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Theater Talk: Peter Palmisano's ambitious "A History of Buffalo Theatre" podcast, part of his "OFF ROAD" series

Off Road Logo from RoadLessTraveledProductions.org
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Off Road Logo from RoadLessTraveledProductions.org

Road Less Traveled Productions has been offering a series (19 to date) of podcasts entitled OFF ROAD WITH PETER PALMISANO. They all feature popular Buffalo actor Peter Palmisano in conversation with various movers and shakers in the arts community (not just theater). While there are conversations with actors such as Stephen McKinley Henderson whom we see on stage and screen, there are many, many more conversations with those who create the magic.

There are directors such as Victoria Pérez, choreographers such as Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, playwrights such as Donna Hoke and Gary Earl Ross, puppeteer Adam Kreutinger, film-maker George Pittas, editorial cartoonist Adam Zyglis, set designer Dyan Burlingame, and many artistic directors including Mary Kate O'Connell, Loraine O'Donnell, and JoAnn Falletta.

And, at the same location, you can find, after a pandemic's worth of months of research and multiple (almost 200) conversations, Palmisano's "A History of Buffalo Theatre," eight OFF ROAD episodes discussing Buffalo’s rich theater background, beginning with the early 1800s with "the skeleton" of the final episode which will bring us to 2021. That's this week's topic of our podcast "Theater Talk with Anthony Chase and Peter Hall."

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S WALK
Anthony Chase
The three actors in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S WALK who play Puck: Phil Wackerfuss, Melinda Capeles, and Dan Torres

Anthony writes about Shakespeare in Delaware Park's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S WALK in his post "A Shakespearean Tour of Delaware Park" on his blog as follows:

"It's a sure sign of summer in Buffalo. Shakespeare in Delaware Park has returned with a charming walk through the park. Patrons visit various locations to see abridged scenes from "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The production, expertly directed by Kyle LoConti, features some exciting young talent and some seasoned Shakespeare veterans. The performances are excellent and the stroll through glorious Delaware Park is marvelous! A pandemic might have inspired this departure from the usual fully staged production, but this edition of Shakespeare in Delaware Park will become a cherished memory for everyone who sees it."

Anthony also posts good photos in his story "MusicalFare returns with 'Love, Linda' - A showcase for the talent and charisma of Debbie Pappas."

He writes: "'Love, Linda: the Life of Mrs. Cole Porter' is a monologue with songs in which Linda Lee Thomas-Porter describes her complex relationship with one of the greatest American song-writers of the 20th century. It was thrilling to be back in the darkened MusicalFare theater -- albeit after displaying my NYS Excelsior pass, confirming my vaccination status, and with the chair beside me marked off with masking tape."

You can read his review of LOVE, LINDA in The Buffalo News here.

The Alleyway Theatre's BUFFALO QUICKIES continues to present their an annual festival of short plays. It's running through July 10. Read Anthony's review here

and read Peter's review here.

Listen for Theater Talk, Friday morning at 6:45 and 8:45 during Morning Edition.
Even though "semi-retired," Peter Hall continues to wear many hats. He is the Sunday afternoon host on WBFO’s “sister station,” WNED Classical where he has produced over 1,000 radio interviews with musical artists. If you see him at a theater with a pen in his hand, he’s probably getting ready to co-host “Theater Talk” with Anthony Chase (heard Friday mornings at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on WBFO) or to write a review for www.buffalorising.com. He is also a member of the "Artie Awards" committee (think “Tony Awards for Buffalo theaters”).
Latest Episodes
  • Talent abounds on local stages with more openings including THE CONVENT, Brazen Faced Varlets at 545 Elmwood Avenue, ALL MY SONS at Road Less Traveled Productions, Harold Pinter's THE HOMECOMING at Torn Space on Fillmore Avenue, and LEGALLY BLONDE at MusicalFare in Amherst. (See listings below.) For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • It's a golden week for Buffalo theater. Something for everyone, as they say. And for everyone, ror 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • So many things to talk about in five minutes! Buckle up but you don't need to take notes.... it's all there in the listings on the website. For 30 years (as of November 2022) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • Anthony regales us with his recent trip to NYC, Peter reminds us of live opera broadcasts from the Met in movie theaters, See listings for many closings and openings in our area. For 30 years (as of November 2022) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • Many local shows finished up runs last weekend, but there are still seven that you might want to see. (Click through for listings). For 30 years (as of November 2022) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • The Shaw Festival wraps up most shows for 2023 this weekend. Good seats are still available. SHADOW OF A DOUBT continues through October 15, then BRIGADOON for Christmas! For 30 years (as of November 2022) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • Delayed by Covid but finally here, MRS. DOUBTFIRE at Shea's starring Broadway's original Rob McClure is very, very, very funny. LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at O'Connell is beautifully done. And BELFAST GIRLS at Irish Classical will move you as only live theater can. For 30 years (as of November 2022) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • Anthony and Peter highlight a number of shows they've seen that you might like to see for Curtain Up! (See listings below). (Note: 4 shows close this weekend: WILDERNESS, RENT, ROYALE, CONSTITUTION.) For 30 years (as of November 2022) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • On 9/18 at 4 pm Buffalo-born award-winning stage and screen actress Roslyn Ruff will get a star in the Buffalo Theatre District as a kickoff event for the 40th anniversary of Curtain Up!, the annual start of the theater season. For 30 years (as of November 2022) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • Anthony and Peter sat down with Marc Summers for an extended conversation with Nickelodeon's "Double Dare" star, but how did he start his career? Listen and find out. For 30 years (as of November 2022) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.