OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

Anna Fernandez & Leah Berst - Actors

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 - Director, Choreographer, Actor & Marketing Director at MusicalFare

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.

Kyle LoConti - Director

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.

Randy Kramer - Executive & Artistic Director of MusicalFare Theatre

When Randy Kramer left New York City to return to his home town, he couldn’t possibly have known that he would some day be the Executive Artistic Director of a theatrical company in residence at one of the most treasured venues in Buffalo: Shea’s 710 Theatre. Although his performance interests began with studying to be a professional pianist, he developed a love for musical theater and a skill set that resulted in marked successes composing, directing, and producing quality shows for the devoted and growing audiences at MusicalFare, his highly respected company. In this fascinating interview, he looks back at his first year downtown, and he looks ahead at what might still be!

Diane DiBernardo - Actor

Whether she’s designing and wearing ingenious make-up looks, standing front and center in her classroom, or gracing the stage of RLTP (and so many others), Diane DiBernardo is someone worth knowing, talking to, and hanging out with! In her current onstage persona, she starts off the play Exit Strategy with a bang…and the show flies even higher from there. She’s so busy that Peter felt lucky to persuade her to sit down for a chat in this fun episode.

Katie Menke - Sound & Projection Designer

When you attend a show at RLTP, and you finally leave the bar area (with your pre-show cocktail) and walk into the theater proper, you will likely be greeted by a feast for the senses. Not just a beautiful set and lighting, but a soundscape designed and developed by their resident audio expert, Katie Menke. This delightful lady is usually hidden from sight, shying from the spotlight and working her magic long before the curtain rises. But here she is to tell the story about how she found success following her father’s lead into a field of endless creativity and entertainment. 

Maria & Craig LaRotonda - Artists, Gallery Owners, Curators, Visionaries

The Revolution Gallery Lounge became a critical element of the arts scene in North Buffalo nearly ten years ago. Since then, it has doubled in size and hosted art shows, concerts, “event” nights, while welcoming fans and newcomers who were just plain curious. With their focus on surreal and figurative art, Maria and Craig LaRotonda practically created a new experience by combining three of the finer things in life: artworks, music, and alcohol! Their thriving gallery could almost be missed if one were to focus on all of the shops in their neighborhood, but once a person’s curiosity opens the door, there are few who would not stay to enjoy the sights and sounds.

Pamela Rose Mangus - Actor

In Western NY, there is never a shortage of talented artists, and Pamela Rose Mangus is a triple threat, at least! While conquering the local music scene with several awards for best country music vocalist, she also became a well-known actor and musical performer on local theatrical stages. Combine this with her ever present influence at O’Connell & Co. and she has become one of the most versatile, popular, and in-demand personalities around. 

Greg Stuhr - Actor, Director, Screenwriter - Part 2

He’s BA-ACK! Greg Stuhr couldn’t quite get everything...all of his love for Western New York and its theater scene, all of his theatrical credits, all the names of those who helped him along the way…into one podcast. Well, frankly, the truth is that Peter couldn’t bear to edit out so much good stuff! So it became a two parter. The first part is still available, having been released back in June of last year, by going to the Podbean or RLTP website. But this part puts a bow on all of it and wraps it up nicely as a post-holiday present that you never got to open. 

Stan Klimecko - Actor

When Stan Klimecko sat down for an in depth interview, it was in the warmth of a mid-August summer, but his story is just as much fun to hear now, during a cold and sometimes snowy holiday season. Having appeared on stages from Buffalo to New York to LA, and in several major films, Stan’s stories of trying to make it as an artist show a determination and range that have served him well. From a star-making appearance in a Studio Arena production of “Streetcar” to his recent performance as Scrooge at the Kenan Center, his talents have been praised by many.