OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

Speaking to some of the most fascinating people in Buffalo, both in theater and beyond, Palmisano brings their story to light.

Episodes

September 23, 2025 53 mins

As one of the most recognizable figures in the local theater community, Norm Sham has made his name as a loved comic actor in Shakespeare in Delaware Park, as a musical theater performer at the Kavinoky and MusicalFare, and as an all-around theater practitioner both in front of and behind the curtain. He’s generally pretty private, but after much pursuit, he sat down for a candid conversation about his life.

Mark as Played

Few musicians are as well known around town as Robby Takac from "Goo Goo Dolls.” In the middle of a nationwide tour, and in conjunction with the promotion of their recently released new album, Robby took time out to chat with Peter about his roots in the community, the journey of the “Goos” from co-founding to current live shows, and the upcoming continuation of the wildly successful local festival known at "Music Is Art.” But firs...

Mark as Played

There are certain guests who make the conversation so easy and enjoyable that time simply passes too quickly. This was the case with old friend Greg Stuhr. Having recently appeared on Broadway (and CNN) in the highly acclaimed production of Good Night and Good Luck, this became the starting point for a rousing and revealing chat-fest that begged to be broken into two parts! In this portion, Greg talks knowledgeably and with great c...

Mark as Played
June 3, 2025 49 mins

Keith Elkins’ life defies description, having gone from the depths of family crises to the heights of both higher education instruction and theater performance. Still quite active in his nineties, Keith’s home served as the location for a candid and comprehensive interview with this fascinating man.

Mark as Played

As co-founder and guitarist for the very popular Texas swing band Skiffle Minstrels, Phil Knoerzer has performed as widely as a musician as he has as an actor. But with credentials in the Buffalo theater community going back nearly five decades, he was a prime target for an Off Road interview with his old friend. The resulting chat is as enlightening as it is fun.

Mark as Played

A man of many talents, Gary Earl Ross is a wordsmith with novels, short stories, and plays on his list of accomplishments. After reading one of his crime novels, Peter was anxious to probe the mind of someone who writes about such fascinating characters and detailed action. But first, on this season’s final edition of “Off Book on Off Road,” Michelle Holden once again joins Peter for a lively discussion of RLTP’s beautiful producti...

Mark as Played
April 21, 2025 55 mins

In addition to being one of the funniest and most talented guys on the Buffalo theater scene, Kevin Craig is also one of the busiest. An Artie award winner who is equally comfortable in both Shakespeare’s comedies and serious modern dramas, his work has been seen on almost every stage in town. Now, finally bringing his skills to the Road Less Traveled stage in its current production of Lanford Wilson’s Burn This, Kevin was corralle...

Mark as Played

Lisa Ludwig is arguably the most recognizable face in Buffalo Theater history, having performed in or produced more shows at more venues than virtually anyone. And her wide variety of activities, even those not connected with the stage, assure that her fame is widespread. The fact that she was able to sit down with Peter for a lengthy conversation about her life is not mysterious, however, because she has a self-admitted problem wi...

Mark as Played

After establishing himself as the Buffalo News go-to resource for restaurant and food reviews, Andrew departed this rapidly diminishing traditional media type to continue his work independently. He has dedicated himself to reporting on high quality traditional and culturally diverse kitchens in western New York, with an emphasis on locally sourced suppliers. His weekly emails bring to light the best that Buffalo has to offer, espec...

Mark as Played
March 10, 2025 65 mins

It’s an all Our Lady of 121st Street bonanza! For the first time in a long time, Peter focuses the podcast solely on the production running at the Road Less Traveled theater, as he and three other cast mates discuss their experiences during rehearsal and then the run of this dark comedy. Joining him on this journey are Bobby Cooke, Davida Tolbert, and Daniel Torres for a fascinating look behind the scenes. Then, staging an “Off Boo...

Mark as Played
Stephen Adly Guirgis is the most produced professional playwright at Road Less Traveled, with the current production of Our Lady of 121st Street counting as the fourth and certainly not the last. In between his many writing and acting projects, Stephen was gracious enough to spend a little time with Peter to explain his history, his writing process, and some secrets behind the development of this particular play. When you hear him ...

Mark as Played
February 11, 2025 60 mins

For a long time, the name Eileen Dugan had been a familiar one throughout the Buffalo theater scene. She worked at nearly every professional theater, directed, taught acting, and produced shows for her own company. Though her name may not be as prominent around town as it used to be, she recently found herself with a suddenly busy calendar, and this talented artist took the time to look back on her career and look forward to the fu...

Mark as Played

Highly visible among the BPO faithful, Fernanda Lastra can be seen throughout western New York conducting Music for Youth concerts, Summer Series concerts, and various community engagement performances. Although truly comfortable within the confines of Kleinhans Music Hall, her tenure there ends with the conclusion of this season. Therefore, before her departure, Peter was anxious to spread her story of travel and triumph since her...

Mark as Played
January 13, 2025 58 mins

Though previously he had been honored for his acting and directing throughout the Buffalo theater community, Greg Natale has become increasingly busy in his wood-working shop. What's the story of the self-proclaimed termination of his previous artistic activities? He sat down with Peter to tell how it all began, and why it led to this decision to pursue a different brand of art.

Mark as Played

The words “needs no introduction” apply most particularly to MaryKate O’Connell. Well known and loved throughout the Buffalo theater community, her roots go back to nearly the beginning of its heyday, and her influence will continue for many years to come. In fact, it was her family who helped save the glorious building that has become the Shea’s Buffalo Theater and its two additional performance spaces. Truly, this is a woman whos...

Mark as Played
November 25, 2024 69 mins

Justin Karcher is a welcome visitor in every theater in town because at any one of them he can be inspired to write a poem about the show he sees. And recently, he has tried his hand at play-writing, as well. How this young man came to be known as “Buffalo’s theater poet” is revealed in a fascinating conversation in this episode. But first, Michelle Holden returns to talk with Peter about audience reaction to RLTP’s current show Wi...

Mark as Played
November 12, 2024 69 mins

Though Wendy Hall was quickly accepted as a "Buffalo-gal," she is actually a transplant from the west coast who has adapted to our ways and adopted our area as her own. Prolific in many aspects of onstage performance, she has been seen in musicals, dramas, and comedies throughout the local theater scene. She is an Artie award winning actor who brings her heart and soul to the current production of Witch on the RLTP stage, but first...

Mark as Played
October 29, 2024 65 mins

As one of the most well-known and awarded directors in Buffalo, Fortunato Pezzimenti has a storied career that has greatly influenced the history of this theater community. Arguably a legend of the stage, he is more than deserving of this retrospective on his life and career. But first, Matt and Keith Galantowicz will warm your heart as they tell the amazing story of their decision to create an instant family through the adoptive r...

Mark as Played

When Tom Ralabate danced his way onto the faculty of the State University of New York at Buffalo nearly 50 years ago, little did he or they realize the consequences of his actions. As one of the dominant instructors of dance at that institution, he helped establish the reputation of the Zodiaque Dance Company and the nascent UB department of “Theatre and Dance.”  Now, ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that dance troupe, he...

Mark as Played

The multi talented Curtis Lovell had almost no choice in following career in show business. Being brought up in mother Lorna Hill's creation, Ujima Theatre Co., the exposure to all manner of arts performances made it inevitable. But the sum total of Curtis’ skills cannot be overstated. Acting, directing, composing, singing…CREATING is where you will find Curtis Lovell. But before this incredible interview, Peter sits down with Mich...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    True Crime Tonight

    If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.