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Theater Talk: Anthony back from NYC saw Jimmy Calire's (remember the rock group "Raven"?) musical REUNIONS. Also ROMY & MICHELE (a new musical about their H.S. reunion). Next week: GIDION'S KNOT and THIRST (see attached listings).

GIDION'S KNOT (Brazen Faced Varlets at Compass PAC) stars L-R Caitlin Coleman and Kristen Tripp Kelley
Stefanie Warnick
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Lara D. Haberberger of Brazen Faced Varlets
GIDION'S KNOT (Brazen Faced Varlets at Compass PAC) stars L-R Caitlin Coleman and Kristen Tripp Kelley

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Anthony's recent trip to a theater conference in NYC, where he saw REUNIONS, a new Off-Broadway musical featuring music by Jimmy Calire (formerly with "The Ravens," a Buffalo rock band). It's a chamber musical adaptation of two classic one-act plays: The Twelve-Pound Look by J.M. Barrie (creator of Peter Pan) and A Sunny Morning both with former lovers reuniting, now playing at New York City Center Stage II. Anthony also saw “ROMY AND MICHELE: The Musical now playing Off-Broadway at Stage 42 based on the 1997 movie "Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion," with two best friends who pose as successful businesswomen (inventors of Post-it notes!) to impress classmates at their 10-year reunion. Anthony will catch GIDION'S KNOT (Brazen Faced Varlets at Compass PAC) and THIRST (Irish Classical) and will discuss them next week! SCROLL DOWN TO SEE COMPLETE LOCAL LISTINGS

Click through to see complete listings of what's on stage below!

Check out all of Anthony's reviews and the latest edition of Javier's "Theater News" (the new "On the Boards") at theatertalkbuffalo.com!

Peter's reviews appear in Buffalo Rising (buffalorising.com).

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LOCAL LISTINGS ARE PRESENTED AS FOLLOWS: CLOSINGS (last chances to see these shows!), followed by OPENINGS, then CONTINUING, then OPENINGS NEXT WEEK or NEXT MONTH. Within the categories, shows are alphabetical by title, with any show starting with "The" under the letter "T."

CLOSINGS: No closings

OPENINGS:

IOLANTHE, OR THE PEER AND THE PERI, a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, directed by Lisa Berglund (see cast below). 11/14, 16, 21 and 23 with performances at 7:30 Fridays and 2:00 Sundays. Presented by Opera-Lytes at St Mary’s High School, 142 Laverack Avenue, in Lancaster, NY, the production will be accompanied by a live orchestra conducted by Ciaran Krueger. Tickets are available at www.operalytes.com or at the door.

IOLANTHE PUBLICITY BLURB: This comic operetta skewers the British Parliamentary system by bringing the House of Lords into conflict with a band of magical fairies. When the Lord Chancellor (Michael Warner) insults the Queen of the Fairies (Mariami Bekauri), she takes revenge by installing the shepherd Strephon (Andy Gonlag) as leader of the House of Commons. Strephon is half a fairy (down to the waist) but has been hiding this fact from his fiancée Phyllis (Liz Klimek). Phyllis mistakes Strephon’s fairy mother, Iolanthe (Ashley Rummings), for a rival, breaks their engagement, and offers instead to marry the peers Lord Mountararat (Paul Berglund) and Lord Tolloller (Alfonzo Tyson). Only Iolanthe can restore order — but at the cost of her own life.

NOTE: On Sunday November 23 at 1:30 p.m., Lisa Berglund, professor of English at Buffalo State University, will give a free pre-curtain lecture on “Political Satire in W.S. Gilbert’s Fairyland.

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STRAIGHT WHITE MEN, a 2018 play by Young Jean Lee (the first Asian American woman to have a play produced on Broadway) directed by Curtis Lovell, starring Connor Graham, Daniel Greer, Brent Hetrick, Nathanial Higgins, Camille Person and Nova Russell. 11/14-11/23 (8 shows) Fri 7:30, Sat 2:00 & 7:30, Sun 4:00. Produced by Ujima on the Lorna C. Hill stage, 429 Plymouth Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14213 (716) 322-5178 ujimacoinc.org

STRAIGHT WHITE MEN PUBLICITY BLURB: When Ed and his three adult sons come together to celebrate Christmas, they enjoy cheerful trash-talking, pranks, and takeout Chinese. Then they confront a problem that even being a happy family can’t solve: When identity matters, and privilege is problematic, what is the value of being a straight white man?

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THE CONSUL, an opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, presented by Fredonia’s Hillman Opera, directed by Daniel Lendzian and conducted by Emily Schaad, starring students from Fredonia’s School of Music. 11/13 - 11/16 (four performances) Thu-Sat 7:30, Sun 2:00 at the Marvel Theatre in the Rockefeller Arts Center on the SUNY Fredonia campus. Visit: events.fredonia.edu/event/hillman-opera-menottis-the-consul

THE CONSUL PUBLICITY BLURB: This opera offers a gripping and timely revival of the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera with its haunting narrative, centered on a family’s desperate attempt to escape a totalitarian regime and the cold indifference of bureaucracy. THE CONSUL remains as resonant today as it was in 1950.

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WICKED, the musical by Stephen Schwartz, National Broadway Tour, starring Jessie Davidson (Elphaba) and Zoe Jensen (Glinda). 11/12-11/30, Tue - Fri 7:30, Sat 2:00 and 7:30, Sun 1:00 and 6:30. No performance Thursday 11/27, Final day, Sunday 11/30 only at 1:00. Presented at Shea's Buffalo Theatre 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 847-0850 sheas.org

WICKED PUBLICITY BLURB: Welcome to the wonderful Land of Oz ... where there is a young woman, born with emerald-green skin — smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships... until the world decides to call one good and the other one wicked. With a thrilling score that includes the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good,” WICKED has been called “A magical Broadway musical with brains, heart and courage” (Time Magazine). Note: WICKED is recommended for ages 8 and older. Strobe effects occur 55 minutes into Act One and 25 minutes into Act Two.

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CONTINUING:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens, adapted for the stage by Tim Carroll, directed by Tim Carroll, 11/01 - 12/21. Produced by The Shaw Festival on the Royal George Theatre Stage, 85 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada L0S 1J0 1-800-511-SHAW or visit shaw.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL PUBLICITY BLURB: With original music by Paul Sportelli, music direction by Rachel O’Brien, and movement and puppetry by Alexis Milligan, don’t miss the final production to grace the stage of the Royal George Theatre. Again, the magic of Christmas returns as does the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge! A Christmas Carol is the gift that keeps on giving and is the perfect annual reminder of what the Christmas spirit is all about. The most jolly holiday experience is in Niagara-on-the-Lake — the merriest of destinations.

NOTE: Buy both Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and A Christmas Carol and save 20%.

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CONSCIENCE, a play by Joe DiPietro, directed by Steve Vaughan, starring Josie DiVincenzo, Anna Krempholtz, David Mitchell, and Nick Stevens. 10/30 - 11/23 Thu 7:30, Sat 3:30 & 7:30, Sun 2:00 Presented by the Jewish Repertory Theatre 2640 N. Forest Road Amherst, NY 14068 716.688.4033 jccbuffalo.org/events

CONSCIENCE Publicity Blurb: With themes of Courage, integrity, and political resistance, CONSCIENCE is a riveting drama about Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman elected to both the House and Senate from Maine. In 1950, she stood alone to denounce Senator Joseph McCarthy’s fear-driven crusade, delivering her historic “Declaration of Conscience" speech. It was a public act of defiance at a time when both Democrats and Republicans were cowed into silence for fear of retribution. It came at a cost: She was shunned by her colleagues, challenged in a primary, and McCarthy threatened to expose her personal secrets. CONSCIENCE is the story of a remarkable woman who stood up for what was right and refused to back down.

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GIDION'S KNOT, play by Johnna Adams, directed by Lara D. Haberberger, starring Caitlin Coleman and Kristen Tripp Kelly. 11/7 - 11/22 Fri 7:30, Sat 5:00, produced by Brazen-Faced Varlets at Compass Performing Arts Center, 545 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222

GIDION'S KNOT PUBLICITY BLURB: Over the course of a parent/teacher conference, a grieving mother and an emotionally overwhelmed 5th-grade teacher have a fraught conversation about the tragic suicide of the mother’s son, Gidion. Gidion may have been bullied severely - or he may have been an abuser. As his story is slowly uncovered, the women try to reconstruct a satisfying explanation for Gidion’s act and come to terms with excruciating feelings of culpability.

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IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS, a musical based upon the Paramount Pictures Film, Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin, directed by Kate Hennig, with music direction by Paul Sportelli 11/7 - 12/21 in repertoire at either 1:00 or 7:00. Produced by The Shaw Festival on the Festival Theatre Stage, 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada L0S 1J0 1-800-511-SHAW or visit shaw.com

IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS PUBLICITY BLURB: Back by popular demand! Celebrate the holidays with Irving Berlin’s heartwarming classic: White Christmas. This delightful musical follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they team up with sister act Betty and Judy Haynes to put on a Christmas spectacular and save the charming Vermont Inn. Featuring dazzling dance numbers plus a splendid score with hits like “Blue Skies” plus “Sisters”, and of course, the title song, this joyous production is the perfect festive treat for the entire family! Buy both Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and A Christmas Carol and save 20%.

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OAK, a new play by Terry Guest, directed by Dawn M. Simmons, starring Dasia Cervi, P.K. Fortson, Vernia Sharisse Garvin, and Ember Tate-Steele. 10/30-11/15 Thu-Sat 7:30 with extra performance Monday 11/3 at 7:30. Presented by the Alleyway Theatre, 1 Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo, NY 14202 716-852-2600 alleyway.com

OAK Publicity Blurb: A thriller about 3 kids, a swamp monster, and a lady with a shotgun. It's "snatching season," and cousins Pickle, Big Man, and Suga are right to be feeling unsettled. It's 7:00 p.m. Do you know where your children are?

OAK bursts onto the stage this season as a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere, haunting and thrilling audiences caught in the grip of the shadows lurking beneath the water's surface. A perfect thriller for Spooky Szn, Guest's razor-sharp dialogue and poetic storytelling fuse eerie horror with raw emotional truth, creating a performance that is as intimate as it is electrifying. Directed by Dawn Meredith Simmons, OAK is not just a play — it’s an urgent, unforgettable theatrical journey that will leave you breathless and thinking long after the curtain falls.

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STRING, a Musical Fable About the Greek Fates in the Modern City

with book by Sarah Hammond, music and lyrics by Adam Gwon, Co-directed by Katie Mallinson and Ben Michael Moran, and music direction by Joe Isgar, starring Lily Jones, Karen Harty, Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci, Nick Lama, Victoria Pérez, and John Kreuzer with Chorus: Michael Wells, Collin McKee, Anika Pace, Katy Miner, Dan Torres, and Araia Heathcott. 11/7 - 11/29 Select Thursdays (11/13, 11/20) at 7:30, Fri - Sat 7:30, Sat matinees 2:30. Produced by D'Youville's Kavinoky Theatre, 320 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14201 716-829-7668 www.kavinokytheatre

STRING PUBLICITY BLURB: String: A Musical Fable About the Greek Fates in the Modern City is an imaginative new musical running from November 7th through November 29th, 2025. This enchanting show explores the themes of destiny, love, and the beauty of life’s chaos.

Co-directed by Katie Mallinson and Ben Michael Moran, STRING reimagines Greek mythology in the modern world. Three goddesses, the Fates, are banished from Olympus to a high-rise office building on Earth, where they must continue spinning (and cutting) the threads of human life. But when one of them discovers free will, everything they thought they controlled begins to unravel. As one goddess wonders: “If we’re made to spin their stories, what happens when we want to write our own?” With a soaring score and divinely human characters, String is a celebration of connection, love, and the power of choice.

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THIRST, by Ronán Noone, directed by Kate LoConti Alcocer, starring Aleks Malejs, Kai Crumley, and Peter Johnson with voiceover Actors Todd Benzin, Kate LoConti Alcocer, David Lundy, and RJ Voltz. 11/7 - 11/23 Thu - Sat 7:30, with matinees at 2:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Produced by the Irish Classical Theatre 625 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 716-853-4282 irishclassical.com,

THIRST PUBLICITY BLURB: THIRST by Ronán Noone unfolds in tandem with Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night, but follows the Irish and American domestic workers who keep the Tyrone family functioning. Think the downstairs staff of Downton Abbey, centering the immigrant experience in the U.S. Though it’s set over 100 years ago, this story feels deeply relevant in our current moment. Set in 1912 inside the seaside Connecticut home that inspired Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Thirst unfolds in the kitchen below stairs, where three servants - Bridget, the sharp-tongued Irish cook; Jack, an American chauffeur chasing the promise of a better life; and Cathleen, a young maid eager for more - grapple with love, ambition, and belonging in a world that keeps them on the margins. As the famous family upstairs battles its own ghosts, those downstairs fight their quieter wars of hope, heartbreak, and the eternal hunger for something more. SETTING: All scenes take place in the kitchen of Monte Cristo Cottage, the Tyrones’ summer home in New London, Connecticut, on a day in August 1912.

RUN TIME: Approximately 2 hours and 15-minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

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SELECT OPENINGS IN DECEMBER, 2025

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 2025, a new production of Dickens' Classic, created and directed by Daniel F. Lendzian & Chris J. Handley. at The Alleyway, Previews 12/11-13, then 12/14-28 1 Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo, NY 14202

716-852-2600

A CHRISTMAS CAROL PUBLICITY BLURB: Theatre maker Daniel F. Lendzian adapts Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale into a gorgeous new production for our time. Directed by Chris J Handley with scenic design by Justin and Christopher Swader (White Rabbit Red Rabbit), the Alleyway brings a fresh new spirit to our longstanding holiday tradition!

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CARRIE: THE MUSICAL by Michael Gore, Dean Pitchford, and Lawerence D. Cohen, based on the novel by Stephen King. 12/4 - 12/14 (8 shows) Thu - Sat 7:30, Sun 3:00. Presented by Bellissima Productions at the LAFAYETTE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, AT 875 ELMWOOD AVE, BUFFALO, NY 14222 (716) 913-1799 bellissimaproductions.com

NOTE: Bellissima has a slight change in plans for CARRIE. Their Friday December 5th show is cancelled, and they are adding a matinee at 2 pm on Saturday December 6th. Also, they will no longer be in the Lorna C Hill Theatre, PERFORMANCES WILL BE AT THE LAFAYETTE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, AT 875 ELMWOOD AVE, BUFFALO, NY 14222

CARRIE: THE MUSICAL PUBLICITY BLURB: Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd, but is virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she’s dominated by her loving but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it. Set in the present in the small New England town of Chamberlain, Maine, Carrie: The Musical features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms of Endearment), and lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose). Content Warning: strong language, violence, death, religious abuse, bullying, simulated sexual acts, visible blood, and mentions of sexual assault and themes of school violence.

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CHARLES DICKENS PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, written, directed by, and starring Mike Randall, Thu 7:30 Dress Rehearsal/Preview, Fri - Sat 7:30, Sun 2:30 (closing performance). Presented by D'Youville Kavinoky Theatre, 320 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14201. (716) 829-7668 kavinokytheatre.com

CHARLES DICKENS PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL PUBLICITY BLURB: Mike Randall’s acclaimed one-man show continues Randall’s long-standing tradition of embodying Charles Dickens in an historically inspired retelling of "A Christmas Carol," complete with theatrical flair and period authenticity.

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL, a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' story, by Neil and Sasha Wechsler, directed by Kevin Leary, starring Stan Klimecko as Scrooge with "the family" played by Chris Hatch, Sarah Teplitsky, Quinn McGillion, Madeline Rehm, stage managed by Emma English. 12/5 - 12/14 - Fri - Sat 7:30, Matinees: Sundays and Saturday, December 13 at 2:30. Presented by the Kenan Center in the Taylor Theatre 433 Locust Street, Lockport, NY, 14094 (716) 433-2617 kenancenter.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (at Kenan) PUBLICITY BLURB: - This is a brand-new version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted by Neil Wechsler Yale Drama Prize-winner) and Sasha Wechsler. The story is told by a meta vaudevillian family troupe, who portray all the characters in Scrooge’s life — past, present, and future—while navigating their own eternal family dynamics. The adaptation draws from multiple storytelling traditions, blending humor, heart, and theatrical inventiveness.

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CONCRETE CHRISTMAS: A HOLIDAY SPECIAL Short plays written by 716 Playwrights, directed by Catherine Burkhart and Mariangela Mercurio, starring Katie Buckler, Michael Busaco, Jay Byron, Andrew Canada, Shelby McNalty DeCarlo, Sadie Everhard, Suzanne Hibbard, John Kehoe, Devin Kempt, Jo O'Donnell, Askshat Sharma, and Nick Winger. 12/11 - 12/20 Thu - Fri 7:30, Sat 5:00 with an extra show Wed 12/17 at 7:30 Presented by American Repertory Theatre, 545 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York, 14222 (716) 339-2999 artofwny.org

CONCRETE CHRISTMAS PUBLICITY BLURB: A lonely busker plays on a cold city street corner as the hustle & bustle of holiday traffic passes them by. But, perhaps with some sort of celestial knowledge or just dumb luck, a song they play stops a passerby and gives them pause to reflect how the song plays a part of their life. Tasked with creating a short play from Christmas Carols and Holiday songs, CONCRETE CHRISTMAS features the creative writing talents of Donna Hoke, Camilla Maxwell, Michael Fanelli, Mark C Llyod, Billy Horn, Rosemarie Lorenti, Justin Karcher, and Matthew LaChiusa,

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FANCY NANCY: SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS, THE MUSICAL, book by Cara Lustik and Matthew Hardy, Music by Randy Klein, Lyrics by Matthew Hardy, directed and choreographed by Alexandria Watts. 12/6 -12/20 Sat & Sun 2:00 at Theatre of Youth 203 Allen Street, Buffalo, NY 14201 716.884.4400 theatreofyouth.org

EXTRA NOTES: Understudy Performance is scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 . Sensory-Friendly Performance is Sunday, December 14 at 10:00am (To purchase tickets for that performance, use code: SENSORY25)

Every Performance features a post-show talk-back.

Recommended Ages: 4 and up. Fun for the whole family!

Show Run-Time is 60-Minutes, plus our post-show 10-minute talk-back.

Fancy Nancy : Amaya Sonubi , Julia Pitarresi (Understudy)

Jojo: Taylor Grosskopf, Brooke Kauderer (Understudy)

Mrs. Clancy: Timiyah love, Lana Sugarman (Understudy)

Mr. Clancy: Aaron Gabriel Saldana, Vinny Murphy (Understudy)

Devine/Grandpa : Jetaun Louie, Sandra Roberts (Understudy)

FANCY NANCY: SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS PUBLICITY BLURB: What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles – and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh, la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and can’t wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous?

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'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE, a holiday "spectacle" presented by Cirque du Soleil, their first-ever Christmas show. 12/17 - 12/28, Dec 17–19: 7:30 PM nightly, Dec 20–21: Multiple shows daily (2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM) Dec 23–24 Afternoon and evening performances, Dec 26–28: Matinees and evening shows at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre 646 Main St, Buffalo, NY Visit sheas.com

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE publicity blurb: Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” the storyline is about Isabella, a young girl who feels she’s outgrown her family’s Christmas traditions, and is swept into a fantastical winter wonderland after a snowstorm separates her from her father. Along the way, she encounters whimsical characters, acrobats, reindeer, and children who help rekindle the holiday spirit and reunite the family.

Family-friendly, suitable for all ages with a runtime of 85 minutes, no intermission.

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SHEA'S BUFFALO 2025-2026 Five Star Bank Broadway shows include:

THE NOTEBOOK, October 7-13, 2025

WICKED, November 12-30, 2025

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, Opening December 17, 2025

KIMBERLY AKIMBO, March 17-22, 2026

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, April 14-19, 2026

SUFFS, June 2-7-2026s

The Five Star Bank 2025-26 Broadway Season is presented by Shea’s Performing Arts Center and Albert Nocciolino, and is sponsored locally by Five Star Bank, The Buffalo News, and WKBW-TV.

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Copied from https://www.theatertalkbuffalo.com/post/2025-artie-award-winners

34th Annual Artie Awards

Sponsored by Buffalo Toronto Public Media

Presented June 9, 2025 at Asbury Hall, Buffalo, New York

Hosted by Anthony Chase, Curtis Lovell, and Amy Jakiel with Music Director Philip Farugia

2025 Artie Awards Winners

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A PLAY

Dorian, Irish Classical Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL

Waitress, MusicalFare Theatre

EMANUEL FRIED AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING NEW PLAY

Matthew LaChiusa, The Informer

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY

David Lundy, Remember This

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Tracie Lane, Scenes from A Marriage

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Vanna Deux, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Maria Pedro, Waitress

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY

Gerald Ramsey, The African Company Presents Richard III

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Rebecca Elkin, The Loved Ones

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Kristopher Bartolomeo, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Kelly Copps, The Producers

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMANCE

Caitlin Coleman, The Hung Man

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A PLAY

Mason Beggs, Dorian

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL

Susan Drozd, Waitress

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE OF A PLAY

The Hobbit, Theatre of Youth

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE OF A MUSICAL

Into the Woods, O'Connell & Company

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY

Eric Deeb Weaver, Newsies

OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION

Bridget Moriarty, The Fitzgeralds of Saint Paul

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN

Dyan Burlingame, Shipwrecked!

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN

Ann R. Emo, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ELEMENT

Emma Schimminger, Lighting, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Eileen Dugan

SPECIAL APPRECIATION AWARD

Buffalo Toronto Public Media

KATHARINE CORNELL AWARDS – honoring the work of visiting artists

Christie Baugher; composer, lyricist, and playwright; The Fitzgeralds of Saint Paul, Irish Classical Theatre Company

Derrian Brown, actor, William Barfee, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Second Generation Theatre

Kevin Zak, playwright, Kidman Carol, Alleyway Theatre

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  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.