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Theater Talk

Theater Talk: Shakespeare in Delaware Park opens excellent MEASURE FOR MEASURE, and we note passing of actor Jerry Maher

By Anthony Chase,
Peter Hall
Published June 30, 2023 at 5:00 AM EDT
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At SDP's MEASURE FOR MEASURE L-R Omen Thomas Slade as Lucio, Daniel Lenzian as The Duke
SDP
/
Lisa Ludwig
At SDP's MEASURE FOR MEASURE L-R Omen Thomas Slade as Lucio, Daniel Lenzian as The Duke

MEASURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare, presented by Shakespeare in Delaware Park, had a very entertaining and comedic take on this play that can go dark or humorous, depending. Director Virginia Monte went with the fun. And Theater Talk mourns the loss of beloved Buffalo character actor, two-time Artie Award winner, Jerry Maher.

Anthony's reviews appear in The Buffalo News (buffalonews.com) and Peter's reviews appear in Buffalo Rising (buffalorising.com).

LOCAL LISTINGS ARE PRESENTED AS FOLLOWS: CLOSINGS (last chances to see these plays), then OPENINGS, then CONTINUING.

CLOSINGS: NONE

OPENINGS: (listed alphabetically by title)

BUTTERFLIES, a reading of a new play by Canadian playwright Steven Elliott Jackson, conceived by Richard Lambert, presented by The African American Cultural Center's Paul Robeson Theatre, starring Jame Cichocki and Verneice Turner. Jackson. Friday, July 7th at 7:00 & Sunday, July 9th, at 4:00 pm at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Ave.

BUTTERFLIES BLURB: "Hear Butterfly McQueen's story from her own self and from a man who took a great interest in her life and career, and it all started from a chance meeting in a theater as a young man in the South." Admission is Free. Donations are gratefully accepted.

______

CHICAGO, the musical, Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb, directed and choreographed by Joey Bucheker, presented by O'Connell & Co., starring Nicole Cimato as Roxie Hart, Aimée Walker as Velma Kelly, Gregory Gjurich as Billy Flynn, Mary Coppola Gjurich as Matron “Mama” Morton, Dan Urtz as Amos Hart, and

D. Pieffer as Mary Sunshine. July 7-16, (8 performances only)

Dates & Showtimes:

• Friday, July 7th, 2023 at 7:30pm

• Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at 3:00 pm

• Saturday, July 8th, 2023, at 7:30pm

• Thursday, July 13th, 2023 at 7:30pm

• Friday, July 14th, 2023 at 7:30 pm

• Saturday, July 15th, 2023 at 7:30pm

• Sunday, July 16th, 2023 at 3:00pm

• Sunday, July 16th, 2023 at 7:30 PM

at O’Connell & Company, 4110 Bailey Ave., Amherst, NY 14226

716-848-0800 www.oconnellandcompany.com

CHICAGO BLURB: Set in the legendary city during the roaring “jazz hot” 20s, Chicago tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses locked up in Cook County Jail. Nightclub star Velma’s serving time for killing her husband and sister after finding the two in bed together. Driven chorus girl Roxie’s been tossed in the joint for bumping off the lover she’s been cheating on her husband with.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Velma enlists the help of prison matron Mama Morton and slickster lawyer Billy Flynn, who turn Velma’s incarceration into a murder-of-the-week media frenzy, thus preparing the world for a splashy showbiz comeback. But Roxie’s got some of her own tricks up her sleeve…

Devilish and delightful, Chicago is an indisputable Broadway landmark that utilizes minimal scenery and simple costumes (we’re talking some seriously basic black) to deliver one big musical bang after another. With one great showstopper after the next, John Kander and Fred Ebb’s now-classic score keeps the story moving at a gunshot pace. The scantily-clad dancers tip their bowler hats in tribute to the style of original choreographer Bob Fosse, whose moves are still as steamy and sexy today as they were when Chicago first appeared in 1975. For a show that stands chin-deep in dirty deeds, it feels like one helluva good time.

_____

TWELFTH NIGHT, a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's play, conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub, Music and Lyrics by Shaina Taub, Directed by Susan Drozd, presented by MusicalFare, starring a cast of 16. July 5 to August 6, Wed- Thu at 7:00, Fri at 7:30, Sat at 3:30 and 7:30, Sun at 2:00 at MusicalFare Theatr's Main Stage, on the campus of Daemen College, 4380 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226 (716) 839-8540

info@musicalfare.com

TWELFTH NIGHT BLURB: A contemporary take on the classic Shakespearean tale with an electrifying jazz-funk score by composer Shaina Taub. Named one of the best theatrical productions of 2018 by Time, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Washington Post, TWELFTH NIGHT is a rousing contemporary musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy about mistaken identity and self-discovery. It tells the story of Viola, a young heroine who washes up on the shores of Illyria, disguises herself as a man, is hired to court a countess as she falls hard for a Duke. As she navigates this strange and wonderful new land, she finds her true self and discovers true love in the process. The running time of the production is approximately 2 hours, including intermission.

_____

CONTINUING: (listed alphabetically by title)

COME BLOW YOUR HORN, a comedy by Neil Simon presented by Desiderio’s Dinner Theatre, directed by Jay Desiderio, starring Joseph Marciniak, Jacob Applegate, Buddy Baker, Molly McGrath Alyssa Grace Adams, Marc Ruffino, Cindy Schmitt. May 11-Jul 9, Thu & Sat dinner at 6, show at 7:30; Sun dinner at 1, show at 2:30. Bobby J’s Italian American Grille, 204 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga (395-3207). www.mybobbyjs.com

COME BLOW YOUR HORN BLURB: Buddy is a 21-year-old virgin who decides to leave the home of his parents and live with his older brother Alan who is a ladies' man leading a swinging '60s lifestyle with an apartment in Manhattan's East Sixties. Later in the play Alan discovers feelings for one of the many women with whom he is sleeping and when she leaves him, he falls apart. Meanwhile, Buddy is becoming the ladies man.

____

MEASURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare, presented by Shakespeare in Delaware Park, directed by Virginia Monte, starring Daniel Lendzian, Gretchen Didio, Luke Brewer, Lisa Ludwig. June 22-July 16, Tuesdays-Sundays nightly at 7:15 on "Shakespeare Hill" near the Rose Garden and the casino in Delaware Park. Bring your own chair or blanket, picnics are encouraged. (716) 856-4533) www.shakespeareindelawarepark.org

MEASURE FOR MEASURE BLURB: The Duke leaves Angelo in charge of Vienna, where he rules as a religious tyrant, quickly condemning Claudio to death for immoral behavior. However, Angelo offers to pardon Claudio if his sister, Isabella, sleeps with him. Isabella agrees but actually has Angelo's fiancee switch places with her. The Duke returns to spare Claudio, punish Angelo, and propose to Isabella.

_____

WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A PLAY, an hour of scenes and sonnets by Shakespeare, adapted by Brendan Didio, directed by Norm Sham, presented in a touring format by Shakespeare in Delaware Park, starring Emily Basset, Heather Casseri, Connor Graham, and Nathaniel "Nate" W.C. Higgins. June 14 - August 21, all shows are free at 7:00 (with one added matinee, July 23 at 4:30 at Freedom Run Winery). For dates and locations, visit https://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/2023-tour-locations/

Bring your own chair or blanket, picnics are encouraged.

_____

Shea's Buffalo Theatre has announced their 2023-24 Broadway Season:

MRS. DOUBTFIRE 9/24 - 30, 2023

MOULIN ROUGE! 10/24 - 11/5, 2023

with ANNIE as a "special engagement" 12/19 - 24, 2023

and then in calendar 2024:

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY 1/16 - 21, 2024

FUNNY GIRL 2/13 - 18, 2024

LES MISERABLES 3/12 - 18, 2024

MAMMA MIA! 4/9 - 14, 2024

MJ THE MUSICAL 6/11 - 16, 2024

_____

2023 ARTIE AWARD WINNERS

PRODUCTION OF A PLAY

Murder on the Orient Express for All for One Productions

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL

Once on This Island

Shea’s

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE OF A PLAY

Toni Stone

Ujima Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE OF A MUSICAL

Disaster!

MusicalFare

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL

Chris Handley

Kragtar! The American Monster Musical

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A PLAY

Katie Mallinson

Guards at the Taj

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY

Kristy E. Cavanagh

Nice Work If You Can Get It

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Joe Russi in Cabaret

Second Generation

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY

Kevin Craig in Every Brilliant Thing

Second Generation

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Amy Jakiel, Kragtar! The American Monster Musical

LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Aleks Malejs in People, Places, and Things

EMANUEL FRIED AWARD FOR NEW PLAY

María Pérez-Gómez and Victoria Pérez for Isleña

Raices Theater Company

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN

Lynne Koscielniak

Murder On The Orient Express

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ELEMENT

Kris Bartolomeo for Makeup Design in The Addams Family

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN

Jenna Damberger

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Shakespeare in Delaware Park

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR MUSICAL

Anthony Alcocer in Rock of Ages

OUTSTANDING Supporting Actor in a Play

Brian Brown in Toni Stone

OUTSTANDING Supporting Actress in a Play

Lisa Ludwig in Murder on the Orient Express

OUTSTANDING Supporting Actress Musical

Arin Lee Dandes in Disaster!

Outstanding Featured PERFORMANCE

Renee Landrigan in Alley of the Dolls

OUTSTANDING DEBUT

Zhanna Reed in Once on This Island

KATHARINE CORNELL (for out of town actors)

Brian Marable in Thurgood

Irish Classical Theatre

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT

Loraine O’Donnell

Michele Ragusa

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Theater Talk 2023 Theater TalkWBFO Arts & Culture Desk
Anthony Chase
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    Theater Talk: So many shows to choose from! MusicalFare's HAIRSPRAY, Starring Buffalo's RENT, O'Connell's CURTAINS, Theater of Youth's CORDUROY, Kenan's COMPLETE SHAKESPEARE, and 2nd Generation's PURE GLITTER. Click and scroll for complete listings.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about HAIRSPRAY (MusicalFare at Shea's 710) starring Louis Colaiacovo as Edna Turnblad; RENT (one matinee only) on the "big" stage at Shea's PAC; CURTAINS, the musical (O'Connell & Co. at Canterbury Woods) a "show within a show" about a "triple threat" (she can't act, can't dance, can't sing) who gets bumped off in Act I; CORDURY for the 3+ set at Theatre of Youth; COMPLETE SHAKESPEARE with three comic virtuosos - Kevin Craig, Brendan Didio, Jeremy Kreuzer - at Lockport's Kenan Center, and PURE GLITTER (see lead photo, 2nd Gen at Shea's Smith) starring, among others, Michael "Bebe" Blasdell (who will also be in GEORGIA MCBRIDE at Torn Space in late May). SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.
  • In Operalytes' YEOMEN OF THE GUARD, Phoebe (Mariami Bekauri) and Fairfax (John Clayton) share a brief moment
    Theater Talk: Opera-Lytes' YEOMEN OF THE GUARD by Gilbert & Sullivan up through this week might be their best ever; Theater of Youth presents a charming CORDUROY (for 3+); Anthony talks about an event to support Kevin Dees running for the 149th Assembly District with drag performers from Ru Paul's Drag Race; O'Connell to open CURTAINS, a musical by Kander & Ebb.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Opera-Lytes' YEOMEN OF THE GUARD by Gilbert & Sullivan up through this week which might be their best ever; Theater of Youth presents a charming CORDUROY (for 3+); Anthony talks about an event to support Kevin Dees running for the 149th Assembly District with drag performers from Ru Paul's Drag Race; O'Connell to open CURTAINS, a musical by Kander & Ebb.Other shows to note this weekend include GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY, a dark musical by Stephen King and John Mellencamp at Road Less Traveled; and ON A FIRST NAME BASIS with beloved Buffalo actors Eileen Dugan and Peter Palmisano, at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.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.