Theatre Review: ‘Buffalo Quickies’ at Alleyway Theatre

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

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: ‘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