- Spaces are 8’ wide with minimum 8’ wide access aisles
- Access aisles for van accessible spaces marked with hash marks
- Accessible spaces marked with International Symbol of Accessibility
Entrance
- Main entrance accessible (no stairs)
- Entrance doors have at least 32” of clear opening
- At least 18” of clear wall on the pull side of door, next to handle
- Threshold edge accessible (1/4” or less)
- Door handle no higher than 48” and operable with a closed fist (can be opened with 5 lbs. or less pressure)
- Automatic opener available
Rooms and Spaces
- Aisles and pathways to materials and services at least 36” wide
- 5’ circle or T-shaped space for turning a wheelchair completely
- Obstacles are cane-detectable in circulation paths through public areas
- All doors in public spaces with at least 32” clear opening with at least 18” of clear wall space
Seats, Tables, and Counters
- Aisles between fixed seating at least 36” wide
- Wheelchair seating available at the top row on both sides of the theatre
- Companion seats alongside wheelchair seating (a range of stationary, portable and folding chairs)
- Seats available without arm rests in wheelchair spaces
- Counters for tickets and concessions accessible with a 36” wide section and free space in front of no less than 30” x 48”
- Items easily in reach on the counter (i.e. napkins, straws, etc.)
- Water fountain spout no higher than 36” and can be operated independently (with a closed fist) – clear space around fountain
Restrooms
- Accessible restrooms:
- One single person restroom
- Women’s room with one accessible stall
- Men’s room with one accessible stall
- Pictograms used to identify restrooms (doesn’t include braille)
- Doorway to restroom is at least 32” clear
- Restroom door equipped with accessible handles
- Adequate maneuvering space for a person using a wheelchair (at least 5’ x 5’ clear of the door swing)
- 36” wide path to all fixtures
- Stall doors operable with closed fist
- Grab bars behind and on the side of wall nearest to the toilet
- Toilet seat less than 19” high in the single person restroom; seat in stalls in women’s and men’s rooms at 20”-21” high)
- Faucet operable with closed fist
- Soap dispenser no higher than 44” in the single person restroom
- Paper towel dispensers not higher than 44”
Concessions
For regular CenterStage performances, concessions will be available before the show and during intermission if there is one. Concessions include bottled water and candy.
Select events may include a cash bar – this will be noted on the individual event information if applicable.
Our Lipson Lounge is available for CenterStage donors and subscribers including wine, coffee, and tea at no cost.
Gift Cards Avaialble
Choose your own amount, send via e-mail or print yourself, or contact us for a personalized gift certificate.
Auditions
There are no upcoming auditions at this time.
History
Theatre has also always been an important component of JY/JCC cultural arts offerings. Many shows were produced in the JY auditorium on Andrews Street. these shows were able to be produced in the newly built JCC Hart Theater. With superb acoustics and audience views from every seat in the house, the theater created an opportunity for an expanded focus on the arts.
In 1977 a committee of JCC volunteers launched a national search for a professional theater director. The committee selected Philadelphia-based actor/producer Herb Katz and JCC CenterStage was born.
Advisory Council
Chair
Robert Sagan
Council
Greg Barnard
Jennifer Galvez Caton
Daphne Cohen
Tom Deckman
Jackie DiBella
Claudette Entenberg
Bonnie Garner
Deborah Goldman
Cathy Johnson
Dawn Kellogg
Dawn Lipson
Sarah Mayer-Fried
Lynda Kessler Newman
Rita Rudnick
Laura Sadowski
Susan Sagan-Levitan
Lou Schneider
Elisa Seigel
Volunteer
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, including backstage, front of house, and ushers, contact us.
Contact Us
Ralph Meranto
Artistic Director of CenterStage Theatre
JCC Associate Executive Director
(585) 461-2000 x236
Lisa Frisone
Managing Director of CenterStage Theatre
(585) 461-2000 x238
Marc Cataldi
Administrative Assistant
Box Office Manager
(585) 461-2000 x235
Crafted from the actual testimonies of Rochester-based Holocaust Survivors, CenterStage Theatre and the Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester commissioned this new play to put a human face on this important time in history. A cautionary tale on the risks of normalized hate, this inspirational and uplifting play ensures that the voices of our Survivors will never be silenced.
Season Sponsors:
Anonymous
Ames Amzalak Memorial Trust
Brighton Securities
Cornell/Weinstein Family Foundation
Jacqueline Davis
Christine and Donald Dear
Deborah G. Goldman
Humanities NY
Elaine Jacobsen
Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
Kim and Richard Gray
Dr. Elaine Greene
William and Sheila Konar Foundation
Dr. Dawn Lipson
Judge Karen Morris
NYS Council on the Arts
Panache Consignment by Natalie Rae
Progressive Implantology and Periodontics
RBC Wealth Management
Samloff Family Fund
Elaine and Leonard Simon
Frumel Ureles Fund for Theater Arts
St. John’s
Theatre Development Fund
Donna Weinstein
in Loving Memory of Min and Maynard Weinstein
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
CenterStage’s 2024–25 Season is presented in Memory of Min and Maynard Weinstein
Media Sponsors:
CenterStage Theatre at the JCC
is a proud member of TheatreRocs
Photos by Steve Levinson, Lou Schneider