Theatre Review: Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

I remember seeing “The Lion King” in 2005. It was a grand occasion. My Mother and Sister-in-law bought my family tickets for Christmas, and we all went to see the show on Easter. It was a great experience, and one that I still remember. Twelve years later “The Lion King” returns to Buffalo. Even in … Continue reading Theatre Review: Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) at ACTS Performing Arts Center

One of the things that I love about writers is when they get the idea to take a lot of dense material, and create an expedited version of it for our comic enjoyment. Shows like "All The Great Books (Abridged)" – a comedic literary journey throughout all the classic works that you didn’t read in … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) at ACTS Performing Arts Center

Theatre Review: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ at Theatre of Youth

Theatre of Youth’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a delight. Charles M. Schultz’s beloved holiday story, based on his “Peanuts” comic strip, debuted as an animated television special program in 1965, and quickly became as representative of the season as Scrooge and eggnog. Its sophisticated anti-commercialism nods and winks – revolutionary then for a children’s … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ at Theatre of Youth

Theatre Review: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ by Rocking Horse Productions at Lancaster Opera House

Even if you've never seen “It's A Wonderful Life,” you're probably familiar with the story, or the memorable “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,” line. The stage adaption by Rocking Horse Productions brought back memories of my childhood, sitting in the living room with my family on Christmas week and marathoning … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ by Rocking Horse Productions at Lancaster Opera House

Theatre Review: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ by Road Less Traveled Productions at Shea’s 710 Theatre

Maybe you’ve seen the movie a bunch of times, but unless you are truly of a certain age, you’ve never seen (or heard) “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” now on stage at Shea’s 710 Theatre and produced by Road Less Traveled Productions. . . .good night of theatre, you’ll love this production. … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ by Road Less Traveled Productions at Shea’s 710 Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Irving Berlin’s America’ at O’Connell & Company

“Irving Berlin’s America,” now onstage at O’Connell & Company, is one wonderful tune after another against a story that’s based on the celebrated songwriter’s robust rags to riches 101 year life. . . . very entertaining performances, lovely singing, and the good vibes that remind you Berlin’s music will endure “not for just an hour, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Irving Berlin’s America’ at O’Connell & Company

First Look: ‘Irving Berlin’s America’ at O’Connell & Company

How would you spend your last night? Few of us have that choice. Playwright Chip Deffaa’s production of “Irving Berlin’s America” wonders how the most prolific American songwriter of the 20th century would reflect on his 101 years and his place in history. This music-packed production opens Thursday, November 30 at O’Connell & Company. William … Continue reading First Look: ‘Irving Berlin’s America’ at O’Connell & Company