OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

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.

Special Guest Mike Randall

Mike Randall has informed and entertained us on television for nearly forty years, but he has been on stage as Mark Twain Live for exactly fifty! As the celebration of this anniversary comes closer, he sits down with Peter for a fascinating and fun conversation about how he got here and where is he going.

Special Guest Donna Hoke

What inspires a person to become a playwright? What inspires that person to write specific stories with fascinating characters, and how do those stories evolve and the characters grow? RLTP Ensemble member playwright Donna Hoke explains it all…except the mystery of her prodigious writing talent.

Special guest Tommy Lombardo

After almost 47 years, Ristorante Lombardo is under the loving direction of fourth generation restaurateur Tommy Lombardo, who has big plans for the near and distant future of the beloved Hertel Avenue business, and The Little Club across the street. As construction loomed in the background, Tommy sat down for a look back at his family and his evolving career.

Special guest Yao Kahlil Newkirk

Yao Kahlil Newkirk has to be the busiest guy in Buffalo theatre: recently named the artistic director of the Paul Robeson Theatre, running several non-profits, being an adjunct professor, and completing his PhD should be enough for any one man. But he still found time to sit down and have an amazing and really fun conversation about all of it.