It’s Alleyway Theatre’s spring rite of passage: the 27th annual “Buffalo Quickies” is replete with local talent, some Buffalo nostalgia, and a few things I just can’t figure out. While some of the ‘quickies’ don’t always hit the highest playwriting mark, what is consistently impressive is watching the agility and versatility of the actors. On … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Buffalo Quickies’ at Alleyway Theatre
Cherie Messore Reviews
Theatre Review: ‘I Do! I Do!’ at O’Connell & Company
It’s a show full of moments. That sweet first kiss. The shy wonder of first intimacy. The bright delight of someone making you smile. Fear. Anger. And comfort that what you have is what was meant to be. “I Do! I Do!” on stage now at O’Connell & Company through May 6 celebrates these moments … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘I Do! I Do!’ at O’Connell & Company
Theatre Review: ‘Disgraced’ at Road Less Traveled Theatre
They could be any accomplished, upscale couple living in Manhattan. He is a mergers and acquisitions attorney, she is an artist who finds her muse in Islamic imagery. He’s an American born Pakistani, raised in a Muslim household, she is porcelain skinned, auburn haired, attracted to opposites. But Amir and Emily’s story is an exquisite … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Disgraced’ at Road Less Traveled Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘Ben Butler’ at Kavinoky Theatre
It’s a heck of a way to start a new job. Ben Butler still has boxes to unpack in his Fort Monroe, Virginia office. He’s a Union general and Virginia has just voted to join the Confederacy. His West Point-educated Lieutenant is an over-eager servant who aims to please but can’t help but fall short. … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Ben Butler’ at Kavinoky Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘Rose’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York
Rose doesn’t say she’s a heroine. She doesn’t consider herself a victim. She is, however, a survivor. She’s full of irony and contradiction (“I’m eating ice cream to take a pill for cholesterol,” she says as a cold creamy spoonful helps her swallow her meds), and a strong, modern woman who holds onto bits of … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Rose’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York
Theatre Review: ‘The Constant Wife’ at Irish Classical Theatre
Back in 1926 - when women’s suffrage was a recent memory in the UK as well as the US - there was Constance Middleton. Strong, savvy, sly, and she’s “The Constant Wife” in W. Somerset Maugham’s comedy of manners presented now through February 11 at the Irish Classical Theatre Company. . . .Maugham may have … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Constant Wife’ at Irish Classical Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘Mamma Mia!’ at Kavinoky Theatre
My reviewer’s reserve lasted about 20 minutes, and after that, I couldn’t help myself. I started singing along. And I wasn’t alone. That’s the power of “Mamma Mia!” on stage at Kavinoky Theatre until January 28. You can’t help riding the ‘70s wave again and belting out those toe-tapping ABBA tunes. Overall, it’s a fine … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Mamma Mia!’ at Kavinoky Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ by Road Less Traveled Productions at Shea’s 710 Theatre
Maybe you’ve seen the movie a bunch of times, but unless you are truly of a certain age, you’ve never seen (or heard) “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” now on stage at Shea’s 710 Theatre and produced by Road Less Traveled Productions. . . .good night of theatre, you’ll love this production. … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ by Road Less Traveled Productions at Shea’s 710 Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘Irving Berlin’s America’ at O’Connell & Company
“Irving Berlin’s America,” now onstage at O’Connell & Company, is one wonderful tune after another against a story that’s based on the celebrated songwriter’s robust rags to riches 101 year life. . . . very entertaining performances, lovely singing, and the good vibes that remind you Berlin’s music will endure “not for just an hour, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Irving Berlin’s America’ at O’Connell & Company
Theatre Review: ‘Minding Frankie’ at Irish Classical Theatre
We should all live in the world Maeve Binchy created. Gentle moments are soft as a whisper. Strong emotions are passions with purpose. Hate is usually couched in fear, and while it’s uncomfortable, it’s not vitriolic. And the good guy always wins. . . .a sentimental and sweet story. “Minding Frankie” was one of Binchy’s … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Minding Frankie’ at Irish Classical Theatre