Buffalo is known for its rich theatrical tradition. Whether you are an avid theatergoer or an occasional spectator, the opening of the new season will fulfill your theater fix – and then some.
On Friday, Sept. 18, Buffalo will officially kick off its season with the much-anticipated annual Curtain Up! celebration. This year, the 34th annual event, presented by the Theatre District Association of Buffalo and M&T Bank, is a “build-your-own-evening” occasion.
“This is not your parent’s or grandparent’s Curtain Up!,” said John Schaller, director of development at Shea’s Performing Arts Center and chairman of Curtain Up! 2015. “We have some fun, fresh and exciting surprises for the evening that will keep people entertained and having a good time all night long."
The night consists of three acts, and patrons can customize each to create their own unique Curtain Up! experience.
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“The passion and affinity we have as a community for the arts and theater is overwhelming,” said Schaller. “We have more than 25 professional theater companies that provide an astonishing, creative variety of theatrical productions that are second to none.”
Act I
The Theatre District PLAZA OF STARS Induction Ceremony will kick-off Curtain Up! "This year's inductee is Javier Bustillos, founder and executive/artistic director of Buffalo United Artists and longtime Artvoice columnist," said Schaller. The event is at 5 p.m. on the corner of Main and Tupper streets.
Afterward, stay in Buffalo's Theatre District for a delicious meal. One great option is the elegant black-tie dinner on the main stage at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, which begins at 5:30 p.m. (call 829-1172 for reservations).
As the first event to take place in the theater since the completion of Shea’s major interior restoration, this year’s gala promises a unique experience. “Guests will be treated to a piece of history,” said Schaller. “They will be among the very first to see the grandeur and beauty of Shea’s restored to its original splendor.”
Or, treat yourself at one of the many restaurants in the District.
Act II
At 8 p.m. sharp, the lights will simultaneously dim in theaters across Western New York. From comedies, dramas and musicals to regional and world premieres, there’s a show for everyone.
Visit CurtainUp2015.com for a full listing of participating theaters and show and ticket information. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended, as shows usually sell out.
Act III
When the curtains close, the 600 block of Main Street will come to life. Enjoy a free street party filled with live music, dancing, street performers, food, beverages and a few surprises.
House of Munch food truck and the recently-launched Chef’s food truck will be serving at each end of the block. JJ Swing, George Scott Big Band, Zak Ward, Tom Makar, and Leeron Zydeco will provide musical entertainment throughout the evening. Mind-bending illusionist Mike Seege will be roaming the streets, and partygoers can take home a free photo souvenir from WNY’s largest Open-Air Photo Booth.
All of this culminates with a custom fireworks display courtesy of Skylighters Fireworks.
For more information on how to build your own Curtain Up! experience, visit CurtainUp2015.com or call 829-1172. To purchase tickets for individual performances, contact that theater’s box office directly.
Curtain Up! 2015 Lineup
For Heaven’s Sake!
847-0850
Granny Bird
852-2600
Carrie: The Musical
634-1102
Doubt
202-9033
Buyer & Cellar
886-9239
A Little Night Music
853- ICTC
King O’ the Moon - Over the Tavern: Part Two
829-7668
Monty Python’s Spamalot
683-1776
In the Heights
839-8540
The Real Thing
853-1334
Ten Days to Happiness
848-0800
How I Got Over
884-2013
The Subject Was Roses
445-4653
Speed of Light
629-3069
To be announced
847-1410
Slaughterhouse-Five (Or the Children’s Crusade)
408-0499
Curtain Up! is coordinated annually by the Theatre District Association of WNY. As of press time, some theaters hadn’t announced their participation; visit Curtainup2015.com for updates in the schedule.