Sometimes memories create the reality we wish we had: other times, those memories reveal life-changing secrets. At the end of life, that line between what was and what might have been is wavy and wavering. This examination is at the heart of Preservation, presented by First Look Buffalo, onstage at the lovely Canterbury Wood Performing … Continue reading Preservation Examines Past to Cope with the Present
MAMMA MIA! What a Blast for Second Gen
Ah, the balmy breezes off the coast of Greece...just what we need on a blustery Buffalo night. Add in the ABBA songs you love, fun costumes, and lots of dancing (on stage and yes, in your seat) and that's pretty much a perfect night. Shea's 710 and Second Generation Theatre has that going on in … Continue reading MAMMA MIA! What a Blast for Second Gen
‘Twas the Night Before Spins and Shines at Shea’s
I've never experienced a Cirque du Soleil performance before 'Twas the Night Before spun into town. It is quite a sight; imagine the very best of a circus on the Shea's Buffalo stage with dazzling costumes, makeup, music, and spectacular lighting effects. No, there are no lions, seals, or ringmasters; this is elite performance art … Continue reading ‘Twas the Night Before Spins and Shines at Shea’s
White Christmas is a Smile at MusicalFare
Full disclosure: it's very rare that I enjoy a movie on stage, especially when it's a classic film. MusicalFare's production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas the Musical may not have wholly changed my mind, but honestly, there is so much to love about this production. To recap, the story is a re-telling on the 1954 … Continue reading White Christmas is a Smile at MusicalFare
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in NOTL
The film White Christmas is a classic: its iconic cast headed by Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, and Danny Kaye, have crooned and swooned their way into our collective hearts since 1954. The stage version - renamed Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a musical tribute to the great man himself and still follows the basic storyline … Continue reading Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in NOTL
Mr. Wolf is Riveting at RLTP
Don't let the eeerily beautiful set give you a preconceived notion about Mr. Wolf, now onstage at Road Less Traveled Theater. Collin Ranney's set is a stunning mix of swirling colors and cosmos, beautifully lit by John Rickus, and completed with projections and sound by Katie Menke. Theatre Companion and I discussed this while we … Continue reading Mr. Wolf is Riveting at RLTP
Theatre Review: ‘Wicked’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
Jessie Davidson as Elphaba and Zoe Jensen as Glinda in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus “Wicked” has been sweeping the nation (perhaps even the world!) since its opening in 2003. After 22 years on Broadway, “Wicked” is still as popular as ever, partly thanks to the 2024 film that launched a … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Wicked’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
A Christmas Carol Sings at Shaw Festival
Full disclosure: I've never seen a staged version of A Christmas Carol. And while I did watch the 1951 Alastair Sim movie once years ago, I think I nodded off. Ditto the 1992 Muppet version (I know, pretty pathetic). But there's nothing like a Shaw Festival production to keep you engaged, enthralled, and so ready … Continue reading A Christmas Carol Sings at Shaw Festival
Oak is Solid at Alleyway
First off, thanks to the pre-show announcement, we were forewarned about the use of strobe lights, surprises, and maybe a jump scare as part of Oak, now onstage at Alleyway Theatre. Theatre Companion was thusly prepared when yours truly reacted thusly. Terry Guest's script is part allegory, part folk tale, and a reinterpretation of a … Continue reading Oak is Solid at Alleyway
Conscience is Compelling at JRT
The productions at Jewish Repertory Theatre are consistently thoughtful and moving. Even the comedies aren't all frothy and fluffy and have impact, and that's what I appreciate most about this fine company. Conscience, on stage now to November 23, is a fine example of what JRT does best. Conscience isn't merely straight-up storytelling. Playwright Joe … Continue reading Conscience is Compelling at JRT
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