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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

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

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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

Theater Talk: Shakespeare in Delaware Park's RICHARD III very clear and timely, Anthony in NYC for Charles Busch reunion, Jean Smart's CALL ME IZZY, and MAYBE HAPPY ENDING. At the Shawfest, DEAR LIAR is engaging, ANYTHING GOES is over-the-top wonderful, and MAJOR BARBARA beautifully cast, including Fiona Byrne, who joins Anthony (and Neil Barclay and Philip Aiken) for the roundtable Saturday, August 9, at 10am in the Spiegeltent. Get your tickets today!

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Shakespeare in Delaware Park's 50th season opening of RICHARD III very clear and timely, Anthony in NYC for Charles Busch reunion, Jean Smart's CALL ME IZZY, and MAYBE HAPPY ENDING. At the Shawfest, DEAR LIAR is engaging, ANYTHING GOES is over-the-top wonderful, and MAJOR BARBARA beautifully cast, including Fiona Byrne, who join Anthony (and Neil Barclay and Philip Aiken) for the roundtable Saturday, August 9, at 10am in the Spiegeltent. Get your tickets today! (Complete Shaw listings below/attached.)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: Shakespeare in Delaware Park's 50th anniversary opens RICHARD III while the traveling, edited ROMEO AND JULIET, highly entertaining, continues. At the Shaw Festival, GNIT is engaging and funny as will be Anthony on August 9th, speaking in the Spiegeltent at Shawfest, after which we'll see BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Shakespeare in Delaware Park's 50th season opening of RICHARD III and the continuing, traveling, edited, excellent ROMEO AND JULIET. At the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake GNIT is a very entertaining take on PEER GYNT and a reminder that Saturday, August 9, at 10 am Anthony will be speaking in the "Spiegeltent" and then at 1 pm enjoying BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY (about the end of the Harlem Renaissance) at the adjacent Jackie Maxwell Theatre. (Complete Shaw listings below/attached.)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: R.I.P. Saul Elkin (1932 - 2025) founder of two (!) Buffalo theater companies, Shea's expansion, HERE WE SIT at new Evangola Community Theater, Buffalo's Michele Ragusa in WIZARD OF OZ at Maine's Ongonquit, Anthony also sees Bianca Marroquin in GUYS AND DOLLS.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter note the passing of Saul Elkin, at age 93, founder of Shakespeare in Delaware Park (the day after their 50th anniversary production of TWELFTH NIGHT closed) as well as the Jewish Repertory Theatre. Shea's Buffalo Theater's expansion plans are (temporarily, we hope) on hold pending the planning board's orders. The Evangola Community Theater opened with HERE WE SIT, a comedy, up through tomorrow evening. Anthony headed to New England first to the North Shore Music Theatre to see Buffalo's Michele Ragusa as "The Wicked Witch of the West" in THE WIZARD OF OZ (music by Buffalo's Harold Arlen), and at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine Rob McClure and Bianca Marroquin (back as "Roxy" on Broadway in the fall) star in GUYS AND DOLLS. Complete local listings (including Shawfest) are below.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: Shakespeare in Delaware Park's TWELFTH NIGHT merits multiple viewings. Also mentioned, a Long Island actor with a career re-enacting Napoleon... even though "his French is horrific!"

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter note how Shakespeare in Delaware Park's 50th anniversary production of TWELFTH NIGHT merits multiple viewings. Also see Anthony's piece in the GUSTO section of July 6 Buffalo News. And also in The News, picked up from The New York Times, an amusing story about a Long Island actor.Complete local listings (including Shawfest) are below.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: Neglia Ballet Gala Delivers Annual Delight; Shakespeare in Delaware Park Celebrates 50 Years as Founder Saul Elkin is doing well at home and daughter Rebecca stars in TWELFTH NIGHT with Daniel Lendzian as Malvolio; Broadway's DEAD OUTLAW closes but hopefully will tour.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter note how few ballets are produced in Buffalo, but Anthony did enjoy the Neglia Ballet Gala with 90 minutes of fine dancing from students, former students, and professionals flown in. Shakespeare in Delaware Park continues their 50th anniversary with TWELFTH NIGHT, and Anthony notes how Elizabethan audiences would have loved the subplot of the servants' revenge on the martinet Malvolio. Founder (50 years ago) of SiDP Saul Elkin at home doing well. And Anthony saw DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway (closed early) and hopes that it will tour. Recently Tony nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. Complete local listings (including Shawfest) are below.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: Vincent O'Neill leaves a huge legacy so so the show goes on! BACK TO THE FUTURE stunning production at Shea's, BETWEEN THE LINES a charming musical with great cast (Bellissima on the Allendale/TOY stage), and we have a new theater in town: The Evangola Community Theater with a comedy next month about.... community theater!

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter note the outpouring of love and gratitude for Vincent O'Neill's guidance over a more than one generation of actors and directors... and so so the show goes on! BACK TO THE FUTURE offers stunning production values at Shea's, BETWEEN THE LINES is a charming musical with a great cast (Bellissima on the Allendale/TOY stage), and we have a new theater in town: The Evangola Community Theater with a comedy next month about.... community theater! Complete local listings (including Shawfest) are below.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: We lost Vincent O'Neill (more next week); CRAZY FOR YOU at LOH with superb choreography and execution; MASS APPEAL appeals at Desiderio's; Ujima preps for GODSPELL; Many openings (see listings attached) including BACK TO THE FUTURE at Shea's

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter observe the passing of Irish Classical Theatre co-founder Vincent O'Neill (more next week). They rave about CRAZY FOR YOU (Eric Deeb Weaver, choreography), starring Eric Rivas and UB senior Audree Woods... only up through this Sunday, 6/22. Also fun, MASS APPEAL at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre in Cheektowaga. Anthony reports on early preparations for Ujima's GODSPELL. Complete local listings (including Shawfest) are below.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.
Theater Talk: 34th Annual Artie Awards were a joyous celebration this year at Asbury Hall.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter discuss the 34th Annual Artie Awards, sponsored by Buffalo Toronto Public Media, presented June 9, 2025 at Asbury Hall, in Buffalo, hosted by Anthony Chase, Curtis Lovell, and Amy Jakiel with Music Director Philip Farugia. Scroll all the way down to see the winners or visit theatertalkbuffalo.com. Also, complete listings are below!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: MASS APPEAL has mass appeal at Desiderio's; WOMEN LAUGHING ALONE WITH SALAD a must see closes soon; CROCODILE FEVER at Irish Classical has so many trigger warnings, how can you not go?!?; JOSHUA'S BOOTS, the opera opens tonight at First Shiloh (WNY listings attached)

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter discuss MASS APPEAL at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre, which is continuing, while WOMEN LAUGHING ALONE WITH SALAD is generating a lot of buzz but closes this weekend (a must-see). CROCODILE FEVER at Irish Classical comes with numerous trigger warnings, and Anthony shares how Buffalo's Prop Mistress to the Stars, Diane Almeter Jones, is learning to create reusable fake pools of blood. JOSHUA'S BOOTS, an opera by African American composer Adolphus Hailstork, is performing tonight and tomorrow afternoon at First Shiloh Baptist Church. Complete listings are below!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: Artie Nominations out; tickets on sale for June 9 at "Babeville;" WOMEN LAUGHING ALONE WITH SALAD and THE EARLY GIRL, both with strong female casts, funny, but with messages, and MASS APPEAL continues at Desiderio's (see listings).

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the Artie Awards Monday, June 9th at Asbury Hall on Delaware Avenue at 8 p.m. Amy Jakiel and Curtis Lovell return as hosts, along with Anthony Chase. Visit Anthony's blog theatertalkbuffalo.com for a complete list of nominations and visit babevillebuffalo.com/events/ for tickets. Anthony and Peter also enjoyed the strong cast in WOMEN LAUGHING ALONE EATING SALAD, currently up on the Alleyway stage. For 32 years (as of November 2024), Theater Talk has been appointment listening on BTPM NPR, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45am, 8:45am, and 5:45pm Fridays on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on btpm.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, The Stratford Festival, and Chautauqua are covered as are other relevant art forms for the stage, including ballet and opera