A fixture in the Buffalo theater community, Michael Hake was the music director for dozens of productions and trouper that he was, wrapped up a performance of Musicalfare's PAGEANT and then passed away very quickly a few hours later from heart complications, surrounded by friends. He will be missed.
HARVEY starring Richard Lambert as Elwood P. Dowd continues at the New Phoenix Theater, 75 Johnson Park (off Elmwood) Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 through December 19. Thursdays are "pay what you can" nights. With a clever set, tight direction, and a lot of great local talent on the stage, this story of the lovable man who talks to a large, white rabbit that nobody else can see is a charming holiday offering.
Up only through this Sunday, ANNIE at Shea's Performing Arts Center completely charmed the curmudgeon Anthony Chase who, despite his original reservations about sitting through yet another musical involving many children, by intermission was completely sold.