Theater Talk
Arts & Culture Podcasts
For 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase.Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days it's Peter Hall.Heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on WBFO, the five-minute weekly show is also available on wbfo.org and as a podcast.With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara on the Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Description:
For 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase.Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days it's Peter Hall.Heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on WBFO, the five-minute weekly show is also available on wbfo.org and as a podcast.With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara on the Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.
Language:
English
Contact:
716-845-7000
Email:
podcasts@wned.org
Episodes
Theater Talk: Anthony brings back some Broadway picks
4/19/2024
On this episode of Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about MAMMA MIA! and THE WHITE DEVIL and Anthony's trip to NYC to see a funny Charles Busch creation called IBSEN'S GHOST, in which he plays the widow of playwright Henrik Ibsen, also the musical LEMPICKA, about the Polish expatriate Polish painter, and Steve Carell stars in Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre in Lincoln Center. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:00
Theater Talk: 2 shows open, THE WHITE DEVIL, a bloody revenge drama at A.R.T. and GUTENBURG! THE MUSICAL! a musical comedy at the Kavinoky
4/12/2024
On this episode of Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the bloody "revenge dramas" popular with Elizabethan audienes and those immediately after. One such is John Webster's THE WHITE DEVIL on stage at ART. This contrasts nicely with a silly romp at The Kavinoky.For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:00
Theater Talk: MusicalFare in Amherst on track with new theater, Broadway openings this month may be Shea's season '24-25, MAMMA MIA opens Tuesday (see listings)
4/5/2024
This week Anthony and Peter talk about MusicalFare's progress with their new theater. Knowing that this spring's openings on Broadway will (some of them) become Shea's subscription shows next season, they highlight some possibilities. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:00
Theater Talk: Anthony likes Shea's next Season lineup, last weekend to see shows before "Easter Break" (see listings for April openings)
3/29/2024
Anthony has a positive spin on Shea's lineup for 2024-25 and he talks about PAJAMA GAME (now closed). Two shows not closing until this weekend are at Desiderio's and the Alleyway (see listings). For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:00
Theater Talk: QUICKIES not quick, but funny, PRELUDE TO A KISS stars Pine and Deese, many shows continue (see listings)
3/22/2024
On this episode of Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about BUFFALO QUICKIES at the Alleyway Cabaret, THE SORCERER which was on the Alleyway Main Stage, THE POLISH CLEANING LADY'S DAUGHTER at the Paul Robeson, PRELUDE TO A KISS by Bellissima Productions on the Theatre of Youth stage, and give a shout out to Genevieve Ellis on Shea's stage in LES MIZ.For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:04:59
Theater Talk: Brazen Faced Varlets' satisfying HAMLET, Bellissima's PRELUDE TO A KISS (see listings), and a tip to visit TheaterTalkBuffalo.com
3/15/2024
On this episode of Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the Brazen Faced Varlet's satisfying HAMLET at 345 Elmwood, they look forward to STOP KISS (Bellissima using the T.O.Y. stage), and Peter recommends visiting Anthony's blog theatertalkbuffalo.comFor 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:54
Theater Talk: Once again, so many openings, so little time, with some VERY interesting directions (see listings)
3/8/2024
On this episode of Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about the all-woman HAMLET (Brazen Faced Varlets ), HERstory at Ujima, THE SORCERER (Gilbert and Sullivan) at The Alleyway, THE POLISH CLEANING LADY'S DAUGHTER at Paul Robeson, THE PAJAMA GAME at Lancaster Opera House, the 7 LAST WORDS at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Delaware, the continuing BEAUTIFUL at MusicalFare, and LES MIS, national tour at Shea's. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:04:59
Theater Talk: FAUCI AND KRAMER, THE BOWLING PLAY, THE LIGHT FANTASTIC, just three of many fine shows currently running!
3/1/2024
Anthony and Peter note two by local playwrights: THE BOWLING PLAY (by Kelly Copps) and FAUCI AND KRAMER (by Drew Fornerola). And, they also enjoyed THE LIGHT FANTASTIC. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:00
Theater Talk: LONDON CALLING at A.R.T., THE FOLKS AT HOME at Alleyway, TEACH at Buff State and many, many openings (see listings)
2/23/2024
On this episode of Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about LONDON CALLING at the American Repertory Theatre at 545 Elmwood Avenue, THE FOLKS AT HOME at the Alleyway Theatre, and mention TEACH's short run (last chance this weekend) at Buff State. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:00
Theater Talk: On stage now FUNNY GIRL, I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES, LONDON CALLING, KINDER TRANSPORT (see listings)
2/16/2024
On this episode of Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter talk about FUNNY GIRL at Shea's, I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre (great dinners), LONDON CALLING at American Repertory Theatre at 545 Elmwood Avenue, and KINDER TRANSPORT at Jewish Repertory Theatre. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:52
Theater Talk: FUNNY GIRL next week at Shea's, REEFER MADNESS "next door" at Smith, KINDERTRANSPORT at Jewish Repertory
2/9/2024
On this episode Theater Talk welcomes Brian Higgins to his leadership role at Shea's Performing Arts Center where FUNNY GIRL, the Broadway Tour, opens next week. Already running and well worth your time are REEFER MADNESS, a sendup of the 1930s movie (O'Connell & Co. at the Smith Theatre), and a powerful multi-generational family play, KINDERTRANSPORT, at Jewish Repertory Theatre in Getzville (that's not as far from Buffalo as it sounds), For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:04:59
Theater Talk: Anthony loses a friend; Broadway loses a legend R.I.P. Chita Rivera (1933-2024); WBFO Broadway trip reviewed, also two local plays
2/2/2024
On this episode of Theater Talk, Anthony reminisces about Chita Rivera, recaps taking WBFO listeners to Broadway last week, and Peter mentions two shows he saw in Buffalo. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:00
Theater Talk: Anthony reports on the BTPM Broadway trip (5 shows in 5 days) while 5 shows open here in WNY (see attached listings)
1/26/2024
Local openings include ANNE OF GREEN GABLES at T.O.Y., Bellissima Production's BURN/THIS on the Ujima stage, Neil Simon's I OUGHTA BE IN PICTURES at Desiderio's, REEFER MADNESS presented by O'Connell & Co. at Shea's Smith, and REHEARSAL FOR MURDER at Lancaster Opera House. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:00
Theater Talk: "Fenian Invasion" brings works by two great Irish playwrights - Conor McPherson's GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY to Shea's and Brian Friel's FAITH HEALER to Irish Classical
1/19/2024
Continuing, with the "Irish Invasion" the Broadway tour of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY wraps up a week at Shea's, with music by Bob Dylan and book by Dublin-born Conor McPherson while right across Main Street the Irish Classical Theater Company is putting on Brian Friel's FAITH HEALER, with a small but exquisite cast of Paul Todaro, Vincent O'Neill, and Margaret Massman. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:00
Theater Talk: Two great Irish playwrights in the Theater District - Brian Friel's FAITH HEALER starring Paul Todaro, Vincent O'Neill, Margaret Massman now at Irish Classical, then Conor McPherson's GIRL OF THE NORTH COUNTRY next week at Shea's
1/12/2024
Right now there are only two shows in town and they're both by Irishmen! The Irish Classical Theater Company has Brian Friel's FAITH HEALER, with the exquisite cast of Paul Todaro, Vincent O'Neill, and Margaret Massman. Opening Tuesday, January 16, the Broadway tour of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY begins a week at Shea's, with music by Bob Dylan and book by Dublin-born Conor McPherson (THE WEIR, PORT AUTHORITY, THE SHINING CITY, THE SEAFARER). For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:25
Theater Talk: At the end of the calendar year Anthony looks back with fond memories of some we lost
1/5/2024
While the theater community thinks of seasons starting with "Curtain Up!" in September and ending with The Artie Awards in June, often at the end of a calendar year, it's common to look at theater folk whom we lost. Anthony has fond personal memories of seeing many who were mentioned in a recent Playbill.com article. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:11:10
Theater Talk: With strong leadership at the top, theater in our area is looking good heading into 2024
12/29/2023
Anthony and Peter talk about the transitions in leadership at four of our major stages. Audiences are still not at 2019 levels. And COVID as well as cellphones ringing during shows are still a nuisance. HAPPY NEW YEAR! For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:04:52
Theater Talk: Kids in ANNIE at Shea's are charming; Charmagne Chi's BLUE XMAS is all that and more; 4 CHRISTMAS CAROLS still on stages!
12/22/2023
There are plenty of Christmas shows still running for every taste. ANNIE (it's set at Christmas time) is at Shea's, there are four (4!) different versions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Lisa Ludwig stars in THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS, and Charmagne Chi stars (with a cast of 7) in her BLUE XMAS at the Alleyway. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:04:59
Theater Talk: With a dozen Christmas shows on stages right now, there's something good for every age from "TVY" to "X!"
12/15/2023
All across our region, there are a solid dozen good shows open this weekend (See Listings) from Cheektowaga (TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS) to Ontario's Shawfest (A CHRISTMAS CAROL) in big venues (PLAID TIDINGS at Shea's 710) to small (BLUE CHRISTMAS WITH CHARMAGNE CHI at the Alleyway Cabaret), just to name 1/3 of the offerings. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:05:26
Theater Talk: 12 MO' ANGRY MEN'S TaNisha Fordham in conversation, exquisite CHRISTMAS CAROL at Shaw, AIR HEART final shows this weekend
12/8/2023
A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Shawfest's Royal George Theatre kicked off the first of several productions of Dickens' story,,, AIR HEART, a one-woman show by actor/aerialist Mara Neimanis at Buff State runs through Sunday. Buffalo-born TaNisha Fordham talks about 12 MO' ANGRY MEN, a play about a jury trying to decide on the guilt of a white police officer who has shot and killed a black teenager. (See listings below.) For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Duration:00:09:06