This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Desiderio's Dinner Theatre's production of AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER where Lisa Hinca and Steven J. Brachman excel; the final weekend for Shakespeare in Delaware Park's THE TAMING OF THE SHREW; It's the final weekend to catch Sandra Roberts as "Kate" in Shakespeare in Delaware Park's current production of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW; a memory of Katy Clancy who was a stalwart of dinner theater in the 1970s and 80s who won an Artie for playing Reno Sweeney in ANYTHING GOES, she was a belter; and a reminder that longtime Artistic and Executive Director of the Lancaster Opera House David Bondrow will be memorialized at a gathering, come as you are, at the opera house on Saturday August 15th starting at 11am. And, finally, CURTAIN UP! IS SEPTEMBER 18. So put it on your calendar: Curtain Up! the official opening night of the Western New York professional theatre season will be on Friday, September 18 when Buffalo’s theatre season kicks off 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 for these and the Shaw Festival below.SEE LISTINGS for these and the Shaw Festival below.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.
