Published: September 18, 2008 10:06 am            

THEATER: Curtain Up! kicks off Buffalo stage season

Dim the lights and draw the curtains — theater is back in Buffalo.

The 27th edition of Curtain Up! kicks off Buffalo’s theater schedule Friday. This year’s event features 13 productions at various Western New York theaters. The lineup includes musicals, dramas, a recent Pulitzer Prize winner and more.

Curtain Up! 2008 event chairperson Lisa Ludwig believes the event is for everyone, despite what the preconceived notions of Curtain Up! might be.

“The biggest misconception is that it’s an event for people who have tuxes and evening gowns,” Ludwig said.

And those who are apt to dressing up and seeing national productions have the opportunity to take in a different kind of play.

“I really press people to go out and see something they won’t normally see,” Ludwig said.

In addition to the night’s plays, Friday also features a black-tie dinner at Shea’s and a free street party on Main Street after the performances at 10 p.m. The street party includes food, dancing and other entertainment.

All Curtain Up! performances start at 8 p.m. Friday.



“Rabbit Hole” — Alleyway Theatre, 1 Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo

Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “Rabbit Hole” is the story of a couple coping with loss and dealing with family. One of the more acclaimed plays of recent years, “Rabbit Hole” is making its Western New York premiere.

Tickets: $25 general admission; $13 for students (Curtain Up! performance sold out).



“LIT401: A School Shooting in One Act” — The Alt Theatre, 255 Great Arrow Ave., Buffalo

The audience experiences the inside of a classroom during a shooting, in addition to delving into the minds of the shooter and the victims. In addition to the play itself, the performance includes a talkback session with actors, writers, directors and counselors on school shooting.

Tickets: $20; $15.



“Star Quality” — Andrews Theatre, 625 Main St., Buffalo

A comedy that takes the audience behind the scenes of a production to a world where both talent and treachery exist.

Tickets: $37; $32 for seniors (Curtain Up! performance sold out).



“Something to Hide” — Marie Maday Theatre, Canisius College, 2044 Main St., Buffalo

A mystery thriller involving a police inspector who looks to find the murderer among a writer, his wife and his mistress, presented by Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions.

Tickets: $10-$14.



“Mauritius” — Kavinoky Theatre, 320 Porter Ave., Buffalo

Two estranged half-sisters inherit a book of rare stamps after their mother’s death that may be worth a fortune. While one sister wishes to collect the money, the other wants to hold onto the collection for sentimental reasons. Three collectors enter the fray, looking to claim the collection for themselves.

Tickets: $10-$32.



“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” — Lancaster Opera House, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster

In this famous musical, Joseph is the favorite of his father’s 12 sons. Bearing an amazing coat and the ability to interpret dreams, his jealous brothers sell him into a life of slavery, which starts a new life journey for Joseph.

Tickets: $18; $16 for seniors and students.



“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” — MusicalFare Theatre, 4380 Main St., Amherst

A musical celebration of Buddy Holly’s life, making its local premiere. Featuring many of Holly’s hits, like “Peggy Sue,” “Oh, Boy!” and “That’ll Be The Day,” along with other hits of the era, such as “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Chantilly Lace” and “La Bamba” (Curtain Up! performance sold out).

Tickets: $36; $15 for students.



“Dusty Springfield ... With You” — The New Phoenix Theatre on the Park, 95 Johnson Park, Buffalo

In 1999, the year of Dusty Springfield’s death, “The Queen of Blue-Eyed Soul” is asked to return to the studio one last time. Loraine O’Donnell performs 15 Dusty Springfield classics in this musical.

Tickets: $20; $15 for seniors and students.



“A Little Bit of Paradise” — Road Less Traveled Theater, Market Arcade Film and Arts Centre, 639 Main St., Buffalo

Set in Buffalo’s East Side circa 1924, this play focuses on a prominent black attorney and his wife as they navigate a critical period in Western New York’s African-American community.

Tickets: $25; $20 seniors; $15 ages 30 and less; $10 students.



“Girls Night: The Musical” — Shea’s Smith Theatre, 660 Main St., Buffalo

Five female friends re-live their past during a wild night out. The musical features “girl anthems” like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “I Will Survive.”

Tickets: $50 for Curtain Up! performance; $45.



“An Evening with Stephen McKinley Henderson” — Studio Arena Theatre, 710 Main St., Buffalo

Though Studio Arena Theatre won’t produce any plays for Curtain Up! this year, the theater will feature actor and native Buffalonian Stephan McKinley Henderson. Henderson will perform scenes from some of his favorite stage works, in addition to telling stories of his career. Henderson will also appear Saturday night.

Tickets: $20.



“Diva by Diva: A Celebration of Women!” — Theatre of Youth, Allendale Theatre, 203 Allen St., Buffalo

A cabaret-style production for and about women featuring songs, readings, poetry and more.

Tickets: $27 and $30.



“In De Beginnin’ ” — TheaterLoft, 545 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo

A lady is “the Lawd” and there’s a likable Adam and defiant Eve in this play, which also features a preacher and a choir.

Tickets: $25; $20 for seniors; $15 for students.

        

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