© 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: Succession problems at the African American Cultural Center, home of Paul Robeson Theatre, might be a 'wake up call' for other non-profits.

By Anthony Chase,
Peter Hall
Published September 24, 2021 at 5:00 AM EDT
Ways To Subscribe
SPEED OF DARK at American Repertory Theater (L to R) Quentin Gray, Hugh Davis, Vincenzo McNeill, Monish Bhattacharyya
American Repertory Theater of WNY
/
American Repertory Theater of WNY
SPEED OF DARK at American Repertory Theater (L to R) Quentin Gray, Hugh Davis, Vincenzo McNeill, Monish Bhattacharyya

Since the January 2020 death of Agnes Bain, Executive Director since 1979 at the African American Cultural Center (AACC), 350 Masten Avenue, finding a permanent replacement has proved difficult and even led to an on-street protest last week. The current ED, Tina Washington Abubeker, wrote an impassioned Letter to the Editor of The Buffalo Challenger.

Meanwhile, two beloved actors from the AACC's venerable Paul Robeson Theatre, Hugh Davis and Vincenzo McNeill, can be seen in the current American Repertory Theatre's production of African-American playwright Mark Humphrey's SPEED OF DARK.

OPENING:

BETSY CARMICHAEL'S BINGO PALACE starring Joey Bucheker at Shea's Smith Theatre, 658 Main Street (September 25 - October 23) 716-847-0850

CONTINUING:

TRIAL BY JURY by Gilbert & Sullivan and MR. JERICHO by Ford and Greenback, a double bill, presented by Opera-Lytes September 25 and 26. All performances will take place OUTDOORS at 2 pm at the Community Music School, 217 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo. (716) 391-0033 https://operalytes.com/mr-jericho-and-trial-by-jury/

WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT at The Alleyway Theater continues through October 2. with a different Buffalo actor on stage each night. For the final five shows that's Don Gervasi* - September 24, Joyce Stilson - September 25, Charmagne Chi - September 30, Brandon Williamson - October 1, and Norman Sham* - October 2. https://www.alleyway.com/

SPEED OF DARK, by local African-American playwright Mark Humphries, directed by Matthew LaChiusa, presented by American Repertory Theater of WNY at Compass Performing Arts Center (the old "Theaterloft" now Compass Performing Arts Center at 545 Elmwood Avenue) continues through October 2 featuring Quentin Gray, Hugh Davis, Vincenzo McNeill, Monish Bhattacharyya (see photo). Davis and McNeill are two of the Paul Robeson's most recognizable actors. Worth checking out. https://speedofdark.bpt.me/

FROM HONKY TONK TO PROTEST: A WOMAN’S VIEW OF COUNTRY MUSIC, a musical conceived by Loraine O'Donnell, directed by Lynne Kurdziel Formato, continues at The Kavinoky Theater through October 3.

TO THE NEW GIRL by Samantha Macher, directed by Leyla Gentil, presented by First Look, produced by Pandora Kew and Vanessa Shevat is on stage at the New Phoenix Theatre, 95 Johnson Park in Buffalo through October 3 starring: Kari Becker, Mary Craig, Ciara Davie, Sarah Emmerling, Pandora Kew, Jessie Miller, Kathleen Recchoine, Kathryn Schneider, Vanessa Shevat, and Davida Tolbert.

https://www.firstlookbuffalo.com/

CAMELOT by Lerner and Loewe at MusicalFare in a small cast version by David Lee, co-directed by Carlos R.A. Jones and Victoria Pérez, continues through October 17 featuring Darryl Semira as Arthur, Gabby McKinley as Guenevere, Alejandro Gabriél Gómez as Lancelot, Arin Lee Dandes as Mordred, and Sam Crystal, Sabrina Kahwaty, and Josh Wilde in a variety of roles. https://musicalfare.com/shows/mainstage/event:camelot-2021/

CLOSING:

FROZEN at Shea's Performing Arts Center 646 Main Street closes after tonight's 7:30 pm performance. Good seats are still available both in advance and night of as "rush" tickets.

OPENING IN OCTOBER:

TOOTSIE (national tour) opens at Shea's Buffalo Theatre October 10.

TRIBUTE opens at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre October 13 at Bobby J's American Grill

ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT presented by the Brazen Faced Varlets (October 8 - 23) at the Alleyway Main Theatre.

AMERICAN SON presented by Ujima (October 8 - 23) at 429 Plymouth in Buffalo

CHORUS LINE presented by O'Connell & Co. (October 15 - 31) at 3200 Elmwood Avenue

PHOTOGRAPH 51 presented by Jewish Repertory Theatre (October 21 - November 14) in the Jewish Community Center in Getzville.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME presented by "All for One" Productions at Shea's 710 Theatre (October 28 - November 14)

SOMETHING WICKED presented by American Repertory Theatre (October 28 - November 20) 545 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo

WOMAN IN BLACK presented by the Kavinoky Theatre (Ocdtober 29 - November 21)

Tags
2021 Theater TalkWBFO Arts & Culture DeskWBFO NewsPaul Robeson TheatreAfrican American Cultural Center
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