OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

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.

Caroline Gilbert - Principal Violist, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

In a bow to the brilliant artistry of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Peter has a thoughtful conversation with one of its major players, Caroline Gilbert. As the principal violist, and one of the many talented musicians in this world class orchestra, Ms. Gilbert provides an inside look at life in the music hall. Her charm and personality lend credence to the belief that these performers are special human beings…with just a little extra!

Ricky Needham - Actor, The Light Fantastic

Rapidly becoming one of the most well-known faces at nearly every theater in Buffalo, Ricky Needham is a multiple threat actor and singer whose appearances often elicit rave reviews. Currently part of the super-talented cast of The Light Fantastic at Road Less Traveled, he nearly steals the show in several key scenes. After a recent tech rehearsal for the show, he and Peter enjoyed an informative and laugh filled conversation about his life.

Ike Holter - Playwright of The Light Fantastic

When Peter first read The Light Fantastic by Ike Holter, he knew he had to interview the playwright and try to get inside the mind behind the script. He was not disappointed by this fascinating and funny man. Whether you have seen the show yet or not, this interview offers myriad insights into its creation without any spoilers! Also along for a fun talk is the multi-talented actor Charmagne Chi who has just finished a dramatic role, and is now preparing for an improvisational one when she appears as a special guest on RLTP’s Unscripted Comedy Improv Night.

Scott Behrend - Artistic Director & Co-Founder / Jon Elston - Co-Founder / Gina Gandolfo - Managing Director

In celebration of 20 years of Road Less Traveled Productions, Executive and Artistic Director Scott Behrend and Managing Director Gina Gandolfo spend a little time reminiscing and appreciating their partnership. Included are memories of all that went right due to hard work, as well all that went unexpectedly awry along the way. It’s a tribute to two primary forces who created, from the ground up, and maintained, in the face of myriad challenges, a completely new and award winning theater in downtown Buffalo. Also featured is an interview with Jon Elston who, as a co-founder, was there at the very beginning, and whose life changed utterly because he made the fateful decision to travel the “road less taken.”
 

Lara Haberberger - Performer, Director & Co-Founder of Brazen-Faced Varlets

When a small but powerful feminist theater company called Brazen-Faced Varlets came on the scene in Buffalo, it immediately made an impact…both on the ever-growing list of artists involved and on the steadily increasing audience in attendance at its shows. Lara Haberberger, a performer and director in her own right, was one of the primary co-founders who had the vision to recognize that the Buffalo theater community would welcome this addition to its ranks. The fascinating story of her training and what led to the development of the BFV theater company is all here, right after another Step Out segment with Sabrina Kahwaty!

Patrick F. Ryan - Cultural Coordinator of the Richardson-Olmsted Campus

Looming over Forest and Elmwood Avenues, in the shadow of the great AKG and Burchfield Penney Art Galleries, stand the dominating towers of the Richardson-Olmsted Campus. Sitting down to talk about its history, its current usage, and its bright future is Cultural Coordinator Patrick F. Ryan, a young man with knowledge far beyond his years. This fascinating discussion is preceded by the talented Jamie Nablo who explains the relatively new theatrical practice of “shadow-casting” and how it continues to wow audiences with its unique and fun proceedings.

A Tribute to Gerry Maher

When Gerry Maher departed from his family and the Buffalo theater community on June 16, 2023, there were many anguished expressions of disbelief, sorrow, and sympathy. Although Peter never had the opportunity to interview Gerry, we now pay tribute to this friend and colleague with some stories of his life and some remembrances of the joy he brought to so many.  In this special episode, his daughter Eliza answers some of the questions about Gerry’s background, and five friends recall their fondest memories with nostalgic humor and love.

Bonus Holiday Episode! Peter & Sabrina Talk Holiday Traditions

BONUS HOLIDAY POD! In the rush to prepare for the upcoming holidays, and not wanting to completely skip a regular scheduled podcast, Peter decided to slow things down for a relaxed extended conversation with Sabrina Kahwaty after her “Step Out with Sabrina” segment. The results are here for your listening pleasure as the two discuss some personal family traditions…some from very long ago!