CURTAIN UP!

The 27th Annual Curtain Up! 2008, celebrating the start of the new live theater season, is fast approaching. Scheduled for Friday, September 19, the evening will, again, feature the Act I, Act II, Act III format familiar to two and a half decades of Buffalo theatergoers.

Act I is cocktails and dinner, including a cash bar reception in Shea’s Grand Lobby at 5pm and the black tie gala dinner on Shea’s stage at 6pm. Gala dinner tickets must be purchased in advance, and can be arranged by calling 716-829-1172. Most restaurants in the theater district and vicinity will be taking reservations for that evening—but book early and show up on time!

Act II begins when diners head out to see live theater productions at any of the 14 participating theaters (or at one of the additional unofficial venues).

Act III begins when the theaters let out and audiences head into the theater district for outdoor entertainment and parties from 10pm until 1am. Details can be found on the Curtain Up! Web site: curtainupbuffalo.com .

The theater offerings this year are diverse and abundant, and indicate the continued ascent of live, locally produced theater in our region.

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story

MusicalFare Theatre Company

September 10-October 12

A musical celebration of the legendary singer/songwriter, featuring numerous hits and culminating with a recreation of his final concert with Ritchie Valens (“La Bamba”) and the Big Bopper (“Chantilly Lace”).

An Evening with Stephen McKinley Henderson

Studio Arena Theatre

September 19 & 20

Studio Arena welcomes back a veteran the stage, screen, and television, including a dozen performances on their stage, Stephen McKinley Henderson. This discussion is scheduled to be moderated by Studio Arena Theatre’s former artistic director, Kathleen Gaffney, and will be followed by Henderson presenting scenes from some of his memorable performances on our stage. Following both performances, there will be a “Flynn’s” style celebration in our Stage Left Lounge.

Rabbit Hole

Alleyway Theatre

September 11-27

Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, starring Joyce Stilson and Pamela Rose Mangus.

Star Quality

Irish Classical Theatre Company

September 12-October 12

Noel Coward comedy starring Josephine Hogan and Gerry Maher.

A Little Bit of Paradise

Road Less Traveled Productions

September 12-October 5

New play by local playwright Annette Daniels Taylor set in Buffalo’s East Side, circa 1924.

Mauritius

The Kavinoky Theatre

September 12-October 12

Recent Broadway drama about sisters fighting over an inheritance.

Something to Hide

Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions

September 12-27

Suspense thriller by Leslie Sands.

Girl’s Night: The Musical

Shea’s Smith Theatre

September 16-October 12

Five friends in a karaoke bar.

Dusty Springfield…With You

New Phoenix Theatre on the Park

September 17-October 11

Revue of the British pop artist’s music.

In De Beginnin’

Ujima Theatre Company Inc.

September 19-November 16

The return of the popular musical about Adam and Eve.

LIT401: A School Shooting in One Act

Alt Theatre Group

September 11-October 4

Harrowing drama about a school shooting.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Lancaster Opera House

September 12-28

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular biblical musical.

Diva by Diva

Theatre of Youth/O’Connell & Company

September 19 & 20

Long-running celebration of women, through readings and songs.