Theater Talk

BTPM NPR

For 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on BTPM NPR, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase.Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days it's Peter Hall.With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara on the Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.

  1. 3d ago

    Theater Talk: A conversation with Buffalo's Daniel Croix Henderson, now on Broadway in THE IMAGINARY INVALID as "Cleante," remembering his years at BAVPA. Last weekend to see EMMA, BECKY SHAW, and HAIR. Click to see complete listings for local, Shaw, an

    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk with Buffalo's Daniel Croix Henderson currently on Broadway as the lover "Cleante" in Moliere's comedy The Imaginary Invalidat the Todd Haimes Theatre, 227 West 42nd Street alongside Tony Award® winner Bill Irwin as "Argan." Daniel, a big fan of but not related to Stephen McKinley Henderson, talks about an inspiring visit when Stephen came to his classroom at the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, and gives shout outs to Lorna C. Hill, Kelly Beuth, George Davis, and Meg Quinn and hopes that every theater kid in Buffalo takes advantage of the playground in the arts that is open to them. Meanwhile, this is the final weekend to see BECKY SHAW, EMMA, HAIR, and JANIS JOPLIN while at Shawfest, it's the final weekend for AMADEUS, FUNNY GIRL, HEARTBREAK HOUSE, and OHIO STATE MURDERS. But "as one door closes, another opens" and Second Generation has opened BATBOY:THE MUSICAL, while First Look Buffalo presents the first 5 of 10 new plays out at Canterbury Woods. Continuing shows include NUTS at Desiderio's, 1776 at Lancaster Opera House, and THE DAVINCI CODE at Road Less Traveled. Note: While the Shaw Festival's shows close either this weekend or next, The Stratford Festival continues all the way through November 1st. SEE LOCAL LISTINGSCLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS FOR LOCAL SHOWS, SHAWFEST, STRATFORD, AND SHEA'S TOURING SHOWS.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring…

  2. Sep 25

    Theater Talk: Penelope Sergi delightful as EMMA at Irish Classical, DA VINCI CODE thrills at Road Less Traveled, Anthony chats this morning at Shawfest, more shows to see include MusicalFare's HAIR at Shea's 710, NUTS at Desiderio's, 1776 at Lancaster,

    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about EMMA, at Irish Classical, simply divine with the winning Penelope Sergi in the title role, also THE DAVINCI CODE at Road Less Traveled with its stunning graphics, and HAIR, with exciting choreography by Eric Deeb Weaver at MusicalFare, as they look forward to seeing GUYS AND DOLLS at O'Connell & Co. at Canterbury Woods, 1776 at Lancaster Opera House, and NUTS at Desiderio's Dinner Theater. See listings below. Later this morning, Anthony will be back at the Shaw Festival this Friday September 25 to host/emcee ANECDOTES & STORIES FROM THE THEATRE at 10:00am at the Shaw Artists' Village Hall.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS FOR LOCAL SHOWS, SHAWFEST, STRATFORD, AND SHEA'S TOURING SHOWS.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local…

  3. Sep 18

    Theater Talk celebrates CURTAIN UP! with its myriad of performances all over town. Listen then click through for complete listings. And Anthony returns to Shawfest 9/25 at 10am for a conversation with actors.

    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about CURTAIN UP! tonight, September 18, with a wide variety of shows to choose from including GULP! THE GAY BEACH MUSICAL, FUNNY GIRL, GUYS AND DOLLS, HAIR, A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, EMMA, NUTS, THE DAVINCI CODE, BECKY SHAW, BAT BOY, JUICY AND DELICIOUS, and BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB. Peter will be at Nichols to see Buffalo Opera Unlimited's limited run of Pauline Viardot's CINDERELLA. See listings below.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS FOR LOCAL SHOWS, SHAWFEST, STRATFORD, AND SHEA'S TOURING SHOWS.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes…

  4. Sep 4

    Theater Talk: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ to open Shea's season; GULP! THE GAY BEACH MUSICAL, an historically significant show to open for BUA; GUYS AND DOLLS at O'Connell & Co. and Anthony to host a discussion at Shawfst 9/25 at 10am with current actors

    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, a tale of old Havana filled with infectious dance music, a show which both Anthony and Peter have seen on Broadway and are thrilled that it's opening this season's Shea's schedule. And BTPM is giving away tickets (see TICKET GIVEAWAY! below). And for a chance to experience Gay theater history, Buffalo United Artists is presenting GULP! THE GAY BEACH MUSICAL which predates La Cage, Rent, and Fun Home to name other landmark shows. And Anthony will be back at the Shaw Festival Friday September 25 to host/emcee Anecdotes & Stories from the Theatre with special guests, Sharry Flett, Patrick Gallivan, and Sanjay Talwar, all currently in shows. Also noted, O'Connell & Co. is putting on GUYS & DOLLS.CURTAIN UP! IS SEPTEMBER 18. So put it on your calendar: Curtain Up! the official opening night of the Western New York professional theatre season will be on Friday, September 18 when Buffalo’s theatre season kicks off with parties, premieres, and one big Main Street celebration. For information visit tda-wny.com/event/curtain-up-2026/ On the Monday prior, September 14th, children’s theater pioneer Meg Quinn, co-founder of Buffalo's Theater of Youth will be honored with a star in the Buffalo Theatre District. The installation ceremony will begin at 5:30PM in the lobby of the newly renovated Shea’s 710 Theatre, followed by unveiling of the star outside on the Plaza of Stars. A reception will follow…

  5. Aug 28

    Theater Talk: Shawfest excels in outrageous farce ONE FOR THE POT, B'way quality FUNNY GIRL, and G.B. Shaw's tragicomedy HEARTBREAK HOUSE (think Shaw + Chekhov + Wilde). Anthony on & off B'way for JUST IN TIME (now starring Jeremy Jordan) and PARANORMAL

    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Shawfest's farce ONE FOR THE POT, the musical FUNNY GIRL, and the satirical tragicomedy HEARTBREAK HOUSE (a little Shaw, a little Chekhov, a little Wilde) each marvelous in its own way. Anthony gets down to NYC for JUST IN TIME now starring Jeremy Jordan as well as PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (plenty of good jumpscares). And it's the last weekend to see Lisa Hinca star at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre. CURTAIN UP! IS SEPTEMBER 18. So put it on your calendar: Curtain Up! the official opening night of the Western New York professional theatre season will be on Friday, September 18 when Buffalo’s theatre season kicks off with parties, premieres, and one big Main Street celebration. For information visit tda-wny.com/event/curtain-up-2026/ On the Monday prior, September 14th, children’s theater pioneer Meg Quinn, co-founder of Buffalo's Theater of Youth will be honored with a star in the Buffalo Theatre District. The installation ceremony will begin at 5:30PM in the lobby of the newly renovated Shea’s 710 Theatre, followed by unveiling of the star outside on the Plaza of Stars. A reception will follow immediately after at The Bijou, 646 Main St.SEE LISTINGS for these and the Shaw Festival below.SEE LISTINGS for these and the Shaw Festival below.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS FOR LOCAL SHOWS, SHAWFEST, STRATFORD, AND SHEA'S TOURING SHOWS.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the…

  6. Aug 21

    Theater Talk: Shea's finally starts expansion (yaaay!); Bianca Marroquín coming to Rochester for KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN; Buffalo's Daniel Croix Henderson in IMAGINARY INVALID, Shawfest's Sara Farb as Fanny and Matt Alfano as Eddie both phenomenal in

    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Shea's expansion (more toilets and some elevators, too); Bianca Marroquín coming to Rochester in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN; Bill Irwin and Buffalo's Daniel Croix Henderson in THE IMAGINARY INVALID; at the Shaw Festival Sara Farb as Fanny Brice and Matt Alfano as Eddie in a stunning Broadway worthy FUNNY GIRL, don't miss this one. And Desiderio's Dinner Theatre's AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER continues. CURTAIN UP! IS SEPTEMBER 18. So put it on your calendar: Curtain Up! the official opening night of the Western New York professional theatre season will be on Friday, September 18 when Buffalo’s theatre season kicks off with parties, premieres, and one big Main Street celebration. For information visit tda-wny.com/event/curtain-up-2026/ On the Monday prior, September 14th, children’s theater pioneer Meg Quinn, co-founder of Buffalo's Theater of Youth will be honored with a star in the Buffalo Theatre District. The installation ceremony will begin at 5:30PM in the lobby of the newly renovated Shea’s 710 Theatre, followed by unveiling of the star outside on the Plaza of Stars. A reception will follow immediately after at The Bijou, 646 Main St.SEE LISTINGS for these and the Shaw Festival below.SEE LISTINGS for these and the Shaw Festival below.CLICK THROUGH OR SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS FOR LOCAL SHOWS, SHAWFEST, STRATFORD, AND SHEA'S TOURING SHOWS.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO,…

  7. Aug 14

    Theater Talk: Final weekend for TAMING OF THE SHREW starring Sandra Roberts; Lisa Hinca stars at Desiderio's; Artie Award winning Katy Clancy remembered; David Bondrow to be remembered tomorrow at Lancaster Opera House

    This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about Desiderio's Dinner Theatre's production of AN OLD FASHIONED FAMILY MURDER where Lisa Hinca and Steven J. Brachman excel; the final weekend for Shakespeare in Delaware Park's THE TAMING OF THE SHREW; It's the final weekend to catch Sandra Roberts as "Kate" in Shakespeare in Delaware Park's current production of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW; a memory of Katy Clancy who was a stalwart of dinner theater in the 1970s and 80s who won an Artie for playing Reno Sweeney in ANYTHING GOES, she was a belter; and a reminder that longtime Artistic and Executive Director of the Lancaster Opera House David Bondrow will be memorialized at a gathering, come as you are, at the opera house on Saturday August 15th starting at 11am. And, finally, CURTAIN UP! IS SEPTEMBER 18. So put it on your calendar: Curtain Up! the official opening night of the Western New York professional theatre season will be on Friday, September 18 when Buffalo’s theatre season kicks off with parties, premieres, and one big Main Street celebration. For information visit tda-wny.com/event/curtain-up-2026/ On the Monday prior, September 14th, children’s theater pioneer Meg Quinn, co-founder of Buffalo's Theater of Youth will be honored with a star in the Buffalo Theatre District. The installation ceremony will begin at 5:30PM in the lobby of the newly renovated Shea’s 710 Theatre, followed by unveiling of the star outside on the Plaza of Stars. A reception will follow…

About

For 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on BTPM NPR, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase.Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days it's Peter Hall.With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara on the Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.

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