OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

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!

Featuring The Taylor Theater at the Kenan Center

Sharing the expansive acreage of the Kenan Center in Lockport is the intimate 153 seat performance space known as the Taylor Theater. Previously a carriage house for William Rand Kenan’s 1800s Victorian mansion, this theater has been presenting plays and musical performances since 1969. A tour of its beautiful grounds concluded a memory laden interview with pictures available here!
 

Featuring Fredonia Opera House

Just a short drive south on “the 90” will take you to the heart of the southern tier's grape country and the cozy little Village of Fredonia in Chautauqua County. With programming that includes very diverse musical acts as well as the best in motion pictures from the current Hollywood offerings, the Opera House continues provide entertainment for all ages. When you hear the story of its restoration and recovery, you may find it familiar as, once again, a community comes through to save a local historic treasure!
For pictures, visit Peter’s Pinterest page here!

Featuring The Riviera Theatre

Peter starts this year's summer project with one of the most historic WNY theaters, one that has been completely restored and is in almost constant use! The home of the “Mighty Wurlitzer” is the beautiful Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda, and Neil Lange tells the story of its rescue and revival.
Check out Peter's Riviera photo collection on Pinterest here!

Special Guest Saul Elkin

As the architect, energy source, and prime motivator behind some of Buffalo theater’s most recognized institutions and traditions, Dr. Saul Elkin might sometimes be described as a father of the arts. But he is so much more, and his story was finally told, in his own words, when he sat down with Peter for this long-awaited and important interview about his roots, his life, his legacy.

Special Guest Rolando Gomez

Rolando Gomez has quickly established himself as one of the go-to actors for local theater companies, having performed at several of the major venues in town. But the story of his arrival, from Puerto Rico through NYC and finally to Buffalo, is a fascinating look at persistence and talent…and not necessarily in that order!

Special Guests Mike Doben & Rick Lattimer

When new leadership for Buffalo United Artists was announced, much of the Buffalo theater world paused…took notice…then wondered “Who ARE these guys?” Now, Mike Doben and Rick Lattimer go on record to introduce themselves, explain their journey to leadership, and describe their plans for both continuing and enhancing the legacy of BUA.