Claim OwnershipOFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast
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Speaking to some of the most fascinating people in Buffalo, both in theater and beyond, Palmisano brings their story to light.
144 Episodes
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When Aleks Malejs hit the theater scene seemingly out of nowhere, the question was immediately “Where did SHE come from?” But very shortly, she was wowing audiences in almost every major theater in town. Here is her story, full of heart and humor, with so many surprises that Peter found himself in total amazement at this dear friend whom he has known since playing her father in her first play in town.
The cast of The Book of Will had the privilege of an up close look at Shakespeare’s 400 year old First Folio, in permanent residence at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. The informative session, led by Heather Gring and Susan Buttaccio, was recorded by Peter who edited it to share with listeners. But before the segment featuring these ladies, Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s Brendan Didio gives us the scoop on how SDP and RLTP became co-producers and subsequently planned a cast trip to the library.
As one of the most recognizable figures in the local theater community, Norm Sham has made his name as a loved comic actor in Shakespeare in Delaware Park, as a musical theater performer at the Kavinoky and MusicalFare, and as an all-around theater practitioner both in front of and behind the curtain. He’s generally pretty private, but after much pursuit, he sat down for a candid conversation about his life.
Few musicians are as well known around town as Robby Takac from "Goo Goo Dolls.” In the middle of a nationwide tour, and in conjunction with the promotion of their recently released new album, Robby took time out to chat with Peter about his roots in the community, the journey of the “Goos” from co-founding to current live shows, and the upcoming continuation of the wildly successful local festival known at "Music Is Art.” But first, Peter welcomes Sarah Foote to the microphone, as they discuss her recent appointment to the all-important role of General Manager of RLTP.
There are certain guests who make the conversation so easy and enjoyable that time simply passes too quickly. This was the case with old friend Greg Stuhr. Having recently appeared on Broadway (and CNN) in the highly acclaimed production of Good Night and Good Luck, this became the starting point for a rousing and revealing chat-fest that begged to be broken into two parts! In this portion, Greg talks knowledgeably and with great candor about casting, rehearsals, and time onstage with George Clooney. Then he continues with an inside preview of his Shakespeare in Delaware Park directorial debut of Richard III, opening in late July. And it’s only the first half of this not-to-be-missed interview!
Keith Elkins’ life defies description, having gone from the depths of family crises to the heights of both higher education instruction and theater performance. Still quite active in his nineties, Keith’s home served as the location for a candid and comprehensive interview with this fascinating man.
As co-founder and guitarist for the very popular Texas swing band Skiffle Minstrels, Phil Knoerzer has performed as widely as a musician as he has as an actor. But with credentials in the Buffalo theater community going back nearly five decades, he was a prime target for an Off Road interview with his old friend. The resulting chat is as enlightening as it is fun.
A man of many talents, Gary Earl Ross is a wordsmith with novels, short stories, and plays on his list of accomplishments. After reading one of his crime novels, Peter was anxious to probe the mind of someone who writes about such fascinating characters and detailed action. But first, on this season’s final edition of “Off Book on Off Road,” Michelle Holden once again joins Peter for a lively discussion of RLTP’s beautiful production of Burn This.
In addition to being one of the funniest and most talented guys on the Buffalo theater scene, Kevin Craig is also one of the busiest. An Artie award winner who is equally comfortable in both Shakespeare’s comedies and serious modern dramas, his work has been seen on almost every stage in town. Now, finally bringing his skills to the Road Less Traveled stage in its current production of Lanford Wilson’s Burn This, Kevin was corralled into a sit-down session with Peter. The result was a fun and free-wheeling conversation that seemed to end all too quickly!
Lisa Ludwig is arguably the most recognizable face in Buffalo Theater history, having performed in or produced more shows at more venues than virtually anyone. And her wide variety of activities, even those not connected with the stage, assure that her fame is widespread. The fact that she was able to sit down with Peter for a lengthy conversation about her life is not mysterious, however, because she has a self-admitted problem with saying “no.” Soon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Shakespeare In Delaware Park, its executive director is so much more than an administrative whirlwind, as anyone hearing this interview will discover.
After establishing himself as the Buffalo News go-to resource for restaurant and food reviews, Andrew departed this rapidly diminishing traditional media type to continue his work independently. He has dedicated himself to reporting on high quality traditional and culturally diverse kitchens in western New York, with an emphasis on locally sourced suppliers. His weekly emails bring to light the best that Buffalo has to offer, especially those hidden gems that deserve more attention. Hear how “independently funded community journalism” is finding a welcome home while other news media flounder. Photo by James Abbondanza.
It’s an all Our Lady of 121st Street bonanza! For the first time in a long time, Peter focuses the podcast solely on the production running at the Road Less Traveled theater, as he and three other cast mates discuss their experiences during rehearsal and then the run of this dark comedy. Joining him on this journey are Bobby Cooke, Davida Tolbert, and Daniel Torres for a fascinating look behind the scenes. Then, staging an “Off Book Classic” take-over, Michelle Holden turns the tables and interviews Peter on his thoughts about life on 121st Street.
Stephen Adly Guirgis is the most produced professional playwright at Road Less Traveled, with the current production of Our Lady of 121st Street counting as the fourth and certainly not the last. In between his many writing and acting projects, Stephen was gracious enough to spend a little time with Peter to explain his history, his writing process, and some secrets behind the development of this particular play. When you hear him speak of his themes, intentions, and goals, you may be even more enticed to see his work brought to life on the RLTP stage.
For a long time, the name Eileen Dugan had been a familiar one throughout the Buffalo theater scene. She worked at nearly every professional theater, directed, taught acting, and produced shows for her own company. Though her name may not be as prominent around town as it used to be, she recently found herself with a suddenly busy calendar, and this talented artist took the time to look back on her career and look forward to the future.
Highly visible among the BPO faithful, Fernanda Lastra can be seen throughout western New York conducting Music for Youth concerts, Summer Series concerts, and various community engagement performances. Although truly comfortable within the confines of Kleinhans Music Hall, her tenure there ends with the conclusion of this season. Therefore, before her departure, Peter was anxious to spread her story of travel and triumph since her arrival from her home in Argentina.
Though previously he had been honored for his acting and directing throughout the Buffalo theater community, Greg Natale has become increasingly busy in his wood-working shop. What's the story of the self-proclaimed termination of his previous artistic activities? He sat down with Peter to tell how it all began, and why it led to this decision to pursue a different brand of art.
The words “needs no introduction” apply most particularly to MaryKate O’Connell. Well known and loved throughout the Buffalo theater community, her roots go back to nearly the beginning of its heyday, and her influence will continue for many years to come. In fact, it was her family who helped save the glorious building that has become the Shea’s Buffalo Theater and its two additional performance spaces. Truly, this is a woman whose name resonates with artists and audience members in every corner of western New York, and here she takes the time to tell us her story.
Justin Karcher is a welcome visitor in every theater in town because at any one of them he can be inspired to write a poem about the show he sees. And recently, he has tried his hand at play-writing, as well. How this young man came to be known as “Buffalo’s theater poet” is revealed in a fascinating conversation in this episode. But first, Michelle Holden returns to talk with Peter about audience reaction to RLTP’s current show Witch on another segment of “Off-Book on Off Road.”
Though Wendy Hall was quickly accepted as a "Buffalo-gal," she is actually a transplant from the west coast who has adapted to our ways and adopted our area as her own. Prolific in many aspects of onstage performance, she has been seen in musicals, dramas, and comedies throughout the local theater scene. She is an Artie award winning actor who brings her heart and soul to the current production of Witch on the RLTP stage, but first she sits down with Peter to talk about how she found us and how happy she is that she did! Before this, however, good friend Don Gervasi attempts to explain the rules of improv and how he has become one of its funniest practitioners as he promotes “Unscripted,” onstage every Wednesday performing hilarious comedy on whatever set exists at RLTP.
As one of the most well-known and awarded directors in Buffalo, Fortunato Pezzimenti has a storied career that has greatly influenced the history of this theater community. Arguably a legend of the stage, he is more than deserving of this retrospective on his life and career. But first, Matt and Keith Galantowicz will warm your heart as they tell the amazing story of their decision to create an instant family through the adoptive rescue of five children.
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