Displaying items by tag: saratoga

COURT

Alonte J. White, was sentenced March 1 to 10 years in state prison, in connection with the charge of felony burglary, in Saratoga Springs. 

William E. Bounds, 32, of Schuylerville, pleaded March 1 to criminal sexual act, a felony. Sentencing scheduled April 27. 

Rakell L. Dutcher, 32, of Galway, was sentenced March 1 to 1 to 3 years in state prison, after pleading to aggravated DWI.

Noah J. Hughes, 27, of Scotia, was sentenced Feb. 28 to time served and five years of probation, after pleading to felony attempted burglary, in connection with an incident in Wilton. 

Ramiz T. Hajratalli, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was convicted Feb. 27 of two felony counts of burglary and two misdemeanor counts criminal mischief, following a near month-long trial. According to Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen, Hajratalli had entered two different Saratoga Springs residences – on Caroline Street and on Jumel Place, respectively – while the residents of those locations were home at night sleeping. He was subsequently charged after Saratoga Springs Police located physical evidence that tied Hajratalli to the burglary.      

Norman E. Rose, III, 39, of Milton, was sentenced Feb. 26 to 1 to 3 years in state prison, after pleading to felony criminal contempt. 

Robert S. Loomis, 31, of Schuylerville, was sentenced Feb. 26 to six months in jail and 10 years of probation, after pleading to felony sexual abuse in the first-degree. 

Savannah L. Myers, 24, of Greenfield Center, pleaded Feb. 23 to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, regarding an incident in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled April 13. 

POLICE

Torre Austin, 28, of Milton, was charged March 1 with promoting prison contraband, a felony. It is alleged Austin possessed contraband while being an inmate at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility.  He was arraigned and sent back to the facility in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. 

Michael A Coonradt, age 21, of Granville, Quintan L Smith, age 19, of Ballston Spa, and Dillion C Poirier, age 17, of Porters Corners, were each charged with criminal mischief, and burglary – both felonies, criminal possession of stolen property – a misdemeanor, and various other felonies, in connection with an alleged burglary that took place at a single-family home on Lake Avenue on Sept. 6, 2017. Police said the residents of the home - who had been home in bed when the suspected burglary took place - reported several items missing from inside the home as well as their 2010 Mercedes-Benz missing from the driveway. The vehicle was later found damaged and abandoned on Church Street, police said. Following an investigation, Coonradt, who was arrested Feb. 23, was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash, or $50,000 bond. Smith and Poirier were arrested February 27 and both sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $15,000 cash, or $30,000 bond.

Mona L. Nordstrom, age 49, of Ballston Spa, was charged Feb. 24 with felony assault. She is accused of shooting a person with a BB gun in Milton. The victim, who suffered injuries to their hand, was known to Nordstrom, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department. 

Teah C. Teriele, age 24, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 18 with aggravated unlicensed operation third degree - a misdemeanor. 

Christopher W. McLellan, age 24, Greenfield Center, was charged Feb. 18 with misdemeanor DWI, leaving the scene of an auto accident, unreasonable speed. 

Aaron M. Sparks, age 23, Ballston Spa, was charged Feb. 18 with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest. 

Carl G. Vanasse, age 21, of Clarksville, Maryland, was charged Feb. 18 with obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct. 

Kelly A. Portanova, age 29, Troy, was charged Feb. 18 with felony DWI as a second offense, speeding - inappropriate speed, aggravated driving while intoxicated - a felony. 

Amber L. McManus, age 38, Saratoga Springs was charged Feb. 17 with endangering the welfare of a child, unsafe lane change misdemeanor DWI, and aggravated driving while intoxicated - a felony. The felony aggravated DWI is based upon that McManus had her 15-year-old son in the vehicle with her at the time of offense. 

Michael M. Allen, age 45, Schenectady, was charged Feb. 17 with menacing, criminal possession of a weapon – felony. 

Katrina A. Barody, age 21, Fort Edward, was charged Feb. 17 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration.

Randall S. Morich, age 44, of Naples, Florida, was charged Feb. 16 with aggravated harassment.

Philip K. Betton, age 48, Troy, was charged Feb. 16 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

COURT

Barkim H. Tomer, 23, of Schenectady, pleaded Feb. 21 to criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony, regarding an incident in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled May 2.    

Christopher R. Miranda, 18, of Hudson Falls, pleaded guilty Feb. 21 to manslaughter in the second-degree, and vehicular assault in the first-degree, regarding an incident that occurred in the town of Moreau. Authorities said Miranda was driving while in an intoxicated condition at a speed of 104 miles-per-hour on Bluebird Road on Aug. 31, 2017 when he recklessly caused the death of a 16-year-old passenger. A 14-year-old who was also a passenger in the car was seriously injured in the crash. Miranda “intentionally oversteered the vehicle” so that it would drift across the road, subsequently lost control of the vehicle and ultimately crashed off the roadway, according to the Saratoga County District Attorney’s office. Sentencing scheduled April 18. 

POLICE

Kathleen M. Callanan, age 56, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 20 with felony grand larceny and petit larceny - a misdemeanor. Brad N Callanan, age 35, Mechanicville, was charged with four felony counts each of: forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument, and four misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of stolen property. Kathleen Callahan and Brad Callahan are mother, and son, according to the Saratoga Springs Police Department.  Kathleen Callanan is suspected of stealing a purse from a car parked in the shopping plaza on Ballston Avenue. It is alleged Brad Callanan came into possession of some of the stolen purse items, including the checkbook, and issued four fraudulent checks at locations in Saratoga Springs over a two-day period. Kathleen Callanan was sent to county jail in lieu of $1,000 cash, or $2,500 bond. Brad Callanan was sent to county jail on no bail. 

Shane M. Germain, age 27, of Wilton, was charged Feb. 21 as a fugitive from justice. It is alleged Germain fled to Saratoga County from North Carolina to avoid prosecution in Beaufort County, North Carolina where an active warrant listed charges against him of first degree child rape and indecent liberties with a child. Germain was arraigned in the Milton Town Court and sent to Saratoga County Jail without bail.

Melanie O. Munoz, age 22, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 15 with aggravated unlicensed operation, fail to signal, equipment (obstructed view front/rear by object), operate motor vehicle by unlicensed driver. 

Desmond M. Bonner, age 38, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 15 with criminal contempt. 

Brad A. Hoffman, age 20, Amsterdam, was charged Feb. 15 with speeding, aggravated unlicensed operation, no/expired inspection certificate, no/expired insurance. 

Joseph P. Maki, age 48, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 14 with aggravated unlicensed operation/under influence- felony, equipment (rear license plate light), felony DWI as a second offense. 

Tracy L. Osornohassan, age 47, Wilton, was charged Feb. 14 with failure to signal a turn, refusing a pre-screen test, misdemeanor DWI.

Gabrielle M. Batista, age 24, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 14 with fail to keep right, misdemeanor DWI, and aggravated driving while intoxicated. 

Emily A. Crosby, age 34, Danby, Vermont, was charged Feb. 13 with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument - a misdemeanor. 

Casie B. Lailer, age 33, Gansevoort, was charged Feb. 13 with petit larceny- misdemeanor, and felony grand larceny. 

Emily S. Morrison, age 31, Ballston Spa, was charged Feb. 13 with speeding, aggravated unlicensed operation third degree, misdemeanor DWI, operating unregistered motor vehicle on highway.

Alan T. Teraoka, age 28, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 12 with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated driving while intoxicated, speeding. two counts failure to stop at stop sign,  and failure to signal a turn. 

Joseph J. Valigorsky, age 45, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 11 with misdemeanor DWI, no/expired inspection certificate, aggravated unlicensed/under influence operation of a motor vehicle - felony, unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Michael J. Harmon, age 66, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 10 with menacing, criminal possession of a weapon.

Christopher R. Getman, age 26, Round Lake, was charged Feb. 10 with misdemeanor DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana, unsafe lane change, no/expired inspection certificate, improper lane use. 

Note: On Jan. 26, the Saratoga Springs Police Department released the arrest information regarding Patrick D. Rocco, age 57, of Saratoga Springs. Offense listed: animal at large cruelty and abandonment- 2 counts. This was sent in error, as Rocco was not cited and/or arrested on the day in question.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – One of the after-effects of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida is the staggering increase of school-based threats and incidents since the tragedy occurred.

Research conducted by Educator's School Safety Network - a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering educators with education-based school safety training and resources - typically finds approximately 10 school-based threats and incidents occur daily. Since Feb. 15, the organization says those numbers have spiked to more than 70 per day - the majority involving gun threats and the most common method of threat delivery being via social media.

Even before the events in Florida, the data specifically pointed to New York State as having experienced a dramatic increase in the number of threats and/or incidents during the first half of the 2017-2018 school year – up by 33.3 percent over the previous year – and ranking third nationally, behind only California and Pennsylvania as a “state of concern.”

The Florida incident has demonstrated substantially longer staying power in the public consciousness than displayed in the aftermath of previous incidents, says Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo,    

“This has really hit home, across the country and locally,” Zurlo says. “It’s been two weeks since Florida and usually when something happens (the attention) goes a day or two after and then everybody gets back to their normal business. But this has absolutely lasted longer than other instances. I’m getting calls and emails from parents who are asking: What do we do? How are you going to protect our kids?”

Saratoga County is home nearly 220,000 residents. There are 51 public schools, 33,000 students, 2,500 teachers and approximately 100 principals across the 815 square miles of the county.

“We’re doing a little bit of everything. I have a team of four deputies assigned to schools throughout the county who interact with students and touch base with the principals and superintendents,” Zurlo explained. “What I’ve also done now is, during day-shift and afternoon patrols, we’ll get out and do a walk-through at schools. In the mornings, when classes start, I’ve had patrols at the schools. And we’re going to continue having that presence.”

In Saratoga Springs, city police regularly conduct active shooter trainings. The department also has a school resource officer assigned to the Saratoga Springs School District.

Not all county schools have assigned SRO’s, however, and conversations have recently been initiated about the feasibility of making that happen.

“I’ve been approached by three (public) schools in the county that want more information about School Resource Officers, who do not currently have them. I’m also talking to county officials to see if we can come up with a plan for the school year, starting next year,” Zurlo said. “We’re in preliminary talks. It all comes down to money and we’re trying to work some different things out.” The amount of time involved in training practice would also play a role in the potential implementation of such a practice, he added.

On Feb. 26, the county Sheriff’s Department responded to a threatening text message allegedly made by a 14-year-old student at Corinth High School directed at a 13-year-old student as well as the school, and involved the threatened use of a firearm. The suspected author of the threat was subsequently charged with making a terroristic threat, and aggravated harassment and referred to Saratoga County Family Court for further action, according to authorities.  

“These threats need to be looked into and I take them seriously. It’s our job to make sure the students and staff are well protected. If these threats are criminal in nature, then these people are going to be arrested,” Zurlo said.

Earlier this week, city School District Superintendent of Schools Michael Patton penned a letter to school parents to reassure them that protocols are in place.

“Safety is an underlying theme in everything we do (and) we have continued to make improvements over the past several years,” Patton said.

Some of those improvements include having retired and current law enforcement on staff and surveillance cameras at all school buildings, secured entryways with double locked doors, ongoing training with district and school emergency response teams, and lockdown, lockout, shelter in place, and evacuation and relocation drills.

The Saratoga Springs City School District consists of 11 facilities in and around Saratoga Springs, including the high school, the middle school and six elementary schools. Building Emergency Response Teams are also assigned to each of the district’s buildings.

School Shooting Can’t Happen Here? It Already Has

Shortly before noon on a Friday in December 1975, 32-year-old George McCode fired four shots from his 22-cal. handgun into the playground at St. Peter’s Elementary School.

McCode, who a month earlier received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, lived in the Gaslight apartment complex directly across the street from the playground.

Two 7-year-old girls were injured as a result of the gunfire; one was brought to Saratoga Hospital to remove a bullet from the heel of her foot, and the second wounded from a ricochet bullet which caught her in one of her feet.

Local Students May Take Part in National School Walkout on March 14

In response to gun violence and in the aftermath of the Feb. 14 Florida shooting, a 17-minute-long national school walkout effort initiated by Women's March Youth EMPOWER is slated to take place at 10 a.m. on March 14.

This week, Skidmore College issued a statement asserting that it values freedom of expression and encourages civic engagement and promised students they would not face any disciplinary action from the college should they choose to participate in a peaceful protest.

The Saratoga Springs School District is currently formulating a strategy regarding students who choose to participate in the March 14 walkout.

“We met this week with leaders of student government and we’re starting to develop a plan,” said Michael Patton, Saratoga Springs City School District Superintendent of Schools. “We think it’s an opportunity for students to be involved in civic engagement and that it’s a teachable moment, not anything politically, but something done respectfully and in a safe and orderly manner.”  

ALBANY - Steven Van Zandt - aka Little Steven, aka Miami Steve - best known as a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band, will perform with the Disciples of Soul on May 4 at the Palace Theatre.

Renowned for both his own substantial body of work and for his ongoing role as a touring and recording member of Springsteen’s band, Van Zandt has also worked as an actor on “The Sopranos” as well as serving as host, historian and rock’n’roll advocate on Sirius XM’s Little Steven’s Underground Garage – where he showcases the work of everyone from the New York Dolls to the Raveonettes.

His latest album, “Soulfire,” Van Zandt’s first solo record in close to two decades, “hearkens back to Van Zandt’s classic first album of gritty, greasy, horn-accented ‘60s-style rock and soul,” notes Billboard magazine.

Tickets go on sale Friday and are $74.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50 & $29.50 and available at the Palace Theatre Box Office, 19 Clinton Ave., via Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Saratoga Arts Fest kicks off the ArtsFestFriday 2018 season with its “La Dolce Vita Remix” event, featuring a screening of Fellini’s classic 1960 film, as well as live paparazzi and mingling Contessas, hobnobbing with guests during the interactive cocktail hour.  

The cocktail hour — which promises to be full of surprises — takes place 6 – 7 p.m., followed by a full-film screening of “La Dolce Vita,” to cap off the fantastic evening of glamour. Musical pop-up performances will take place during the screening, bringing the film to life.

“Movies do not change, but their viewers do,” noted film critic Roger Ebert in his four-star review of the film in 1997. “When I saw ‘La Dolce Vita’ in 1960, I was an adolescent for whom "the sweet life" represented everything I dreamed of: sin, exotic European glamour, the weary romance of the cynical newspaperman… when I saw the movie around 1980, Marcello was the same age, but I was 10 years older, had stopped drinking, and saw him not as a role model but as a victim, condemned to an endless search for happiness that could never be found.”

The film’s character of Paparazzo, a news photographer, inspired the use of the word “paparazzi” to be placed into the cultural dictionary.

The free event will take place 6 – 10 p.m. Friday, March 9 at The Spa Little Theatre. The first 100 guests will receive sunglasses to wear as a celebrity disguise.

To register for “La Dolce Vita Remix,” go to: www.saratogaartsfest.org. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

POLICE

Michele Chabot, age 54, of Scotia, was charged with grand larceny, and Anna E. Riley, age 24, of Schenectady, with petit larceny on Feb. 14, following an investigation in the town of Ballston. It is alleged Chabot and Riley while working as home health aides for an elderly disabled woman in the town of Ballston, stole numerous pieces of jewelry from the residence.

Johnathon R. Arnold, 37, of Wilton, was charged Feb. 13 with falsely reporting an incident, and making a punishable false written statement, following an investigation into a residential burglary complaint. It is alleged Arnold filed a complaint with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office to indicate that his Maple Avenue home was burglarized, and several items were stolen. A subsequent investigation determined that the reported burglary did not actually occur, and that Arnold had provided police with a false written statement regarding the above incident, according to authorities. 

Adam D. Sipe, 30, of Ballston Spa, was charged Feb. 13 with making a terroristic threat – a felony, and endangering the welfare of a child – a misdemeanor, on the suspicion that Sipe had threatened to blow up the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office, according to police.  When officers attempted to place Sipe in custody, he fled in his vehicle, which had his 2-year-old son seated in it. He was apprehended a short distance away without further incident. The child was turned over to a family member, and Sipe held, pending future
court appearances.   

Nicholas L. Carleton, age 36, of Corinth, was charged Feb. 13 with the following felonies: three counts of reckless endangerment in the first-degree, two counts of criminal mischief in the third-degree, the misdemeanors: endangering the welfare of a child, resisting arrest, and driving while intoxicated, as well as several vehicle and traffic law infractions.  It is alleged that Carleton intentionally drove his vehicle into an occupied dwelling several times and was operating the vehicle on a public highway while in an intoxicated condition.  He is also alleged to have physically resisted deputies’ efforts to place him into custody while striking himself to his facial area and slamming his head off the hood of a Sheriff’s patrol vehicle, causing damage to the vehicle.

Kevin S. Collery, age 32, of Greenwich, was charged Feb. 12 with felony burglary, felony criminal mischief, and resisting arrest – a misdemeanor in connection with an alleged incident that occurred Feb. 10 in Saratoga Springs.  Police said an officer on patrol came upon a couple running on Spring Street near Court Street, who grabbed the officer’s attention and pointed out an individual, believed to be Collery, who had caused damage to a nearby apartment building a few moments earlier.
Police said it was subsequently discovered that Collery committed a burglary to an unoccupied apartment on Spring Street just prior to the initial police contact. While committing the burglary, he also allegedly caused damage to the glass door of the apartment and several items within the residence. Collery was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash, or $2,500 bond.     

Kenneth J. Jiron, age 58, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 9 with failure to signal a turn, operation of a motor vehicle by unlicensed driver, aggravated operation of a motor vehicle. 

Lauren E. Powers, age 21, South Glens Falls, was charged Feb. 9 with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, and unsafe backing, after being involved in a property damage accident. 

Carolyn M. Kroll, age 50, Schenectady, was charged Feb. 6 with fugitive from justice - a felony. Kroll was wanted out of the District Court of Sandoval County, New Mexico for an outstanding felony charge

Michael J. Scoville, age 32, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 6 with endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, and unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Melissa A. Ciccarelli, age 36, Gansevoort, was charged Feb. 5 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and following motor vehicle too closely, after being involved in a property damage accident.

Clara M. Haley, age 38, Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 4 with assault in the third degree. 

Keith R. Boggan, age 41, Gansevoort, was charged Feb. 4 with misdemeanor DWI, refuse pre-screen test and fail to obey traffic control device. 

Joseph E. Lopresti, age 19, Gansevoort, was charged Feb. 3 with criminal possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct and possessing alcohol under 21 years-of-age.

Robert L. Durr, age 48, Saratoga Springs was charged Feb. 3 with criminal possession of marijuana. 

Trevor J. Hammar, age 29, Ballston Spa, was charged Feb. 2 with felony burglary. 

Javier A. Dalmasi, age 22, Clifton Park, was charged Feb. 2 with aggravated harassment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – A request for proposals was issued by the city this week seeking a management company to study, design, implement and manage a paid parking system in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Proposals received by potential bidders are slated to be opened March 14. The awarding of a project is anticipated to take place in April and the installation of parking management equipment by late summer. The goal is to secure a parking management company to implement and manage a paid parking system downtown that will “net the maximum financial benefit to the city balanced with downtown business vitality and efficient traffic management,” according to the RFP.

Proposals are to include a detailed outline of the system that includes time limits, hourly rates - with the ability to fluctuate rates based on seasonal demand, merchant/employee parking specs and a permit system for residents and employees of the downtown core.

The approximate boundaries of on-street paid parking covers the length of Broadway – from the entrance of Congress Park to the City Center - as well as parking areas west of Broadway to Railroad Place, and east of Broadway to Maple Avenue. The study area includes multi-level parking decks on Putnam Street, Woodlawn Avenue, and Long Alley, large surface lots at High Rock – located behind the City Center and just off Spring Street; the so-called Collamer lot; the public library lot and the paved drive that passes through Congress Park adjacent to the Canfield Casino.

There are currently about 1,300 spaces of public on-street parking and 1,480 public off-street parking spaces in the city, including lots and decks, according to the RFP.

The city has explored paid parking measures in the recent past, although those efforts have been largely unsuccessful. In 2008, three developers submitted proposals for a parking plan that included the city giving developers the land rights to the High Rock and Collamer lots in exchange for the construction of a new public safety facility, parking garage and a mix of residential and commercial buildings that would include a proposed cineplex complex. Discussions about those proposal eventually fell apart, however, after merchants complained against metering Broadway, where their stores are located. By 2009, the city council remained deadlocked over a resolution that would have chosen a developer for that paid parking proposal, even as then-Finance Commissioner Kevin Ivins crafted the city’s 2010 budget to include about $1.35 million in revenue anticipated to come from a paid-parking program.

The proposition of installing a paid-parking measure on city-owned lots and on some streets off of Broadway would represent the first metered system in the Spa City since the nickel-an-hour machines were removed in the 1970s.

“We want to move Saratoga forward as a Smart City with technologies such as Smart Parking to optimize parking, reduce traffic and create a more enjoyable experience for city residents and visitors,” according to the RFP.

The proposed timeline is as follows: March 14: RFP opening; April 17: City awards project; April 18 – 20: Kick-off meeting at City Hall; April 20 – 30: Flexible time to assess City's needs & gather feedback; May 1 – July 30: Complete parking study; Aug. 7: Submit final report and presentation at City Council meeting; Aug. 14 – Sept. 14: Install parking management equipment & train staff.

SCHENECTADY – This week, Proctors and Capital Repertory Theatre announced the 2018–2019 Key Private Bank Broadway Series at Proctors and the 2018–2019 Season at Capital Repertory Theatre.

Dates for “Hamilton,” which will play its premiere Capital Region engagement and anchor the 2018–2019 season - and is also featured in both subscription packages—were revealed, along with a calendar of touring Broadway and regional theatre offerings.

2018–2019 Key Private Bank Broadway Series at Proctors

Anastasia: Oct. 9–14. This epic 2017 Broadway hit takes us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Anastasia features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics), with direction by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak.

A Bronx Tale: Oct. 23–28. Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Robert De Niro and Tony winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical—based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri’s story—that The New York Times hails as “A Critics’ Pick! The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.”

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical: Dec. 5–9, 2018. Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit.

School of Rock: Feb. 5–10, 2019. Based on the hit film, “School of Rock” follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theatre’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Feb. 26–March 3, 2019. It's the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including "Pure Imagination," "The Candy Man" and "I've Got a Golden Ticket," alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of “Hairspray.”

The Phantom of the Opera: April 24–May 5, 2019. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera will make a triumphant return to Schenectady as part of its North American Tour. The production, overseen by Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne, boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score—with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You” and “Masquerade”—will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productions now on tour.

The Book of Mormon: May 14–19, 2019.The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, The Book of Mormon has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.

Waitress: June 11–16, 2019. Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, and inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, “Waitress” tells the story of Jenna—a waitress and expert pie maker, who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

Hamilton: Aug. 13–25, 2019. Hamilton is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, “Hamilton” is the story of America then, as told by America now. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, “Hamilton” is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

The 2018–2019 Season at Capital Repertory Theatre includes: NEXT ACT! New Play Summit 7 (June 2–4); Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash (July 6–Aug. 12); The Royale (Sept. 21–Oct. 14); Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Nov. 23–Dec. 23); Red Maple (Jan. 25–Feb. 17, 2019); Shakespeare in Love (April 5–May 12, 2019).

For subscription series ticket and show information, go to: https://www.proctors.org/.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The 31st Annual Flurry Festival of traditional dancing and music will take place Friday Feb. 16 through Sunday, Feb. 18. The festival is housed in the Saratoga City Center and Hilton Hotel with satellite locations at the Saratoga Music Hall and Caffé Lena.

Dances and Workshops include styles in Contra, Swing, Latin, English Country, Squares, Vintage, Clogging, Hip-Hop, Cajun, Zydeco, Irish, Scandinavian, Middle Eastern, Asian, European, American and International Folk, Yoga and body movement and more. Beginner to experienced sessions.

Make Music and Sing sessions include: Irish, Quebecois, Southern Old-Time, African, Scandinavian, Adirondack, Gospel & Community Singalongs, Folk, Fiddle, Guitar, Banjo, Flute, Harmonica, Ukulele, voice and more.

After 14 years as program curator for the Flurry Festival, Peter Davis will be stepping down, the organization announced this week. City resident Jonathan Greene will assume the role, which includes the talent scouting of more than 300 musicians, bands and dance instructors and coordinating the massive schedule of events for the three-day festival.

“I’m excited about it,” said Greene, a professional musician and event organizer who performs regionally and throughout the northeast with the Hot Club of Saratoga, Golfstrom, Heard and other groups.  

“I’ll be shadowing Peter for the whole weekend and going from event-to-event and be on-site literally 24/7. It’s going to be crazy,” said Greene, who will also be performing with the swing dance band The Piggly Wigglies in the Saratoga Hilton Hotel Ballroom and leading participants in a swing jam.

Tickets to the festival are on sale all weekend long. For a full schedule of events and more information about the Flurry, go to: flurryfestival.org.