The New Phoenix Theatre production of Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean opened on Friday. Even though this story has history, having made a Broadway run and adapted to film with what may have been a stellar cast, I entered Friday with zero familiarity. Arguably, you might quarrel that a … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Come Back To The Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean’ at New Phoenix Theatre
Author: Buffalo Theatre Guide
Theatre Review: ‘Elf The Musical’ at MusicalFare Theatre
MusicalFare Theatre’s production of Elf the Musical opened last night on the Daemen College campus. Elf the Musical, which has a book by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan and a score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, is based on the popular Christmas film that starred Will Ferrell and Bob Newhart. The musical version of … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Elf The Musical’ at MusicalFare Theatre
Theatre Review: “Division Street” at JCC Centerstage
I had the great honor of experiencing the world premiere of “Divisions Street”, written by Jason Odell Williams ("Church & State", "Handle with Care") who returns to Rochester to collaborate once again with JCC Artistic Director Ralph Meranto for this provocative three-actor show. The two previously collaborated on 2016’s “Church and State.” The three roles … Continue reading Theatre Review: “Division Street” at JCC Centerstage
Theatre Review: ‘Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class’ by Rocking Horse Productions at The Meeting House
Rocking Horse Productions has recently moved to the charming Williamsville Meeting House for a season of Theatre in the Village. I attended the opening performance of Dan Goggin’s Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class: A One Nun-sense Musical Event. The Rocking Horse season will continue in March with the musical revue Forever Plaid. Sister Robert Anne’s … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class’ by Rocking Horse Productions at The Meeting House
Theatre Review: ‘Oh My God’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre
This evening I attended the Western New York premiere of “Oh My God” by Anat Gov at the Jewish Repertory Theatre. Ms. Gov was one of Israel’s premiere dramatists with scores of plays and television programs to her credit. Like all Israeli students, Ms. Gov studied the Bible throughout her school years. As an adult, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Oh My God’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘Detroit ’67’ at Blackfriars Theatre
Set in July 1967, a time which would become known as the Long Hot Summer as race riots plagued American cities such as Newark, Buffalo, Rochester, Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee and of course, Detroit, Dominique Morisseau’s play Detroit ‘67 leaves the audience with a lot to reflect upon. . . .an amazing performance. . . The … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Detroit ’67’ at Blackfriars Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘Come From Away’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
I was in 5th grade on that day that the world stopped. I remember that no one told us anything in school, but the teachers in the hallway were all talking. There was some crying. There were some screams. My friends and I sat there wondering what was happening. We were 10, so we were … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Come From Away’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘Superior Donuts’ by Road Less Traveled Productions at Shea’s 710 Theatre
To start its 2019/2020 season, Shea’s 710 Theatre has partnered with Road Less Traveled Productions to present “Superior Donuts”, a show from acclaimed playwright Tracy Letts (of “August: Osage County” fame) that tackles topical sociopolitical issues like race and gentrification, but more importantly, spotlights a friendship between an aging hippie who’s stuck in his ways, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Superior Donuts’ by Road Less Traveled Productions at Shea’s 710 Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘The Firebugs – A learning-play without a lesson’ at Niagara University
Why would Gottlieb Biedermann allow arsonists to stay in his attic? Because Biedermann, with his eager desire to do good and help seemingly less fortunate souls can’t seem to see into those souls. He’s philanthropic to a fault, at the edge of noble, the guy who’s accommodating to those less fortunate than his own middle-class … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Firebugs – A learning-play without a lesson’ at Niagara University
Theatre Review: ‘Summer: The Donna Summer Musical’ at RBTL Auditorium Theatre
“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical”, which began its national tour in Rochester, NY this week, starts out with a diva-level performance and a bass beat that you feel in your heart. The opening number, “The Queen is Back”, promises that this is going to be a hard-driving performance—but changes gears to be much more subtle … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Summer: The Donna Summer Musical’ at RBTL Auditorium Theatre