If you like the expression "Winter is coming" then you'll want to know that in Shakespeare in Delaware Park's THE WINTER'S TALE (now through July 17) there are at least two deaths, although both off stage. Death by grief and death by bear. So come celebrate 41 seasons of free Shakespeare with a very clear, understandable performance of Shakespeare's penultimate play. Is it a tragedy? Well, yes in the first act, with a jealous king who rivals Othello. Is it a comedy? Indeed, the second act has all of the jokes. Is it a romance? Ah, yes, young love will (almost) always prevail. And, like THE TEMPEST, is it a fantasy? Yes, there is at least one miracle at the end. And LOOKING, a comedy by Canadian Norm Foster, shows the foibles of middle aged folks getting back into the dating scene and getting bad advice. Also, be titillated but not put off by the title of a very moving play IN THE NEXT ROOM (OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY) currently at the Bratton Theatre on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution.
OPENING
EVITA, a musical by Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber, directed by Randall Kramer, starring Michele Marie Roberts, John Fredo, Marc Sacco, Paschal Frisina III, Arianne Davidow, Victoria Perez, Jeffrey Coyle, Alejandro Gomez, Taylor Carlson, Jon Yepez, Matthew Iwanski, Emily Yancey, Jake Hayes, Thomas Evans. July 6-August 7, Wednesday & Thursday at 7, Fri at 8, Sat at 4 & 8, Sun at 2. MusicalFare Theatre, 4380 Main St., Amherst (839-8540). www.musicalfare.com
IN THE NEXT ROOM (OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY), a play by Sarah Ruhl presented by Chautauqua Theater Company, directed by Larissa Kokernot. July 1-10. Bratton Theater, Chautauqua Institution (357-6250).
ONGOING
THE WINTER’S TALE, a comedy by William Shakespeare presented by Shakespeare in Delaware Park, directed by Saul Elkin, starring Matt Witten, Jen Stafford, Lisa Vitrano, Tom Loughlin, Marissa Biondolillo, Nick Stevens, Jordan Levin, Steve Braddock, Patrick Moltane, Adam Yellen, and Jordan Louis Fischer. Through July 17, Tuesday-Sunday at 7:30. Shakespeare Hill in Delaware Park (856-4533). www.shakespeareindelawarepark.org
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
LOOKING, a comedy by Norm Foster presented by Desiderio’s Dinner Theatre, directed by Jay Desiderio, starring Don Gervasi, Marc-Jon Filippone, Lisa Hinca, Tammy Reger. Through Aug 28. Bobby J’s Italian American Grille, 204 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga (395-3207). www.mybobbyjs.com
UPCOMING
IT’S ONLY A PLAY, a comedy by Terrence McNally presented by Buffalo United Artists, directed by Drew McCabe, starring Anthony Alcocer, Anthony Chase, Adam Hayes, Jimmy Janowski, Lisa Ludwig, Mary Kate O’Connell, Michael Seitz. July 23-Aug 14, Sat at 8, Sun at 7. Alleyway Theatre, One Curtain Up Alley (886-9239). www.buffalobua.org
THE PROFANE, a play By Zayd Dohrn presented by Chautauqua Theater Company, directed by Vivienne Benesch. July 22-31. Bratton Theater, Chautauqua Institution (357-6250).
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, a comedy by William Shakespeare presented by Shakespeare in Delaware Park, directed by Steve Vaughan, starring Bonnie Jean Taylor, Chris Hatch, Zev Steinberg, Marissa Puzutto, Norm Sham, Adam Yellen, Marc Ruffino, David Lundy, Rolando Gomez. July 28 – August 21 Tue-Sun at 7:30. Shakespeare Hill in Delaware Park (856-4533). www.shakespeareindelawarepark.org
