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Theater Talk

Theater Talk: Poitier Passes, Denzel is Macbeth, Ricardos, the wait for Godot is over, Puffs coming soon

By Anthony Chase,
Peter Hall
Published January 21, 2022 at 5:00 AM EST
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Sidney Poitier in his Tony nominated role of Walter Lee Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN pictured with Ruby Dee (1959)
New York Public Library archives
Sidney Poitier in his Tony nominated role of Walter Lee Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN pictured with Ruby Dee (1959)

Broadway theaters dimmed their lights at 7:45 pm this past Wednesday, January 19, in memory of Sidney Poitier, the stage actor (Tony nominated for creating the role of Walter Lee Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN), movie actor (Academy Award for "Lilies of the Field"), director, and cultural icon who passed away January 6 at the age of 94. You can read Playbill's obituary here

Following up on recent episodes of Theater Talk, this past Wednesday, January 19, was "National Swing Day." For more on what, exactly, a swing does, you can read "5 Essential facts About Broadway Swings" in Playbill here

For an entertaining look at cultural icons, stage actors, and vaudeville troupers Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Anthony recommends the Nicole Kidman Javier Bardem Joel Coen directed movie "Being the Ricardos."

And it looks as if we might be finally at the end of our waiting for WAITING because the Irish Classical Theatre kicks off their new season tonight. Please see listings below.

JANUARY OPENINGS STILL ON SCHEDULE (BUT CHECK WITH VENUE FIRST)

WAITING FOR GODOT, a play by Samuel Beckett, directed by Josepine Hogan, starring Brian Mysliwy as Estragon and Vincent O’Neill as Vladimir, also featuring Todd Benzin, Ben Michael Moran, Jackson Snodgrass and Teddy Hibbard. Jan 21 – Feb 20, Wednesdays - Fridays at 7:30, Saturdays at 3, Sundays at 2 at The Irish Classical Theatre Company at The Andrews Theatre, 625 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 (716-853-ICTC) (716-853-4282) irishclassical.com/

Masks required as is proof of COVID-19 Vaccination OR Proof of Negative COVID-19 PCR Test within 72 hours of Performance Time. ASL Interpreted and Open Captioned Performance: Wed, February 9, 7:30 pm Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination OR Proof of Negative COVID-19 PCR Test within 72 hours of performance time

"GODOT" BLURB (per Britannica): WAITING FOR GODOT was a true innovation in drama and the Theatre of the Absurd's first theatrical success. ... The play consists of conversations between Vladimir and Estragon, who are waiting for the arrival of the mysterious Godot, who continually sends word that he will appear but who never does.

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PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, a play by Matt Cox, directed by Joey Bucheker, starring Kris Bartolomeo, Mike Benoit, Marissa Biondolillo, Nathanial Higgins, Christian Hines, Sabrina Kahwaty, Nicholas Lama, Daniel Lendzian, Gabrielle Nunzio, Jenn Stafford, and David Wysocki. Jan 28 - Feb 13, Fri - Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2, with one Saturday matinee, Februry 5, AT 2pm. O'Connell & Co at Shea’s Smith Theatre, 654 Main Street, Buffalo NY 14202 (716-847-0850) sheas.org/smith-theatre/ OR facebook.com/OConnellandCompany/

PUFFS BLURB: "For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs... who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world....PUFFS is a stage play written by Matt Cox as a transformative & transfigured work under the magic that is US Fair Use laws. Puffs is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed, or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros., or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.

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NUNSENSATIONS: The Nunsense Vegas Revue, a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Dan Goggins, presented by Lancaster Opera House. Jan 28 - Feb 13, Fridays - Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2:30. The Lancaster Opera House 21 Central Avenue, Lancaster, NY 14086 (716-683-1776) lancasteropera.org

NUNSENSATIONS BLURB: When a parishioner volunteers to donate $10,000 to the Little Sisters of Hoboken’s school if they will perform in a club in Las Vegas, Mother Superior is hesitant to accept. After being convinced by the other sisters that “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” she agrees. Naughty nun hijinks ensue in this Vegas-themed Nunsense sequel.

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THE SIEGEL, a romantic comedy by Michael Mitnick. directed by Lucas Lloyd, starring Mike Mack, Lisa Vitrano, David Mitchell, Amanda Borowsk, Elliot Fox, and Phoebe Wright, presented by a new company in town, The Lightbulb Project, Jan 28 - Feb 20, Thursdays - Sundays at 7:30 (one Sunday, February 13, at 1:30) at The Alleyway Theatre, 1 Curtain Up Alley. Explicit language. 90 minutes, no intermission. lightbulbprojectonstage.com (716-324-5776)

THE SIEGEL BLURB: Ethan Siegel is in love. Tonight, he's going to ask Alice's parents for permission to marry her. There's just one hitch. Ethan and Alice broke up two years ago -- and she's in a serious relationship with someone else. An irresistible comedy about modern love and the need to go back in order to move forward.

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AN EVENING WITH C.S. LEWIS, written by and starring David Payne playing the famous author, Saturday, January 29 at 4 and 8. Shea's 710 Theatre (formerly Studio Arena), 710 Main Street at Tupper, Buffalo, NY 14202. (716-847-1410) sheas.org

LEWIS BLURB: An Evening with C.S. Lewis – written by and starring David Payne – is a one-man show written by David Payne which brings the legendary author to life through monologues. The format is a captivating evening set in 1963 where C.S. Lewis hosts a group of American writers at his home near Oxford. Throughout the evening he recalls the people and events that inspired his thought and shaped his life; of his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien; why he nearly abandoned the Narnia Chronicles; how he came to embrace Christianity and of the American woman who turned his life upside down.

JANUARY OPENINGS POSTPONED:

KAVINOKY POSTPONES THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT UNTIL JUNE,, 2022

THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT, a play by by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell & Gordon Farrell, based on the book by John D’Agata & Jim Fingal, presented by D'Youville Kavinoky Theatre, directed by Kyle LoConti, June 10th - 26th Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30, Saturdays at 3:30 and 7:30, and Sundays at 2. D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre, 320 Porter Ave. (716-829-7668) kavinokytheatre.com.

"LIFESPAN" BLURB: A famed essayist is put to the test in this topical comedy when an over-zealous fact-checker finds most of his groundbreaking story is fabricated.

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ROAD LESS TRAVELED PRODUCTIONS POSTPONES TRIBES FROM JANUARY 13 TO MARCH 3 AND CANCELS BREADCRUMBS

TRIBES will open March 3 and run through March 27. BREADCRUMBS by Jennifer Haley, originally scheduled March 3 – 27, is now canceled from the 2021-2022 season.

TRIBES, a play by Nina Raine, directed by Doug Zschiegner, starring David Marciniak, Margaret Massman, Anna Krempholtz, Johnny Barden, Dave Wantuck and Melinda Capeles. Mar 3 - Mar 27, Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2. Road Less Traveled Productions, 456 Main Street Buffalo NY 14202

(716-629-3069) roadlesstraveledproductions.org CONTENT ADVISORY:

Tribes contains explicit language and profanity. Students under 17 not permitted. Proof of vaccination required.

TRIBES BLURB: Billy is the only Deaf member of a loving yet dysfunctional family who raised him as part of the hearing world. When Billy meets Sylvia, a young woman on the brink of deafness, he finally starts to learn what it means to be heard. With insight, humor, and an eclectic cast of characters, the award-winning Tribes questions how we define community, family, and belonging.

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The Brazen Faced Varlets NEW PLAY FESTIVAL produced by Leyla Gentil features four new plays: HOLY INAPPROPRIATE by Allison Fradkin; MISS LE GALLIENNE ANNOUNCES THE NEW SEASON by Carolyn Gage; STAGE SHISPERS by Donna Hoke; and HOT BLOOD SUNDAE directed by Jennifer Arroyo, Caroline Parzy-Sanders, Davida Tolbert, and Stefanie Warnick. Originally Fri-Sat Jan 21-22 at 8 and Sun Jan 23 at 2, to be held at the New Phoenix Theater, 95 Johnson Park, Buffalo, NY. New dates TBD. www.facebook.com/brazenfaced.varlets/ or www.varlets.org

FEBRUARY OPENINGS IN 2022 BY DATE WILL INCLUDE:

THE TREASURER at Jewish Repertory Theatre in Getzville (2/3-27)

BUFFALO QUICKIES at the Alleyway Theatre downtown (2/10-3/5)

TENDERLY, The Rosemary Clooney Musical, directed by Richard Lambert at O’Connell & Company's main stage at Ken-Ton Elmwood Commons, 3200 Elmwood Avenue, Kenmore (2/11-27) Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays (except where noted). Proof of vaccination upon entry.

TENDERLY BLURB: A personal and poignant celebration of the woman whose musical talent and charismatic personality made her a legend.

OKLAHOMA!, musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, North American Tour, part of the Shea's Broadway Series (2/15 - 2/20), Tuesday - Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 2 and 8, Sunday at 1 and 6:30. Shea's Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. WARNINGS: There are two prolonged periods of complete darkness. Guns are displayed prominently on the set and there are several gun shots fired during the show, including one that is accompanied by the firing of a blood cannon on the actors.

OKLAHOMA! BLURB: “How is it that the coolest new show on Broadway is a 1943 musical?” says The New York Times. This is OKLAHOMA! as you’ve never seen or heard it before—reimagined for the 21st century, and now the Tony Award Winner for Best Revival of a Musical. Funny and sexy, dark and jolting.

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AMERICAN RHAPSODY presented by MusicalFare February 23 — March 27, 2022

Wed and Thu at 7pm, Fri at 7:30, Sat at 3:30 and 7:30, Sun at 2.

AMERICAN RHAPSODY BLURB

What begins as a conversation between a white classical pianist and a black jazz pianist about interpreting George Gershwin’s RHAPSODY IN BLUE transforms through incredible music and exhilarating dance into a dynamic and inspiring exploration of the often ignored cultural and historical context that inspired Gershwin to create this seminal work.

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ALLEY OF THE DOLLS, camp send-up, directed by Chris Kelly, starring Jimmy Janowski as "Helen Lawson," with Chris Standart, Michael Seitz, and Bebe Bvulgary, presented by BUA (Buffalo United Artists) at the Alleyway Theatre, 1 Curtain Up Alley (along Shea's northen wall) (716-886-9239) buffalounitedartists.org.

ALLEY OF THE DOLLS BLURB: "The bitch is back! BUA is turning 30 in 2022. And to celebrate, in grand style, Jimmy Janowski will be playing the Helen Lawson character in an adaptation of the camp film classic Valley of the Dolls, re-titled ALLEY OF THE DOLLS (it will be at the Alleyway, get it?)"

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Some of this information first appeared in "Stagefright" by Javier Bustillos, a regular feature of Anthony's blog "Theater Talk Buffalo" (theatertalkbuffalo.com/) Subscribe for free here https://www.theatertalkbuffalo.com/subscribe

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2022 Theater TalkWBFO Arts & Culture Desk
Anthony Chase
Listen for Theater Talk, Friday morning at 6:45 and 8:45 during Morning Edition.
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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”).
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  • 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.
  • Theater Talk: A conversation with Kristoffer Diaz about his play THINGS WITH FRIENDS at Alleyway; Other openings: Broadway's WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Shea's; BUA's LAUGHING TROLL CAFE; Irish Classical's ISLANDER; O'Connell's ALIVE & KICKING. See Listings!
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter have a conversation with Kristoffer Diaz, whose play THINGS WITH FRIENDS is now open at Alleyway Theatre; in this jam-packed April, including (but not limited to) MusicalFare's continuing with JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR (check out Quinn McGillion as Judas); BUA's LAUGHING TROLL CAFE; Irish Classical's Scottish based ISLANDER, Shea's Broadway tour WATER FOR ELEPHANTS., O'Connell's ALIVE & KICKING. See listings. PLEASE SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews, especially his latest on the play SHELTERED.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.