Author: Buffalo Theatre Guide

Theatre Review: “Funny Girl” at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

There is nothing that I like more than an old school musical. A large orchestra, a story with characters I care about, flashy costumes, fantastic singing, “Funny Girl” has all of it. It is a show that I went into seeing blind. I knew nothing about it. I honestly rolled my eyes while I was driving downtown to see it, but once I got there, I am so glad that I went. What a great evening, and what a fantastic production!

“Funny Girl,” which was made famous by Barbra Streisand in the 60’s when it opened on Broadway, is revived in this touring production, based on the Broadway run that closed last fall. Telling the story of vaudeville legend Fanny Brice who navigates show business with her unique set of skills, we are taken for a journey through the ups and downs of her love life, both on stage and behind the scenes. 

With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merril and a new revised book by Harvey Fierstein, you are guaranteed a big fat splashy musical experience, and this production at Shea’s does not disappoint. It reminds me of other big behind the scenes showbiz musicals, like “Gypsy” and 42nd Street.” You get your glimmer of the spotlight, and the drama of the people who work in entertainment. It’s thrilling!  

Katerina McCrimmon leads the show as Fanny, with the vocal chops of an angel, the comedic slapstick of Lucille Ball, and the stage presence of Ethel Merman. McCrimmon’s entire performance is engaging, entertaining, and heartfelt from the first downbeat, until her final bow. You’ll laugh, and you’ll laugh again. McCrimmon is a force to be reckoned with.

Stephen Mark Lukas plays heathrob Nick Arnstein in this production. He does a wonderful job at portraying the sweet talking charlatan, romantic, big spending, male lead we hope for in a show of this caliber. The chemistry between he and McCrimmon is wonderful and keeps us on the edge of our seats. 

Barbara Tirrell’s Mrs. Brice is wonderful in this production. She is a supporting character that we are extremely excited to see each time she comes to the stage. Her one liners, facial expressions, and overall demeanor is hilarious. She does not disappoint. 

The ensemble creates a slew of characters that paint the story so vividly and keep the smile on our faces throughout. This production is truly a well oiled machine.

The costume design by Susan Hilferty is magnificent, and should be billed as a character of its own. Along with David Zinn’s wonderful set design, these two elements tie into the overall zeitgeist of the vaudeville era and keep us mystified. 

Overall, this is a wonderful production. It is a bit on the long side, but that is what you get when you have a classic musical. Go get your laugh on!

Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
“Funny Girl” runs until February 18 and is presented at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. For more information, click here.

Menopause arrives at Shea’s 710 Theatre!

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

If you’re ready for an evening of laughter, camaraderie, and a celebration of the incredible journey of womanhood, then “Menopause The Musical” is a must-see! From start to finish, this show delivers an uproarious and side-splitting good time that had the audience in stitches. Everyone has a good time, even the men! I laughed, and I laughed, and I laughed some more!

The true stars of the production are the phenomenal actors on stage (Terri Dixon, Rebecca Fisher, Donna J. Huntley, and Melanie Souza), who not only masterfully portray the humorous aspects of menopause but also showcase their exceptional comedic chops. The chemistry among the cast is palpable, and their impeccable timing keeps the audience engaged and entertained throughout the entire performance. These powerhouses bring a contagious energy to the stage, effortlessly weaving together a tapestry of relatable experiences (through Jeanie Linders’ parodied lyrics) that had everyone in the theater nodding in agreement and bursting into laughter.

What makes “Menopause The Musical” stand out is its ability to turn a universal and sometimes challenging life phase into an uproarious celebration. The script cleverly mines the inherent comedy in menopause, creating a shared experience that transcends age and background. The humor is both witty and heartwarming, highlighting the resilience and strength of women during this transformative time. It is not a mockery of menopause, but an authentic true telling of the day to day life one experiences while going through the change. 

The audience response is a testament to the show’s success, as the theater echoed with the sounds of genuine, belly-aching laughter. The communal experience of sharing these comedic moments with fellow theatergoers creates a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. “Menopause The Musical” becomes more than just a show; it transforms into a collective celebration of womanhood, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment.

If you’re looking for an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a celebration of women, “Menopause The Musical” is the perfect prescription for a night of theatrical delight.

Running Time: 90 Minutes – no intermission.


“Menopause: The Musical” is presented at Shea’s 710 Theatre and runs until November 19, 2023. For more information, click here.

Moulin Rouge at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide
The North American Tour of “Moulin Rouge”. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

I am probably one of the only people on the face of this Earth who has not seen the movie Moulin Rouge. It’s not that I didn’t want to see it, I just never did. I went into this production completely blind. “Will it meet my expectations?” Who knows, I have nothing to compare it to. What I love about reviewing these big splashy Broadway tours is that it is typically a mixed bag. It’s a business. My words aren’t going to shut it down, but hopefully my words give the audience, or potential audience, a glimpse into my experience. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised to a point. Beautiful costumes and sets give this show all the glitz it needs.

Moulin Rouge the musical is based on the Baz Luhrmann’s film of the same name. It tells the tale of love, beauty, truth and freedom – through the eyes of some underground Bohemians and their High Society counterparts. Sprinkle the sounds of the 90’s and early 20’s and songs from today, this jukebox musical is a toe-tapping ride down Nostalgia Avenue. The Glitz and Glamour that come from the stage, the cast, and the sets in this show is magic.  

Leading the show as Satine is Gabrielle McClinton. McClinton has a presence on stage, but doesn’t hit the mark as the “sparkling diamond” she is suppose to be portraying. A beautiful voice, and gorgeous demeanor, we get a bit more Beyonce than a cabaret star. Her performance of “Diamonds are a girls best friend” is fun.  

Christian Douglas plays the role of Christian (I wonder if he ever had trouble remembering his character’s name. . .I’m sure this joke has made an appearance about 60 times since he’s been working on this show) and paints a beautiful portrait of our leading man. His voice is wonderful and his performance of the hits of yesterday and today is brilliant. 

Robert Petkoff portrays Harold Zidler, the owner of the Moulin Rouge. His opening of the show is very entertaining, and captivates your attention right from the get-go. He sets the tone for what is to come, and keeps you wanting more.

The costumes designed by Catherine Zuber are a star all of their own. Beautiful, intricate designs, bring the Moulin Rouge to life. Derek McLane’s sets are breathtaking, and do a wonderful job of bringing us into the back alleys of Paris.

In all honesty, this show could have been a concept concert, and we would have been fine. The story – if there even is one – is very skimpy, like a lot of the outfits that the attractive ensemble wears in this production. The show is a tad bit too long, and there are virtually no stakes at all in our journey down lover’s lane. This show could have also been 90 minutes with no intermission, and I don’t think there would have been a complaint in the world.

Being in the raunchy areas in which this show takes place, you might want to leave the kids at home and have a date night on the town with you and your partner. Lots of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll.

This show was a miss for me, but if you enjoy a great set of songs, beautiful sets, and costumes, you should go see this show!

Moulin Rouge runs until November 5, 2023 and is presented at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. For more information, click here.

HellllllOOOO! Mrs. Doubfire at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide
Rob McClure (Daniel Hillard as Euphegenia Doubtfire) in the Original Broadway Cast of Mrs. Doubtfire. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus   

“Help is on the way dear!” This line ran through my head when a co-worker was in need. He was choking on his dinner and I ran to give him the heimlich maneuver. Now, I was never trained in performing the heimlich maneuver, but I did learn it from Mrs. Doubtfire. Yes, if you are not aware, in the movie, Mrs. Doubtfire saves the day when her foe is choking. Leaping over patrons at a fancy restaurant, she runs to the rescue in the nick of time to make sure no one dies on her watch. Seems like a goofy way to learn about a life saving technique, but it only goes to show that I have seen the movie too many times. When I learned that Mrs. Doubtfire was going to be adapted into a Broadway musical, I was instantly intrigued.

Unfortunately COVID prevented this fantastic musical from getting the life it deserves on Broadway, and after many starts and stops, the show was closed, only to re-emerge as a National tour. Boy am I glad that we have tours because this show needs to be seen!

The National Tour kicks off at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, and boy were we delivered a treat. What a hilarious tour-de-force this show is. Mrs. Doubtfire tells the story of an unemployed childish father and husband, Daniel Hillard (Rob McClure) who wants to be the fun dad, and Miranda Hillard (Maggie Lakis) a workaholic- trying to get everything under control mother – as they navigate divorce. Their three children are placed in the center of this messy split, and there is more than enough anger to go around. When Daniel’s custody rights are revoked, he introduces the world to Mrs. Doubtfire – a lovable, by the book, elderly nanny – so that he is able to see his children and prove his worth to Miranda and to the courts. Sounds like a great musical! Who doesn’t love a good story about divorce?

Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick bring the music and lyrics to this wonderful show. Most recently they graced the Broadway stage with their hilarious hit Something Rotten! The score and lyrics to this show are fun. They have all the heart of the story we know from the Twentieth Century Fox film, but are fresh and new for a modern audience. Along with a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, the tale of Mrs. Doubtfire is delivered in safe hands. The updated new material does not disappoint. Humor and gut wrenching authenticity are alive and well in this show.

Leading the cast as Daniel Hilliard is Rob McClure. In the film, Robin Williams dons the wig and bodysuit, but McClure makes this character all his own on stage. McClure doesn’t let your preconceived notions of the character get in the way of making great artistic choices. Having seen McClure on Broadway in Something Rotten! as well as on the National Tour, it is a joy to see him work on stage. He truly earns every second of laughter and applause he receives during the performance. The number of costume changes that each member of the cast had to perform was astonishing but kudos to McClure who actually bares more than his soul on stage while changing into his alter ego! It’s fantastic. A masterclass in character development and execution.

Maggie Lakis takes on the challenging role of playing Miranda, made famous by Sally Field in the film. While it is easy to dislike this character because she is making our protagonist’s life difficult, she does a great job of bringing authenticity to Miranda. We see the inner struggle that she has while trying to make sure that her children are getting everything they need. Her voice also fills the theatre and it is beautiful.

Giselle Gutierrez plays eldest daughter Lydia extremely well. Her heartfelt performance shines through this production. She plays the tortured oldest child nicely, while trying to look out for her younger siblings. There is heart and love in her portrayal – as well as a set of pipes that will knock your socks off!

Rounding out the cast is a fantastic ensemble that makes this show flow effortlessly. I don’t remember the last time I had this much fun. A well oiled machine. There is no lag time in this show! You won’t be looking at your watch. You’ll want this show to keep going! The production is tight and effortless!

Jerry Zaks directs this fantastic musical which is going to be a new classic. I predict in the next 5 years, community theaters all over America will be witnessing Run By Fruitings. Do yourself a favor and go see this show. See it twice. You deserve it!

Running time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

Mrs. Doubtfire runs until September 30, 2024 and is presented at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. For more information, click here.

“Dear Evan Hansen” at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide
Anthony Norman (Evan Hansen), John Hemphill (Larry Murphy), Lili Thomas (Cynthia Murphy), Alaina Anderson (Zoe Murphy), in the 2022-2023 North American Tour of DEAR EVAN HANSEN Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

In 2016, Dear Evan Hansen swept the nation with a central message that people resonated with and a soundtrack every theatre kid became obsessed with. Seven years later, the touring cast has arrived at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre for a second time drawing a dedicated fan-base along with a number of first timers. Does this show live up to its original hype and still have as big of an impact as it did seven years ago? I was determined to find out.

Not long after Dear Evan Hansen first made its debut, I was in college for music education fulfilling my student teaching requirements with a local high school. All of my students were obsessed with the show. They listened to the soundtrack on repeat and brought in sheet music to learn and practice in their private lessons. It truly spoke to them more than any show I had seen before, and it wasn’t hard to see why. 

Dear Evan Hansen follows the story of Evan Hansen, a high school student struggling with social anxiety, who becomes caught up in a web of lies after the death of a classmate. As Evan tries to navigate through the complexities of grief, friendship, and the search for belonging, he learns valuable lessons about honesty, self-acceptance, and the power of human connection. To my students, Evan was a very relatable character. The anxieties and challenges he faces are those we all grapple with at some point in our lives: Am I worthy of being remembered? Would people accept me as I truly am? Am I alone in my struggles and emotions? 

 Anthony Norman does a wonderful job embodying the internal struggles of an anxious teenage boy through his mannerisms and acting choices he makes in his portrayal of Evan. He also shows an impressive vocal range required to reach the higher register that many of Evan’s songs sit in. Norman’s rendition of “Words Fail” really moved me the most with how he played with differences in volume and strength to stir emotion and represent the turmoil and weight of the moment.

My favorite performer in this production has to be Alaina Anderson as Zoe. Her voice has such a unique, almost folksy quality to it that is able to be so gentle and light at times and then booming and powerful at others. The day after I attended the show, I found myself listening to the original cast recording and wishing it was Anderson’s voice instead of Laura Dreyfuss’ so that I could hear her exact renditions over and over again. Pablo David Laucerica as Jared Kleinman offers a perfect foil to Evan’s character and has excellent comedic timing. The cast overall was very strong, had great chemistry, and worked very well together. 

The set design of Dear Evan Hansen features a versatile and minimalistic approach, utilizing movable platforms and screens to depict various locations such as Evan’s bedroom, the school, and the Murphy’s house. The lighting design plays a crucial role in creating the emotional atmosphere, using a combination of warm and cool tones to enhance the mood and highlight the characters’ inner struggles. I found the beams of light to be very impactful when added to the dramatic crescendos of music. Additionally, subtle projections and digital effects are used to represent social media interactions, emphasizing the impact of technology on modern-day communication and identity. 

I once again felt captivated by the music’s tightly woven harmonies and its gradual building in intensity that feels on the verge of bursting at the seams. The closing number for Act One, “You Will Be Found” always feels so incredibly powerful and easily stirs up emotion. Another personal favorite is “Good for You” because I enjoy the climactic moment of everything in Evan’s life imploding on him at once and the anger and turmoil each character is facing. 

Clearly Dear Evan Hansen continues to leave its audiences awestruck and emotionally moved. From start to finish, this powerful musical captivates with its poignant story, unforgettable performances, and resonating themes. The exploration of mental health, isolation, and the universal longing for connection strikes a deeply personal chord, inviting empathy and understanding from all who experience it. 

Dear Evan Hansen runs June 20th-June 25th, 2023, at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

Run time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission

For more information, click here.

All Aboard for a Murder!

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

Sometimes you have to stick with the classics.

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express was published as a novel in 1934, made into films twice, and most recently was adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig. Over time and all these permutations, the story has retained its intricate web of mystery, deceit, sardonic wit, told by a complex cast of characters. All for One Productions’ latest version at Shea’s 710 Theatre captures it all on a pretty amazing stage, too.

All for One and the show’s director Kyle LoConti kept it all pretty mainstream and that simplicity was this show’s perfection. Lynne Koscielniak’s set is gorgeous: it revolves to reveal four distinct places – including the train’s dim and narrow aisle and it’s well-appointed a quite glamorous. Prop master Diane Almeter Jones and her team went for pure art deco elegance which was echoed by Lise Harty’s stunning costumes. You’re pulled into story immediately on the narrow video screen above the set which also becomes the moving train.

What’s a great set without a cast of actors in roles that fit them like fine calf skin gloves? Christian Brandjes is a marvelous Hercule Poirot, right down to the elaborate moustache. Gregory Gjurich is c’est magnifique as Monsieur Bouc, Poirot’s friend who helps get him aboard the train from Istanbul to London. Make sure you read the cast bios in the (really printed on page) playbill. Gjurich shows his devotion to his character in his entry. Lisa Ludwig is wonderfully brash as the only American, Mrs. Hubbard. Alas, there are plenty of aliases among this large cast and a couple actors who adroitly handle double roles. It’s all great fun. At the back of your mind, you know that the characters are in a world between wars, they’re fighting their inner battles, too, and yet they are swathed in a refined elegance that only can happen on a train in Europe. With murderers afoot. And revenge as a motive. Or was it?

Even if you’re blasé about having read the book, seen the movie(s), know the plot and its twists, this is mighty fine theatre. The set is an experience, the acting is superb, and whole experience is a pure delight. It’s a short run to April 2; find tickets and details at www.sheas.org.

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express runs two hours with a 15-minute intermission.

“Beetlejuice” at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide
Justin Collette (Beetlejuice) at Tour Company of “Beetlejuice.” Photo by Michael Murphy 2022.

A visual spectacle of elaborate lighting and effects matched with superb talent and absurd comedy, Beetlejuice opened at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre last evening. Whether or not you are a fan of the original movie, you’re in luck: Beetlejuice the musical is so much better. It brings all the best parts of the cult-classic film while also giving the story a much-needed update and adding adult humor that will have you laughing hysterically. Beetlejuice tells the story of Lydia Deets (Isabella Esler) who is a grief-stricken teen enamored by all that is strange and unusual. A couple months after the death of her mom, Lydia and her father (Jesse Sharp) move into a house that was recently vacated by couple Barbara (Britney Coleman) and Adam (Will Burton) after an unfortunate electrical accident. After being plunged into the afterlife, Barbara and Adam seek guidance from a demon named Beetlejuice (typically Justin Collette but portrayed on opening night by Matthew Michael Janisse) to get their house back and scare out the new owners. When it’s discovered that Lydia can see these ghost inhabitants while no one else can, we are taken on a whirlwind of an adventure involving the Netherworld, possession, underage marriage, and so much more!

First off, I was very surprised to see so many kids in the audience. This is definitely not a show for children and includes crude humor and language that is not for young ears. I thoroughly enjoyed how much this show pushed the enveloped and couldn’t stop laughing right from the second song, “The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing”. Beetlejuice immediately breaks the 4th wall and addresses the audience directly to let us know this is show about death so we better come to terms with that quick. Janisse quickly became an audience favorite with his high energy, perfect comedic timing, and kooky portrayal of Beetlejuice. I have no idea how a person could continuously portray that role night after night and imagine it must take some serious caffeine. Isabella Esler truly blew me away as Lydia. A recent high school graduate (!!!), Esler has some insane power to her voice and continued to really belt it out for the entire length of the show, one song after another. Kate Marilley as life coach Delia reminded me of Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek in her accent and mannerisms. Burton and Coleman have excellent stage chemistry as Adam and Barbara and are such a perfect contrast in character to Beetlejuice. 

One of my favorite numbers in the show has to be “Creepy Old Guy”. In the original film, Beetlejuice needs Lydia to marry him so he can be alive again (literally). The character of Lydia is estimated to be around 14-16 years old while Beetlejuice is…..well…. a creepy old guy in comparison. This is kind of brushed over in the movie and not really deemed to be too strange or gross. However, I love that the musical in contrast really leaned into the fact that the whole concept is so incredibly wrong and poked fun at itself. “Day-O” is obviously a showstopper, as well, and I’m so glad the musical recreated that classic scene from the movie so wonderfully. That song and “Jump in Line” are sure to be in your head as you leave the theatre!

The visuals in the show really appeal to the senses and are quite a spectacle to take in. There are many, many, many set changes as we bounce from scene to scene. However, they are all executed so quickly and seamlessly, it’s easy to overlook. Projections are creatively utilized over the scenery, curtains, and backdrop to really bring the stage to life in an interesting way. The large, angular arch that frames the stage acts as a huge lighting effect with different colors, flashing, and strobing throughout the show to achieve various desired effects. Fog is also used and even elements of fire in different forms of stage magic. Your senses are sure to be stimulated!

Overall, this show is incredibly entertaining and has such a fun atmosphere. It’s showing at Shea’s through the 26th and has a run time of 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Be…….tter get your tickets soon!

For more information, click here.

Hadestown at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide
The North American Tour of Hadestown. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

If Hadestown proves anything to the audience, it’s that music is power….and so is silence. Hadestown opened at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre last evening and continues to run through February 26th. This was my first time seeing the show, but I was no stranger to the music and the story. Back around 2017/2018 when the original live cast recording of Hadestown came out, I was quickly hooked on the intensity of its music and the mythological backing of the tale. After listening to the soundtrack on repeat for ages, I knew this was a show I had to see when I got the chance. Alas, Covid ruined my previous plans of seeing Hadestown on Broadway and so my first live experience of the stage production was at Shea’s last evening. 

If you aren’t familiar with mythology, I would highly recommend doing some research prior to attending the show to give you a better understanding and appreciation of the story. Thankfully, Shea’s Playbill does include a bit of background information on page 24 if you need a quick refresher. The show centers around the story of Eurydice (Hannah Whitley) and Orpheus (Chibueze Ihuoma) while also referencing the tale of Hades (Matthew Patrick Quinn) and Persephone (Brit West). The story is narrated by none other than Hermes (Nathan Lee Graham), the messenger himself. Orpheus is a poor boy who also happens to be the son of a Muse. He possesses a great musical talent with the ability to charm, persuade, and inspire others with his voice and lyre. He falls in love with Eurydice who is a poor girl with a troubled past and little to live for. Their love creates the hope that Orpheus’ music will be able to provide for them all that money cannot and that the winds of fate will be kind. When Persephone is taken back to the underworld by Hades too soon, the world above returns to winter and times are tough for the poor couple. Orpheus promises to finish a song that will return seasons back to order. In the meantime, Eurydice is left to fend for herself facing cold, hunger, and misery. In her desperation, she strikes a deal with Hades to take her away from the pain of life and provide her with a home and a purpose in the underworld. Once Orpheus realizes she is gone, he embarks on a journey to bring her home that ends up being more challenging than he could ever imagine.

Music is a central part of this show, not only because it is a musical, but because Orpheus’ gift centers around music and the power it holds. Orpheus’ pieces throughout the show are no easy feat. His character is considered a high tenor, but so much more is required of the vocalist who portrays him. Ihuoma’s falsetto soars above the audience and leaves us in awe of how he can have such an incredible range. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have Hades whose notes feel as though they are as low as the depths of hell. The contrast between his bass and Orpheus’ tenor is truly beautiful symbolism. Quinn is known for his portrayal of villains, which makes a lot of sense once you hear the capabilities of his voice. As I mentioned before, going along with the power of music in this production is also the power of silence. I can’t remember the last time I witnessed silences of such great lengths in a musical. They carry so much weight and bring immense meaning to character interactions. Once a note finally cuts through the silence, you truly feel it cut through your soul and make the impact the music was meant to. 

My personal favorite piece in the show is “Wait for Me”. This has always been my most repeated track when listening to the album and it did not disappoint with its impact in the show. The staging and choreography for this song is incredibly powerful and unique, utilizing work lights and contrasting light and darkness. It is truly a show-stopper and created endless applause so intense that some who were unfamiliar with the show got up thinking it must be intermission. Wrong. It’s just that extraordinary. 

None of the roles featured in Hadestown are easy to portray by any means and they all require such tenacity and raw talent from the performers that I have no idea how they are able to deliver this caliber of performance day after day. Brit West takes you on an emotional roller-coaster through her portrayal of Persephone and has such a vast range of vocal ability. Hannah Whitley as Eurydice is also a power house and has some featured riffs that really bring the house down. Nathan Lee Graham as Hermes really connects with the audience and is very likeable and comical with his delivery. 

Something else I really appreciated was the little details in the costuming. Hades has a sleeve tattoo that looks like bricks and represents the wall he builds in Hadestown. Persephone has 2 dresses that are exactly the same in cut and style but one is bright green for when she is on earth in the spring and summer and the other is black for the underworld. Hermes has small feathers on the cuffs of his jacket to pay homage to his winged-foot mythology counterpart.

I don’t think Hadestown is meat for a casual theatre-goer. I think it is meant for those willing to understand and appreciate the complexity of the story and the music it contains. You should be somewhat aware of what you’re walking into and know that this is contemporary theatre which is a completely different vibe and encounter than classical musicals. Let yourself get lost in the beauty and power of music and love with a theatrical experience like none other. 

Run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission

For more information, click here.

Time to go to “The Prom” at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

The National Touring Company of “The Prom.” Photo courtesy of the production.

Opening the 2022-2023 season at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre is “The Prom”! Adapted for the stage from the hit Netflix movie, “The Prom” opens with Broadway performers Dee Dee Allen (Courtney Balan) and Barry Glickman (Patrick Wetzel) following opening night for their new (fictional) show based on Eleanor Roosevelt’s life story. After the musical receives terrible reviews, these Broadway starlets are left trying to figure out how to create positive publicity for themselves. Their team suggests finding a cause they can support to make a difference while also making headlines. They quickly discover a scandal in Edgewater, Indiana in which a high school student, Emma (Kaden Kearney) was banned from bringing her girlfriend to prom. The team decides to travel to Indiana to make a statement on gay rights and save the small-town prom.

Right off the bat, this musical gave me “Book of Mormon” vibes with its sense of humor: very on-the-nose somewhat offensive-feeling jokes meant to prove a point and make the audience laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. Topics like the LGBTQ community, religion, and society are the main target of these jokes. A lot of the characters feel somewhat like overexaggerated caricatures intended to also have a comedic effect. If you are easily offended, I would definitely think twice before attending this show. You have to be able to have an open mind and a willingness to make fun of the way things are. I also felt many similarities with “Mean Girls” the musical in some of the sets, costumes, and themes of high school represented onstage. 

One of my favorite numbers in the show is “The Acceptance Song” where the Broadway crew arrives in Indiana to make their initial statement sporting t-shirts that read “We’re All Lesbians”. This scene is so ridiculously hilarious I was laughing out loud throughout most of it. You can also visit the merch table in the lobby and snatch up one of these shirts for yourself in case you’re a fan of striking up conversation with strangers in your day-to-day life. Emily Borromeo as Angie absolutely slays in her rendition of “Zazz” in Act II, channeling her inner Roxie Hart when boosting Emma’s confidence. Patrick Wetzel really pulls at your heartstrings and quickly has the audience on his side through his naivety and fatherly characterization of Barry Glickman. Kadey Kearney as Emma perfectly embodies the awkwardness and coming-of-age of their character while also tackling many high belt numbers throughout the show. 

Overall, I don’t think “The Prom” is for everyone, but it’s definitely a great way to attract a younger crowd in for the season and start things with a bang. If you’re willing to laugh at the strange and crazy thing that is life and have a sweet spot in your heart for the excitement and nostalgia of high school prom, this is absolutely the show for you. “The Prom” runs through this weekend (to October 2nd) at Shea’s and clocks in at 2 hours and 25 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Don’t hesitate, get your tickets today! 

“Once On This Island” at Shea’s 710 Theatre

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

The cast of Once on This Island at Shea’s 710 Theatre. Photo by Kelsey Martinez.

Through a colorful and magical production, Shea’s Performing Arts Center produces its first in-house show of “Once on this Island” in which the talent of Buffalo, NY is highlighted and celebrated. I had the pleasure of attending the opening night at Shea’s 710 Theatre and could feel the excitement and support of the audience as soon as I entered the doors of the theatre. Actors could be seen walking around interacting with the audience and introducing themselves further building the buzz.

“Once on this Island” tells the story of Ti Moune (Zhanna Reed) as she is saved from a flood as a child and sent on a journey as a young woman to prove that love is stronger than death. The Gods are an integral part of this tale and are made up of Asaka, Goddess of the Earth (Latosha Jennings), Agwe, God of water (Marcus J. Paige), Erzulie, Goddess of love (Anita Frasier), and Papa Ge, God of death (Darrick Penny). Ti Moune falls in love with a wealthy grand homme named Daniel after she saves him from a car crash. She makes a deal with Pap Ge to keep him alive, trading her soul for his. After he is returned to the other side of the island, Ti Moune goes to him in hopes of marrying her true love. 

“Once on this Island” highlights two different worlds of the peasants and grand hommes. The peasants have darker skin and spend their days laboring on one side of the island while the lighter-skinned grand hommes entertain guests and have lavish parties on the other side of the island. The underlying themes of racism and class continue to make statements on society as a whole that audiences are able to connect with. Even in 2022, people are currently arguing over the casting of a black woman as Ariel in Disney’s upcoming “The Little Mermaid” live-action movie. Racism is unfortunately still very much alive and impacting our lives which is why the messages of this production are even more powerful. Having a full cast of brilliantly talented people of color is also a strong representation of the people of Buffalo.

Zhanna Reed does a beautiful job portraying the challenging role of Ti Moune. She fully personifies the strength and hope of the character and performs an incredible dance solo in “Ti Moune’s Dance”. She also brings the necessary sweetness and innocence to the role. Darrick Penny’s portrayal of Papa Ge reminded me of Dr. Facilier from “The Princess and the Frog” as he creates a perfect caricature of Death that also includes accessories similar to the Disney villain. Latosha Jennings as Asaka brings dynamite vocals to the crowd favorite “Mama Will Provide”. 

Another stand-out is Melinda Capeles as Andrea and ensemble. Capeles is an accomplished hard of hearing performer and teaching artist who brings the beauty of American Sign Language to her performance. The only other time I had seen sign language incorporated on stage was through performances of Quasimodo in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. Capeles signs with a musical essence, almost creating choreography with her words. What an amazing representation. 

At the end of the show, the cast invited their artistic team on stage with them to perform a final verse of “Why We Tell the Story” and then took the time to speak on the team’s accomplishments and acknowledge their hard work in creating the production. You can really tell how much the cast appreciates and respects them and how close the relationship between them was. The entire audience was on their feet in support of the entire cast, crew, and production team in what felt like a celebration of Buffalo, young talent, theatre, and representation. “Once on this Island” is a must-see and will leave you feeling absolutely inspired. 

Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes with no Intermission

Sep 15- Oct 2, 2022

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