When you attend a show at RLTP, and you finally leave the bar area (with your pre-show cocktail) and walk into the theater proper, you will likely be greeted by a feast for the senses. Not just a beautiful set and lighting, but a soundscape designed and developed by their resident audio expert, Katie Menke. This delightful lady is usually hidden from sight, shying from the spotlight and working her magic long before the curtain rises. But here she is to tell the story about how she found success following her father’s lead into a field of endless creativity and entertainment. 

The Revolution Gallery Lounge became a critical element of the arts scene in North Buffalo nearly ten years ago. Since then, it has doubled in size and hosted art shows, concerts, “event” nights, while welcoming fans and newcomers who were just plain curious. With their focus on surreal and figurative art, Maria and Craig LaRotonda practically created a new experience by combining three of the finer things in life: artworks, music, and alcohol! Their thriving gallery could almost be missed if one were to focus on all of the shops in their neighborhood, but once a person’s curiosity opens the door, there are few who would not stay to enjoy the sights and sounds.

In Western NY, there is never a shortage of talented artists, and Pamela Rose Mangus is a triple threat, at least! While conquering the local music scene with several awards for best country music vocalist, she also became a well-known actor and musical performer on local theatrical stages. Combine this with her ever present influence at O’Connell & Co. and she has become one of the most versatile, popular, and in-demand personalities around. 

He’s BA-ACK! Greg Stuhr couldn’t quite get everything...all of his love for Western New York and its theater scene, all of his theatrical credits, all the names of those who helped him along the way…into one podcast. Well, frankly, the truth is that Peter couldn’t bear to edit out so much good stuff! So it became a two parter. The first part is still available, having been released back in June of last year, by going to the Podbean or RLTP website. But this part puts a bow on all of it and wraps it up nicely as a post-holiday present that you never got to open. 

Behind the scenes at RLTP, there are always those who work in relative obscurity; it takes a village to produce every show! This week, our focus is on Production Coordinator Hasheen DeBerry, an unsung hero without whom no show ever reaches the audience. He tells the story of how he came to fill this all important role and talks about hopes for an expanded role in the future. But preceding him, David Hayes, one of the most popular and familiar faces in front of the curtain, opens up about his background, his theater life, and his “other” life at Canisius High School.

It’s “Newcomer November” here on Off Road, and to fulfill that promise, we start off with recent Niagara University graduate, Lauren Farrow. Currently playing the role of Theresa in RLTP’s ongoing show Mr. Wolf, this delightful young lady tells the story of how she arrived at this, her first professional show. Not to be outdone, she is followed by an equally fun and revealing interview with an equally important actor from the same show who is also new to the Buffalo theater scene, albeit a bit more experienced: Camilla Maxwell…straight from Sydney, Australia by way of New York City!

Ever since his semi-surprise exit from the political front, and his totally surprise appointment as President and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Brian Higgins has continued his tradition of making a difference in the Buffalo and WNY community. Now, however, his vision extends to the world of live theater, an area that was heretofore beyond his immediate influence. With big plans for both Shea’s PAC and the entire surrounding area, Higgins was more than gracious in his willingness to let us in on a sneak peak at his dreams and visions for the icon of Main Street. (Photo by Nancy Parisi)

When Aleks Malejs hit the theater scene seemingly out of nowhere, the question was immediately “Where did SHE come from?”  But very shortly, she was wowing audiences in almost every major theater in town. Here is her story, full of heart and humor, with so many surprises that Peter found himself in total amazement at this dear friend whom he has known since playing her father in her first play in town.

The cast of The Book of Will had the privilege of an up close look at Shakespeare’s 400 year old First Folio, in permanent residence at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. The informative session, led by Heather Gring and Susan Buttaccio, was recorded by Peter who edited it to share with listeners. But before the segment featuring these ladies, Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s Brendan Didio gives us the scoop on how SDP and RLTP became co-producers and subsequently planned a cast trip to the library.