On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jan Damm, who plays Nick Nack, and the comic trio Equivokee from Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.  Jan Damm is a comic performer who has shown off his talents everywhere from street corners to big-top tents to theaters, opera houses, and even on television throughout his 15+ year career as a circus artist. He is one of the show guides in the revitalized circus.   Equivokee is a [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with R. Eric Thomas, playwright of The Folks at Home at Alleyway Theatre, and author of Congratulations, The Best is Over, Here for it, and Kings of B’more.   R. Eric Thomas is an accomplished author known for his witty and insightful writing. With a keen sense of humor and a unique perspective, Thomas weaves compelling narratives that often explore the intersection of identity, culture, and personal experiences. His work, which [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jamie M. Enser, executive director of UB Center for the Arts.   The UB Center for the Arts is a vibrant cultural hub located on the University at Buffalo campus, dedicated to fostering creativity and artistic expression. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses a diverse range of performance spaces, galleries, and studios, providing a dynamic environment for students, faculty, and the community to engage with various forms of art. With its commitment [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Sarah T. Schwab, president of Cardinal Flix, and director and co-writer of the film Life After You.    Life After You is a narrative feature film centered around a suburban family’s struggle with the death of their 19 year-old son, following an overdose of heroin that was laced with fentanyl. The film, which explores the question of who and what is responsible for this tragedy, is inspired by the book, [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Tim Carroll, artistic director of The Shaw Festival Theatre, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in Ontario, Canada.   Tim Carroll began his career with the English Shakespeare Company before becoming Associate Director of the Northcott Theatre in Exeter. From 1999 to 2005, he was Associate Director of Shakespeare’s Globe. His Tony-nominated Globe productions of Richard III and Twelfth Night starring Oscar-winner Mark Rylance earned ecstatic raves in The New York Times and The [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Ida Sjolin and Quentin Lourenco-Aubry, cast members of Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero.    Disney on Ice is a touring spectacular that combines figure skating, storytelling, athleticism, and Disney characters for an unforgettable night of family entertainment.  In Find Your Hero, audiences will discover what it truly means to be a hero as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together to take [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jennifer Barbee, Associate Director and Director of Development at the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. employs and supports a professional major symphony orchestra of artistic excellence that is integral to Buffalo-Niagara’s vitality through the presentation of live symphonic music and other musical events, which inspire, educate and entertain the broadest possible audiences within Buffalo-Niagara and beyond. The Director of Development at a non-profit arts organization [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Glynis Leyshon about The Shaw Festival Theatre’s production of Brigadoon.   Glynis Leyshon is one of Canada’s most respected opera and theatre directors. Her directing career spans opera, musical theater, and plays. She was the former artistic director at the Vancouver Playhouse from 1997–2009 and was the past artistic director at the Belfry Theatre for eleven seasons. Ms. Leyshon has a particular passion for working with and teaching young and [...]

On this episode, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Scott Propeack, executive director of the Burchfield Penney Art Center, about the Art in Craft Media 2023 exhibition on view through March 10, 2024. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to the exhibition and appreciation of visual arts. The Burchfield Penney Art Center houses an extensive collection of artworks by Charles E. Burchfield (1893–1967), as well as other significant regional and contemporary artists. The center hosts rotating [...]

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with TaNisha Fordham about Ujima Company’s production of her play 12 Mo’ Angry Men. TaNisha Fordham, a Buffalo, NY native, is a dynamic creative force. She is a multi-hyphenate artist: playwright, actor, director, and author. Currently she is a Directing Fellow with the Broadway Theater Coalition. Her credits include: Associate Director, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s newest Broadway debut Bad Cinderella and Associate Director, TONY Award winning revival of Company.  With a [...]