Find Out What's Happening Locally In Our Albany NY News Roundup

Proctors and Capital Repertory Theatre Unveil Exciting 2025-26 Seasons

The Capital Region’s theater scene is set for another thrilling year as Proctors and Capital Repertory Theatre (theREP) have officially announced their 2025-26 seasons. Revealed during the annual Season Announcement Bash on March 10, the lineup includes Broadway blockbusters, bold new works, and beloved classics that promise to captivate audiences.

Proctors' KeyBank Broadway Series will feature a wonderful mix of musicals, including:

• A Beautiful Noise (Sept. 23-28, 2025) – The Neil Diamond musical memoir
• Spamalot (Jan. 6-11, 2026) – Monty Python’s legendary comedy
• The Sound of Music (March 17-22, 2026) – The Rodgers & Hammerstein favorite
• Water for Elephants (April 7-12, 2026) – A visually stunning adaptation of the bestselling novel
• & Juliet (April 28-May 3, 2026) – A fresh, pop-fueled reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic
• The Outsiders (May 19-24, 2026) – The Tony-winning coming-of-age musical
• Moulin Rouge! The Musical (June 2-7, 2026) – The dazzling Broadway spectacle

At theREP, theatergoers can expect a season of thought-provoking and entertaining productions:

• Becky Nurse of Salem (Sept. 26-Oct. 19, 2025) – A dark comedy about history, magic, and redemption
• Murder for Two: Holiday Edition (Nov. 28-Dec. 28, 2025) – A madcap musical mystery perfect for the season
• Archduke (March 6-29, 2026) – A darkly comic retelling of the events leading to WWI
• Dodi & Diana (April 24-May 17, 2026) – A gripping drama exploring love, fate, and celebrity
• Mystic Pizza (July 10-Aug. 9, 2026) – A nostalgic, feel-good musical based on the classic film

Subscribers to both theaters will also get exclusive early access to Wicked at Proctors (Oct. 29-Nov. 9, 2025) before single tickets go on sale.

Season subscriptions for Proctors and theREP are available now, offering the best seats and exclusive perks. Single tickets will be released at a later date. For more information, visit atproctors.org or attherep.org.

Guptill's Skating Arena Celebrates 75 Years & Historic Recognition 

Guptill's Rolling Skating Arena in Cohoes has long been known as the world's largest indoor skating rink, but now they have another accolade to boast about:

The 4th-generation, family-owned business has now been in operation for 75 years *and* they're on the New York Historic Business Preservation Registry.

To make this registry, a business has to have been in operation for at least 50 years, and have contributed to the community's history in a meaningful way.

Nominations to the registry must be sponsored by an elected state official. State Senator Jake Ashby facilitated this honor.

Known for the incredible rolling skating rink, legendary ice cream stand, and 50s and 60s nostalgia, Guptill's has been welcoming generations of local families for decades.

They've certainly earned their mark as a historic, thriving business with a hugely positive impact on the Capital Region, and we look forward to the ice cream stand opening this spring!

Photos provided.

Sources: 

• News 10 ABC: Longtime roller skating arena in Latham makes state historic business registry
• Spotlight News: The legacy of Guptill's Roller Skating Arena rolls on with historic registry

Uncommon Grounds Brews Up Excitement with New Empire State Plaza Location

The popular coffee shop Uncommon Grounds, which is known across the Capital Region for its freshly crafted bagels and artisanal coffee, has formally launched a new location at Albany's Empire State Plaza.

This is a great addition to the Plaza's dining scene, providing locals, employees, and visitors with a welcoming new place to get a nice cup of coffee, breakfast, or lunch.

Customers can enjoy all their favorites, from specialty coffee blends and homemade cream cheeses to hand-rolled bagels, fresh pastries, and a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches. It's the best choice for a morning pick-me-up or a relaxing lunch.

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy celebrated the opening, stating, “I encourage everyone making a stop at the Plaza to pass by and enjoy some of their delicious tributes to a true New York staple.”

Plan your visit to the new Uncommon Grounds location, open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. See for yourself why people can't get enough for their coffee and bagels!

Daisuki Brings Tokyo-Style Nightlife to Troy

Get a taste of Tokyo nightlife in Troy, NY, with the opening of Daisuki, a new Japanese bar that recently debuted at 8 Second Street on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The intimate spot, developed by restaurant entrepreneur Vic Christopher, is inspired by his travels to Japan and aims to bring an authentic Tokyo-style bar experience to the area. Unlike a typical bustling pub, Daisuki will embrace a small-scale, late-night ambiance, perfect for those looking to unwind with a carefully curated selection of Japanese drinks.

With seating for only 10 to 15 patrons, Daisuki will create an exclusive and cozy atmosphere, allowing guests to fully appreciate its specialty sake and Japanese whisky offerings. A small selection of Japanese canned meat and seafood will be available too.

The bar will also feature a vinyl-only music experience, setting the mood with warm analog sounds that complement the refined drink selection.

Daisuki is set to operate during late-night hours, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. For the latest updates about the business, visit their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/daisuki_bar/

Source: Times Union