OFF ROAD with Peter Palmisano - An RLTP Podcast

One of the most recognizable faces, performers, and personalities in the last several decades, Jimmy Janowski remains an icon of Buffalo theater. Known nearly as much for his flamboyance in real life as for his prowess on the stage, he has found welcoming audiences well beyond his adopted home with the ground-breaking company of Buffalo United Artists. A force of talent and enthusiasm, Jimmy set a pace of excitement from beginning ...

Well-known for his myriad roles throughout the WNY area, and equally well-liked, Christian Brandjes tells Peter a story of the pursuit of his dreams, his best-friend-bride, and a broad theatrical career. Encompassing the education of young practitioners, the delight of audiences enjoying his many performances, and the magic of the relatively new art form known as “sound painting,” Chris’s fascinating story makes a...

Nick Stevens is one of the fastest rising young stars on the Buffalo theater scene. Having played significant roles in just about every major theater in the area, Nick landed the coveted role of Lt. Daniel Kaffee in RLTP’s current production of A Few Good Men. How does one take on such an iconic and familiar character whose appearance still seems to dominate just about every late night cable channel? This is just one of the q...

Whenever the name of John Fredo is heard in connection with any production, be it a musical extravaganza or a deeply affecting drama, the knowledgeable audience member is assured that the show will be one of the highest quality. So, it was with great anticipation that Peter welcomed the opportunity to have a friendly chat with the man who will soon be playing an iconic role in RLTP’s A Few Good Men. The conversation ended up ...

It was over a decade ago that Ian Lithgow last performed on the Buffalo stage. The Kavinoky was lucky to have him when he came to town with his wife Rachel, a hometown girl, and performed several roles at that venue. Peter was onstage with him for one of those shows, and was delighted to be able to catch up with his old friend after all this time to find out what is new in his life, and how his acting gigs mesh with his “othe...

If there’s one thing better than sitting down with a talented young actor to do an interview, it’s having two! And that’s exactly what happened when Peter invited two lovely actors from the current RLTP show Ghost Brothers of Darkland County into the recording booth. Anna Fernandez and Leah Berst took turns chatting about their lives, their careers, and their future plans. It’s an episode that should not be ...

Doug Weyand has found himself nearly indispensable to many local theaters! Whether it be as an actor, a director, a choreographer, or a marketing director, his presence all but guarantees quality productions at any venue. As an ensemble member of Road Less Traveled, most of his “performances" have been behind the scenes, and that is brilliantly represented by his work as the director of RLTP’s current production of ...

When Randy Kramer left New York City to return to his home town, he couldn’t possibly have known that he would some day be the Executive Artistic Director of a theatrical company in residence at one of the most treasured venues in Buffalo: Shea’s 710 Theatre. Although his performance interests began with studying to be a professional pianist, he developed a love for musical theater and a skill set that resulted in marke...

Whether she’s designing and wearing ingenious make-up looks, standing front and center in her classroom, or gracing the stage of RLTP (and so many others), Diane DiBernardo is someone worth knowing, talking to, and hanging out with! In her current onstage persona, she starts off the play Exit Strategy with a bang…and the show flies even higher from there. She’s so busy that Peter felt lucky to persuade her to sit...

When you attend a show at RLTP, and you finally leave the bar area (with your pre-show cocktail) and walk into the theater proper, you will likely be greeted by a feast for the senses. Not just a beautiful set and lighting, but a soundscape designed and developed by their resident audio expert, Katie Menke. This delightful lady is usually hidden from sight, shying from the spotlight and working her magic long before the curtain ris...

The Revolution Gallery Lounge became a critical element of the arts scene in North Buffalo nearly ten years ago. Since then, it has doubled in size and hosted art shows, concerts, “event” nights, while welcoming fans and newcomers who were just plain curious. With their focus on surreal and figurative art, Maria and Craig LaRotonda practically created a new experience by combining three of the finer things in life: artw...

In Western NY, there is never a shortage of talented artists, and Pamela Rose Mangus is a triple threat, at least! While conquering the local music scene with several awards for best country music vocalist, she also became a well-known actor and musical performer on local theatrical stages. Combine this with her ever present influence at O’Connell & Co. and she has become one of the most versatile, popular, and in-demand ...

He’s BA-ACK! Greg Stuhr couldn’t quite get everything...all of his love for Western New York and its theater scene, all of his theatrical credits, all the names of those who helped him along the way…into one podcast. Well, frankly, the truth is that Peter couldn’t bear to edit out so much good stuff! So it became a two parter. The first part is still available, having been released back in June of last year...

Behind the scenes at RLTP, there are always those who work in relative obscurity; it takes a village to produce every show! This week, our focus is on Production Coordinator Hasheen DeBerry, an unsung hero without whom no show ever reaches the audience. He tells the story of how he came to fill this all important role and talks about hopes for an expanded role in the future. But preceding him, David Hayes, one of the most popular a...

It’s “Newcomer November” here on Off Road, and to fulfill that promise, we start off with recent Niagara University graduate, Lauren Farrow. Currently playing the role of Theresa in RLTP’s ongoing show Mr. Wolf, this delightful young lady tells the story of how she arrived at this, her first professional show. Not to be outdone, she is followed by an equally fun and revealing interview with an equally import...

Ever since his semi-surprise exit from the political front, and his totally surprise appointment as President and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Brian Higgins has continued his tradition of making a difference in the Buffalo and WNY community. Now, however, his vision extends to the world of live theater, an area that was heretofore beyond his immediate influence. With big plans for both Shea’s PAC and the entire...