BroadwayWorld.com Buffalo Stories

Review: HIS GIRL WATSON: A SHERLOCK NOIR at Alleyway Theatre

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:29:07 PST

Everything old is new again. And our old sleuth Sherlock Holmes is back at it in an all new adventure with more twists and turns than ever. Playwright Kevin Cirone was a winner of the 2025 Maxim Mazumdar New Play Award for his new play HIS GIRL WATSON: A SHERLOCK NOIR, based on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle. The prestigious award is presented by Buffalo's Alleyway Theatre, who now produces the play in it's world premiere.

Sherlock Holmes was and will always be the premiere detective known for his acumen solving mysteries in Victorian England. With is trusted pal Dr. Watson at his side, the beloved duo have been the subject of numerous novels, plays and films. Cirone uses this notoriety to fashion a tale set in the dark seedy streets of Boston in 1946, where Sherlock now lives in exile and the Dr Watson is now a female physician Josie Watson. Cirone's fascination with the film noir genre made famous in the 1940's sets the stage for a post war story that creatively intrigues at every turn.

The plot centers around the new Dr Watson's medical career and how her path intersects with Holmes. The writing is clever and often tongue in cheek, with just the right amount of humor to lighten the mood in a modern way. Without giving away the details, the new pair join a Boston detective in solving a murder that has repercussions for the entire community, including some crooked gangsters. The reluctant Holmes emerges from his self inflicted reclusive life to solve the crime, while Watson brings her own backstory of being a former member of the Women's Army Corps (WAC), who now cares for the injured and downtrodden after the war.

Director Robyn Lee has a great feel for the setting, complete with smokey nightclubs, a dreary detective office and slimy back alleys. The action plays out in dark, shadowy spaces, dimly lit with lots of cigarette smoking and whiskey mixed with amphetamines. Yes, Holmes now aims to kill the pains he has with drugs and alcohol. We must assume he is a timeless character, otherwise he would be near 100 years old in 1946. Lee brings a dramatic pacing to the proceedings, with tension and comedic releases all finely balanced.

Anna Fernandez is quite simply brilliant as Josie Watson. With a curt, brusque Boston accent , she inhabits the role with panache. This doctor has seen war and been traumatized by it, forming a persona that strives for morality when caring for patients. Yes medicine is her true calling in life. Fernandez is coy, glamorous and smart at every turn, bringing a no nonsense approach to her performance, that rivals any Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe.

When Holmes appears, the action gets rolling and Gregory Gjurich brings a cool calmness to his portrayal. Never flustered, Gjurich commands with a self assuredness that befits the character. And when the murder scene is found, his methods of deduction snap into gear. The audience was captivated with the detailed prowess of his reasoning. Gjurich is always in charge, even showing a more human side as his partnership with the new doctor delves into their private lives, which rarely have been detailed .

The rest of the ensemble plays multiple roles, and they all do it with finesse. Jacob Albarella play Boston Detective Leary with stern conviction, while forever chewing on a toothpick. His involvement give Holmes and Watson the springboard to dive into the investigation. Albarella brings a street smart portrayal that masterfully complements Holmes' deductive skills. Albarella also shines in the role of night club owner Corelli, full of bluster and evil.

Josh Wilde takes on many roles, notably as the son, Sonny Corelli, and later as the coroner. Wilde uses accents and costumes changes to expertly morph from role to role, shining in each.

Sara Kow-Falcone morphs from mysterious 'woman in green" to nightclub singer and others with confidence. Her petite stature and vulnerability was keenly felt, and her torch song singing perfectly set the mood.

Lex Cueva also handles their gender switching roles with conviction and a good sense of the stock characters of that period.

The set design by Jonas Harrison was as clever as the plot twists. The action plays out with the audience sitting on either side of the playing area, while a huge bank of file cabinets flanks the 3rd side. These cabinets can be pulled out as platforms, recessed to create doorways, or pulled out to be used as a bar. And when the "files" are needed, our Holmes masterfully opens them with his mind as papers fly out to aid him in his deductions. With two large light poles on the center of the stage, small set pieces are brought on and off all under the masterfully evocative lighting and sound design of Emma Schimminger. The background music of muted trumpets and quiet jazz firmly sets the era of film noir cinema. The production values are of the highest level and the ingenuity of the design is refreshing.

Costumes by Amaya Mack include tweeds and trench coats, and some smart outfits and a killer evening dress for Josie.

Special kudos to Fight Director Dainelle Rosvally, as bar room brawls, murders and abductions were executed with convincing realism

Cirone has done his research on both Holmes and film noir, and on most accounts the attention to detail was commendable, with some witty historical reference, including a Baker St address in Boston for Holmes and some play-on- word one liners. Even his title references not a film noir, but a 1940's screwball comedy HIS GIRL FRIDAY where a trusty female sidekick is tantamount. The concept of writing a play of Historical Fiction of sorts is intriguing (even though our sleuth is a fictional character, he is universally and historically known). At times the action dragged, as too many characters and name changes became involved and intertwined with the case, all atttempting to join Cirone's creative additions. The play appeared to have ended three times, and some judicious pruning or rearrangement of the final scenes of the script to streamline the ending would perhaps give a more satisfying conclusion. Cirone has all the makings of a fantastic rollercoaster mystery interwoven with his fascinating new character interplay. The overall concept fully deserves the finely nuanced production that HIS GIRL WATSON is receiving at Alleyway Theatre.

HIS GIRL WATSON:A SHERLOCK NOIR plays at Buffalo's Alleyway Theatre through June 27, 2026. Contact alleyway.com for more information

Photos: A FEW GOOD MEN at Shea's 710 Theatre

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:18:18 PST

Road Less Traveled Productions and Shea's have partnered to present Aaron Sorkin's A Few Good Men at Shea's 710 Theatre. Check out production photos from the show below.

Directed by Katie Mallinson, A Few Good Men runs June 11-28 at Shea's 710 Theatre.

The cast features Nick Stevens, Renee Hawthorne, John Fredo, Johnny Barden, Ryan Butler, David Wysocki, Bob Grabowski, David Hayes, Chris Avery, David Lundy, Steven Maiseke, David Mitchell, Talon Powell, Daniel Torres, and Adam Yellen.

The creative team includes Stage Manager Shelby McNulty-DeCaro, Scenic Designer Lynne Koscielniak, Lighting Designer Nick Quinn, Sound Designer Katie Menke, Costume Designer Lise Harty, Fight and Intimacy Director Stefanie Warnick, Props Master Diane Almeter Jones, Technical Director Lou Iannone, Assistant Stage Manager Matt Myers, Wardrobe Head Gabrielle Nunzio, and Scenic Artist Marc Quattlebaum.

A Few Good Men runs through June 28 at Shea's 710 Theatre.

Photot Credit: Gina Gandolfo 2026.

A Few Good Men at Shea's 710 Theatre

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from May 2026

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:03:21 PST

Around the BroadwayWorld is our monthly snapshot of the biggest stories making waves across the global theatre community. In this May 2026 edition, we're bringing you a fresh batch of standout reviews from regional stages across the country - from Brigadoon at Pasadena Playhouse in Los Angeles to The Phantom of the Opera at Seattle's Paramount Theatre and Pippin at Signature Theatre in DC.

Diane Paulus directs an immersive, David Bowie-inspired Life on Mars at American Repertory Theater, the producers of Japan's Gypsy revival walk back a planned title change, and we go behind the scenes with interviews spanning Adam Fields of the Beetlejuice national tour, The Muny's casting director Michael Baxter, Richard Kind on finally taking on Edna in Hairspray, and BWW's Kid Reporters chatting with the touring Von Trapp kids of The Sound of Music. Plus, get a first look at exciting new productions through performance videos and photos, including Anastasia at La Mirada Theatre, Dear Evan Hansen at Arden Theatre, Pippin at Signature Theatre, and the Manila cast of Jesus Christ Superstar - and so much more from across the BroadwayWorld.

Diane Paulus Will Direct Immersive David Bowie Inspired LIFE ON MARS at American Repertory Theater

Joshua Wright | Boston

Diane Paulus will direct Life on Mars, an immersive theatrical production set to David Bowie's music, as the inaugural production at the Goel Center for Creativity & Performance in May.

GYPSY in Japan: Producers Walk Back Title Change Ahead of 2026 Revival

Joshua Wright | Japan

The Japanese revival of GYPSY will retain its original title when it returns to the stage in 2026, reversing an earlier decision to present the production under the name 'Rose.'

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Brock Mills | Jacksonville

For Adam Fields, returning to Jacksonville with the national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical isn’t just another stop, it’s a full-circle moment. The production will play in Jacksonville from May 12–17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Interview: BWW’s 'Kid Reporters' Chat With THE SOUND OF MUSIC’s Touring Von Trapp Kids

Melissa Heckscher | Los Angeles

BroadwayWorld Los Angeles' kid reporters talk with the young touring cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC to find out what it's like to be part of one of Broadway’s most iconic shows and what actually happens behind the curtain.

Interview: Chatting with The Muny's Casting Director Michael Baxter

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

Michael Baxter’s work will shine on The Muny stage during all 50 performances this summer. He led the efforts and had a hand in hiring every one of the 194 actors who will fill the principal and ensemble roles.

Interview: Richard Kind Talks Finally Taking on Edna in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

When The Muny opens their production of Hairspray on June 15, 2026, the legendary Richard Kind will don Edna Turnblad’s housecoat and step into her fuzzy house slippers. Kind, star of stage, screen and film, calls it bucket list moments to get to perform at The Muny and play Edna all at the same time.

Reviews

Review: BRIGADOON at Pasadena Playhouse

Andrew Child | Los Angeles

Brava to Alexandra Silber for capturing all the heart and humor of Lerner’s original book with her thoughtful new adaptation and brava to Katie Spelman for dreaming up a Brigadoon that is as ebullient and spirited as it is deeply human.

Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Paramount Theatre

Shelley Dean | Seattle

It’s almost unbelievable for me to admit that this was my first time seeing The Phantom of the Opera. Of course, I knew the iconic songs and had seen countless clips over the years, but experiencing the production live on stage for the first time was entirely different, haunting, and spine-chilling in the best way possible. From the chandelier drop to the monumental set pieces, the show truly lives up to its legendary reputation. The 2026 tour, directed by Harold Prince, serves as a revitalized version of the original production, featuring Maria Björnson’s iconic designs, musical staging, and choreography by Gillian Lynne. It is absolutely ravishing, and Seattle audiences are lining up hours early to witness the spectacle for themselves.

Review: PIPPIN at Signature Theatre

Aidan O'Connor | Washington, DC

Certain facets of the human condition are foundational to our very existence – change, connection, desire. One such particularly toxic universal truth is a constant need to be something more than we currently are. To search for happiness in external achievement rather than within ourselves, in our simple joys. Pippin at Signature Theatre breathes within that precise virulence, relatively orchestrated by a troupe of impeccably costumed and choreographed players. A feast for the eyes in all senses, Matthew Gardiner’s production surpasses even the highest of expectations.

Videos

Video: Watch La Mirada Theatre's ANASTASIA Star Lena Ceja Perform 'Journey to the Past'

Michael Major | Los Angeles

La Mirada Theatre has released new video footage of Lena Ceja rehearsing 'Journey to the Past' from their upcoming production of Anastasia. The production features Dillon Klena as Dmitry, a role first played on Broadway by his brother Derek Klena.

Photos/Video: DEAR EVAN HANSEN At Arden Theatre

A.A. Cristi | Philadelphia

Arden Theatre Company is now presenting DEAR EVAN HANSEN as the final production of its 2025/26 season, with performances continuing through July 5. New production photos and video have been released from the Philadelphia production, including footage of Evan A. Kaushesh performing “Waving Through a Window.”

Video: Watch 'Corner of the Sky' From Signature Theatre's PIPPIN

Michael Major | Washington, DC

Watch a video of Brayden Bambino performing 'Corner of the Sky' in Signature Theatre's production of Pippin. The in-the-round production is now running through July 26 with tickets available now.

Photos

Photos: Get a First Look at JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Manila

Oliver Oliveros | Philippines

The 2017 Olivier Award winner for Best Musical Revival, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' has officially opened at The Theatre at Solaire.

BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:05 PST

Ever watched the weekly Broadway grosses roll in and thought you could pick the winners? Now you can put it to the test. BroadwayWorld has launched the Producer Fantasy Game, a free, season-long competition that lets theatre fans build a roster of Broadway shows and earn points based on how those productions actually perform at the box office. The draft window is open now.

How It Works

The setup is simple. During the draft window, you pick any six Broadway productions that opened this season. Drafting is non-exclusive, so there is no need to race a rival for a hot title. Any number of players can roster the same show.

From there, your shows go to work for you. Every week, each production on your roster earns fantasy points based on its reported box office grosses and capacity percentages. When Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations and wins are announced, your shows bank bonus points on top of that. And each week you can answer our Fantasy Forecast prediction questions for up to five bonus points per correct call.

Weekly Scoring

Each week, a show earns one base point for every $50,000 it grosses, so a $1 million week is worth 20 base points. On top of that, shows can earn bonuses: up to five points for filling seats (based on how close to full capacity the house ran), six points for grossing $2 million or more (or three points for grossing between $1 million and $2 million), and eight points if its gross jumped at least 15 percent from the week before. A show loses four points if its gross dropped at least 15 percent. If a show goes dark and reports no gross for a week, it scores zero for that week with no penalty.

The Fantasy Forecast

The Producer Fantasy Game is really two games in one. The first is the box office game: drafting shows and earning points from their weekly grosses and awards. The second is the Fantasy Forecast, a weekly set of prediction questions about what's happening on Broadway, where each correct answer is worth up to five points. You can play one or both.

We track them separately so you can shine at either. Your Producer score covers the box office game, your Forecast score covers your prediction results, and your Combined score adds the two together for the overall championship ranking. The leaderboard lets you toggle between Overall, Producers, and Forecasters, so a sharp predictor can top the Forecasters board even during a rough season for their roster, and a roster powerhouse can lead the Producers board without answering a single question.

Managing Your Roster

Your lineup stays at six shows all season, and you have plenty of room to maneuver. You get one free drop every week, three additional season drops to use anytime before the trade deadline, and free replacements whenever a show on your roster closes. New productions open throughout the season and become available the moment they start reporting grosses, so it pays to keep a transaction in your pocket for that buzzy new opening.

Join the Game

The Producer Fantasy Game is free for all BroadwayWorld users, and you can join any time the draft window is open. Draft within the first two weeks of the season and your roster is scored from opening week, so the earlier you get in, the more weeks you bank. Build your roster, make your predictions, and start climbing the leaderboard today.

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS to Return for 12th Year With 39-City National Tour

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:57:07 PST

“A Drag Queen Christmas” will return for its 12th year, launching a 39-city national tour this November - December. The 2026 edition is hosted by returning fan favorite and theatre star Nina West, and features an all-new merry lineup of drag superstars from the Emmy-winning RuPaul's Drag Race franchise.

Artist pre-sale begins Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. (local time) with the code “TWELVE,” and general on sale begins Friday, June 5 at 10 a.m. (local time) at dragfans.com.

This year's cast includes:

Myki Meeks, Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Nini Coco, Runner-up, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Darlene Mitchell, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Juicy Love Dion, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Discord Addams, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Crystal Methyd, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026) & Drag Race Season 12 (2020)
Silky Ganache, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026), Drag Race All Stars Season 6 (2021), Drag Race Season 11 (2019)

“A Drag Queen Christmas” is the world's premiere holiday drag showcase and a sensational theatrical experience that delivers high camp, over-the-top lip-sync performances, side-splitting comedy, elaborate costumes, Broadway-style staging, and a whole lot of heart—something we all seek during the chaos of the holiday season. With plenty of spectacular surprises in store, the show offers audiences a chance to see drag queens at the top of their game perform showstopping numbers of epic holiday proportions on revered theater stages across America. Each year, “A Drag Queen Christmas” provides an annual tradition for folks from all walks of life to come together and connect, find community, and celebrate the season with joy and laughter.

This dazzling, 18+ holiday extravaganza runs two hours and offers fans the chance to add-on a VIP Meet & Greet Experience—including early access to the venue, photos with the queens on stage, autographs, and exclusive tour merchandise.

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

November 11 - Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre)

November 12 - Rochester, NY (Kodak Center)

November 13 - Rutland, VT (Paramount Theatre)

November 14 - Portland, ME (Merrill Auditorium)

November 15 - Boston, MA (Emerson Colonial Theatre)

November 17 - Red Bank, NJ (Count Basie Center for the Arts)

November 18 - Morristown, NJ (Mayo Performing Arts Center)

November 19 - Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)

November 20 - Durham, NC (Durham Performing Arts Center)

November 21 - Wilmington, NC (Wilson Center - Cape Fear Community College)

November 22 - Philadelphia, PA (Fillmore)

November 24 - Pittsburgh, PA (Byham Theater)

November 25 - Columbus, OH (Palace Theatre)

November 27 - Chicago, IL (Riviera Theatre)

November 28 - Appleton, WI (Fox Cities Performing Arts Center)

November 29 - Omaha, NE (Orpheum Theater)

November 30 - Oklahoma City, OK (The Criterion)

December 1 - Des Moines, IA (Hoyt Sherman Place)

December 2 - Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)

December 4 - Denver, CO (Paramount Theatre)

December 5 - Salt Lake City, UT (Kingsbury Hall)

December 7 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)

December 9 - Sacramento, CA (Channel 24)

December 10 - San Francisco, CA (Golden Gate Theatre)

December 11 - Stockton, CA (Bob Hope Theatre)

December 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Wiltern)

December 13 - Santa Rosa, CA (Luther Burbank Center)

December 15 - Mesa, AZ (Mesa Arts Center)

December 16 - Tucson, AZ (Fox Tucson Theatre)

December 17 - El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre)

December 19 - Austin, TX (ACL Live at The Moody Theater)

December 20 - Dallas, TX (Winspear Opera House)

December 21 - Wichita, KS (Orpheum Theatre)

December 22 - St.Louis, MO (The Factory)

December 23 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theatre)

December 26 - Tampa Bay, FL (Straz Center for the Performing Arts)

December 27 - Fort Myers, FL (Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall)

December 28 - West Palm Beach, FL (Kravis Center for the Performing Arts)

December 29 - Jacksonville, FL (Florida Theatre)

Review: FUNNY GIRL at Shaw Festival

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:31:35 PST

When FUNNY GIRL opened on Broadway it was a smash hit in 1964 and would jettison the career of Barbra Streisand. It became a staple on repertory companies, regional and community theatres and summer stock. But the looming memory of Streisand's iconic performance on stage and then on screen seemed to have destined the show to be unproduceable without a genuine triple threat actress who could sing, act, AND be a comedian par excellence. It took almost 60 years for a Broadway revival to occur, and poor Beanie Feldstein was not up to the leading lady task, being replaced with the much more appropriate star Lea Michele. Once again, the tale of Fanny Brice had resurfaced and the often comedic, often dark musical comedy has been re-introduced to audiences who can look at the piece without Streisand's interpretation burned into our memory.

The Shaw Festival in Niagara on the Lake has programmed FUNNY GIRL as their large scale musical offering on the stage of the Festival Theatre. The result as a whole is satisfying and deeply moving, with a strong emphasis on the darker side of the Vaudeville star Fanny Brice's rise to fame, despite her unglamorous visage. Brice found her comedy based in self degradation, alongside a private life beleaguered by a fractured romance. Brice refused to lay any of the blame for her failed marriage on her husband Nick Arnstein. When comedy didn't solve her relationship issues, Brice used her limited education as a crutch, being self proclaimed "dumb." despite being very wise.

With a spectacular score by Jule Styne and Lyrics by Bob Merrill, the show always delivers on the musical front. The comedic numbers, production extravaganzas and heart breaking ballads effortlessly blend with the book by Isobel Lennart. In it's heyday FUNNY GIRL would be billed as a musical comedy, and the darker themes of gambling and divorce were played down. Lennart's book has received much criticism over the years, but Director Eda Holmes achieves a fine balance of the broad comedy of the Ziegfeld Follies stage with the tortured off stage life of Brice being married to a professional gambler and con man. Despite Arnstein's personal ruin, Brice would have stuck with him, but a happy ending was not in the cards.

Sara Farb is Fanny Brice, and her slight figure and large grin are full of energy and goofiness that the part requires. She puts her own spin on her showstopper, "I'm The Greatest Star" without requiring histrionic gimmicks. Her plaintive rendition of the show's most famous song "People" was plaintively sung and spot on. But the score did not always fit like a glove, as some of the beltier numbers like "Coronet Man" and "Don't Rain On My Parade" found Farb at her most vulnerable vocally. Happily, as the the magnificent Act 2 ballads began to roll, Farb captivated singing "Who Are You Now" and "The Music That Makes Me Dance." Farb brought terrific dimension to the book scenes, whether being raucously outspoken with Ziegfeld, naively love struck with Arnstein, or heartbroken when she realizes she can't mend a broken relationship. The transition from a wide eyed teen to mega star adult was deftly handled by Farb.

Qasim Khan oozed handsome sophistication as Nick Arnstein, making it easy to see why Fanny falls head over heels for him. Khan brings a firm take on Arnstein's bravado and desire for power, making his eventual downfall palpable to the audience. His light voiced tenor was not always as powerful as his persona, as his "You Are Woman, I am Man" yearned for a bigger testosterone sounding boom.

Fanny's dance instructor and career guider is Eddie Ryan, played by the wonderfully nimble Matt Alfano. Despite his attempts to woo Fanny, she shows no interest in romance. Alfano sails through his dance numbers, whether soft shoe or tap with a dancer's agility and finesse. Patty Jamieson plays Fanny's mother, and lands some great one liners. Her trio with Alfano and Janelle Cooper as the sassy kibitzing Mrs. Strakosh was a highlight, as they are try to find romance for Mrs. Brice in "Find Yourself A Man."

Damien Atkins brought a calm but often comedic take on the stentorian role of Broadway producer Florenz Ziegfeld, the man who gave Brice her start. Atkins' controlled anger made it utterly believable how Brice could have given him an ulcer with all of her antics.

The large ensemble is first rate, shining in the large Ziegfild production numbers. Act II's "Rat -Tat-Tat- Tat" was spectacular as they tapped and swung gold rifles deftly. The vocal sound was superb, notably in the rollicking "Henry Street" and "Sadie, Sadie." Tenor soloist Taurian Teelucksingh got his moment to shine with some ringing tones during bridal parade number "His Love Makes Me Beautiful."

Choreography by Parker Esse ticked all the right boxes, from vaudevillian camp to Busby Berkeley inspired spectacles. His creativity in "Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat" put his own signature on American inspired goodness mixed with some borscht belt humor.

James Lavoie has designed the entire production, which requires many scene changes. Thanks to turntables, cascading drapes and rolling stair cases all framed by a large metallic proscenium, the action flowed effortlessly. The technicolor palate of the on stage production numbers was finely balanced with the work-a-day outfits of society off of the stage. Corey MacFadyen and Kaitlyn MacKinnon's Lighting Design was often cinematic and dazzling when needed.

Music Director Paul Sportelli led the fine orchestra with finesse, although less amplification would have been appreciated during the overture. Styne's tunes are dramatic orchestrated and the players could have shone on their own without the need for the entire group to be fully amplified.

FUNNY GIRL will always be a star vehicle, beside others like MAME, HELLO, DOLLY!, GYPSY and EVITA. These larger than life characters rarely have conventional lives and demand unconventional performances. Fanny Brice was indeed a superstar in her day, and a look back at her own unconventional rise to stardom with an unlikely husband continues to intrigue and entertain. Under the expert direction of Holmes, the Shaw Festival's production is wistful memory play that upon deeper reflection, makes FUNNY GIRL a grand musical tragedy for a very funny lady.

FUNNY GIRL plays at the Shaw Festival in Niagara on the Lake through October 3, 2026. Contact shawfest.com for more information.

SUFFS to Take the Stage at Shea's Buffalo Theatre

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:42:34 PST

SUFFS, the Award-winning musical about the passionate American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote, will arrive in Buffalo this week as part of the Five Star Bank 2025-26 Broadway Season. The inspiring, award-winning musical is set to appear at Shea's Buffalo Theatre for eight performances from June 2 – 7, 2026.

The League of Women Voters of Buffalo Niagara will be available with their non-partisan voter guide and voter registration forms in the Shea's Buffalo Theatre lobby before each show. The Western New York Women's Foundation will join cast members for a post-show talkback after the SUFFS performance on Wednesday, June 3.

Through humor, heart, and unforgettable music, SUFFS offers a fresh perspective on the fight for equality and the ongoing work of democracy.

Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season, this “thrilling, inspiring and dazzlingly entertaining” (Variety) new musical boldly explores the triumphs and failures of a struggle for equality that's far from over. It's a given that the women of the suffragist movement—who called themselves “Suffs” for short—were brilliant, but as they fought tirelessly for the right to vote, they were also flawed, stubborn, passionate and funny. SUFFS tells their story: the remarkable friendships, the heartbreak, and how this movement brought them together—or, in some cases, tore them apart.

Shea's Performing Arts Announces June Programming

Sun, 31 May 2026 12:32:23 PST

Shea’s Performing Arts Center has announced its June schedule of productions and special events. June’s lineup of includes: a play adaptation of the infamous film A Few Good Men produced by Road Less Traveled Productions, award-winning Broadway hits Suffs and The Book of Mormon, global music and culture phenomenon Planet K-Pop, and more.

Tickets can be purchased at the Shea's website. Follow Shea’s Performing Arts Center on Facebook, Twitter(X), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for up-to-the-minute announcements, pre-sale codes, and schedule updates.

The full June schedule:

Suffs
June 2 – June 7 for Multiple Performances
Part of the Five Star Bank 2025-26 Broadway Season
Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main Street, Buffalo

A Few Good Men
June 11 – June 28 for Multiple Performances
Produced by Road Less Traveled Productions
Shea’s 710 Theatre, 710 Main Street, Buffalo

Dance Spectrum
June 13 at 10:00AM, 2:00PM and 6:00PM
Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main Street, Buffalo

Planet K-Pop
June 14 at 7:00PM
Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main Street, Buffalo

The Book of Mormon
June 19 – 21 for Multiple Performances
Part of the Gallager Encore Specials
Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main Street, Buffalo

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT to Launch Global Tour With US and UK Premieres

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:59:39 PST

As Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates 35 years as one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time, Senbla and SEGA today announced Sonic Live In Concert (www.sonicliveinconcert.com). This new concert experience brings the music and moments of the beloved video games to the stage.

Featuring iconic moments and music from the very first game in 1991 through today, the production will debut in the U.S. at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on September 26, 2026, before making its European premiere at London's Eventim Apollo on September 30. The U.S. tour will visit more than 30 cities nationwide, and a UK tour will follow in February 2027. More European dates will be announced at a later time. Tickets will go on sale May 29, 2026, with pre-sale tickets going on sale on May 28, 2026.

As part of a global rollout celebrating the franchise's milestone anniversary, Sonic Live In Concert features the most recognizable music from the Sonic universe, performed by a live ensemble alongside rock musicians, vocalists, and electronic elements. The setlist includes fan-favorite tracks and an incredible array of music from the very first game through to today accompanied by synchronized HD footage of iconic levels, moments and boss battles from the franchise. Audiences can expect musical Easter eggs woven into the arrangements, adding an extra layer of discovery that brings Sonic's world vividly to life on stage.

The concert also highlights the creative legacy behind Sonic's music from legendary composers Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani, whose work has helped define Sonic's sound across generations.

"Sonic has some of the most distinct and celebrated music in gaming," says Ollie Rosenblatt, CEO of Senbla. "We wanted to create a live show that stays true to what the fans love about Sonic's music, from the electronic and melodic themes to high-energy rock."

“Music has always been a core part of Sonic's identity, shaping how fans experience this world across generations," said Ivo Gerscovich, Chief Business & Brand Officer at SEGA of America, Inc. "With this concert, we're looking forward to celebrating that legacy in a live setting; bringing together the energy, emotion, and creativity of Sonic's music in a way that both longtime fans and new audiences can enjoy together.”

Since his debut in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has become a global entertainment icon spanning video games, film, television, and consumer products. With renewed momentum driven by recent film releases, new game titles, and a global brand campaign tied to the 35th anniversary, the franchise continues to reach new generations of fans worldwide.

The performance schedule includes:

September 20, 2026 – Spokane, Washington – First Interstate Center for the Arts
September 22, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre (preview)
September 23, 2026 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium (preview)
September 25, 2026 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre (preview)
September 26, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
September 27, 2026 – Riverside, CA – Fox Performing Arts Center
September 29, 2026 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center - Ikeda Theater
September 30, 2026 – London, U.K. – London Eventim Apollo
October 1, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre
October 2, 2026 – Fresno, CA – Saroyan Theatre
October 3, 2026 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
October 4, 2026 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
October 6, 2026 – Denver, CO – Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
October 8, 2026 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
October 9, 2026 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
October 10, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
October 11, 2026 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
October 13, 2026 – Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theatre
October 15, 2026 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
October 16, 2026 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater
October 17, 2026 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace Theatre
October 18, 2026 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
October 19, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
October 20, 2026 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
October 22, 2026 – Brandon, MS – City Hall Live
October 23, 2026 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
October 24, 2026 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
October 25, 2026 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for Performing Arts
October 27, 2026 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
October 28, 2026 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
October 29, 2026 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
October 30, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
October 31, 2026 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Au Rene Theater
November 1, 2026 – Orlando, FL – Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
February 17, 2027 – Glasgow, UK – Royal Concert Hall
February 18, 2027 – Edinburgh, UK – Usher Hall
February 19, 2027 – Manchester, UK – Bridgewater Hall
February 20, 2027 – Birmingham, UK – Symphony Hall

For more information, tour dates, and tickets, visit www.sonicliveinconcert.com.

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra to Launch 2026 RPO OUTDOORS Summer Series

Thu, 21 May 2026 05:19:17 PST

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra announced its 2026 RPO Outdoors Summer Series, a monthlong lineup of concerts spanning city parks, stadiums, beaches, mountaintops, and community gathering spaces throughout the Rochester region this July. Featuring a mix of full-orchestra performances, chamber ensembles and family-friendly community events, the series invites audiences to experience live orchestral music in some of the area's most beloved outdoor venues.

The series opens with a star-spangled holiday weekend led by RPO Music Director Andreas Delfs, who will conduct the first three concerts. The opening performances include Red, White and Boom! at CMAC on July 2, a patriotic celebration under the stars featuring fireworks and family-friendly pricing; RPO @ Red Wings at ESL Ballpark on July 3, where fans can come for the game and stay for music and fireworks; and a free community performance at the Perinton Center Stage Amphitheatre on July 5.

Throughout July, the RPO will present more than 15 performances across the region, including free concerts at Ontario Beach Park, Parcel 5 and SUNY Brockport. Each Tuesday night will feature free, open-to-the-public concerts performed by RPO chamber ensembles at one of four City parks, made possible by significant public funding from Monroe County and the City of Rochester. Additional highlights include annual stops at SUNY Geneseo, Temple B'rith Kodesh, and a special Adirondack appearance in Inlet, N.Y. For the first time, the Outdoors schedule includes an RPO performance at Genesee Country Village & Museum.

The series culminates with the return of the beloved RPO at Bristol Mountain concert on July 16, rain date July 19, featuring pay-what-you-want tickets for adults and free admission for children under 18, thanks to generous underwriting by the Killian J. and Caroline F. Schmitt Foundation.

“The RPO Outdoors series is all about bringing music directly to the community,” noted Maestro Delfs. “From free neighborhood concerts to large-scale celebrations with fireworks and all the bells and whistles, these performances create shared summer experiences for audiences of all ages. It's truly an honor to be able to serve our community in this way.”

Tickets for select events are available now, with many concerts offered free to the public with no ticket necessary.

THE NOTEBOOK North American Tour Adds 26 Cities to 2026-27 Route

Tue, 19 May 2026 08:13:15 PST

The North American Tour of THE NOTEBOOK hasannounced engagements for the 2026-27 season, adding 26 cites to the previously announced route, including stops in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Houston. The tour began performances on September 6, 2025, at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio, and has welcomed over 500,000 patrons to date.

Read the reviews for the touring production of The Notebook.

Allie and Noah, two people from different worlds, share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart in a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love. Based on the book that has sold millions of copies worldwide and a film that is one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of all-time, the musical adaptation of THE NOTEBOOK played Broadway at the Schoenfeld Theatre from March 2024 to December 2024 following a critically acclaimed world premiere engagement at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the fall of 2022.

THE NOTEBOOK features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by playwright Bekah Brunstetter (writer and producer on NBC's “This Is Us,” The Cake). The production is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Schele Williams (Aida, The Wiz), with choreography by Katie Spelman (Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge! The Musical).

The creative team for the tour includes scenic design by David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis, costume design by Paloma Young, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Mia Neal, and projection design by Lucy Mackinnon. The production's music supervisor is Carmel Dean, who also collaborated on arrangements with Ingrid Michaelson and on orchestrations with John Clancy, and the music director is Tina Faye. Casting by The Telsey Office, Patrick Goodwin, CSA.

The production was recognized with three 2024 Tony Award nominations (Best Book of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical), Drama League Award nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical, two Distinguished Performance Awards and the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing, Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical, and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical.

2026-2027 Tour Dates:

Detroit, MI — Fisher Theatre
September 22 – October 4, 2026

Dayton, OH — Schuster Center
October 6 – 11, 2026

Grand Rapids, MI — DeVos Performance Hall
October 13 – 18, 2026

East Lansing, MI — Wharton Center
October 27 – November 1, 2026

Richmond, VA — Altria Theater
November 3 – 8, 2026

Pittsburgh, PA — Benedum Center
November 10 – 15, 2026

Schenectady, NY — Proctors
December 1 – 6, 2026

Boston, MA — Emerson Colonial Theatre
December 8 – 20, 2026

Oklahoma City, OK — Civic Center Music Hall
December 29, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Houston, TX — Hobby Center
January 5 – 10, 2027

Dallas, TX — Winspear Opera House
January 12 – 24, 2027

New Orleans, LA — Saenger Theatre
January 26 – 31, 2027

Hershey, PA — Hershey Theatre
February 3 – 7, 2027

Providence, RI — PPAC
February 9 – 14, 2027

Rochester, NY — Auditorium Theatre
February 16 – 21, 2027

Fayetteville, AR — Walton Arts Center
February 24 – 28, 2027

Huntsville, AL — Von Braun Center
March 2 – 7, 2027

Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Broward Center
March 9 – 14, 2027

Ft. Myers, FL — Barbara B. Mann Hall
March 16 – 21, 2027

Naples, FL — Artis—Naples
March 23 – 28, 2027

North Charleston, SC — North Charleston PAC
March 30 – April 4, 2027

Birmingham, AL — BJCC Concert Hall
April 6 – 11, 2027

Atlanta, GA — Fox Theatre
April 13 – 18, 2027

Tucson, AZ — Centennial Hall
April 27 – May 2, 2027

San Jose, CA — Center for the Performing Arts
May 4 – 9, 2027

Sacramento, CA — SAFE Credit Union PAC
May 11 – 16, 2027

DEATH BECOMES HER Sets Closing Date

Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:20 PST

BroadwayWorld has just learned that the Tony Award winning and Grammy Award nominated musical, and the most nominated production of the 2024/2025 Broadway season, DEATH BECOMES HER, will conclude its Broadway run on Sunday, June 28, 2026 after 20 months, over 650 performances and 900,000 tickets sold at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Lowe Cunningham, SVP, Head of Creative & Strategy, Universal Theatrical Group said today on behalf of the producers, “Bringing Death Becomes Her to Broadway has been an incredible joy, and we are immensely proud of every artist, musician, crew member, and individual who helped make this show what it is. Night after night, it has been a thrill to watch audiences come together to laugh, celebrate, and embrace the wildly entertaining spirit of this production. We are deeply proud of what this show has brought into the world, and we are excited for its life to continue as it tours across the U.S. and beyond in the years ahead.”

DEATH BECOMES HER will launch a multi-year North American tour this September at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, OH.

DEATH BECOMES HER North American tour schedule:

CLEVELAND, OH 9/12/2026 10/3/2026 Playhouse Square
COLUMBUS, OH 10/6/2026 10/11/2026 Ohio Theatre
ST. LOUIS, MO 10/13/2026 10/25/2026 The Fabulous Fox
OMAHA, NE 10/27/2026 11/1/2026 Orpheum Theatre
NASHVILLE, TN 11/3/2026 11/8/2026 TPAC
DURHAM, NC 11/10/2026 11/15/2026 DPAC
ATLANTA, GA 11/17/2026 11/22/2026 The Fox Theatre
KNOXVILLE, TN 11/24/2026 11/29/2026 Tennessee Theatre
ORLANDO, FL 12/1/2026 12/6/2026 Dr. Phillips Center
TAMPA, FL 12/8/2026 12/13/2026 Straz
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 12/15/2026 12/27/2026 Broward Center for the Performing Arts
NAPLES, FL 12/29/2026 1/3/2027 Artis-Naples
GREENSBORO, NC 1/5/2027 1/10/2027 The Tanger Center
BOSTON, MA 1/12/2027 1/24/2027 Citizens Bank Opera House
PROVIDENCE, RI 1/26/2027 1/31/2027 Providence Performing Arts Center
BALTIMORE, MD 2/2/2027 2/7/2027 The Hippodrome Theatre
CHARLOTTE, NC 2/9/2027 2/14/2027 Blumenthal | Belk Theater
BUFFALO, NY 2/16/2027 2/21/2027 Shea's Performing Arts Center
PITTSBURGH, PA 2/23/2027 2/28/2027 Benedum Center
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 3/2/2027 3/7/2027 DeVos Performance Hall
LOUISVILLE, KY 3/9/2027 3/14/2027 Overture Center
MADISON, WI 3/16/2027 3/21/2027 Overture Hall
DETROIT, MI 3/23/2027 4/4/2027 Detroit Opera House
TULSA, OK 4/6/2027 4/11/2027 Tulsa Performing Arts Center
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 4/13/2027 4/18/2027 Civic Center Music Hall
HOUSTON, TX 4/20/2027 4/25/2027 The Hobby Center
AUSTIN, TX 4/27/2027 5/2/2027 Bass Concert Hall
SAN ANTONIO, TX 5/4/2027 5/9/2027 Majestic Theatre
DALLAS, TX 5/11/2027 5/23/2027 Music Hall at Fair Park
DENVER, CO 5/25/2027 6/6/2027 Buell Theatre
SAN FRANCSISCO, CA 6/9/2027 6/27/2027 Orpheum Theatre
LOS ANGELES, CA 7/6/2027 7/25/2027 Hollywood Pantages Theatre
COSTA MESA, CA 7/27/2027 8/8/2027 Segerstrom Center for the Arts
SAN DIEGO, CA 8/10/2027 8/15/2027 San Diego Civic Theatre
TEMPE, AZ 8/24/2027 8/29/2027 ASU Gammage
SACRAMENTO, CA 9/1/2027 9/5/2027 SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center

For more information on the tour, visit https://deathbecomesher.com/tour/.

Death Becomes her opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 21, 2025. Check out what the critics had to say.

Death Becomes Her at the box office.

DEATH BECOMES HER was the most nominated show of the 2024-2025 Season with 34 total nominations, including: 12 Outer Critics’ Circle Award Nominations, Five Drama Desk Award Nominations, Four Drama Leage Award Nominations, Two Chita Rivera Award Nominations, 10 Tony Award Nominations, and One GRAMMY Award Nomination for “Best Musical Theater Album.”

DEATH BECOMES HER became a viral sensation on social media following the release of the Original Broadway Cast Recording, which has been streamed over 34 million times in North America and 16 million times elsewhere worldwide. A clip of Tony Nominee Jennifer Simard performing the album’s 16th track, “Hit Me,” went viral on TikTok—peaking at #2 on the TikTok Viral Chart and #13 on the TikTok 50 Chart—with 491,000 creator uses and over 2.7 billion total views to date. The track “Let’s Run Away Together” has also gained traction on the platform, inspiring over 10,000 videos using its audio.

The cast and creative team of DEATH BECOMES HER made over 30 national television appearances during the Broadway run, completing interviews and musical performances on such programs as NBC’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, CBS’s Tony Awards, NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, NBC’s TODAY (Four musical performances and multiple interview segments), CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live, ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s The Kelly Clarkson Show, Fox’s SHERRI, Bravo TV’s Watch What Happens Live, ABC’s Nightline, NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, and more.

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DEATH BECOMES HER features direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli, a book by Tony Award Nominee Marco Pennette, and an original score by Tony Award Nominees Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, and stars Tony Award nominees Betsy Wolfe (Madeline Ashton), Tony Award Nominee Jennifer Simard (Helen Sharp), Tony Award Nominee Christopher Sieber (Ernest Menville), and Grammy® Award winner Michelle Williams (Violet Van Horn) with Taurean Everett (Chagall) and Josh Lamon (Stefan). The cast also features Marija Abney, Kate Bailey, Sarita Colón, Alexa DeBaar, Brayden Newby, Ximone Rose, Jonalyn Saxer, Bethany Ann Tesarck, Mitch Tobin, Sir Brock Warren, Bud Weber, Ryan Worsing, David Wright Jr., Warren Yang, Ayla Ciccone-Burton, Kristine Covillo, Alex Hartman, Lakota Knuckle, McKinley Knuckle, Justin O’Brien, Preston Perez, Amy Quanbeck, and Dee Roscioli.

DEATH BECOMES HER features scenic design by two-time Tony Award winner Derek McLane, costume design by Tony Award winner Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Tony Award winner Justin Townsend, sound design by Tony Award winner Peter Hylenski, hair and wig design by two-time Drama Desk Award winner Charles G. LaPointe, make-up design by Joe Dulude II, fight direction by Drama Desk Award winner Cha Ramos, with music supervision by Drama Desk Award winner Mary-Mitchell Campbell, orchestrations by three-time Tony Award winner Doug Besterman, music direction by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, dance & music arrangements by Tony Award nominee Sam Davis, vocal arrangements by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Julia Mattison & Noel Carey, music coordination by Kristy Norter, casting by Tara Rubin Casting, production stage management by Rachel Sterner, and general management by 321 Theatrical Management. Marcia Goldberg serves as Executive Producer.

Madeline Ashton is the most beautiful actress (just ask her) ever to grace the stage and screen. Helen Sharp is the long suffering author (just ask her) who lives in her shadow. They have always been the best of frenemies… until Madeline steals Helen’s fiancé away. As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star, their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman with a secret that’s to die for. After one sip of Viola’s magical potion, Madeline and Helen begin a new era of life (and death) with their youth and beauty restored…and a grudge to last eternity. Life’s a bitch and then you die. Or not!

StageMag Launches Programmable PDF Editor for Digital Theater Programs

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:04:02 PST

StageMag, the digital show program platform from BroadwayWorld, today launched its new PDF Editor to all producers and stage managers using the service. The tool gives editors granular, real-time control over how their digital program renders as a downloadable or printable PDF - the format most often used in lobby printouts, accessibility packets, and press kits.

Until now, the StageMag-to-PDF path was a one-shot export: whatever fit, fit. The new editor turns the export into a configurable surface. Each section of a program including the cast list, song list, director's note, bios, advertisements, sponsor pages, articles, listings and more — can be individually told how to paginate. Editors choose between three strategies per section:

Flow: natural pagination, sections may split across pages.
Own page: start the section on a fresh page.
Fit one page: start fresh and scale the section to occupy the whole page.

A live preview pane re-renders the PDF on every change, so editors see the final printed result as they work rather than guessing and re-exporting.Beyond the strategy picker, the editor exposes a set of advanced controls familiar to anyone who has hand-tuned a long-form print document: hide-element selectors (drop sponsor strips or vestigial nav from the print version), forced page breaks before or after named elements, a draggable section-order list, custom header/footer/watermark text, and a custom-CSS escape hatch for theaters whose programs follow a house style.

The release also includes paper-level controls including US Letter or A4, portrait or landscape, three margin presets, three type scales, and a "booklet" mode that adds a binding gutter for stapled lobby printouts.

The PDF Editor is available now to all StageMag-enabled productions at no additional cost, under the Share PDF tab in the program editor. Existing programs render with sensible defaults; the new controls are opt-in and per-production.

About StageMag

StageMag is BroadwayWorld's digital playbill platform, used by Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, university, and community theater productions to publish interactive programs that audiences open on their phones from a QR code in the lobby. StageMag is offered as a free service to participating productions.

About BroadwayWorld

Founded in 2003, BroadwayWorld is the largest theater website in the world, covering Broadway, the West End, and theater news, reviews, interviews, and resources across all 50 US states and 45 countries.

A FEW GOOD MEN Cast Announced at Shea's 710 Theatre in Buffalo

Fri, 08 May 2026 19:27:29 PST

Shea's Performing Arts Center and Road Less Traveled Productions has announced the cast and creative team for the upcoming production of A FEW GOOD MEN. Packed with tension, moral complexity, and some of the most quoted lines in modern drama, the production invites audiences to ask: where does duty end and responsibility begin?

Enlisted to serve on the cast are: Nick Stevens (U.S. Navy JAG Corps Lieutenant Junior Grade Daniel Kaffee), Renee Hawthorne (U.S. Navy JAG Corps Lt. Commander Joanne Galloway), John Fredo* (U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Nathan Jessep), along with Johnny Barden (Lt. Jonathan Kendrick), Ryan Butler (Pfc. Louden Downey), Alejandro Gómez (Lance Corporal Jarold Dawson), Bob Grabowski (Isaac Whitaker), David Hayes (Lt. Jack Ross), Chris Avery (Judge, Capt. Randolph), David Lundy (Commander Walter Stone), Steven Maiseke (Corporal Jeffrey Howard), David Mitchell (Captain Matthew Markinson), Talon Powell (Ensemble 1), Daniel Torres (Pfc. William Santiago), and Adam Yellen (Lt. Junior Grade Sam Weinberg).

A FEW GOOD MEN is a riveting courtroom drama written by Aaron Sorkin which was made into a smash-hit 1990s film directed by the late Rob Reiner and starring Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Jack Nicholson. The story follows two Marines on trial for the death of a fellow Marine after an illegal disciplinary action known as a “Code Red.” As the case unfolds, the play grapples with honor, loyalty, and the consequences of following orders, building to the unforgettable courtroom confrontation where “You can't handle the truth!” becomes both accusation and challenge.

The production is directed by Katie Mallinson with support from Shelby McNulty-DeCaro (Stage Manager), Lynne Koscielniak** (Scenic Design), Katie Menke (Sound Design), Nicholas Quinn (Light Design), Lise Harty (Costume Design), Diane Almeter Jones (Properties Master), Stefanie Warnick (Fight Director), Lou Iannone (Technical Director, Hasheen DeBerry (Production Coordinator), Matt Myers (Assistant Stage Manager), Anthony D'Avanzo (Assistant Technical Director), Gabrielle Nunzio (Wardrobe), and J. Marc Quattlebaum (Scenic Artist).

A FEW GOOD MEN takes the stage at Shea's 710 Theatre for 12 performances from June 11 through 28, 2026. Groups requesting 10 or more tickets can contact Mary Oshei at 716-829-1153 or moshei@sheas.org. Tickets are just $62 and available through the Shea's Box Office at 650 Main Street in Downtown Buffalo or online at: www.sheas.org/performances/a-few-good-men.

* This Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

**United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE is the union representing Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Sound and Projection Designers in Live Performance.

Photos: CURTAINS! At Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center

Thu, 07 May 2026 17:22:47 PST

O’Connell & Company will present the Tony Award–winning musical comedy mystery Curtains, running through May 19 at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center. Check out photos of the production.

From the legendary creators of Chicago and Cabaret, Curtains features a book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, with additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes. Based on an original concept by Peter Stone.

Set in 1959 Boston, Curtains follows the opening night of a struggling musical—until the leading lady drops dead center stage. Enter Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, a charming detective with a love for theatre… and a knack for solving murders. As the investigation unfolds, everyone becomes a suspect: the overly ambitious producer, the feuding songwriting team, the temperamental director, the hopeful understudy, and even the cast members themselves. With egos as big as their jazz hands, secrets abound—and the killer may still be in the room.

The production is directed and choreographed by Joey Bucheker, with musical direction by Joe Isgar. The creative team includes Rich Meranto (Scenic Design), Timmy Goodman (Costume Design), Jay Marks (Lighting Design), and Alley Griffin (Stage Manager).

The cast features Nicholas Lama as Lt. Frank Cioffi, Lisa Ludwig as Carmen Bernstein, Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci as Niki Harris, Aimee Walker as Georgia Hendricks, Joe Isgar as Aaron Fox, Emily Weber as Bambi Bernet, John Kreuzer as Christopher Belling, Phil Salemi Jr. as Sidney Bernstein, Michael Seitz as Daryl Grady, Christopher Andreana as Johnny Harmon, Guy Tomassi as Oscar Shapiro, Steven Saelzler as Bobby Pepper, and Maria Kreutinger as Jessica Cranshaw.

They are joined by a dynamic ensemble including Bryan Sharry, Jessie Ferkin, Cody Gooley, Rylie Randall, Daniel Bills-Warman, Kaylee Chernoff, and Matti LaVigne.

Tickets are available now at oconnellandcompany.com or by calling 716-848-0800.

Photo Credit: O’Connell & Company

Lisa Ludwig, Michael Seitz

Nicholas Lama, Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci

Emily Weber, Jessie Miller, Lisa Ludwig, Aime Walker, Nicholas Lama

Aime Walker

Bryan Sharry, Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci, Steven Saelzer

Aime Walker, Joe Isgar, Guy Tomassi, Lisa Ludwig

Aime Walker, Daniel Bills-Warman, Emily Weber, Bryan Sharry, Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci

Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci, Joe Isgar, Kaylee Chernoff, Lisa Ludwig, Cody Gooley, Nicholas Lama, Steven Saelzer, Aime Walker, Matti LaVigne, Guy Tomassi

Joe Isgar

PERICLES, PRINCE OF TYRE & THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Set for Shakespeare In Delaware Park 51st Season

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:57:51 PST

Shakespeare in Delaware Park is preparing to kick off its 51st season of free outdoor theatre, continuing a tradition Buffalo. The 2026 season will feature two mainstage productions-Pericles, Prince of Tyre and The Taming of the Shrew-along with a touring production, Fools and Foes, which will travel to venues throughout Western New York.

Pericles, Prince of Tyre runs June 18 through July 12, followed by The Taming of the Shrew, July 23 through August 16. Performances take place Tuesday through Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on the Saul Elkin Stage in Delaware Park.

Pericles opens the season with a sweeping story of adventure, loss, and reunion. It marks the first time the Bard's epic journey will be produced by SDP. Later in the summer, The Taming of the Shrew brings its signature wit and larger-than-life characters to the stage in one of Shakespeare's most well-known comedies.

SDP's touring show, Fools and Foes, will be on the road throughout the summer, bringing a fast-paced, family-friendly take on Shakespeare's most notorious clowns and villains. Dates and locations can be found at shakespeareindelawarepark.org.

"All performances are free and open to the public," said Lisa Ludwig, Executive Director. "As we head into our 51st season, we're excited to continue this tradition and welcome both longtime audience members and those joining us for the first time."

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:12:44 PST

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has announced the full 2026/27 season dates for the North American leg of its world tour. The news comes as OPERATION MINCEMEAT celebrates its 500th performance on Broadway this Saturday, May 2, after hitting 2,000 performances worldwide - now playing simultaneously in the West End, on Broadway, and on tour across the UK. Following the North American leg, further stops on its international journey will include Australia, China, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Read the reviews for the Broadway run here.

Producer Jon Thoday for Avalon said, “Launching our third OPERATION MINCEMEAT production, the North American leg of the world tour, as the show reaches 500 performances on Broadway and passes 2,000 worldwide is incredibly exciting. With its continued international growth and an expanding fanbase, we look forward to welcoming new audiences across the continent.”

The North American leg of the Mincemeat World Tour will launch at the Providence Performance Arts Center (Providence, RI), on September 20, 2026, before crisscrossing North America this upcoming season, with stops including Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Center
September 20–26, 2026

Chicago, IL – CIBC Theatre
September 29–October 11, 2026

Boston, MA – Colonial Theatre
October 13–25, 2026

Toronto, ON – Theatre TBD
October–December 2026

Philadelphia, PA – Forrest Theatre
December 15–20, 2026

Columbus, OH – Ohio Theatre
January 5–10, 2027

Detroit, MI – Fisher Theatre
January 12–24, 2027

Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre
January 26–31, 2027

Eugene, OR – Hult Center
February 3–7, 2027

Seattle, WA – 5th Avenue Theatre
February 10–21, 2027

Tempe, AZ – ASU Gammage
February 23–28, 2027

Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theatre
March 2–7, 2027

San Francisco, CA – Orpheum Theatre
March 9–28, 2027

Los Angeles, CA – Pantages Theatre
March 30–April 18, 2027

San Diego, CA – Civic Center
April 20–25, 2027

Hartford, CT – Bushnell Center
May 4–9, 2027

Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
May 11–16, 2027

Greenville, SC – Peace Center
May 18–23, 2027

Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center
May 25–30, 2027

Tampa, FL – Straz Center
June 1–6, 2027

Washington, DC – The National Theatre
June 8–20, 2027

Buffalo, NY – Shea’s Performing Arts Center
June 22–27, 2027

Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
July 6–11, 2027

Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
July 13–18, 2027

Fort Worth, TX – Bass Performance Hall
July 20–25, 2027

About Operation Mincemeat

In OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, it's 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they've got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), OPERATION MINCEMEAT tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

Written by triple Tony Award nominees SpitLip (comprised of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts), OPERATION MINCEMEAT began performances on Broadway on February 15, 2025, and continues to play at the historic Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), where it has been extended eight times and will soon celebrate its 500th performance. The West End production, which has been playing at the Fortune Theatre since March 29, 2023, is widely recognized as one of the best-reviewed shows in West End history, holding the record for the most five-star reviews for a new musical, with a tally of 131. OPERATION MINCEMEAT has just launched its world tour, beginning with a UK leg before heading across the pond.

Olivier Award nominated Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky's Edge, National Theatre – Best New Musical Olivier Award winner) will reprise his work for the tour, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. The creative team will include Olivier nominated Set and Costume Designer Ben Stones (Standing at the Sky's Edge), Tony and Olivier winning Lighting Designer Mark Henderson (The History Boys), Tony nominated Sound Designer Mike Walker (Charlie & The Chocolate Factory), Tony nominated Orchestrator Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), and Olivier nominated Music Supervisor Joe Bunker (Spring Awakening). Georgie Staight is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Production Stage Management is by Geoff Maus, Casting is by Carrie Gardner, CSA, and General Management is by TT Partners.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has been nominated for 64 awards since opening at the 77-seat New Diorama Theatre in 2019, winning 13, including Best Musical 3 times, from the Olivier Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards, and Off-West End Awards. On Broadway, the show was nominated for 4 Tony Awards in 2025, including Best Musical. The production won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Jak Malone's portrayal of Hester Leggatt, who previously won the Olivier Award in the same category. The production has also received nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding New Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Musical at the BroadwayWorld Theater Fans' Choice Awards, and Favourite New Musical at the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards.

I AM GOING TO DIE Will Come to Old Greeny Fringe Festival

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:05:39 PST

LibLab Productions will present I AM GOING TO DIE (And All They Gave Me Were These Lousy Cupcakes) as part of the Old Greeny Fringe Festival this weekend.

Following a Fringe Festival tour across the country last year and an NYC premiere last weekend, the production continues its momentum with a limited run of performances Thursday, April 30th at 4PM, Friday, May 1st at 8:30PM, and Saturday, May 2nd at 8:30PM.

Written by Lochlan MacLean and February Schneck, with direction by February Schneck and associate direction by Bela Pascale, this highly improvisational and experimental one-act play explores death from two different perspectives: that of someone facing their own mortality, and that of someone left behind to process grief. Valeria Aceves plays "The Figure", and makes her debut in the piece during the Old Greeny Festival run.

Lochlan MacLean conceived the play shortly after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, an experience that fundamentally reshaped their understanding of life and death. From this, they created a loose framework centered around a character known as "The Figure"-a role that is rebuilt anew in every performance through collaboration between the actor and the audience, making each and every show a unique experience. No two performances are ever the same.

Following Lochlan's passing, their close friend and collaborator February Schneck carried the work forward, developing the piece into its current form with the support of Lochlan's community. The result is a living, breathing work that honors Lochlan's voice while continuing to evolve with each performance.

I AM GOING TO DIE (And All They Gave Me Were These Lousy Cupcakes) invites audiences into an open, communal conversation around mortality and grief, particularly for those navigating their own experiences with loss or the fragility of life.

RAGTIME Will Launch National Tour in Fall 2027

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:00:22 PST

Lincoln Center Theater’s Broadway revival of Ragtime, directed by Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, announced today that it will launch a North American Tour in the fall of 2027. The tour will premiere at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre in Buffalo, New York, before continuing onto cities across the U.S. and Canada. Additional tour stops and casting will be announced at a later date.

Lincoln Center Theater’s limited engagement of Ragtime has been extended twice by popular demand with performances now through August 2, 2026. The production set a new box office record at the Vivian Beaumont Theater and was recently nominated foreight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Revival of a Musical and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Lear deBessonet), as well as five Drama League Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Lear deBessonet).

“Ragtime is one of the most ambitious musicals ever written, and it feels timelier than ever,” said producers Tom Kirdahy, Kevin Ryan, Robert Greenblatt, and Lamar Richardson in a statement. “What Lear deBessonet and this extraordinary company have created at Lincoln Center Theater is both epic in scale and deeply human. We couldn’t be more excited to share it with communities across North America.”

“It’s a real honor to kick off the North American Tour of Ragtime at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre,” said Buffalo presenter Al Nocciolino. “This is the kind of production people talk about long after the curtain comes down—remarkable in scale and deeply moving. We’re thrilled to welcome it to our stage and proud to share it with our community first.”

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Featuring a Tony Award-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, Tony Award-winning book by Terrence McNally, and Tony Award-winning orchestrations by William David Brohn, Ragtime weaves fictional narratives with real historical figures and events, creating a rich tapestry that blurs the line between personal struggle and national identity, making history feel both intimate and epic.

The creative team for Ragtime includes Ellenore Scott (choreography), David Korins (scenic design), Linda Cho (costume design), Adam Honoré & Donald Holder (lighting design), Kai Harada (sound design), 59 Studio (projection design), Tom Watson (hair & wig design), Ann James (sensitivity specialist), and The Telsey Office, Craig Burns, CSA (casting).

OH, MARY! Reveals Tour Dates and Cities For 2026-27

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:23:47 PST

The North American Tour of Oh, Mary! has announced the dates and cities for its 2026-27 season. The tour of the Tony Award and Olivier Award-winning comedy will tech and launch at The Bushnell in Hartford, Connecticut, with performances beginning September 19, 2026. Casting will be announced at a later date. Check out the full list of tour dates below~

Written by Tony Award and Olivier Award winner Cole Escola and directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary! opened on Broadway on July 11, 2024, and continues to play at the Lyceum Theatre, where it became the first show in the theatre’s 121-year history to gross more than $1,000,000 in a single week. Oh, Mary! has since broken its own box office record twelve times and became the first show of the 2024-25 Broadway season to recoup its investment. Oh, Mary! opened to rave reviews in London’s West End on December 18, 2025.

Oh, Mary! is a dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in this one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln through the lens of an idiot (playwright Cole Escola).

The full creative team for the Broadway production includes dots (Scenic Designer), Holly Pierson (Costume Designer), Cha See (Lighting Designer), Daniel Kluger (Sound Design and Original Music), Drew Levy (Sound Designer), Leah J. Loukas (Wig Designer), Addison Heeren (Props Supervision), and David Dabbon (Musical Arrangements). Casting by Henry Russell Bergstein, CSA.

Oh, Mary! is produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum & Lucas McMahon and Mike Lavoie & Carlee Briglia with Bob Boyett, The Council, Jean Doumanian Productions, Nicole Eisenberg, Jay Marcus & George Strus, Irony Point, Richard Batchelder/Bradley Reynolds, Tyler Mount/Tommy Doyle, Nelson & Tao, Palomares & Rosenberg, and Showtown Productions.

Tour Dates

September 19–23, 2026
Hartford, CT — The Bushnell

September 29–October 4, 2026
San Diego, CA — San Diego Civic Theatre

October 6–11, 2026
Las Vegas, NV — The Smith Center

October 13–November 1, 2026
San Francisco, CA — Curran Theatre

November 3–8, 2026
Seattle, WA — The Paramount Theatre

November 10–December 6, 2026
Los Angeles, CA — Ahmanson Theatre

December 21, 2026–January 3, 2027
Boston, MA — Emerson Colonial Theatre

January 6–17, 2027
Saint Paul, MN — Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

January 19–February 7, 2027
Chicago, IL — CIBC Theatre

February 9–21, 2027
Washington, DC — The National Theatre

February 23–28, 2027
Detroit, MI — Fisher Theatre

March 9–14, 2027
Philadelphia, PA — Miller Theater

March 16–28, 2027
Charlotte, NC — Blumenthal Arts

March 30–April 4, 2027
Cleveland, OH — Connor Palace

April 6–11, 2027
Tampa, FL — Straz Center

April 27–May 9, 2027
Houston, TX — Hobby Center

May 11–16, 2027
West Palm Beach, FL — Kravis Center

Play Broadway Games Every Day in May and Win a Merch Prize Pack

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:30:20 PST

Broadway fans, your daily warm-up just got a whole lot more rewarding. BroadwayWorld is launching the May 2026 Games Challenge - a month-long streak competition open to fans across the U.S., with a $250 merch prize pack featuring merchandise from popular Broadway shows up for grabs.

The challenge runs all 31 days of May 2026 (Eastern Time), and all you need to enter is a free BroadwayWorld account.

How It Works

The rules are simple: play at least one BroadwayWorld game every day in May. That's it. Complete all 31 days and you'll earn one entry to win the prize pack. Tracking is automatic once you're logged in - your progress populates on the challenge page as you play, no manual check-ins required.

Any of these six games count toward your daily credit:

Make-Up Days: Because Life Happens

Miss a day? You're not out of the running. Play all six games in a single day and you'll earn a make-up credit, which automatically forgives your earliest missed day. You can bank up to three make-up credits over the course of the month - so a skipped Tuesday or a busy weekend doesn't have to end your streak. Credits are applied to your missed days in order, oldest first.

Ready to Start Your Streak?

The May 2026 BroadwayWorld Games Challenge runs May 1-31 (Eastern Time) and is open to U.S. residents only.

Click here to get started. Sign in with your free BroadwayWorld account and your tracking begins automatically - no registration beyond that required.

See full rules and regulations here.

Morrissey Confirms To Play Shea's Buffalo Theatre This Fall

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:44:12 PST

Rock icon Morrissey will visit Shea's Buffalo Theatre for one performance at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Last month, Morrissey released his 14th solo studio album, MAKE-UP IS A LIE, his first album for Sire/Warner Records in 30 years. The album features 12 tracks, including the single “Make-up is a Lie” and “The Monsters of Pig Alley.”

On June 19, Morrissey will release the DELUXE NOTRE-DAME EP, which includes unreleased tracks from the album sessions and the track “Notre-Dame,” along with three additional songs: “Notre-Dame (Orchestrated Version),” “Hello Hell,” and “Happy New Tears.”

MAKE-UP IS A LIE

MAKE-UP IS A LIE reached No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart, marking Morrissey’s 16th Top 10 solo album in the UK and his 26th overall when including his work with The Smiths.

The album reunited Morrissey with producer Joe Chiccarelli as he returned to Studio La Fabrique in the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence region of Southern France. Musicians on the album include Jesse Tobias, Camila Grey, Carmen Vandenberg, Juan Galeano, Alain Whyte, Gustavo Manzur, and Brendan Buckley.

With lyrics and instrumentation that reflect his ongoing artistic approach, the album continues Morrissey’s decades-long career as a recording and touring artist.

ABOUT MORRISSEY

Morrissey is widely regarded as a significant figure in British pop and rock music. As co-founder and lead singer of The Smiths, he contributed to a catalog that includes songs such as “This Charming Man,” “How Soon Is Now?,” and “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.” As a solo artist, he has released 14 studio albums and continues to tour internationally.

TICKETS

Artist pre-sales begin April 29 at noon local time and general public tickets go on sale Friday, May 1 at noon local time. Tickets to the Buffalo performance will also be available at the Shea's Box Office at 650 Main Street in Downtown Buffalo or online at https://www.sheas.org/performances/morrissey.

Tickets for the September 26 CBGB Festival in Brooklyn, New York and the November 14 Darker Waves Festival in Huntington Beach, California are on sale now.

Review: GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY at Road Less Traveled Theater

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:53:31 PST

An unlikely pair creating an unlikely piece of theatre essentially sums up the new production of GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY now playing at Road Less Traveled Theater. Yes, horror writer Stephen King has paired up with musician John (formerly Cougar) Mellencamp to write a musical. And somehow, the result is uniquely representative of both men in a most complementary fashion.

The brainchild of Mellencamp after purchasing his own cabin in the woods, GHOST BOTHERS seemed like one of those concepts that King would have written without even being prodded. The musical been floating around in various iterations and small scale tours since the early 2000's. But the version now onstage is a premiere and the quick 75 minutes story sucks you in.

The story of two brothers fighting over the same women plays out in tandem as a present day trio's tale unfolds while mirroring and flashbacks from a past trio, whose story is folklore in Darkland County. The cabin in the woods Caretaker (Matt Witten) shows up as a Anna (Leah Berst) and Frank (Alex Garcia) are ambling through the deserted cabin, before they run away to get married. By coincidence (or is it), Frank's brother Drake (Ricky Needham) appears, and the details of his past 7 years relationship with Anna unfold. Frank is a newly successful first time book writer and Drake is a failed musician.

The story is full of twist and turns, that could be it's own story, but there is another story that rivals the present day tale. Jenna (Anna Fernandez) is the love interest of feuding brothers Jack (Ryan Butler) and Andy (Thomas Evans). These brothers are polar opposites, Jack being a new graduate of college, and Andy being the local rifle shooting champion.

King interweaves the two stories effectively without any chances for confusion, alongside striking similarities. The tone is appropriately eerie, as any ghost story would be at an abandoned cabin. The score by Mellencamp harkens to country, blues and hillbilly undertones, but can be gritty when needed. The male quartet "Brotherly Love" was a highlight as each pair of brothers spar while intermingling in the same small area.

The small cast work as a tight ensemble, telling two stories at once. Witten is the slow talking ,overall wearing country hillbilly who guides the action, often comical in his commentary. His story telling is plain and direct, and is character morphs into a Troubadour, as evil overtakes the action. Witten seems to be having a grand time, and it shows.

Leah Berst is petite and gutsy as Anna, holding secrets that are integral to the plot. She sings with an edgy belt that matches her character's persona. Garcia as Frank manages to be an innocent victim at first, but his conniving ways emerge. Needham is quite wonderful as Drake, and shines in his solo "You Are Blind, " beautifully self accompanied on the guitar. He brings an honest humanity to the story, as a sympathetic victim (but is he?).

Anna Hernandez shines throughout as Jenna. She is a woman torn between two brothers for various reasons, and her choice of the two men changes minute to minute. Hernandez sings with a heady clarity that enchants and comforts, noteworthy in "A Rose For Anna." Butler as Jack is the most forthright character in the story, more straight laced than all the others. His attempts to win over Jenna are noble and often legitimate, and Butler convinces in his portrayal. Evans looks and acts the true backwoods sharpshooter, wiry and dominating. His performance embodies the small town backwoods, troubled soul that can fly off the handle at any time.

The story unfolds in a predictable way and then the infamous Stephen King creepiness appears. The ghost story becomes darker, bloodier and supernatural. Will the past actions mirror the present, who survives and what guides the dark story. The effect is wonderful, with changes in sound design and light effects. The audience gets to revel in the darkness, because we all were waiting for the "Here's Johnny" or the "rabid dog attacking the car" moments that make King so revered and beloved.

Director Doug Weyand has a good feel for the material, and even when it seems a little unorthodox for a character to break into song, the staging focuses in to grasp how the characters are internalizing their thoughts and emotions. The magnificent set designed by Dyan Burlingame anchors the action with evocative dripping moss from the rafters, sparse furnishings and a wooden structure that just instills fear upon first glance. John Rickus' lighting sets the the mood and adds to the disturbing actions that take place.

Music Director Matt Caputy leads the tight 6 piece offstage band, including a twanging banjo, and he ensures a good balance between musicians and singers.

GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY is destined to be a hit with regional theatres everywhere. The compact one act nature and small cast is always valuable to presenters. Add recognizable names like King and Mellencamp, and you have built in audience intrigue. But success is never measured by authors alone. Beloved pop musician Elton John has had his own super Broadway musical successes, but near as many numerous flops. Mellancamp's lyrics are sometimes trite, as any first time musical lyricist may be, but the overall effect packs a punch. This new ghost story is a welcome surprise in a dark and sometime comical way that was cleverly unexpected, leaving the audience fully satisfied and a little gleeful that we all saw the newest Stephen King story!

GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY plays at Buffalo's Road Less Traveled Theater through May 17, 2026. Contact roadlesstraveledproductions.org for more information

OPEN STAY To Premiere At Kenan Center Taylor Theatre

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:14:15 PST

Spotlight Performing Artists, Inc. will bring the Western New York premiere of Open Stay, a new song cycle musical to the Kenan Center Taylor Theatre.

This limited engagement marks the first local staging of a newly written script, developed in Western New York and inspired by a licensed song cycle from Uproar Theatrics. While the music was originally available with an existing concept, Spotlight Performing Artists chose to create an original script, creating the story alongside casting so each performer has a direct influence on their character.

Open Stay centers on sisters Lizzie and Rosalie, who are left holding the pieces of a family they no longer recognize after their world collapses. Just as they begin to find their footing, the reappearance of their estranged Aunt Rachel forces them to confront a difficult choice: protect the peace they've built or risk the pain of letting someone back in.

Directed by the founder of Spotlight Performing Artists, Open Stay continues the organization's mission to create meaningful, artist-driven theatre while developing emerging performers in Western New York.

The performance will take place on May 29 and 30 at the Kenan Center Taylor Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the Spotlight Inc website.

CURTAINS To Be Presented At Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:30:51 PST

O'Connell & Company will present the Tony Award-winning musical comedy mystery Curtains, running April 30 through May 19 at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center.

From the legendary creators of Chicago and Cabaret, Curtains features a book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, with additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes. Based on an original concept by Peter Stone, this hilarious and suspenseful musical delivers equal parts glamour, intrigue, and show-stopping Broadway flair.

Set in 1959 Boston, Curtains follows the opening night of a struggling musical-until the leading lady drops dead center stage. Enter Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, a charming detective with a love for theatre... and a knack for solving murders. As the investigation unfolds, everyone becomes a suspect: the overly ambitious producer, the feuding songwriting team, the temperamental director, the hopeful understudy, and even the cast members themselves. With egos as big as their jazz hands, secrets abound-and the killer may still be in the room.

Packed with dazzling musical numbers, witty dialogue, and twists that will keep you guessing until the final curtain, this "whodunit musical" is a love letter to the theatre and a deliciously fun backstage romp.

They are joined by a dynamic ensemble including Bryan Sharry, Jessie Ferkin, Cody Gooley, Rylie Randall, Daniel Bills-Warman, Kaylee Chernoff, and Matti LaVigne.

With high stakes, high kicks, and high drama, Curtains invites audiences to follow the clues, enjoy the spectacle, and try to solve the mystery before the final bow.

Review: THINGS WITH FRIENDS at ALLEYWAY THEATRE

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:56:17 PST

An existential "thing" rooted in theatre of the absurd and gritty reality with undertones of self destruction and weighty Christian symbolism. That could not even begin to summarize the slick yet often perplexing production of THINGS WITH FRIENDS now completing it's run at Buffalo's Alleyway Theatre.

Not since WAITING FOR GODOT has a play been as intriguing and head scratching at the same time. Playwright Kristoffer Diaz brings some impressive credentials, as a Pulitzer Prize finalist and TONY Award nominee. His script for Broadway's HELL'S KITCHEN has been highly praised and the tour will play Shea's Buffalo this fall.

Now Diaz has written what he calls, " such a weird play-intentionally. This is one of those plays that is asking you to lean in a little bit, to give some thought, to go wild with your theories...your conspiracy theories about what's happening here. And have some fun." And that is exactly what this one act 105 minute play does.

In an upper middle class swanky 27th floor NY city apartment, a narrator and commentator named KKD (Smirna Mercedes) welcomes the audience to the home of husband and wife Adele and Burt. Their digs have a glorious view of where the George Washington Bridge used to stand. They prepare for a dinner party (or is it?) with two of their best friends/former neighbors, Vy and Chabby, who have moved from their apartment on the same 27th floor to New Jersey.

David C. Mitchell as Burt prepares the steak, while Adele (Sarah French) tidies up. Their relationship is comfortable, yet an underlying edginess is present. Would the guests actually show up and are they actually planning on eating? Why is Adele so unsettled. And is this truly the last bottle of wine? When the gregarious guests arrive, it is clear that Vy ( Shanntina Moore) and Chabby (Stan Klimecko) are all chums. The guests had a "thing" to attend before dinner and another "thing" after dinner. The things are rarely made clear, but hey this is New York, and there are many things to do.

New York is changing- the George Washington Bridge has collapsed and the Brooklyn tunnel is gone, overtaken by water. Coincidentally Burt is a bridge builder and Chabby persistently pushes for Burt to bid to build the new bridge.

The relationship of these four is complicated, and the stressors of the evening don't even begin to match the concepts thrust upon Burt and Adele by their guests. Vy and Chabby do things, lots of things. Burt and Adele do nothing, lots of nothing. Vy and Chabby have a daughter, Joony . Burt and Adele have no children. Each couple endlessly debate about why NY is better than New Jersey, and vice versa. Soon, the innocent banter turns confrontational and the single bottle of wine miraculously becomes endless, as more bottles surface. Is the alcohol taking over, or could we be preparing for the end of the world as we know it.

It becomes clear that Diaz has set up a rollercoaster in a mad house lined with mirrors. The storyline is cracking, as the guests revel in the overlying delicious steak, which they eat with their hands, like barbarians, as blood drips down their hands. The very apartment they are in now is a desired property, as the guests demand that Burt and Adele sell it to them. Hints of Edward Albee's A DELICATE BALANCE permeate as the guests now refuse to leave. But what is their true motive.

Executive Artistic Director and Stage Director Chris Handley has programmed this piece clearly to stir emotions. His cast is fully committed to the story and deftly execute the action. While the story concentrates on the two couples, the narrator creates a sense of levity in commenting on the action as a bystander, allowing the audience to accept the often absurd nature of the play. Mercedes is that every man type character, affable to the core. Her portrayal could be likened to the Alfred Hitchcock's commentary before and after one of his half hour TV episodes, where gruesome things happen to everyday people.

Mitchell and French each get their times to shine. The pair work in perfect union, at first glance appearing normal at every turn. Mitchell brings grounded reality to his performance until he can't take it any longer. He dances with blinders on as the plot unravels. French's meek demeanor never seems studied, but true to life. And she is given some fabulous turn of events that allow her to shine as she assumes ultimate control over her overbearing guests.

Moore is captivating in her nonchalant grandiosity, and morphs easily from dear friend to a grand manipulator. Klimecko oozes slimy New York City entrepreneur, always out to close a deal, unswayed by who he needs to take down to achieve his goals. His portrayal is matter of fact and blunt, until he becomes unhinged and sloppy, slowly decompensating to primal urges. Klimecko is a pro and his performance was fascinatingly raw.
Handley's direction of these four pals makes everything looks effortless, as a finely choreographed downward spiral. KKD is woven in and out of this complicated dance as the four spar, joke and taunt each other with little regard for their words and actions. Even the art on the wall takes on a symbolic character of it's own.

Sunny Griffith is Joony, and at first glance appears as any normal young woman who drops in to a madhouse dinner party. Griffith convincingly acclimates and is likeable. She is unflinched by her parents' behaviors, but soon she takes a turn into her own madness. Yes, our vegetarian now dives deep into scarfing down as much of this delicious bloody steak as her parents. But why this change of heart, and palate. Is she succumbing to an inevitable outcome. And will this dinner party only be made up of bloody steak, bread and red wine? The symbolism may or not be subtle. The denouement occurs as the side dish is presented, albeit at the end of the meal. And who partakes, and in what order? Is there a chance some, or all, will "drink the koolaid?" The tension is heightened by the single act nature of the play, with no reprieve of an intermission

The fabulous Scenic Design by Tania Barrenechea sets the bar quite high. It slick details screams sophisticated luxury, and the scenic effects are top notch.

THINGS WITH FRIENDS is most definitely avant-garde theatre meant to instigate conversation. The ride is bumpy and unexpected, the themes are complex and often uncomfortable, but creatively incite and challenge the audience.

THINGS WITH FRIENDS plays at Buffalo's Alleyway Theatre through April 25, 2026. Contact alleyway.com for more information

NEWSIES Unseats LES MISÉRABLES to Win BroadwayWorld's 2026 Ultimate Movie Musical Bracket

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:26:32 PST

After six weeks of voting, BroadwayWorld readers have crowned Newsies the Ultimate Best Movie Musical in the 2026 edition of BroadwayWorld's Annual Bracket. The 1992 Disney film, directed by Kenny Ortega and featuring music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, defeated Les Misérables in the final round, ending the Tom Hooper-directed film's two-year winning streak.

In both 2024 and 2025, Les Misérables was voted as the Ultimate Best Musical of all time, making it the title to beat heading into this year's competition. Newsies, a perennial fan favorite that developed a devoted following after its theatrical release and has since been adapted for the Broadway stage, advanced through six rounds of head-to-head matchups before claiming the title.

Now in its third year, BroadwayWorld's Bracket invites readers to debate, defend, and ultimately crown the greatest movie musical of all time from a field selected by BroadwayWorld editors. Voting in the 2026 edition opened on Tuesday, February 24 and concluded on Sunday, April 12, with new matchups released each week.

Nominations & Finalists Revealed For The Shea’s Wonder Awards

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:35:53 PST

Shea's Performing Arts Center announced the school nominees and student semi-finalists for Shea's Wonder Awards, Shea's high school musical theatre awards program. Shea's Wonder Awards winners will be announced during a ceremony at Shea's Buffalo Theatre on Saturday, May 16.

The program, led by Shea's Arts Engagement & Education Department, was expanded this year to 1,629 students from 20 to 25 schools spanning 5 Western New York counties, including: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and Wyoming.

Participating Schools

Alden High School – HELLO, DOLLY!
Bishop Timon St. Jude High School / Mount Mercy Academy – JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart – NUNSENSE
Canisius High School – CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Cheektowaga Central High School – THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
Cleveland Hill High School – DISNEY'S FROZEN
Fillmore Central High School – HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION
Gowanda High School – DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Jamestown High School – THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Letchworth Central High School – THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Lockport High School – BIG FISH: SCHOOL EDITION
Maple Grove High School – HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION
Mount St. Mary Academy – ANYTHING GOES
Nardin Academy – FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL
North Collins Jr./Sr. High School – RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA!
North Tonawanda High School – FREAKY FRIDAY
Pioneer High School – GUYS AND DOLLS
Randolph Jr./Sr. High School – DISNEY'S NEWSIES
Southwestern Central High School – ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
St. Francis High School – THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
St. Joseph's Collegiate Academy – INTO THE WOODS
St. Mary's High School – CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION
Starpoint High School – DISNEY'S FROZEN
West Seneca West High School – SOMETHING ROTTEN!
Williamsville East High School – INTO THE WOODS

Throughout the school year 36 adjudicators attended local high school musicals, providing feedback and scoring each high school production in various categories. Shea's Wonder Awards are provided in categories related to outstanding performance, vocals, dance, music, lighting, set, costume, hair and makeup, direction, choreography, and more.

In addition, Shea's announced 16 individual semi-finalists for the “Student Talent And Growth Experience” STAGE Program. The two student winners of Shea's STAGE program will go on to compete in The Jimmy Awards, the national high school theatre awards program, which will be held in New York City on June 22, 2026.

Winners of Shea's Wonder Awards program including the STAGE finalists will be announced at an event held at Shea's Buffalo Theatre on Saturday, May 16 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, available through the Shea's Box Office at 650 Main Street or online.

Shea's Wonder Awards Nominations

Outstanding Production of a Musical

Cleveland Hill High School - Disney’s Frozen
Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition
Maple Grove High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Nardin Academy - Footloose
North Tonawanda High School - Freaky Friday
St. Francis High School - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen
Williamsville East High School - Into the Woods

The STAGE Program Semi-Finalists - Actors

Anthony Aguglia as “Nostradamus” - Something Rotten! at West Seneca West High School
Carter Maier as “Kristoff” - Disney’s Frozen at Starpoint High School
James Hines as “Hans” - Disney’s Frozen at Cleveland Hill High School
Jonah Higgins as “Nick Bottom” - Something Rotten! at West Seneca West High School
Levi Simanowski as “Orpheus” - Hadestown: Teen Edition at Maple Grove High School
Maceo Rodriguez as “Baker” - Into the Woods at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute
Michael Duffy as “Willard Hewitt” - Footloose at Nardin Academy
Nathaniel Gomez as “Reverend Shaw Moore” - Footloose at Nardin Academy

The STAGE Program Semi-Finalists - Actresses

Ashleigh Farrell as “Bea” - Something Rotten! at West Seneca West High School
Braelyn Szpilewski as “Elsa” - Disney’s Frozen at Starpoint High School
Ella Hinklin as “The Witch” - Into the Woods at Williamsville East High School
Isabella Bindemann as “Witch” - Into the Woods at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute
Jane Hereth as “Esmeralda” - The Hunchback of Notre Dame at St. Francis High School
Kathryn College as “The Baker’s Wife” - Into the Woods at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute
Macy Gabel as “Katherine” - Freaky Friday at North Tonawanda High School
Natalie Prosser as “Anna” - Disney’s Frozen at Starpoint High School

Outstanding Leading Performances

Cleveland Hill High School - Disney’s Frozen - Alexis Barnes as “Elsa”
Cleveland Hill High School - Disney’s Frozen - Kayla Mikolin as “Anna”
Cleveland Hill High School - Disney’s Frozen - James Hines as “Hans”
Cleveland Hill High School - Disney’s Frozen - Connor Carle as “Kristoff”
Cleveland Hill High School - Disney’s Frozen - Elliot Luis Madrigal as “Olaf”
Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition - Levi Simanowski as “Orpheus”
Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition - Victoria Tetta as “Eurydice”
Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition - Evelyn Chapman as “Persephone/Fate”
Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition - Mya Keeler as “Hermes/Fate”
Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition - Jenna Rowley as “Fate”
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance - Hayden Langford as “The Pirate King”
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance - Samuel Mathis as “Major General Stanley”
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance - Matthew Johnson as “Frederic”
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance - Amaya Thompson as “Mabel”
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance - Rya Giuffre as “Ruth”
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition - Brady Mazurek as “Edward Bloom”
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition - Leah Siskey as “Sandra Bloom”
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition - Phillip Obot as “Will Bloom”
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition - Henry Sosebee as “Amos Calloway”
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition - Amelia Mussachio as “Jenny Hill”
North Tonawanda High School - Freaky Friday - Macy Gabel as “Katherine”
North Tonawanda High School - Freaky Friday - Marissa Fiorentino as “Ellie”
North Tonawanda High School - Freaky Friday - Grace Gabel as “Fletcher”
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen - Braelyn Szpilewski as “Elsa”
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen - Natalie Prosser as “Anna”
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen - Quinn Schmidt as “Hans”
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen - Carter Maier as “Kristoff”
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen - Charlie Remillard as “Olaf”
St. Francis High School - The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Gabriel Moran as “Quasimodo”
St. Francis High School - The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Jane Hereth as “Esmeralda”
St. Francis High School - The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Thomas Pivarunas as “Frollo”
St. Francis High School - The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Mason Fox as “Phoebus”
St. Francis High School - The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Jack Subkowiak as “Clopin”
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten! - Jonah Higgins as “Nick Bottom”
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten! - Michael Duffy as “Shakespeare”
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten! - Ashleigh Farrell as “Bea Bottom”
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten! - Anna Starr as “Portia”
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten! - Noah Bielecki as “Nigel Bottom”

Outstanding Collective Ensemble Performance

Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition
Maple Grove High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Nardin Academy - Footloose
Pioneer High School - Guys and Dolls
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten!

Outstanding Student-Led Orchestra

Alden High School - Hello, Dolly!
Bishop Timon / Mount Mercy - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Cleveland Hill High School - Disney’s Frozen
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition
North Tonawanda High School - Freaky Friday
Southwestern Central High School - Once Upon a Mattress
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten!
Williamsville East High School - Into the Woods

Outstanding Collective Vocal Performance

Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition
Maple Grove High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
St. Francis High School - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute - Into the Woods
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten!

Outstanding Dance Execution

Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart - Nunsense
Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Maple Grove High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Mount St. Mary Academy - Anything Goes
Nardin Academy - Footloose
St. Mary’s High School - Chicago: Teen Edition
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten!

Outstanding Costume Design & Execution

Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart - Nunsense
Cleveland Hill High School - Disney’s Frozen
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition
Pioneer High School - Guys and Dolls
Southwestern Central High School - Once Upon a Mattress
St. Joseph’s Collegiate Academy - Into the Woods

Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design & Execution

Alden High School - Hello, Dolly!
Cleveland Hill High School - Disney’s Frozen
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition
North Tonawanda High School - Freaky Friday
St. Joseph’s Collegiate Academy - Into the Woods
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen

Outstanding Lighting Design & Execution

Cheektowaga Central High School - The SpongeBob Musical
Cleveland Hill High School - Disney’s Frozen
Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Gowanda High School - Disney’s High School Musical
Maple Grove High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
St. Francis High School - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen

Outstanding Scenic Design & Execution

Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Gowanda High School - Disney’s High School Musical
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition
Maple Grove High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
North Tonawanda High School - Freaky Friday
Southwestern Central High School - Once Upon a Mattress
St. Francis High School - The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Outstanding Music Direction

Cheektowaga Central High School - The SpongeBob Musical
Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition
Maple Grove High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
North Tonawanda High School - Freaky Friday
Pioneer High School - Guys and Dolls

Outstanding Choreography

Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Lockport High School - Big Fish: School Edition
Maple Grove High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Mount St. Mary Academy - Anything Goes
Pioneer High School - Guys and Dolls
St. Mary’s High School - Chicago: Teen Edition
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten!

Outstanding Direction

Cheektowaga Central High School - The SpongeBob Musical
Fillmore Central High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
Jamestown High School - The Pirates of Penzance
Maple Grove High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition
North Tonawanda High School - Freaky Friday
Starpoint High School - Disney’s Frozen
West Seneca West High School - Something Rotten!

Magic of Theatre (Spirit of Wonder)

Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart - Nunsense
Canisius High School - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Letchworth Central High School - The Sound of Music
North Collins Jr./Sr. High School - Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma
Pioneer High School - Guys and Dolls
Randolph Jr./Sr. High School - Disney’s Newsies
Southwestern Central High School - Once Upon a Mattress

Power of Storytelling (Spirit of Wonder)

Alden High School - Hello, Dolly!
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart - Nunsense
Canisius High School - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Cheektowaga Central High School - The SpongeBob Musical
Gowanda High School - Disney’s High School Musical
Mount St. Mary Academy - Anything Goes
Randolph Jr./Sr. High School - Disney’s Newsies

Celebration of Community (Spirit of Wonder)

Bishop Timon/Mount Mercy - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart - Nunsense
Gowanda High School - Disney’s High School Musical
Letchworth Central High School - The Sound of Music
North Collins Jr./Sr. High School - Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma
Pioneer High School - Guys and Dolls
Southwestern Central High School - Once Upon a Mattress

Michael Shea Award for Educator of the Year

Betty Haynes - Cleveland Hill High School
Candice Kogut - Bishop Timon St Jude High School/Mount Mercy Academy
Christine Beichner-Miller - Southwestern Central High School
Jessica Chapman & Beth Tucker - Fillmore Central High School
Keith Ersing - West Seneca West High School
Lisa LoVullo - Williamsville East High School
Victoria Tomasulo - Pioneer High School

HAIRSPRAY to be Presented at Shea's 710 Theatre in Buffalo

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:01:13 PST

MusicalFare will present its production of: HAIRSPRAY onstage May 7th – May 24th at Shea's 710 Theatre.

Book by Mark O'Donnell & Thomas Meehan. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Directed & choreographed by Eric Deeb Weaver. Associate directed & choreographed by Alexandria Watts. Music direction by Allan Paglia.

You can't stop the beat in this big and bold musical about one girl's inspiring dream to dance and her fight for integration and acceptance. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, it's a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and toe-tapping, tuneful songs.

MusicalFare's production stars Lizzie Arnold, Dasia Cervi, Glen Chitty, Louis Colaiacovo, Bobby Cooke, Arin Lee Dandes, David P. Eve, Jasmine Fiero, Stevie Lou Kemp, Mario Liguori, Timiyah Love, Austin Marshall, Robert McKnight, Talia Rose Mobley, Brenna Ring, Aaliyah Ryan, Marc Sacco, Penelope Sergi, Jenn Stafford, Kendric Warrick, Michael Wells, and Audree Woods.

Set, lighting & sound design is by Chris Cavanagh, costume design is by Kari Drozd, and hair, wig & make-up design is by Susan Drozd.

The performance schedule is May 7th – May 24th, Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Meet-the-cast talkbacks take place after all Thursday performances except opening night, May 7th.

Ticket prices: $67.55 general (including fees). Student & group rates available. Ticket reservations may be made by calling 716-839-8540 or online at www.musicalfare.com or www.sheas.org.

HAIRSPRAY to be Presented at Shea's 710 Theatre in Buffalo

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:01:13 PST

MusicalFare will present its production of: HAIRSPRAY onstage May 7th – May 24th at Shea's 710 Theatre.

Set, lighting & sound design is by Chris Cavanagh, costume design is by Kari Drozd, and hair, wig & make-up design is by Susan Drozd.

Ticket prices: $67.55 general (including fees). Student & group rates available. Ticket reservations may be made by calling 716-839-8540 or online at www.musicalfare.com or www.sheas.org.

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HAIRSPRAY to be Presented at Shea's 710 Theatre in Buffalo

HAIRSPRAY to be Presented at Shea's 710 Theatre in Buffalo