This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, a tale of old Havana filled with infectious dance music, a show which both Anthony and Peter have seen on Broadway and are thrilled that it's opening this season's Shea's schedule. And BTPM is giving away tickets (see TICKET GIVEAWAY! below). And for a chance to experience Gay theater history, Buffalo United Artists is presenting GULP! THE GAY BEACH MUSICAL which predates La Cage, Rent, and Fun Home to name other landmark shows. And Anthony will be back at the Shaw Festival Friday September 25 to host/emcee Anecdotes & Stories from the Theatre with special guests, Sharry Flett, Patrick Gallivan, and Sanjay Talwar, all currently in shows. Also noted, O'Connell & Co. is putting on GUYS & DOLLS.
ANECDOTES & STORIES FROM THE THEATRE, HOSTED BY ANTHONY CHASE, Friday September 25, 10:00am at the Shaw Artists' Village Hall.
Join Anthony for a morning of theatrical true-stories and tall-tales, hosted by the legendary theatre critic and historian Anthony Chase of NPR's Theatre Talk, with special guests Sharry Flett, Patrick Gallivan, and Sanjay Talwar. Visit shawfest.com and click through to September 25.
TICKET GIVEAWAY! BTPM is giving away tickets for the Broadway tour of Buena Vista Social Club coming to Shea’s Performing Arts Center! This Tony and Grammy award-winning musical takes you back to the heart of Havana. The Tickets are for Tuesday, September 15th. To enter, visit our sister station’s Facebook page. Go to the BTPM Classical Facebook page, and follow the instructions on the giveaway post. Winners will be chosen on Thursday, September 10th. We have three pairs of tickets, so there are three chances to win! Good luck!
CURTAIN UP! IS SEPTEMBER 18, the official opening night of the Western New York professional theatre season with parties, premieres, and one big Main Street celebration. For information visit tda-wny.com/event/curtain-up-2026/ On the Monday prior, September 14th, children’s theater pioneer Meg Quinn, co-founder of Buffalo's Theater of Youth will be honored with a star in the Buffalo Theatre District. The installation ceremony will begin at 5:30PM in the lobby of the newly renovated Shea’s 710 Theatre, followed by unveiling of the star outside on the Plaza of Stars. A reception will follow immediately after at The Bijou, 646 Main St.
SEE LISTINGS including the Shaw Festival below.
Anthony's December 8-11 trip to New York City billed as "NYC Holiday Magic" will include Shopping, The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, Broadway's SCHMIGADOON, with options for more Broadway on your own with Anthony! Join BTPM and Theater Talk’s Anthony Chase for an unforgettable New York City getaway, December 8 – 11. Experience the magic of Manhattan at holiday time. Visit btpm.org/events/travel-club
Now sold out, Anthony's September 10th bus trip with BTPM to see FUNNY GIRL at Shawfest will be September 10, 2026 from 8:15am to 7:30pm (it's a day trip). Visit btpm.org/events/travel-club
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LOCAL, SHAW, STRATFORD, AND SHEA'S TOURING SHOW LISTINGS.
For in-depth reviews and an extensive memory of Katy Clancy, 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.
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LOCAL LISTINGS ARE PRESENTED AS FOLLOWS: CLOSINGS (last chances to see these shows!), followed by OPENINGS NEXT WEEK, then OPENINGS ON OR BEFORE CURTAIN UP! (918) then CONTINUING, then OPENINGS AT THE END OF THE MONTH. Within the categories, shows are alphabetical by title, with any show starting with "The" under the letter "T."
CLOSINGS: None
OPENINGS NEXT WEEK (THROUGH 9/12) :
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, by Randy Johnson, directed by Magan Callhan, music direction by Karen Saxon, starring Samantha Hoy (alt. Casey Moyer) with "Joplinaires" Dasia Cervi, Daneielle Greeen, Anika Pace, Ember Tate-Steele. 9/11 - 10/3 Thu- Sat 7:30, also Sat 2:30. Presented by D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre, 320 Porter Ave. Buffalo (716) 829-7668 kavinokytheatre@dyc.edu
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN PUBLICITY BLURB: An electrifying concert experience celebrating Janis Joplin and the powerhouse women who inspired her unmistakable voice, including Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, and Etta James. Spend an evening on an unforgettable musical journey bursting with iconic hits including “Pieces of My Heart”, “Me and Bobby McGee”, and “Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)” and more. Raw, rebellious, and wildly joyful, this is a night that doesn’t just play—it rocks.
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BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ Book by Marco Ramirez, music and lyrics from the various Cuban artists whose songs appear on the original 1997 Buena Vista Social Club album, directed by Saheem Ali. 9/12- 9/19 8 shows as follows: Sat 9/12 7:30, Sun 9/13 1:00 and 6:30, Tue-Fri 9/15-9/18 7:30, and Sat 9/19 at 1:00. Presented by Shea’s Performing Arts Center and Broadway presenting partner Albert Nocciolino on stage at Shea's Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 847-0850 sheas.org
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ PUBLICITY BLURB: It’s been years since legendary singer Omara Portuondo last entered a recording studio. Once known as the “Queen of Feeling,” her voice was celebrated throughout Cuba–until she vanished from the spotlight. But when an ambitious young record producer brings her a rare opportunity, the elusive diva must finally reckon with her past. Hailed as a “jaw-dropping, soul-stirring must see” (The Washington Post), the Tony® and GRAMMY® Award-winning BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ is a journey through music and memory into the beating heart of Havana. A world-class company brings the story of the iconic album to thrilling life in this tale of big dreams, second chances, and music that needs no translation.
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GULP! THE GAY BEACH MUSICAL by John Glines, Stephen Greco, and Robin Jones, directed by Vinny Murphy, music direction by Lucas Colon and Nikki Fae Dahlen, starring Corey Bieber, Ryan Blunt, Michael Flanagan, Robert McKnight, Zachary Kushner, and Matt Rittler. 9/11 - 9/27 Fri 7:30, Sat 5:00, Sun 5:00 (no performance 9/13). Produced by BUA, Buffalo United Artists on stage at the Compass Performing Arts Center, 545 Elmwood Avenue. 716.440.5521 BuffaloUnitedArtists.org
PUBLICITY BLURB: Buffalo United Artists is proud to present the Western New York Premiere of the rarely seen 1970s queer musical comedy GULP! THE GAY BEACH MUSICAL, set on the beach at Coney Island on Gay Liberation Day, June 28th, the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The story follows a closeted lifeguard whose life is saved by five eccentric characters: his soon-to-be lover, a wacky orthodox priest, a ditzy journalist, a hunky construction worker, and a show queen from Shirley's Temple on Flatbush Avenue, their drives, dreams, pasts and futures colliding in a riot of coincidences filled with music, romance and off-the-wall humor.
This production is more than a revival, it's an act of preservation. As one of the earliest queer musicals in American theater history, Gulp! predates landmark works like La Cage aux Folles, Rent, and Fun Home, yet has remained largely forgotten, with no commercial cast recording and decades since its last full production. Our team has worked to restore it as faithfully as possible while introducing it to a new generation, hoping to secure its rightful place in the canon of influential queer musicals.
BUA, now celebrating its 34th season since its 1992 founding, is a self-supporting collective of professional theater artists presenting provocative work that examines the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer experience.
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GUYS AND DOLLS, Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser with Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows 9/11-9/27 Fri-Sat 7:30, Sun 2:00 with one extra matinee, Sat 9/26 at 2:00. Presented by O'Connell & Company on stage at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center, 705 Renaissance Drive, Williamsville. 716-848-0800 oconnellandcompany.com
GUYS AND DOLLS PUBLICITY BLURB: Step into the bright lights of 1950s New York City in this classic Broadway musical filled with unforgettable characters, show-stopping songs, and big-hearted romance. Guys and Dolls follows fast-talking gamblers, charming showgirls, and unlikely love stories as Nathan Detroit desperately searches for a place to host his legendary floating crap game while trying to keep his long-suffering fiancée Adelaide happy. Meanwhile, high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson makes a bet that leads him to the straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown—and sparks a romance neither of them expected.
Featuring beloved songs including “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and “If I Were a Bell,” this Tony Award–winning musical comedy is a joyous celebration of love, luck, and the colorful characters who make New York City come alive.
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MORE OPENINGS ON OR BEFORE CURTAIN UP! (9/18)
BECKY SHAW presented by Alleyway Theatre 9/16 - 10/3
EMMA, a play by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen, directed by Keelie Sheridan, starring Penelope Sergi (see below for additional cast). 9/18 - 10/4 Thu - Sat 7:30, Sat - Sun 2:00. Presented by Irish Classical Theatre Company, 625 Main Street, in the heart of Buffalo's "Theatre District."
Buffalo
EMMA PUBLICITY BLURB: A sparkling and spirited re-imagining of Austen’s classic novel, where a confident matchmaker’s meddling spirals into comic chaos. Emma Woodhouse is clever, educated, energetic… and in imminent danger of going mad with idleness. In a time when respectable ladies are expected to sit quietly at home, she desperately needs a project—and prides herself on matchmaking, much to the chagrin of her friend Mr. Knightley. But where Emma aims her attention, tangled hearts and screwball comedy follows… A fresh feminist take on a treasured classic, this Emma breaks down convention, expectation, and even the fourth wall with vibrant comic flair—leading audiences “forward, onward, and upward!" Starring Penelope Sergi as Emma with Julia Cianfrini, Diane DiBernardo, Alejandro Gómez, Peter Horn, Sara Kow-Falcone, Jeremy Kreuzer, and Timiyah Love.
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FAIRY TALE DOUBLE BILL presented by Buffalo Opera Unlimited at the Flickinger Arts Center on the Nichols School campus 9/18 & 9/20
HAIR presented by MusicalFare Theatre at Shea's 710 9/17 - 10/4
JUICY AND DELICIOUS presented by Ujima Co. Inc. 9/18 - 9/27
NUTS presented by Desiderio's Dinner Theatre 9/16 - 11/14
1776, THE MUSICAL, presented by Lancaster Opera House 9/25 - 10/11
THE DAVINCI CODE presented by Road Less Traveled Productions 9/18 - 10/18
CONTINUING:
THE SHAW FESTIVAL OFFERINGS CONTINUE INTO OCTOBER AT THE THEATRES INDICATED. FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION shawfest.org or call 1-800-511-SHAW:
AMADEUS play by Peter Shaffer, directed by Tim Carroll at the Festival Theatre. Opened Jul 8 • Closes Oct 4
PUBLICITY BLURB: “It seemed to me I heard the voice of God … and it was the voice of an obscene child!” Antonio Salieri is a pious, conscientious man—and the greatest composer in the Austrian Empire. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a young, foolish show-off — and apparently no threat. Except that Salieri can hear what no one else can: this ridiculous boy is perhaps the greatest musical genius ever to have lived. How can God have played such a trick on Salieri? To reward his devotion by rubbing his nose in his own mediocrity? There is only one possible revenge: God’s beloved, Amadeus, must be destroyed. This story of genius and the price it extracts is one of the greatest and most ravishing experiences in theatrical history.
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FUNNY GIRL Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Bob Merrill, directed by Eda Holmes — Festival Theatre Opened Apr 24 • Closes Oct 3
Approximate run time 2 hours and 40 minutes (includes intermission)
Age recommendation 10+
PUBLICITY BLURB: Fanny Brice has everything it takes to be Broadway’s next big thing: the voice, the charm and more than a little chutzpah. But does she have “the look?” This touching comedy explores her unlikely rise to stardom with the Ziegfeld Follies as well as her turbulent love life with gambler Nick Arnstein. One of the greatest musical scores of all time, Funny Girl includes classics like “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, “I’m the Greatest Star”, “People” and much more.
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HEARTBREAK HOUSE play by Bernard Shaw, directed by Tim Carroll at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre. Opened Jun 20 • Closes Oct 3
PUBLICITY BLURB: “If we women were particular about men's characters, we should never get married at all.” The shadows of war may be gathering, but for most of the weekend guests at Heartbreak House, the big questions are about love and marriage. As the couples waltz in a dance of ever-changing partners, only the enigmatic old sea dog Captain Shotover seems to see what is coming towards them. Often ranked as one of the great plays of all time, Heartbreak House is Shaw at his most entertaining and mysterious.
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JEEVES & WOOSTER IN PERFECT NONSENSE, a play created from the works of P.G. Wodehouse by Robert Goodale and David Goodale, directed by Brendan McMurtry-Howlett at the newly appointed Court House Theatre (new plush seats, proscenium stage, elevator available) It opened May 8 and closes Oct 10 Approximate run time 2 hours (includes one 20 minute intermission) Age recommendation 8+
PUBLICITY BLURB: Canadian premiere! Bertie Wooster is a young aristocrat who is forever getting himself into frightful scrapes. Thank goodness he has a butler, the legendarily unruffled Jeeves, to come to his rescue, usually without his even noticing. Based on a 1938 P.G. Wodehouse novel it's performed by three remarkable actors (Damien Atkins as Jeeves, Jeff Irving as Bertie, and Travis Seetoo as a variety of people) bringing to life a host of characters. This Olivier award-winning play is a celebration of both theatrical virtuosity and pure silliness.
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OHIO STATE MURDERS, play by Adrienne Kennedy, directed by Philip Akin at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre. Opened Jul 19 • Closes Oct 3
PUBLICITY BLURB: “You reap no respect when you wring your hands: To weep like a woman is not judged wise." Suzanne, an acclaimed Black author, returns to her alma mater, Ohio State University, to give a speech on the violent nature of her writing. Confronted with the dark memories of her past, she unravels the painful truth of what happened in 1949, during her time as a student. This haunting and provocative play, penned by legendary playwright Adrienne Kennedy, is a poignant exploration of race, identity and grief. Mature content.
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ONE FOR THE POT by Ray Cooney and Tony Hilton, directed by Chris Abraham at the Festival Theatre Opened May 27 • Closes Oct 11
PUBLICITY BLURB: Billy Hickory Wood is set to inherit a proper pot of cash. A wealthy businessman has decided to give £10,000 to the family of his former partner, and Billy is the sole living relation. Right? Wrong. Cue the arrival of several, hitherto unknown and identical, Hickory Wood siblings (all played by the same actor) looking to claim what they’re owed. To say that chaos ensues would be an understatement. The team that brought you One Man, Two Guvnors (2024) is reunited for this legendary farce.
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SLEUTH by Anthony Shaffer (Peter Schaffer's twin brother), directed by Peter Fernandes — Court House Theatre Opened Apr 2 • Closes Oct 9
Approximate run time 2 hours (includes one 20 minute intermission)
Age recommendation 13+
PUBLICITY BLURB: When a celebrated mystery writer invites his wife’s lover to their home in the English countryside, all is not as it seems. What unfolds is a fiendishly clever game of psychology and deception – but who is playing with whom? And is it really just a game? This Tony and Edgar award-winning play is a quintessential crime thriller guaranteed to provide an edge-of-your-seat experience. Perfect for whodunit fans. Mature content.
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THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, based on the play Toad of Toad Hall by A.A. Milne adapted and directed by Fiona Sauder at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre. Opened May 22 • Closes Sep 27
PUBLICITY BLURB: “There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about by a river.”
Come along with young, impressionable Mole as he heads to the riverbank and meets the resourceful Rat, the grumpy Badger and the irrepressible Mr Toad. When Toad’s passion for fast cars gets him in trouble, the other three must save him. Based on the much-loved 1908 children’s novel, this play about friendship, loyalty and the joy of getting into trouble is perfect for the whole family. Family Pre-Show Workshop... Pre-show fun! Enjoy an interactive workshop prior to each performance of The Wind in the Willows and A Year with Frog and Toad. $10 with theatre ticket. Call 1-800-511-7429 to book.
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Holiday season 2026 at the Shaw Festival opens in November
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, a Tony nominated Broadway musical with music by Robert Reale, book and lyrics by Willie Reale (they're brothers), music direction by Ryan deSouza at the Court House Theatre Opens Nov 13 • Runs through December
PUBLICITY BLURB: “Merry Almost-Christmas, happy that you’re here. Merry Almost-Christmas, Happy Almost-New Year.” Follow the entertaining adventures of two amphibious friends with decidedly different personalities in this magical holiday musical based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved books. A Tony nominee for best musical, best score and best book, this wonderful story is sure to warm even the coldest heart. Frog is happy-go-lucky and Toad is a cranky pants, but the pair get along famously as they go through the four seasons together in the woods. Children as young as three and as old as 90 will be enchanted by this colourful production. We promise you will leave humming the songs and longing for “Cookies” throughout the holidays.
NOTE: Family Pre-Show Workshop
Pre-show fun! Enjoy an interactive workshop prior to each performance of The Wind in the Willows and A Year with Frog and Toad. $10 with theatre ticket. Call 1-800-511-7429 to book. See calendar for dates and times.
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RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA at the Festival Theatre (Holiday Stage) Opens Nov 20 • Runs through December
PUBLICITY BLURB: “In my own little corner, in my own little chair, I can be whatever I want to be.” Experience Cinderella like never before in this enchanting and cheeky stage adaptation of the classic fairytale. Step into a kingdom far away where glass slippers fit just right, pumpkins transform into carriages and dreams come true – all with a little help from a fairy godmother! The story of the girl who lived in the cinders reminds us that kindness is stronger than cruelty. Featuring some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Stepsisters’ Lament,” this timeless musical treasure is a holiday treat for the whole family.
NOTE: Mini Manners Matinees offer a Workshop and Children’s Tea
November 14 – December 19 Prior to Saturday matinees of Cinderella.
By royal decree you and your family are invited to tea. Learn about royal etiquette and play make believe. Cookies and punch are provided. $10 with a ticket to Cinderella. Recommended for ages 5-10. Call 1-800-511-7429 to book.
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THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL OFFERINGS THIS YEAR ARE:
Festival Theatre
THE TEMPEST Opened Apr 21 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
GUYS AND DOLLS Opened Apr 22 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
SOMETHING ROTTEN! Opened Apr 23 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
Avon Theatre
WAITING FOR GODOT Opened Apr 24 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
DEATH OF A SALESMAN Opened Apr 25 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
THE HOBBIT Opened Apr 26 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
Tom Patterson Theatre
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Opened Apr 27 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
SATURDAY, SUNDAY, MONDAY Opened Apr 28 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Opened Apr 29 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
Studio Theatre
OTHELLO Opened Apr 30 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
THE TAO OF THE WORLD Opened May 1 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
THE KING JAMES BIBLE PLAY Opened May 2 • Closes Nov 1, 2026
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SHEA'S BUFFALO 2026-2027 Five Star Bank Broadway shows presented at Shea's Buffalo Theatre 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 847-0850 sheas.org will include ...
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ — September 12–19, 2026
ALICIA KEYS’ HELL’S KITCHEN — October 27 – November 1, 2026
THE GREAT GATSBY — November 10–15, 2026
THE SOUND OF MUSIC — December 8–13, 2026
DEATH BECOMES HER — February 16–21, 2027
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD — March 31 – April 8, 2027
OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL — June 22–27, 2027
Also, the Gallagher Encore Series (Subscriber Add‑Ons)
(Not part of the Five Star Bank series, but announced alongside it) are
BEETLEJUICE — March 5–7, 2027
JERSEY BOYS — May 18–23, 2027
SIX — June 8–13, 2027
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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The 35th annual Artie Awards, honoring excellence in Western New York theater, were presented on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Asbury Hall at 341 Delaware Avenue (Babeville). Maria Pedro, Jake Hayes, and Anthony Chase were the hosts with Joe Isgar as the music director. Tickets were $30 with proceeds going to local AIDS charities.
2026 Artie Award Winners — Buffalo, NY (scroll down to see all the nominations)
Outstanding Production of a Play
The Book of Will — Road Less Traveled Productions / Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Outstanding Production of a Musical
Come from Away — MusicalFare
Outstanding Direction of a Play
Kyle LoConti — Sheltered
Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Jessica Hillman McCord — Islander
Outstanding Music Direction
Allen Paglia — Urinetown
Outstanding Choreography
Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo — Dreamgirls
Outstanding Ensemble of a Play
The Cottage — Alleyway Theatre
Outstanding Ensemble of a Musical
Urinetown — Second Generation Theatre
Outstanding Leading Actor in a Play
Robert Creighton — A Skull in Connemara
Outstanding Leading Actress in a Play
Aleks Malejs — Thirst
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play
Michael Starzynski — Irish Play
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play
VerNia Sharisse Garvin — Twelfth Night
Outstanding Leading Actor in a Musical
Quinn McGillion — Jesus Christ Superstar
Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical
Michele Marie Roberts — Come from Away
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical
Augustus Donaldson — Dreamgirls
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical
Alexandria Watts — Come from Away
Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role
Joey Bucheker — Shrek
Outstanding Costume Design
Collin Ranney — Game of Love and Chance
Emanuel Fried Award for New Play
Bella Poynton — The Girl in the Washroom
Outstanding Set Design
Dyan Burlingame — The Book of Will
Outstanding Technical Element
Diane Almeter Jones — Props, A Skull in Connemara
Katharine Cornell Awards
Ryan Cupello — Actor, Or, Irish Classical Theatre Company
Justin Lahue — Set Design, Oak, Alleyway Theatre
Career Achievement Honoree (2026)
Brian Cavanagh
THE NOMINATIONS:
Scroll up to see the winners. The 2026 Artie Award Nominations (copied from https://www.theatertalkbuffalo.com/post/2026-artie-award-nominations) are below. Visit theatertalkbuffalo.com for the list of winners.
Outstanding Production of a Play
The Book of Will – Road Less Traveled Productions
The Cottage – Alleyway Theatre
Hedda Gabler – D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre
On A First Name Basis – Desiderio’s Dinner Theatre
Sheltered – Jewish Repertory Theatre
A Skull in Connemara – Irish Classical Theatre Company
Outstanding Production of a Musical
Come from Away – MusicalFare
Crazy For You – Lancaster Opera House
Dreamgirls – Ansari/Saxon Productions
Ghost Brothers of Darkland County – Road Less Traveled Productions
Islander – Irish Classical Theatre Company
Mamma Mia! – Second Generation Theatre
Outstanding Direction of a Play
Mike Doben – The Girl in the Washroom (BUA / First Look Buffalo Theatre Company)
Lara D. Haberberger – Gidion’s Knot (Brazen-Faced Varlets)
John Hurley – The Book of Will (RLTP)
Matthew LaChiusa – Irish Play (ART)
Kyle LoConti – Sheltered (JRT)
Steve Vaughan – Conscience (JRT)
Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Chris Kelly – White Christmas (MusicalFare)
Randall Kramer – Come from Away (MusicalFare)
Daniel F. Lendzian – Shrek (O’Connell & Co)
Lisa Ludwig – Mamma Mia! (Second Generation Theatre)
Jessica Hillman McCord – Islander (ICTC)
Doug Weyand – Ghost Brothers of Darkland County (RLTP)
Outstanding Music Direction
Matt Caputy – Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
Joe Isgar – Penelope
Allen Paglia – Urinetown
Theresa Quinn – Come from Away
Karen Saxon – Dreamgirls
Stephen Schapero – Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Outstanding Choreography
Joey Bucheker – Curtains (O’Connell & Co)
Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo – Dreamgirls (Ansari/Saxon Productions)
Kristy Cavanagh – Urinetown (Second Generation Theatre)
Michael Deeb Weaver – Mamma Mia! (Second Generation Theatre)
Eric Deeb Weaver – Hairspray (MusicalFare)
Michael Oliver Walline – Jesus Christ Superstar (MusicalFare)
Outstanding Ensemble of a Play
The Book of Will – Road Less Traveled Productions
The Brothers Size – Ujima Theatre Company
Conscience.– Jewish Repertory Theatre
The Cottage – Alleyway Theatre
Exit Strategy – Road Less Traveled Productions
Sheltered – Jewish Repertory Theatre
Outstanding Ensemble of a Musical
Between the Lines, Bellissima
Godspell – Ujima Theatre Company
Shrek – O’Connell & Company
String – D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre
Urinetown – Second Generation Theatre
White Christmas – MusicalFare Theatre
Outstanding Leading Actor in a Play
Chris Avery – Richard III
Robert Creighton – A Skull in Connemara
Rick Lattimer – Preservation
Jordan Levin – Just for Us
Cory McCants – The Brothers Size
Peter Palmisano – On a First Name Basis
Outstanding Leading Actress in a Play
Paige Cummings – The Girl in the Washroom
Josie DiVincenzo – Conscience
Rebecca Elkin – Sheltered
Sabrina Kahwaty Garcia – The Laughing Troll Café
Kate LoConti‑Alcocer – Hedda Gabler
Aleks Malejs – Thirst
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play
Brendan Didio – A Skull in Connemara
Peter Johnson – Thirst
Stan Klimecko – Things with Friends
Dave Spychalski – The Game of Love and Chance
Michael Starzynski – Irish Play
Nick Stevens – Conscience
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play
Kristin Bentley – Mr. Wolf
Diane DiBernardo – Exit Strategy
VerNia Sharisse Garvin – Twelfth Night
Pamela Rose Mangus – A Skull in Connemara
Shanntina Moore – Things with Friends
Maria Pedro – Sheltered
Outstanding Leading Actor in a Musical
Tiger Brown – Jesus Christ Superstar
George L. Brown – Dreamgirls
Louis Colaiacovo – Hairspray
Nicholas Lama – Curtains
Quinn McGillion – Jesus Christ Superstar
Marc Sacco – Urinetown
Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical
Dasia Cervi – Dreamgirls
Kelly Copps – Mamma Mia!
Amy Jakiel – Penelope
Kayla McSorley – Islander
Michele Marie Roberts – Come from Away
Audrianna Yates – Shrek
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical
Bobby Cooke – Crazy for You
Augustus Donaldson – Dreamgirls
Phil Farugia – Mamma Mia!
Jake Hayes – Shrek
Austin Marshall – Hairspray
Matt Witten – Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical
Arin Lee Dandes – Urinetown
Anna Fernandez – Crazy for You
Mary Coppola Gjurich – White Christmas
Bethany Moore – Mamma Mia!
Debbie Pappas Sham – Come from Away
Alexandria Watts – Come from Away
Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role
Michael Blasdell – Pure Glitter
Joey Bucheker – Shrek
Nicole Cimato – Lucky Stiff
Kevin Craig – Twelfth Night
Jeremy Kreuzer – The Book of Will
Kate Olena – Precious Little
Outstanding Costume Design
Ann R. Emo – A Christmas Carol
Phylicia Robinson Dove – Dreamgirls
Kari Drozd – Sheltered
Collin Ranney – Game of Love and Chance
Ken Shaw – Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas
Todd Warfield – The Book of Will
Emanuel Fried Award for New Play
Ian Downes – Retail Horror
Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola – The Laughing Troll Café
Daniel F. Lendzian – A Christmas Carol
Bella Poynton – The Girl in the Washroom
John Snodgrass – Ready, Set, Rerun
Outstanding Set Design
Primo Thomas – Crocodile Fever
Collin Ranney – A Skull in Connemara
J. Marc Quattlebaum – The Game of Love and Chance
Dyan Burlingame – The Book of Will
Hyla Stellhorn – Islander
Chris Cavanagh – Mamma Mia!
Outstanding Technical Element
Chris Cavanagh – Projections, Conscience
Diane Almeter Jones – Props, A Skull in Connemara
J. Marc Quattlebaum – Puppet, Crocodile Fever
Nicholas Quinn – Sound, Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
John Rickus – Lighting, Mr. Wolf
Emma Schimminger – Lighting/Sound, A Christmas Carol
2026 CAREER ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE – Brian Cavanagh
