This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the Buff State Drama Club's Lavender Graduation (for LGBTQ+ students and allies), where Anthony was the speaker while his kid sister, Bobbie Chase, former editor for Marvel and DC comics, was the commencement speaker at the main graduation event. HAIRSPRAY (MusicalFare at Shea's 710) sports a high-energy cast of 22 (see photo) with superb 60's choreography by Eric Deeb Weaver. For a compelling show with a cast of 1 (Jordan Levin) check out Jewish Repertory's JUST FOR US about an observant Jew who attends a meeting of white supremacists. Believe it or not, it's touching and funny. Closing this weekend are some winning shows: Kander & Ebb's CURTAINS, the musical (O'Connell & Co. at Canterbury Woods) with great choreography by Joey Bucheker, with Nick Lama in the comic/romantic lead role opposite Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci; for the 3+ set, CORDUROY at Theatre of Youth; GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY, a musical collaboration of Stephen King and John Mellancamp, closes at Road Less Traveled; and PURE GLITTER (2nd Gen at Shea's Smith) a very funny play reminiscent of, but gentler than, "The Boys in the Band." SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.
PLEASE SEE LISTINGS and...For in-depth reviews check out Anthony's blog theatertalkbuffalo.com. Peter's reviews appear in Buffalo Rising Buffalorising.com).
And remember: when getting tickets for any venue, please start with the producing company's own website, but especially for the three Shea's venues, go through Shea's box office, the producing company, or Ticketmaster. But DO NOT buy tickets from any other third-party vendor unless re-directed there by the producing company's own website. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.
=============================================================
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:
CORDUROY, adapted for the stage by Barry Kornhauser based on the "Corduroy" and "A Pocket for Corduroy" books by Don Freeman, with a cast of 6, directed by Connor Graham, starring Matthew Rittler in a cast of six. 5/2-5/16 May 2 – 16, Sat-Sun at 2:00. Understudy Performance Saturday, 5/9. theatreofyouth.org/corduroy/ Note: Sensory-Friendly Performance is Sunday, 5/3 at 10:00 am (use code: SENSORY25) Recommended Ages: 3 and up. Show Run-Time is 90 minutes. Every Performance features our post-show talk-back.
CORDUROY PUBLICITY BLURB: Oh no, Corduroy’s button has gone missing, and he can’t go home with kindhearted Lisa without it! Join the beloved teddy bear as he takes a rollicking ride up the escalator and begins a delightfully destructive romp through every section of the department store. Will he find his button at the top of a teetering store display? Will Lisa ever get to bring him home, or will the bumbling security guard catch him first? Where, oh where, is Corduroy’s BUTTON?
_____
CURTAINS, musical by Kander & Ebb, directed by Joey Bucheker starring Nicholas Lama, Lisa Ludwig, Aimee Walker, Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci, Joe Isgar, Emily Weber, Guy Tomassi, John Kreuzer, Michael Seitz, and Maria Kreutinger. 4/30 - 5/16. Evening-shows at 7:30 on 4/30, 5/8, 5/9, 5/15, 5/16 with matinees at 2:00 on 5/2, 5/3, 5/9, 5/10, 5/16. Presented by O'Connell & Company at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center, 705 Renaissance Drive, Williamsville (plenty of off-street parking at the venue). 716-848-0800 oconnellandcompany.com
PUBLICITY BLURB: CURTAINS is a delightful and suspenseful musical comedy, featuring a Golden Age-style score by the legendary songwriting duo John Kander & Fred Ebb, the creative minds behind Cabaret and Chicago. CURTAINS combines the best elements of classic Broadway with a clever whodunit twist that will keep audiences laughing and guessing until the very end. Set in the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959, Boston’s Colonial Theatre is playing host to the opening night performance of a new musical. When the leading lady mysteriously dies on stage… the entire cast and crew are suspects. Enter a local detective, who just happens to be a musical theatre fan!
_____
GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY, a musical by Stephen King and John Mellencamp, directed by Doug Weyand, starring Leah Berst, Ryan Butler, Thomas Evans, Anna Fernandez, and Alex Garcia. 4/17 - 5/17 Thu - Sat 7:30, Sun 2:00. Presented by Road Less Traveled Productions at the Road Less Traveled Theater at 456 Main Street, (716) 629-3069 roadlesstraveledproductions.org
PUBLICITY BLURB: A bluesy rock score by legend John Mellencamp and a claustrophobic, refractured parable from the master of thrillers, Stephen King, combine to create the spooky, cautionary tale of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County. In an eerie cabin in the woods, a
young couple comes across its caretaker, the Troubador, who reveals to them an almost Biblically violent story that took place in that very house, about a set of brothers who are in love with the same woman which sparked the ensuing rivalry between them. The young couple hearing this tale realize that this cabin’s past is certainly like their present. When the young man’s brother shows up to stake a claim for the woman he loves, will they repeat the sins of the past, especially if it means staying alive?
_____
PURE GLITTER, play by Douglas Lyons, directed by Michael Gilbert-Wachowiak, starring Michael “Bebe” Blasdell, Matthew Crehan Higgins, Greg Howze, Daniel Lendzian, Brandin Smalls, Matthew Gilbert-Wachowiak. 5/1 - 5/17 Thu-Fri 7:30, Sat 8:00, Sun 2:00. Presented by Second Generation Theater on stage at Shea's Smith Theatre 660 Main Street, Buffalo, NY (716) 508-SGT0 (7480) secondgenerationtheatre.com
PURE GLITTER PUBLICITY BLURB: Stan is throwing Tony a surprise anniversary party, but uninvited guests and secrets turn it on its head! 2nd Gen presents Douglas Lyons’ (BEAU, TABLE 17, and CHICKEN & BISCUITS) love letter to the gay community. PURE GLITTER is a sparkly, sassy, slice-of-life comedy about chosen family.
_____
OPENINGS:
GHOST THE MUSICAL by Rubin, Stewart, and Ballard, directed by Nicolette Navarro, starring Heather Casseri as Molly, Alex Reiser as Sam, Spud as Oda Mae Brown, Chris Cummings as Carl Bruner, et.al. 5/15-5/30 Fri - Sat 7:30, plus one matinee, Sat 5/23 at 3:00. Presented by Bellissima Productions at the Church of the Nativity UCC at 1530 Colvin Boulevard, Tonawanda, 14223.
For tickets: bellissimaproductions.ludus.com/index.php
GHOST PUBLICITY BLURB: Based on the Paramount Pictures film, the story follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose lives are shattered by Sam’s tragic, untimely death. As Sam’s spirit remains trapped between two worlds, his love for Molly intensifies when he discovers she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, Sam enlists the help of Oda Mae Brown, a quirky storefront psychic who becomes an unexpected ally in his quest to protect Molly and avenge his death. Content Warning: simulated sexual acts, gun violence, shooting sound effects, physical fights, attempted assault and stalking behavior, expression of grief
_____
CONTINUING:
JUST FOR US by Alex Edelman, directed by Charmagne Chi, starring Jordan Levin. 5/7 - 6/7 Thu 7:30, Sat 3:30 & 7:30, Sun 2:00 (no shows on Fridays). Produced by Jewish Repertory Theatre on the Maxine and Robert Seller stage inside the JCC at 2640 N. Forest Road, Amherst, NY 14068 716.688.4033 jccbuffalo.org/
JUST FOR US PUBLICITY BLURB: This Tony award-winning solo play by comedian and writer Alex Edelman follows Edelman on a journey that begins with an anti-Semitic tweet and leads him, somewhat unbelievably, to a meeting of white nationalists in a Queens apartment. What starts as a moment of curiosity quickly evolves into something much deeper—an unexpectedly funny, tense, and thought-provoking exploration of identity, belonging, and the ways we try to understand one another across deep divides. With Edelman’s signature blend of humor and vulnerability, the piece navigates complex questions about Jewish identity, assimilation, and the limits (and possibilities) of empathy. It’s as hilarious as it is unsettling, inviting audiences to laugh while also grappling with the contradictions and challenges of the world we’re living in today.
_____
HAIRSPRAY, a musical based on the film by John Waters, by Marc Shaiman, et. al., directed and choreographed by
Eric Deeb Weaver, music direction by Allan Paglia, starring a cast of 22, including Lou Coliacovo is Edna Turnblad, Stevie Lou Kemp as Tracy Turnblad, Marc Sacco as Corny Collins, and Austin Marshall as Seaweed J. Stubbs. 5/7-5/24 Thu-Fri 7:30, Sat 3:00 & 8:00, Sun 2:00 at Shea's 710 Theatre, 710 Main at Tupper. (716) 839-8540
musicalfare.com SEE NOTE ON TICKETS BELOW.
HAIRSPRAY PUBLICITY BLURB: You can't stop the beat in this big and bold musical about one girl's inspiring dream to dance and her fight for integration and acceptance. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, it's a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and toe-tapping and tuneful songs. Please note: Tickets for HAIRSPRAY are only legitimately available through www.musicalfare.com or www.sheas.org These websites will take you to Ticketmaster to purchase your tickets. Purchasing tickets from third-party vendors (such as Vividseats) is far more expensive, and other sites can be fraudulent, potentially leading to invalid tickets.
_______
OPENINGS LATER IN MAY
THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, by Matthew López, directed by Dan Shanahan and Melissa Meola, with Javier Bustillos, Producing Consultant, starring Jimmy Janowski as Miss Tracy Mills and Anthony Alcocer as Eddie, with supporting cast Mike Blasdell, Annette Daniels Taylor, Christine Turturro, and Michael Seitz. 5/29 - 6/20 Fri - Sat 9:00 with two extra Thursdays 6/11 and 6/18, also at 9:00. Presented by Torn Space Theater, 612 Fillmore Ave (near Paderewski Drive) Buffalo, NY. For tickets: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-legend-of-georgia-mcbride
THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE PUBLICITY BLURB:
For their 2026 Mainstage Production, Torn Space Theater presents this campy farce featuring Buffalo legend Jimmy Janowski just in time for Pride Month. “Stitch-in-your-side funny… full of sass and good spirits.” – The New York Times. He’s young, he’s broke, his landlord’s knocking at the door and he’s just found out his wife is going to have a baby. To make matters even more desperate, Casey is fired from his gig as an Elvis impersonator in a run-down, small-town Florida bar. When the bar owner brings in a B-level drag show to replace his act, Casey finds that he has a whole lot to learn about show business – and himself. Celebrate Buffalo legend Jimmy Janowski in his Torn Space premiere and Anthony Alcocer in the title role of this campy comedy running just in time for Pride Month!
_____
OPENINGS IN JUNE:
A FEW GOOD MEN, a play, 6/11- 6/28, Presented by Road Less Traveled Productions on stage at Shea's 710 Theatre.
_____
FOOTLOOSE, a musical, 6/12 - 6/28, Presented by Lancaster Opera House
_____
GIRL ON AN ALTAR, a play by Marina Carr, directed by Anderson Carr, starring Keelie A. Sheridan as Clytemnestra and Jorge Luna as Agamemnon, with Tabitha Raithel, Darryl Semira, Paige Batt, and David Marciniak. 6/12 - 6/28. Presented by Irish Classical Theatre Company at 625 Main Street, (716) 853-ICTC (4282), irishclassical.com
GIRL ON AN ALTAR PBLICITY BLURB: From the playwright whose THE MAI was well received in January 2023, GIRL ON AN ALTAR is a searingly fresh adaptation of the ancient Greek myths about family, war, and forgiving the unforgivable. Old wounds, new blood.
Visionary Irish playwright Marina Carr’s Girl on an Altar is a powerful reimagining of the ancient myth of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, told with raw emotion and lyrical intensity. This gripping play delves into love, betrayal, and vengeance, exploring the devastating consequences of sacrifice and power. With Carr’s signature poetic language and a bold feminist perspective, Girl on an Altar is a riveting and unmissable theatrical experience that breathes new life into an ancient tragedy by one of Ireland’s foremost contemporary playwrights. Note: This play contains depictions of violence, murder, and intimacy, as well as strong language. It explores themes of war, sacrifice, enslavement, power, betrayal, loss of children, and revenge.
_____
PERICLES, PRINCE OF TYRE, a play by Shakespeare, directed by Scott McKenna Campbell, starring Sean Patrick Ryan as Pericles, with John Profeta, Lauren Farrow, Heather Casseri, Vernia Garvin, Marie Hasselback-Costa, et. al. 6/18 - 7/12
Note (1): The Taming of The Shrew, directed by Brendan Didio, will run July 23, 2026 through August 16, 2026.
Note (2): The "Fools and Foes Touring Production" directed by Nathanial Higgins, will be in local parks on nights when the mainstage productions are "dark."
_____
YALLA BITCH, play by Lorna C. Hill, directed by Tioga Simpson, 6/19 - 7/12, some paid, some free performances as follows:
Free Performances
June 19th & 20th, 6PM @ School 77
June 27th 6PM @ 60 Winston Rd
June 28th, 2PM @ Silo City
July 6th, 6PM @ The Saul Elkin Stage at Shakespeare in Delaware Park
July 11th, 6PM @ Freedom Park
July 12th, 6PM @ Gail V Wells Memorial Food Forest
Paid Performances ($40 General, $30 Seniors, $20 Veterans & Students):
June 21st, 6PM @ 5 Points Bakery
*YALLA GALA* - June 26th, 6PM @ Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens (a $100 per ticket fundraiser)
June 28th, 6PM @ Duende at Silo City
July 10th, 6PM @ Penn Dixie Fossil Park
Box Office: 716-322-5178 website: ujimacoinc.org
YALLA BITCH PUBLICITY BLURB:
Closing the Ujima season is Yalla Bitch by Ujima’s legendary founder, Lorna C. Hill. This bold and provocative play, staged in the heart of summer, is a fierce exploration of power, agency, and the voices of Black women. YALLA BITCH serves as both an artistic triumph and a tribute to Hill’s indelible impact on the theatre world and beyond. In an exciting development, Ujima will be touring this production — an important milestone, as it marks the first time in many years that the company has taken a show on the road. This tour reaffirms Ujima’s commitment to sharing impactful stories with a wider audience and strengthening our reach beyond Buffalo. This special run of YALLA BITCH will be performed in gardens across the Buffalo Area.
_____
===============================================
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 just one more:
SUFFS, June 2-7 2026
A vibrant retelling of the American women’s suffrage movement, following determined activists balancing strategy, conflict, and sacrifice as they fight for voting rights and reshape the nation’s future.
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.
==========================================================
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
