By Stephen Dubois Alleyway Theatre in Buffalo presented a world premiere from lifelong friends and co-writers Jacob Albarella and Jason Kaiser: The Haunting of Hooverton Hotel. This is the duo's second fully produced play and their third collaborative project. I always find it fascinating when people established in one facet of film, music, or theater … Continue reading The Haunting of Hooverton Hotel is a Nostalgic Romp at Alleyway
Author: perchbuoy
Musicalfare’s Sweeney Todd Slays at Shea’s 710
By Stephen Dubois Sweeney Todd is a musical I absolutely love, ranking among my Top 10 favorite shows of all time. MusicalFare’s latest offering marks the eighth live production I’ve seen, following three professional productions—including an operatic interpretation at Glimmerglass, a rousing production at the Shaw Festival, and the infamous John Doyle staging in which … Continue reading Musicalfare’s Sweeney Todd Slays at Shea’s 710
Bat Boy Swoops in for 2nd Gen
By Stephen Dubois I remember being in the aisle of a supermarket decades ago and laughing out loud at the absurd cover of The Weekly World News that first featured Bat Boy. And, despite knowing that this “periodical” was the epitome of fake news—long before anyone used that term—I bought a copy. I had to. … Continue reading Bat Boy Swoops in for 2nd Gen
Emma is a Delightful Start to ICTC Season
By Stephen Dubois Curtain Up in Buffalo is always a special time. Premieres all over the city, restaurants filled to capacity, people and vendors in the streets, and that wonderful feeling of anticipation. That was certainly felt at the opening of Emma at the Irish Classical Theatre Company, where a sold-out crowd received a special … Continue reading Emma is a Delightful Start to ICTC Season
Ohio State Murders Provides a Gripping Hour at The Shaw
By Stephen Dubois In another lifetime, while I was a high school and then college student, I worked in a record store. One afternoon, a customer walked in holding a compact disc and a receipt and asked for a refund. I asked if it was defective, and he gave me a rather unexpected answer. “No,” … Continue reading Ohio State Murders Provides a Gripping Hour at The Shaw
One for the Pot is a Hysterical Farce at the Festival Theatre
By Stephen Dubois When the Shaw Festival last produced One for the Pot, in 1985, it ended up playing in additional cities and even had a filmed performance on CBC. It went down in Canadian theatre history as one of the company’s great successes. And rightly so. It’s a delight from beginning to end. This new … Continue reading One for the Pot is a Hysterical Farce at the Festival Theatre
Dedicated Cast Brings The Wind in the Willows to Life
By Stephen Dubois The Wind in the Willows at the Shaw Festival makes splendid use of the in-the-round space at the Jackie Maxwell Theatre. Upon entering, there is a striking and detailed painted stage that looks both like a forest floor and an intricate Persian rug. Projections cast from overhead create dappled sunlight, as if penetrating … Continue reading Dedicated Cast Brings The Wind in the Willows to Life
Shaw Festival Scores Another Comedy Hit with Jeeves and Wooster
By Stephen Dubois If there is one thing the Shaw Festival knows how to do right, it’s comedy and Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, at the Courthouse Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, does not disappoint one bit. Adapted by David Goodale and Robert Goodale, from the beloved characters created by P. G. Wodehouse, the play embraces the trademark wit, … Continue reading Shaw Festival Scores Another Comedy Hit with Jeeves and Wooster
Ancient Tragedy Finds a Fresh Voice in Girl on an Altar
By Stephen Dubois Buffalo's very own Irish Classical Theatre Company was home to the North American Premiere of the 2022 play Girl on an Altar by Dublin-born playwright Marina Carr. Based upon the Greek tragedy Iphigenia at Aulis (as well as drawing on other elements from myths surrounding the accursed House of Atreus) the play explores the complex family dynamic … Continue reading Ancient Tragedy Finds a Fresh Voice in Girl on an Altar
Courtoom Sparks Fly in A Few Good Men
By Stephen Dubois When I first heard that Road Less Traveled Theater was producing A Few Good Men, I was puzzled. Not because I doubted the company's ability to stage it, but because the 1992 film adaptation of Aaron Sorkin's 1989 play has become so watched and well-known that I thought everyone would already know the … Continue reading Courtoom Sparks Fly in A Few Good Men
