Cider Mill Playhouse

The Cider Mill Playhouse, 2 South Nanticoke Avenue, Endicott, New York 13760 ~ Box Office: 607-748-7363

In the early 1970s, Binghamton University (then known as "SUNY B") professor and soon to be theater department chairman, Dr. John Bielenberg sought to expand the theater department venue to an off-campus site, first, to enhance "town-gown" presence, and second, and most important, to give the department’s students more opportunities to practice and hone their craft. Dr. Bielenberg and his colleagues found The Cider Mill, an apple warehouse on South Nanticoke in the Village of Endicott. In the Ciotoli family since the 1940s, and a popular seasonal attraction for lovers of fresh cider and donuts, the Cider Mill was just what they were looking for. After some discussions, Mill owner Orlando Ciotoli agreed and, on a handshake, the Playhouse was launched.

A Brief History of the Cider Mill Playhouse

From the very first production in 1976, a classic British courtroom drama, Witness for the Prosecution, and through the next 16 winter and summer seasons, the Playhouse produced dozens of comedies, dramas and musicals with growing skills, expertise, and quality. Many shows would never have been performed in the area otherwise, thus broadening the scope of theater available to local audiences. Actress Noni Smith, who along with her husband, the late actor-director Richard Smith, recalled those years. "We were challenged each and every year to meet the audience’s growing expectations."

Early Productions Just a sampling from those early years indicates the breadth of the Playhouse’s artistic reach: Company, Sleuth, Night Must Fall, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Of Mice and Men, Whose Life Is It Anyway, Da, Agnes of God, South Pacific, A Raisin in the Sun, Equus, The Last meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia, and so many others. "The professional nature of the theater was all important to us," recalled Dr. John Bielenberg, now-retired BU Theater Department Chairman. "The students were able to work with the professionals, whom we hired as actors and directors, in an atmosphere that they would find in their theater careers." From the beginning, the theater employed a wide range of skilled professional actors and directors, and built a local stock company that included such audience favorites as the Smiths, Tom Kremer and Carol Hanscom, Bill Gorman and Claus Evans, among many others.

Challenging Financial Times While the Playhouse was expected to pay its own way, Binghamton University provided many very important benefits, foremost the theater department staff, scenery and costume departments, sound and lighting equipment. Not to mention scores of young actors. In 1991, citing on-campus requirements and budget restrictions, the University determined to sever its connection with the Cider Mill Playhouse. It was a crisis of the first magnitude and was almost lethal. Several people, ironically, all from the University, came to its rescue: Tom Kremer who came to the Mill as an actor, became a teacher at BU, and appeared in countless productions as actor or director; Barbara Wolfe, Costume Designer, and Craig Saeger, Scenery Designer and Technical Director. None of those titles, or their subsequent and continuing roles at the Playhouse, begin to describe their contributions to its success over the years. Bringing together a group of 15 community residents and established a board of directors, then headed by Binghamton businesswoman Ruth Ahearn, the staff was faced with the daunting task of raising $275,000 to keep the theater afloat. The Playhouse then became a not-for-profit corporation that it is today. "Those $50 and $100 contributions from the audience members were vital," recalled Ralph Miller, a longtime subscriber and board member. "I think many people don’t realize that no theater pays for itself," recalled Tom Kremer, who spent several years as artistic director during the difficult period of transition. "Most theaters are lucky if they can get 48 percent of their revenue from ticket sales; the Playhouse got 75 percent, which is remarkable."

Fresh Start

A short re-organizational period closed the theater during 1993, even though A Christmas Carol was performed that year. By 1994, Mario DiCesare, then the board president, along with a re-organized board, raised funds, acquired a new lease from the landlord, and the Playhouse was back in business with some very successful productions. Through a period a belt-tightening and watching expenses, the deficit was erased. The Playhouse currently operates on a budget of approximately $500,000 a year. Even more promising both single ticket sales and subscriptions continued to increase over the next five seasons.

Staff and Volunteers The Playhouse’s barebones management includes devoted employees, including the box office staff and as many as 80 volunteers who usher and operate the concessions. The Playhouse couldn’t exist without them. Members of the board of directors are also known to pitch in behind the concession stand and anywhere else they are needed.

Productions The Playhouse continues to offer a variety of shows rarely seen anywhere else in the region. Recent years have brought quality productions of, to name a few, Grace and Glorie, Forever Plaid, The Miracle Worker, Camping with Henry and Tom, Terra Nova, Jacques Brel, Art, 1776, Baby, Pumpboys and Dinettes, plus several old favorites like Noises Off, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, Nunsense, My Fair Lady, Cabaret, and Annie Get Your Gun. Bill Gorman, a retired Vestal teacher and member of Equity, who has appeared in many Playhouse productions, has said that he and others would never have had an opportunity to act in such a variety of roles in this region, were it not for the existence of the Playhouse. "The Cider Mill tapped into what was an apparent need for live theater here, not just for entertainment, but for an emotional and intellectual involvement that only live theater can offer," he said.

A Christmas Carol In all, the last 32 years have brought more than 240 dramas, comedies and musicals, and more than 5,000 performances to the Playhouse stage. The Yuletide Season really doesn’t begin until the Playhouse mounts an original musical version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, which it has done every December since 1982.

The Playhouse Space

Probably no one knows the limitations of the current location better than Craig Saeger, who has been a genius in creating remarkable sets in a space that has no real backstage area, no wings, and no overhead fly space. Due to the height of the theater, designing and building a two-story set requires creative thought and extensive planning, while lighting any set in the space is always a challenge. Staging popular musicals such as 1776, Annie Get Your Gun, and Forever Plaid requires inventive placement of the orchestra, so that the music can be heard well, but the musicians aren't occupying precious space on-stage. Overcoming these obstacles at a new location – while also adding rehearsal space, dressing rooms, workshop areas, and storage space – would all enhance the Playhouse’s ability to produce an even wider variety of theatrical experiences. "We don’t want to eliminate the intimacy of the Playhouse and probably wouldn’t go more than the current 275 seats. But picking up a little space and making it a true thrust stage, with the audience placed evenly on three sides, would make for a much more comfortable theater," Craig says.

Greater Binghamton Supports the Arts !

Barb Wolfe believes the theater has created a remarkable opportunity in the region. "I doubt that many of us would have stayed here for so long if it were not for the continued success and future promise of the Playhouse," she said. The Playhouse has also successfully expanded its horizons to offer theater education. Each summer Playhouse artistic director Penny Powell operates a theater workshop that draws 60 to 100 aspiring performers. These continuing efforts are the types of productions that can help cultivate a younger audience and assure a vital future for the Cider Mill in the community. The future is much on the minds of Playhouse management. There is one other factor that may be the most important in determining the Playhouse’s future: Few if any major donors or foundations will give any significant grants to rehabilitate a building owned by someone else. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be done overnight. But as the Cider Mill lease runs to its conclusion within a very few years, it is imperative that the Playhouse have its own theater if it is to grow. The Playhouse continues to count on the steadfast support of its loyal patrons, and welcomes the opportunity to entertain new audience members, well into the future.

Year 1. 1976 Season

SUMMER 1976

Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie - June 9-13, 16-20. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

Room Service by John Murray and Allen Boretz - June 23-27, 30-July 4. Directed by Al Brooks.

The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley - July 7-11, 14-18. Directed by Christopher Catt.

How the Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourn - July 21-25, 28-August 1 Directed by Christopher Catt.

Company by George Furth and Stephen Sondheim - August 4-8, 11-15. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

Year 2. 1977 Season

SUMMER 1977

Sleuth by Anthony Shaffer - June 8-12, 14-19. Directed by Christopher Catt.

See How They Run by Philip King - June 22-26, 28-July 3. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

Cole Porter Revue (the songs of Cole Porter) - July 6-10, 12-17. Directed by Al Brooks.

Bus Stop by William Inge - July 20-24, 26-31. Directed by Angelo Zuccolo.

Wonderful Town by Comden, Green & Bernstein - August 3-7, 9-14. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

Year 3. 1978 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1978

Born Yesterday by Garson Kanin - February 1-4, 15-18. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

Dracula by Ted Tiller based on a story by Bram Stoker - Feb 8-11, 22-25. Directed by Christopher Catt.

Scapino by Frank Dunlop & Jim Dale - March 22-15, April 5-8. Directed by Christopher Catt.

The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia by Preston Jones - March 1-4, 15-18. Directed by Christopher Catt.

SUMMER 1978

Night Must Fall by Emlyn Williams - June 7-11, 13-18. Directed by Richard Cuyler.

Round and Round the Garden by Alan Ayckbourn - June 21-25, 27-July 2. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

Something's Afoot by Richard Gerlach, James McDonald, David Vos - July 5-9, 11-16. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

The Good Doctor by Neil Simon - July 19-23, 25-30. Directed by Don Boros.

The Boy Friend by Sandy Wilson - August 2-6, 8-13. Directed by John E. Bielenberg and choreographed by Mary Corsaro.

Year 4. 1979 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1979

Equus by Peter Shaffer - February 1-3, 8-10, 15-17. Directed by Christopher Catt.

Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander by Preston Jones - March 15-17, 22-23, 29-31. Directed by Christopher Catt.

The Rivals by Richard Sheridan - February 14, 22-23, March 1-3, 8-10. Directed by Don Boros.

A History of the American Film by Christopher Durang - April 5-7, 12-14, 19-21. Directed by Christopher Catt.

SUMMER 1979

Indians by Arthur Kopit June 6-10, 12-17. Directed by John E. Bielenberg and choreographed by Percival Borde.

Relatively Speaking by Alan Ayckbourn - June 20-14, 26-July 1. Directed by Malcolm Purkey.

The Drunkard by Bro Herrod and Barry Manilow - July 4-8, 10-15. Directed by Richard G. Smith and choreographed by Mary Corsaro.

Picnic by William Inge - July 18-22, 24-29. Directed by Tom Kremer.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by Stephen Sondheim - August 1-5, 7-12, 14-18. Directed by Richard G. Smith and choreographed by Mary Corsaro.

Year 5. 1980 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1980

A Day in the Life of Joe Egg by Peter Nichols - January 31-February 2, 7-9, 14-16. Directed by Edward Schneider.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde - February 21-23, 28-March 1, March 6-8. Directed by Malcolm Purkey.

Seascape by Edward Albee - March 13-15, 20-22, 27-29. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - April 3-5, 10-12, 17-19. Directed by Phillip Karnell.

Broadway Melody of 1980 - May 16-17, 23-24. Directed by Mark Houghtaling.

SUMMER 1980

Design for Living by Noel Coward - June 4-8, 10-15. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

Vanities by Jack Hiefner - June 18-22, 24-29. Directed by Phillip Karnell.

Working by Stephen Schwartz & Studs Turkel - June 2-6, 13-18. Directed by Tom Kremer and choreographed by Mary Corsaro.

Look Homeward Angel by Ketti Frings based on a novel by Thomas Wolfe - June 16-20, 22-27. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

Year 6. 1981 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1981

And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little by Paul Zindel - February 12-14, 19-22, 26-28. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Bedroom Farce by Alan Ayckbourn - March 12-14, 19-22, 26-28. Directed by Adriana Warner.

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry - April 9-12, 16-18, 23-25. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Tartuffe by Moliere, tr. by Richard Wilbur - May 7-9, 14-17, 21-23. Directed by John Harley.

SUMMER 1981

Harvey by Mary Chase - June 3-7, 9-14. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Whose Life is it Anyway? by Brian Clark - June 17-21, 23-28. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

Antics - Book & Lyrics by Don Jordan, Music Composed & Arranged by Susan J. Peters (World Premiere based on "She Stoops to Conquer") - July 1-5, 7-12. Staged and Directed by John E. Bielenberg and Mary Corsaro.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Jay Allen - July 15-19, 21-26. Directed by Tom Kremer.

How to Succeed in Business... by Frank Loesser based on a book by Abe Borrows, Jack Weinstock, & Willie Gilbert - July 29-31, August 1-2, 4-9, 11-16. Directed and choreographed by Mary Corsaro.

Year 7. 1982 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1982

The Gin Game by D. L. Coburn - February 4-6, 11-13, 18-21. Directed by Tom Kremer.

The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia by Preston Jones March 4-6, 11-13, 18-21. Directed by Christopher Catt.

Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward - April 1-3, 8-10, 15-18. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

Ain't Misbehavin' by Murray Horowitz & Richard Maltby, Jr. - April 29- May 1, 6-8, 13-16. Directed and choreographed by Trudy Cobb.

Special Performance: Rodgers & Hart, performed by the Syracuse Landmark Theatre Wing - May 20-23.

SUMMER 1982

Da by Hugh Leonard - June 2-6, 8-13. Directed by John E. Bielenberg & Carol Hanscom.

A Coupla White Chicks... by John Ford Noonan - June 16-20, 22-27. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

Celebration - Words by Tom Jones, Music by Harvey Schmidt - June 30-July 4, July 6-11. Directed by Tom Kremer.

The Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman - July 14-18, 21-25. Directed by Tom Kremer.

A Little Night Music - Music by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Hugh Wheeler - July 28-August 1, August 3-8, 10-15. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

FALL 1982

Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie - November 4-6, 11-13, 18-21. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

CHRISTMAS 1982

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 12, 16-23. Directed by Tom Kremer and John Bielenberg.

Year 8. 1983 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1983

Tintypes - Conceived by Mary Kyte, Mel Marvin, Gary Pearle - January 27-29, Feb. 3-5, 9-13. Staged by John E. Bielenberg and Carol Chacon.

All the Way Home by Tad Mosel - February 24-26, March 3-5, 10-13. Directed by Christopher Catt.

Butley by Simon Gray - March 24-26, 31-April 2, April 7-10. Directed by Barbara Acker.

Move Over Mrs. Markham by Ray Cooney and John Chapman - April 21-23, 28-30, May 5-8. Directed by Tom Kremer.

SUMMER 1983

Deathtrap by Ira Levin - June 1-5, 7-12. Directed by J. Barry Lewis.

Murder at the Howard Johnson's by Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick - June 15-19, 22-26. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

Grease - Book, Music & Lyrics by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey - June 29-30, July 1-3, 5-10. Directed and choreographed by Mary Corsaro.

You Can't Take It With You by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman - June 15-19, 21-26. Directed by Christopher Catt.

Man of La Mancha by Dale Wasserman, Music by Mitch Leigh, Lyrics by Joe Darion - July 27-31, August 2-7, 9-14. Directed by Christopher Catt.

CHRISTMAS 1983

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 15-18. Directed by Tom Kremer and John Bielenberg.

Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens - December 9-11, 21-23. Directed by Tom Kremer and John Bielenberg.

Year 9. 1984 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1984

That Championship Season by Jason Miller - February 2-4, 9-11, 16-19. Directed by Christopher Catt.

Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott - March 1-3, 8-10, 15-18. Directed by Christopher Catt.

The Country Wife by William Wycherley - March 29-31, April 5-7, 12-15. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

Morning's at Seven by Paul Osborne - April 26-28, May 3-5, 10-13. Directed by J. Barry Lewis.

The Pajama Game by George Abbott and Richard Bissell - July 30-August 3, 5-10, 12-16. Directed and choreographed by Mary Corsaro.

SUMMER 1984

Mass Appeal by Bill Davis - May 30-31, June 1-3, 5-10. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Absent Friends by Alan Ayckbourn - June 13-17, 19-24. Directed by Matthew Wiener and Tom Kremer.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber - June 27-30, July 1, 3-8. Directed and Choreographed by Stephen Bourneuf.

Hay Fever by Noel Coward - July 11-15, 17-22. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

Shenandoah - Music by Gary Geld; Lyrics by Peter Udell; Book by James Lee Barrett, Peter Udell and Phillip Rose - July 25 -29, 31, August 1-5, 7-12. Directed by Christopher Catt.

FALL 1984

Singin' November 8-11, 14-18. Staged and Choreographed by J. Barry Lewis.

CHRISTMAS 1984

A Cricket on the Hearth - Adapted from the book by Charles Dickens by Tom Kremer and John Bielenberg - December 7-16. Staging by John Bielenberg, Carol Hanscom, and Fred Weiss.

Year 10. 1985 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1985

Charley's Aunt by Brandon Thomas - February 7-9, 14-16, 21-24. Directed by Richard G. Smith

Agnes of God by John Pielmeier - March 7-9, 14-16, 21-24. Directed by Saundra Daniel Cuyler.

Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw - April 4-6, 11-13, 18-21. Directed by Todd Wronski.

Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley - May 2-4, 9-11, 16-19. Directed by Tom Kremer.

SUMMER 1985

Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie - June 5-9, 11-16. Directed by Todd Wronski.

Talley's Folly by Lanford Wilson - June 19-23, 25-30. Directed by Joseph Hanreddy.

Godspell by John-Michael Tebelak & Stephen Schwartz - July 3-7, 9-14. Directed and Choreographed by Fred Weiss.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Dale Wasserman, adapted from novel by Ken Kesey - July 17-21, 23-28. Directed by Christopher Catt.

South Pacific - Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein 2nd, Book by Oscar Hammerstein & Joshua Logan - July 31-August 4, 6-11, 13-18. Directed by Christopher Catt.

CHRISTMAS 1985

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 12, 19-23. Directed by Tom Kremer and John Bielenberg.

Year 11. 1986 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1986

Trelawny of the "Wells" by Arthur Wing Pinero - February 6-8, 13-15, 20-23. Directed by Jim Carmody.

"Night, Mother" by Marsha Norman - March 6-8, 13-15, 20-23. Directed by Carol Hanscom.

Painting Churches by Tina Howe - April 3-5, 10-12, 17-20. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard - May 1-3, 8-10, 15-18. Directed by Joseph Hanreddy.

SUMMER 1986

The Fantasticks by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt - June 4-8, 10-15, 17-22. Directed by J. Barry Lewis.

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie - June 25-29, July 1-6. Directed by Todd Wronski.

The Oldest Living Graduate by Preston Jones - July 9-13, 15-20. Directed by Saundra Cuyler.

Guys and Dolls - Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser, Book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows - July 23-27, 29-August 3, 5-10. Directed and Choreographed by Fred Weiss

FALL 1986

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring - October 16-18, 23-25, 30-November 2. Directed by John Lavarnway.

CHRISTMAS 1986

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 12-14, 18-20. Directed by Tom Kremer and John Bielenberg.

Year 12. 1987 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1987

Luv by Murray Schisgal - February 12-14, 19-21, 26-March 1. Directed by Todd Wronski.

All My Sons by Arthur Miller - March 12-14, 19-21, 26-29. Directed by Tom Kremer.

The Middle Ages by A. R. Gurney, Jr. - April 9-11, 16-18, 23-26. Directed by Fred Weiss.

The Foreigner by Larry Shue - May 7-9, 14-16, 21-24. Directed by Jack Ballance & Tom Kremer.

SUMMER 1987

Corpse! by Gerald Moon - June 3-7, 9-14. Directed by Joseph Hanreddy.

Once Upon A Mattress by Mary Rodgers & Marshall Barer - June 17-21, 23-28, 30-July 5. Directed by J. Barry Lewis.

Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee - July 8-12, 14-19. Directed by Todd Wronski.

Sweet Charity by Neil Simon, Cy Coleman & Dorothy Fields - July 22-26, 29-August 2, 4-9. Directed by Fred Weiss.

FALL 1987

On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson - October 22-24, 29-31, November 5-8. Directed by Jamie Brown.

CHRISTMAS 1987

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 11-13, 18-20. Directed by Tom Kremer and John Bielenberg.

Year 13. 1988 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1988

Strange Snow by Steve Metcalfe - February 4-6, 11-14, 18-21. Directed by Joseph Hanreddy.

A...My Name is Alice by Joan Silver and Julianne Boyd - March 3-6, 10-13, 17-20. Directed by Fred Weiss.

The Hasty Heart by John Patrick - March 31-April 2, 7-9, 14-17. Directed by Jeff Martin.

The Marriage of Bette and Boo by Christopher Durang - April 28-30. May 5-7, 12-15. Directed by Tom Kremer.

SUMMER 1988

Quilters by Molly Newman & Barbara Damashek - June 8-12, 14-19, 21-26. Directed by Tom Kremer, Choreographed by Laura Teuchtler.

How the Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourn - June 29-July 1-3, 5-10. Directed by Matthew Weiner.

Rope by Patrick Hamilton - July 13-17, 19-24. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

Oliver! by Lionel Bart - July 27-31, August 2-7, 9-14. Directed by John E. Bielenberg, Choreographed by Trudy Cobb Dennard.

Fall 1988

Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 by John Bishop Directed by Kirk Jackson

CHRISTMAS 1988

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 8-11, 15-18. Directed by Tom Kremer and John Bielenberg.

Year 14. 1989 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1989

Starting Here, Starting Now by Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire - February 2-4, 9-12, 16-19. Directed by Jeffrey Martin, Choreographed by Joanne Borts.

Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen - March 2-4, 9-11, 16-19. Directed by Matthew Wiener.

Social Security by Andrew Bergman - March 30-April 1, 6-8, 13-16. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee - April 27 - 29, May 4-6, 11-14. Directed by Eugene Lesser.

SUMMER 1989

The Nerd by Larry Shue - June 7-11, 13-18. Directed by J. Barry Lewis.

Company - Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by George Furth. June 21-25, 27-July 2, 4-9. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

Our Town by Thornton Wilder - July 12-16, 18-23. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Oklahoma! - Music by Richard Rodgers, Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II - July 26-30, August 1-6, 8-13. Directed by J. Barry Lewis.

FALL 1989

Stage Struck by Simon Gray - November 2-4, 9-11, 16-19. Directed by Richard G. Smith.

CHRISTMAS 1989

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 8-11, 15-18. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Year 15. 1990 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1990

And A Nightingale Sang by C. P. Taylor - February 1-3, 8-10, 15-18. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Little Footsteps by Ted Tally - March 1-3, 8-10, 15-18. Directed by J. Barry Lewis.

Benefactors by Michael Frayn - March 29-31, April 5-8, 12-14. Directed by John Lavarnway.

Stepping Out by Richard Harris - April 26-28, May 3-6, 10 -12. Directed by Fred Weiss.

SUMMER 1990

What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton - June 13-17, 19-24. Directed by Gene Lesser.

The Dining Room by A. R. Gurney - June 27-July 1, 3 -8. Directed by Robert Perillo.

The Caine Mutiny Court Martial by Herman Wouk - July 11-15, 17-22. Directed by John E. Bielenberg.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Rupert Holmes - July 25-29, 31-August 5, 7-12. Directed by J. Barry Lewis.

FALL 1990

Greater Tuna by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears & Ed Howard - November 8-10, 15-17, 29-December 2. Directed by Tom Kremer.

CHRISTMAS 1990

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 14-16, 20-23. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Year 16. 1991 Season

WINTER/SPRING 1991

Foxfire by Susan Cooper & Hume Cronyn - February 7-9, 14-16, 21-24. Directed by Tom Kremer.

A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller - March 7-9, 14 -16, 21-23. Directed by Gene Lesser.

Noises Off by Michael Frayn - April 4-6, 11-13, 18-20. Directed by David Callwell.

The Hostage by Brendan Behan - May 2-4, 9-11, 16-18. Directed by Gene Lesser.

SUMMER 1991

Biloxi Blues by Neil Simon - June 12-16, 18-23. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling - June 26-30, July 2-3, 5-7. Directed by Carol Hanscom.

Present Laughter by Noel Coward - July 10-14, 16-21. Directed by Robert Perillo.

Anything Goes - Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter - July 24-28, 30-August 4, 6-11. Directed by J. Barry Lewis.

{Separation from SUNY-Binghamton Department of Theater}

Year 17. 1991-2 Season

FALL 1991

The Pregnant Pause by Georges Feydeau tr. by Norman R. Shapiro - November 2-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24. Directed by John Lavarnway.

CHRISTMAS 1991

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 12-15, 18-22. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Little Red and the Hood by Tom Kremer and Carol Hanscom. December 27-29. Directed by Tom Kremer.

WINTER/SPRING 1992

Cole - Devised by Benny Green & Alan Strachan, Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter - January 30-February 16. Directed by Greg Bostwick.

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams - March 5-22. Directed by Suzannah Berryman.

Eleemosynary by Lee Blessing - April 9-26. Directed by Marta Keyes.

Sherlock's Last Case by Charles Marowitz - May 14-31. Directed by Paul Klementowicz.

National Circus Project (by the Earth Movers, a touring group) - April 21-22.

3 - One-Acts : The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard The Loveliest Afternoon of the Year by John Guare A Day for Surprises by John Guare - June 11-14. Directed by Tom Kremer.

SUMMER 1992

Dames at Sea by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, Music by Jim Wise June 24-July 12. Directed by Mary Corsaro.

The Rainmaker by N. Richard Nash - July 15-26. Directed by Robert Perillo.

Other People's Money by Jerry Sterner - July 29-August 9. Directed by Matthew Wiener.

Nunsense By Dan Goggin - August 12-30. Directed by J. Barry Lewis and choreographed by Ken Jones.

Year 18. 1992-3 Season

FALL 1992

Happy Days by Samuel Beckett - October 1-18. Directed by Tom Kremer.

CHRISTMAS 1992

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 10-20. Directed by Tom Kremer.

WINTER/SPRING 1993

Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig - January 21-February 7. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Waiting for the Parade by John Murrell - March 4-21. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Homeward Bound by Elliott Hayes - April 15-May 2. Directed by Robert Brink.

Little Shop of Horrors by Alan Mencken and Howard Ashman - May 27-June 13. Directed by Jamie Cheatham.

SUMMER 1993

Pump Boys and Dinettes by John Foley, Marie Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel, and Jim Wann - July 7-25. Directed by Tom Kremer.

The Passion of Dracula by Bob Hall and David Richmond. July 28-August 8. Directed by Kirk Jackson.

Cabaret by Joe Masteroff, John Van Druten; Music & Lyrics by Kander & Ebb - August 11-29. Directed by Matthew Wiener.

1993-94

Due to lease and budgetary problems, the Cider Mill Playhouse did not Produce, except Christmas Carol which was performed at the University Chamber Hall.

CHRISTMAS 1993

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December ? Directed by Tom Kremer.

Year 19. 1994-5 Season

FALL 1994

Playland by Athol Fugard September 29-October 16. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Do You Turn Somersaults? by Alexsei Arbovzov - November 10-28. Directed by Tom Kremer

CHRISTMAS 1994

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - December 8-22. Directed by Tom Kremer.

WINTER/SPRING 1995

Inspecting Carol by Daniel Sullivan and the Seattle Repertory Co. January 26-February 12. Directed by Tom Whitaker.

Skirmishes by Catherine Hayes - March 16-April 2. Directed by Penny Powell.

Man of La Mancha by Dale Wasserman, Music by Mitch Leigh, Lyrics by Joe Darion - May 4-May 21. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Year 20. 1995-6 Season

FALL 1995

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim - August 9-27. Directed by Paul Klementowicz.

Tartuffe by Moliere - September 21-October 8. Directed by Tom Whitaker.

Grace and Glory by Tom Ziegler - November 9-November 26. Directed by Saundralane Cuyler.

CHRISTMAS 1995

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg - December 7-22. Directed by Tom Kremer.

WINTER/SPRING 1996

Don't Dress for Dinner by Marc Camoletti, Adapted by Robin Hawdon - February 8-25. Directed by Melissa Kievman.

Miracle Worker by William Gibson - March 28-April 14. Directed by Richard Cuyler.

Baby by Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire - May 16-June 2. Directed by Douglas Hall.

Year 21. 1996-7 Season

FALL 1996

Driving Miss Daisy by Alfred Uhry - September 19-October 6. Directed by Saundralane Cuyler.

The Learned Ladies by Moliere - November 7-24. Directed by Ron Wilson.

CHRISTMAS 1996

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg - December 5 - 22. Directed by Carol Hanscom.

WINTER/SPRING 1997

Down An Alley Filled with Cats by Warwick Moss - January 30-February 16. Directed by Don Bovingloh.

The Sunshine Boys by Neil Simon - March 13-29. Directed by Penny Powell.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Lee Harper - April 24- May 11. Directed by Saundralane Cuyler.

Forever Plaid by Stuart Ross, Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by James Raitt - June 5-29 and August 20 – 24. Directed by Douglas Hall.

Year 22. 1997-8 Season

FALL 1997

Camping with Henry and Tom by Mark St. Germain - September 25-October 12. Directed by Adrianna Warner.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde - November 6-23. Directed by Carol Hanscom.

CHRISTMAS 1997

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg - December 5 - 21. Directed by Tom Kremer.

WINTER/SPRING 1998

Laura by Vera Caspary and George Sklar - January 29-February 15. Directed by Penny Powell.

Look, No Hans by John Chapman and Michael Pertwee - March 12-29. Directed by Mark Bader.

Terra Nova by Ted Tally - April 23-May 10. Directed by Paul Klementowicz. Fiddler on the Roof by Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick, Based on stories by Sholom Aleichem - June 4-21. Directed by Andy Beck.

Forever Plaid (return performance) by Stuart Ross, Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by James Raitt - August 19-30. Directed by Douglas Hall.

Year 23. 1998-9 Season

FALL 1998

Black Coffee by Agatha Christie - September 24-October 11. Directed by Saundralane Cuyler.

Triumph of Love by Marivaux, translated by James Magruder - November 5-22. Directed by Ron Wilson.

CHRISTMAS 1998

Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg - December 10-30. Directed by Tom Kremer.

WINTER/SPRING 1999

Reckless by Craig Lucas - January 28-February 14. Directed by Penny Powell.

Sylvia by A.R. Gurney - March 11-28. Directed by Doug Hall.

The Play's the Thing by Ferenc Molnar, adapted by P.G. Wodehouse - April 22-May 9. Directed by Tim Gregory.

Nunsense by Dan Goggin - June 3-20. Directed by Carolyn Droscoski.

SUMMER 1999

Forever Plaid (return performance) by Stuart Ross, Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by James Raitt - August 19-30. Directed by Douglas Hall.

Year 24. 1999-2000 Season

FALL 1999

The Mystery of Irma Vep by Charles Ludlam - September 16-October 3. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Much Ado about Nothing by William Shakespeare - October 28-November 14. Directed by Daniela Varon.

Jacque Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris conceived by Eric Blau and Mort Shuman based on the works of Jacque Brel - November 18-December 5. Directed by Alice Evans.

CHRISTMAS 1999

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg - December 10-30. Directed by Tom Kremer.

WINTER/SPRING 2000

Rumors by Neil Simon - January 27-February 13. Directed by Tom Kremer.

An Evening of One Act Plays The American Century by Murphy Guyer Sure Thing by David Ives and A Play About Two Men, One of Whom Does Not Understand by Brantley Aufill February 24-March 5. Directed by Brendan Curtain and Nancy Kliewer.

Old Wicked Songs by Jon Marans - March 23-April 9. Directed by Guy Stroman.

Lonely Planet by Stephen Dietz - April 27-May7. Directed by Brendan Curtin

My Fair Lady by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Loewe, Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner - June 1-June 25. Directed by Doug Hall.

SUMMER 2000

Forever Plaid (return performance) by Stuart Ross, Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by James Raitt - August 11-27. Directed by Douglas Hall.

Year 25. 2000-1 25th Anniversary Season

FALL 2000

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring - September 14-October 1. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Art by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton - October 26-November 12. Directed by Richard Ramos

An Evening of David Mamet: Mr. Happiness and The Shawl, by David Mamet - November 16-26. Directed by Carol Hanscom.

CHRISTMAS 2000

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg - December 8-22. Directed by Carol Hanscom.

SPRING 2001

The Hothouse by Harold Pinter - January 11-21. Directed by Mark Bader.

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie - February 8-March 4. Directed by James Seymour

The Dying Gaul by Craig Lucas - March 8-18. Directed by Douglas Hall

Marvin's Room by Scott McPherson - April 19-May 6. Directed by Gus Kaikkonen 1776 with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, book by Peter Stone - May 31-June 24. Directed by Randy White

SUMMER 2001

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, Adapted by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg - August 17-26. Directed by David Mitnowsky

Year 26. 2001-2 Season

FALL 2001

Over My Dead Body by Michael Sutton & Anthony Fingleton - September 20- October 14. Directed by Penny Powell.

Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel - November 1-18. Directed by Wendy Dann.

CHRISTMAS 2001

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg - December 9-22. Directed by Carol Hanscom.

SPRING 2002

Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill by Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht. Ira Gershwin, & Alan Jay Lerner - January 10-27. Directed by Mark Roth.

Laughter on the 23rd Floor by Neil Simon - February 14-March 3. Directed by Joseph Warwick.

Galileo by Bertolt Brecht, Translated by Charles Laughton - March 14-24. Directed by Rodrigo Nunez.

A Flea in Her Ear by John Mortimer - April 11-28. Directed by Penny Powell.

Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco, Translated by Derek Prouse - May 2-12. Directed by Mark Bader.

Little Shop of Horrors by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken - June 6-30. Directed by Douglas Hall.

SUMMER 2002

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, Adapted by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg - August 17-26. Directed by David Mitnowsky.

Year 27. 2002-3 Season

FALL 2002

Perfect Crime by Warren Manzi, September 19-October 13. Directed by Penny Powell.

The Apple Cart by George Bernard Shaw, October 31-November 17. Directed by David Zarko.

CHRISTMAS 2002

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg - December 6-22. Directed by Carol Hanscom.

SPRING 2003

The Lonesome West by Martin McDonagh, January 9-19. Directed by Buzz Roddy.

You Can’t Take It with You by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, February 6- March 2. Directed by Tom Kremer.

Golf with Alan Shepard by Warren Manzi, March 20-April 6. Directed by Penny Powell.

Parallel Lives by Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimi, April 10-19. Directed by Carol Provonsha.

Billy Bishop Goes to War by John Gray with Eric Peterson, May 1-11. Directed by Randy White.

The Music Man by Meredith Wilson, June 5-29. Directed by David Swan.

Year 28. 2003-4 Season

FALL 2003

A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie, adapted by Leslie Darbon, September 18-October 12. Directed by Bill Gorman.

Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick, October 30-November 16. Directed by Tom Byrn.

CHRISTMAS 2003

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg - December 5-22. Directed by Carol Hanscom.

SPRING 2004

Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown, January 8-18. Directed by Randy White.

The Front Page by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, February 5-29. Directed by Richard Russell Ramos.

Proof by David Auburn, March 18-April 4. Directed by Kim Martin-Cotton.

The Lonesome West by Martin McDonagh, April 15-May 2. Directed by Buzz Roddy.

In repertory with A Skull in Connemara by Martin McDonagh, April 15-May 2. Directed by Tom Butler.

The Most Happy Fella by Frank Loesser, June 3-27. Directed by Doug Hall.

Year 29. 2004-5 Season

FALL 2004

Smoke and mirrors by by Will Osborne and Anthony Herrera Sept. 16 – Oct. 10 Director – Paul Klementowicz

The Underpants By Carl Sternheim Adaptation by Steve Martin Nov. 4 – Nov. 21 Director – Tom Kremer

CHRISTMAS 2003

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg -December 9-22. Directed by Carol Hanscom.

SPRING 2005

It Runs in the Family By Ray Cooney Feb. 3 – Feb. 27 Director – Penny Powell

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller April 7 – April 24 Director – Kim Martin-Cotten

The Sound of Music Music by Richard Rodgers June 2 – June 26 Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse Suggested by The Story of the Trapp Family Singers Director – Tom Kremer Co-Director – Carol Hanscom

Year 30. 2005-6 Season

Fall 2005

Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie Sept. 15 – Oct. 9 Directed by David Mitnowsky

Forever Plaid by Stuart Ross, Nov. 3 – Nov. 20 Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by James Raitt - Directed by Douglas Hall.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg -December 8-22. Directed by John Bielenberg.

Move Over Mrs. Markham by Ray Cooney Jan. 26 – Feb. 19 Directed by Penny Powell

Our Town by Thornton Wilder March 9 – March 26 Directed by Tom Kremer

The Middle Ages by A. R. Gurney April 20 – May 7 Directed by Paul Klementowicz

Fiddler on the Roof by Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick, Based on stories by Sholom Aleichem - June 1-25 Directed by Penny Powell and Jan De Angelo

Year 31. 2006-7 Season

2006-7 Season:

Moon over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig Directed by Paul Klementowicz

Always, Patsy Cline by Ted Swindley Directed by Penny Powell

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg Directed by Carol Hanscom

The Crucifer of Blood by Paul Giovanni Directed by Gabriel Grilli

The Incorruptible by Michael Hollinger Directed by Kate Konigisor

The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonough Directed by Penny Powell

The King and I Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Music by Richard Rodgers, Based on Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon Directed by Alan Fox

Year 32: 2007-8 Season

Dial "M" for Murder by Frederick Knott September 20-October 14. Directed by Tom Kremer

A Year with Frog and Toad Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale, Music by Robert Reale

Based on the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel November 1-25, 2007, With Claus Evans and Bill Gorman as "Frog" and "Toad," Directed by David Mitnowsky, Choreographed by Meredith Van Scoy

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg Directed by Carol Hanscom

The Complete History of America (abridged) by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor January 31 to February 24, 2008 Directed by Penny Powell

When We Are Married by J.B. Priestly March 13 - April 6, 2008 Directed by Dennis Fox

Love and Anger by George F. Walker April 17-May 4, 2008 With Carol Hanscom and Tom Kremer. Directed by Paul Klementowicz

ANNIE GET YOUR GUN! Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin, Book by Herbert Fields and Dorothy Fields Directed by Michael O’Steen June 5-29, 2008

Year 33: 2008-9 Season

Murder at the Howard Johnson's by Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick Sept. 18 – Oct. 12, 2008 Directed by Tom Byrn

Plaid Tidings Conceived by Stuart Ross Nov. 6 – 30, 2008 Directed by Jan DeAngelo

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Bielenberg Directed by Carol Hanscom

Moonlight and Magnolias by Ron Hutchinson Jan. 22 – Feb. 8, 2009 Directed by Paul Falzone

Caught in the Net by Ray Cooney March 5 – 29, 2009 Directed by Penny Powell

The Woman in Black by Stephen Malatratt April 16 – May 3, 2009 Directed by Carol Hanscom

1776 Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards, Book by Peter Stone, Concept by Sherman Edwards June 4 – 28, 2009 link title