Theatre Review: ‘Big Fish’ by Second Generation Theatre at Shea’s Smith Theatre

So here’s the thing about…musicals. When they’re good, they’re great, and Second Generation Theatre landed a big one with the regional premiere of “Big Fish.” In true SGT style, there’s a stellar cast, perfect costumes, a simple but effective set, and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. . . .full of laughs, sweet moments, and reflective take-aways. … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Big Fish’ by Second Generation Theatre at Shea’s Smith Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘And Where Will You Put The Things You Save?” by Inclusive Theatre of WNY at Alleyway Theatre

We say it so much it’s become a regional cliché, but here it is one more time. Western New York is truly blessed to have such a robust and vibrant theatre community. With a couple dozen professional theatres, several community theatres, and college and high school programs that are launching the next generation of theatre … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘And Where Will You Put The Things You Save?” by Inclusive Theatre of WNY at Alleyway Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘The Strudel Lady’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

Jewish Repertory Theatre began its 16th season with a sweet take on empowerment and transformation in the world premiere production of “The Strudel Lady.” Playwright Shirl Solomon penned this charming musical with a healthy dose of Jewish content and a universal message: sometimes it takes a strong new friend to help you believe in yourself. … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Strudel Lady’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Gentlemen Prefer DIVAs: Buffalo Legends’ by O’Connell & Company at Shea’s Smith Theatre

“DIVA by DIVA: A Celebration of Women,” an O’Connell & Company production is already in the local history books as Western New York’s longest running theatrical production. This year for Curtain Up, its sister show paid tribute to local history, landmarks, and the legendary citizens who give our region its unique character. . . .the … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Gentlemen Prefer DIVAs: Buffalo Legends’ by O’Connell & Company at Shea’s Smith Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ at Kavinoky Theatre

The stately Edwardian charm of the Kavinoky Theatre is transformed to 19th century London, evidenced by eerie smoke drifting from the under an animated scrim. That’s your first impression of “Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” onstage until September 30.  It’s a foreboding and mysterious way to begin a riveting, vaguely disturbing, and … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ at Kavinoky Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Once In My Lifetime: A Buffalo Football Fantasy’ at Shea’s Smith Theatre

Plenty of stories begin this way: a man walks into a bar, and … In Donna Hoke’s “Once in My Lifetime: A Buffalo Football Fantasy,” a mysterious stranger wearing a Bills’ jersey walks into a Buffalo bar called Miracle, slams a Boiler Maker (“one up, one down”), doles out some tough-love words to the diehard … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Once In My Lifetime: A Buffalo Football Fantasy’ at Shea’s Smith Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Forget Me Not (Or Minding June’s Story, A Family Tale)’ at Kavinoky Theatre

Family memories, World War II history, and the troubled recesses in the human psyche converge in “Forget Me Not,(Or Minding June’s Story, A Family Tale)” a new play written by Buffalo’s own Diane Almeter Jones. The play is making its regional premiere this weekend at the Kavinoky Theatre. . . .a powerful and thoughtful work. … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Forget Me Not (Or Minding June’s Story, A Family Tale)’ at Kavinoky Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’ at Irish Classical Theatre

Ah, the things we do for love. We keep secrets. Maybe tell a fib or two. And perhaps we try to protect the object of our affection from hurting over something that can’t be undone. Love, honor, and the subtleties of deception combine to form the delectable story of Oscar Wilde’s “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” sumptuously … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’ at Irish Classical Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Stage Kiss’ at The Shaw Festival

While it’s a little bit “Kiss Me Kate”with a  touch of “Noises Off,” “Stage Kiss,” onstage at St. George’s Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s iconic Shaw Festival 18, distinguishes itself in the ‘play within a play’ comic genre with one good plot twist and a few interesting insights on the difference between matured true love and unfinished … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Stage Kiss’ at The Shaw Festival

Theatre Review: Ken Ludwig’s ‘Baskerville’ by MusicalFare Theatre at Shea’s 710 Theatre

Who says a time-honored literary work has to be a serious drama on stage? No one. Ever. Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville”  A Sherlock Holmes (Comic) Mystery , produced by MusicalFare, is onstage now at Shea’s 710 Theatre and it’s a flat out hoot. You know you’re in for a treat when two performances are added to … Continue reading Theatre Review: Ken Ludwig’s ‘Baskerville’ by MusicalFare Theatre at Shea’s 710 Theatre