Kavinoky Theater

Big doings on Buffalo's diverse West Side on the D'Youville College campus, with a major emphasis on a health professions hub, more acting jobs in the "Simulated Patient Program," and repurposing Holy Angels Church with all sorts of promising arts ideas floated, including a second theatrical space, and the Kavinoky possibly becoming an Actors Equity house. As the college drops their old "Spartans" mascot and embraces the more appropriate "Saints" ("Never refuse to serve") two new campus residents are St. Bernard puppies, Maggie and Saint, seen in a promotional video here.

This past weekend, the Kavinoky Theatre started its run of George Orwell’s "1984" after less than three weeks of production. Producers were forced to make the last-minute switch after they were told their planned production of "To Kill a Mockingbird" could not be staged because of a legal dispute.

Stage and screen star Polly Bergen passed away last Saturday at the age of 84. Nominated for a Golden Globe, a Tony, and multiple Emmy awards (she won for "The Helen Morgan Story"), she might be best remembered for her appearances on the television game show "To Tell the Truth."

After 20 years, Buffalo playwright Tom Dudzik's "Over the Tavern" continues to delight audiences, this time at the Kavinoky Theater through October 5. Set in 1959, the story of 12 year-old Rudy who goes "knuckle to ruler" with his teacher, Sister Clarissa, has been tightened up a bit, but all of the familiar cultural references remain intact.

The audience is having a 'Wicked' time at Shea's Performing Arts Center in Buffalo.  The musical Wicked is on stage now until January 26. WBFO's Theater Talk host Anthony Chase and Eileen Buckley chat about the elaborate production. Chase also takes us to the Kavinoky Theater in Buffalo for Proof  in this week's edition of Theater Talk.

As WBFO's Theater Talk begins another New Year, host Anthony Chase and Eileen Buckley tell us about new shows opening in Buffalo next week.  That includes Wicked at Shea's and Proof at The Kavinoky Theatre. 

The powerful Tony-award winning War Horse is on stage now through Sunday at Shea's Performing Arts Center.  WBFO'S Theater Talk host Anthony Chase and Eileen Buckley discuss the elaborate puppetry and story-line of War Horse.