Chautauqua Institution

Ira Glass—the creator, producer and host of the popular public radio program and podcast “This American Life”—will speak at the Chautauqua Institution on Saturday, July 20. WBFO caught up with him before his visit to Western New York.

Fans of the musical HAMILTON are quite comfortable with 18th century figures singing about issues which still impact us today, so it shouldn't be too much of a leap to enjoy three operas in a row, July 25, 26, and 27 at the Chautauqua Institution, all based on plays by a hero of the American and French revolution - Beaumarchais!

Even though society may look down on her, she's still in control, and we could be talking about the flower girl, "Sonya," in THE RUSSIAN PLAY by Hanna Moscovitch or Margy, the prostitute in Mae West's SEX, both of whom forego money for love, but "it's complicated." These two seemingly different plays just opened and continue the conversation started when Shawfest presented GBW's MRS. WARREN'S PROFESSION several seasons back.

Theater Talk promotes gender inclusion in the arts and this week recognizes three strong women. Eleanor Jean Murray who recently passed away at the age of 95 was a driving force behind the Studio Arena Theatre (now Shea's 710 Theatre). Chelsea Marcantel has another of her plays on stage at Chautauqua called AIRNESS. And 2018 Artie-nominated Heather Fangsrud presents her one-woman play KNOCK KNOCK, JESUS CALLING about growing up gay in a Jehovah's Witness family.

Barbara Cook, one of Broadway's leading sopranos, died at home in Manhattan at the age of 89. On Broadway, and on cast recordings (although not in the movie versions), Cook was best known for three roles: Cunegonde in Leonard Bernstein's 1956 CANDIDE (listen to "Glitter and Be Gay"); the librarian Marian opposite Robert Preston in 1957's THE MUSIC MAN (listen to "Till There Was You"); and Amalia Balash, the letter-writing heroine of 1963's SHE LOVES ME (listen to "The Ice Cream Song").

Stage and television (MADAME SECRETARY, THE BLACKLIST, ELEMENTARY) actor Andy Lucien wasn't even born in 1967 when the Detroit riots made headlines, but from experiencing Watts and later Ferguson, he has been able to dig deep and get into character for DETROIT '67.

In 1967 Detroit, brother and sister Lank and Chelle find their lives upended by a mysterious woman and as their family falls apart, the '67 riots tear their city apart as well. DETROIT'67 opens tonight at the Bratton Theater at the Chautauqua Institution.

New York City-based Equity actor John Seidman actually prefers acting "on the road" in regional theater, such as the summer program at the Chautauqua Institution, to much of what is happening "back home" in Manhattan. And that's why he keeps coming back to the Bratton Theater, this summer for his eighth season, appearing in a leading dual role as "Selsdon/Burglar" in a British farce by Michael Frayn called NOISES OFF.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR is presented with whimsy and panache by an all-woman cast at Shakespeare in Delaware Park and is an opportunity to see some mighty fine Buffalo talent assembled on one stage.

Comedian and avid car collector Jay Leno is headed to Buffalo Saturday to open this season’s lineup at the new Chautauqua Institution Amphitheatre. The long-time Tonight Show host took a little time to chat ahead of his visit to Western New York with WBFO’s Avery Schneider.

The new president of Chautauqua Institution shares his visions and discusses challenges in a show that will air at 10 p.m. Friday on WNED-TV. WBFO's Brian Meyer chats with Michael Hill, who recently became Chautauqua's 18th president, in "Chautauqua Spotlight."

The Chautauqua Institution has found a successor to long-time President Tom Becker. Michael E. Hill will take over the role at the end of the year. WBFO's Avery Schneider spoke with Hill about his background, his goals, and bridging the divide between the Institution's past and its future in the wake of recent debates.

This week we have three openings to celebrate! Tonight, it's THE PROFANE, a play by Zayd Dohrn, presented by Chautauqua Theater Company, directed by Vivienne Benesch.

The days of the old Chautauqua Amphitheater are now numbered. A state Supreme Court Judge Thursday rejected a preservation group's legal moves to block demolition.

Sometime today, members of the Board at the Chautauqua Institution are expected to make a decision on plans to replace the historic Amphitheater with a 21st Century duplicate.

The Chautauqua Institution board is giving itself a month to reevaluate bids on replacing the historic amphitheater.

The Board of Trustees for the Chautauqua Institution voted to take bids on the reconstruction of the historic amphitheater.

In the middle of the fight over the future of the Amphitheater at the Chautauqua Institution, a board fell from the ceiling on Sunday.

A Prairie Home Companion is on stage at the Chautauqua Institution tonight. Garrison Keillor is on the road with his American the Beautiful Tour.  WBFO's Eileen Buckley had a chance to speak with Keillor after he announced last week that he will be retiring.

SISTERS OF SWING: THE ANDREWS SISTERS MUSICAL opened this week and runs through August 9th at Musicalfare Theatre, 4380 Main St., located on the Daemen College campus in Amherst.  And Musicalfare's Randall Kramer takes his talents on the road to Lewiston, presenting PETER PAN, the Broadway musical based on the play by J.M. Barrie, opening at Artpark on July 30th.