OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

Well-known for his myriad roles throughout the WNY area, and equally well-liked, Christian Brandjes tells Peter a story of the pursuit of his dreams, his best-friend-bride, and a broad theatrical career. Encompassing the education of young practitioners, the delight of audiences enjoying his many performances, and the magic of the relatively new art form known as “sound painting,” Chris’s fascinat...

Nick Stevens is one of the fastest rising young stars on the Buffalo theater scene. Having played significant roles in just about every major theater in the area, Nick landed the coveted role of Lt. Daniel Kaffee in RLTP’s current production of A Few Good Men. How does one take on such an iconic and familiar character whose appearance still seems to dominate just about every late night cable chann...

Whenever the name of John Fredo is heard in connection with any production, be it a musical extravaganza or a deeply affecting drama, the knowledgeable audience member is assured that the show will be one of the highest quality. So, it was with great anticipation that Peter welcomed the opportunity to have a friendly chat with the man who will soon be playing an iconic role in RLTP’s A Few Good Me...

It was over a decade ago that Ian Lithgow last performed on the Buffalo stage. The Kavinoky was lucky to have him when he came to town with his wife Rachel, a hometown girl, and performed several roles at that venue. Peter was onstage with him for one of those shows, and was delighted to be able to catch up with his old friend after all this time to find out what is new in his life, and how his ac...

If there’s one thing better than sitting down with a talented young actor to do an interview, it’s having two! And that’s exactly what happened when Peter invited two lovely actors from the current RLTP show Ghost Brothers of Darkland County into the recording booth. Anna Fernandez and Leah Berst took turns chatting about their lives, their careers, and their future plans. It’s an episode that sho...

Doug Weyand has found himself nearly indispensable to many local theaters! Whether it be as an actor, a director, a choreographer, or a marketing director, his presence all but guarantees quality productions at any venue. As an ensemble member of Road Less Traveled, most of his “performances" have been behind the scenes, and that is brilliantly represented by his work as the director of RLTP’s cur...

One of the most delightful and beloved personalities in the Buffalo theater community began her career unconventionally and soon became a respected artisan in the field. When Kyle LoConti sat down with Peter, the dialogue flowed, the stories unfurled, and warmth permeated every minute. Two friends and colleagues could not have felt more comfortable.

When Randy Kramer left New York City to return to his home town, he couldn’t possibly have known that he would some day be the Executive Artistic Director of a theatrical company in residence at one of the most treasured venues in Buffalo: Shea’s 710 Theatre. Although his performance interests began with studying to be a professional pianist, he developed a love for musical theater and a skill set...

Whether she’s designing and wearing ingenious make-up looks, standing front and center in her classroom, or gracing the stage of RLTP (and so many others), Diane DiBernardo is someone worth knowing, talking to, and hanging out with! In her current onstage persona, she starts off the play Exit Strategy with a bang…and the show flies even higher from there. She’s so busy that Peter felt lucky to per...

When you attend a show at RLTP, and you finally leave the bar area (with your pre-show cocktail) and walk into the theater proper, you will likely be greeted by a feast for the senses. Not just a beautiful set and lighting, but a soundscape designed and developed by their resident audio expert, Katie Menke. This delightful lady is usually hidden from sight, shying from the spotlight and working he...

The Revolution Gallery Lounge became a critical element of the arts scene in North Buffalo nearly ten years ago. Since then, it has doubled in size and hosted art shows, concerts, “event” nights, while welcoming fans and newcomers who were just plain curious. With their focus on surreal and figurative art, Maria and Craig LaRotonda practically created a new experience by combining three of the fin...

In Western NY, there is never a shortage of talented artists, and Pamela Rose Mangus is a triple threat, at least! While conquering the local music scene with several awards for best country music vocalist, she also became a well-known actor and musical performer on local theatrical stages. Combine this with her ever present influence at O’Connell & Co. and she has become one of the most versa...

He’s BA-ACK! Greg Stuhr couldn’t quite get everything...all of his love for Western New York and its theater scene, all of his theatrical credits, all the names of those who helped him along the way…into one podcast. Well, frankly, the truth is that Peter couldn’t bear to edit out so much good stuff! So it became a two parter. The first part is still available, having been released back in June of...

When Stan Klimecko sat down for an in depth interview, it was in the warmth of a mid-August summer, but his story is just as much fun to hear now, during a cold and sometimes snowy holiday season. Having appeared on stages from Buffalo to New York to LA, and in several major films, Stan’s stories of trying to make it as an artist show a determination and range that have served him well. From a sta...

Behind the scenes at RLTP, there are always those who work in relative obscurity; it takes a village to produce every show! This week, our focus is on Production Coordinator Hasheen DeBerry, an unsung hero without whom no show ever reaches the audience. He tells the story of how he came to fill this all important role and talks about hopes for an expanded role in the future. But preceding him, Dav...

It’s “Newcomer November” here on Off Road, and to fulfill that promise, we start off with recent Niagara University graduate, Lauren Farrow. Currently playing the role of Theresa in RLTP’s ongoing show Mr. Wolf, this delightful young lady tells the story of how she arrived at this, her first professional show. Not to be outdone, she is followed by an equally fun and revealing interview with an equ...

Ever since his semi-surprise exit from the political front, and his totally surprise appointment as President and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Brian Higgins has continued his tradition of making a difference in the Buffalo and WNY community. Now, however, his vision extends to the world of live theater, an area that was heretofore beyond his immediate influence. With big plans for both Sh...

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...

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...

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 abou...

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 festiva...

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 t...

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 disc...