© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Theater Talk

Theater Talk: Director Kyle LoConti and Shakespeare in Delaware Park's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S WALK

By Anthony Chase,
Peter Hall
Published July 9, 2021 at 6:30 AM EDT
Ways To Subscribe
L-R Steve Brachmann as "Flute," Mike Garvey as "Peter Quince" (aka "Wall"), Todd Benzin as "Bottom"
Peter Hall
L-R Steve Brachmann as "Flute," Mike Garvey as "Peter Quince" (aka "Wall"), Todd Benzin as "Bottom"

Director Kyle LoConti takes us "behind the curtain" (if there were a curtain) to talk about A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S WALK (through August 12) presenting five scenes from Shakespeare's play, all acted in the "Rumsey Woods" area of Delaware Park. In order to get the actors to their places for five different walking groups, she said "It was completely about the clock and the Excel spread sheet."

As "Queen Titania" (Robyn Horn) sleeps, her fairies keep watch in the air (Morgan Mincer and Reagan Zuber)
Peter Hall
As "Queen Titania" (Robyn Horn) sleeps, her fairies keep watch in the air (Morgan Mincer and Reagan Zuber)

The five scenes adapted from A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM are presented in the "Rumsey Woods" (between Rumsey Road and Hoyt Lake close to "Shakespeare Hill). Upon arrival at look for the swag wagon (tee-shirts, mugs, and other tchotchkes for sale) at the top of the hill. You will then be directed to the starting area where your guide (one of three actors playing "Puck") will begin your groups tour. It's about a half mile walk.

Director Kyle LoConti
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
/
Shakespeare in Delaware Park website
Director Kyle LoConti

Performance tours are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and begin at 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30 p.m.
Tours are limited to 25 participants per group. Please contact Sean Crawford at mgmt@shakespeareindelawarepark.org for large group accommodation.

Before you go, you might want to donate the "Family Friendly Guide" (think Playbill with fun games and insider information) here.

And for many more pictures, visit Anthony's blog "Theater Talk Buffalo" here.

As if the activity in the park weren't enough, this summer's second offering SHAKESPEARE & LOVE begins tonight, July 9, and runs concurrent with the "WALK" and has shows Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, July 9 through August 22 at venues throughout Western New York as follows:
7/9 - Parkside Lodge, Buffalo
7/10 - Hamburg Town Park, Hamburg
7/11 - Veterans Park Complex, West Seneca
7/15 - Orchard Park Recreation Department, Orchard Park
7/16 - Show Mobile - Aquatic & Fitness Center, Town of Tonawanda
7/17 - Cazenovia Park, Buffalo
7/18 - Freedom Run Winery, Lockport
7/23 - Oxford Park, Lancaster
7/24 - Galanti Park, Lackawanna
7/25 - Academy Park, Lewiston
7/30 - Raymond Klimek Veterans Park, North Tonawanda
7/31 - Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve, Hamburg
8/1 - Orchard Park Gazebo, Orchard Park
8/6 - Bassett Park, Amherst
8/7 - Niawanda Park, City of Tonawanda
8/8 - Hamlin Park, East Aurora
8/13 - Golden Age Center, Grand Island
8/14 - Locust Street Neighborhood Art, Buffalo
8/15 - Parkside Lodge, Buffalo

2021
Anthony Chase
Listen for Theater Talk, Friday morning at 6:45 and 8:45 during Morning Edition.
See stories by Anthony Chase
Peter Hall
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”).
See stories by Peter Hall
Latest Episodes
  • Among those stars of stage and screen whom we lost this year, Maurice Hines of Hines, Hines, & Dad
    Theater Talk: At the end of the calendar year Anthony looks back with fond memories of some we lost
    While the theater community thinks of seasons starting with "Curtain Up!" in September and ending with The Artie Awards in June, often at the end of a calendar year, it's common to look at theater folk whom we lost. Anthony has fond personal memories of seeing many who were mentioned in a recent Playbill.com article. 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.
  • FAITH HEALER opens at Irish Classical January 5 starring L-R Vincent O'Neill, Margaret Massman, and Paul Todaro
    Theater Talk: With strong leadership at the top, theater in our area is looking good heading into 2024
    Anthony and Peter talk about the transitions in leadership at four of our major stages. Audiences are still not at 2019 levels. And COVID as well as cellphones ringing during shows are still a nuisance. HAPPY NEW YEAR! 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.
  • THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS starring Lisa Ludwig continues at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre into 2024!
    Theater Talk: Kids in ANNIE at Shea's are charming; Charmagne Chi's BLUE XMAS is all that and more; 4 CHRISTMAS CAROLS still on stages!
    There are plenty of Christmas shows still running for every taste. ANNIE (it's set at Christmas time) is at Shea's, there are four (4!) different versions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Lisa Ludwig stars in THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS, and Charmagne Chi stars (with a cast of 7) in her BLUE XMAS at the Alleyway. 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.
  • Charmagne Chi's BLUE CHRISTMAS continues at the Alleyway Theatre Cabaret through December 30
    Theater Talk: With a dozen Christmas shows on stages right now, there's something good for every age from "TVY" to "X!"
    All across our region, there are a solid dozen good shows open this weekend (See Listings) from Cheektowaga (TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS) to Ontario's Shawfest (A CHRISTMAS CAROL) in big venues (PLAID TIDINGS at Shea's 710) to small (BLUE CHRISTMAS WITH CHARMAGNE CHI at the Alleyway Cabaret), just to name 1/3 of the offerings. 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.
  • 12 MO' ANGRY MEN continues at Ujima Theatre.jpg
    Theater Talk: 12 MO' ANGRY MEN'S TaNisha Fordham in conversation, exquisite CHRISTMAS CAROL at Shaw, AIR HEART final shows this weekend
    A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Shawfest's Royal George Theatre kicked off the first of several productions of Dickens' story,,, AIR HEART, a one-woman show by actor/aerialist Mara Neimanis at Buff State runs through Sunday. Buffalo-born TaNisha Fordham talks about 12 MO' ANGRY MEN, a play about a jury trying to decide on the guilt of a white police officer who has shot and killed a black teenager. (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.
  • In A CHRISTMAS STORY at LOH Broadway's John Scherer is grown-up Ralphie, the narrator of the play, with Carter Riccio as young Ralphie.
    Theater Talk: Local stages transition to holiday shows with 8 openings this weekend alone! (See listings.)
    As Brian Higgins prepares to head up Shea's the holiday season finds many, many shows continuing and, depending on your taste, at least 8 openings! (See listings.) 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.
  • LEGALLY BLONDE at MusicalFare has the lawyers asking "Is he Gay, or European?"
    Theater Talk: Right now it's LEGALLY BLONDE, ALL MY SONS, MASTER HAROLD, and THE HOMECOMING and A CHRISTMAS STORY opens the holiday season.
    Good theater all around, including contining LEGALLY BLONDE at MusicalFare, ALL MY SONS at Road Less Traveled and MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS at Irish Classical and Harold Pinter's THE HOMECOMING at Torn Space. Broadway's John Scherer is back in town as the narrator in A CHRISTMAS STORY at Lancaster Opera House which opens tonight. Many, many shows open in December which is only 7 days away including YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Theatre of Youth. 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.
  • ALL MY SONS continues at Road Less Traveled Productions with L-R Sean Cullen, Lisa Vitrano, Lissette DeJesus, Nick Stevens in a serious family discussion
    Theater Talk: Some brilliant drama by Miller, Pinter, and Dickey on area stages (see listings) and Anthony visits NYC
    Talent abounds on local stages with Jessica Dickey's THE CONVENT, Brazen Faced Varlets at Compass Performing Arts Space at 545 Elmwood Avenue, Arthur Miller's 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. 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.
  • The Brazen Faced Varlets present THE CONVENT at 545 Elmwood through November 18
    Theater Talk: Another busy week for talented casts in THE CONVENT at BFV, ALL MY SONS at RLTP, THE HOMECOMING at Torn Space, LEGALLY BLONDE at MusicalFare
    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.
  • THE NATURAL HORSE continues at the Alleyway (see listings for cast)
    Theater Talk: Plenty of choices: the big MOULIN ROUGE, the intimate SISTERS-IN-LAW and HOARDING HOPE, and comedy too - THE NATURAL HORSE, GOLDEN GIRLS, and ROCKY HORROR.
    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.
Load More