OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

One of the most luminous ladies to ever grace the Buffalo boards is the talented Barbara Link LaRou. Arguably a “first lady” of theater in our area, Barbara sat down with Peter to reminisce and recall some of the great moments in her life and varied career.

As one of the most influential programs in the city, WEDi has been instrumental in offering critical assistance to small businesses and young students who would otherwise be lost in a foreign city, unable to even understand the language. In this episode of OFF ROAD, Erin Kelly, its Director of Internal Relations, explains WEDi's mission and its undeniable importance.

Though RLTP’s production of Guards at the Taj has just completed its critically and audience acclaimed run, there is still much to talk about. This is especially true when you have the good fortune to sit down with the playwright himself. A few weeks ago, during a live event, Peter interviewed Rajiv Joseph, and the results of that recording session are presented here in an our holiday edition of O...

When she and her husband Fabio chose to re-open her family’s restaurant, Rita DiTondo returned to Buffalo to much fanfare. But when they decided to upscale it, she was warned not to mess with a traditional family recipe for success. Nevertheless, she took a chance, and so far the gamble has paid off. She sat down with Peter in her restaurant, re-christened “DiTondo,” for a warm and friendly chat a...

When Buffalo theater producers plan their seasons and choose their directors, they find that Katie Mallinson has risen to the top of their list. In the midst of preparations for Guards at the Taj, Katie zoomed with Peter to share the secrets of her success, and her hopes for the brilliant, but complicated show under her guidance.

Mason Winfield spends much of his time collecting stories and folklore from people who have had paranormal and psychic experiences. But how did this man, an acknowledged expert in this field, who started out as a literary scholar and English teacher, find himself leading exceedingly popular ghost walks all throughout western New York? 

Having just completed a very demanding five different characters in RLTP’s critically acclaimed Mysterious Circumstances, the obvious questions are “Where did Greg Howze come from, and where is he headed?” On this episode he talks about theater, music, and his love for his full-time work at ECMC.

Joe “Marcella” Guagliardo has uplifted the status quo wherever his businesses and nightclubs have thrived. He sat down with Peter at his new place in Buffalo to talk about his journey from Sicily to the US, and how his vision of equality and diversity led to the welcoming and safe atmosphere of the fabulous “Club Marcella.”

Mysterious Circumstances runs at the Road Less Traveled theater for the next four weeks, and the brilliant young playwright of this fascinating, funny, and magical play joins Peter this week to talk about his career, his inspirations, and what’s coming next...

We wrap up our special summer series focusing on showplace theaters in the Western New York area with one of the most spectacular! Join Peter and special guest Christopher Parada, artistic director, as they discuss the beautiful Lockport Palace Theatre with a recap of its history and a tour of the facilities. Photos from Peter’s Pinterest page available here .

Before our “historic theaters” series continues, we take a brief few moments to talk to Peter Johnson, the director of a new RLTP opportunity called “The Bridge Program,” which will offer paid internships to young people of color who are looking to learn more about theater. Then we continue our history series featuring a conversation with David Bondrow, artistic and executive director of the beaut...

Sharing the expansive acreage of the Kenan Center in Lockport is the intimate 153 seat performance space known as the Taylor Theater. Previously a carriage house for William Rand Kenan’s 1800s Victorian mansion, this theater has been presenting plays and musical performances since 1969. A tour of its beautiful grounds concluded a memory laden interview with pictures available here !  

Just a short drive south on “the 90” will take you to the heart of the southern tier's grape country and the cozy little Village of Fredonia in Chautauqua County. With programming that includes very diverse musical acts as well as the best in motion pictures from the current Hollywood offerings, the Opera House continues provide entertainment for all ages. When you hear the story of its restoratio...

Peter starts this year's summer project with one of the most historic WNY theaters, one that has been completely restored and is in almost constant use! The home of the “Mighty Wurlitzer” is the beautiful Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda, and Neil Lange tells the story of its rescue and revival. Check out Peter's Riviera photo collection on Pinterest here !

As the architect, energy source, and prime motivator behind some of Buffalo theater’s most recognized institutions and traditions, Dr. Saul Elkin might sometimes be described as a father of the arts. But he is so much more, and his story was finally told, in his own words, when he sat down with Peter for this long-awaited and important interview about his roots, his life, his legacy.

Rolando Gomez has quickly established himself as one of the go-to actors for local theater companies, having performed at several of the major venues in town. But the story of his arrival, from Puerto Rico through NYC and finally to Buffalo, is a fascinating look at persistence and talent…and not necessarily in that order!

When new leadership for Buffalo United Artists was announced, much of the Buffalo theater world paused…took notice…then wondered “Who ARE these guys?” Now, Mike Doben and Rick Lattimer go on record to introduce themselves, explain their journey to leadership, and describe their plans for both continuing and enhancing the legacy of BUA.

Mike Randall has informed and entertained us on television for nearly forty years, but he has been on stage as Mark Twain Live for exactly fifty! As the celebration of this anniversary comes closer, he sits down with Peter for a fascinating and fun conversation about how he got here and where is he going.

What inspires a person to become a playwright? What inspires that person to write specific stories with fascinating characters, and how do those stories evolve and the characters grow? RLTP Ensemble member playwright Donna Hoke explains it all…except the mystery of her prodigious writing talent.

After almost 47 years, Ristorante Lombardo is under the loving direction of fourth generation restaurateur Tommy Lombardo, who has big plans for the near and distant future of the beloved Hertel Avenue business, and The Little Club across the street. As construction loomed in the background, Tommy sat down for a look back at his family and his evolving career.

Yao Kahlil Newkirk has to be the busiest guy in Buffalo theatre: recently named the artistic director of the Paul Robeson Theatre, running several non-profits, being an adjunct professor, and completing his PhD should be enough for any one man. But he still found time to sit down and have an amazing and really fun conversation about all of it.

An old friend sits down with Peter to try to fill in some missing pieces from last season’s theatre history project. The talented Tom Owen was there for much of the modern era, and he has stories to share and details to uncover.

The John R. Oishei Foundation made a brilliant move last December when it named Christina Orsi to be its first female president. Though busy planning the activities of this 80 year old charitable organization, Ms. Orsi sat down for a friendly and comprehensive chat about her life and future.

After honing her skills in Chicago, Lynne Koscielniak returned to her home town of Buffalo to wow theater audiences with eye-popping set and lighting designs while mentoring design tech students at UB. Still, this busy lady somehow found the time to chat about her never ending love for her artistic career. 

After contributing so beautifully to the series of podcasts known as “A History of Buffalo Theatre,” it was fairly obvious that a full interview with the knowledgeable and talented Tony Chase had to happen sooner rather than later. So here he is, talking about his life and his love for the theater! It’s his long-awaited, always fascinating and never disappointing interview with Peter!