Shea's Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party

Shea's Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party

by Ken Liszewski, Julianna Tracey, Rita Sirianni

Performing Arts

Season 2

Behind the Curtain with MusicalFare's Steve Copps

This week on cast party, we are gearing up for an extra sinister October as MusicalFare's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will be at Shea's 710 Theatre from October 22nd to November 8th. To celebrate, we spent some quality time with the Demon Barber himself, local actor, Steve Copps. Hear firsthand from Steve about Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece, what makes Sweeney Todd such a unique theatrical experience for actor and patron alike, and why we're so excited to see Amy Jakiel play Mrs. Lovett. We might not have the best pies in London, but we've got the best podcast guest in Buffalo! So tune in now, my friends, and see how we listen!

Behind the Curtain with Shea's and 2nd Gen.'s Jake Grear

Join us for a batty new episode of Shea's Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party! This week we are joined by Shea's Arts Education Coordinator and 2nd Generation Theatre's Directing Apprentice, Jake Grear. Hear first-hand about Bat Boy: the Musical's hysterical and unusual origin story, what makes a musical campy, and why this is going to be a production at Shea's Smith you're not going to want to miss from 2nd Generation this October. Also, Jake gives us the inside scoop on the Shea's Wonder Awards and what it takes to be an adjudicator. It's not too late to apply! Listen now to get the tea and find out more!

Behind the Curtain with Shea's Nikiya Campbell

This week on Cast Party, we’re welcoming Shea’s Operations Manager, Nikiya Campbell, to the pod! Hear firsthand what it means to be an Operations Manager, what goes into working with hundreds of Shea’s volunteers, how Nikiya approached producing Dreamgirls last season at Shea’s 710 Theatre with Ansari Saxon Productions, and her experience seeing the Broadway smash hit musical Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen last spring. We’ve fallen more and more in love with Hell’s Kitchen every day, and we’re getting into an Empire State of Mind to tell you why you won’t want to miss this exciting coming-of-age musical when it arrives at Shea’s Buffalo October 27–November 1! Tune in now and get ready to fall in love with Hell’s Kitchen!

Behind the Curtain with Shea's Victoria Pérez-Maggiolo

This week on Shea’s Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party, we’re joined by the one and only Victoria Pérez-Maggiolo, Shea’s Chief Arts Engagement and Education Officer! Get the inside scoop on the exciting Arts Engagement & Education programs and opportunities coming up this season, including Echos of Havana on Wednesday, September 2nd. Plus, we hear about Victoria’s journey in theatre, the origin story of Raíces Theatre Company, and why Hadestown will always be one of her favorite musicals. We’re also talking about Buena Vista Social Club, including Victoria’s experience seeing the show on Broadway with her family, why this story is so unique and important, and the Western New York connection behind this exciting Broadway musical, coming to Shea’s Buffalo September 12th through the 19th. There’s lots to celebrate, lots to learn, and lots of tea. Follow the link in bio to listen now!

Behind the Curtain with Carmina Wood Design's Bradley Everdyke and Todd Piotrowski

This week on Shea’s Performing Arts Center Presents Cast Party, we’re getting constructive and welcoming two very special guests: Bradley Everdyke, Senior Historic Preservation Architect, and Todd Piotrowski, Senior Associate at Carmina Wood Design! Get the inside scoop from the masterminds behind the Elevate Shea’s Expansion Project and hear firsthand what you can expect from every floor of Shea’s exciting new addition. From preserving the character and legacy of a historic theatre to creating spaces that will carry Shea’s into the future, Bradley and Todd take us behind the scenes of what it takes to elevate Shea’s into its next century of wonder.

Behind the Curtain with Shea's Michelle Merlo

This week on Cast Party, we're shining a spotlight on one of Shea's very own Events & Hospitality Coordinators, Michelle Merlo! Get the inside scoop on Shea's signature show-themed cocktails, how to reserve your table at the Shea's Bistro, why we love our friends at The Bijou, and what it takes to create an unforgettable guest experience from the moment you walk through our doors. So pull up a seat, raise a glass, and don't leave this episode on the rocks. Cheers!

Behind the Curtain with Shea's Bill Hedrick

Alright, Party People, it's summertime! And you know what that means? It's time for some good old-fashioned backstage stories from the incredible people who make the magic happen at Shea's Buffalo. This week on Cast Party, we're joined by Bill Hedrick, Shea's Technical Director of 23 years, to hear some of his favorite backstage stories, from his very first day on the job to a myriad of memorable run-ins with legendary artists and everything in between. Trust us, Bill has stories for days! And did we mention Bill knows how to rock? Tune in to today's episode and then bike on over to Shea's Buffalo to catch Bill and his band, IOT, taking the Shea's 710 Cabaret Stage following the Shea's Centennial Slow Roll!

Behind the Curtain with Shea's Ricky Needham

School's out, summer is here, and that can only mean one thing. It is time for some Shea's Summer Theatre Camps! This week on Cast Party, we're joined by Shea's resident teaching artist, Artie Award-winning actor, and all-around theatre enthusiast Ricky Needham. Hear firsthand about all the exciting educational programming coming to Shea's this summer, from Comedy on Cue to Actor's Edge, and learn what it's like balancing life as both a teaching artist and a working actor in Western New York. Plus, Ricky shares one of his favorite vocal warm-ups, and let's just say it's a little more heavy metal than your average scales and lip trills. We've got so much to learn, and Ricky has all the answers. Tune in and get ready for a summer of comedy, musicals, and more!

Bubbles, Baker Street, and Burn Books

We've got the inside scoop on the Shea's 710 Theatre Frey Electric 2026–2027 Season this week on Cast Party! Join the gang as we sit down with not one, not two, but three incredible artistic leaders from Western New York who are bringing exciting productions to the 710 stage next season. First up, Katie Mallinson of D'Youville Kavinoky Theatre joins us to spill the tea (and the bubbles!) on SpongeBob the Musical. Then, Scott Behrend of Road Less Traveled Productions clues us in on the mystery, intrigue, and excitement behind Miss Holmes. And last but certainly not least, Kelly Copps of 2nd Generation Theatre is here to wear pink and talk all things Mean Girls the Musical—a show we're absolutely stupid with love for! So whether you're ready to plunge to the Bikini Bottom, get on the Case, or feel a little Fetch, we've got something for you. Tune in to learn more about these fantastic productions, how to get tickets, and what each theatre company has in store for the season ahead!

Behind the Curtain with A Few Good Men's Nick Stevens & Renee Hawthorne

This week on Cast Party, we’re gearing up for the final production of the Shea’s 710 Theatre Frey Electric 2025–2026 Season with Road Less Traveled Productions’ A Few Good Men starring Nick Stevens as Lt. Daniel Kaffee and Renee Hawthorne as Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway. Join the gang as we dive into Aaron Sorkin’s gripping script, what it means to be part of the Road Less Traveled ensemble, and what it’s like working with local director and Shea’s alum Katie Mallinson. Plus, hear more about bringing this iconic courtroom drama to the Shea’s 710 stage. We’ve got nothing but the truth here, and the truth is, you’re not going to want to miss this episode. Follow the link in Shea’s bio to listen now!

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