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.
Special guest Joe Grifasi
Special guest Brandye Merriweather
Special guest Robert Askins
Special guest Dan Urtz
Special guest David Lamb
Special guest Jeff Miers
OFF ROAD: A History of Buffalo Theatre: Episode 8: 2001-2020
OFF ROAD: A History of Buffalo Theatre: Episode 7: 1990-1999
OFF ROAD: A History of Buffalo Theatre: Episode 6: 1983-1990
OFF ROAD: A History of Buffalo Theatre: Episode 5: 1978-1983
OFF ROAD: A History of Buffalo Theatre: Episode 4: 1973-1978
OFF ROAD: A History of Buffalo Theatre: Episode 3: 1962-1973
OFF ROAD: A History of Buffalo Theatre: Episode 2: 1908-1959
OFF ROAD: A History of Buffalo Theatre: Episode 1: 1814-1906
OFF ROAD with Peter & special guest John Murphy
OFF ROAD with Peter & special guest Tom Makar
OFF ROAD with Peter and special guests Jennifer O'Neill & George Pittas
OFF ROAD with Peter & special guest David Marciniak
OFF ROAD with Peter & special guest George Caldwell
OFF ROAD with Peter & special guest Dyan Burlingame
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