Long before 2020, when Madeleine George’s play about the “Watsons” was first chosen for the RLTP stage, no one could have known that she would go on to be one of the most popular playwrights currently being produced. Nor could anyone have known that she would soon win the role of “Executive Script Editor” for one of the most popular streaming services in the world. Her interview reveals all about her thoughts on the current production of The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, and working with Steve Martin and Marin Short on Only Murders in the Building!

One of the most familiar faces throughout the Buffalo theater community, Darleen Pickering Hummert is a constant. A recipient of an Artie Career Achievement award, she is known as an actor, director, writer, co-founder of Theater for Change, and owner/operator of Pickering Hummert Casting. Her seemingly tireless devotion to these activities made her an almost impossible person to interview in one sitting. To really do her justice would take a continuing series of podcasts but, alas, there was time for only one glorious session. Photo by Nancy Parisi.

In a bow to the brilliant artistry of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Peter has a thoughtful conversation with one of its major players, Caroline Gilbert. As the principal violist, and one of the many talented musicians in this world class orchestra, Ms. Gilbert provides an inside look at life in the music hall. Her charm and personality lend credence to the belief that these performers are special human beings…with just a little extra!

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.

In celebration of 20 years of Road Less Traveled Productions, Executive and Artistic Director Scott Behrend and Managing Director Gina Gandolfo spend a little time reminiscing and appreciating their partnership. Included are memories of all that went right due to hard work, as well all that went unexpectedly awry along the way. It’s a tribute to two primary forces who created, from the ground up, and maintained, in the face of myriad challenges, a completely new and award winning theater in downtown Buffalo. Also featured is an interview with Jon Elston who, as a co-founder, was there at the very beginning, and whose life changed utterly because he made the fateful decision to travel the “road less taken.”

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.

Though Richard Satterwhite is best known as an actor and director, his work at Roswell Park Cancer Institute as a Patient Engagement Specialist could be considered far more significant, since it is there that he makes an almost daily contribution to the health and well-being of so many men in our area. But, of course, we talk also about his life and his experiences in improv, and the stage and film performances that have made his face recognizable throughout our town.   Also, we once again “Step Out With Sabrina”!

She may be the “new kid in town,” but Keelie Sheridan brings a wealth of talent, skill, and experience to her new role as Artistic Director of the Irish Classical Theatre Company. Meet this dynamic and charming young woman when she sits down to talk to Peter about how thrilled she is to be joining Buffalo’s established and thriving theater scene. But first, ICTC veteran Reneé Radzavich talks about her exciting new role directing operations at D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre!

In keeping with Peter’s desire to explore all aspects of live theater, this episode welcomes Nick Quinn. A relative newcomer to the area, Nick is a lighting designer, teacher, and sound designer, most recently for RLTP’s production of Murder Ballad. Plus, Buffalo Spree editor Sabrina Kahwaty attempts to entice Peter to leave the comfort of his couch with the new recurring segment “Step Out With Sabrina.”

Celebrating Off Road's 100th episode! The lovely and talented Jenn Stafford comes on board to spill about the joys and heartbreaks of being in a love triangle in Murder Ballad, while Todd Benzin explains what it will be like every Wednesday doing improv without a net…or a script in “Unscripted,” with weekly guest performers - both on the RLTP stage!

We start with a feature about the 40th anniversary of Curtain Up! as Lisa Ludwig talks about the excitement to come. Then, Vincent O’Neill performed his first show in a banquet room in Cheektowaga, but no one could have predicted the influence he and his brother Chris would have on the Buffalo theater community in the very near future. Vincent explains how it all began in this fun and important interview with the founder of the Irish Classical Theater Company.

BONUS LENGTH EPISODE! When the Buffalo professional theater community was in its infancy, there was one man to call when you wanted to start something from the ground up. Why? Because he had done it all…and he would help you do the same! Neal Radice could be considered one of the most important building blocks in the development of many of our most historic theaters. On this episode he talks about how it all began, where it is all headed, and how he continues to be active and involved…but not as much as he’d like!

Though Jim Santella could arguably claim to be the father of rock radio in Buffalo, his career included a variety of outlets for his talents. Theater enthusiasts would become instant fans of his work with Tony Chase on Theater Talk for WBFO, and their easy camaraderie and knowledgeable critiques made every episode mandatory listening. Still a recognizable voice, Jim accepts Peter’s undying gratitude as he talks about his past contributions to Buffalo's media history.