OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

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 Wil...

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...

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 be...

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 th...

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...

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 he...

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 st...

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...

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...

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...

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 in...

When Tom Ralabate danced his way onto the faculty of the State University of New York at Buffalo nearly 50 years ago, little did he or they realize the consequences of his actions. As one of the dominant instructors of dance at that institution, he helped establish the reputation of the Zodiaque Dance Company and the nascent UB department of “Theatre and Dance.”  Now, ready to celebrate the 50th a...

The multi talented Curtis Lovell had almost no choice in following career in show business. Being brought up in mother Lorna Hill's creation, Ujima Theatre Co., the exposure to all manner of arts performances made it inevitable. But the sum total of Curtis’ skills cannot be overstated. Acting, directing, composing, singing…CREATING is where you will find Curtis Lovell. But before this incredible i...

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies has written works that have delighted audiences in many Buffalo theaters as well as around the world. Currently, one of his plays, Shipwrecked - An Entertainment, is onstage at the Road Less Traveled theater, and Mr. Margulies was gracious enough to record this interview with Peter to celebrate this production. Reminiscing about everything from hi...

For the start of this new season, choosing a guest was an easy decision: Greg Gjurich plays Louie de Rougemont, the lead character in RLTP’s first show, Shipwrecked! - An Entertainment, so having him sit down with Peter seemed obvious. But he is also a fascinating guy with a great back story, a delightful sense of humor, and a charming personality! Whether you see the show before or after hearing...

As founder and artistic director of relative newcomer First Look Buffalo, Bob Rusch has quite a story to tell: about his film and tv career in LA, his decision to move back to Buffalo, and his desire to create a local theater company that focused solely on plays that are new to area audiences. But first, Sandy Barillari, the entertainment manager of First Look’s current venue, the beautiful new fa...

After Adrienne Lewis left her blossoming Buffalo theater career to begin again in Chicago, she couldn’t have known that her life would change so dramatically. She went from seeking out a career in television and movies to helping others do the same! After some success there, she left the “second city” to do the same in Los Angeles, and…well, you’ll just have to listen to hear what happened next!

Though rarely appreciated by the average audience member, the costume designer is often the unsung hero of a production. Though one of the busiest in the city, designer Jenna Damberger managed to take time out from her incredible work planning the quick changes in RLTP’s recent show The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence to sit down and talk about how she started, what she has accomplished...

In the process of undergoing a renovation, a revitalization, and an expansion, the Aquarium of Niagara is a well-known gem in the cultural offerings of western New York. And taking time out from her duties as Director of Development, Alexandria Lang led Peter on a tour and then sat down to talk with him about the history of and very promising future plans for the aquarium. Also, “Off Book” seeks a...

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...

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...

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 sp...

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...

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 wh...