Sometimes you have to stick with the classics. Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express was published as a novel in 1934, made into films twice, and most recently was adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig. Over time and all these permutations, the story has retained its intricate web of mystery, deceit, sardonic wit, … Continue reading All Aboard for a Murder!
By Cherie Messore
All Is Calm is Elegant Theatre
We learn the most important lessons from the most devastating moments. Reflecting on a moment in World War I’s history is a poignant reminder of humanity and the power of simple kindness. MusicalFare Theatre’s reprised production of All Is Calm at Shea’s 710 Theatre is just as stunning as its 2021 staging. The same production … Continue reading All Is Calm is Elegant Theatre
Ride That Magic Carpet to Aladdin
Well, after the week we’ve put in, isn’t it good to escape to a whole new world? That’s what it felt like on opening night at Disney Aladdin on stage at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre until Sunday, November 27. It’s everything you expect a Disney stage production to be; dazzling costumes, lots of stage magic, a … Continue reading Ride That Magic Carpet to Aladdin
Beehive Makes a Buzz at MusicalFare
Randy Kramer offered the best explanation as he welcomed the opening night audience to Beehive, now on stage at MusicalFare Theatre. He said the season was built during the pandemic and it’s all about forgetting about what is going on outside under all those facemasks and just having some fun. And for the most part, … Continue reading Beehive Makes a Buzz at MusicalFare
Misery is a Creepy Good Story at D’Youville Kavinoky
One of the late singer Helen Reddy’s hits songs (circa 1974) began with the lyrics “Lonely women are the desperate kind.” That’s a good thought to keep when you see Misery on stage now at D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre. Misery is based on the Stephen King novel which also became a film. The stage adaptation by … Continue reading Misery is a Creepy Good Story at D’Youville Kavinoky
Burst is Packed with Energy
In the 1967 Mike Nichols movie The Graduate, one of the most memorable lines was actually one word: “Plastics.” Back then plastic was the way of the future, a convenience, an economic driver, something on which a college graduate (or even a drop out) could build a successful career. Fast forward to now: plastic has … Continue reading Burst is Packed with Energy
The Secret Garden at Second Generation
Gardens traditionally symbolize renewal, new life, and growth. Tending to a garden is emotionally tied to nurturing, empathy, and change. All good things. Second Generation Theatre’s production of The Secret Garden Spring Edition, embraces the very best of these positive attributes in an elegant and lush production on stage now at the Shea’s Smith Theatre. … Continue reading The Secret Garden at Second Generation
“Nice Work” at MusicalFare
As the Ralph Freed-Burton Lane song says, “I love a Gershwin tune. How about you?” So a whole show of Gershwin music sounds like absolute heaven to me. That’s what I loved best about Nice Work If You Can Get It, now onstage at MusicalFare Theatre. This was 10 years coming to WNY, having a … Continue reading “Nice Work” at MusicalFare
Mysterious Circumstances at Road Less Traveled
Mark Twain was right: Truth is stranger than fiction. In the case of Mysterious Circumstances, sumptuously presented now by Road Less Traveled Productions, an unsolved true crime (or was it?) might be solved by the iconic fictional sleuth who ‘died’ 113 years earlier. Complicated? Not really. OK, maybe a little. Mysterious Circumstances is the true … Continue reading Mysterious Circumstances at Road Less Traveled
Rock of Ages Still Rocks Today
Looking for a deeply serious night of thought-provoking theatre? Well, better head to some place other than D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre this month because there it’s all ‘80s rock as the 2022-23 season kicks off with lots of music and even more sequins and spandex. Rock of Ages had a Los Angeles and off-Broadway run before … Continue reading Rock of Ages Still Rocks Today
