OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

Few musicians are as well known around town as Robby Takac from "Goo Goo Dolls.” In the middle of a nationwide tour, and in conjunction with the promotion of their recently released new album, Robby took time out to chat with Peter about his roots in the community, the journey of the “Goos” from co-founding to current live shows, and the upcoming continuation of the wildly successful local festival known at "Music Is Art.” But first, Peter welcomes Sarah Foote to the microphone, as they discuss her recent appointment to the all-important role of General Manager of RLTP. 

There are certain guests who make the conversation so easy and enjoyable that time simply passes too quickly. This was the case with old friend Greg Stuhr. Having recently appeared on Broadway (and CNN) in the highly acclaimed production of Good Night and Good Luck, this became the starting point for a rousing and revealing chat-fest that begged to be broken into two parts! In this portion, Greg talks knowledgeably and with great candor about casting, rehearsals, and time onstage with George Clooney. Then he continues with an inside preview of his Shakespeare in Delaware Park directorial debut of Richard III, opening in late July. And it’s only the first half of this not-to-be-missed interview!

Keith Elkins’ life defies description, having gone from the depths of family crises to the heights of both higher education instruction and theater performance. Still quite active in his nineties, Keith’s home served as the location for a candid and comprehensive interview with this fascinating man.

As co-founder and guitarist for the very popular Texas swing band Skiffle Minstrels, Phil Knoerzer has performed as widely as a musician as he has as an actor. But with credentials in the Buffalo theater community going back nearly five decades, he was a prime target for an Off Road interview with his old friend. The resulting chat is as enlightening as it is fun.

A man of many talents, Gary Earl Ross is a wordsmith with novels, short stories, and plays on his list of accomplishments. After reading one of his crime novels, Peter was anxious to probe the mind of someone who writes about such fascinating characters and detailed action. But first, on this season’s final edition of “Off Book on Off Road,” Michelle Holden once again joins Peter for a lively discussion of RLTP’s beautiful production of Burn This.

In addition to being one of the funniest and most talented guys on the Buffalo theater scene, Kevin Craig is also one of the busiest. An Artie award winner who is equally comfortable in both Shakespeare’s comedies and serious modern dramas, his work has been seen on almost every stage in town. Now, finally bringing his skills to the Road Less Traveled stage in its current production of Lanford Wilson’s Burn This, Kevin was corralled into a sit-down session with Peter. The result was a fun and free-wheeling conversation that seemed to end all too quickly!

Lisa Ludwig is arguably the most recognizable face in Buffalo Theater history, having performed in or produced more shows at more venues than virtually anyone. And her wide variety of activities, even those not connected with the stage, assure that her fame is widespread. The fact that she was able to sit down with Peter for a lengthy conversation about her life is not mysterious, however, because she has a self-admitted problem with saying “no.” Soon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Shakespeare In Delaware Park, its executive director is so much more than an administrative whirlwind, as anyone hearing this interview will discover.

After establishing himself as the Buffalo News go-to resource for restaurant and food reviews, Andrew departed this rapidly diminishing traditional media type to continue his work independently. He has dedicated himself to reporting on high quality traditional and culturally diverse kitchens in western New York, with an emphasis on locally sourced suppliers. His weekly emails bring to light the best that Buffalo has to offer, especially those hidden gems that deserve more attention. Hear how “independently funded community journalism” is finding a welcome home while other news media flounder. Photo by James Abbondanza.

It’s an all Our Lady of 121st Street bonanza! For the first time in a long time, Peter focuses the podcast solely on the production running at the Road Less Traveled theater, as he and three other cast mates discuss their experiences during rehearsal and then the run of this dark comedy. Joining him on this journey are Bobby Cooke, Davida Tolbert, and Daniel Torres for a fascinating look behind the scenes. Then, staging an “Off Book Classic” take-over, Michelle Holden turns the tables and interviews Peter on his thoughts about life on 121st Street.

Stephen Adly Guirgis is the most produced professional playwright at Road Less Traveled, with the current production of Our Lady of 121st Street counting as the fourth and certainly not the last. In between his many writing and acting projects, Stephen was gracious enough to spend a little time with Peter to explain his history, his writing process, and some secrets behind the development of this particular play. When you hear him speak of his themes, intentions, and goals, you may be even more enticed to see his work brought to life on the RLTP stage.