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 for the show, he and Peter enjoyed an informative and laugh filled conversation about his life.

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 talk is the multi-talented actor Charmagne Chi who has just finished a dramatic role, and is now preparing for an improvisational one when she appears as a special guest on RLTP’s Unscripted Comedy Improv Night.

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-founders who had the vision to recognize that the Buffalo theater community would welcome this addition to its ranks. The fascinating story of her training and what led to the development of the BFV theater company is all here, right after another Step Out segment with Sabrina Kahwaty!

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 fascinating discussion is preceded by the talented Jamie Nablo who explains the relatively new theatrical practice of “shadow-casting” and how it continues to wow audiences with its unique and fun proceedings.

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 to so many.  In this special episode, his daughter Eliza answers some of the questions about Gerry’s background, and five friends recall their fondest memories with nostalgic humor and love.

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 family traditions…some from very long ago!

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 of the most likable people around. Hear what makes him so popular on this episode!

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 designers of both sets and costumes. Hear his story on this episode, preceded by a delightful segment of “Step Out With Sabrina” in which holiday fare becomes the focus.

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 position of Director of the renowned and expanding museum that would soon be known simply as the "Buffalo AKG Art Museum." He recounts his history and background with Peter, but they soon advance to a discussion of the importance and value of art in our every day life. In a bonus interview, the ever popular Norm Sham talks about his November foray into improv when he guest stars in RLTP’s UnScripted.