What an exciting, exciting
month I've had. On October 9, we closed a successful sold-out
run
of "Closer" which was lauded by both critics & audiences
alike. Aside from my run as Cathy in "The Last Five Years"
this has been the most artistically satisfying and critically
successful show I've ever done. (Photos will be posted shortly.)
Here's
what the critics have to say about my work, and the show
as a whole:
Adrienne Urbanski - Theater is
Easy -"In this staging, in particular,
both women seem powerless and unable to save themselves
from being hurt and pushed around by the men’s infantile
sexual and romantic whims. This may be due in part to
the fact that actress Erin Cronican brings a greater vulnerability
to Anna than I have seen in past performances. Her soft
toned delivery and wide eyes show Anna to be a well meaning
woman who
can’t save herself from the imposing will of men. When she cheats on Larry
with Dan and then on Dan with Larry she hardly seems responsible for her behavior...Overall
the performances from the cast were strong, carrying the script’s unfolding
emotions strongly enough for the story lines to remain completely riveting... Erin
Cronican’s performance gives Anna enough vulnerability for her to be an
entirely sympathetic character... Thanks to both well-timed music and convincing
performances, the play had not a single dull moment."
Chris
McKittrick - Daily Actor - "It takes
a lot of guts – not
to mention talent – for a small company to perform an award-winning
play that was later turned into an award-winning film...The entire
cast maintains undeniable chemistry despite the fact that all
four characters never seem to interact as a whole group during
the entire play... Rounding out the cast is Erin Cronican
as Anna, who as a woman torn between two men has the heaviest
role although Cronican shows an incredible range of emotion with
her expressive voice and features...[This] production of
Closer is a rare but welcome example of a cast which is stronger
than its material."
Adam
Rothenberg, Adaumbelle's Quest -"This
is the third season that I've attended shows at this growing
theater company and "Closer" is my favorite production
thus far!... As "Anna" Erin Cronican uses her
beauty, innocence, and ultimate seduction to rope in "Larry" then
Dan" and "Larry" once more... The back and
forth is used well as a tool to show the dysfunctional side
of love no matter how much passion is there."
Will Kenton, Cultural Capitol -"The ensemble members of The Seeing
Place Theater draw the plot skein
into a
tight net
to
catch
their
characters and expose the deep fish that swim in their collective
oceans of id. Erin Cronican is pliant but aloof as the photographer
Anna. Older and knowledgeable, she represents
a particular kind of fantasy for Dan and Larry. She creates beauty
out of sadness, works of art from decay, true love from fantasy... In these recession strapped times it’s the best deal you
can get on or off Broadway."
And here are some audience reactions,
as posted on Theatermania:
AmaliaM- "The
Seeing Place is a fresh young theater company and I was blown
away by
their recent
performance of "Closer" by Patrick Marber. Especially
impressive were the performances of the two female leads, Erin
Cronican and Elyse Fisher. Their raw honesty and vulnerability,
even while their characters connived and deceived each other, made
otherwise unsympathetic characters relatable and even lovable. This
is a challenging play and it was done brilliantly."
coden
- "Erin
Cronican, Brandon Walker, & Elyse
Fisher are perfection... Cronican's Anna is effortless & truly
lovely -- she is a gift to the stage. How do we have a fondness
for a
woman who flips between 2 men for over 3 years? We just do. Cronican's
honesty & brilliance has our heart at every turn...Watching
these 3 hearts unexpectedly break at the end of Act 1 is truly
haunting.
Go. See for yourself."
jenponton
- "The Seeing Place blew my socks off! "Closer"--a
story just drenched in mans way of shooting himself in the foot
time after time---was acted with such full-bodied humanity and
love. Cronican and Fisher absolutely GLOW as Anna and Alice,
and even the fairly despicable Dan and Larry are played with
so much vulnerability [by Walker & Velkov] that we ache watching
them stumble through their relationships. This production of "Closer" is
played with so much raw humanity and vulnerability that its impossible
to not be spellbound. DO see it before its done!"
rwatson225
- "Cronican, Walker and Fisher Superb!
Seamless, gimmick-free, deeply realized characterizations by
this mostly solid cast. Seeing Place Theatre Company has a knack
for this type of beautifully acted, rich work. I look forward
to seeing more from this superb company!"
taffy
- "Do
not be deceived by the $10 ticket price. This is truly great
theater
at any price. The Seeing Place
Theater did what Mike Nichols failed to do in the movie version
of Closer- they nailed it. If you want to see Patrick Marber's
fabulous play at its searing best, dont miss this brave production."
folial
-"As
someone who has reviewed many shows for various theater organizations,
I have to say that this
production of Closer left me speechless and thats hard to do. The
cast is very strong and told this story about mssed connection
and crimes of the heart with raw emotional conviction...Brandon
Walker, Erin Cronican, Elyse Fisher and Nick Velkov literally act
from their souls. Its like they take off their skin and become
vulnerable flesh. The result is a compelling, outstanding theatrical
experience. Go see this show NOW!!"
In other news, my musical
theater collective, ACTOR-OWN, is still going strong. This
spring/summer
we did
private readings
of the musicals,
CAMELOT (Guenevere), WICKED (Glinda), RENT (Maureen), LEGALLY
BLONDE (Elle) and CABARET (Sally.) This month, we take on
the challenging THE MOST HAPPY FELLA (Rosabella.) ACTOR-OWN
certainly
allows me to stretch my skills and develop strong connections
to characters I'm destined to play.
Check out a few of the
audio clips (along with some other live tracks) by shuffling
through the player to the left. I also have more clips (including
video) available on my Demos page.
October
17 & November 7 (9:15pm): Tanya Sings Jonatha (concert)
October 24 & November
14 (9:15pm): Moberly Sings DiFranco (concert)
Erin Cronican as
Co-Vocalist
I am thrilled to announce
that I'll be joining the award winning Tanya Moberly in
two fall concerts celebrating the music of Jonatha Brooke
(& The Story) and Ani DiFranco. I've got some lead vocals
and a bunch of really great duets and backups and I would
love to share this music with you!
All shows
will be at Don't
Tell Mama in Manhattan. All Shows at
9:15pm - $20 Cover / 2 drink minimum (cash only.) Reservations
can be taken via the link above.
November 6, 2011 (8pm):
"Nab-A-Date!" at Sunday Nights at Square One (new
musical showcase)
Erin Cronican as
Meaghan
Our amazing show, "Nab-A-Date!"
is being featured in this songwriter series for new musicals.
We'll be performing the show's 2 biggets numbers, and the
3 ladies solos (including mine, The Man Backstage - click
here to hear the demo.)
November
12, 2011 (7:30pm): Staten Island Philharmonic (benefit
concert)
Erin Cronican as
Soprano
I am so excited to be lending
my voice to this important fundraiser for the Staten Island
Philharmic. I'll be singing alongside friends and colleagues
Zach Wobensmith, Tony Imgrund and Blair Brown, singing
the tunes of Gershwin, Porter and Sondheim in a classic
4-part harmony format along with a 9-piece ensemble. More
details will be posted as they become available. (Note:
As usual, I found a way to be performing on my birthday!)
November 21, 2011:
North Atlantic(industry
reading of musical revival)
Erin Cronican as
Honey Snodgrass
I thrilled to have been
asked to play the role of Honey as the writers seek to
revive this musical spoof. At this reading, I am beyond
excited to announce that I'll be starring opposite Robert
Cucclioli (who'll be playing my dashing love interest.)
"North Atlantic is an affectionate
multi-level spoof of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals—set
in Eskimo land. With South Pacific as its closest touchstone,
this family musical features elements reminiscent of the
entire Rodgers and Hammerstein catalogue. Set somewhere
in the mysterious North Atlantic, it takes place sometime
after World War II. It tells how Honey Snodgrass and Melanie
Fong, members of the Iowa branch of the Teaching Corps,
find romance, bigotry, and a dream ballet in this exotic
region."
November
26, 2011 (7pm) : Broadway Concerts Direct (benefit
concert)
Erin Cronican as
Vocalist
I cannot be more excited
to be performing alongside Broadway greats Sarah Rice,
Marni Nixon, Raissa Katona Bennett and cabaret legends
Tanya Moberly, Deb Berman and Janice Hall in this concert
to benefit Zani's Furry Friends.
The show will be performed
at:
LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER
(West Bank Cafe)
407 W 42nd Street, New York City
RESERVATIONS: 212.695.6909
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE via SMARTTIX.COM
February-March
2012: Three
Sisters (play)
Erin Cronican as
Masha
The Seeing Place Theater,
known for intensely intimate ensemble work, is excited
to take on this modern translation of Chehov's class play
whose characters marry for duty, cheat for love,
and chase fulfillment in all sorts of ways – all
in the name of boredom.
The Seeing Place Theater,
known for intensely intimate ensemble work, is very excited
to be tackling this dark comedy, where no relationship
is what it seems when the boundaries of friendship, family
and lovers collide… spawned by one really, bad date.
ONGOING: ACTOR-OWN Musical
Reading Series (musical)
Erin Cronican as various characters
Every month, I take part in this
musical series, where actors assemble to perform the complete
score & libretto of well know musicals. See what they had to say
about our readings on Cabaret
Hotline Online...
So far, I
have starred as:
Amalia Balash in SHE LOVES ME
Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS
Eva Peron in EVITA
Millie Dillmount in THOROUGHLY
MODERN MILLIE
April in COMPANY
Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS
Florence in CHESS
Guenevere in CAMELOT
Glinda in WICKED
Maureen in RENT
Elle Woods in LEGALLY BLONDE
Sally Bowles in CABARET
Rosabella in THE MOST HAPPY FELLA
Emma in JEKYLL & HYDE
Ongoing-
The Salon (musical open mic)
Erin Cronican as
Singer
I take part in the weekly
Salon series, currently being hosted at Etc. Etc. in New
York City on Sunday nights, appearing with a roster of
singers for their open mic (7:00pm-10:30pm). There is a
cover charge
and drink minimum.
Erin is a part of the Mt.
Sinai School of Medicine's Standardized Patient Program.
This program helps medical students practice their clinical
skills on actors, who portray patients with certain ailments.
Ongoing-
CSW Global (improv)
Erin Cronican as
Trainer
Erin is a part of CSW Global
to deliver diversity training to corporations around the
country.
Recent Projects
November 2, 2011 (7:30pm):
The Iguana (variety show)
Erin Cronican as
Guest Vocalist
I'm delighted to be joining
Tanya Moberly at The Iguana to sing two tunes from her "Tanya
sings Jonatha" show. If you can't catch this performance,
you can see our full show one more time at Don't Tell Mama
(see above) on November 7.
September
21-October 9, 2011: Closer (play)
Erin Cronican as
Anna
The Seeing Place Theater,
known for intensely intimate ensemble work, revives Marber’s
penetrating parable of learning how to love in the modern
world. A Tony Nominated and Olivier Award Winner, Closer
has been called "one of the best plays of sexual politics
in the language." - The Sunday Times
Erin had a wonderful time
shooting this touching short film by writer/director Maderling
Suquet. More details
can be
found
on the film's Facebook
page, as well as their official
website.
September 3, 2011: Promo
Video for Camp Shohola/Netimus (film
promo)
Erin Cronican as
Hip Mom
Erin is thrilled to be helping
out filmmakers Ruben Rodas and Alain Aguilar (of Sky
Frame Pictures) as they shoot this professional promo
video for this beloved summer camp. This promo is being
shot in the gorgeous NEO Studios location in Manhattan.
Through
August 2011: WTFU (Film Festival
Selections)
This short film starring
Tony Winner Jarrod Emick & Tony Award nominee Andrea
McArdle, and Erin Cronican, has started its festival rounds
this spring. Directed by Joseph Sguera - see our IMDB
page. Check back here for details on festival entries!
July 10,
2011: WTFU (festival screening)
Erin Cronican as
Pam Phromm
Erin is excited to announce
that their film will be screening at the Long Island International
Film Expo (and she plans on being there!) More details
here. See the trailer and clips from the film by clicking
here.
June 3-9,
2011: WTFU (festival screening)
Erin Cronican as
Pam Phromm
Erin is excited to announce
that their film will be screening at the Hoboken International
Film Festival (and she plans on being there!) More details
here.
May 26, 2011: George & Elise (short
film- developmental workshop)
Erin Cronican as
Elise
I am thrilled to have
been asked to work with producer/writers Ross Carey and
Calvin Swaim on this hilarious short film. I'll be helping
them develop the lead character of Elise along with several
other actor/comedians. Keeping fingers crossed that we
can get the project funded for a summer shoot!
May 3, 2011: Industrial
Training Video (principal)
Erin Cronican as
Casey
Erin is shooting this
industrial training video for Pricewaterhouse Coopers,
playing corporate manager, Casey, who teaches her employee
about compliance issues when working overseas (fascinating
stuff!)
with
David Arthur Bachrach*, Michael Clay, Erin Cronican*,
Jorge Hoyos, Michael Jefferson, Ben Leasure, Ned Lynch,
Nathan Ramos, David Sedgwick*, Anna Marie Sell*,
Lindsay Teed*, and Brandon Walker* (*Member
AEA)
January
6, 2011: Twelfth Night (staged
reading)
Erin Cronican as
Maria
Erin is thrilled to be a
part of this reading, coinciding with the actual Twelfth
Night on January 6. This is a fundraiser event for The
Seeing Place Theater, who will be producing a full production
of the show in March/April 2011. I'll post more information
as details become available.
Erin is a part of the RogenSi
Team, delivering management training content to corporations
in New York City. As an actor, she helps executives with
role-playing techniques that allow them to practice enhanced
management skills.
