42ND STREET

Book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, Lyrics by Al Dubin, and Music by Harry Warren

September 9 – October 9, 2011

This is the ultimate backstage showbiz fairy tale in a big, bright and bold dance musical. Filled with toe-tapping songs like: “Lullaby of Broadway,” “We’re In The Money,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” and, of course, “42nd Street.” A song and dance extravaganza! Directed by Norman Sham with choreography by Kelly Cammarata and music direction by Mark Vona, the production features a virtual who’s who of Buffalo theatre. Headed by the incomparable John Fredo, the cast of 20 includes Debbie Pappas, Kelli Bocock-Natale, Peter Palmisano, Daniel Hess, Charmagne Chi, Patrick O’Herron, and Kelly Jakiel as the starry-eyed, Peggy Sawyer.

GOD OF CARNAGE

WNY Premiere by Yasmina Reza

November 4 – December 4, 2011

A laugh-out-loud, whirlwind comedy where two highly strung couples meet for a civil discussion about a playground fight between their sons. The conversation quickly morphs into a train wreck of an afternoon among savages, called "ninety minutes of sustained mayhem" by The New Yorker. The New York Times hailed GOD OF CARNAGE as a "four-way prize fight" and the Chicago Tribune praised Reza’s play, calling it a "savvy and deliciously caustic new comedy."  This must-see production, directed by David Lamb, features Eileen Dugan, Lisa Ludwig, Patrick Moltane and Norman Sham.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

Holiday Classic adapted by Joe Landry

December 15 – December 18, 2011 (Not part of the subscription series.)

This beloved and captivating American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast.  With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.  “One of the best holiday shows around.  This is a fresh and inventive way of reconnecting with a classic story of love and redemption.” – Chicago Sun Times.

BLACK TIE

WNY Premiere by A. R. Gurney

January 6 – January 29, 2012

Father of the groom, Curtis, simply wants to make a memorable toast. But before he is able to raise his glass, he must defend the time-honored ways of his past, including his attire. Cultures clash when a surprise guest is announced, threatening to throw convention out the window. Curtis finds that balancing the standards of his late father and the needs of his future family may prove too messy for a black tie affair.  Saul Elkin, Josephine Hogan, Peter Palmisano, Patrick Moltane and Morgan Chard star in this hilarious play directed by Chris Kelly.

TIME STANDS STILL

WNY Premiere by Donald Margulies

March 2 – March 25, 2012

Sarah and James, a photojournalist and a foreign correspondent, try to find happiness in a world that seems to have gone crazy.  Theirs is a partnership based on telling the toughest stories, and together, making a difference.  But when their own story takes a sudden turn, the adventurous couple confronts the prospect of a more conventional life…and everything changes—in a flash.  TIME STANDS STILL is “smart, stylish, timely and layered with an intriguing seriousness that inspires discussion after the curtain comes down—a rarity these days." – Associated Press

BLITHE SPIRIT

Comedy by Noel Coward

April 27 – May 20, 2012

Our friend Mr. Coward is back this season, and this time he’s got ghosts up his sleeve.  Indeed, the situation at the heart of this mannered comedy is a fine one — an ill-conceived cocktail party séance brings one man’s ex back from the dead. She’s funny, needy and manipulative, and not necessarily in that order.  This might be less of a problem if our man’s flesh-and-blood wife weren’t already a bit on the jealous side (can you say “perpetual cat fight”?). With all the sophisticated humor you expect of Coward, Blithe Spirit is prime-time stuff – only better. 

 

To make reservations, or to purchase season passes, please call our box office at (716) 829-7668 or complete our online form.