WNY Soundstage

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jen Swan-Kilpatrick, Executive Director of Arts Service Inc., about Lawyers for the Arts.   ASI is a vital resource for Buffalo’s artists and arts organizations, offering grants, calls for work, fiscal sponsorship services, health insurance access, professional development, and their Arts and Economic Prosperity Report.&#160...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Erica Murray, playwright of The Loved Ones.  Set in a secluded farmhouse in West Clare, The Loved Ones centers on Nell and her daughter-in-law, Orla, who gather to scatter the ashes of Nell’s son, Robin. What begins as a solemn weekend of remembrance quickly takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Cheryl-Ann, an American tour...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver, co-directors of the Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Spring Program at UB Center for the Arts.   Zodiaque Dance Company, UB’s premier pre-professional dance company, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a dynamic concert at UBCFA this spring. The program will showcase a diverse range of dan...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Karissa Murrell Myers, artistic director of Bramble Theater, actor, director, playwright of Black Bear Island at Alleyway Theatre. Karissa Murrell Myers is an award-winning Filipino American theatre artist based in Chicago. Her work in acting, playwriting, and advocacy for diversity has been recognized in American Theatre Magazine...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Gabriella Jean McKinley, director of Second Generation Theatre Company’s production of The Niceties.  Gabriella Jean McKinley holds a B.A in Theater Arts from Buffalo State University. She recently won her first Artie Award for her role in The Color Purple as Celie produced by Ujima Co. Inc, Shea’s 710, Second Generation The...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kevin Zak, playwright of A Kidman Carol: A Gay Dementia on Australian Dames at Alleyway Theatre. Kevin Zak is a Queerty-nominated comedian, writer, and Lucille Lortel-nominated actor known for his work in television and theater. Currently, he is on the writing team of the Broadway musical Death Becomes Her. Kevin’s current theatri...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Byron Stripling, guest conductor of Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A Gershwin Celebration, presented by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 PM.   Byron Stripling is the artistic director and conductor of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. He debuted at Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson and the New York P...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Christie Baugher, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics for The Fitzgeralds of St Paul. Christie Baugher is a Los Angeles-based writer whose musicals include The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul, and Leni Riefenstahl Is Going To Tell You The Truth.  Her work has been produced at iconic venues like Joe’s Pub and 54 Below, and she rece...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Debbie Gibson. Debbie Gibson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She rose to fame in the 1980s as a teen pop idol, known for her catchy melodies and energetic performances. With hits like ‘Electric Youth‘ and ‘Foolish Beat,’ Gibson became a cultural icon and continues to inspire...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Mandy Gonzalez.  Her incredible Broadway career includes leading roles in Aida, Wicked, Hamilton, Sunset BLVD, and originating the role of Nina in In The Heights. She will perform Mandy Gonzalez: Broadway Today with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, September 21, at 7:30 PM at Kleinhan’s Music Hall.  Ticket...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Keelie Sheridan, artistic director of Irish Classical Theatre Company.  The Irish Classical Theatre Company (ICTC) in Buffalo, NY, is a professional theatre company dedicated to presenting the finest works of dramatic literature, with a special emphasis on Irish writers. It produces outstanding, affordable theatre that nurtur...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Aurora Real de Asua, actor, filmmaker, and playwright of WIPEOUT at Alleyway Theatre. In addition to WIPEOUT, Aurora Real de Asua’s work has been developed at Manhattan Theater Club, Williamstown Theatre Festival, the New Harmony Project, and the Old Globe.  Her short film Heartsong debuted on Short of the Week and screened at var...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kimberley Rampersad, associate artistic director of Shaw Festival Theatre, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in Ontario, Canada.   Set against the backdrop of charming Victorian architecture and scenic vineyards, Shaw Festival Theatre, was named for George Bernard Shaw, an influential Irish playwright and critic of the late 19th and early 2...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jason Mraz Jason Mraz is a singer-songwriter known for his upbeat, folk-pop sound and lyrical wordplay.  He gained widespread recognition with his hit single “I’m Yours” which showcased his distinctive voice and laid-back style. Over his career, Mraz has received numerous awards and continues to inspire fans with...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Josh Gross, artistic director of Puppeteers for Fears.  Puppeteers for Fears is an Oregon-based comedy troupe, specializing in original horror and science fiction rock’n’roll musicals performed with puppets.  Their production of Cthulhu: the Musical!, will come to Buffalo for a performance on June 24 at Buffalo Iron Work...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with music director Dr. Alison d’Amato, and actors Diane Phelan and Jonathan Young about Starring Buffalo’s production of Titanic at Shea’s 710 Theatre for three performances, May 31 (7:30PM), June 1 (2:00PM & 7:30PM).    Starring Buffalo was founded in December 2017 to connect, entertain, teach, and thrill, and above all, to provi...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Sarah Norat-Phillips, outgoing interim Artistic Director of Ujima Company.   Sarah Norat-Phillips, a seasoned professional in theater with over 40 years of experience, returned to her Buffalo roots after a successful career in broadcast television. As a founding member of Ujima Theatre Company and its Interim Artistic Di...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Tim Sniffen, performer, author, animator, and playwright of Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf at Alleyway Theatre. Tim has written for The Second City, and is a writer and director for Jackbox Games in Chicago, performs with The Improvised Shakespeare Company, and can be heard on the Hello From the Magic Tavern podcast. Ti...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Robert Brighton, author of The Unsealing, A Murder in Ashwood, The Buffalo Butcher, and the recently released Current of Darkness. Author Robert Brighton is an expert on the Gilded Age and Victorian era, revealing their gritty realities through his acclaimed works, including The Avenging Angel Detective Agency™ Mysteries. He delve...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Mrs. Kasha Davis, drag queen, storyteller and international celebrity housewife.  Based in Rochester, NY,  Mrs. Kasha Davis rose to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race, captivating audiences with her witty characterizations and kind heart.  A key player in Rochester’s drag scene, she travels internationally perfo...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with JoAnn Falletta, Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.   Celebrating her 25th year with the organization, Maestro JoAnn Falletta is a renowned conductor who has held prestigious positions with orchestras worldwide.  She’s a champion for women in music, both on and off the podium, and has garnere...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Chris J Handley, executive artistic director of Alleyway Theatre. This is Chris’ third visit to the podcast. Chris highlights the last year of Alleyway, and details the newest edition of Buffalo Quickies, a short play festival in its 33rd iteration.   Buffalo Quickies 33 is on stage March 15, 2024 – March 30, 2024,...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jan Damm, who plays Nick Nack, and the comic trio Equivokee from Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.  Jan Damm is a comic performer who has shown off his talents everywhere from street corners to big-top tents to theaters, opera houses, and even on television throughout his 15+ year career as a circus artist. He i...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with R. Eric Thomas, playwright of The Folks at Home at Alleyway Theatre, and author of Congratulations, The Best is Over, Here for it, and Kings of B’more.   R. Eric Thomas is an accomplished author known for his witty and insightful writing. With a keen sense of humor and a unique perspective, Thomas weaves compelling narra...

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jamie M. Enser, executive director of UB Center for the Arts.   The UB Center for the Arts is a vibrant cultural hub located on the University at Buffalo campus, dedicated to fostering creativity and artistic expression. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses a diverse range of performance spaces, galleries, and stud...