I've loved this powerful, remarkable score since its debut as a concept album (yes, dear readers....vinyl...which I still have) in 1984. It's this gorgeous music and lyrics (Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and Tim Rice respectively) that keeps Chess so poignant and relevant. The only other time I've seen this in person on stage is … Continue reading Chess is a Winning Strategy at Lancaster Opera House
Author: Cherie Messore
Dial M for Marvelous for RLTP at Shea’s 710
Two things struck me right off as I settled into my seat at Shea's 710 for the Road Less Traveled Production's staging of the class Dial M for Murder: will younger audiences know what Dial M actually means? (in the olden days, rotary phone numbers began with a word or name and the Wendice home … Continue reading Dial M for Marvelous for RLTP at Shea’s 710
Deconstruction Builds for First Look Buffalo
Old friends are sometimes the true friends you need when times are rough. In this world premier new play by Adam Hahn, Naomi (Brooke Goergen) is at a life crossroad. She's newly divorced, facing a devastating health crisis, and is thinking twice about her strong faith. She's also reconnected with an old high school chum, … Continue reading Deconstruction Builds for First Look Buffalo
RLTP Puts the Fun Back in the Funeral Home
The funeral home: a place to grieve, to come together, to reflect. And sometimes swear. A lot. Oh and then there’s the corpse that disappears along with one of the mourner’s pants. And that’s just the opening of Our Lady of 121st Street, on stage now at Road Less Traveled Productions. This is another dark … Continue reading RLTP Puts the Fun Back in the Funeral Home
Forbidden Broadway: Was it Funny?
Forbidden Broadway has been around for the better part of 40 years, and its “Next Generation” rendition is currently onstage at Shea’s 710 Theatre to February 16. The show is a send up to all things Broadway, poking fun at the composers, choreographers, and other elements that make up a Broadway show. I’ve known about … Continue reading Forbidden Broadway: Was it Funny?
The Wanderers at JRT
Tradition can be dangerous. It can drive roots too deep, too strong to not allow for growth. That applies to love, too. The person you love so deeply for so many years could also be the one that’s holding you back from your dreams. Heritage and history are the central theme of The Wanderers on … Continue reading The Wanderers at JRT
Brilliant Works of Art
Trust and discretion: that’s what Grant expects of Abigail in playwright Donna Hoke’s play Brilliant Works of Art, produced by Bellissima Productions and onstage in the Alleyway Theatre Cabaret. But the two words – and the practices they describe – aren’t always complementary, are they? Abigail, played by Zoe Gonez in her professional stage debut, … Continue reading Brilliant Works of Art
The Last Five Years: Timeless and Powerful
Yes, I'd like you to read this review, but it's more important that you make plans to see The Last Five Years at MusicalFare's Cabaret Musical series. It's a limited run to January 26 and if opening night is an indication, this show will sell out pretty fast. So, OK, pause your reading and click … Continue reading The Last Five Years: Timeless and Powerful
Witch is Beguiling at Road Less Traveled
Witch (by Jen Silverman) is on stage now at Road Less Traveled Theater, and while the program identifies it as a dark comedy, it really is a study in DEIB – diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – with some very witty asides hidden inside a look at family and community. Elizabeth (Wendy Hall) is shunned … Continue reading Witch is Beguiling at Road Less Traveled
Great News for MusicalFare and the Downtown Theatre District
Shea’s Performing Arts Center and MusicalFare Theatre Announce Long-Term Collaboration to Boost Buffalo’s Theatre District and Downtown Energy MusicalFare Performances Are Moving to Shea’s 710 Theatre BUFFALO, NY – Shea’s Performing Arts Center and MusicalFare Theatre are proud to announce a transformative new partnership, bringing MusicalFare’s award-winning productions to Shea’s 710 Theatre in a long-term agreement … Continue reading Great News for MusicalFare and the Downtown Theatre District