OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

Tom Ralabate - Choreographer & Award-Winning Dance Instructor

When Tom Ralabate danced his way onto the faculty of the State University of New York at Buffalo nearly 50 years ago, little did he or they realize the consequences of his actions. As one of the dominant instructors of dance at that institution, he helped establish the reputation of the Zodiaque Dance Company and the nascent UB department of “Theatre and Dance.”  Now, ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that dance troupe, he sat down to reminisce about his experiences, his career choices, and his love of teaching. But first, Buffalo actor David Lundy explains his decision to tackle another difficult challenge in the upcoming one man show Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski for the Jewish Repertory Theater.

Curtis Lovell - Actor, Director, Composer & Singer

The multi talented Curtis Lovell had almost no choice in following career in show business. Being brought up in mother Lorna Hill's creation, Ujima Theatre Co., the exposure to all manner of arts performances made it inevitable. But the sum total of Curtis’ skills cannot be overstated. Acting, directing, composing, singing…CREATING is where you will find Curtis Lovell. But before this incredible interview, Peter sits down with Michelle Holden as she leads another Off-Book discussion. This time they address audience reaction and questions about the current RLTP show, Shipwrecked!

Donald Margulies - Playwright, Shipwrecked!

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies has written works that have delighted audiences in many Buffalo theaters as well as around the world. Currently, one of his plays, Shipwrecked - An Entertainment, is onstage at the Road Less Traveled theater, and Mr. Margulies was gracious enough to record this interview with Peter to celebrate this production. Reminiscing about everything from his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to his previous visit to Buffalo when RLTP last produced one of his plays, this delightful conversation is both enlightening and fun! But first, Constance Caldwell talks about her new television show spotlighting local musicians: Jazz Scene Buffalo!

Greg Gjurich - Actor

For the start of this new season, choosing a guest was an easy decision: Greg Gjurich plays Louie de Rougemont, the lead character in RLTP’s first show, Shipwrecked! - An Entertainment, so having him sit down with Peter seemed obvious. But he is also a fascinating guy with a great back story, a delightful sense of humor, and a charming personality! Whether you see the show before or after hearing his interview, this episode is a winner.

Bob Rusch - Founder/Artistic Director of First Look Buffalo

As founder and artistic director of relative newcomer First Look Buffalo, Bob Rusch has quite a story to tell: about his film and tv career in LA, his decision to move back to Buffalo, and his desire to create a local theater company that focused solely on plays that are new to area audiences. But first, Sandy Barillari, the entertainment manager of First Look’s current venue, the beautiful new facility at Canterbury Woods, visits with Peter to talk about the genesis of and ambitious plans for Amherst’s newest performing arts center.

Adrienne Lewis - Actor & Casting Agent

After Adrienne Lewis left her blossoming Buffalo theater career to begin again in Chicago, she couldn’t have known that her life would change so dramatically. She went from seeking out a career in television and movies to helping others do the same! After some success there, she left the “second city” to do the same in Los Angeles, and…well, you’ll just have to listen to hear what happened next!

Jenna Damberger - Costume Designer & Owner of Houndstooth Costume Collective

Though rarely appreciated by the average audience member, the costume designer is often the unsung hero of a production. Though one of the busiest in the city, designer Jenna Damberger managed to take time out from her incredible work planning the quick changes in RLTP’s recent show The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence to sit down and talk about how she started, what she has accomplished so far, and where she plans to go!

Alexandria Lang - Director of Development, Aquarium of Niagara

In the process of undergoing a renovation, a revitalization, and an expansion, the Aquarium of Niagara is a well-known gem in the cultural offerings of western New York. And taking time out from her duties as Director of Development, Alexandria Lang led Peter on a tour and then sat down to talk with him about the history of and very promising future plans for the aquarium. Also, “Off Book” seeks a new home on “Off Road” as Peter and Michelle Holden discuss audience reactions to RLTP’s current production!

Madeleine George - Playwright of The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence

Long before 2020, when Madeleine George’s play about the “Watsons” was first chosen for the RLTP stage, no one could have known that she would go on to be one of the most popular playwrights currently being produced. Nor could anyone have known that she would soon win the role of “Executive Script Editor” for one of the most popular streaming services in the world. Her interview reveals all about her thoughts on the current production of The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, and working with Steve Martin and Marin Short on Only Murders in the Building!

Darleen Pickering Hummert - Actor, Director, Writer, Casting Agent

One of the most familiar faces throughout the Buffalo theater community, Darleen Pickering Hummert is a constant. A recipient of an Artie Career Achievement award, she is known as an actor, director, writer, co-founder of Theater for Change, and owner/operator of Pickering Hummert Casting. Her seemingly tireless devotion to these activities made her an almost impossible person to interview in one sitting. To really do her justice would take a continuing series of podcasts but, alas, there was time for only one glorious session. Photo by Nancy Parisi.