OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast
Speaking to some of the most fascinating people in Buffalo, both in theater and beyond, Palmisano brings their story to light.
Episodes
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 equally important actor from the same ...
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 Shea’s PAC and the entire surrounding...
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 R...
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 firs...
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 c...
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 producti...
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 corralle...
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 wi...
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, espec...
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 Boo...
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 fu...
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...
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 whos...
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 Wi...
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