There are few things that will shock an audience these days. However, when Noel Coward’s “Design for Living,” premiered in 1933, the idea that a woman loved and lived with two men who also loved her was radical. Kate LoConti, Adriano Gatto and Ben Michael Moran are a charming comedic trio… This relationship is the … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Design For Living’ at Irish Classical Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘Killer Rack – The Feminist Horror Musical Comedy’ at Alleyway Theatre
“There’s something more going on here than your usual human remains scattering.” So says James Cichocki’s Detective Bartles toward the end of the Alleyway musical “Killer Rack,” in a brief moment of calm, before the topless plot bounces and bounds its way to a camp-horror conclusion that will send you laughing into the lobby. “Something … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Killer Rack – The Feminist Horror Musical Comedy’ at Alleyway Theatre
Studio Arena Theatre: A Personal History
I grew up in Buffalo in the 1950’s when Studio Theatre was the foremost community theatre company in town. For summer musicals, the place to go was Melody Fair, but that’s a different story! Studio Theatre was founded in 1927 by the venerable Jane Keeler and its first location was the corner of Elmwood and … Continue reading Studio Arena Theatre: A Personal History
Theatre Review: ‘My Old Lady’ at New Phoenix Theatre
If you’ve followed my reviews for the last few seasons, you will know that I am a huge advocate of a good story. A good story is really the foundation that is needed to make a show memorable and enjoyable. You can have the world’s best actors, but when you have a story that no … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘My Old Lady’ at New Phoenix Theatre
Contemporary Work Visits Torn Space Theater
There’s more to theatre than the familiar shows or the ones that make headlines when they open or close or win an award. Theatre – like all art forms – is supposed to be risky, daring, with dramas that sandpaper your mind and comedies that push the envelope beyond absurd. Buffalo’s robust theatre community has … Continue reading Contemporary Work Visits Torn Space Theater
Theatre Review: ‘John’ at Road Less Traveled Theatre
It’s funny how history can play tricks on you. Isn’t the past supposed to be static? But if history is driven by the people who made the moments, do their spirits live on to remind you, change you, haunt you? This cohesive meshing of story, set, and character make “John” a stand out. This … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘John’ at Road Less Traveled Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ by Rocking Horse Productions at Lancaster Opera House
Yesterday evening, I went to the Lancaster Opera House to see "9 to 5: The Musical," presented by Rocking Horse Productions. Music and Lyrics are by Dolly Parton and the book is by Patricia Resnick. The musical is based on the popular 1980 movie by Resnick and Colin Higgins which starred Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ by Rocking Horse Productions at Lancaster Opera House
Theatre Review: ‘The Producers’ at Kavinoky Theatre
As a story teller, I am drawn to stories that seem over the top and that have goofy concepts. When I was first introduced to the work of Mel Brooks, I couldn’t help but think that this man understood how to tell a story. No matter how ridiculous it might be, his work was unique, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Producers’ at Kavinoky Theatre
Theatre Review: ‘The Roommates’ at American Repertory Theatre of Western New York
There are plenty of “buddy” shows on stage, but local playwright Mark Humphrey’s “The Roommates” isn’t your typical “three guys in a man cave” show. Humphrey’s script has some clever language and his plot takes some interesting twists. This is a world and regional premiere and it’s suited to this small stage. Even the music … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Roommates’ at American Repertory Theatre of Western New York
Theatre Review: ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ at MusicalFare Theatre
From heart-wrenching films to questionably cast live television musicals, it seems as if every piece of the Peter Pan story has been thoroughly exhausted. However, “Peter and the Starcatcher,” dubbed as “a grownup’s prequel to Peter Pan,” is a fresh and exhilarating play with music currently onstage at MusicalFare Theatre. This production is pure magic. … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ at MusicalFare Theatre
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