Theatre Review: ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ at The Stratford Festival

“The Merry Wives of Windsor” is traditionally viewed as one of Shakespeare’s lesser works. Perhaps because it carries neither the weight and depth of a “King Lear,” nor the grandiosity of “The Tempest,” nor the magic of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” In its time I imagine it was regarded as something of a chick flick, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ at The Stratford Festival

Theatre Review: ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ at The Stratford Festival

I only knew three things about “Billy Elliot: The Musical” when I sat in my cushy Festival Theatre seat one Saturday afternoon. One, that a very talented young actor was about to do a lot of impressive ballet; two, that Elton John wrote the music and; three, that it featured a super catchy song called … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ at The Stratford Festival

Theatre Review: ‘Nine’ by Second Generation Theatre Company at Shea’s Smith Theatre

I’ve waited for this one all season. Second Generation Theatre Company closed its sixth season with an electric production of ‘Nine. ‘ With a book based on Fellini’s film  8/12 and music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, ‘Nine’ is the story of Guido Contini, star filmmaker who is facing his 40th birthday with an urgent … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Nine’ by Second Generation Theatre Company at Shea’s Smith Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Entertaining Mr. Sloane’ at Irish Classical Theatre

This is one dysfunctional family with a weird twist on sibling rivalry. Brother and sister are love-starved and have a history of being attracted to the same men. DaDa has diminished vision and keen insights…when they’re to be believed. And the opportunist  boarder killed a man. And they live happily ever after? Playwright Joe Orton … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Entertaining Mr. Sloane’ at Irish Classical Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Memories and Martinis’ at O’Connell & Company

Anyone who grew up loving music and stories and plays will admit to the same truth: their bedroom was a theatre, their bed was a stage, stuffed toys and dolls were members of the audience, and heartfelt solos were sung into hairbrushes.  For Mary Kate O’Connell, these early days spent singing, dancing, and acting with … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Memories and Martinis’ at O’Connell & Company

Theatre Review: ‘Dearly Departed’ at Aurora Players

With a dull thud, Mr. Turpin drops dead on the kitchen floor. According to his wife, Raynelle, the man had all but stopped breathing for the better part of their thirty-plus year marriage.  Besides, he was a mean and surly man. . . .off-the-map funny. So goes “Dearly Departed,” the current comedy by Aurora Players … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Dearly Departed’ at Aurora Players

2019 Arties Wrap Up

The 29th Annual Artie Awards presented by WNED/WBFO at Shea’s 710 Theatre on Monday night was a spectacle of sparkles and selfies in celebration of Buffalo’s theatre community. Theatre practitioners and those who love them packed the space to honor outstanding achievements from this year’s theatre season, and share a laugh or two…or many. The … Continue reading 2019 Arties Wrap Up