The words “needs no introduction” apply most particularly to MaryKate O’Connell. Well known and loved throughout the Buffalo theater community, her roots go back to nearly the beginning of its heyday, and her influence will continue for many years to come. In fact, it was her family who helped save the glorious building that has become the Shea’s Buffalo Theater and its two additional performance spaces. Truly, this is a woman whose name resonates with artists and audience members in every corner of western New York, and here she takes the time to tell us her story.