Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 8th 2008, 8:46am By Kate Sorice

Over the past 27 years Curtain Up! has been the event that actors, directors, stage hands and theater aficionados alike look forward to. In September when summer is winding down there is an excitement in the air when getting ready for this spectacular event to welcome back Buffalo theatre. Thousands of people gather along Main Street donned in everything from sassy skirts and heels, to evening gowns and pearls.

The lovely Lisa Ludwig of Shakespeare in the Park is the chairperson of this event and is honored to be a part of this year’s festivities. "We’re so lucky here in Buffalo to have so many amazing professional theaters to experience--and what a perfect night to come together and celebrate them all!”

This year is no different and there is a wide array of shows to choose from, but tickets go fast. If you happen to find yourself without a show to see, may I suggest the Sheas cocktail hour followed by a long leisurely dinner in the Theatre District followed by the party afterwards that includes local bands, dancing and much more and lasts well into the wee hours of the morning. (Make your reservations soon! Places like Bijou Grille, Bacchus and Duo are filling fast.)
ACT I – Cocktails

5:00 – 5:45PM: Cocktail reception in Shea’s Grand Lobby, open to the general public and a great way to mingle and people watch.
6:00 – 7:30PM: Annual Curtain Up! Creative Black-Tie Gala Dinner on Shea’s stage including additional seating on the balcony level. Gala Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 829.1172. I was able to sample some of the Hor devours selected for the dinner and they range from bruchetta to tangy pulled pork. All very delicious and sure to please the palette.
ACT II – Curtains Rise!

8:00PM: Actors take the stage in various theatres and entertain us (see play listing below).
ACT III – After Party

10:00PM: Following the performances, a free community celebration offering a variety of unique entertainment! You’re invited, and it is not something you want to miss!
Below is a listing of theaters and shows. More information can be found at www.curtainup.com and specific show and ticket information can be found at individual theater websites.

Kavinoky
Mauritius
www.kavinokytheatre.com The Kavinoky is the place to see many of the newer plays that jus ended on Broadway. Mauritius is a thriller about 2 sisters fighting over a stamp collection, but it is not as simple it sounds. Who knew philately could be so dangerous?

Irish Classical Theatre
Star Quality
www.irishclassicaltheatre.com Irish Classical Theatre celebrates playwrights from Eugene O’Neil to Noel Coward. Throughout their history they have not only put on great plays but continue to find new ways to give back to the community and help young and old alike love and appreciate theater. Star Quality shows us the darker but funny side of what goes into getting a play ready for opening night.

New Phoenix Theatre
Dusty Springfield…With You
http://www.newphoenixtheatre.com
One of Buffalo’s favorite actresses, Lorraine O’Donnell, plays Dusty Springfield. Relive her life through the songs that made her famous!

Studio Arena
An Evening with Stephen McKinley Henderson
www.studioarena.org
Kathleen Gaffney wanted to offer the Buffalo audience something different this year for Curtain Up! Watch Stephen relive some of his most memorable performances. Following both performances, there will be a “Flynn’s” style celebration in the Stage Left Lounge.
ALT
Lit 401
www.alttheatre.com
This 4-person play examines what takes place during a school shooting. You will learn about the characters, share in their pain and fear. It is raw, serious and something that sadly we have had to deal with. There will be a discussion afterwards for both audience and actors.
Sheas Smith Theatre
Girl’s Night: The Musical
www.sheas.org
A touching and hilarious 'tell-it-like-it-is' look at the lives of a group of female friends. You’ll want to grab your BFF’s, get some cocktails and have some fun at Shea’s Smith Theatre.
O’Connell and Company/Theatre of Youth
Diva by Diva
http://www.oconnellandcompany.com/
Long-running celebration of women, through readings and songs. Every show is different, unique and fabulous.
Kaleidoscope
Something to Hide
http://www.kaleidoscopetheatreproductions.com/
Kaleidoscope Theatre prides itself with using all local talent and carefully picks shows each year that will utilize this talent as well as make Buffalo theater-goers take a real interest in their shows. Something to Hide is a suspense thriller about a man, a woman and his mistress.
Alleyway Theatre Rabbit Hole
www.alleyway.com
Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about the loss of a child, starring Joyce Stilson and Pamela Rose Mangus. Recently starred Cynthia Nixon on Broadway--not to be missed.
Road Less Traveled
A Little Bit of Paradise
http://www.roadlesstraveledproductions.org/
New play by local playwright Annette Daniels Taylor set in Buffalo’s East Side, circa 1924. RLT focuses on new plays by local playwrights. RLT has only been around since 2006, but they've made a big impact.
The Subversive Theatre Collective
Palace of the End
www.subversivetheatre.org
Monologues about the true human costs of the Iraq War.
Ujima
In De Beginnin’
http://www.ujimatheatre.org/
The return of the popular musical about Adam and Eve.