This October, Nyack’s riverside streets will transform into a vibrant cultural hub as the Phoenix Festival: Live Arts in Nyack returns for its fourth dynamic year. Featuring live theater, dance, and music, the festival honors Nyack’s rich creative culture and draws visitors from across the tri-state area.
Each show is presented as a one-night-only performance, making each event a can’t-miss experience.
Festival Highlights
“Sugar Ray”
A powerful solo performance chronicling the life of boxing legend Sugar Ray Robinson, starring multi Audelco Award-winning Reginald L. Wilson and will be performed on Friday, October 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at The Angel Nyack.
“The Odyssey”
A one-hour theatrical retelling of Homer’s Book 2, created and performed by Broadway veteran and Legend Robe Winner, Joseph Medeiros. The performance will take place on Saturday, October 4th at 2:30 p.m. at The Nyack Library. 
“Out of the Hat”
Four commissioned short plays by local playwrights, performed impromptu by actors who draw their roles out of a hat, are handed a script, and given just five minutes to prepare before performing a fully staged reading performance. This unpredictable and usually a bit wild show will take place on Tuesday, October 7th at 7:30 p.m. at The Nyack Center.
Community Event Highlight: “The Crucible”
The Firebird Project, in association with Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, proudly presents a new revival of Arthur Miller’s timeless and politically charged classic. Presented as a Public Works performance, this production will feature an ensemble of community members, creating a powerful, immersive experience that brings fresh urgency to one of America’s most enduring plays on Sunday, October 5, 4:00 p.m. at The Nyack Center.
“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill”
Filled with Billie Holiday’s popular songs and powerful memories, Lanie Robertson’s multi-award-winning play recreates Billie’s final performance. This will take place on Friday, October 10th, 7:00 p.m. at Prohibition River Rose Hall.
Each Fall, Nyack reminds us of what happens when a whole community says yes to live art. From a one-night-only Sugar Ray to Homer’s The Odyssey, to a community-powered Crucible, this year’s festival brings world-class artists in theatre, dance, music and comedy to the Hudson Valley. It’s about great stories, local pride, and the creative energy that fuels our local economy all presented in venues throughout the village. Grab a Flex Pass, bring friends, and come help us make the magic together.
Craig Smith, Co-Founder of Phoenix Theatre Ensemble and Executive Director of the Festival
Founded in 2022, Phoenix Festival: Live Arts in Nyack is an annual celebration of live theater, dance, music, local culture, and the creative spirit of community. The festival is hosted and produced by the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, an internationally recognized leader in classical and contemporary theater and winner of multiple prestigious awards for excellence in theater arts. The Ensemble– founded in New York City in 2004–- makes Rockland County its second artistic home. Rockland County residents, PTE Artistic Director Elise Stone and PTE Executive Director Craig Smith, serve as the festival’s leadership, engaging local, county and New York State institutions, educational organizations, businesses and non-profits in support of the festival.
The 2025 Phoenix Festival Flexible Admission Passes allow guests to use tickets in any combination across select performances. The 4 Ticket Pass saves attendees $20 compared to four standard adult tickets. For an upgraded experience, the VIP 6 Ticket Pass includes six flexible tickets plus the perk of reserved seating when arranged with the box office at least 24 hours in advance. Both passes can only be redeemed for specific shows listed on the festival website.
Tickets to all Phoenix Festival performances are $38.00. All venues are subject to capacity limits, and smaller venues fill up quickly.
For tickets and additional details, call Phoenix Theatre Ensemble Box Office at 833-681-4800 or visit the official website: liveartsinnyack.com.
Full Festival Schedule
Date Show/Event; Venue
Fri. Oct 3, 7:00 p.m. – Sugar Ray – The Angel Nyack
Sat. Oct 4, 2:30 p.m. – The Odyssey – The Nyack Library
Sun. Oct 5, 4:00 p.m. – The Crucible – The Nyack Center
Mon. Oct 6, 6:00 p.m. – Larry Parks’ Day In Court – The Nyack Library
Tue. Oct 7, 7:30 p.m. – Out of the Hat – The Nyack Center
Wed. Oct 8, 6:30 p.m. – Bloopers & Flubs – Big Red Books (Free event, reservations required)
Wed. Oct 8, 7:30p.m. – Ashley Everhart – Prohibition River Rose Hall
Thu. Oct 9, 7:00 p.m. – Emotions Physical Theatre – The Angel Nyack
Fri. Oct 10, 7:00 p.m. – Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill – Prohibition River Rose Hall
Sat. Oct 11, 3:00 p.m. – Sermons on Miranda Lambert By Blessed Unrest – Prohibition River
Sat. Oct 11, 7:00 p.m. – Midsummer Night’s Dream by Drilling Company Theatre – The Nyack Center
Tue. Oct 14, 7:00 p.m. Crusoe – The Angel Nyack
Wed. Oct 15, 7:00 p.m. Afterplay by Brian Friel – Hudson House (Upstairs)
Thu, Oct 16. 6:30 p.m. – Dr. Uncanny Presents: Moreau ‘96 – Prohibition River /Rose Hall
Thu, Oct 16. 8:00 p.m. – Festival Closing Night Party – Prohibition River /Rose Hall
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