WNY Soundstage - podcast cover

WNY Soundstage

Buffalo Risingwww.buffalorising.com
Explores WNY's creative economy through a series of conversations with artists, musicians, producers, directors, and authors from WNY and beyond. Join host, Daniel Lendzian, as he pulls back the curtain and gives listeners a behind the scenes look at current trends in the arts industry. What started during the pandemic as a series of free virtual concerts while stages were mostly dark, has turned into an in-depth reflection on current trends in the creative economy. Western NY's arts and cultural organizations generate more than $352.1 million in total economic activity throughout our region. Through this series we look at where the industry is heading with an evolving definition of art in all its forms, as well as feature the best our region has to offer across all artistic genres. In addition to this podcast, local event guides are posted monthly on BuffaloRising.com.   Hosted By Daniel Lendzian | a working artist, author, and educator. He has mentored thousands of students across the U.S. in classical and contemporary theatre techniques, as well as performed in hundreds of individual shows on international, national, and regional stages. Currently, he is a lecturer in SUNY Fredonia Department of Theatre and Dance as well as host of Buffalo Rising's WNY Soundstage podcast. Dan also writes micro-fiction and has devised dozens of original works of theatre. He is a certified Pilates Instructor and completed his Masters of Fine Arts at The University of Texas at Austin.
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Episodes

Celebrating 50 Years of Shakespeare in Delaware Park: Conversation with Lisa Ludwig on legacy, laughs, and logistical magic

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Lisa Ludwig, Executive Director of Shakespeare in Delaware Park. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Shakespeare in Delaware Park is a beloved summer tradition in Buffalo’s Olmsted‑designed Delaware Park, offering free, professional Shakespeare performances under the stars on the iconic “Shakespeare Hill” near Hoyt Lake and the Rose Garden. Founded in 1976 by Saul Elkin, it has grown into the second-oldest and one of the largest o...

Jun 18, 202533 min

Theatre That Bites Back: Keelie Sheridan on Directing ‘Crocodile Fever’ at ICTC

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Keelie Sheridan, artistic director of Irish Classical Theatre Company and director of Crocodile Fever. Set in Northern Ireland in 1989, Crocodile Fever, a surreal black comedy, follows two estranged sisters who reunite after their father’s supposed death—only to discover he’s still alive, igniting a wild, blood-soaked reckoning. Fueled by gin, 80s anthems, and a chainsaw, this fierce and unhinged story of sisterhood rages agains...

Jun 11, 202532 min

Artpark at 50: Dave Wedekindt on Music, Marketing & the Future

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Dave Wedekindt, President of Artpark. Artpark is a renowned cultural venue located on the scenic Niagara River Gorge in Western New York, offering a unique blend of art, nature, and community. Established in 1974, it hosts a variety of performances, festivals, and events that attract global talent and diverse audiences. Dave Wedekindt joined Artpark in 2018 as Director of Marketing & Sales, bringing expertise in performing a...

Jun 03, 202530 min

Kishi Bashi: Orchestrating the End of the World (and Other Joyful Acts)

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kishi Bashi about his upcoming performance at Babeville Buffalo, Asbury Hall on May 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available here. Kishi Bashi is the stage name of Kaoru Ishibashi, a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer known for his innovative blend of indie pop, classical, and experimental music. In 2024 he released Kantos, a party album about the possible end of humanity as we know it, at turns deeply [...]

May 09, 202510 min

Three-time GRAMMY®-nominated artist Ryan Shaw on Channeling R&B Classics—and Creating New Ones

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Ryan Shaw, vocalist of Ryan Shaw: Masters of R&B, presented by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 7:30 PM. Ryan Shaw is a three-time GRAMMY®-nominated artist whose dynamic career spans Broadway, television, film, and concert stages around the world. He has performed with legends like Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, and B.B. King, starred on Broadway in Motown: The Musical, and appeared at legendary venu...

Apr 22, 202525 min

Creating Characters and Solving Crimes: A Conversation with Playwright Heidi Armbruster

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Heidi Armbruster, actor and playwright of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Heidi Armbruster is a New York-based theater artist committed to creating new work and reimagining classical literature. Her plays—including Mrs. Christie, Dairyland, Scarecrow, and Murder Girl—have been developed and produced at theaters such as Theatreworks, Dorset Theatre Festival, Chautauqua Theater Festival, and Forward Theatre Company. She was commissio...

Apr 20, 202528 min

Composing Courage: A Conversation with Composer Paul Moravec and Guest Conductor Dr. Malcolm J. Merriweather on Sanctuary Road and The Montgomery Variations at the BPO

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with composer Paul Moravec and guest conductor Dr. Malcolm J. Merriweather about Sanctuary Road, presented by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall on March 29 at 7:30 PM and March 30 at 2:30 PM. Sanctuary Road is an oratorio composed by Paul Moravec with librettist Mark Campbell. It draws inspiration from the powerful accounts of abolitionist William Still to honor the courage of those who fought for freedom [.....

Mar 13, 202540 min

Making the Case for the Arts: Jen Swan-Kilpatrick on ASI’s Mission & the Importance of Community Support

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jen Swan-Kilpatrick, Executive Director of Arts Service Inc., about Lawyers for the Arts. ASI is a vital resource for Buffalo’s artists and arts organizations, offering grants, calls for work, fiscal sponsorship services, health insurance access, professional development, and their Arts and Economic Prosperity Report. Presented by ASI, Lawyers for the Arts is a charity concert featuring legal professionals showing off their musi...

Mar 03, 202519 min

Conversation with Erica Murray, playwright of ‘The Loved Ones’ at ICTC

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Erica Murray, playwright of The Loved Ones. Set in a secluded farmhouse in West Clare, The Loved Ones centers on Nell and her daughter-in-law, Orla, who gather to scatter the ashes of Nell’s son, Robin. What begins as a solemn weekend of remembrance quickly takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Cheryl-Ann, an American tourist seeking solace in the Irish countryside. The situation becomes more complicated when Gabby, [...]...

Feb 21, 202520 min

Zodiaque Dance Company Celebrates 50 Years, Conversation with co-directors, Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver, co-directors of the Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Spring Program at UB Center for the Arts. Zodiaque Dance Company, UB’s premier pre-professional dance company, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a dynamic concert at UBCFA this spring. The program will showcase a diverse range of dance styles, featuring original and re-staged works by UB faculty, alumni, guest artists, and current st...

Feb 18, 202527 min

Playwright Karissa Murrell Myers on the thrill of long-from storytelling and the power of image in live theatre

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Karissa Murrell Myers, artistic director of Bramble Theater, actor, director, playwright of Black Bear Island at Alleyway Theatre. Karissa Murrell Myers is an award-winning Filipino American theatre artist based in Chicago. Her work in acting, playwriting, and advocacy for diversity has been recognized in American Theatre Magazine, and her plays have been produced at numerous prestigious theatres, including Goodman Theatre, The ...

Feb 11, 202519 min

Gabriella McKinley, Director, 2nd Gen’s ‘The Niceties’ on the Power of Empathy and Theatre’s Role in Meaningful Conversations

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Gabriella Jean McKinley, director of Second Generation Theatre Company’s production of The Niceties. Gabriella Jean McKinley holds a B.A in Theater Arts from Buffalo State University. She recently won her first Artie Award for her role in The Color Purple as Celie produced by Ujima Co. Inc, Shea’s 710, Second Generation Theatre. Gabriella has appeared in several professional productions across WNY, including Toni Stone (Toni Sto...

Feb 03, 202523 min

Kevin Zak, playwright of ‘A Kidman Carol: A Gay Dementia on Australian Dames’ at Alleyway Theatre

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kevin Zak, playwright of A Kidman Carol: A Gay Dementia on Australian Dames at Alleyway Theatre. Kevin Zak is a Queerty-nominated comedian, writer, and Lucille Lortel-nominated actor known for his work in television and theater. Currently, he is on the writing team of the Broadway musical Death Becomes Her. Kevin’s current theatrical works include Ginger Twinsies: A Parent Trap Parody of Lohan Proportions, and A Kidman Carol: A ...

Dec 11, 202434 min

Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A Deep Dive into jazz and Gershwin’s Legacy with Maestro Byron Stripling

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Byron Stripling, guest conductor of Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A Gershwin Celebration, presented by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 PM. Byron Stripling is the artistic director and conductor of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. He debuted at Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops and has performed with major orchestras, including the Boston Pops and National Symphony. Featured at the Ho...

Nov 08, 202425 min

The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul: A Deep Dive with the Creator, Christie Baugher

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Christie Baugher, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics for The Fitzgeralds of St Paul. Christie Baugher is a Los Angeles-based writer whose musicals include The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul, and Leni Riefenstahl Is Going To Tell You The Truth. Her work has been produced at iconic venues like Joe’s Pub and 54 Below, and she received the American Theatre Wing’s 2022 Jonathan Larson Grant. A graduate of NYU’s [...]

Nov 04, 202433 min

Debbie Gibson Talks Electric Youth, Broadway, and Her Upcoming Buffalo Tour Stop

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Debbie Gibson. Debbie Gibson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She rose to fame in the 1980s as a teen pop idol, known for her catchy melodies and energetic performances. With hits like ‘Electric Youth‘ and ‘Foolish Beat,’ Gibson became a cultural icon and continues to inspire fans around the world. She has appeared on Broadway, London’s West End, and has made numerous television appearances. In [....

Oct 07, 202423 min

Broadway’s Mandy Gonzalez to Perform with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Mandy Gonzalez. Her incredible Broadway career includes leading roles in Aida, Wicked, Hamilton, Sunset BLVD, and originating the role of Nina in In The Heights. She will perform Mandy Gonzalez: Broadway Today with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, September 21, at 7:30 PM at Kleinhan’s Music Hall. Tickets are available here. Prior to her performance, The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra proudly continues their partn...

Sep 16, 202422 min

Keelie Sheridan, Artistic Director of Irish Classical Theater Company, Makes Her Official Buffalo Debut

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Keelie Sheridan, artistic director of Irish Classical Theatre Company. The Irish Classical Theatre Company (ICTC) in Buffalo, NY, is a professional theatre company dedicated to presenting the finest works of dramatic literature, with a special emphasis on Irish writers. It produces outstanding, affordable theatre that nurtures the Western New York community’s appreciation for the performing arts, fosters a sense of connection, a...

Sep 12, 202435 min

Aurora Real de Asua talks about her play ‘WIPEOUT’ on stage at Alleyway Theatre

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Aurora Real de Asua, actor, filmmaker, and playwright of WIPEOUT at Alleyway Theatre. In addition to WIPEOUT, Aurora Real de Asua’s work has been developed at Manhattan Theater Club, Williamstown Theatre Festival, the New Harmony Project, and the Old Globe. Her short film Heartsong debuted on Short of the Week and screened at various festivals. It is available to stream on Short of the Week’s Youtube channel and Mitú.tv. [...]

Sep 09, 202419 min

Conversation with Kimberley Rampersad, Associate Artistic Director, Shaw Festival Theatre

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kimberley Rampersad, associate artistic director of Shaw Festival Theatre, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in Ontario, Canada. Set against the backdrop of charming Victorian architecture and scenic vineyards, Shaw Festival Theatre, was named for George Bernard Shaw, an influential Irish playwright and critic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his wit, social commentary, and prolific body of work that challenged societa...

Jul 29, 202431 min

Singer-Songwriter Jason Mraz on the inspiration behind his tour, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, “…enjoy the ride and be as expressive as you can or as you want to be.”

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jason Mraz Jason Mraz is a singer-songwriter known for his upbeat, folk-pop sound and lyrical wordplay. He gained widespread recognition with his hit single “I’m Yours” which showcased his distinctive voice and laid-back style. Over his career, Mraz has received numerous awards and continues to inspire fans with his positive, feel-good music. His most recent album Magical Mystical Radical Rhythmical Ride is a return to pop music...

Jul 10, 202420 min

Puppet Horror Rocks Buffalo Iron Works with Original Musical. Interview with Josh Gross, Puppeteers for Fears

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Josh Gross, artistic director of Puppeteers for Fears. Puppeteers for Fears is an Oregon-based comedy troupe, specializing in original horror and science fiction rock’n’roll musicals performed with puppets. Their production of Cthulhu: the Musical!, will come to Buffalo for a performance on June 24 at Buffalo Iron Works as part of the company’s 2024 summer tour. Far from the lo-fi puppet show stereotype, the production features ...

Jun 10, 202434 min

Broadway Meets Buffalo: “Unsinkable” Songs in Starring Buffalo’s “Titanic”. Conversation with Music Director Dr. Alison d’Amato, and actors Diane Phelan and Jonathan Young

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with music director Dr. Alison d’Amato, and actors Diane Phelan and Jonathan Young about Starring Buffalo’s production of Titanic at Shea’s 710 Theatre for three performances, May 31 (7:30PM), June 1 (2:00PM & 7:30PM). Starring Buffalo was founded in December 2017 to connect, entertain, teach, and thrill, and above all, to provide top-quality musical theater. The company was inspired by NYC’s City Center Encores! series, which of...

May 20, 202450 min

Sarah Norat-Phillips’ farewell season, Ujima Theatre’s enduring 45 year legacy, and the broader rediscovery of playwright Alice Childress

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Sarah Norat-Phillips, outgoing interim Artistic Director of Ujima Company. Sarah Norat-Phillips, a seasoned professional in theater with over 40 years of experience, returned to her Buffalo roots after a successful career in broadcast television. As a founding member of Ujima Theatre Company and its Interim Artistic Director, she’s directed and performed in numerous acclaimed productions, including works by August Wilson and Zor...

May 08, 202429 min

Playwright Tim Sniffen on Humor, Improv, and Bringing Classic Characters to Life in his New Play at Alleyway Theatre

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Tim Sniffen, performer, author, animator, and playwright of Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf at Alleyway Theatre. Tim has written for The Second City, and is a writer and director for Jackbox Games in Chicago, performs with The Improvised Shakespeare Company, and can be heard on the Hello From the Magic Tavern podcast. Tim’s writing can be found online at The New Yorker and here. This episode includes:

Apr 30, 202430 min

Gilded Age Crime Novels: Conversation with author Robert Brighton on what inspired him to weave local lore through historical fiction

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Robert Brighton, author of The Unsealing, A Murder in Ashwood, The Buffalo Butcher, and the recently released Current of Darkness. Author Robert Brighton is an expert on the Gilded Age and Victorian era, revealing their gritty realities through his acclaimed works, including The Avenging Angel Detective Agency™ Mysteries. He delves into early twentieth-century history and literature, showcasing his dedication as a curious schola...

Apr 23, 202437 min

A Conversation with Drag Royalty, Mrs. Kasha Davis, on Storytelling, Entertainment, Advocacy, & Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Mrs. Kasha Davis, drag queen, storyteller and international celebrity housewife. Based in Rochester, NY, Mrs. Kasha Davis rose to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race, captivating audiences with her witty characterizations and kind heart. A key player in Rochester’s drag scene, she travels internationally performing, is an originator of Drag me to Brunch, and is a sought-after speaker on addiction and LGBTQ+ advocacy, recently honored for...

Apr 06, 202424 min

25 Years of Harmony in Buffalo: Interview with JoAnn Falletta on Music, Leadership, and Legacy

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with JoAnn Falletta, Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Celebrating her 25th year with the organization, Maestro JoAnn Falletta is a renowned conductor who has held prestigious positions with orchestras worldwide. She’s a champion for women in music, both on and off the podium, and has garnered acclaim for her recordings and innovative programming. Read her full biography here. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is...

Apr 01, 202431 min

Quickies Return, Plus, Behind the Scenes of Alleyway Theatre’s Bold Experimentation (with Chris Handley)

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Chris J Handley, executive artistic director of Alleyway Theatre. This is Chris’ third visit to the podcast. Chris highlights the last year of Alleyway, and details the newest edition of Buffalo Quickies, a short play festival in its 33rd iteration. Buffalo Quickies 33 is on stage March 15, 2024 – March 30, 2024, and features plays by Annette Daniels Taylor, Mark Humphrey, Justin Karcher, Bella Poynton. Featured in the [...]

Mar 19, 202426 min

Exploring Life Under the Big-Top: A conversation with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Performers, Jan Damm & Equivokee

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jan Damm, who plays Nick Nack, and the comic trio Equivokee from Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Jan Damm is a comic performer who has shown off his talents everywhere from street corners to big-top tents to theaters, opera houses, and even on television throughout his 15+ year career as a circus artist. He is one of the show guides in the revitalized circus. Equivokee is a [...]

Mar 11, 202431 min
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