Shea's Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party | Podcast on RSS.com

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

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 Nick Stevens and 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!

Cast Party is at the Gate

This week on Cast Party, we’re learning all about SUFFS and the Women’s Suffrage Movement as we gear up for the final show of the Five Star Bank 2025–26 Broadway Season! Join the gang as we dive into the power of historical musicals, the magic of musical study guides, and Shaina Taub’s incredible journey creating SUFFS. Plus, we explore what it means to learn about the groundbreaking work of the Women’s Suffrage Movement through song. Funny, poignant, and deeply inspiring, SUFFS is a celebration of the wonderful women in our lives and all those who paved the way before us. We're ready at the Gate!

Behind the Curtain with Ally Hasselback

Alright Party People, We’ve got an exciting new episode of Cast Party for you and there’s no day but today to tune in! This week, we’re joined by the one and only Ally Hasselback, local stage manager and production stage manager, who’s gearing up for Starring Buffalo’s RENT in Concert at Shea’s Buffalo this Saturday, May 9th! Check out the link in our bio to learn more about how to get tickets. Join us as we dive into what makes Starring Buffalo such a unique theatrical experience, what to consider when looking into graduate school, and what it really means to be a professional stage manager! Everyone to your places!

Behind the Camera with Casting Buffalo & Lemur Studios

S2, Episode 8: Behind the Camera with Casting Buffalo & Lemur Studios Lights, Camera, Cast Party! This week, the crew takes their first-ever field trip and dives into the world of on-camera acting with Peter Johnson and Harry Lipsitz of Casting Buffalo LLC, plus Jordan Lema of Lemur Studios! From acting for the camera to breaking into the Buffalo film community, the Actor’s Expo, Casting Buffalo's own podcasting, Podcasting Buffalo, and what it really takes to book your first gig — we’re talking all things film. Plus, get the inside scoop from Jordan on Buffalo’s own 48-Hour Film Project and what makes it such a can’t-miss event. There's no business like show business, and we're ready to talk shop.

Behind the Curtain with Connor Sullivan and Tyler West

Step right up! This week on Cast Party, the gang runs away to the circus with two incredible guests from Water for Elephants: Connor Sullivan (August) and Tyler West (Walter). Go behind the curtain to hear what to expect from the show — including its phenomenal score by Pigpen Theatre Co. — what life on the road is really like, and the surprisingly important question: just how many puppets are there… and more importantly, how many of them have names? There’s still plenty of time to dive into Water for Elephants, the beloved novel that inspired this gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical! Join the ride!

Operation: New Season!

This week on Cast Party, the curtain is up on the brand-new Five Star Bank 2026–2027 Broadway Series, and we are ready to debrief, discuss, and dance! Join the gang as we break down the full lineup from Death Becomes Her to Operation Mincemeat sharing what each show is about and what you can expect this coming season. Plus, hear about our experience being part of this year’s live Season Announcement event! We’ve got some serious theatre shop talk coming your way… because the hills are alive with the sound of a great new lineup!

Behind the Curtain with Emily Koch

This week on Cast Party, we’re heading out on a Grand Adventure with Emily Koch, who’s taking the Shea’s Buffalo stage as Aunt Debra in Kimberly Akimbo!The next stop in our Five Star Bank 2025–2026 Season, Kimberly Akimbo runs March 17th–22nd, and we’re getting the inside scoop. Hear all about who Aunt Debra is in Kimberly’s wonderfully chaotic world, what life on tour is like (especially when your fiancé is in the cast!), and why this heartwarming, adventure-filled musical stole our hearts. Oh — and did we mention it won 5 Tony Awards, including Best Musical? Tune in as we spill the tea on this unforgettable Broadway hit!

Behind the Curtain with Chad Williams

This week on Cast Party, we’re stepping onto the runway and diving into Buffalo Fashion Runway’s Black Carpet III with one of the event’s visionaries, Chad Williams! Hear firsthand about this bold, one-of-a-kind cultural experience taking over Shea’s Buffalo on Saturday, February 28th — including what to expect, what to wear, and who’s bringing the style. Plus, Chad shares the origin of Black Carpet, his creative journey, and his fashion line Doo-Process. We’re ready to see Buffalo’s best designers, models, and artists light up the stage!

Behind the Curtain with Marc Sacco and Kari Drozd

This week on Cast Party, we’re welcoming our friends from MusicalFare to the party to dish on the delightfully devious musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, coming to Shea’s 710 from February 19th–March 8th! We’re chatting with Marc Sacco, who takes on not one but eight characters, and Kari Drozd, costume designer extraordinaire, tasked with costuming all eight of them (no big deal!) Hear what makes Gentleman’s Guide such a wildly fun night at the theatre, how actors and costume designers collaborate to build unforgettable characters, and why the D’Ysquith family is not to be trusted. A friendly "warning to the audience": we’ve got the first-hand scoop."

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