The 2022-23 theater season is about to kick off, and everyone is excited—including local theater professionals. To get you the inside scoop, we tapped in a few major players in the Western New York theater world to share some of their most-anticipated shows being staged in the coming months. The selections are diverse, span multiple genres and are, without exception, compelling reasons to book yourself a night at the theater.
Rock of Ages & The Sound Inside
Kavinoky Theatre | Sept. 2–25, 2022 & June 9–25, 2023
“It’s a family affair at the Kavinoky Theatre. I’m looking forward to seeing my talented husband, Anthony Alcocer, absolutely crush it as Stacy Jaxx in ‘Rock of Ages’ for Curtain Up! Later in the season, I’m excited to see my talented mother, award-winning director Kyle LoConti, helm a brilliant team for ‘The Sound Inside’—written by one of my favorite playwrights, Adam Rapp.”
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– Kate LoConti Alcocer, Executive Artistic Director, Irish Classical Theatre Company
The Magnolia Ballet
Alleyway Theatre | Sept. 9–Oct. 1, 2022
“ ‘The Magnolia Ballet’ by Terry Guest is our first play. It’s a story of fathers and sons, and growing up, and understanding who you are and why you are, and it’s about racism and homophobia. This is, for me, a play that is going to stand out for us this season.”
– Chris J. Handley, Executive Artistic Director, Alleyway Theatre
Once on This Island
Shea’s 710 Theatre | Sept. 15–Oct. 2, 2022
“This incredible story, being produced by Shea’s, and told through our community lens—filled with music, love and spectacle—will be the first production fully-produced by Shea’s bringing national and local talent together.”
– Bill Patti, General Manager, Shea’s Performing Arts Center
Doubt
Irish Classical Theatre Company | Sept. 16–Oct. 9, 2022
“One of the greatest plays of the 21st century performed in the perfect venue in the hands of the venerable director, Victoria Perez.”
– Bill Patti, General Manager, Shea’s Performing Arts Center
Toni Stone
Ujima | Nov. 4–20, 2022
“Lydia R. Diamond is a super talented, smart young playwright, and this inspirational piece about the first woman to ever play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues—making her also the first woman to play professional baseball in any men’s league—is perfect for Ujima’s ensemble work.”
– Sarah Norat-Phillips, Interim Artistic Director, Ujima Company, Inc.
Hadestown
Shea’s Performing Arts Center | Feb. 21–26, 2023
“There’s something magical about hell being set in a post-apocalyptic New Orleans, with its delicious gumbo of jazz, blues and dixieland music all mixed together in a big roiling pot.”
– Sarah Norat-Phillips, Interim Artistic Director, Ujima Company, Inc.
The Thin Place
Road Less Traveled Productions | Feb. 23–March 26, 2023
“My understanding is that it explores the delicate and mysterious boundary between our world and the other one. That’s a topic I think can be very effectively explored in the theater.”
– Randall Kramer, Artistic/Executive Director, MusicalFare Theatre
Every Brilliant Thing
Second Generation Theatre | March 3–19, 2023
“It’s at the top of my list to see next season. Second Generation always creates great theater, and this play is incredible. It’s funny and incredibly moving, and it takes you on this journey of discovery and surprises in such a perfect way. I’m so glad to see Charmagne Chi directing it.”
– Chris J. Handley, Executive Artistic Director, Alleyway Theatre
Disaster!
MusicalFare | April 12–May 14, 2023
“The show I’m most intrigued about in our season at MusicalFare is ‘Disaster!’ This is a musical spoof of classic disaster films like ‘The Towering Inferno’ and ‘The Poseidon Adventure’ and features pop songs from the 1970s. I’ve spoken to a lot of people about our upcoming season, and it is the show they can’t stop talking about.”
– Randall Kramer, Artistic/Executive Director, MusicalFare Theatre
Six
Shea’s | April 25–May 7, 2023
“I’m looking forward to the touring company of the musical—King Henry VIII’s wives retelling their own stories as a pop concert. Much like ‘Hamilton,’ it’s a great way to introduce young people to both history and theater. Anything that gets young people into the theater gets my support.”
– Loraine O’Donnell, Executive Artistic Director, Kavinoky Theatre
Grand Horizons
Lancaster Opera House | June 9–25, 2023
“It’s a very funny and timely play, and I’m excited that Dave Bondrow is bringing it to his audience.”
– Scott Behrend, Artistic Director, Road Less Traveled Productions
