First Look: The 10 Minute Play Festival at the Buffalo Museum of Science

What do a mastodon mandible, a 19th  century Chinese headband, and Eurypterida (New York state’s official fossil) have in common? Two things, actually: they are part of the Buffalo Museum of Science’s permanent collection, and they are also the inspiration behind six new short plays written local playwrights for The 10 Minute Play Festival.  This … Continue reading First Look: The 10 Minute Play Festival at the Buffalo Museum of Science

Theatre Review: ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ by Starring Buffalo at The Performing Arts Center in Rockwell Hall

A brand new theatre company in Western New York, Starring Buffalo, had its premiere performance at Rockwell Hall Friday night. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” based on Victor Hugo’s novel about an “outcast” who lives in captivity in the Parisian cathedral, was directed by Drew Fornarola with Musical Direction by Daniel Bassin. Starring Buffalo has … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ by Starring Buffalo at The Performing Arts Center in Rockwell Hall

First Look: ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’ at Niagara Regional Theatre Guild

We hear every now and then of how a famous author died before they finished a work. Publishers scramble to get the rights and to see if there is a way that it can be finished so that they can capitalize on the projected profits. This is similar to what happened with Charles Dickens, who … Continue reading First Look: ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’ at Niagara Regional Theatre Guild

Theatre Review: ‘A Bronx Tale The Musical’ at RBTL Auditorium Theatre

When someone mentions A Bronx Tale, it almost inevitably elicits a response from those gathered around. It started as a one-man show featuring Chazz Palminteri, whose real-life story the narrative mirrors. He also created the character of Sonny in the acclaimed film, a directorial debut for Robert DeNiro (who also starred as Lorenzo, Calogero’s father) … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘A Bronx Tale The Musical’ at RBTL Auditorium Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Big Fish’ by Second Generation Theatre at Shea’s Smith Theatre

So here’s the thing about…musicals. When they’re good, they’re great, and Second Generation Theatre landed a big one with the regional premiere of “Big Fish.” In true SGT style, there’s a stellar cast, perfect costumes, a simple but effective set, and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. . . .full of laughs, sweet moments, and reflective take-aways. … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Big Fish’ by Second Generation Theatre at Shea’s Smith Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘And Where Will You Put The Things You Save?” by Inclusive Theatre of WNY at Alleyway Theatre

We say it so much it’s become a regional cliché, but here it is one more time. Western New York is truly blessed to have such a robust and vibrant theatre community. With a couple dozen professional theatres, several community theatres, and college and high school programs that are launching the next generation of theatre … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘And Where Will You Put The Things You Save?” by Inclusive Theatre of WNY at Alleyway Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at O’Connell & Company

October is the perfect time of year to perform “Little Shop of Horrors,” one of the darkest  yet hilariously entertaining and toe-tapping musicals out there. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman wrote a fabulous score for a rather terrible story and thanks to a dynamite cast at O’Connell & Company, it makes for an unforgettably fun … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at O’Connell & Company

Theatre Review: ‘She Loves Me’ at Aurora Players

Aurora Players closes their 2018 season with one of the few pieces from the Broadway canon that passed through four layers of source material to come to fruition. “She Loves Me” is a 1963 musical based on the 1949 musical/film “In the Good Old Summertime,” which is based on the 1940 Jimmy Stewart film “The … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘She Loves Me’ at Aurora Players

First Look: Inclusive Theatre of WNY, region’s newest theatre company for everyone

There’s no holding back a determined mom, especially when she sees a void, and an opportunity. Aimee Levesque is the mom who developed Inclusive Theater of WNY three years ago after her theatre-loving daughter couldn’t find a home in other local theatre companies. “She wanted to act,” says Levesque about her 25 year old daughter … Continue reading First Look: Inclusive Theatre of WNY, region’s newest theatre company for everyone