Another autumn brings another season of theater. Buffalo's rich and diverse theater district is preparing itself for its annual slate of captivating drama, comedy and everything that falls in between.
Those who have lived in Buffalo before know there's rarely a weekend without a play or musical playing to a house of avid theatergoers. With that in mind, plays wild and classic on stages big and small are already scheduled for the fall months.
A landmark in Buffalo theater is the Studio Arena Theater, located downtown at 710 Main St. Opening their 39th season is "Noises Off" by Michael Frayn, a farce that is full of doors slamming and mistaken identities. Winning audiences over for years, "Noises Off" is guaranteed to keep the laughter rolling. The production opens Fri., Sept. 12 and continues through Sun., Oct. 5.
Another bright and cheery show is "Thoroughly Modern Millie," the 2002 Tony Award-winning Best Musical currently on tour. "Millie" is the story of a small town girl who gets a big break in the big city. One of Broadway's current blockbuster hits, Buffalo is one of the first cities to welcome the touring act of "Millie." The show will run for one week only, from Tues., Sept. 30 to Sun., Oct. 5 at Shea's Performing Arts Center, which is also downtown at 646 Main St.
Musicals have always been big in Buffalo, and "1940's Radio Hour" is bound to add to that trend. Produced by the Irish Classical Theater, this revue of classic music from the World War II era will be onstage at the Sphere Entertainment Complex, also downtown on Main Street, from Fri., Sept. 12 to Sun., Oct. 5.
If the comedies fail to interest, high drama is guaranteed to be on a stage somewhere in town. Somewhere between hilarious and touching, the Kavinoky Theatre's "The Foreigner" appears Thurs., Sept. 18 through Sun., Oct. 19. An unusual tale about two travelers who expose details of their own lives to the locals of a rural town, "The Foreigner" is a gripping commentary on secrets and the personal affects of keeping them. The Kavinoky is on the D'Youville College campus, on the corner of Prospect and Porter Aves.
The life and times of famous entertainer Al Jolson is the subject of a brand new, Buffalo-born musical at the MusicalFare Theater, on the Daemen College Campus in Amherst. Known for starring in the first talking motion picture, "The Jazz Singer," Jolson's storied career is now a world premiere musical. "Jolson" will be onstage from Thurs., Sept. 11 through Sun., Oct. 12.
Truth be told, it's difficult to even scratch the surface of what is opening over the next few weeks. Buffalo's "Curtain Up!" festivities, which celebrate the official opening of the theater season, will be held on Fri., Sept. 19. A dinner on the massive stage of Shea's will prelude the 8:30 p.m. curtain times for all shows that night. After-parties will be in full swing downtown to cap off the evening. It's a great way to introduce oneself to the culture and people of Buffalo.
For those who have their own transportation, getting to the downtown theaters is simple. Most of them are either on Main Street downtown, in Amherst or in the Elmwood neighborhood. Another easy way to get to your theater is to take the subway from UB's south campus to the first stop above-ground, aptly named "Theater District."
Special discounted rates for students are in effect at almost every theater, and usually cost between $10 and $20. Some venues might have a same-day rush ticket policy, while others might sell discounted seats during regular box office hours. Call the box office before you head out so you make sure tickets are available.
In any event, get yourself to a theater, enjoy the culture of Buffalo and have a great time.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
