The Daily Gazette's best of 2017: Theater

PHOTOGRAPHER: Photo Provided

Molly McGrath (left) and Benita Zahn in Park Playhouse's "Always ... Pasty Cline."

Five best productions, along with some honorable mentions, from Gazette theater reviewers Paul Lamar and Matthew G. Moross:

Paul Lamar

“Urinetown” — Schenectady Light Opera Company, which followed up this sterling January production with a season that also included fine treatments of “Into the Woods,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” and “Cabaret.” (Review)
“Beautiful” — Proctors in April. The fast-moving, funny, and informative take on Carole King’s early life.
“Company” — Barrington Stage Company in August. The Sondheim 1970 musical, refreshed by Julianne Boyd, starring a remarkable Aaron Tveit as Bobby. (Review)
“Dead Man’s Cell Phone” — Albany Civic Theater in November. Sarah Ruhl’s thought-provoking piece, superbly directed by Katie Weinberg. (Review)
“She Loves Me” — Capital Repertory Theater in November. Magical words, music, story, and production (under Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill’s sparkling direction). (Review)
Honorable Mentions: “Doubt” at Schenectady Civic Players (review), “Buyer and Cellar” at Curtain Call Theater (review), ”The Color Purple” at Proctors (review)

Matthew G. Moross

“Always … Patsy Cline” — Park Playhouse at Cohoes Music Hall in October. Fantastic performances from Molly McGrath and Benita Zahn lifted the material to something quite exceptional. Bring it back. (Review)
“Grand Concourse” — Albany Civic Theater in February. A smart and thoughtful play about forgiveness well produced and directed by Patrick White. (Review)
“Mamma Mia” — Capital Rep in July. Completely entertaining from start to finish featuring a great cast and a superb set. (Review)
“The Normal Heart” — Curtain Call in April. A well-acted and well-designed production of a modern classic with fine performances by Kris Anderson, Steven Leifer and Christopher Foster.
“Fun Home” — Proctors in October. Moving and relevant, this modern musical about a modern family was the year’s highlight. (Review)

Honorable mentions: “The Sound of Music” at Proctors (photo gallery), “Assisted Loving” at Capital Rep (review), “Children of a Lesser God” — Berkshire Theater Festival (review)