Watch Live

© 2026 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace St.
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040

Differing shades of blue wavering throughout the image

Watch Live

Give Now

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Theater Talk

Theater Talk: Disney's FROZEN at Shea's yet another Disney hit; Anthony opens up about his on-stage appearance in WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT

By Anthony Chase,

Peter Hall

Published September 17, 2021 at 5:30 AM EDT

Ways To Subscribe

The sisters Elsa and Anna in Disney's National Tour of FROZEN now at Shea's Buffalo.

After 18 months of hibernation, the Buffalo Theatre District was alive with crowds wearing masks and streaming into Shea's Buffalo for the long-awaited re-boot of the National Tour of Disney's FROZEN (in town through September 24). Caroline Bowman as Elsa has a big voice and bigger smile and her on-stage sister Anna (Caroline Innerbichler) is cute as a button and dances spectacularly with Austin Colby as Hans. Meanwhile, sharing the alley that connects Pearl Street and Main Street, the Alleyway Theatre continues it's different-actor-each-night run of WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT by Nassim Soleimanpour through October 2, 2021.

In Disney's North American tour of FROZEN at Shea's Buffalo Austin Colby and Caroline Innerbichler dance divinely

Tags

Anthony Chase

Listen for Theater Talk, Friday morning at 6:45 and 8:45 during Morning Edition.

See stories by Anthony Chase

Peter Hall

Even though "semi-retired," Peter Hall continues to wear many hats. He is the Sunday afternoon host on WBFO’s “sister station,” WNED Classical where he has produced over 1,000 radio interviews with musical artists. If you see him at a theater with a pen in his hand, he’s probably getting ready to co-host “Theater Talk” with Anthony Chase (heard Friday mornings at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on WBFO) or to write a review for www.buffalorising.com. He is also a member of the "Artie Awards" committee (think “Tony Awards for Buffalo theaters”).

See stories by Peter Hall

Latest Episodes

Anthony goes to NY, sees ABOUT TIME and TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK, which will undoubtedly come to Buffalo, while KIMBERLY AKIMBO does open at Shea's on Tuesday. THE BROTHERS SIZE (Ujima) extended, GOD OF CARNAGE (2nd Gen) closes Sunday, EXIT STRATEGY (RLTP) goes through 3/22, AN IRISH PLAY (ART of WNY) opens.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter discuss LUCKY STIFF (well done at Lancaster Opera House, although now closed), GOD OF CARNAGE (2nd Generation at the Smith Theatre), closing this weekend, and EXIT STRATEGY (Road Less Traveled) up through 3/22. Anthony went to NY to see ABOUT TIME, the third in the trilogy revue about the creators Richard Maltby and David Shire (of Buffalo), as well as TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK (a musical which will undoubtably come to Buffalo) and KIMBERLY AKIMBO which opens in Buffalo next Tuesday at Shea's. NOTE: One final performance added to THE BROTHERS SIZE this Friday, March 13 at 7:30pm! PLEASE SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews, especially his latest on the play SHELTERED.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Theater Talk: GOD OF CARNAGE (2nd Gen), DIARY OF A WIMPY KID (Theatre of Youth), and THE BROTHERS SIZE (Ujima) all worth checking out. (See listings attached).

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about GOD OF CARNAGE by Yasmina Reza (2nd Generation at the Smith Theatre) starring two "real life" couples (up through 3/15); DIARY OF A WIMPY KID THE MUSICAL very well produced at Theatre of Youth (through 3/14) and THE BROTHERS SIZE, very engaging at Ujima on Plymouth Avenue (closing this weekend). PLEASE SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews, especially his latest on the play SHELTERED.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Theatre Talk: Four solid shows close this weekend: PRECIOUS LITTLE, "FORUM," SHELTERED, and A SKULL IN CONNEMARA (thanks Keelie Sheridan for those excellent Irish Classical shows). EXIT STRATEGY continues at Road Less Traveled. Click through for listings.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about shows closing this weekend (last chances!): PRECIOUS LITTLE ("a little gem of a show," Brazen Faced Varlets at the Compass Performing Arts Center) and O'Connell & Co's non-traditional "FORUM" at Canterbury Woods. The excellent EXIT STRATEGY (directed by Scott Behrend who is back, baby!) continues at Road Less Traveled, and kudos to Keelie Sheridan of Irish Classical for bringing so many wonderful moments, including the deliciously Irish A SKULL IN CONNEMARAClick through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews, especially his latest on the play SHELTERED.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Theater Talk: SKULL IN CONNEMARA at Irish Classical is everything you'd want in an Irish play; SHELTERED (at JRT) and PRECIOUS LITTLE (Brazen Faced Varlets at ART) continue; four (4!) openings this weekend (see listings).

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about A SKULL IN CONNEMARA at Irish Classical, very Irish, simultaneously dark and hilarious. Brazen Faced Varlets continue PRECIOUS LITTLE at ART (545 Elmwood); at JRT's SHELTERED continues; and there are four (4!) openings this weekend (see listings).CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews, especially his latest on the play SHELTERED.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Theater Talk: SHELTERED at Jewish Repertory powerful, timely, great acting and directing. Read Anthony's blog, then go (up through 3/1). Alexandra McArthur stunning in new set at the Smith with Jazz great George Caldwall in "Lady Day..." through this weekend. Click through for complete listings.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about SHELTERED, a stunning and timely drama that begins as a screwball comedy but soon gets dramatic. Read Anthony's blog post on theatertalkbuffalo.com then go. Alexandra McArthur reprises her role as Billie Holiday with a wonderful jazz trio headed by Buffalo great George Caldwell. Good openings this weekend at Irish Classical, Desiderio's Dinner Theatre, and Brazen Faced Varlets at ART (545 Elmwood). CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews, especially his latest on the play SHELTERED.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Theater Talk: Last month, Musicals ruled. This month, it's plays! plays! plays! SHELTERED at Jewish Rep opened last night. Next week ON A FIRST NAME BASIS opens at Desiderio's. THE LITTLE PRINCE, presented with love at the Kenan Center's Taylor Theatre, closes this weekend, as does First Look's PRESERVATION at Canterbury Woods. See listings for much more.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about how January was all Musicals! Musicals! Musicals! and this February it's Plays! Plays! Plays! including THE LITTLE PRINCE, closing this weekend at Lockport's Taylor Theater. First Look's new play, PRESERVATION, about a locked-away secret, closes at Canterbury Woods. Desiderio's Dinner Theatre will open next week with ON A FIRST NAME BASIS, and Jewish Repertory Theatre opened last night with a hard-hitting play about moral choices and resisting fascism with SHELTERED, set in 1939 but a very timely play. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Theater Talk: BTPM Broadway trip favorites? OPERATION MINCEMEAT and MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, locally it was SHREK (hopefully it will come back on a bigger stage?), MAMMA MIA! (2nd Gen) and PRESERVATION (First Look) continue, looking forward to A SKULL IN CONNEMARA at Irish. See listings.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Peter's recent trip with BTPM listeners to Broadway where his favorites were, in order, OPERATION MINCEMEAT, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, JUST IN TIME, and THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. Back home, it would be good if O'Connell & Co. would bring backSHREK: THE MUSICAL, highly entertaining. Props to director Daniel Lendzian, to everyone on stage (many supporting roles taken by actors who have been leads in other productions), and to Nick Lama as Shrek, Jake Hayes as Donkey, and Joey Bucheker as Lord Farquaad. Looking forward to A SKULL IN CONNEMARA at Irish Classical. At Shea's 710, Second Generation's MAMMA MIA! continues to be a huge hit, while PRESERVATION by Deborah Yarchun (author of THE ALEPH COMPLEX seen at the Alleyway) continues at Canterbury Woods. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Theater Talk: BTPM Broadway trip a success, Shea's celebrates 100th anniversary, while Shea's 710 has MAMMA MIA! and Shea's Smith has SHREK: THE MUSICAL. Off Main Street RENT continues in Lockport, and two new plays opened: BLOOD ON LINOLEUM OR RETAIL HORROR (apt title) and PRESERVATION. (See listings)

This week on Theater Talk, Peter (on the BTPM Broadway Trip to see JUST IN TIME, OPERATION MINCEMEAT, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, and MAYBE HAPPY ENDING) and Anthony talk about Shea's 100th anniversary (to the day, Friday, January 16) which featured performers from shows currently on stage at other sold-out or nearl so venues, including (next door at Shea's Smith Theatre) SHREK: THE MUSICAL is highly entertaining. Down the block, at Shea's 710, Second Generation's MAMMA MIA! is a huge hit, that after the title song never stops for air, with a real who's who of Buffalo talent on stage and off. First Look successfully opened a new play, PRESERVATION by Deborah Yarchun (author of THE ALEPH COMPLEX seen at the Alleyway) as did Post Industrial Productions with BLOOD ON LINOLEUM OR RETAIL HORROR, (the title is apt), a new play by local playwright Ian Downes; and after dinner at Seamus in Lockport, Anthony saw Sean Ryan reprise his role as "Mark" in RENT. PLEASE SEE LISTINGS. Check out Anthony's blog theatertalkbuffalo.com, and remember: when getting tickets for anywhere, but especially the three Shea's venues, please go through Shea's box office, the producing company, or Ticketmaster. But DO NOT buy tickets from any other third-party vendor. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Theater Talk: Anthony reads Elizabeth Ashley's memoir, has some Broadway insights, and talks of openings, including a quick run-through of this very, very busy local opening weekend

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony talks about reading a gift copy of Elizabeth Ashley's 1978 memoir "Actress: Postcards from the Road," leading to thoughts of a current equally "bankable" Broadway star, Laurie Metcalf, who will be appearing with Nathan Lane in DEATH OF A SALESMAN starting in April . Also coming to Broadway this early spring are EVERY BRILLIANT THING starring Daniel Radcliffe; Andrew Lloyd Weber's reimagined CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (to star André De Shields and Buffalo's Dudney Joseph, Jr.); and French Canadian Céline Dion's jukebox musical titled TITANIQUE. Meanwhile, local openings this week include MAMMA MIA! (2nd Gen at Shea's 710); First Look will open with a new play, PRESERVATION by Deborah Yarchun (author of THE ALEPH COMPLEX seen at the Alleyway); and Post Industrial Productions opens with BLOOD ON LINOLEUM OR RETAIL HORROR, a new play by local playwright Ian Downes; Sean Ryan is in RENT in Lockport, and for a great musical sendup, O'Connell & Co. opens with SHREK, THE MUSICAL. PLEASE SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Theater Talk: Peter Shaffer's BLACK COMEDY at Desiderio's, funny!, great food, and the only show in town, then next week theaters explode with MAMMA MIA! , PRESERVATION, SHREK, LADY DAY, and Sean Ryan (the actor, not the mayor) stars in RENT. Click through for listings through February. And Anthony has a bittersweet story about a favorite Manhattan restaurant closing and a meal with Veanne Cox.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter note only one show up locally, Peter Shaffer's BLACK COMEDY, closing this weekend at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre (at Bobby J's Italian Grill in Cheektowaga - "Gateway to Depew"). Next week's openings include MAMMA MIA! starring Michele Marie Roberts, Kelly Copps, and Broadway’s Bethany Moore (as close as we're ever going to get to Gwen Verdon). First Look will open with PRESERVATION by Deborah Yarchun (author of THE ALEPH COMPLEX seen at the Alleyway). The very busy Sean Ryan (the red-headed actor, not the mayor) will star in RENT at the Lockport Palace Theatre. But there's so much more! SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.