This week on Theater Talk, Anthony, just back from NYC, loved the storefronts and all the holiday glamour that is New York at Christmas, plus he saw Buffalo's Roslyn Ruff in KYOTO, and later Kristen Chenoweth in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES, where, even knowing that the show would close in early January, she gave it 100%. (By the way, the BTPM bus trip in January has replaced it with the 2025 Tony Award Best Musical MAYBE HAPPY ENDING.) And, Anthony reports that OPERATION MINCEMEAT (also on the January 2026 bus trip) is very funny. Back home, we have at least five (5) A CHRISTMAS CAROLs, including the traditional (43 years!) version by Neal Radice (with David Mitchel) at Buff State, a new version with Daniel Lendzian at The Alleyway, and another version starring Stan Klimecko at the Kenan Center. And the Tim Carroll version is at Shaw, and Mike Randall at various locations. MusicalFare's WHITE CHRISTMAS just opened at Shea's 710, and FANCY NANCY'S SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS opens at Theatre of Youth, as does the BPO and Neglia Ballet's annual Tchaikovsky's THE NUTCRACKER. And for good dinner theater, see Peter Schaffer's BLACK COMEDY, continuing at Desiderio's (at Bobby J's Italian Grill in Cheektowaga). Whew! That's a lot of choices. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE COMPLETE LOCAL LISTINGS
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: None
OPENINGS:
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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CARRIE: THE MUSICAL by Michael Gore, Dean Pitchford, and Lawrence D. Cohen, based on the novel by Stephen King. 12/4 - 12/14 (8 shows) Thu - Sat 7:30, Sun 3:00. NOTE: December 5th show is cancelled, adding a matinee at 2:00 on Sat 12/6. 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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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 the post-show 10-minute talk-back after every performance.
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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THE NUTCRACKER, the ballet with music by Tchaikovsky, presented by Neglia Ballet with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, live at Shea's, 3 performances only: Fri 12/5 at 7:00, Sat 12/6 at 2:00, and Sun 12/7 at 1:00. Presented at Shea's Buffalo Theatre 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 847-0850 sheas.org
THE NUTCRACKER PUBLICITY BLURB: Tchaikovsky’s ballet, THE NUTCRACKER, enchants with its magical Christmas Eve tale, where Clara’s toy transforms into a prince and leads her through dazzling realms of snow and sweets. Beloved for its radiant score and timeless dances, the ballet celebrates wonder, imagination, and festive joy, captivating audiences across generations.
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IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS (MusicalFare at Buffalo's Shea's 710), a musical based upon the Paramount Pictures Film, Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin, directed by Chris Kelly, with music direction by Theresa Quinn and choreography by Kristy E. Cavanagh. 12/4 - 12/21 Thu-Fri 7:30, Sat 3:00 & 8:00, Sun 2:00. Produced by MusicalFare on the Shea's 710 Stage
IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS PUBLICITY BLURB: Celebrate the holidays with Irving Berlin’s heartwarming classic: White Christmas. This delightful musical follows Bob Wallace (John Kaczorowski) and Phil Davis (Sean Ryan) as they team up with sister act Betty (Maria Pedro) and Judy (Cassidy Kreuzer) 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! It’s an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages and bring holiday cheer to the Theatre District.
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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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IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS (at Shawfest, see also MusicalFare), 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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MR. WOLF, a play by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Peter Palmisano, starring Peter Horn, Lauren Farrow, Dave Hayes, Kristin Bentley, and Camilla Maxwell. 11/14 - 12/14 Thu - Sat 7:30, Sun 2:00. Presented by Road Less Traveled Productions, 456 Main Street, Buffalo 14202 (716) 629.3069 roadlesstraveledproductions.org
MR. WOLF PUBLICITY BLURB: A psychological mystery, Mr. Wolf is the story about parents reunited with their 17 year-old-daughter, Theresa, who was abducted 14 years ago. The play explores the complex dynamics of a family grappling with the return of a child they barely recognize, forcing them to confront questions about home, parenthood, and the nature of human existence. We go on a journey with Theresa as she explores both the meaning of the universe and the purpose of her abduction…
SELECT OPENINGS LATER 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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A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Neal Radice’s adaptation, now in its 43rd year), directed by Neal Radice, starring David Mitchell as Scrooge. One day only, Saturday, 12/20 at 5:00 & 8:00, Presented by Imagine Theatre in Rockwell Hall, 1300 Elmwood Avenue on the Buffalo State University campus. 716.878.3005
buffalostatepac.org, email rhpac@buffalostate.edu
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Neal Radice’s adaptation) PUBLICITY BLURB:
For 43 years, Neal Radice’s A Christmas Carol has been Buffalo’s cherished holiday tradition—the version audiences remember and love. On December 20, 2025, Imagine Theatre brings this classic back to Buffalo State University’s Rockwell Hall, with David Mitchell among the cast, rekindling Dickens’ timeless spirit of redemption.
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CHARLES DICKENS PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, written, directed by, and starring Mike Randall. 12/12 - 12/14 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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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 on how the song plays a part in 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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'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE, a holiday "spectacle" presented by Cirque du Soleil, their first-ever Christmas show. Total run is 12/17 - 12/28, note different times: Dec 17–19: 7:30 PM nightly, then 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 presented at Shea's Buffalo Theatre 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 847-0850 sheas.org include:
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, December 17-28, 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
