CenterStage Theatre


The Secret Garden
July 12–20
Music and Lyrics by Marsha Norman, Music by Lucy Simon
Adapted from the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Based on the classic novel, this enchanting Tony Award-Winning musical is a timeless masterpiece for all. A tale of resilience, healing, and hope. The Secret Garden follows the story of young Mary Lennox, sent to live with her reclusive uncle after the death of her parents. With the help of a gardener, some departed spirits and a little magic, Mary uncovers the mystery of the manor’s magical garden. Mary’s own personality blossoms alongside the flowers as she transforms the neglected estate and brings peace to the departed and hope to the living. Filled with amazing music, elegant choreography, and a heartwarming story, The Secret Garden is a musical for the young and the young at heart.
Recommended for adults and children 7 years+
Run Time: 2 hours, plus a 15-minute intermission.
Directed by Sara Bickweat Penner
Musical Direction by Dane Noble-Rosema

JCC SummerStage is made possible in part by the Frumel Ureles Fund for Theater Arts.


Autumn in NYC
November 4–6, 2025
• Deluxe Motor Coach travel to and from NYC
• 2 nights accommodation at the Ameritania at Times Square Hotel at 54th and Broadway
• Best available seats for 2 Broadway shows:
Ragtime, the Musical and The Queen of Versailles
(shows subject to change)
• Breakfast each morning
• Plenty of free time to explore the city and/or add a Wednesday matinee performance.
Early bird pricing (through August 1):
$995/person (Double Occupancy)
$1,325/person (Single Occupancy)
Regular Price:
$1,075/person (Double Occupancy)
$1,395/person (Single Occupancy)
Don't Miss This Special Pre-Season Event!

The First Jew in Canada
Written and performed by S. Bear Bergman
The First Jew in Canada: A Trans Tale is a wild journey in story, crossing oceans, religions, genders, and centuries, mapping the life of Jacques LaFargue – the trans Jewish 18th century historical figure whose very existence challenges current perceptions of transgender history and identity. Through the lens of nine verifiable facts, this show begins with the historical records of Jacques LaFargue and overlays the personal narrative of narrator S. Bear Bergman, a Jewish transgender man whose modern life mirrors Jacques’s in startling, hilarious, exhausting and illuminating ways. From daring adventure to startling truth, each fact becomes a gateway to exploring broader themes of identity, history, and the desire to be seen.
Saturday, October 11 at 7:30pm
Sunday, October 12 at 2pm
Reserved Seats:
Adults: $28
Students: $20
JCC CenterStage 2025–26 Season

Still
A Romantic Dramedy by Lia Romeo
November 1–16, 2025
Lost love is revisited when Helen and Mark reunite to catch up on old times. Is there still a spark? Have their separate paths finally aligned? Are the things that drove them apart still an obstacle? A charming, thoughtful, and outright funny new play that just may help us find common ground in a divided world.
Directed by Alexa Scott Flaherty
Saturday, November 1, 7:30pm
Sunday, November 2, 2pm
Thursday, November 6, 7pm
Saturday, November 8, 7:30pm
Sunday, November 9, 2pm (Open Captioned)
Thursday, November 13, 7pm
Saturday, November 15, 7:30pm
Sunday, November 16, 2pm

End of the Rainbow
A Play with Music by Peter Quiller
December 6–21, 2025
It’s December 1968 and Judy Garland embarks on what turns out to be her final concert tour. Addictions are taking control, creditors are knocking at her door, her fiancé and musical director do not see eye to eye…but the incomparable Judy Garland is still a force to be reckoned with! A look at the price of fame that Broadway and West End critics labeled “a masterpiece.” Featuring a dozen classic tunes.
Directed by Kerry Young
Music Direction by Andy Pratt
Saturday, December 6, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 7, 2pm
Thursday, December 11, 7pm
Saturday, December 13, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 14, 2pm (Open Captioned)
Thursday, December 18, 7pm
Saturday, December 20, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 21, 2pm

Hitmakers Rewind
Favorites from 10 Years of Hitmakers
February 7–22, 2026
Rochester’s beloved popular music series has spanned 10 incarnations and featured over 300 songs from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Join us for a joyous evening of favorites, voted on by you, the audience.
Written by Danny Kincaid-Kunz
Musical Direction & Arrangements by Casey Filiaci
Directed by Ralph Meranto
Saturday, February 7, 7:30pm
Sunday, February 8, 2pm
Wednesday, February 11, 7pm
Thursday, February 12, 7pm
Saturday, February 14, 2pm
Saturday, February 14, 7:30pm
Sunday, February 15, 2pm (Open Captioned)
Wednesday, February 18, 7pm
Thursday, February 19, 7pm
Saturday, February 21, 2pm
Saturday, February 21, 7:30pm
Sunday, February 22, 2pm
Sponsored by
Debby Goldman
Duda Family Foundation

Sweat
A Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play by Lynn Nottage
March 7–22, 2026
Based on interviews with working-class residents of Reading, PA, a group of factory workers share laughs, drinks, and dreams of a better life until layoffs and picket lines threaten their ability to stay afloat. Originally scheduled for 2020 and cancelled due to pandemic shutdowns, this insightful, powerful, and humorous play, at last, comes to the JCC stage.
Directed by Ralph Meranto
Saturday, March 7, 7:30pm
Sunday, March 8, 2pm
Thursday, March 12, 7pm
Saturday, March 14, 7:30pm
Sunday, March 15, 2pm (Open Captioned)
Thursday, March 19, 7pm
Saturday, March 21, 7:30pm
Sunday, March 22, 2pm

The Sound
A New Musical, Inspired by True Events
Conceived by Charlotte Cohn
Music & Lyrics by Christian Douglas
Book by Charlotte Cohn & Jason Odell Williams
May 2–17, 2026
In 1943, deportation orders of over 7,000 Danish Jews inspired their friends and neighbors to help them escape to Sweden across The Sound, sending ripples far beyond the waters that transported them to safety. Set in both past and present, this magical and heroic story of one family’s race against the clock to elude capture may restore your faith in humanity.
Directed by Esther Winter
Musical Direction by Julie Covach
Saturday, May 2, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 3, 2pm
Thursday, May 7, 7pm
Saturday, May 9, 2pm
Saturday, May 9, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 10, 2pm (Open Captioned)
Wednesday, May 13, 7pm
Thursday, May 14, 7pm
Saturday, May 16, 2pm
Saturday, May 16, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 17, 2pm
Sponsored by
Dawn Lipson
Nelson B. Delavan Foundation
[OC] denotes live open captioned performances.
Ideal seating on right side of the audience.
Click here to learn more.

Give the Gift of Theatre
with a CenterStage Gift Card!
Choose your own amount, send via e-mail or print yourself,
or contact us for a personalized gift certificate.
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 centerstage@jccrochester.org with any questions, or click below to give today!


New Seating, LED Stage Lighting, Sound Equipment, Expanded and Updated Restrooms, and more.
(Select Designation: “Hart Theater Renovation Campaign”)
NEW for 2025–26 Season:
Lower Prices on Weeknights! Save when you select Wednesday and Thursday night performances.
Prices include $3 processing fee.


Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I still exchange my ticket for a different performance?
YES! Exchanges for Season Subscribers are complimentary. For individual ticket holders, exchanges are free when exchanging from one performance to another of the same price. When exchanging to a performance of a higher value, the balance of that performance will be due at the time of exchange. There are no refunds for exchanging tickets to a less expensive show date. All exchanges must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Please contact the box office at (585) 461-2000 ext 235 or email centerstage@jccrochester.org.
Do you offer refunds?
All sales are final and refunds will only be offered in the case of a canceled show on the part of JCC CenterStage. Credits can be issued if a ticket holder contacts the box office at least 24 hours in advance of the performance they are canceling. The value of your tickets will be placed on your account to be used at a future event within that season, or following season if applied to a May/June/July event*. Credits can be issued due to illness or personal reasons and must be communicated at least 24 hours prior to the show. Credits will not be issued due to poor weather.
*Credits issued from events August 2025 – April 2026 must be used prior to July 2026. May 2026-July 2026 event credits must be used prior to end of Dec 2026.
Do you offer group pricing?
Do you offer group pricing?
Yes! Groups of 10+ can contact the box office at (585) 461-2000 ext 235 or centerstage@jccrochester.org to arrange a block of seats at $5 off the non-member price of whichever performance they plan to attend.

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.
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:
Login to your account
There is no need to login to our ticketing system, other than to avoid having to enter your contact information.
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 centerstage@jccrochester.org.
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
You can add tickets to your cart and continue shopping, or go to checkout. If you don’t see the “Add to Cart” button, try resizing your browser window to full size.
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
Zip code must match the billing address on the card being used.
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!
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
End of the Rainbow
A Play with Music by Peter Quiller
Auditions: Monday, July 14 at 6pm
Roles for 4 Actors
Still
A Romantic Dramedy by Lia Romeo
Auditions: Wednesday, July 16 at 6pm
Roles for 2 Actors
Sweat
A Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play by Lynn Nottage
Auditions: By appointment only
Role for 1 Black Male
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
Group Sales
Group pricing rates available for groups of 10 or more.
Contact us for details.
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
Marc Cataldi
Company Manager
(585) 461-2000 x235
Elaina Bachmann
Patron Services Coordinator, Box Office Manager
(585) 461-2000 x243
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
With support from

Media Partners:


CenterStage Theatre at the JCC
is a proud member of TheatreRocs
Photos by Steve Levinson, Lou Schneider