Submitted News

ANNOUNCING #HAM4HAM LOTTERY IN BUFFALO 40 TICKETS FOR EVERY PERFORMANCE $10 EACH

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

Producer Jeffrey Seller, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, and Albert Nocciolino announce a digital lottery for HAMILTON tickets will begin in conjunction with the show’s first performance (November 20) in Buffalo at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre.  Forty (40) tickets will be sold for every performance for $10 each.  The digital lottery will open at 11:00 AM ET on Sunday, November 18 for tickets to the Tuesday, November 20 performance.  Subsequent digital lotteries will begin two days prior to each performance.

HOW TO ENTER

  • Use the official app for HAMILTON, now available for all iOS and Android devices in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store (http://hamiltonmusical.com/app).
  • You can also visit http://hamiltonmusical.com/lottery to register.
  • The lottery will open at 11:00 AM ET two days prior to the performance date and will close for entry at 9:00 AM ET the day prior to the performance.
  • Winner and non-winner notifications will be sent at approximately 11:00 AM ET the day prior to the performance via email and SMS (if mobile number is provided).
  • No purchase or payment necessary to enter or participate.
  • Each winning entrant may purchase up to two (2) tickets.
  • Only one entry per person. Repeat entries and disposable email addresses will be discarded.
  • Tickets must be purchased online with a credit card by 4:00 PM ET the day prior to the performance using the purchase link and code in a customized notification email. Tickets not claimed by 4:00 PM ET the day prior to the performance are forfeited.
  • Lottery tickets may be picked up at will call beginning 2 hours prior to the performance with a valid photo ID. Lottery tickets void if resold.

ADDITIONAL RULES

Patrons must be 18 years or older and have a valid, non-expired photo ID that matches the name used to enter. Tickets are non-transferable. Ticket limits and prices displayed are at the sole discretion of the show and are subject to change without notice.

Lottery prices are not valid on prior purchases. Lottery ticket offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. All sales final – no refunds or exchanges. Lottery may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve the chances of winning.

Tickets for HAMILTON are currently on sale.  Patrons are advised to check the official HAMILTON channels and Ticketmaster.com for late release seats which may become available at short notice.

HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by

Andy Blankenbuehler and music supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on

Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

The HAMILTON creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award ® Winning Best Musical

IN THE HEIGHTS. HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA, and General Management by Baseline Theatrical

The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

Launching April 2019 in Chicago, HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION will take visitors deeper into the life and times of Alexander Hamilton through the immersive exhibit featuring a dynamic, interactive mix of in-depth scenography, lighting, sound, multimedia, music, and an audio tour narrated by Mr. Miranda. For more information and to sign up to be the first to receive news and ticket sales alerts about HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION, please visit hamiltonexhibition.com.

The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide.  The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.

For information on HAMILTON, visit www.HamiltonMusical.com, www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical, www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical and www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.

2019 Kenny Awards Finalists Announced

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

The Kenny Awards has announced its 10 program finalists for the 2018-2019 school year. The Kenny Awards, presented by Shea’s Performing Arts Center and The Lipke Foundation, is an endeavor that recognizes the talent, dedication, and efforts of our local high school youth in musical theatre. The Lipke Foundation recently announced that it is doubling its grant to $10,000 for the WNY area high school that receives the Outstanding Musical Production award.

After reviewing applications and speaking with interested schools about their musical theatre programs, ten finalists were selected for the 2019 Kenny Awards. They are as follows:

Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts – Les Misérables

Cleveland Hill Union Free School – Newsies

Cuba-Rushford Middle/High School – Annie

John F. Kennedy High School – The Wizard of Oz

Nardin Academy – The King and I

Niagara Wheatfield Senior High School – Sister Act

St. Mary’s High School – The Addams Family

Sweet Home High School – Mamma Mia!

Tonawanda High School – Mamma Mia!

West Seneca West Senior High School – Legally Blonde

Over the coming months, the Kenny adjudicators will view all 10 of these productions and award the top schools and students for their efforts, including “The Kenny” for Outstanding Musical Production, which contains a $10,000 grant from The Lipke Foundation to be used solely by the school’s theatre department. Other awards include categories for individual performances in leading and supporting roles, as well as areas of technical production, orchestration, choreography, set design, and vocal performance.

Since its inception in 1993, The Kenny Awards have bestowed $125,000 to theatre programs in Western New York high schools and has recognized over 50 local high schools and nearly 10,000 students. In addition to the awards, the program offers complimentary workshops, lectures, and demonstrations to students in the finalist schools to help enhance and develop their craft.

The Kenny Awards is one of 40+ awards programs nationwide participating in the National High School Musical Awards Program. The selected Outstanding Leading Actress and Actor of our Kenny Awards go on to receive an all-expenses-paid, week-long trip to New York City to participate in The Jimmy Awards in June, 2019.  This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity includes rehearsals with Broadway actors and musicians, performances, opportunities to win college scholarships, and a debut performance on a Broadway stage. www.JimmyAwards.com

The Kenny Awards ceremony will be held at Shea’s on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 presale and $10 day of. Beginning April 27, tickets may be purchased at Shea’s Ticket Office, 650 Main Street, or through Ticketmaster.

For more information on the Kenny Awards Program, call Shea’s Education Coordinator Holly Grant at (716) 829-1171 or hgrant@sheas.org.

 

JERRY SEINFELD returns to Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

Shea’s Performing Art Center and JS Touring announced today that America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will return to the Shea’s Performing Art Center stage on Saturday, January 26, 2019 Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018.

Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. His latest projects include the Emmy nominated web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and his Netflix special Jerry Before Seinfeld. Seinfeld continues to perform both nationally and internationally.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, October 12 at 10am  and can be purchased at www.sheas.org or the Shea’s Box Office, located at 646 Main St.

WHAT: Jerry Seinfeld

WHEN: Saturday, January 26 2019

WHERE: Shea’s Performing Art Center

TICKETS ON SALE: Friday, Oct 12, 2018

TICKETS: Tickets start at $50

Entertainment icon Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy career took off after his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1981.  Eight years later, he teamed up with fellow comedian Larry David to create what was to become the most successful comedy series in the history of television: Seinfeld.   The show ran on NBC for nine seasons, winning numerous Emmy, Golden Globe and People’s Choice awards, and was named the greatest television show of all time in 2009 by TV Guide, and in 2012 was identified as the best sitcom ever in a 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll. 

Seinfeld has also starred in, written and produced movies (Comedian, Bee Movie), directed and produced a Broadway hit (Colin Quinn Long Story Short), and even wrote a best-selling book (Seinlanguage) and a children’s book (Halloween). 

Seinfeld directed the off-Broadway production of Colin Quinn: The New York Story and the Netflix stand-up special.

Seinfeld’s latest project is the Emmy nominated and critically-acclaimed web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee which has garnered over 100 million views, and which the New York Times describes as “impressively complex and artful” and Variety calls “a game changer.”

Most recently, Seinfeld has been performing at the Beacon Theatre as part of a year-long residency entitled, “Jerry Seinfeld: The Homestand.” He recently made his Netflix debut with the original stand-up special “Jerry Before Seinfeld.”

Seinfeld resides in New York City with his wife and three children.  He remains active as a standup comedy performer, continuously touring both nationally and internationally. 

Shea’s announces “Mean” contest

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

Fans can Celebrate the Ultimate “Mean Girls Day” on Wednesday, Oct. 3

with a Flyaway Contest to attend a Free Fan Performance at the August Wilson Theatre

Mean Girls, the award-winning hit new Broadway musical comedy produced by Lorne Michaels, Stuart Thompson, Sonia Friedman, and Paramount Pictures based on the hit film, will celebrate “Mean Girls Day” – October 3, which this year falls on a “pink” Wednesday – with a free fan performance at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. at the August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street), featuring special appearances by members of the Mean Girls creative team.

As part of the “Mean Girls Day” celebrations, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre is excited to announce its participation in a Fan Flyaway Contest. One lucky Buffalonian will win the opportunity to attend the Oct.3Free Fan Performance of Mean Girls on Broadway! The Fan Flyaway Prize Pack includes 2 tickets to the Oct. 3 Free Fan Performance of Mean Girls at the August Wilson Theatre in New York City, as well as roundtrip airfare and an overnight stay at the Novotel New York Times Square for two.

Fans can go to https://www.sheas.org/mean-girls-day-contest/ for more contest details and to enter for the chance to win. Entries will be accepted from Aug. 29 to Sept. 5 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Mean Girls has played to sold-out houses at the August Wilson Theatre since beginning previews in March. The show had its world premiere at the National Theatre in Washington D.C., playing a sold-out run October 31 to December 3, 2017. Mean Girls will launch a National Tour in Buffalo in the fall of 2019. 

Mean Girls features a book by nine-time Emmy Award winner Tina Fey, based on her screenplay for the film, music by three-time Emmy Award winner Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by two-time Tony Award nominee Nell Benjamin. Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs.

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

New York Magazine calls Mean Girls “HILARIOUS! A smart, splashy new musical that delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery.” Chicago Tribune said “Tina Fey writes FUNNIER, SMARTER, SHARPER satire than anyone else in the business.” People Magazine calls the show “FRESH, FUN AND INFECTIOUS – Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin’s songs keep the laughs coming!” The New York Daily News said Mean Girls “TICKLES THE EARS, EYES AND FUNNY BONE – the direction by Casey Nicholaw packs style, invention and red bull-force energy.” And, Entertainment Weekly calls it “A MARVEL: DAZZLING & HILARIOUS!”

The cast is led by Erika Henningsen as Cady Heron, Taylor Louderman as Regina George, Ashley Park as Gretchen Wieners, Kate Rockwell as Karen Smith, Barrett Wilbert Weed as Janis Sarkisian, Grey Henson as Damian Hubbard, Kerry Butler as Mrs. Heron / Ms. Norbury / Mrs. George, Kyle Selig as Aaron Samuels, Cheech Manohar as Kevin Gnapoor, Rick Younger as Mr. Duvall. The cast also includes Stephanie Lynn Bissonnette, Tee Boyich, Collins Conley, Ben Cook, DeMarius R. Copes, Kevin Csolak, Ashley De La Rosa, Devon Hadsell,Curtis Holland, Myles McHale, Chris Medlin, Brittany Nicholas, Becca Petersen, Nikhil Saboo, Jonalyn Saxer,Brendon Stimson, Riza Takahashi, Kamille Upshaw, Zurin Villanueva, Gianna Yanelli, and Iain Young.

The creative team includes Scott Pask (Set Design), Gregg Barnes (Costume Design), Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), Brian Ronan (Sound Design), Finn Ross & Adam Young (Video Design), Josh Marquette (Hair Design),Milagros Medina-Cerdeira (Make-Up Design), Mary-Mitchell Campbell (Music Director), John Clancy(Orchestrations), Glen Kelly (Dance and Incidental Music Arrangements), Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Jeff Richmond, and Natalie Tenenbaum (Vocal Arrangements), Howard Joines (Music Coordinator), and Telsey + Co / Bethany Knox, CSA (Casting).

Mean Girls is produced by Lorne Michaels, Stuart Thompson, Sonia Friedman, Paramount Pictures, Marisa Sechrest, Ars Nova Entertainment, Berlind Productions, Steve Burke, Scott M. Delman, Roy Furman, Robert Greenblatt, Ruth Hendel, Jam Theatricals, The John Gore Organization, The Lowy Salpeter Company, James L. Nederlander, Christine Schwarzman, and Universal Theatrical Group.

Mean Girls (Original Broadway Cast Recording), produced by Atlantic Records, is now available.

Buffalo-born vocalist to appear with musician/playwright Joey Giambra August 25th

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

Jay Louis Dref

Buffalo native and vocalist Jay Louis Dref  has returned to his hometown this summer to perform at various venues throughout the area.   Recent appearances included sold-out crowds at the Burchfield Penney Art Center,  North Park Theatre and the Italian Festival with Buffalo legend Joey Giambra.   Dref will again share the stage with Giambra on Saturday, August 25th at 7:30 p.m. at the Kavinoky Theatre, 320 Porter Avenue on the D’Youville College campus, Buffalo, New York for a musical version of Giambra’s famed “Bread and Onions” performance piece.  In addition to Giambra on trumpet, other musicians include Rick Carfa on keyboards, Tom Naples, guitar and John Henry Curry on bass.  Actors in the “Bread and Onions” reading are:  Constance M. Caldwell, Darleen Pickering Hummert, David Lundy, Lisa Vitrano and Joey Giambra.  Director is Philip Avallone.
    
Reservations for “Bread and Onions” can be made at:  bookingjaylouisdref@gmail.com by  leaving a name, contact information along with number of tickets requested.  Tickets are $ 20.  Payment by cash or check only is due at the door. Tickets must be picked up by 7:00 p.m. prior to the 7:30 p.m. curtain time.  Tickets may also be purchased at the door. 
      
 A graduate of the Juilliard School, Jay Louis Dref is based in New York City.   His  debut album, “Timeless”, is soon to be released and he is currently in pre-production for a music video.    Visit www.jaylouisdref.com.
A performance piece written by Joey Giambra, “Bread and Onions” is a poetic narrative about Sicilian immigrants and their families in the lower West Side of Buffalo.     Visit:  www.joeygiambra.bandcamp.com  

LYNNE KURDZIEL FORMATO TO BE HONORED IN BUFFALO’S THEATRE DISTRICT PLAZA OF STARS

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

Lynne Kurdziel Formato’

On Monday, September 10, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. the Theatre District Association of Western New York will honor local theatre choreographer, director and educator Lynne Kurdziel Formato by presenting her with a Star at the Theatre District’s Plaza of Stars on the corner of Main & Tupper.

Lynne Kurdziel Formato born and raised in Buffalo recently retired as an Associate Professor of Performing Arts at Elon University, she is currently maintaining a busy professional career as a Director/Choreographer not only in Buffalo but all around the world.  She is a proud member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC) and has over four hundred productions to her credit.

In 2012, Lynne served as Director/Choreographer for the European premiere of Disney’s Aladdin at the Fredericia Theatre in Denmark, remounting it at the Royal Opera House in Copenhagen in the summer of 2013, as well as the Scandinavian premiere of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, the professional Danish Premiere of Young Frankenstein in 2014, and choreographed the Scandinavian premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which was remounted in Copenhagen at the Kongelige Theater, and is currently being revived for the Gothenburg Opera in Sweden. Lynne recently directed and choreographed The Little Mermaid in Sao Paolo, Brazil for IMM Live TDA at Teatro Santander.

From 1991 to 2004 she was a sixteen-time nominee and six-time recipient of the Buffalo New York Artvoice Artie Award in the areas of direction and choreography, recipient of the 2004 Artvoice Career Achievement Award, a 2006 Katherine Cornell Award presented to visiting artists for her choreographic work on Musicalfare’s Urinetown, the 2005 Milton Plesur Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University at Buffalo, the 1996 “Individual Artist of the Year” awarded by the Buffalo and Erie County Council on the Arts, was a recipient of the Elon College Faculty Excellence in Scholarship Award in 2007 and the Elon College Faculty Excellence in Mentorship Award in 2016, was inducted into the St. Joseph’s Collegiate Fine Arts Wall of Honor in 2008, in 2011 she and her family were  inducted into the “Legends of Cradle Beach” for their many years of service to this camp for special needs children. In 2013, Lynne was named as one of recipients of the University at Buffalo’s Zodiaque Dance Company Directors’ Award presented at Celebration 40.  In the 2017-2018 Buffalo theatre season Lynne directed and choreographed 2 smash hits at the Kavinoky Theatre which included THE PRODUCERS and MAMA MIA.  She will return to the Kav this theatre season to direct and choreograph SPAMOLOT then off to Second Generation Theatre for NINE.

“The Theatre District Association is honored to present a theatre artist of local, national and international credentials with a Star in the Plaza of Stars,” said Lisa Ludwig, President, Theatre District Association, Buffalo.  “Lynne Kurdziel Formato’s Star will be enshrined, with the greatest admiration and respect, along with such greats as A.R. Gurney, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Christine Baranski, Brother Augustine Towey, Javier Bustillos, Saul Elkin and Michael Bennett, serving as an inspiration to us and to future generations of theatre artists who aspire to realize their dreams in this profession,” she concluded.

The star-studded public festivities will take place at THE PLAZA OF STARS amongst local theatre professionals, colleagues, patrons and members of the media.   As part of the celebration, the ceremony will also help kick-off the 37th Annual Curtain Up! event which is the opening of Buffalo’s Theatre Season which takes place September 14th. A reception will immediately follow the star ceremony at MATINEE located at 698 Main Street.

 

“The Mother$#^%er With The Hat” comes to SUNY Fredonia to Benefit Alzheimer’s Association of WNY

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

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Co-Producers Fayna Sanchez and Tony Gatto team up again to announce the official east-coast premiere of their long- running hit & award winning BEST OF 2017 HOLYWOOD FRINGE production of “The Mother****er With The Hat” Friday August 3rd and Saturday August 4th at 8pm Bartlett Theater in the Rockefeller Arts Building/SUNY Fredonia Campus, 280 Central Ave, Fredonia, NY 14063 Tickets are $30 each OR 2 or $25 each. Click here for tickets.

The play is raucous comedy and explosive drama about love & addiction, fidelity & loss and of course, misplaced haberdashery. WNY theatergoers will have a chance to give to an amazing charity and organization that helps so many, and experience a wild, funny and moving play.

Obviously, adult language, situations & themes.

The Mother****er With The Hat, by Steven Adly Guirgis was nominated for the Tony for best play in 2011. Set in the working class neighborhoods of New York City, we follow the story of 2 star-crossed lovers passionately trying to unravel years of co-dependence and addiction, as they struggle with their own flaws and explosive tempers. Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis brilliantly created a rapid-fire, poetically profane, and hilarious masterpiece. The New York Times called it “a bruising, tragicomic apache dance of love, betrayal and indecision”.

The Alzheimer’s Association works on a global, national and local level to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, the Association is committed to accelerating the global progress of new treatments, preventions and ultimately, a cure. Director Tony Gatto’s mother, Angeline Gatto who was born and raised in Fredonia, was diagnosed over 8 years ago and has been living with the disease ever since. This benefit is obviously close to his heart, and he works to make change so future patients have a chance to experience newer and better treatments, as well as being hopeful for a miraculous cure one day. Profits from this production will go to the Western New York Chapter of the Association.

Ken-Ton Summer Musical Workshop Celebrates 50 Years

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

This August marks the 50th anniversary of the first Ken-Ton Summer Musical Theatre Worskhop’s (known as KTMTW later) production. Each summer, from 1968’s “L’il Abner“ to 2004’s ‘Hello, Dolly!”, the auditorium at Kenmore West was filled with 14 – 21 year old actors, singers, dancers, musicians, scenic artists, prop creators, costumers, and techies all under the guidance of Samuel J. (Jerry) Starr, the creator of KTMTW. For many years, Jerry’s friend and colleague, Ron Swick, provided the choral direction for the shows.  To commemorate this milestone, Jerry’s children and grandchildren are spearheading a one-night event filled with music and memories from KTMTW.  It will feature songs from the summer shows performed by people who were in those shows. As a special treat, the children and grandchildren of KTMTW alumni will perform as well.

In addition to celebrating this momentous occasion, the show will also raise money for a one-time scholarship for a student from Kenmore West and one from Kenmore East who will be studying the arts. Donations can be made at the door or through our GoFundMe page. There will also be a basket raffle to fund the scholarships.

The show will be performed one night only – Saturday, August 18th – in the Starr Auditorium at Kenmore West Senior High School at 7pm. The community is encouraged to attend. Admission to the event is free!

O’Connell & Company announces 2018-2019 Season!

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

O’Connell & Company, the professional theatre in-residence at The Park School of Buffalo, presents an exciting 23rd season filled with regional premieres and popular classics that offer something for everyone. The upcoming season reaffirms the company’s dedication to offering affordable, quality theatre in an intimate space.

“This horticultural horror will have you screaming with laughter….” New York Post. “LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS” – OCTOBER 4 – 28 and 31st, 2018. Feed the need for musical hilarity with this delicious sci-fi smash about a man-eating plant. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, “Beauty And The Beast”, and “Aladdin”) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.

“This is a must see for anyone who can’t suppress a giggle … it doesn’t get any better!” – CBS. “NUNCRACKERS: The NUNSENSE Christmas Musical” – NOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 23, 2018 This “habit-forming” musical comedy by Dan Goggin, finds us at the first “TV Special” taped by the sisters in their convent basement studio for Cable Access. Nuncrackers will make you laugh and maybe tug at your heartstrings. It’s the perfect way to insure your holiday season is merry and bright.

“Love Letters is a passionate love letter to the audience from two people whose lives were bound together by love.” “LOVE LETTERS” – JANUARY 31 – FEBRUARY 24, 2019. A.R. Gurney’s beloved play that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is a disarmingly funny and unforgettably emotional portrait about the powerful connection of love between two friends. Featuring a rotating cast of WNY favorite actors.

REGIONAL PREMIERE: “1776” – APRIL 25 – MAY 19, 2019. “1776” is a funny, insightful and compelling drama with a striking score, book and a legendary story. Celebrate this great country as we feature an All-Female cast in one of Broadway’s beloved classic musicals.

“And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.”- Harold Arlen. “MEMORIES & MARTINIS” with MARY KATE O’CONNELL –  JUNE 6 – 23, 2019. Enjoy an intimate cabaret of songs, stories, love, laughter, banter & beverages!

O’Connell & Company in residence at The Park School of Buffalo 4625 Harlem Road • Snyder, New York 14226 2018-2019 

O’Connell & Company’s Award winning original hit cabaret-style shows “DIVA by DIVA: A Celebration of Women!” / “Gentlemen prefer DIVAs! 2018: October 10, November 14, December 12, 2018: February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12 Offering special performances of “SUFFRAGIST DIVA: A WOMAN’S JOURNEY” (check website for specific show dates & information) WEDNESDAYS AT 7:30pm.

Showtimes: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:30 PM. DIVA/Gents performances run on specified Wednesdays at 7:30 PM (check website for specific show dates).

Tickets: Individual tickets: $30; DIVA tickets: $25; discounts for Seniors (62+), Military, Industry, Students & Park Community Save with a Season Flex Pass: 6 admissions for the price of 5, with flexible usage. DIVA Deal: 5 tickets for the price of 4 (DIVA by DIVA/Gentlemen Prefer DIVAS only). Group Rates (15+) also available.

Venue: O’Connell & Company Productions in residence at The Park School of Buffalo 4625 Harlem Road • Snyder, New York 14226

INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS: 716-848-0800/www.OConnellandCompany.com

About O’Connell & Company: O’Connell & Company was founded in 1995 by Buffalo award- winning actress Mary Kate O’Connell. In March 2010, O’Connell & Company received its designation as a Not-for-Profit 501(c) (3) Organization. In April 2013, O’Connell & Company and The Park School of Buffalo announced an arts partnership that has brought the Company to The Park School as the in-residence theatre beginning with the 2013-2014 Season. The Park School of Buffalo, a leader in progressive, project-based education in Western New York for more than 100 years, is located on Harlem Rd. in Snyder, NY. This exciting collaboration brings in new audiences and provides an exceptional arts experience for the community. O’Connell & Company has kept their ticket prices very affordable to make it possible for our audiences to afford to enjoy the arts and encourage families to take joy in the shows together. O’Connell & Company is a member of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Buffalo Cultural Alliance and the Theatre Alliance of Buffalo. These are important affiliations for arts and community companies to work together and cultivate a multitude of cross marketing initiatives.

O’Connell & Company has received funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; administered by Arts Services Initiative of Western New York.

O’Connell & Company in-residence at The Park School Of Buffalo 4625 Harlem Road • Snyder, New York 14226

 

CANADIAN VOICES EXPLORED IN THE SHAW FESTIVAL’S ‘OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR.’

/ Buffalo Theatre Guide

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Niagara-on-the-Lake’s World War I connections – from residents who enlisted to the garrisoned troops being entertained in the Royal George Theatre – are highlighted in director Peter Hinton’s re-improvised Oh What a Lovely War. With music direction by Paul Sportelli and movement direction byAlexis Milligan, this provocative production about the theatre of war begins previews at the Royal George Theatre onJuly 14.

Specifically created for The Shaw to include the Canadian wartime perspective, this refashioning of Oh What a Lovely War stays true to the spirit of Joan Littlewood’s ground-breaking musical. Archival images and footage present a dark and horrific contrast to the musical numbers and onstage levity. Completing the Canadian narrative are the voices of Indigenous soldiers, members of the all-black No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF); the women at home and the Front; and those who conscientiously objected to the fight. Oh What a Lovely War features the talents of David Ball, Ryan Cunningham, James Daly, Kristi Frank, Jeff Irving, Allan Louis, Marla McLean, Kiera Sangster, Jacqueline Thair and Jenny L. Wright.

Designer Teresa Przybylski’s set and costumes combined with lighting design by Bonnie Beecher and projections byHoward J. Davis create a hauntingly, yet poignant canvas for this satirical World War I-era musical.

Oh What a Lovely War is on stage at the Royal George Theatre (85 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake) from July 14to October 13 (Media Premiere August 1). This Shaw Festival production is proudly sponsored by the William and Nona Macdonald Heaslip Foundation.

This production has an age recommendation of 14+.

Cast: (in alphabetical order)

David Ball
Ryan Cunningham
James Daly
Kristi Frank
Jeff Irving
Allan Louis
Marla McLean
Kiera Sangster
Jacqueline Thair
Jenny L. Wright

About Oh What a Lovely War
Book by Joan Littlewood, Theatre Workshop and Charles Chilton
Research by Gerry Raffles
After treatments by Ted Allan and others

The Shaw Festival’s 2018 season is on stage with a playbill that features The Magician’s Nephew, Grand Hotel,Mythos: A Trilogy – Gods. Heroes. Men., The Hound of the Baskervilles, Stage Kiss, Of Marriage and Men: A Comedy Double-Bill, O’Flaherty V.C., Oh What a Lovely War, The Orchard (After Chekhov), The Baroness and the Pig, Henry V, Secret Theatre and A Christmas Carol (on stage November 14 – December 23).

Direct bus service from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Shaw Express began April 4. Patrons can choose to come for a day or stay for the weekend with a round trip costing $25. New this season: the Shaw Express will stay for two performances on some Saturdays – departing Toronto at 10 a.m. and leaving The Shaw at 11 p.m. Schedule is subject to change. Please confirm dates and times with the Shaw Festival Box Office. A ticket to a 2018 Shaw Festival performance is required to access this service.

To purchase tickets for the 2018 Festival season and Shaw Express, please contact the Shaw Festival Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW and online at www.shawfest.com.