OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

From the moment he arrived in Buffalo, Chris Avery made a positive impression on theater managers, directors, and audiences alike. His story of how he arrived in this little corner of theater heaven is as fascinating as it is unexpected. His leading role in The Da Vinci Code led him to sit with Peter to tell his story. Also, Connie McCuen Caldwell reacts to her WBBZ show “Jazz Scene Buffalo” winning a coveted New York State Broadcasting award.

The start of the theater season in Buffalo is always a joyous occasion, and this podcast presents the bonus of hearing from many of the major administrators behind the shows. One after another, these artists spoke with Peter about their first show and what excites them about the 2026-27 slate of entertainment.

One of the most recognizable faces, performers, and personalities in the last several decades, Jimmy Janowski remains an icon of Buffalo theater. Known nearly as much for his flamboyance in real life as for his prowess on the stage, he has found welcoming audiences well beyond his adopted home with the ground-breaking company of Buffalo United Artists. A force of talent and enthusiasm, Jimmy set a pace of excitement from beginning to end in this remarkable interview. (Photo by Cheryl Gorski)

Well-known for his myriad roles throughout the WNY area, and equally well-liked, Christian Brandjes tells Peter a story of the pursuit of his dreams, his best-friend-bride, and a broad theatrical career. Encompassing the education of young practitioners, the delight of audiences enjoying his many performances, and the magic of the relatively new art form known as “sound painting,” Chris’s fascinating story makes a fitting conclusion to this season’s podcasts!

Nick Stevens is one of the fastest rising young stars on the Buffalo theater scene. Having played significant roles in just about every major theater in the area, Nick landed the coveted role of Lt. Daniel Kaffee in RLTP’s current production of A Few Good Men. How does one take on such an iconic and familiar character whose appearance still seems to dominate just about every late night cable channel? This is just one of the questions posed by Peter, along with this no less important question: how does one adapt to a new baby in the house?

Whenever the name of John Fredo is heard in connection with any production, be it a musical extravaganza or a deeply affecting drama, the knowledgeable audience member is assured that the show will be one of the highest quality. So, it was with great anticipation that Peter welcomed the opportunity to have a friendly chat with the man who will soon be playing an iconic role in RLTP’s A Few Good Men. The conversation ended up being as much fun as it was informative, tracing John’s career from his earliest roles to this most recent, highly demanding, character. 

It was over a decade ago that Ian Lithgow last performed on the Buffalo stage. The Kavinoky was lucky to have him when he came to town with his wife Rachel, a hometown girl, and performed several roles at that venue. Peter was onstage with him for one of those shows, and was delighted to be able to catch up with his old friend after all this time to find out what is new in his life, and how his acting gigs mesh with his “other” vocation as a licensed family counselor.

If there’s one thing better than sitting down with a talented young actor to do an interview, it’s having two! And that’s exactly what happened when Peter invited two lovely actors from the current RLTP show Ghost Brothers of Darkland County into the recording booth. Anna Fernandez and Leah Berst took turns chatting about their lives, their careers, and their future plans. It’s an episode that should not be missed!

Doug Weyand has found himself nearly indispensable to many local theaters! Whether it be as an actor, a director, a choreographer, or a marketing director, his presence all but guarantees quality productions at any venue. As an ensemble member of Road Less Traveled, most of his “performances" have been behind the scenes, and that is brilliantly represented by his work as the director of RLTP’s current production of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County. Still, he took time out from a grueling rehearsal schedule to talk to Peter about this show, his life, and his many other projects.

One of the most delightful and beloved personalities in the Buffalo theater community began her career unconventionally and soon became a respected artisan in the field. When Kyle LoConti sat down with Peter, the dialogue flowed, the stories unfurled, and warmth permeated every minute. Two friends and colleagues could not have felt more comfortable.