As the heyday of community theater continued in Buffalo, John Cimasi discovered a formula for dinner theater that would woo thousands of patrons to his brother’s “Showboat” restaurant at the foot of Hertel Avenue. After some serious remodeling, the venue became the home to hundreds of local actors and theater technicians who were paid for their efforts for the first time! Many later went on to extensive careers elsewhere, some even forming theater companies of their own. Later performing at many restaurants locally and in neighboring states, John’s “Melic and Mime” group became the foundation of Buffalo’s theater future. Here’s his story.
Madeleine George - Playwright of The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence
Darleen Pickering Hummert - Actor, Director, Writer, Casting Agent
Caroline Gilbert - Principal Violist, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Ricky Needham - Actor, The Light Fantastic
Ike Holter - Playwright of The Light Fantastic
Scott Behrend - Artistic Director & Co-Founder / Jon Elston - Co-Founder / Gina Gandolfo - Managing Director
Lara Haberberger - Performer, Director & Co-Founder of Brazen-Faced Varlets
Patrick F. Ryan - Cultural Coordinator of the Richardson-Olmsted Campus
A Tribute to Gerry Maher
Bonus Holiday Episode! Peter & Sabrina Talk Holiday Traditions
Bobby Cooke - Actor, Singer, Dancer, Choreographer, Director, and Educator
Collin Ranney - Costume and Set Designer
Janne Sirén - Director of Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Richard Satterwhite - Actor, Director and Patient Engagement Specialist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Keelie Sheridan - Artistic Director of Irish Classical Theatre Company
Nick Quinn - Light & Sound Designer & Educator
Off Road 100th Episode! Jenn Stafford - Actor / RLTP Murder Ballad Cast Member
Vincent O’Neill - Founder of Irish Classical Theatre, Performer & Educator
Neal Radice - Former Alleyway Theatre Executive Director
Special guest Jim Santella
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