This weekend I visited for my 4th time. The most recent play was Miracle on 34th Street. The first was It's a Wonderful Life. In between we saw Flowers for Algernon and the amazing Rock of Ages. We love theater, and this venue does not disappoint. The actors are so passionate at their craft. The theater itself is pretty bare bones-but there is a comfortable simpleness that works well. We will definitely be returning again to see how they handle the major production of Mamma Mia. I appreciate the endeavors of this theater company to show greater Syracuse some of the popular musicals and plays that in the past have been seen on Broadway. The price is right ($16-$25), and it is a fun-filled evening. The theater is located in the Ghost-Town of the formerly vibrant Shoppingtown Mall. It's sad to wander around prior to the show and remember what used to be in that Mall back in the day. Bathrooms are located for CNY Playhouse in what used to be the Food Court Area. We usually enter thru the entrance for the movie theater complex. I'm so excited for the future of this non-profit theater club, will continue to attend their offerings, and wish them nothing but success!! Go...you'll enjoy a fun evening!

The Central New York Playhouse is a community theater located in the former Macy's wing of the Shoppingtown Mall. This local non-profit, volunteer theater company has won a number of local and regional theater awards, and I believe they are well deserved! We recently saw a play and a musical at the venue. The atmosphere is that of a small off-Broadway venue in NYC, but closer to home! The set work they do is tremendous, and the acting has been superb. Now, we are theater people, frequently attending Broadway and off-Broadway shows, all the local High School productions, and we are season ticket holders to the local professional theater as well. There is something magical about the CNY Playhouse that takes you on a journey, where for a few hours you can forget the weather and your worries of the day, and just enjoy some quality theater. The set work, sound and lighting are always superb. Most recently we saw Boeing Boeing, a comedy farce that was put on with much gusto, and American Idiot a rocking musical with big production numbers. Seating for the play was table/dinner theater style, while the musical was more traditional audience rows. The theater features a small snack bar with soft drinks and candy bars. The seating is padded single chairs like you might find in the accountants waiting area during tax time. Don't be fooled by the storefront appearance, once inside and the lights go down, you are in for a full theater experience. If you are looking for a night out and some great entertainment, I recommend you try out the CNY playhouse. They do one major production (over multiple weekends) each month, and also cabaret and comedy in between. Tickets for shows are between $15 and $25.

My husband and I enjoy going to the their comedy showcase. Amateur comediennes compete against each other and the audience gets to vote. We always have a good time and the cost is reasonable. They do have snacks and drinks.

Girls getaway weekend, decided to attend an improv comedy show at the Central NY Playhouse. It is housed inside a shopping center, kind of hard to locate at first. Staff was very accommodating, limited drinks and snacks are offered. No restrooms inside the theater, have to use mall restrooms. Not a deal breaker at all. Enjoyable evening!

Though they normally do plays or improv, there was a comedy showcase that night where local comics competed for first place. The headliner was a local celebrity from the classic rock radio station. He did really well. The crowd loved him. Cuse Comedy Showcase- I recommend it.