By coincidence, a number of theaters this weekend feature mothers and mother figures (all with varying levels of dysfunction). Having Tyne Daly pass up the chance to spend a winter in Buffalo (go figure!) that opened the door for local talent Anne Hartley Pfohl to star in Terrence McNally's "Mothers and Sons" at the Alleyway Theatre. (The address is One Curtain Up Alley in the shadow of Shea's huge backstage.)
Speaking of Shea's Performing Arts Center, the touring production of the Broadway musical "Chicago" continues to wow audiences through Sunday, February 22 (two performances at 2 & 7). You've heard the phrase "song and dance?" Well, these gals can sing AND dance!
At 710 Main Theater the Buffalo Laboratory Theatre presents "The Mystery of the Silver Chalice" through this Sunday as well (only one performance that day at 2). The play changes with each performance as the audience directs the action with electronic clickers, sending the hero on all sorts of misadventures. What makes this show special are all of the local "Buffalo" references.
Ujima Company opens "Topdog/Underdog" by Suzan-Lori Parks this Friday night at TheaterLoft on Elmwood while M.E.H. Lewis's "Burying the Bones" continues at the Paul Robeson Theare at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue near Utica.
BUA presents Kerrykate Abel, Loraine O'Donnell, and Chuck Basil in a cabaret performance titled "Mommy's Martini Hour 2: the Hangover" at the Main Street Cabaret (connected to the Alleyway Theatre) through February 28th.
