As Buffalo continues its growth spurt, or renaissance, and property values rise, some smaller theaters are feeling squeezed. Four of them have had to find new venues, including A.R.T., B.U.A., Road Less Travelled, and Rust Belt Books, which is now at 415 Grant Street.
Openings this week include A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, the Sondheim musical based on farces by the Roman Plautus, presented by Casting Hall-Buffalo State Theater Department. Oct 8-17, Thu & Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8. Warren Enters Theatre, Upton Hall, on the Buffalo State campus (free parking nearby).
NOBODY’S INN, a musical by Buffalo’s Grant Golden, based on Oliver Goldsmith’s “She Stoops to Conquer” is presented by Western Door Playhouse. Oct 9-25, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun.at 2:30. Woodbox Theatre, Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 1201 Pine Ave. at Portage Rd.
Also noted, continuing from last week, is THE LAST READING OF CHARLOTTE CUSHMAN by Carolyn Gage, a play about a famous out-lesbian in the 19th century known for her portrayal of “Romeo.” Cushman is played Heather Fangsrud, presented by The Brazen-Faced Varlets through Oct 18, Sat & Sun at 2. Rust Belt Books, 415 Grant St.
And you have until October 18th to catch yet another Sondheim musical - A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC presented by The Irish Classical Theatre Company,Thu & Fri at 7:30, Sat at 3 & 7:30, Sun at 2. Andrews Theatre, 625 Main St. (853-ICTC). www.irishclassicaltheatre.com
Closings this week include CARRIE, THE MUSICAL, presented by American Repertory Theater of WNY, Through Oct 10, Fri & Sat at 8. Medaille College, 18 Agassiz Circle and IN THE HEIGHTS, the Tony award winning musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes, through Oct 11, Wed & Thu at 7, Fri at 8, Sat at 4 & 7, Sun at 2 at MusicalFare Theatre, 4380 Main St., Amherst on the Daemen College campus (enter from Getzville Road to avoid construction on Main Street).
