OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

Featuring The Story of WEDi, featuring Erin Kelly

As one of the most influential programs in the city, WEDi has been instrumental in offering critical assistance to small businesses and young students who would otherwise be lost in a foreign city, unable to even understand the language. In this episode of OFF ROAD, Erin Kelly, its Director of Internal Relations, explains WEDi's mission and its undeniable importance.

Special guest Rajiv Joseph

Though RLTP’s production of Guards at the Taj has just completed its critically and audience acclaimed run, there is still much to talk about. This is especially true when you have the good fortune to sit down with the playwright himself. A few weeks ago, during a live event, Peter interviewed Rajiv Joseph, and the results of that recording session are presented here in an our holiday edition of OFF ROAD.

Special guest Rita DiTondo

When she and her husband Fabio chose to re-open her family’s restaurant, Rita DiTondo returned to Buffalo to much fanfare. But when they decided to upscale it, she was warned not to mess with a traditional family recipe for success. Nevertheless, she took a chance, and so far the gamble has paid off. She sat down with Peter in her restaurant, re-christened “DiTondo,” for a warm and friendly chat about her life, her loves, and her dedication to traditional Italian roots.

Special guest Katie Mallinson

When Buffalo theater producers plan their seasons and choose their directors, they find that Katie Mallinson has risen to the top of their list. In the midst of preparations for Guards at the Taj, Katie zoomed with Peter to share the secrets of her success, and her hopes for the brilliant, but complicated show under her guidance.

Special guest Mason Winfield

Mason Winfield spends much of his time collecting stories and folklore from people who have had paranormal and psychic experiences. But how did this man, an acknowledged expert in this field, who started out as a literary scholar and English teacher, find himself leading exceedingly popular ghost walks all throughout western New York? 

Special guest Greg Howze

Having just completed a very demanding five different characters in RLTP’s critically acclaimed Mysterious Circumstances, the obvious questions are “Where did Greg Howze come from, and where is he headed?” On this episode he talks about theater, music, and his love for his full-time work at ECMC.

Special guest Joe ”Marcella” Guagliardo

Joe “Marcella” Guagliardo has uplifted the status quo wherever his businesses and nightclubs have thrived. He sat down with Peter at his new place in Buffalo to talk about his journey from Sicily to the US, and how his vision of equality and diversity led to the welcoming and safe atmosphere of the fabulous “Club Marcella.”

Special guest Michael Mitnick

Mysterious Circumstances runs at the Road Less Traveled theater for the next four weeks, and the brilliant young playwright of this fascinating, funny, and magical play joins Peter this week to talk about his career, his inspirations, and what’s coming next...

Featuring Palace Theatre

We wrap up our special summer series focusing on showplace theaters in the Western New York area with one of the most spectacular! Join Peter and special guest Christopher Parada, artistic director, as they discuss the beautiful Lockport Palace Theatre with a recap of its history and a tour of the facilities.
Photos from Peter’s Pinterest page available here.

Featuring The Lancaster Opera House

Before our “historic theaters” series continues, we take a brief few moments to talk to Peter Johnson, the director of a new RLTP opportunity called “The Bridge Program,” which will offer paid internships to young people of color who are looking to learn more about theater. Then we continue our history series featuring a conversation with David Bondrow, artistic and executive director of the beautiful and always busy Lancaster Opera House.
Check out Peter's Lancaster Opera House photo collection here!