"Arrows of neon and flashing marquees out on Main Street…read moreChicago, New York, Detroit and it's all on the same street Your typical city involved in a typical daydream Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings" (Grateful Dead) Q: What's a paradigm? A: A typical example or pattern of something. Well, let me set the record straight. There is absolutely NOTHING typical about the New Paradigm Theater Company. To quote some key nuggets from their website, the New Paradigm Theatre Company "promotes social responsibility and fosters creative problem solvers, leaders, and global citizens through theatre arts education and productions with a hybrid professional theatre and community theatre that combines Broadway and film professionals with local students and adults in our productions". They incorporate area youth into their professional quality productions with summer camps, classes, workshops, and placement in their shows alongside experienced theater professionals that appear courtesy of the Actors Equity Association. Talk about high quality mentoring! Some of New Paradigm's past performances have included The Music Man, Grease, Carousel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Footloose, and The Little Mermaid. Yesterday, we went to the 1:00 matinee of Hairspray at Stratford High School, and it was excellent. The stage production was very clever -since so much of the show's plot revolves around an "American Bandstand" type of a TV show, there was a huge black and white projection of what viewers' TV screens would look like as a background to the live performance. The cast was marvelous. We've seen a fair share of community and youth theater over the years, and it's fair to say there was usually at least or two "weak' performers that couldn't quite carry a tune or deliver a line. Not here. Everyone was stellar, and every singer was a powerhouse. The two Equity performers expectedly stood out, but so did many of the other non-Equity performers and children. The lead roles of Ronnie Rose as Tracy Turnblad and Hunter Smith as Link Larkin were great, but so were Dominic Mantuano as Edna Turnblad, Tiffany T'Zelle as Motormouth Maybelle, Creflo Botweh as Seaweed J. Stubbs, and Allison Mele as Penny Lou Pingleton. I really should have copied and pasted the entire cast list, because everyone was wonderful. Five stars for the production and mission.

Came to the RCA to watch the musical 'Hairspray.' RCA has a nice theater, great seating and stage…read more I do not know much about it's program, but after seeing the cast perform 'Hairspray' I can tell that the teaching staff is doing a pretty good job, teaching their students about acting, dancing, performing and all the other stuff to put up a great show!

Excellent teachers. My daughter always looks forward to attending class. She is very happy.read more

We went here on the suggestion of a friend to see "Freud's Last Session" The theater is great,…read moresuper friendly staff and an affordable price to see a theater production. John Michalski as Sigmund Freud and Kevin Cristaldi as C.S. Lewis were fantastic. The show received critical acclaim. On the eve of World War II, the legendary psychoanalyst, Dr. Sigmund Freud, invites a little-known Oxford professor, C.S. Lewis to his home in London. What follows is a searing debate on the meaning of life, the nature of good and evil, faith vs. science and the existence of God. Set just weeks before Freud would ultimately take his ownlife, Freud's Last Session is a deeply moving and humorous play that explores the hearts and souls of two of the most brilliant minds of the time as they grapple with life's greatest questions. We can't wait to see another production at this wonderful venue.

Awesome orchestra. They sound clear, crisp, and emotive. I went to the All-Ives concert on…read moreSaturday 3/8/2014 at Battel Chapel (which has awesome acoustics too, btw). The conductor was really friendly, charismatic, and VERY into this music. He intro'd everything like my dad telling me about the Beatles for the first time, just a little info so I could appreciate it and listen for certain things, but not so much I couldn't make my own decision. I will definitely see them again. The 4th symphony was absolutely transcendent (and I don't use that word lightly). They had a reception afterwards and the conductor invited the whole audience to it to celebrate their 40th birthday, and 750th concert. Their next event is to play the music live for silent films, on May 3rd 2014. http://www.orchestranewengland.org/tickets&events?eventId=774203&EventViewMode=EventDetails

Went here to see "A Christmas Carol ". The show was good. The venue is very nice, they even seem to…read morehave a bar of some sort in the lobby that might serve some light food as well. Doors to the theatre open 15 minutes before the show. The parking although plentiful is still a bit challenging. The closest spots are gone early. The seats could use some updating and seem pretty narrow and close together, not too comfortable.

The Karamo Show is filmed at Stamford Studios in Connecticut. It's easy to find, only a couple…read moreblocks away from the train station. Check in was simple. Bags opened, wand passed over you, and a walk through the metal detector. The audience waits in chairs in the lobby till it's time to go in. There's a bathroom and water, but no snacks once inside. If you want coffee, or something to eat while you wait, bring it in. Main Street is close by and has plenty of food options. Once seated it took a bit for the show to start. Luckily the stage crew was entertaining, pulling audience members up to dance and telling jokes, so time passes quickly. When Karamo came out, his positive energy was felt by all. He's also a hugger which makes him that much more endearing. Every guest was shown respect and heard with compassion, then given advice or help as needed. Karamo's laid back, empathic nature was refreshing, and I plan to use some of his conflict resolution techniques in my own life. It was a pleasure to watch him work. He's gained a new fan!

Great content! However, I stopped watching b/c HE doesn't have control when guest and others…read morecontinue to talk over each other. I miss a lot of of what's being said. Its a ball of confusion! Karamo, please take control of YOUR SHOW! Chime in, inform your guest that you and audience members can NOT hear what's being said when everyone is TALKING AT THE SAME TIME.

Our daughter is just finishing up here second year at NMYB and we are so happy to have her enrolled…read morehere! Their passion for the arts is unmatched and the family feel is just one thing (of many) that makes it unique. While the distance isn't very close to our home, it is well worth the commute. We hope to continue here for many years!

Great place to learn to dance. And a great place to spend time, as the teachers and the other…read morestudents are genuinely friendly and fun. Owners and teachers are incredibly talented and knowledgable, and amazingly patient (as it often takes time for us to remember our steps - not their fault, but ours). In addition to some great private lessons, their Group Classes are always valuable and fun, and the weekly parties, which are very well attended, are a highlight of the week - a chance to unwind, practice in a party setting and spend time with a great dance family of teachers and students.

Such an amazing school !! Instructor Alex choreographed such a beautiful first dance song, with…read moreonly 5 lessons. He was patient and listened to everything we wanted. My husband has two left feet and our dance left our guest in tears. Thank you so much !! Definitely recommended this school