On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver, co-directors of the Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Spring Program at UB Center for the Arts.   Zodiaque Dance Company, UB’s premier pre-professional dance company, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a dynamic concert at UBCFA this spring. The program will showcase a diverse range of dance styles, featuring original and re-staged works by UB faculty, alumni, guest artists, and current students, with new sets, [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Karissa Murrell Myers, artistic director of Bramble Theater, actor, director, playwright of Black Bear Island at Alleyway Theatre. Karissa Murrell Myers is an award-winning Filipino American theatre artist based in Chicago. Her work in acting, playwriting, and advocacy for diversity has been recognized in American Theatre Magazine, and her plays have been produced at numerous prestigious theatres, including Goodman Theatre, The  Court Theatre, and Renaissance Theaterworks. In Black Bear [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Gabriella Jean McKinley, director of Second Generation Theatre Company’s production of The Niceties.  Gabriella Jean McKinley holds a B.A in Theater Arts from Buffalo State University. She recently won her first Artie Award for her role in The Color Purple as Celie produced by Ujima Co. Inc, Shea’s 710, Second Generation Theatre. Gabriella has appeared in several professional productions across WNY, including Toni Stone (Toni Stone/ Ujima Theater) and [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kevin Zak, playwright of A Kidman Carol: A Gay Dementia on Australian Dames at Alleyway Theatre. Kevin Zak is a Queerty-nominated comedian, writer, and Lucille Lortel-nominated actor known for his work in television and theater. Currently, he is on the writing team of the Broadway musical Death Becomes Her. Kevin’s current theatrical works include Ginger Twinsies: A Parent Trap Parody of Lohan Proportions, and A Kidman Carol: A Gay [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Byron Stripling, guest conductor of Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A Gershwin Celebration, presented by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 PM.   Byron Stripling is the artistic director and conductor of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. He debuted at Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops and has performed with major orchestras, including the Boston Pops and National Symphony. Featured at the Hollywood Bowl and on [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Christie Baugher, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics for The Fitzgeralds of St Paul. Christie Baugher is a Los Angeles-based writer whose musicals include The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul, and Leni Riefenstahl Is Going To Tell You The Truth.  Her work has been produced at iconic venues like Joe’s Pub and 54 Below, and she received the American Theatre Wing’s 2022 Jonathan Larson Grant. A graduate of NYU’s [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Debbie Gibson. Debbie Gibson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She rose to fame in the 1980s as a teen pop idol, known for her catchy melodies and energetic performances. With hits like ‘Electric Youth‘ and ‘Foolish Beat,’ Gibson became a cultural icon and continues to inspire fans around the world. She has appeared on Broadway, London’s West End, and has made numerous television appearances. In [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Mandy Gonzalez.  Her incredible Broadway career includes leading roles in Aida, Wicked, Hamilton, Sunset BLVD, and originating the role of Nina in In The Heights. She will perform Mandy Gonzalez: Broadway Today with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, September 21, at 7:30 PM at Kleinhan’s Music Hall.  Tickets are available here.   Prior to her performance, The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra proudly continues their partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Council [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Keelie Sheridan, artistic director of Irish Classical Theatre Company.  The Irish Classical Theatre Company (ICTC) in Buffalo, NY, is a professional theatre company dedicated to presenting the finest works of dramatic literature, with a special emphasis on Irish writers. It produces outstanding, affordable theatre that nurtures the Western New York community’s appreciation for the performing arts, fosters a sense of connection, and engages diverse audiences through quality productions. Keelie [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Aurora Real de Asua, actor, filmmaker, and playwright of WIPEOUT at Alleyway Theatre. In addition to WIPEOUT, Aurora Real de Asua’s work has been developed at Manhattan Theater Club, Williamstown Theatre Festival, the New Harmony Project, and the Old Globe.  Her short film Heartsong debuted on Short of the Week and screened at various festivals. It is available to stream on Short of the Week’s Youtube channel and Mitú.tv. [...]