© 2026 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace St.
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Differing shades of blue wavering throughout the image
Give Now
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Theater seats and the bottom of the graphic with a white THEATER TALK logo on the top half
Theater Talk

Theater Talk: ON THE RAZZLE at Shaw is a great farce; this weekend Anthony's shows are at JRT; last chances for ROMEO AND JULIET at SiDP; welcome Keelie Sheridan to ICTC

By Anthony Chase,
Peter Hall
Published August 18, 2023 at 5:00 AM EDT
Ways To Subscribe
ON THE RAZZLE at Shawfest stars L-R Ric Reid as Zangler, Kristi Frank as Christopher, Mike Nadajewski as Weinberl.
Emily Cooper
/
Shaw Festival
ON THE RAZZLE at Shawfest stars L-R Ric Reid as Zangler, Kristi Frank as Christopher, Mike Nadajewski as Weinberl.

Anthony and Peter went back up to The Shaw Festival, this time for a comedy by Tom Stoppard, full of wit and wordplay, a farce called ON THE RAZZLE, featuring two lowly clerks on a big city spree, from the same source material that gave us Barnaby and Cornelius in HELLO, DOLLY!

In other news, ROMEO AND JULIET wraps up this week at Shakespeare in Delaware Park, a youthful, energetic, and delightful presentation. (See listings below.) Read Peter's review here:

https://www.buffalorising.com/2023/08/romeo-and-juliet-at-shakespeare-in-the-park-brings-a-fresh-vision-well-done/

Anthony was rehearsing ANTHONY CHASE: MY LIFE IN THE AUDIENCE at the Jewish Repertory Theatre in Getzville, getting ready for the two matinees this Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm (see listings below). Then he drove over to the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center located at 705 Renaissance Dr. in Williamsville, NY, WNY’s newest state-of-the-art theater. With 250 seats, Anthony reports it's quite wonderful and they have a very good piano there, as well!

The Irish Classical Theatre has announced its new Artistic Director, Keelie A. Sheridan, who holds an MFA in Acting from Brooklyn College and an MFA in Directing from The Lir Academy of Trinity College Dublin. She's already on board and will be supported by outgoing AD Kate LoConti Alcocer and Producing Director Cassie Cameron.

Meanwhile, Verneice Turner has stepped into the leadership role at the Paul Robeson Theater and as we discussed last week, Katie Mallinson is heading up the Kavinoky Theatre staff as Executive Artistic Director.

Road Trip! GYPSY, A Musical Fable, with Book by Arthur Laurents, Music by Jule Styne, and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim has been called "the perfect musical" by Anthony who will be leading a bus tour up to Niagara on the Lake Wednesday, September 27 leaving from the AAA parking lot in Amherst at 8:30 am and returning at 6:30 pm. To get your ticket click here:

https://www.wned.org/ways-to-support/wned-wbfo-tours/gypsy/

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, then The Shaw Festival lineup for 2023.

CLOSINGS: (listed alphabetically by title)

ROMEO & JULIET by William Shakespeare, presented by Shakespeare in Delaware Park, directed by Chris Kelly starring Aidan Conklin and Erin Grace Kely in the title roles. July 27 - August 20, 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

ROMEO & JULIET BLURB (from shakespeare.org.uk): An age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed. A group of masked Montagues risk further conflict by gatecrashing a Capulet party. A young lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet, who is due to marry her father’s choice, Paris. With the help of Juliet’s nurse, the women arrange for the couple to marry the next day, but Romeo’s attempt to halt a street fight leads to the death of Juliet’s own cousin, Tybalt, for which Romeo is banished. In a desperate attempt to be reunited with Romeo, Juliet follows the Friar’s plot and fakes her own death. The message fails to reach Romeo, and believing Juliet dead, he takes his life in her tomb. Juliet wakes to find Romeo’s corpse beside her and kills herself. The grieving family agree to end their feud.

All performances are FREE, non-ticketed and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted during intermission. Here's the cast list:

ROMEO – Aidan Conklin

MONTAGUE – Caitlin Coleman

BENVOLIO – Kris Bartolomeo

ABRAHAM – Brent Hetrick

BALTHAZAR – Shawn Adiletta

JULIET – Erin Grace Kelly

LORD CAPULET – Mike Garvey

LADY CAPULET – Marie Costa

NURSE – Pamela Rose Mangus

TYBALT – James Delano

SAMPSON – Sam Fesmire

GREGORY – Ayden Herreid+

PRINCE – Rick Lattimer

PARIS – David Wysocki

MERCUTIO – Adam Koda

FRIAR – Chris Hatch*

_____

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). All performances are FREE, non-ticketed and open to the public. For dates and locations, scroll down or visit https://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/2023-tour-locations/

Bring your own chair or blanket, picnics are encouraged.

ONE REMAINING SHOW!

Monday, August 21 (7:00PM) – Bassett Park

359 Klein Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221

_____

OPENINGS: (listed alphabetically by title)

ANTHONY CHASE: MY LIFE IN THE AUDIENCE, additional shows in August, two matinees filled with story and song with theater critic, raconteur, and all-round bon vivant Anthony Chase with Music Director Phil Farugia at the piano. August 19 and 20, both matinees at 2:00 at The Maxine & Robert Seller Theater in the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo,

Benderson Family Building 2640 North Forest Rd. Getzville, NY 14068 For tickets visit www.jewishrepertorytheatreofwny.org Keep up to date by subscribing to https://www.theatertalkbuffalo.com/

CONTINUING: (listed alphabetically by title)

None

_____

AT THE SHAW FESTIVAL THEATRE, Venue by Venue listings.

For details visit https://www.shawfest.com/2023-season/

AT THE FESTIVAL THEATRE

GYPSY

A Musical Fable, Book by Arthur Laurents

Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee

_____

Noël Coward’s

BLITHE SPIRIT

_____

THE AMEN CORNER

By James Baldwin

_____

AT THE ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE

PRINCE CASPIAN

Adapted for the stage by Damien Atkins

Based on the novel by C.S. Lewis

_____

ON THE RAZZLE

By Tom Stoppard

Adapted from Einen Jux will er sich machen by Johann Nestroy, but you'll recognize scenes from Thornton Wilder's THE MATCHMAKER and also from the musical HELLO, DOLLY!

_____

VILLAGE WOOING (2023's Lunchtime One‐Act)

By Bernard Shaw

_____

THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT

By Edith Wharton

_____

At the JACKIE MAXWELL STUDIO THEATRE

THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD

By J.M. Synge

_____

THE APPLE CART by G.B. Shaw, directed by Eda Holmes, starring Tom Rooney and others, is in repertory through Saturday October 7, 2023 at the Shaw Festival’s Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre behind the Festival Theatre (they share a courtyard), 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (905-468-2172 / 1-800-511-7429) www.shawfest.com Download house program here.

https://www.shawfest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Apple-Cart.pdf

_____

THE CLEARING

By Helen Edmundson

_____

And there are two new "venues" at the Shaw Festival including

SPIEGELTENT offering

THE GAME OF LOVE AND CHANCE

A romantic comedy by Pierre de Marivaux

Improvised by the Shaw Festival Ensemble – a new play every time.

MOTHER, DAUGHTER

Written and directed by Selma Dimitrijevic

and there's "OUTDOORS @ THE SHAW"

A SHORT HISTORY OF NIAGARA

Created by Alexandra Montagnese and Mike Petersen

Commissioned and presented by the Shaw Festival

Rogers and Hammerstein’s

A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING – ONE ACT – IN CONCERT

Music by Richard Rodgers

Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Musical arrangements by Fred Wells

Orchestration by Michael Gibson and Jonathan Tunick

Conceived by Walter Bobbie

_____

For the HOLIDAY SEASON 2023 The Shaw Festival will bring back

Lerner and Loewe’s

BRIGADOON

Book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Loewe

Original dances created by Agnes DeMille

Revised book by Brian Hill

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

By Charles Dickens

Adapted and originally directed by Tim Carroll

_____

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

_____

Tags
Theater Talk 2023 Theater TalkWBFO Arts & Culture Desk
Anthony Chase
Listen for Theater Talk, Friday morning at 6:45 and 8:45 during Morning Edition.
See stories by Anthony Chase
Peter Hall
Even though "semi-retired," Peter Hall continues to wear many hats. He is the Sunday afternoon host on WBFO’s “sister station,” WNED Classical where he has produced over 1,000 radio interviews with musical artists. If you see him at a theater with a pen in his hand, he’s probably getting ready to co-host “Theater Talk” with Anthony Chase (heard Friday mornings at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on WBFO) or to write a review for www.buffalorising.com. He is also a member of the "Artie Awards" committee (think “Tony Awards for Buffalo theaters”).
See stories by Peter Hall
Latest Episodes
  • GIRL ON AN ALTAR, an adaptation of Greek myth, opens at Irish Classical starring Keelie Sheridan, Jorge Luna and more
    Theater Talk: What a week! Pride, Tonys, Arties! Shakespeare has touring show FOOLS & FOES up and in neighborhoods, PERICLES opens soon. Both Marina Carr's GIRL ON AN ALTAR and Aaron Sorkin's A FEW GOOD MEN open, and THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE continues at Torn Space.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter reflect on a busy weekend with Pride, the Tonys (remember Anthony called SCHMIGADOON as best musical), and the 2026 Artie Awards (35th annual!) held Monday June 8, at Babeville, hosted by Anthony Chase, Jake Hayes, Maria Pedro with music direction by Joe Isgar and stage management by Emma English. THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, a collaboration of Torn Space and BUA continues. FOOLS AND FOES, the touring production of Shakespeare in Delaware Park just opened and next week PERICLES opens on the Saul Elkin stage in the park. Aaron Sorkin's A FEW GOOD MEN (it was a play before it was a movie) opened last night; GIRL ON AN ALTAR (think Greek tragedy) by Irish playwright Marina Carr opens tonight at Irish Classical. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS. Did you do that?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 THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE Anthony Alcoser as Miss Georgia McBride is workin' it.jpg
    Theater Talk: Artie Awards (Buffalo's "Tonys") Monday, June 8 at Babeville. BUA & Torn Space's THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE is a great story just in time for Pride month, and SUFFS, the Broadway musical at Shea's, also gets its point across with a lot of sass. Both highly recommended. Happy Pride! See you at the Arties!
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the 2026 Artie Awards, Monday June 8, at Babeville, doors open at 7, show is at 8, with red carpet photography, and judging for best outfits, hosted on stage by Anthony Chase, Jake Hayes, Maria Pedro with music direction by Joe Isgar (click through for nominations) and, as always, profits go to support local Western New York HIV/AIDS charities. THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, a collaboration of Torn Space and BUA, is as fabulous as you'd expect from the cast list, and SUFFS, at Shea's, is very satisfying as both a Broadway musical and as a feel-good history lesson. But that closes this weekend as does the Jewish Repertory Theatre's JUST FOR US. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS. Did you do that?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.
  • SUFFS National Tour opens at Shea's on Tuesday
    Theater Talk: 35 annual Artie Nominations announced (Awards are June 8 at Babeville) and there's merch! (To pre-order Tee scroll down.) Bellissima's GHOST THE MUSICAL very entertaining, but closes this weekend. THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE opens tonight at Torn Space. Anthony has seen SUFFS (coming to Shea's) and declares "It's a gorgeous show!"
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the 2026 Artie Award nominations, which are posted below and on theatertalkbuffalo.com. The Artie Awards will take place on Monday, June 8, 2026. Doors open at 7 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m., and pre-ordered t-shirt purchases can be picked up at the event. To order your 35th anniversary Artie tee-shirt, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-artie-store (T-shirts cost $25 and profits from sales go to support local Western New York HIV/AIDS charities.) Both Anthony and Peter really liked Bellissima's GHOST THE MUSICAL, which closes this weekend. THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, a collaboration of Torn Space and BUA, opens tonight. Jewish Repertory continues JUST FOR US. 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.
  • Bellissima's GHOST stars include L-R Alex Reiser, Heather Casseri, Chris Cummings
    Theater Talk: It's award season! Tony nominations are in, Arties return to Babeville, June 8th; JUST FOR US at Jewish Rep is timely and funny; younger stars to watch these days include Quinn McGillion, Glen Chitty (HAIRSPRAY thru 5/24), and Alex Reiser with Heather Casseri in GHOST (thru 5/30); GEORGIA MCBRIDE opens 5/29.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the awards season, with Tony nominations out and voting for the 2026 Artie Awards wrapping up. On Monday, June 8, the Arties will return to Babeville. There's a new group of triple-threat young men on stages, including Quinn McGillion and, currently, Glen Chitty in HAIRSPRAY, and Alex Reiser in Bellissima Production's GHOST. Great anticipation is building for THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, a collaboration of Torn Space and BUA. Jewish Repertory has been on top of contemporary issues, and JUST FOR US is, believe it or not, a funny take on white supremacists. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS. 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.
  • MusicalFare's HAIRSPRAY stars include, front, L-R Glen Chitty, Stevie Lou Kemp, Lou Colaiacovo, Bobby Cooke
    Theater Talk: Anthony is one-upped by his baby sister; winning shows continue, HAIRSPRAY (MusicalFare at Shea's 710) with a cast of 22 and JUST FOR US (Jewish Repertory) with a cast of 1. Last weekend to see CURTAINS (O'Connell & Co.), CORDUROY at Theatre of Youth, GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY (Stephen King & John Mellencamp musical at Road Less Traveled), and PURE GLITTER (2nd Gen at Shea's Smith).
    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.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.
  • PURE GLITTER (2nd Generation at Shea's Smith) all cast
    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.
  • In GHOST BROTHERS, The Caretaker (Matt Witten) tells a shocking story to Anna (Leah Berst)
    Theater Talk: R.I.P. Lancaster's David Bondrow; Buffalo's own Jonathan Young wows at Paper Mill Playhouse; GHOST BROTHERS so good, so true to RLTP's artistic vision; last weekend to catch ISLANDER at Irish Classical, LAUGHING TROLL CAFE (BUA at Compass, 345 Elmwood), while ON A FIRST NAME BASIS continues at Desiderio's. See listings.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter note the sudden passing of David Bondrow, Executive and Artistic Director of The Lancaster Opera House. But as he would have said, "the show must go on" and so THE ODD COUPLE, in which he starred as Oscar Madison, will run as planned through 4/26. Call the box office (716-683-1776) for details. Anthony went down to the prestigious Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey to see Buffalo's Jonathan Young perform brilliantly in the musical 1776 as Edward Rutledge. 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; ISLANDER, the charming Celtic musical at Irish Classical; THE LAUGHING TROLL CAFE, a Shaw-worthy play at the CPAC, 545 Elmwood; and ON A FIRST NAME BASIS with beloved Buffalo actors Eileen Dugan and Peter Palmisano, at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre. 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.
  • ISLANDER at Irish Classical stars L-R Vanessa Vacanti, the looping machine, Kayla McSorley.png
    Theater Talk: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Shea's so exciting; LAUGHING TROLL CAFE (BUA at 545 Elmwood) so funny; THINGS WITH FRIENDS at the Alleyway such a great cast; ISLANDER at Irish's two woman Celtic musical enchanting and audiences love it. Note: Lancaster Opera House's David Bondrow passed suddenly. See listings re ticket situation.
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Shea's Broadway tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (great acrobatics); BUA's LAUGHING TROLL CAFE about a children's author (think J.K. Rowling) in an intervention of sorts staged by her characters at 545 Elmwood; an absurdist drama with a stellar cast titled THINGS WITH FRIENDS is up at the Alleyway Theatre; and the absolutely stunning Scottish based musical ISLANDER is wowing audiences at Irish Classical. See listings. Note: David Bondrow, Executive and Artistic Director of The Lancaster Opera House, died suddenly this week. In light of that sudden loss, THE ODD COUPLE, a comedy by Neil Simon, is on hold but will start up again on Thursday 4/23 and will run as planned through 4/26. Call the box office for exchanges.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews, especially his latest on the play THINGS WITH FRIENDS.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.
  • Theater Talk: A conversation with Kristoffer Diaz about his play THINGS WITH FRIENDS at Alleyway; Other openings: Broadway's WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Shea's; BUA's LAUGHING TROLL CAFE; Irish Classical's ISLANDER; O'Connell's ALIVE & KICKING. See Listings!
    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter have a conversation with Kristoffer Diaz, whose play THINGS WITH FRIENDS is now open at Alleyway Theatre; in this jam-packed April, including (but not limited to) MusicalFare's continuing with JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR (check out Quinn McGillion as Judas); BUA's LAUGHING TROLL CAFE; Irish Classical's Scottish based ISLANDER, Shea's Broadway tour WATER FOR ELEPHANTS., O'Connell's ALIVE & KICKING. See listings. PLEASE SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews, especially his latest on the play SHELTERED.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.