© 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: 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

Tags
2021 WBFO NewsWBFO Arts & Culture DeskTheater TalkArtie AwardsArtiesAnthony ChaseAmy Jakiel
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
  • Shakespeare in Delaware Park TAMING OF THE SHREW thumbnails
    Theater Talk: Sandra Roberts and Derek Emerson Powell command Shakespeare in Delaware Park's TAMING OF THE SHREW with a very funny cast, AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER continues as does Shawfest (see listings).
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter praise Shakespeare in Delaware Park's second Main Stage production this summer, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, very funny, ably directed by Brendan Didio, with a stellar "Kate" played by Sandra Roberts to Derek Emerson Powell's "Petruchio" and a quartet of Buffalo's funniest: Kevin Craig, Jake Hayes, Jeremy Kreuzer, and Dan Urtz. Desiderio's Dinner Theatre continues as well with AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER where Lisa Hinca and Steven J. Brachman excel.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.
  • AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER stars included L-R Steve Brachmann, Justin A Chortie, and Lisa Pitzonka Hinca
    Theater Talk: Shakespeare in Delaware Park's TAMING OF THE SHREW opens while FOOLS AND FOES continues in local parks (very funny). AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER sends up every trope of the detective play at Desiderio's Dinner Theater, and this weekend you can see HADESTOWN (live film capture) in movie theaters.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about FOOLS AND FOES, the touring production of Shakespeare in the Park (free) going from park to park in the area. The second Main Stage production, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW is now up and at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre it's with AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER where Lisa Hinca and Steven J. Brachman excel. HADESTOWN: The Musical arrives in movie theaters as a limited, one week event beginning this Friday, July 24, 2026. This filmed live capture features the original Broadway cast, including André De Shields (who was a guest on Theater Talk). It's up at the four local Regals and the Amherst Theatre. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • FOOLS AND FOES cast (Shakespeare in Delaware Park Touring Show)
    Theater Talk: Anthony's trip to NYC this month and the "Holiday Magic" tour in December. Locally FOOLS AND FOES (Shakespeare in Delaware Park's Touring show) and AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER at Desiderio's Dinner Theater.. See listings (which also include Shaw Festival).
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Anthony's recent trip to NYC to see DEATH OF A SALESMAN with Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf; RAGTIME at Lincoln Center, and GIULIA: THE POISON QUEEN OF PALERMO at the Perelman Performing Arts Center. Locally FOOLS AND FOES is the touring production of Shakespeare in the Park (free) going from park to park in the area. The next mainstage production will be THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. and Desiderio's Dinner Theatre is presenting AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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 HEARTBREAK HOUSE at the Shaw Festival Julia Course and Martin Happer
    Theater Talk: Shawfest in Niagara-on-the-Lake presents HEARTBREAK HOUSE which Shaw called his "fantasia in the Russian [Chekhov] manner on English themes.” Tim Carroll directs an all-star cast. Heading to Broadway? Anthony suggests reading the NYTimes and Playbill.com to keep in the know.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about PERICLES at Shakespeare in Delaware Park, a fun 2 hours picnic with music by Tom Makar. Shawfest in Niagara-on-the-Lake presents HEARTBREAK HOUSE which Shaw called his "fantasia in the Russian [Chekhov] manner on English themes.” Tim Carroll directs that all-star cast. Heading to Broadway? Anthony suggests reading in the NYTimes "The 10 Most Mind-Altering Theater Moments of 2026 (So Far)" by Helen Shaw. Also, check out Playbill.com's schedule of upcoming cast changes as well as "Broadway Real Estate" to see which plays are coming or going. For example, Moulin Rouge will be replaced by PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL in 2027, about a bear "from deepest, darkest Peru!"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 PERICLES, Sean Patrick Ryan laments his fortunes while Tom Makar's band provides continuity through song
    Theater Talk: Shakespeare in Delaware Park's PERICLES makes for a fun 2 hour picnic outing, Shawfest is up and running and so is the Stratford Festival for some first rate theater right over the border.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about PERICLES at Shakespeare in Delaware Park, a fun 2 hours picnic with music by Tom Makar. Then, a bit about Canada's Stratford Festival and Niagara-on-the-Lake's Shaw Festival with a reminder that July 8th is the deadine to reserve your seat for Anthony's September 10th bus trip with BTPM to see FUNNY GIRL at Shawfest - the bus trip, the show, and the dinner. Visit btpm.org/events/travel-club. Scroll down to see the local (Buffalo area) listings and then the Shaw Festival listings and then the Stratford Festival 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.
  • For the defense L-R Renee Hawthorne, Adam Yellen, Nick Stevens in Aaron Sorkin's A FEW GOOD MEN, RLTP at Shea's 710
    Theater Talk: PERICLES at SiDP off to a fun start; A FEW GOOD MEN and GIRL ON AN ALTAR, both excellent, close this weekend; YALLA BITCH continues a touring show; deadline to join Anthony at Shawfest for FUNNY GIRL is July 8; deadline to enter drawing to see Broadway's Josh Groban in Canandaigua is June 30 (see listings for details).
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk a bit about PERICLES at Shakespeare in Delaware Park, YALLA BITCH touring throughout town, and Anthony's bus trip with BTPM to see FUNNY GIRL at Shawfest. The deadline is is July 8th to reserve your seat for the bus trip, the show, and the dinner. Visit btpm.org/events/travel-club. While you're on the BTPM website, enter the drawing to win a pair of tickets to see Broadway star Josh Groban on stage in Canandaigua on August 18. Five pairs of tickets will be drawn, but the deadline to enter is June 30. Visit btpm.org/giveaway. Closing this Sunday, June 28, are two excellent shows, A FEW GOOD MEN (Road Less Traveled Productions on the Shea's 710 stage) and Irish playwright Marina Carr's GIRL ON AN ALTAR at the Irish Classical Theater. 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; 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 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.