Art/Theater

The new Alleyway show is a lot of fun!

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Buffalo, NY – Jim and Tony find comparisons between the Alleyway's presentation of The Big Happy and Acme Products and the Road Runner. Also, reviews of Private Viewing, the three Pinter plays at the Polish theater, and Making Gay History.

Jim visits Buffalo's oldest theater space, while Tony galavants in New York City.

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Buffalo, NY – Jim is impressed with one of Buffalo's newest theater companies, performing in what they say is Buffalo's oldest theater space, on Fillmore Avenue. Also, Tony likes just about everything (except Amy) in Little Women and Gem of the Ocean in New York. Also, conversation about the public television presentation of Candide, and some new openings on local stages.

Jim and Tony discuss three area presentations, and preview some others.

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Theatre Critic Grant Golden reviews the MusicalFare presentation of "The Girl in the Frame," now on stage at the Daemen Theatre in Snyder.

By Grant Golden

Buffalo, NY – Theatre Critic Grant Golden reviews the MusicalFare presentation of "The Girl in the Frame," now on stage at the Daemen Theatre in Snyder.

Click the "listen" icon above to hear Grant's review.

Jim Santella reviews The Girl in the Frame at Musicalfare, Crowns at Studio Arena and Lobby Hero at the Kavinoky.

By Jim Santella

Buffalo, NY – The Girl in the Frame with book, words and music by Jeremy Desmon, now on stage at MusicalFare, 4380 Main St., Snyder, through February 6th. Telephone: 839-8540

So far, it's a great year for Buffalo theater!

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Buffalo, NY – Jim and Tony note the high quality of local stage presentations so far in the new year. They include the rarely-performed Stephen Sondheim music Assassins, plus the Studio Arena's show Crowns. They also talk about Girl in the Frame by local playwright Jeremy Desmond, plus Lobby Hero at the Kavinoky.

Jim and Tony return from their two week holiday break.

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Buffalo, NY – Theatre Talk starts 2005, after a two-week holiday hiatus, with a look at several new production on area stages, including the Shea's presentation of The Producers.

Jim and Tony offer raves for two area plays.

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Buffalo, NY – Jim and Tony think highly of two local productions, The Last Five Years on the TheaterLoft stage, and the Jewish Repertory Theatre's presentation of The Price. Also, a recap of holiday shows, and some closings and extensions.

Jim Santella Claus offers his favorite varieties of coal to Anthony Chase.

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Buffalo, NY – Jim Santella Claus shares some Christmas cookies with Anthony Chase (but he didn't bring any for any other WBFO staffers!), and Tony talks about the Sondheim revival Pacific Overtures now playing in New York. Also, a discussion about Country Girl at the New Phoenix Theatre, and a plethora of Christmas productions.

Jim tries to recover his voice, while Tony travels again.

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Buffalo, NY – Jim's voice is a bit strained thanks to a bout with the flu, but he and Tony manage to talk about the Studio Arena's production of A Thousand Clowns. Jim also enjoyed the recent performance of the Rockettes at Shea's, while Tony talks about his busy week attending plays. They also talk about what's new on local stages, including holiday productions.

Jim and Tony pay tribute to composer Cy Coleman, who died this week.

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Buffalo, NY – Noted Broadway composer Cy Coleman died this week. Jim and Tony present a brief retrospective of his work. Also, what's closing and opening on area stages.

Jim and Tony share some laughs offered up on local stages.

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Buffalo, NY – Jim and Tony discuss some local comedy productions, including I Hate Hamlet and Southern Baptist Sissies. Also, a second look at Sophie... Last of the Red Hot Mamas and Jesus Hopped the A-Train.

WBFO's Kelli Bocock-Natale shines in her performance as Sophie Tucker.

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Buffalo, NY – Jim and Tony offer rave reviews of Kelli Bocock-Natale's performance in the one-woman show Sophie: Last of the Red Hot Mamas at MusicalFaire. Tony talks about the New York City production of Dracula, including its connection with the University at Buffalo. And, Jim discusses the gritty New Phoenix Theatre presentation of Jesus Hopped the A Train.

Theatre Critic Jim Santella reviews Sophie: Last of the Red Hot Mamas, You Never Can Tell and Transference now on stage at area theaters.

By Jim Santella

Buffalo, NY – Sophie: Last of the Red Hot Mamas by Jack Fournier & Kathy Halenda is presented by MusicalFare, 4380 Main Street, 839-8540, through December 5th.

Jim and Tony bring news of pending changes at the Studio Arena theater, plus they discuss shows at the ICT and the Alleyway.

By Jim Santella and Anthony Chase, WBFO

Twenty-five years ago, David Greenberger began talking with residents of a nursing home in Boston. He collected their stories in a magazine. Over the years, he went on to collect hundreds more stories from elderly folk around the country. He put their stories in books, documentaries and finally narrated them to music on CD. Greenberger performs some of the latest recordings called, "Legibly Speaking," Thursday night at Hallwalls.

By Joyce Kryszak