As founder and artistic director of relative newcomer First Look Buffalo, Bob Rusch has quite a story to tell: about his film and tv career in LA, his decision to move back to Buffalo, and his desire to create a local theater company that focused solely on plays that are new to area audiences. But first, Sandy Barillari, the entertainment manager o…

After Adrienne Lewis left her blossoming Buffalo theater career to begin again in Chicago, she couldn’t have known that her life would change so dramatically. She went from seeking out a career in television and movies to helping others do the same! After some success there, she left the “second city” to do the same in Los Angeles, and…well, you’ll…

Though rarely appreciated by the average audience member, the costume designer is often the unsung hero of a production. Though one of the busiest in the city, designer Jenna Damberger managed to take time out from her incredible work planning the quick changes in RLTP’s recent show The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence to sit down and talk…

In the process of undergoing a renovation, a revitalization, and an expansion, the Aquarium of Niagara is a well-known gem in the cultural offerings of western New York. And taking time out from her duties as Director of Development, Alexandria Lang led Peter on a tour and then sat down to talk with him about the history of and very promising futur…

Long before 2020, when Madeleine George’s play about the “Watsons” was first chosen for the RLTP stage, no one could have known that she would go on to be one of the most popular playwrights currently being produced. Nor could anyone have known that she would soon win the role of “Executive Script Editor” for one of the most popular streaming servi…

One of the most familiar faces throughout the Buffalo theater community, Darleen Pickering Hummert is a constant. A recipient of an Artie Career Achievement award, she is known as an actor, director, writer, co-founder of Theater for Change, and owner/operator of Pickering Hummert Casting. Her seemingly tireless devotion to these activities made he…

In a bow to the brilliant artistry of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Peter has a thoughtful conversation with one of its major players, Caroline Gilbert. As the principal violist, and one of the many talented musicians in this world class orchestra, Ms. Gilbert provides an inside look at life in the music hall. Her charm and personality lend c…

Rapidly becoming one of the most well-known faces at nearly every theater in Buffalo, Ricky Needham is a multiple threat actor and singer whose appearances often elicit rave reviews. Currently part of the super-talented cast of The Light Fantastic at Road Less Traveled, he nearly steals the show in several key scenes. After a recent tech rehearsal …

When Peter first read The Light Fantastic by Ike Holter, he knew he had to interview the playwright and try to get inside the mind behind the script. He was not disappointed by this fascinating and funny man. Whether you have seen the show yet or not, this interview offers myriad insights into its creation without any spoilers! Also along for a fun…

In celebration of 20 years of Road Less Traveled Productions, Executive and Artistic Director Scott Behrend and Managing Director Gina Gandolfo spend a little time reminiscing and appreciating their partnership. Included are memories of all that went right due to hard work, as well all that went unexpectedly awry along the way. It’s a tribute to tw…

When a small but powerful feminist theater company called Brazen-Faced Varlets came on the scene in Buffalo, it immediately made an impact…both on the ever-growing list of artists involved and on the steadily increasing audience in attendance at its shows. Lara Haberberger, a performer and director in her own right, was one of the primary co-founde…

Looming over Forest and Elmwood Avenues, in the shadow of the great AKG and Burchfield Penney Art Galleries, stand the dominating towers of the Richardson-Olmsted Campus. Sitting down to talk about its history, its current usage, and its bright future is Cultural Coordinator Patrick F. Ryan, a young man with knowledge far beyond his years. This fas…

When Gerry Maher departed from his family and the Buffalo theater community on June 16, 2023, there were many anguished expressions of disbelief, sorrow, and sympathy. Although Peter never had the opportunity to interview Gerry, we now pay tribute to this friend and colleague with some stories of his life and some remembrances of the joy he brought…

BONUS HOLIDAY POD! In the rush to prepare for the upcoming holidays, and not wanting to completely skip a regular scheduled podcast, Peter decided to slow things down for a relaxed extended conversation with Sabrina Kahwaty after her “Step Out with Sabrina” segment. The results are here for your listening pleasure as the two discuss some personal f…

When Bobby Cooke isn’t busy, he…well, never mind. He’s NEVER not busy! Without exaggeration, Peter refers to him as the “busiest man in Buffalo show business” for one reason: he is. As an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, director, and educator, he is in high demand at every theater in Buffalo…and elsewhere. It doesn’t hurt that he is also one …

There are certain theaters in Buffalo that have boasted jaw-dropping and gasp-inducing set designs. When the audience is affected in this way, there’s a good chance that the set was designed by Collin Ranney. After working in the D.C. area for a few years, Collin returned to his family in Buffalo to establish himself as one of the most sought-after…

One of the most famous art galleries in the world is located right in our city, and it was well known to one of the world’s most accomplished and knowledgeable art historians. So, Janne Sirén, originally from Finland but well-traveled throughout the art world, was more than delighted to transplant himself and his family in order to accept the posit…

Though Richard Satterwhite is best known as an actor and director, his work at Roswell Park Cancer Institute as a Patient Engagement Specialist could be considered far more significant, since it is there that he makes an almost daily contribution to the health and well-being of so many men in our area. But, of course, we talk also about his life an…

She may be the “new kid in town,” but Keelie Sheridan brings a wealth of talent, skill, and experience to her new role as Artistic Director of the Irish Classical Theatre Company. Meet this dynamic and charming young woman when she sits down to talk to Peter about how thrilled she is to be joining Buffalo’s established and thriving theater scene. B…

In keeping with Peter’s desire to explore all aspects of live theater, this episode welcomes Nick Quinn. A relative newcomer to the area, Nick is a lighting designer, teacher, and sound designer, most recently for RLTP’s production of Murder Ballad. Plus, Buffalo Spree editor Sabrina Kahwaty attempts to entice Peter to leave the comfort of his couc…

Celebrating Off Road's 100th episode! The lovely and talented Jenn Stafford comes on board to spill about the joys and heartbreaks of being in a love triangle in Murder Ballad, while Todd Benzin explains what it will be like every Wednesday doing improv without a net…or a script in “Unscripted,” with weekly guest performers - both on the RLTP stage…

We start with a feature about the 40th anniversary of Curtain Up! as Lisa Ludwig talks about the excitement to come. Then, Vincent O’Neill performed his first show in a banquet room in Cheektowaga, but no one could have predicted the influence he and his brother Chris would have on the Buffalo theater community in the very near future. Vincent expl…

BONUS LENGTH EPISODE! When the Buffalo professional theater community was in its infancy, there was one man to call when you wanted to start something from the ground up. Why? Because he had done it all…and he would help you do the same! Neal Radice could be considered one of the most important building blocks in the development of many of our most…

Though Jim Santella could arguably claim to be the father of rock radio in Buffalo, his career included a variety of outlets for his talents. Theater enthusiasts would become instant fans of his work with Tony Chase on Theater Talk for WBFO, and their easy camaraderie and knowledgeable critiques made every episode mandatory listening. Still a recog…

As the heyday of community theater continued in Buffalo, John Cimasi discovered a formula for dinner theater that would woo thousands of patrons to his brother’s “Showboat” restaurant at the foot of Hertel Avenue. After some serious remodeling, the venue became the home to hundreds of local actors and theater technicians who were paid for their eff…

For many years, Brian LaTulip was a go-to lead actor at every major Buffalo theater. He was also a very successful restauranteur whose “Klondike” bar and grille was mightily popular for its “Bison-meat” entrees! Then Brian suffered a number of medical challenges, forcing his retirement from the stage, but the story of his varied careers is finally …

The owner of one of the most distinctive voices in the world of radio and television commercials, Gail Golden is no one trick pony. She is a significant and valued member of the Buffalo theater community, both on stage and behind the scenes. In addition to being a consummate performer, she is a producer, director, writer, and employer of other acto…

Brian Milbrand is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates video, film, live performance, audio, and painting, often in combination with each other. But he has become even more well-known during the past several years as the man who adds brilliant often crucial video support to theatrical productions all over Buffalo. How did this Artie-n…

To get up in front of an audience with memorized words is a skill, for sure. But to do it with nothing but your mind and the trust you have in your partner is like walking a tightrope without a net while wearing roller skates! Kevin DiLucente and his company of skilled improvisers experience this exhilarating thrill every time they walk onto a stag…

When Anne Gayley first arrived in Buffalo as a young housewife, she looked around for something to do with herself so she wouldn’t be home all the time! She worked up her nerve…and ended up on stage. All these years later, she is known as one of the most loved, most prolific actor/directors from Buffalo’s theatrical history. Now in semi-retirement …

One of the stars of Sweat, the great new production at Road Less Traveled, is Davida Evette Tolbert, and she stopped by the theater to sit down and have a fun and effervescent conversation with Peter about her start in Buffalo theater and her more-than-promising future!By roadlesstraveledproductions

Journey’s End Refugee Services has found its charitable works more and more necessary with each passing day. As its clients flee repression and persecution in their home country, they desperately need the help of this network of volunteers and donors to help make their transition to a new life in the USA possible. And all of WNY benefits as a resul…

RLTP’s resident lighting designer, ensemble member John Rickus, takes us on a whirlwind tour of his life behind the scenes both at RLTP and at UB’s Center for the Arts. Learn how the pros use a variety of cables, pipes, lighting instruments, and computers to make every show a work of art.By roadlesstraveledproductions

One of the most unique and fascinating voices in modern theater is Lucas Hnath. In anticipation of the opening of his latest RLTP Buffalo premier of The Thin Place, Lucas was generous enough to talk to Peter about his life, his inspirations, and things that go bump in the night.By roadlesstraveledproductions

One of the most luminous ladies to ever grace the Buffalo boards is the talented Barbara Link LaRou. Arguably a “first lady” of theater in our area, Barbara sat down with Peter to reminisce and recall some of the great moments in her life and varied career.By roadlesstraveledproductions

As one of the most influential programs in the city, WEDi has been instrumental in offering critical assistance to small businesses and young students who would otherwise be lost in a foreign city, unable to even understand the language. In this episode of OFF ROAD, Erin Kelly, its Director of Internal Relations, explains WEDi's mission and its und…

Though RLTP’s production of Guards at the Taj has just completed its critically and audience acclaimed run, there is still much to talk about. This is especially true when you have the good fortune to sit down with the playwright himself. A few weeks ago, during a live event, Peter interviewed Rajiv Joseph, and the results of that recording session…

When she and her husband Fabio chose to re-open her family’s restaurant, Rita DiTondo returned to Buffalo to much fanfare. But when they decided to upscale it, she was warned not to mess with a traditional family recipe for success. Nevertheless, she took a chance, and so far the gamble has paid off. She sat down with Peter in her restaurant, re-ch…

When Buffalo theater producers plan their seasons and choose their directors, they find that Katie Mallinson has risen to the top of their list. In the midst of preparations for Guards at the Taj, Katie zoomed with Peter to share the secrets of her success, and her hopes for the brilliant, but complicated show under her guidance.…

Mason Winfield spends much of his time collecting stories and folklore from people who have had paranormal and psychic experiences. But how did this man, an acknowledged expert in this field, who started out as a literary scholar and English teacher, find himself leading exceedingly popular ghost walks all throughout western New York?…

Having just completed a very demanding five different characters in RLTP’s critically acclaimed Mysterious Circumstances, the obvious questions are “Where did Greg Howze come from, and where is he headed?” On this episode he talks about theater, music, and his love for his full-time work at ECMC.By roadlesstraveledproductions

Joe “Marcella” Guagliardo has uplifted the status quo wherever his businesses and nightclubs have thrived. He sat down with Peter at his new place in Buffalo to talk about his journey from Sicily to the US, and how his vision of equality and diversity led to the welcoming and safe atmosphere of the fabulous “Club Marcella.”…

Mysterious Circumstances runs at the Road Less Traveled theater for the next four weeks, and the brilliant young playwright of this fascinating, funny, and magical play joins Peter this week to talk about his career, his inspirations, and what’s coming next...By roadlesstraveledproductions

We wrap up our special summer series focusing on showplace theaters in the Western New York area with one of the most spectacular! Join Peter and special guest Christopher Parada, artistic director, as they discuss the beautiful Lockport Palace Theatre with a recap of its history and a tour of the facilities. Photos from Peter’s Pinterest page avai…

Before our “historic theaters” series continues, we take a brief few moments to talk to Peter Johnson, the director of a new RLTP opportunity called “The Bridge Program,” which will offer paid internships to young people of color who are looking to learn more about theater. Then we continue our history series featuring a conversation with David Bon…

Sharing the expansive acreage of the Kenan Center in Lockport is the intimate 153 seat performance space known as the Taylor Theater. Previously a carriage house for William Rand Kenan’s 1800s Victorian mansion, this theater has been presenting plays and musical performances since 1969. A tour of its beautiful grounds concluded a memory laden inter…

Just a short drive south on “the 90” will take you to the heart of the southern tier's grape country and the cozy little Village of Fredonia in Chautauqua County. With programming that includes very diverse musical acts as well as the best in motion pictures from the current Hollywood offerings, the Opera House continues provide entertainment for a…

Peter starts this year's summer project with one of the most historic WNY theaters, one that has been completely restored and is in almost constant use! The home of the “Mighty Wurlitzer” is the beautiful Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda, and Neil Lange tells the story of its rescue and revival. Check out Peter's Riviera photo collection on Pinte…

As the architect, energy source, and prime motivator behind some of Buffalo theater’s most recognized institutions and traditions, Dr. Saul Elkin might sometimes be described as a father of the arts. But he is so much more, and his story was finally told, in his own words, when he sat down with Peter for this long-awaited and important interview ab…

Rolando Gomez has quickly established himself as one of the go-to actors for local theater companies, having performed at several of the major venues in town. But the story of his arrival, from Puerto Rico through NYC and finally to Buffalo, is a fascinating look at persistence and talent…and not necessarily in that order!…