Sometimes memories create the reality we wish we had: other times, those memories reveal life-changing secrets. At the end of life, that line between what was and what might have been is wavy and wavering. This examination is at the heart of Preservation, presented by First Look Buffalo, onstage at the lovely Canterbury Wood Performing … Continue reading Preservation Examines Past to Cope with the Present
By Cherie Messore
MAMMA MIA! What a Blast for Second Gen
Ah, the balmy breezes off the coast of Greece...just what we need on a blustery Buffalo night. Add in the ABBA songs you love, fun costumes, and lots of dancing (on stage and yes, in your seat) and that's pretty much a perfect night. Shea's 710 and Second Generation Theatre has that going on in … Continue reading MAMMA MIA! What a Blast for Second Gen
Killer Laughs at Shaw Festival
The world premiere of Murder-on-the-Lake, among this season's Shaw Festival offerings in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is part improv show, part send-up to the traditional drama we love, and out-of-the-box murder mystery party game that were all the rage of the '90s. In brief, it's an absolute hoot and quite the surprise on the traditional NOL stage. I … Continue reading Killer Laughs at Shaw Festival
The Hatmaker’s Wife, a Great Topper at JRT
The Hatmaker's Wife by Lauren Yee is part folktale, part allegory about who to love and how to love, and a reminder of the high price of loss. It's a beautiful story with more depth and nuance than the show publicity (sorry, Jewish Repertory Theatre) portrayed when it mentioned talking walls and hats. That "you … Continue reading The Hatmaker’s Wife, a Great Topper at JRT
Hedwig Slays for SGT
Second Generation Theatre, once again, takes musical theatre next level with this production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. John Cameron Mitchell's book with Stephen Trask's music and lyrics set the story of Hansel, a music-loving teen in East Germany who meets an American soldier who wants to marry him. In 1998, the only option … Continue reading Hedwig Slays for SGT
Burn This is on Fire at RLTP
Road Less Traveled Production of Burn This (on stage until May 18) is a scorching and fierce examination of grief and the ways we manage it. Playwright Lanford Wilson set this in 1987 New York City when Robbie dies in a boating accident with his partner. His roommates Anna, a fellow dancer, played by Leah … Continue reading Burn This is on Fire at RLTP
A Beautiful Noise is So Good, So Good, So Good at Shea’s
I don’t always love the juke box musicals that became so popular on and off Broadway the past several years. The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise on stage at Shea’s Performing Arts Center is a different story…literally. Yes, many of Diamond’s hits are woven through the story and they are the ones you expect … Continue reading A Beautiful Noise is So Good, So Good, So Good at Shea’s
Chess is a Winning Strategy at Lancaster Opera House
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
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
buffalotheatreguide.com 