The stage is set for the upcoming theater season, and Buffalo Magazine asked local theater professionals to share their most anticipated productions.
Godspell
Ujima Company, Inc. | Sept. 5-19
“We have not produced a musical at home since ‘Passing Strange’ in 2018, and this show marks a powerful return to that form. At its heart, ‘Godspell’ is about collective work, shared responsibility and building what my mother would call the ‘beloved community.’ It deeply reflects the ethos of Ujima.”
- Curtis Lovell, artistic director, Ujima Company, Inc.
The Cottage
Alleyway Theatre | Sept. 5-27
“A brand-new, old-fashioned British farce straight from Broadway. It is an outrageously funny and murderously romantic comedy where secrets fly, alliances shift and passions ignite as Sylvia boldly exposes her affair to both her husband and her lover’s wife.”
- Chris J. Handley, executive artistic director, Alleyway Theatre
Come From Away
MusicalFare Theatre | Oct. 23-Nov. 9
“I am looking forward to opening our inaugural season at Shea’s 710 with the musical ‘Come From Away.’ It’s a true story about the very best in human behavior and empathy. I think we could all use some of that right now.”
- Randall Kramer, artistic/executive director, MusicalFare Theatre
Conscience
Jewish Repertory Theatre | Oct. 30-Nov. 23
“’Conscience’ tells the powerful true story of Senator Margaret Chase Smith’s courageous stand against Senator Joseph McCarthy’s reckless anti-communist crusade in 1950. Acclaimed actress Josie DiVincenzo returns to the JRT stage to bring this underappreciated American icon vividly to life.”
- Adam Yellen, director of performing arts, Jewish Repertory Theatre
Thirst
Irish Classical Theatre Company | Nov. 7-23
“’Thirst’ by Ronán Noone unfolds in tandem with Eugene O’Neill’s ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’ but follows the Irish and American domestic workers who keep the Tyrone family functioning. Think the downstairs staff of ‘Downton Abbey,’ centering the immigrant experience in the U.S. Though it’s set over 100 years ago, this story feels deeply relevant in our current moment.”
- Keelie Sheridan, artistic director, Irish Classical Theatre Company
String
Kavinoky Theatre | Nov. 7-29
“A magical and moving musical that blends the mythological and the modern in an original story that drops the three Greek goddesses of Fate into a contemporary office building. A beautiful, funny, uplifting story about love and purpose unfolds through a really delicious score.”
- Katie Mallinson, executive artistic director, Kavinoky Theatre
Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
Road Less Traveled Productions | April 17-May 17
“Who doesn’t love the music of John Mellencamp and the thrill of a Stephen King story? Gritty, soulful and mysterious, this is a true collaboration of two iconic American writers. We are excited to say RLTP will be the first company producing this version of the musical.”
- Gina Gandolfo, managing director, Road Less Traveled Productions
Suffs
Shea’s Performing Arts Center | June 2-7
“Set against the backdrop of the suffrage movement, ‘Suffs’ tells the story of fearless women who reshaped our democracy through bold, persistent activism. This powerful, Tony Award-winning musical blends humor, heart and energy to spark conversation across generations and connect people with different perspectives and lived experiences. ‘Suffs’ is a timely reminder of the enduring power of civic engagement and the ongoing fight for representation and justice.”
- Brian Higgins, president and CEO, Shea’s Performing Arts Center
