The Play’s the Thing!

Shea’s Performing Arts Center, The Irish Classical Theatre Company and Studio Arena are just a sampling of theatre venues that are showcasing exciting shows this Winter.

December 19, 2007 - Shea’s Performing Arts Center will continue its 2007-2008 Broadway Season with the Tony-Award winning “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” running January 15-20. This new musical comedy follows the tale of six adolescents and the lessons they must learn in winning and losing-- lessons that the grown-ups involved must also learn. This show also allows audience members (strictly voluntary) to join in the fun as on-stage spellers! The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is unlike any other show that you have ever seen! For more information and tickets, please visit www.sheas.org or call 716-847-1410.

Studio Arena Theatre will bring to life Harper Lee’s classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” on January 29th. Running through the end of February, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a compelling story that spans generations. Featuring the largest cast that Studio Arena has seen in years, the story gets to the root of American integrity and raises questions about racism and prejudice, all told through the eyes of Scout, a young girl whose prominent lawyer-father Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson, a black man in Alabama accused of a crime that he didn’t commit. This classic American story is a must-see. For more information, please visit www.studioarena.org or call 716-856-5650.

For a different theatre experience, visit The Irish Classical Theatre Company, a unique venue in Downtown Buffalo’s Theatre District that allows maximum audience exposure during performances. With only three rows of seats “in-the-round,” you’ll never be more than 20 feet from the stage. Specializing in dramatic literature brought to the stage, the Irish Classical Theatre Company provides a one-of-a-kind experience.

Beginning January 11th and running through February 10th, Carlo Goldoni’s “The Servant of Two Masters” will take stage. Translated and adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and Paolo Emilio Landi, this is the story of the wacky Commedia characters — including the madcap servant Truffaldino who juggles masters, mistresses, lovers, lawyers and plates of meatballs! Described as a “Jim Carrey or Steve Martin comedy written by Monty Python and performed by Chaplin or Jerry Lewis,” this hit is filled with gags, wisecracks, ad-libs and audience participation. Don’t miss this wild and unruly classic! For more information or for tickets, call (716) 853-ICTC or visit www.irishclassicaltheatre.com