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Theater Talk

Theater Talk: The Artie Awards (think Tonys for Buffalo) are on! Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. Streaming tix available.

By Anthony Chase,
Peter Hall
Published October 29, 2021 at 5:00 AM EDT
Ways To Subscribe
Eileen Elibol, Buffalo Toronto Public Media
/
https://www.wned.org/community/screenings-and-events/artie-awards/
At the last ARTIE AWARDS (June 3, 2019) L-R Co-hosts were Amy Jakiel, Anthony Chase, Charmagne Chi. They'll be back this 2021!

Finally, after after almost 18 months, the 30th Annual Artie Awards (celebrating shows from the 2019-2020 season) will be held on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 at 8 pm at The Kavinoky Theatre at D’Youville College, 320 Porter Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201. For those who acted quickly and bought live in-person tickets, doors (and the cash bar) open at 6:30 pm. For everyone, live or streaming, the event begins at 8:00 pm. The bar will close for the actual show beginning at 8:00, and then will open back up following until midnight.

Tickets to stream the event are still on sale now. Vist here https://www.wned.org/community/screenings-and-events/artie-awards/

The Artie Awards began in 1991 and are held each year to celebrate Western New York's Theatre Community. To be eligible for an Artie, an artist must live and work in the Buffalo area, while a theater must produce work locally, primarily with local artists. Scroll down to see the list of nominees.

Alex Watts at the 2019 Arties
Alex Watts at the 2019 Arties

The event is an opportunity to recognize Western New York’s theater arts, as well as, raise funds for the HIV/AIDS & Immunodeficiency Clinic at ECMC. Over the years, through contributions from theatre audiences and proceeds from red ribbon sales, the Arties have raised over $500,000 for AIDS-related charities.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY:

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required to enter the building. Alternatively, attendees may show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 (PCR or rapid) test taken within 48 hours of the event start time . Everyone must wear a mask inside our facility when not eating, drinking, or performing.

Meanwhile, the theater scene in Western New York is very vibrant, so get out and see some plays and musicals which will be eligible next year (hopefully June 2022). Here are the listings:

OPENING (OR OPENED LAST NIGHT)

LOOPED presented by New Phoenix Theatre (October 28 to November 20) 95 Johnson Park, Buffalo 716-853-1334 newphnxtheatre@aol.com)
with James Cichocki and Elliot Fox and Julie Kittsley as Tallulah Bankhead.

SOMETHING WICKED presented by American Repertory Theatre (October 28 - November 20) 545 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. (artofwny.org) (716) 697-0837

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) (sheas.org/performances/the-curious-incident-of-the-dog-in-the-nighttime/)

WOMAN IN BLACK presented by the Kavinoky Theatre (October 29 - November 21) on the D'Youville College campus in Buffalo, 320 Porter Avenue (716) 829-7668 (Kavinokytheatre.com)

CONTINUING:

AMERICAN SON presented by Ujima Theatre Collective in the "Lorna C. Hill" Theatre" through October 31 at 429 Plymouth in Buffalo. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 4. (716) 322-5178 (ujima.squarespace.com/shows/americanson)

JSEAWOOD

CHORUS LINE presented by O'Connell & Co. through October 31 at 3200 Elmwood Avenue in Kenmore 716-848-0800 (oconnellandcompany.com/)

PHOTOGRAPH 51 presented by Jewish Repertory Theatre through November 14) in the Jewish Community Center in Getzville. (716) 688-4033 (jccbuffalo.org/jrt/)

TRIBUTE continues at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre through December 18 in the back of Bobby J's American Grill 204 Como Park Blvd Cheektowaga featuring Gregory Gjurich, Zachery Gammel, Lisa Hinca, Jennifer Starr, Lisa Ludwig, Robert Insana, and Marie Costa. Shows run most Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays (& some Wednesdays). (http://www.mybobbyjs.com/desiderio-s-dinner-theatre) Reservations by telephone only (716) 395-3207 Evening: 6pm Dinner, 7:30pm Show Matinee: 1pm Dinner, 2:30pm Show

SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD presented by Second Generation Theatre (October 22 - November 14) at Shea's Smith Theatre, 658 Main St, Buffalo. (secondgenerationtheatre.com) (No performances November 4 - 7)

REMNANTS presented by Torn Space (October 22 - November 13) is an interactive, multi-media installation to be explored in groups of six. Ticketed timeslots for 7, 7:30, 8, and 8:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. tornspacetheater.com or ovationtix.com

NOVEMBER OPENINGS (listed by date)

THE BAND'S VISIT (November 2 - 7) at Shea's Buffalo Theater

GOLDEN GIRLS LOST EPISODES: VOLUME 2 at the Alleyway Theatre November 4 - 21 alleyway.com

HAND TO GOD presented by Road Less Traveled Productions (November 4 - December 5). This is the same production from before the pandemic shutdown with one cast member change.

HERE ARE THE ARTIE NOMINEES FOR THE 2019-2020 SEASON:
2020 Nominations

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A PLAY

Kiss of the Spider Woman, New Phoenix Theatre

Love’s Labour’s Lost, Shakespeare in Delaware Park

Pipeline, Ujima Theatre Company

‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore, Irish Classical Theatre Company

To Kill a Mockingbird, Kavinoky Theatre

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL

Fun Home, MusicalFare Theatre

Hairspray, Kavinoky Theatre

Nine, Second Generation Theatre

Passing Strange, Ujima Theatre Company

Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

 OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE OF A PLAY

Antipodes, Road Less Traveled Productions

El Coqui Espectacular, Raíces Theatre Company

Mercury Fur, Subversive Theatre

She Kills Monsters, Subversive Theatre

Two Trains Running, Paul Robeson Theatre

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE OF A MUSICAL

Fun Home, MusicalFare Theatre

Izzy!, New Phoenix Theatre

Miss Nelson is Missing, Theatre of Youth

Passing Strange, Ujima Theatre Company

The Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL

Susan Drozd, Fun Home, MusicalFare Theatre

Lorna C. Hill, Passing Strange, Ujima Theatre Company

Carlos Jones, Hairspray, Kavinoky Theatre

Loraine O'Donnell, TheBridges of Madison County, Kavinoky Theatre

Victoria Perez, Nine, Second Generation Theatre

Doug Weyand, The Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A PLAY

Michael Doben, Mercury Fur, Subversive Theatre

Lorna C. Hill, Pipeline, Ujima Theatre Company

Kyle LoConti, To Kill a Mockingbird, Kavinoky Theatre

Victoria Perez, Kiss of the Spider Woman, New Phoenix Theatre

Fortunato Pezzimenti, ‘Tis Pity She's a Whore, Irish Classical Theatre Company

Carly Weiser, Bright Colors and Bold Patterns, Buffalo United Artists

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY

Naila Ansari, Passing Strange, Ujima Theatre Company

Bobby Cooke & Nancy Hughes, West Side Story, MusicalFare Theatre

Carlos Jones, Hairspray, Kavinoky Theatre

Michael Walline, Elf: The Musical, MusicalFare Theatre

Doug Weyand, The Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Brian Brown, Passing Strange, Ujima Theatre Company

Steve Copps, The Bridges of Madison County, Kavinoky Theatre

Preach Freedom, Passing Strange, Ujima Theatre Company

Chris Handley, Fun Home, MusicalFare Theatre

Ben Michael Moran, Nine, Second Generation Theatre

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY

Chris Avery, To Kill a Mockingbird, Kavinoky Theatre

James Cichocki, Bright Colors and Bold Patterns, Buffalo United Artists

Rick Lattimer, Kiss of the Spider Woman, New Phoenix Theatre

Roosevelt Tidwell III, Two Trains Running, Paul Robeson Theatre

Dan Urtz, Hand to God, Road Less Traveled Productions

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Bethany Burrows, The Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

Robyn Lee Horn, Fun Home, MusicalFare Theatre

Maeghan McDonald, Hairspray, Kavinoky Theatre

Michele Marie Roberts, The Bridges of Madison County, Kavinoky Theatre

Zoe Scruggs, Cookin’ at the Cookery, MusicalFare Theatre

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Kelli Bocock-Natale, Entertaining Mr. Sloane, Irish Classical Theatre Company

Lisette DeJesus, El Coqui Espectacular, Raíces Theatre Company

Diane DiBernardo, Lost in Yonkers, Desiderio's Dinner Theatre

Josie DiVincenzo, What I Thought I Knew, Jewish Repertory Theatre

Shantinna Moore, Pipeline, Ujima Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Jacob Albarella, Miss Nelson is Missing, Theatre of Youth

Alejandro Gabriél Gómez, West Side Story, MusicalFare Theatre

John Kreuzer, Young Frankenstein, O'Connell & Company

Nick Lama, Elf the Musical, MusicalFare Theatre

Raphael A. Santos, The Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

Dylan Zalikowski, The Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY

Lucas Colon, Mercury Fur, Subversive Theatre

Rolando Martin Gómez, ’Tis Pity She’s a Whore, Irish Classical Theatre Company

Patrick Moltane, To Kill a Mockingbird, Kavinoky Theatre

Ricky Needham, The Boys Upstairs, Buffalo United Artists

Tom Owen, The Navigators, Alleyway Theatre

Johnny Rowe, Pipeline, Ujima Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Jenn Stafford, The Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

Pamela Rose Mangus, Young Frankenstein, O'Connell & Company

Blaise Mercedes, West Side Story, MusicalFare Theatre

Ember Tate, Cookin’ at the Cookery, MusicalFare Theatre

Kelly Copps, Nine, Second Generation Theatre

Renee Landrigan, Izzy!, New Phoenix Theatre

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Cassie Cameron, The Antipodes, Road Less Traveled Productions

Ellen Horst, Lost in Yonkers, Desiderio's Dinner Theatre

Kristen Tripp Kelley, The Antipodes, Road Less Traveled Productions

Aleks Malejs, ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore, Irish Classical Theatre Company

Shantinna Moore, To Kill a Mockingbird, Kavinoky Theatre

Emily Yancey, Factory for Murderers, Alleyway Theatre

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A FEATURED ROLE

Ann DeFazio, Hairspray, Kavinoky Theatre

Chris J. Handley, The Tempest, Shakespeare in Delaware Park

Peter Horn, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Shakespeare in Delaware Park

Lorenzo Shawn Parnell, Hairspray, Kavinoky Theatre

Marc Sacco, Hairspray, Kavinoky Theatre

Norm Sham, The Tempest, Shakespeare in Delaware Park

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN

Paul Bostaph, Hairspray, Kavinoky Theatre

Dyan Burlingame, The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid, Road Less Traveled Productions

Chris Cavanagh, The Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

David King, To Kill a Mockingbird, Kavinoky Theatre

Neal Radice, The Navigators, Alleyway Theatre

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

Chris Cavanagh, Lighting Design, The Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

Adam Kreutinger, Puppet Design, Hand to God, Road Less Traveled Productions

Tom Makar, Sound Design/Score, The Tempest, Shakespeare in Delaware Park

Katie Menke, Sound Design, The Antipodes, Road Less Traveled Productions

John Rickus, Lighting Design, The Antipodes, Road Less Traveled Productions

Roy Walker, Properties, ‘Tis Pity She's a Whore, Irish Classical Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN

Jenna Damberger, The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid, Road Less Traveled Productions

Kari Drozd, Elf: The Musical, MusicalFare Theatre

Lindsay Salamone, The Toxic Avenger, Second Generation Theatre

Kenneth Shaw, The Tempest, Shakespeare in Delaware Park

Jessica Wegrzyn, Indecent, Kavinoky Theatre

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT

Neal Radice

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  • Sharry Flett as Rat in THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS at Shawfest
    Theater Talk: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ to open Shea's season; GULP! THE GAY BEACH MUSICAL, an historically significant show to open for BUA; GUYS AND DOLLS at O'Connell & Co. and Anthony to host a discussion at Shawfst 9/25 at 10am with current actors Sharry Flett (pictured), Patrick Gallivan, and Sanjay Talwar!
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, a tale of old Havana filled with infectious dance music, a show which both Anthony and Peter have seen on Broadway and are thrilled that it's opening this season's Shea's schedule. And BTPM is giving away tickets (see TICKET GIVEAWAY! below). And for a chance to experience Gay theater history, Buffalo United Artists is presenting GULP! THE GAY BEACH MUSICAL which predates La Cage, Rent, and Fun Home to name other landmark shows. And Anthony will be back at the Shaw Festival Friday September 25 to host/emcee Anecdotes & Stories from the Theatre with special guests, Sharry Flett, Patrick Gallivan, and Sanjay Talwar, all currently in shows. Also noted, O'Connell & Co. is putting on GUYS & DOLLS.CURTAIN UP! IS SEPTEMBER 18. So put it on your calendar: Curtain Up! the official opening night of the Western New York professional theatre season will be on Friday, September 18 when Buffalo’s theatre season kicks off with parties, premieres, and one big Main Street celebration. For information visit tda-wny.com/event/curtain-up-2026/ On the Monday prior, September 14th, children’s theater pioneer Meg Quinn, co-founder of Buffalo's Theater of Youth will be honored with a star in the Buffalo Theatre District. The installation ceremony will begin at 5:30PM in the lobby of the newly renovated Shea’s 710 Theatre, followed by unveiling of the star outside on the Plaza of Stars. A reception will follow immediately after at The Bijou, 646 Main St.SEE LISTINGS for these and the Shaw Festival below.SEE LISTINGS for these and the Shaw Festival below.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS FOR LOCAL SHOWS, SHAWFEST, STRATFORD, AND SHEA'S TOURING SHOWS.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 Shawfest's ONE FOR THE POT L-R Martin Happer, Camille Eanga-Selenge, and Peter Fernandez
    Theater Talk: Shawfest excels in outrageous farce ONE FOR THE POT, B'way quality FUNNY GIRL, and G.B. Shaw's tragicomedy HEARTBREAK HOUSE (think Shaw + Chekhov + Wilde). Anthony on & off B'way for JUST IN TIME (now starring Jeremy Jordan) and PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (plenty of jumpscares) and last chance to see Lisa Hinca at Desiderio's this weekend.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Shawfest's farce ONE FOR THE POT, the musical FUNNY GIRL, and the satirical tragicomedy HEARTBREAK HOUSE (a little Shaw, a little Chekhov, a little Wilde) each marvelous in its own way. Anthony gets down to NYC for JUST IN TIME now starring Jeremy Jordan as well as PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (plenty of good jumpscares). And it's the last weekend to see Lisa Hinca star at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre. CURTAIN UP! IS SEPTEMBER 18. So put it on your calendar: Curtain Up! the official opening night of the Western New York professional theatre season will be on Friday, September 18 when Buffalo’s theatre season kicks off with parties, premieres, and one big Main Street celebration. For information visit tda-wny.com/event/curtain-up-2026/ On the Monday prior, September 14th, children’s theater pioneer Meg Quinn, co-founder of Buffalo's Theater of Youth will be honored with a star in the Buffalo Theatre District. The installation ceremony will begin at 5:30PM in the lobby of the newly renovated Shea’s 710 Theatre, followed by unveiling of the star outside on the Plaza of Stars. A reception will follow immediately after at The Bijou, 646 Main St.SEE LISTINGS for these and the Shaw Festival below.SEE LISTINGS for these and the Shaw Festival below.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS FOR LOCAL SHOWS, SHAWFEST, STRATFORD, AND SHEA'S TOURING SHOWS.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.