Phoenix Festival 2025: Nyack Celebrates Performing Arts with ‘One Night Only’ Performances Oct 3–16

Nyack’s riverside streets will transform into a vibrant hub of culture this October as the Phoenix Festival: Live Arts in Nyack returns for its fourth dynamic year. With live theater, dance, and music, this multi-day celebration offers one special performance of each extraordinary show. The festival honors Nyack’s rich creative culture and draws visitors from across the tri-state area, thanks to its popularity as an easy day trip by car, train, or bus.

Festival Highlights (Oct 3–16)

• “Sugar Ray” – A poignant biographical solo show chronicling boxing legend Sugar Ray Robinson, starring multi Audelco Award-winning Reginald L. Wilson, live Friday, October 3rd, 7:00 PM at The Angel Nyack https://liveartsinnyack.com/sugarayfestival2025
• “The Odyssey” – An epic, one-hour Ancient Greek rendition of Homer’s Book 2, created and performed by Broadway veteran and Legend Robe Winner, Joseph Medeiros on Saturday, October 4th, 2:30 PM at The Nyack Library https://liveartsinnyack.com/theoddessyfestival25
• “Out of the Hat” – Four commissioned short plays by Rockland playwrights performed impromptu by actors whose roles are determined by drawing names out of a hat, handed a script, and given 5 minutes to prepare before performing a fully staged reading performance. – unpredictable and usually a bit wild on Tuesday, October 7th, 7:30 PM at The Nyack Center https://liveartsinnyack.com/out-of-the-hat-festival25.
• 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 masterpiece. Something is wrong with the children of Salem, and their parents are desperate to set it right. As suspicion spreads and old grudges resurface, a wave of moral panic threatens to tear their society apart. Presented as a Public Works performance, this groundbreaking 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. Sunday, October 5, 2025, 4:00 PM at The Nyack Center https://liveartsinnyack.com/thecruciblefestival25
• “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” - Filled with Billie Holiday’s popular songs and her powerful memories, Lanie Robertson’s multi-award-winning play recreates Billie’s final performance. Friday, October 10th, 7:00 PM at Prohibition River Rose Hall https://liveartsinnyack.com/ladydayfestival25

“Each Fall, Nyack reminds us of what happens when a whole community says yes to live art.” said Craig Smith, Co-Founder of Phoenix Theatre Ensemble and Executive Director of the Festival. “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.”

Festival History & Community Impact
In 2022, Nyack joined the roster of world-class arts events with Phoenix Festival: Live Arts in Nyack, 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. Founded in New York City in 2004, the Ensemble is proud to make 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.

Tickets
The 2025 Phoenix Festival Flexible Admission Passes offer great value and convenience, allowing you to use your tickets in any combination across select performances. The 4 Ticket Pass saves you $20 compared to four standard adult tickets, perfect for bringing friends to one show or attending multiple events solo. 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 call Phoenix Theatre Ensemble Box Office at 833-681-4800 or reserve on website: https://liveartsinnyack.com

About Nyack
Nyack, New York, is a charming and historic village nestled on the western bank of the Hudson River, just north of the Mario Cuomo Bridge. The picturesque Main Street is lined with a diverse array of independent shops, art galleries, and restaurants, giving the town a vibrant and creative atmosphere. Nyack's rich history is evident in its Victorian architecture and its past as a haven for artists and writers, including the legendary Edward Hopper, whose childhood Nyack home is now a museum, and Helen Hayes, the ‘First lady of American Theatre.’ The village offers stunning views of the Hudson and the surrounding Palisades, and its waterfront parks provide a perfect setting for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities. With its unique blend of small-town charm, artistic flair, and natural beauty, Nyack remains a popular destination for both residents and visitors seeking a tranquil escape with a touch of urban sophistication.

FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Date & TimeShow/Event & Venue

Fri, Oct 3, 7:00PM
SUGAR RAY @ The Angel Nyack

Sat, Oct 4, 2:30PM
THE ODYSSEY @ The Nyack Library

Sun, Oct 5, 4:00PM
THE CRUCIBLE @ The Nyack Center

Mon, Oct 6, 6:00PM
LARRY PARKS’ DAY IN COURT @ The Nyack Library

Tue, Oct 7, 7:30PM
OUT OF THE HAT @ The Nyack Center

Wed, Oct 8, 6:30PM
BLOOPERS & FLUBS @ Big Red Books (Free event, reservations required)

Wed, Oct 8, 7:30PM
ASHLEY EVERHART @ Prohibition River Rose Hall

Thu, Oct 9, 7:00PM
EMOTIONS PHYSICAL THEATRE @ The Angel Nyack

Fri, Oct 10, 7:00PM
LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL @ Prohibition River Rose Hall

Sat, Oct 11, 3:00PM
SERMONS ON MIRANDA LAMBERT BY BLESSED UNREST @ Prohibition River

Sat, Oct 11, 7:00PM
MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM by Drilling Company Theatre @ The Nyack Center

Tue, Oct 14, 7:00PM
CLARA CROFT IN THE AMULET OF ISIS @ The Angel Nyack

Wed, Oct 15, 7:00PM
AFTERPLAY by Brian Friel @ Hudson House (Upstairs)

Thu, Oct 16, 6:30PM
DR. UNCANNY PRESENTS: MOREAU ‘96 @ Prohibition River / Rose Hall

Thu, Oct 16, 8:00PM
FESTIVAL CLOSING NIGHT PARTY @ Prohibition River / Rose Hall

For additional details visit https://liveartsinnyack.com/ or call the Box Office at 833-681-4800