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Theater Talk
Every Friday

For 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase.

Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days it's Peter Hall.

Heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on WBFO, the five-minute weekly show is also available on wbfo.org and as a podcast.

With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara on the Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.

But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.

Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.

Ways To Subscribe
Latest Episodes
  • HELL-OWEEN closes this weekend, Last chance for First Look Buffalo at new Canterbury Performing Arts.jpg
    Theater Talk: Anthony goes to NYC, sees a new Sondheim, Met opera with McNally libretto live in local movie theaters on Saturday, many closings (see photo) and openings (see listings)
    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.
  • BELFAST GIRLS at Irish Classical final weekend!
    Theater Talk: Wonderful, dramatic shows continue this weekend at ICTC, RLTP, Shaw, and Desiderio's with some fun stuff at PRT, LOH, and First Look
    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.
  • In GYPSY at Shaw Festival 2023 - Jason Cadieux as Herbie, Kate Hennig as Rose, and Julie Lumsden as Louise (the future Gypsy Rose Lee)
    Theater Talk: Anthony's Trip to The Shaw Festival a success, (Shaw plays still on this weekend!), now on to Broadway in January
    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.
  • Les Cagelles kick it up a notch in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at O'Connell and Co. Can you guess the genders?
    Theater Talk: MRS. DOUBTFIRE is a huge, funny hit at Shea's. LA CAGE AUX FOLLES also top-notch at O'Connell & Co. (on Bailey). BELFAST GIRLS at Irish Classical hits hard as only live theater can.
    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.
  • Murder Ballad continues at Road Less Traveled Productions L-R Jenn Stafford, Leah Berst, Anthony Alcocer.jpg
    Theater Talk: CURTAIN UP! 2023 has so many shows; something for every taste, just look at those listings! (Note: 4 shows close this weekend.)
    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.
  • Roslyn Ruff to be honored with a star in the "Plaza of the Stars" on Monday, September 18 at 4:00 pm
    Theater Talk: A conversation with Roslyn Ruff, to be honored at "Plaza of the Stars" (Main at Tupper) on 9/18 at 5:30 pm.
    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.
  • THE LIFE AND SLIMES OF MARC SUMMERS opens at The Alleyway Theatre on Sunday, September 10
    Theater Talk: An extended conversation with Marc Summers whose "Life and Slimes" original play opens this Sunday at the Alleyway
    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.
  • WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME at Kavinoky opens September 8
    Theater Talk: Curtain Up! may seem far off, yet many plays are opening sooner, including BUA'S A GREAT WILDERNESS this weekend, with more just a few days hence!
    Curtain Up! may seem far away (Friday, September 22, 2023) but, local theater companies including Buffalo United Artists, MusicalFare, Paul Robeson, Kavinoky, Alleyway, Second Generation + Ujima + Shea's 710, Bellissima Productions, and Road Less Traveled Productions all have shows opening between September 1 and September 14. 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.
  • In GUYS AND DOLLS at MusicalFare Director Chris Kelly has assembled a very talented cast
    Theater Talk: As Shawfest continues, WNY theaters to open on September 1,6,7,8,10,14 with more to come soon (see listings below). MusicalFare to offer Frank Loesser's GUYS AND DOLLS.
    Local theater companies Buffalo United Artists, MusicalFare, Paul Robeson, Kavinoky, Alleyway, Second Generation + Ujima + Shea's 710, and Road Less Traveled Productions all have shows opening between September 1 and September 14. 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 THE RAZZLE at Shawfest stars L-R Ric Reid as Zangler, Kristi Frank as Christopher, Mike Nadajewski as Weinberl.
    Theater Talk: ON THE RAZZLE at Shaw is a great farce; this weekend Anthony's shows are at JRT; last chances for ROMEO AND JULIET at SiDP; welcome Keelie Sheridan to ICTC
    This week Anthony and Peter talk about: Anthony's show with two matinees (2pm) at the Jewish Repertory Theatre; the new theater space at Canterbury Woods in Amherst; Tom Stoppard's punny and funny ON THE RAZZLE at Shawfest, and the role of Artistic Directors such as Keelie Sheridan starting at the Irish Classical Theatre Company as well as Katie Mallinson at The Kavinoky (listen to last week's show); and Verniece Turner who is taking a leadership role at The Paul Robeson Theatre. 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.
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