Shea's Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party

Alright Party People, We’ve got an exciting new episode of Cast Party for you and there’s no day but today to tune in! This week, we’re joined by the one and only Ally Hasselback, local stage manager and production stage manager, who’s gearing up for Starring Buffalo’s RENT in Concert at Shea’s Buffalo this Saturday, May 9th! Check out the link in our bio to learn more about how to get tickets. Join us as we dive into what makes Starring Buffalo such a unique theatrical experience, what to consider when looking into graduate school, and what it really means to be a professional stage manager! Everyone to your places!

S2, Episode 8: Behind the Camera with Casting Buffalo & Lemur StudiosLights, Camera, Cast Party! This week, the crew takes their first-ever field trip and dives into the world of on-camera acting with Peter Johnson and Harry Lipsitz of Casting Buffalo LLC, plus Jordan Lema of Lemur Studios! From acting for the camera to breaking into the Buffalo film community, the Actor’s Expo, Casting Buffalo's own podcasting, Podcasting Buffalo, and what it really takes to book your first gig — we’re talking all things film. Plus, get the inside scoop from Jordan on Buffalo’s own 48-Hour Film Project and what makes it such a can’t-miss event.There's no business like show business, and we're ready to talk shop.

Step right up! This week on Cast Party, the gang runs away to the circus with two incredible guests from Water for Elephants: Connor Sullivan (August) and Tyler West (Walter). Go behind the curtain to hear what to expect from the show — including its phenomenal score by Pigpen Theatre Co. — what life on the road is really like, and the surprisingly important question: just how many puppets are there… and more importantly, how many of them have names? There’s still plenty of time to dive into Water for Elephants, the beloved novel that inspired this gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical! Join the ride!

This week on Cast Party, the curtain is up on the brand-new Five Star Bank 2026–2027 Broadway Series, and we are ready to debrief, discuss, and dance! Join the gang as we break down the full lineup from Death Becomes Her to Operation Mincemeat sharing what each show is about and what you can expect this coming season. Plus, hear about our experience being part of this year’s live Season Announcement event! We’ve got some serious theatre shop talk coming your way… because the hills are alive with the sound of a great new lineup!

This week on Cast Party, we’re heading out on a Grand Adventure with Emily Koch, who’s taking the Shea’s Buffalo stage as Aunt Debra in Kimberly Akimbo!The next stop in our Five Star Bank 2025–2026 Season, Kimberly Akimbo runs March 17th–22nd, and we’re getting the inside scoop. Hear all about who Aunt Debra is in Kimberly’s wonderfully chaotic world, what life on tour is like (especially when your fiancé is in the cast!), and why this heartwarming, adventure-filled musical stole our hearts. Oh — and did we mention it won 5 Tony Awards, including Best Musical? Tune in as we spill the tea on this unforgettable Broadway hit!

This week on Cast Party, we’re stepping onto the runway and diving into Buffalo Fashion Runway’s Black Carpet III with one of the event’s visionaries, Chad Williams! Hear firsthand about this bold, one-of-a-kind cultural experience taking over Shea’s Buffalo on Saturday, February 28th — including what to expect, what to wear, and who’s bringing the style. Plus, Chad shares the origin of Black Carpet, his creative journey, and his fashion line Doo-Process. We’re ready to see Buffalo’s best designers, models, and artists light up the stage!

This week on Cast Party, we’re welcoming our friends from MusicalFare to the party to dish on the delightfully devious musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, coming to Shea’s 710 from February 19th–March 8th! We’re chatting with Marc Sacco, who takes on not one but eight characters, and Kari Drozd, costume designer extraordinaire, tasked with costuming all eight of them (no big deal!) Hear what makes Gentleman’s Guide such a wildly fun night at the theatre, how actors and costume designers collaborate to build unforgettable characters, and why the D’Ysquith family is not to be trusted. A friendly "warning to the audience": we’ve got the first-hand scoop."

This week on Cast Party, we’re sitting down with David P. Eve — and yes, the “P” stands for Positively Amazing. We’ve got Mamma Mia's very own Eddie, which is now playing as part of 2nd Generation's Season and the Shea’s 710 Theatre’s Frey Electric Season. David shares his origin story into the world of acting, what it’s like being part of such a joy-filled production like Mamma Mia!, what it takes to be a brand ambassador, and more. Honey, honey… how we love this interview!

This week on Cast Party, presented by Shea’s Performing Arts Center, it’s a new year and we’re kicking off Season 2! We’re setting our New Year’s resolutions and getting ready for the Party of the Century at Shea’s Buffalo on January 16th, celebrating 100 Years of Shea’s. New season. New year. A century of wonder — and we're just getting started. For 100 years old, we're feeling pretty good.

The party continues in 2026 with season 2 of the Cast Party Podcast.

This week on Cast Party, we’re closing out the year and Season 1 with a very special guest — the one and only Vinny Murphy! Who you might recognize his name from the many shout-outs we’ve been giving him since our second episode of Cast Party. Join us as we chat with Vinny about being a local performer, the life of an understudy, and some seriously underrated musicals you’ll want to add to your must-see list. As we head into the new year, we’ve got one resolution on our minds: see more theatre with Vinny. Tune in for a heartfelt, fun, and fitting finale! And stay tuned for Season 2 in 2026!

This week on Cast Party, we’re getting into the Holiday Spirit by welcoming back our very first Behind the Curtain guest, Rachael Fedor! She joins us to help roll out the red carpet for the Company of Cirque du Soleil as they tumble into the 716 for performances of ’Twas the Night Before running December 18th–28th. Plus — a Cast Party first — the gang delivers a special dramatic holiday reading of a poem that might sound a little familiar. So grab your Tom and Jerrys, light the fire, and get cozy — we’ve got a festive episode you won’t want to miss!

This week on Cast Party, we’re getting into the Holiday Spirit with a magical interview featuring local artist — and featured soloist in our upcoming production of The Nutcracker — Adrien Malof! Join us as Adrien shares her cherished memories of growing up with Neglia Ballet Company, her journey as an artist, and her many holiday adventures performing at Shea’s. We can’t wait to see her twirl back onto our stage this season! Don’t miss The Nutcracker, co-produced by Neglia Ballet, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Shea’s, running December 5th–7th.

This week on Cast Party, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible volunteers who keep Shea’s Buffalo thriving! We’re sitting down with our very own Young Professional, Kacy Carbone, to chat about the exciting projects the YPs have brewing—including the brand-new Centennial Calendar, on sale now! Kacy shares her journey as an artist and teaching artist, gives us an inside look at the Young Professionals program, and even treats the gang to her favorite vocal warm-up. We’re feeling warmed up and ready—don’t miss this all-new episode!

This week on Shea's Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party, we’re seeing green and pink because it’s officially Wicked time!Join us as we gush over our favorite memories of seeing Wicked, share our wild journeys across Western New York in pursuit of the coveted Wicked merch, and put Kenny and Julianna to the test with Official Wicked Trivia!We’re dancing through life and straight into Wicked at Shea’s Buffalo — flying in November 12th through 30th!

This week on Cast Party, we’re getting into the Halloween spirit — by talking to some spirits!Join us as we sit down with Chelsea Gill — local medium, history buff, paranormal investigator, and newest friend of the pod — for a hauntingly good chat about her walk through Shea’s and what (or who) she might have encountered roaming the halls.Hear about Chelsea’s clairvoyant journey, her time exploring Shea’s, and her advice on what to do if you ever have your own paranormal experience.Nothing says Spooky Season like hanging out with Buffalo’s best ghost whisperer — tune in… if you dare.

This week on Cast Party, we’re gearing up for a singular sensation of an event at Shea’s — the 43North Finals! Hear firsthand from Colleen Heidinger, President of 43North, and Tiffani Dickinson, Art Director, as they share what it takes to run Buffalo’s ultimate startup showdown — happening Thursday, October 16th at 6 PM at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. For the 11th consecutive year, founders from around the world will step into the spotlight to pitch for a chance at a $1 million investment and the opportunity to grow right here in the 716. Tune in for insider stories, startup secrets, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of Buffalo’s biggest nights — where Broadway meets business, and the spotlight’s on the entrepreneurs!

This week on Cast Party, we’re rolling out the red carpet for Shea’s Buffalo’s very own Albert Nocciolino — Tony Award-winning producer, President & CEO of NAC Entertainment, and of course, our Broadway Season Partner! Albert takes us behind the curtain to share what it really takes to put together a Shea’s Five Star Bank Broadway Season, his very first experiences with Shea’s Buffalo, plus tips and advice for aspiring producers. And of course, you’ll hear plenty of behind-the-scenes scoops and stories only Albert can tell. Tune in for a masterclass in Broadway magic, straight from one of the best in the biz.

Alright, Party People — we’ve got a special mini-sode for you! This week we’re celebrating Shea’s 710 and Ansari Saxon’s spectacular production of Dreamgirls! Hear the gang’s first reactions to the show, the cast, and the dazzling new Shea’s 710 Cabaret Space. It’s bold, it’s fresh, and it’s got us dreaming big. Tune in now — this is one you don't want to miss!

We’ve got Great Expectations for this week’s episode of Cast Party! September is packed with excitement on the Shea’s Campus, and we’re covering it all — from the brand-new Shea’s 710 renovations, to the opening of Dreamgirls, to the Shea’s Wonder Awards adjudication applications, which are now live. Plus, the gang dives into all things The Outsiders, rolling into Shea’s Buffalo September 17–23. Whether you’re here for the musicals, the makeovers, or the must-know theatre scoop, we’ve got you covered. So grab your Sheabill, mark your calendar, and get ready to get your theatre on! #CastPartyPodcast #SheasPAC #BuffaloTheatre #DreamgirlsMusical #TheOutsiders #Sheas710 #WonderAwards

On this week’s episode of Shea’s Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party, the crew flips the script and practices their interviewing skills — by interviewing each other with questions straight from the Shea’s staff! Tune in to hear about the group’s very first Shea’s experiences, Ken’s unforgettable Shea’s proposal story, and even the scoop on horror musicals. And because no Cast Party is complete without caffeine, the gang spills the tea on their coffee routines — from Corkcicles to pour-overs to the start of a brand-new 4th Floor Rivalry. We like our podcasts the way we like our coffee: fresh, rich, and just a little unconventional. Tune in now!

This week on Shea’s Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party, the gang’s got that back-to-season buzz! We’re talking all the exciting events on the horizon — from TDA’s Curtain Up! on September 19th to The Outsiders teching and previewing their tour, and so much more. Plus, we’re getting our reading list together to gear up for all the incredible programming hitting the mainstage this season — and spilling the tea on the best spots along Main Street for a pre- or post-show cocktail or mocktail. Whether we’re catching up, making plans, or perfecting our theatre small talk, this episode is your front-row ticket to the season ahead. So grab your calendar, your drink of choice, and let’s kick things off in style!

This week on Cast Party, the crew pops over to our next-door neighbors at Electric City Buffalo to pull back the curtain with Production Manager extraordinaire Chris Bratek! From tech and hospitality riders to building full-scale airplanes (yes, really), Chris shares all the backstage lore. Whether it's musicals, rock shows, or total production pivots, he’s seen it all—and lived to tell the tale. Tune in to hear what it takes to run the show when the spotlight's not on you—and why tech teams are some serious MVPs of live performance.

This week on Cast Party, the crew pulls back the curtain on the dynamic duo behind Dreamgirls: The Musical at Shea’s 710 — Naila Ansari and Karen Saxon!They’re artists, creatives, educators, and co-founders of Ansari Saxon Productions, and we’re just scratching the surface. From their origin stories to all the tea on the powerhouse team of artists bringing Dreamgirls to life this fall, this episode has it all. Tune in, get inspired, and start dreaming about those seats for Shea’s 710 season opener!

This week, the Cast Party crew rolls out the red carpet for a Shea’s legend—Group Sales Manager Mary Oshei! With 18 years of theatre stories under her belt at Shea's alone, Mary shares the highs, the laughs, and the lessons (like why you definitely shouldn’t dance in a box suite). From behind-the-scenes tales to her deep love for The Scarlet Pimpernel, it's a theatrical deep dive into the world of group sales and musical obsessions. Grab your sheabills and get your group together —Mary Oshei is a scene stealer!

Great Scott! This week on Cast Party, Ken, Julianna, and Rita relive all the glam from the Shea’s Gala and share their hot takes on the 2025 Tony Awards—performances, winners, surprises, and some Glee chatter included. Then, it’s game time as Rita challenges the crew to “Broadway, But Make It Time Travel,” where they re-imagine iconic musicals with a twist of timeline chaos. Who knew Les Mis needed a DeLorean? Let the Chaotic Creativity Commence!

It’s a night out on the town! In this episode of Cast Party, Julianna, Ken, and Rita recap their evening on Main Street—from dinner and drinks to catching Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations at Shea’s. Plus, they share some exciting updates from across the Shea’s campus you won’t want to miss. And if that’s not enough, Rita puts the crew to the test in a round of “Motown HR.” Can they channel their inner Berry Gordy and keep their musical acts in line? Tune in and find out!

The Cast Party crew is growing! For the first time ever, Ken, Julianna, and Rita welcome a guest to the party—Shea’s receptionist, local theatre artist, and photographer Rachael Buchanan. Together, they chat about audition stories, dream roles, and so much more. Plus, they spill the beans (literally) on Shea’s Centennial Coffee blend, created in collaboration with Tipico Coffee. It’s equal parts heart, hustle, and caffeine—just how we like it!

It’s Broadway’s biggest night (well, almost), and the Cast Party crew is ready to react! This week, Ken reads off the freshly announced 2025 Tony Award nominations while Julianna and Rita react and guess through some of the major categories. From surprise snubs to standing ovations, it’s a chaotic, laugh-filled rundown of the nominees you won’t want to miss. Who nails the prediction, who gets hilariously humbled and who’s already planning their watch party outfit?? Press play and find out!

We got you, babe! In this glitzy new episode of Cast Party, Julianna, Ken, and Rita kick things off by finally revealing their official job titles at Shea’s—with a little help from a hilarious ice breaker. Then, it’s time to turn back time in a game of “If I Could Cher Back Time,” where Rita challenges the crew to place iconic Cher moments into the correct era: Babe, Lady, or Star. It’s all leading up to The Cher Show, strutting onto the Shea’s Buffalo stage May 2–4, as a special engagement sponsored by Gallagher. So put on your best rhinestones and press play!

Omigod, you guys—it’s time to talk Legally Blonde! In this episode of Cast Party, Ken, Julianna, and Rita spill the tea on the exciting renovations happening at Shea’s 710 Theatre, taking you from dreamy renderings to real-life construction with some jokes in between. Then it’s game time as Rita quizzes the crew with “Bend and Snap or Cap,” putting their Legally Blonde: The Musical knowledge to the test with True (Bend & Snap) and Cap (False) statements about the show. With MusicalFare’s production hitting the 710 stage May 1–18, it’s the perfect pre-show party!

Be our guest, be our guest, put our podcast to the test! In the premiere episode of Shea’s Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party, hosts Julianna, Ken, and Rita share their chaotic origin story of how Cast Party was born— here’s a hint: it involves a printer, some sass, and a lot of theatre banter. The gang also dives into Shea’s newly announced Five Star Bank 2025-26 Broadway season, with Ken, resident theatre newbie, guessing show titles based on blurbs. From Wicked to The Outsiders, there’s something for everyone—plus laughs, fun facts, and our first ever theatre term of the week!

Are you ready to join the party?