State Grant Supports Kavinoky Improvements

The Kavinoky Theatre received a special 40th anniversary present:  a $145,000 grant awarded from New York state’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC).

The grant will fund some capital improvements for the theatre, including a Broadway-style covered entryway, new theatre seats, and an updated projection system.

“We are thrilled to receive this award,” said Loraine O’Donnell, executive artistic director of the

theatre. “This grant will breathe new life into the theatre and provide our audience with an

even more enjoyable experience. The awning will make our guests feel like they are taking in a show in New York City and the projection equipment will enhance future productions.”

Senator Tim Kennedy, a D’Youville College alumnus (Kavinoky is the 250-seat jewel of D’Youville’s urban campus) said, “This state investment will support Kavinoky Theatre’s mission to foster creativity and offer Western New Yorkers immersive experiences into all genre of theatre. By supporting the Theatre’s efforts to preserve the Kavinoky’s charm, we’re ensuring that this City of Buffalo icon will continue to inspire future artists, actors, and writers for generations to come.”

Senator Kennedy’s family is no stranger to the Kav: his cousin, Kevin Kennedy is a local actor who most recently in the Kav’s production of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Of the 54 grants awarded to Erie County organizations in this funding cycle, this was one of two in the arts and cultural facilities improvement program. All told,  $67.3 million was awarded to 109 different projects in Western New York.

REDC grants support organizations and programs that help boost our regional economy and began in 2011 as a centerpiece of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s s strategy to jumpstart the economy and create jobs.

The state’s investment in the Kav is another demonstration of the power of the arts to be an economic driver. In The Arts and Economic Prosperity Report “The Arts Mean Business” prepared by ASI of WNY, it showed arts and culture sector is a$352.1 million industry and generates$40.3 million in local and state government revenue.

 “This grant from the Regional Economic Development Council will allow The Kavinoky Theatre to continue to play an essential role in Buffalo’s vibrant arts community, as it has for the past 40 years,” said Pamela Say, vice president of institutional advancement at D’Youville.

The Kav’s next production – “The Bridges of Madison County” – opens Friday, January 10. Based on Robert James Waller’s 1992 novel, it was adapted for the screen and later for the stage in 2014 with a sumptuous score by Jason Robert Brown. The Kav’s production features Michele Marie Roberts, Steve Copps. Tickets and details at http://www.kavionkytheatre.com.

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Buffalo Theatre Guide LIVE Launches!

Buffalo Theatre Guide has joined the Live Podcast world! Managing Editor John Szablewski will host Buffalo Theatre Guide LIVE! a podcast about local theatrical events and news, and opinion pieces! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to us on Youtube. Our first episode talks about the National Tour Launch of “Mean Girls” which opened in Buffalo. You can read John Szablewski’s review here.

Top 10 Shows of 2018

As the year comes to a close, Buffalo Theatre Guide is pleased to announce the TOP 10 Shows of 2018, based on page views! These shows were reviewed by a Buffalo Theatre Guide writer, and the review was shared via social media. These shows will be honored with a certificate which will be mailed to the theatre in the new year. Congratulations to all the winners this year!

Honorable Mentions:

15: “Jesus Christ Superstar” – American Repertory Theatre Of WNY

Review is here.

14. “Annie” – Lancaster Opera House

Review is here.

13. “Once” – MusicalFare Theatre

Review is here.

Steven Copps and Renee Landrigan in ‘Once’ at MusicalFare Theatre.

12. “Alice in Wonderland” – Aurora Players

Review is here.

The Cast of “Alice In Wonderland” at Aurora Players. Photo by Dori Shear-McGowan.

11. “Mamma Mia!” Kavinoky Theatre

Review is here.

TOP 10 Shows of 2018

10: “Big Fish” – Second Generation Theatre Company

Review is here. 

9. “Mary Poppins” – Theatre In The Mist

Review is here.

 

8. “All My Sons” – Niagara Regional Theatre Guild

Review is here.

The cast of “All My Sons” by Niagara Regional Theatre Guild.

 

7.  “Spring Awakening” – MusicalFare Theatre

Review is here.

The cast of MusicalFare’s ‘Spring Awakening.’ Photo by Chris Cavanagh.

6. “Sive” –  Irish Classical Theatre

Review is here. 

Josephine Hogan and Kiana Duggan-Haas in “Sive” at Irish Classical Theatre.

5.  “The Wizard of Oz” – Rocking Horse Productions

Review is here.

4.  “And Then There Were None” at Aurora Players

Review is here.

The cast of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” at Aurora Players. Photo by Dori Shear-McGowan.

3.  “Oliver!” at Lancaster Opera House

Review is here.

2.   Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at Lockport Palace Theatre

Review is here.

The cast of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” at Lockport Palace Theatre.

 

1. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street –  Kavinoky Theatre

Review is here.

Loraine O’Donnell and Matt Witten in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street” at Kavinoky Theatre.

2018 Person of the Year Winner Announced!

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Buffalo Theatre Guide is happy to announce that Philip Jarosz has been named the 2018 Person of the Year!

Mr. Jarosz will receive a commemorative plaque, and $50 in TAB Bucks, graciously donated by the Theatre Alliance of Buffalo.

A little about Mr. Jarosz:

For nearly two decades, Phil Jarosz has produced & directed quality plays at Kenmore West High School. Through his efforts, Phil has impacted the lives of hundreds of students, especially those interested in pursuing the arts as careers in college. His shows are a visual spectacle for the everyone in the community: parents, students, teachers & lovers of theatre. After nearly a decade hiatus, Phil resurrected a variety show in April featuring Ken-Ton School District Teachers & administrators to raise thousands of dollars for a scholarship for graduating students pursuing the performing arts in college. This is one of many examples as to why he deserves recognition.

Congratulations to all our nominees. A total of 3,900 votes were cast!

 

Nominees for 2018 Person of the Year Announced!

 

The following people have been nominated by our readers for the 2018 Buffalo Theatre Guide Person of the Year award!

Click HERE to vote!

Voting ends May 27, 2018.

Winner will be announced on June 1, 2018!

The Nominees:

Dr. Saul Elkin

Darleen Pickering Hummert

Deb Rennicks

Michael Lodick

Philip Jarosz

Elizabeth Paladino

Deb Wanecski

Emily Pici

Eileen Stevic

Renee Ronan

Good Luck to all our Nominees! One winner will receive a commemorative plaque, and 50 Dollars in TAB Bucks, donated by the Theatre Alliance of Buffalo.

Nominations are now open for 2018 Person of the Year!

 

Now is your time to nominate those hardworking individuals that make the Buffalo Theatre Community so special!

To nominate your choice, click here!

The nomination period ends April 29, 2018 at 11:59PM.

About the competition:

The Buffalo Theatre Community is full of hardworking individuals who dedicate endless hours to theatrical entertainment. Whether it be the box office staff who sells tickets, the light and sound booth technicians who make the actors look good, the stage managers who get everything ready to roll, the directors who work on their visions and bring the most they can from their actors, or the volunteers who are always there to make sure the show goes on without a hitch, they should be recognized.

Beginning 12:00AM April 9, 2018, nominations will be accepted for the 2018 Buffalo Theatre Guide Person of the Year Award! The Nomination period will end at 11:59PM on April 29, 2018.

The Buffalo Theatre Guide Writing Team will look over submissions and will rank them based on the following; community impact, theatrical involvement, volunteer areas, and dedication. The top finalists will be announced and the community will be asked to vote on the person of the year.

Finalists will be voted on by our readers, and one winner will be announced on June 1, 2018! The winner will receive a wonderful prize package! 

2018 Buffalo Theatre Guide Person of the Year Competition Announced!

The Buffalo Theatre Community is full of hardworking individuals who dedicate endless hours to theatrical entertainment. Whether it be the box office staff who sells tickets, the light and sound booth technicians who make the actors look good, the stage managers who get everything ready to roll, the directors who work on their visions and bring the most they can from their actors, or the volunteers who are always there to make sure the show goes on without a hitch, they should be recognized.

Beginning 12:00AM April 9, 2018, nominations will be accepted for the 2018 Buffalo Theatre Guide Person of the Year Award! The Nomination period will end at 11:59PM on April 29, 2018.

The Buffalo Theatre Guide Writing Team will look over submissions and will rank them based on the following; community impact, theatrical involvement, volunteer areas, and dedication. The top finalists will be announced and the community will be asked to vote on the person of the year.

Finalists will be voted on by our readers, and one winner will be announced on June 1, 2018! The winner will receive a wonderful prize package! 

Top 10 Shows of 2017

With the end of the year rapidly approaching, Buffalo Theatre Guide has been honored to be welcomed into the Buffalo community with open arms. In just a few short months since we launched, the theatre community has taken to us, and with that, we are very proud to be here. We are proud to present the Top 10 Shows of 2017, based on page visits, for 2017. Theatres that placed will receive a printed certificate in the mail in the new year! Please join us in congratulating the winners. These are the Top 10 Shows of 2017, in the order they placed!

10. “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Road Less Traveled Productions at Shea’s 710 Theatre.

Read Review.

The cast of “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at Shea’s 710 Theatre.

9. “Killer Rack – The Feminist Horror Musical Comedy” at Alleyway Theatre

READ Review.

 

8. “Violet”  at MusicalFare Theatre

READ Review.

 

7. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at Aurora Players

READ Review.

 

6. “Beauty and the Beast” at Theatre in the Mist

READ Review.

 

5. “The Light In The Piazza” by Second Generation Theatre Company at Lancaster Opera House

READ Review.

 

4. “Billy Elliott The Musical” at Lockport Palace Theatre

READ Review.

The Cast of “Billy Elliot The Musical” at Lockport Palace Theatre.

 

3. “Steel Magnolias” at Desiderio’s Dinner Theatre

READ Review.

 

2. “9 to 5 The Musical” by Rocking Horse Productions at Lancaster Opera House

READ Review.

The cast of “9 to 5 The Musical” by Rocking Horse Productions at Lancaster Opera House.

 

1. “The Producers” at Kavinoky Theatre

READ Review.

The Cast of ‘The Producers’ at Kavinoky Theatre.

 

 

 

Holiday Show Guide – 2017

The Holidays are officially here, and with them comes the desire for great family entertainment. Here is a list of Holiday shows that are taking place in and around Buffalo for the Holiday Season!

“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Theatre In The Mist at Stella Niagara Education Park – November 24 – December 3.

“The Nutcracker” at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre –  November 25 – 26.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” by Rocking Horse Productions at Lancaster Opera House – December 1 – 10.

“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Road Less Traveled Productions at Shea’s 710 Theatre – December 1 – 10.

“Scrooge The Musical” at the Historic Lockport Palace Theatre – December 1 – 3.

“Desde el Puente: Christmas Edition” – Great Arrow Building – December 1 – 17.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” – at Theatre of Youth – December 2 – 17.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) at ACTS Alden – December 7 – 16.

“Christmas Cabaret” – at Aurora Players –  December 9.

“A Christmas Carol” at Alleyway Theatre – December 8 – 23.

“The BPO Presents – Holiday Pops” at Kleinhans Music Hall – December 15 – 17.

“The Night Before Christmas” at the Lancaster Opera House – December 15 – 17.

 

 

 

 

Buffalo Theatre Guide To Review Plays Featured In Script’d Box

Buffalo Theatre Guide is happy to announce a new partnership with Script’d Box, a monthly subscription box that delivers two contemporary plays to your mailbox! Each month, you can read reviews of the chosen plays, as well as engage in the discussion on Facebook! Buffalo Theatre Guide encourages you to subscribe to ‘Script’d Box’ so you too can read the monthly works and engage in the conversation with us and with other readers across the country! Your subscription also comes along with behind-the scene content and other fun and interesting information for theatre fans of all ages.

Script’d Box donates 5% of all proceeds from their reader subscriptions to theaters across the country that are in need. This month, they are focusing on theaters in Texas that were affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Our goal through this partnership is to expose the Buffalo community with new dramatic works, by new authors, in the hopes of expanding the landscape and bringing new works to Buffalo area stages. While we all love the tried and true classics, fresh works are always welcomed and audiences love to see new things!

Buffalo Theatre Guide readers can receive 10% off their order by using promo code: BUFFALO at check out. The holidays are coming! This would be the perfect gift for that theatre lover on your shopping list!

To subscribe, click here.