© 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
Give Now
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Theater seats and the bottom of the graphic with a white THEATER TALK logo on the top half
Theater Talk

Theater Talk: Succession problems at the African American Cultural Center, home of Paul Robeson Theatre, might be a 'wake up call' for other non-profits.

By Anthony Chase,
Peter Hall
Published September 24, 2021 at 5:00 AM EDT
Ways To Subscribe
SPEED OF DARK at American Repertory Theater (L to R) Quentin Gray, Hugh Davis, Vincenzo McNeill, Monish Bhattacharyya
American Repertory Theater of WNY
/
American Repertory Theater of WNY
SPEED OF DARK at American Repertory Theater (L to R) Quentin Gray, Hugh Davis, Vincenzo McNeill, Monish Bhattacharyya

Since the January 2020 death of Agnes Bain, Executive Director since 1979 at the African American Cultural Center (AACC), 350 Masten Avenue, finding a permanent replacement has proved difficult and even led to an on-street protest last week. The current ED, Tina Washington Abubeker, wrote an impassioned Letter to the Editor of The Buffalo Challenger.

Meanwhile, two beloved actors from the AACC's venerable Paul Robeson Theatre, Hugh Davis and Vincenzo McNeill, can be seen in the current American Repertory Theatre's production of African-American playwright Mark Humphrey's SPEED OF DARK.

OPENING:

BETSY CARMICHAEL'S BINGO PALACE starring Joey Bucheker at Shea's Smith Theatre, 658 Main Street (September 25 - October 23) 716-847-0850

CONTINUING:

TRIAL BY JURY by Gilbert & Sullivan and MR. JERICHO by Ford and Greenback, a double bill, presented by Opera-Lytes September 25 and 26. All performances will take place OUTDOORS at 2 pm at the Community Music School, 217 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo. (716) 391-0033 https://operalytes.com/mr-jericho-and-trial-by-jury/

WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT at The Alleyway Theater continues through October 2. with a different Buffalo actor on stage each night. For the final five shows that's Don Gervasi* - September 24, Joyce Stilson - September 25, Charmagne Chi - September 30, Brandon Williamson - October 1, and Norman Sham* - October 2. https://www.alleyway.com/

SPEED OF DARK, by local African-American playwright Mark Humphries, directed by Matthew LaChiusa, presented by American Repertory Theater of WNY at Compass Performing Arts Center (the old "Theaterloft" now Compass Performing Arts Center at 545 Elmwood Avenue) continues through October 2 featuring Quentin Gray, Hugh Davis, Vincenzo McNeill, Monish Bhattacharyya (see photo). Davis and McNeill are two of the Paul Robeson's most recognizable actors. Worth checking out. https://speedofdark.bpt.me/

FROM HONKY TONK TO PROTEST: A WOMAN’S VIEW OF COUNTRY MUSIC, a musical conceived by Loraine O'Donnell, directed by Lynne Kurdziel Formato, continues at The Kavinoky Theater through October 3.

TO THE NEW GIRL by Samantha Macher, directed by Leyla Gentil, presented by First Look, produced by Pandora Kew and Vanessa Shevat is on stage at the New Phoenix Theatre, 95 Johnson Park in Buffalo through October 3 starring: Kari Becker, Mary Craig, Ciara Davie, Sarah Emmerling, Pandora Kew, Jessie Miller, Kathleen Recchoine, Kathryn Schneider, Vanessa Shevat, and Davida Tolbert.

https://www.firstlookbuffalo.com/

CAMELOT by Lerner and Loewe at MusicalFare in a small cast version by David Lee, co-directed by Carlos R.A. Jones and Victoria Pérez, continues through October 17 featuring Darryl Semira as Arthur, Gabby McKinley as Guenevere, Alejandro Gabriél Gómez as Lancelot, Arin Lee Dandes as Mordred, and Sam Crystal, Sabrina Kahwaty, and Josh Wilde in a variety of roles. https://musicalfare.com/shows/mainstage/event:camelot-2021/

CLOSING:

FROZEN at Shea's Performing Arts Center 646 Main Street closes after tonight's 7:30 pm performance. Good seats are still available both in advance and night of as "rush" tickets.

OPENING IN OCTOBER:

TOOTSIE (national tour) opens at Shea's Buffalo Theatre October 10.

TRIBUTE opens at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre October 13 at Bobby J's American Grill

ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT presented by the Brazen Faced Varlets (October 8 - 23) at the Alleyway Main Theatre.

AMERICAN SON presented by Ujima (October 8 - 23) at 429 Plymouth in Buffalo

CHORUS LINE presented by O'Connell & Co. (October 15 - 31) at 3200 Elmwood Avenue

PHOTOGRAPH 51 presented by Jewish Repertory Theatre (October 21 - November 14) in the Jewish Community Center in Getzville.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME presented by "All for One" Productions at Shea's 710 Theatre (October 28 - November 14)

SOMETHING WICKED presented by American Repertory Theatre (October 28 - November 20) 545 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo

WOMAN IN BLACK presented by the Kavinoky Theatre (Ocdtober 29 - November 21)

Tags
2021 Theater TalkWBFO Arts & Culture DeskWBFO NewsPaul Robeson TheatreAfrican American Cultural Center
Anthony Chase
Listen for Theater Talk, Friday morning at 6:45 and 8:45 during Morning Edition.
See stories by Anthony Chase
Peter Hall
Peter Hall has worn many hats. After 20 years of presenting music to listeners 5 days a week, Peter Hall retired, well mostly. Over the course of two decades, Peter’s distinctive voice and were heard by over a million listeners as host of CD Saturday, Mid Day Classics, and Afternoon Classics on BTPM Classical.
See stories by Peter Hall
Latest Episodes
  • In HIS GIRL WATSON Anna Fernandez stars in title role at the Alleyway
    Theater Talk: Anna Fernandez stars in HIS GIRL WATSON at the Alleyway, A FEW GOOD MEN (Road Less Traveled at Shea's 710) stays true to Sorkin's original script, the stunning GIRL ON AN ALTAR (Irish Classical) shows Clytemnestra as the wronged party, and THE BOOK OF MORMON opens a short run tonight at Shea's.
    This week on Theater Talk, it's all in the one block "Theatre District" as Anthony and Peter talk about Anna Fernandez, about to leave for New York, starring brilliantly in HIS GIRL WATSON: A SHERLOCK NOIR at the Alleyway; while down Main St. Aaron Sorkin's A FEW GOOD MEN (it was this play before it was a movie) stays true to the original (no sappy Hollywood love interest); GIRL ON AN ALTAR by Irish playwright Marina Carr at Irish Classical shows us that for once, Clytemnestra isn’t the monster, she’s the wounded one; and THE BOOK OF MORMON returns to Shea's for a limited run. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • GIRL ON AN ALTAR, an adaptation of Greek myth, opens at Irish Classical starring Keelie Sheridan, Jorge Luna and more
    Theater Talk: What a week! Pride, Tonys, Arties! Shakespeare has touring show FOOLS & FOES up and in neighborhoods, PERICLES opens soon. Both Marina Carr's GIRL ON AN ALTAR and Aaron Sorkin's A FEW GOOD MEN open, and THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE continues at Torn Space.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter reflect on a busy weekend with Pride, the Tonys (remember Anthony called SCHMIGADOON as best musical), and the 2026 Artie Awards (35th annual!) held Monday June 8, at Babeville, hosted by Anthony Chase, Jake Hayes, Maria Pedro with music direction by Joe Isgar and stage management by Emma English. THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, a collaboration of Torn Space and BUA continues. FOOLS AND FOES, the touring production of Shakespeare in Delaware Park just opened and next week PERICLES opens on the Saul Elkin stage in the park. Aaron Sorkin's A FEW GOOD MEN (it was a play before it was a movie) opened last night; GIRL ON AN ALTAR (think Greek tragedy) by Irish playwright Marina Carr opens tonight at Irish Classical. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS. Did you do that?SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • In THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE Anthony Alcoser as Miss Georgia McBride is workin' it.jpg
    Theater Talk: Artie Awards (Buffalo's "Tonys") Monday, June 8 at Babeville. BUA & Torn Space's THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE is a great story just in time for Pride month, and SUFFS, the Broadway musical at Shea's, also gets its point across with a lot of sass. Both highly recommended. Happy Pride! See you at the Arties!
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the 2026 Artie Awards, Monday June 8, at Babeville, doors open at 7, show is at 8, with red carpet photography, and judging for best outfits, hosted on stage by Anthony Chase, Jake Hayes, Maria Pedro with music direction by Joe Isgar (click through for nominations) and, as always, profits go to support local Western New York HIV/AIDS charities. THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, a collaboration of Torn Space and BUA, is as fabulous as you'd expect from the cast list, and SUFFS, at Shea's, is very satisfying as both a Broadway musical and as a feel-good history lesson. But that closes this weekend as does the Jewish Repertory Theatre's JUST FOR US. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS. Did you do that?SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • SUFFS National Tour opens at Shea's on Tuesday
    Theater Talk: 35 annual Artie Nominations announced (Awards are June 8 at Babeville) and there's merch! (To pre-order Tee scroll down.) Bellissima's GHOST THE MUSICAL very entertaining, but closes this weekend. THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE opens tonight at Torn Space. Anthony has seen SUFFS (coming to Shea's) and declares "It's a gorgeous show!"
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the 2026 Artie Award nominations, which are posted below and on theatertalkbuffalo.com. The Artie Awards will take place on Monday, June 8, 2026. Doors open at 7 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m., and pre-ordered t-shirt purchases can be picked up at the event. To order your 35th anniversary Artie tee-shirt, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-artie-store (T-shirts cost $25 and profits from sales go to support local Western New York HIV/AIDS charities.) Both Anthony and Peter really liked Bellissima's GHOST THE MUSICAL, which closes this weekend. THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, a collaboration of Torn Space and BUA, opens tonight. Jewish Repertory continues JUST FOR US. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • Bellissima's GHOST stars include L-R Alex Reiser, Heather Casseri, Chris Cummings
    Theater Talk: It's award season! Tony nominations are in, Arties return to Babeville, June 8th; JUST FOR US at Jewish Rep is timely and funny; younger stars to watch these days include Quinn McGillion, Glen Chitty (HAIRSPRAY thru 5/24), and Alex Reiser with Heather Casseri in GHOST (thru 5/30); GEORGIA MCBRIDE opens 5/29.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the awards season, with Tony nominations out and voting for the 2026 Artie Awards wrapping up. On Monday, June 8, the Arties will return to Babeville. There's a new group of triple-threat young men on stages, including Quinn McGillion and, currently, Glen Chitty in HAIRSPRAY, and Alex Reiser in Bellissima Production's GHOST. Great anticipation is building for THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, a collaboration of Torn Space and BUA. Jewish Repertory has been on top of contemporary issues, and JUST FOR US is, believe it or not, a funny take on white supremacists. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • MusicalFare's HAIRSPRAY stars include, front, L-R Glen Chitty, Stevie Lou Kemp, Lou Colaiacovo, Bobby Cooke
    Theater Talk: Anthony is one-upped by his baby sister; winning shows continue, HAIRSPRAY (MusicalFare at Shea's 710) with a cast of 22 and JUST FOR US (Jewish Repertory) with a cast of 1. Last weekend to see CURTAINS (O'Connell & Co.), CORDUROY at Theatre of Youth, GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY (Stephen King & John Mellencamp musical at Road Less Traveled), and PURE GLITTER (2nd Gen at Shea's Smith).
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the Buff State Drama Club's Lavender Graduation (for LGBTQ+ students and allies), where Anthony was the speaker while his kid sister, Bobbie Chase, former editor for Marvel and DC comics, was the commencement speaker at the main graduation event. HAIRSPRAY (MusicalFare at Shea's 710) sports a high-energy cast of 22 (see photo) with superb 60's choreography by Eric Deeb Weaver. For a compelling show with a cast of 1 (Jordan Levin) check out Jewish Repertory's JUST FOR US about an observant Jew who attends a meeting of white supremacists. Believe it or not, it's touching and funny. Closing this weekend are some winning shows: Kander & Ebb's CURTAINS, the musical (O'Connell & Co. at Canterbury Woods) with great choreography by Joey Bucheker, with Nick Lama in the comic/romantic lead role opposite Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci; for the 3+ set, CORDUROY at Theatre of Youth; GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY, a musical collaboration of Stephen King and John Mellancamp, closes at Road Less Traveled; and PURE GLITTER (2nd Gen at Shea's Smith) a very funny play reminiscent of, but gentler than, "The Boys in the Band." SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • PURE GLITTER (2nd Generation at Shea's Smith) all cast
    Theater Talk: So many shows to choose from! MusicalFare's HAIRSPRAY, Starring Buffalo's RENT, O'Connell's CURTAINS, Theater of Youth's CORDUROY, Kenan's COMPLETE SHAKESPEARE, and 2nd Generation's PURE GLITTER. Click and scroll for complete listings.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about HAIRSPRAY (MusicalFare at Shea's 710) starring Louis Colaiacovo as Edna Turnblad; RENT (one matinee only) on the "big" stage at Shea's PAC; CURTAINS, the musical (O'Connell & Co. at Canterbury Woods) a "show within a show" about a "triple threat" (she can't act, can't dance, can't sing) who gets bumped off in Act I; CORDURY for the 3+ set at Theatre of Youth; COMPLETE SHAKESPEARE with three comic virtuosos - Kevin Craig, Brendan Didio, Jeremy Kreuzer - at Lockport's Kenan Center, and PURE GLITTER (see lead photo, 2nd Gen at Shea's Smith) starring, among others, Michael "Bebe" Blasdell (who will also be in GEORGIA MCBRIDE at Torn Space in late May). SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • In Operalytes' YEOMEN OF THE GUARD, Phoebe (Mariami Bekauri) and Fairfax (John Clayton) share a brief moment
    Theater Talk: Opera-Lytes' YEOMEN OF THE GUARD by Gilbert & Sullivan up through this week might be their best ever; Theater of Youth presents a charming CORDUROY (for 3+); Anthony talks about an event to support Kevin Dees running for the 149th Assembly District with drag performers from Ru Paul's Drag Race; O'Connell to open CURTAINS, a musical by Kander & Ebb.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Opera-Lytes' YEOMEN OF THE GUARD by Gilbert & Sullivan up through this week which might be their best ever; Theater of Youth presents a charming CORDUROY (for 3+); Anthony talks about an event to support Kevin Dees running for the 149th Assembly District with drag performers from Ru Paul's Drag Race; O'Connell to open CURTAINS, a musical by Kander & Ebb.Other shows to note this weekend include GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY, a dark musical by Stephen King and John Mellencamp at Road Less Traveled; and ON A FIRST NAME BASIS with beloved Buffalo actors Eileen Dugan and Peter Palmisano, at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • In GHOST BROTHERS, The Caretaker (Matt Witten) tells a shocking story to Anna (Leah Berst)
    Theater Talk: R.I.P. Lancaster's David Bondrow; Buffalo's own Jonathan Young wows at Paper Mill Playhouse; GHOST BROTHERS so good, so true to RLTP's artistic vision; last weekend to catch ISLANDER at Irish Classical, LAUGHING TROLL CAFE (BUA at Compass, 345 Elmwood), while ON A FIRST NAME BASIS continues at Desiderio's. See listings.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter note the sudden passing of David Bondrow, Executive and Artistic Director of The Lancaster Opera House. But as he would have said, "the show must go on" and so THE ODD COUPLE, in which he starred as Oscar Madison, will run as planned through 4/26. Call the box office (716-683-1776) for details. Anthony went down to the prestigious Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey to see Buffalo's Jonathan Young perform brilliantly in the musical 1776 as Edward Rutledge. Other shows to note this weekend include GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY, a dark musical by Stephen King and John Mellencamp at Road Less Traveled; ISLANDER, the charming Celtic musical at Irish Classical; THE LAUGHING TROLL CAFE, a Shaw-worthy play at the CPAC, 545 Elmwood; and ON A FIRST NAME BASIS with beloved Buffalo actors Eileen Dugan and Peter Palmisano, at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre. CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • ISLANDER at Irish Classical stars L-R Vanessa Vacanti, the looping machine, Kayla McSorley.png
    Theater Talk: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Shea's so exciting; LAUGHING TROLL CAFE (BUA at 545 Elmwood) so funny; THINGS WITH FRIENDS at the Alleyway such a great cast; ISLANDER at Irish's two woman Celtic musical enchanting and audiences love it. Note: Lancaster Opera House's David Bondrow passed suddenly. See listings re ticket situation.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Shea's Broadway tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (great acrobatics); BUA's LAUGHING TROLL CAFE about a children's author (think J.K. Rowling) in an intervention of sorts staged by her characters at 545 Elmwood; an absurdist drama with a stellar cast titled THINGS WITH FRIENDS is up at the Alleyway Theatre; and the absolutely stunning Scottish based musical ISLANDER is wowing audiences at Irish Classical. See listings. Note: David Bondrow, Executive and Artistic Director of The Lancaster Opera House, died suddenly this week. In light of that sudden loss, THE ODD COUPLE, a comedy by Neil Simon, is on hold but will start up again on Thursday 4/23 and will run as planned through 4/26. Call the box office for exchanges.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 THINGS WITH FRIENDS.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.