Buffalo Takes Center Stage
The diversity and abundance of performances, put on by nearly 25 professional theaters, makes it easy to find something to see in and around Buffalo. The MusicalFare Theatre stages new and classic musicals. Torn Space Theatre breaks ground with the avant-garde. At the Alleyway Theatre the work of up-and-coming playwrights are on the marquee.
Shows & Musicals for Every Season
The Theatre of Youth’s plays for young people unfold at a restored movie house in the historic Allentown neighborhood. See productions rooted in African American traditions at the Ujima Theatre Company. In the summertime, join the crowd bringing picnics to sit on the lawn and take in the Bard’s comedies and tragedies at a Shakespeare in Delaware Park performance.
From Contemporary to the Classics
West of the city, the Lancaster Opera House continues a tradition of live entertainment that began in 1897. The Kavinoky Theatre’s restored 1903-recital hall on the D’Youville University campus is an elegant, vintage setting. Baroque grandeur suits the Broadway shows at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, a gilded former movie palace on Main Street. For a more intimate production, consider its neighbor on the block, the Irish Classical Theatre Company. Performances suit any proclivity – from murder mystery comedy to a Stephen King movie-turned-play, a Jane Austen interpretation, golden-era shows like Guys and Dolls and the cutting edge. Let us entertain you.
Buffalo: It’s Showtime!
A glimpse into our vibrant theater scene
Play
Perfectly Tuned: Kleinhans Music Hall
You have to experience this amazing concert hall!
Read More
Buffalo’s Theater Menu
A critic talks about Buffalo’s vibrant theater scene
Read More
Harold Arlen
Buffalo’s Great American Songwriter
Read More
Excellent Pairings for Dinner @ A Show
An evening of delicious food and entertainment
Read More
Architectural Spotlight: Shea’s Performing Arts Center
A touchstone for downtown’s exciting revitalization
Read More
Buffalo’s Theater Menu: A Conversation with Anthony Chase
Buffalo’s theater maven helps you narrow down the selections
Read More
Buffalo Theater Hotel Deals
Make a night of it! For theater-goers, you can get tickets to the show and a great discount on overnight accommodations at our stellar local hotels.
Erie County Theater Companies
With 22 professional theater companies in the Buffalo area, there’s no shortage of show-stopping performances to enjoy. View some of our favorites below!
Buffalo: It’s Showtime!
Alleyway Theatre
American Repertory Theatre of Western New York
Brazen-Faced Varlots
Buffalo United Artists
Desiderio’s Dinner Theatre
D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre
First Look Buffalo Theatre Company
Irish Classical Theatre Company
Jewish Repertory Theatre
Lancaster Opera House
MusicalFare Theatre
O’Connell & Company
Paul Robeson Theatre
Raices Theatre Company
Road Less Traveled Productions
Second Generation Theatre
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Shea’s 710 Theatre
Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
Theatre of Youth
Torn Space Theater
Ujima Theatre Company
Upcoming Shows & Musicals
The Notebook
10/07
Shea’s Buffalo
Based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, THE NOTEBOOK tells the story of Allie and Noah, both from different…
Details
Distillation
10/24
Created and Performed by Luke Casserly October 24-26, 2026 An Immersive Special Engagement, Presented Offsite at the Buffalo Irish Center.…
Details
White Christmas
12/04
Musicalfare @ Shea’s 710
Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A…
Details
HURRICANE DIANE: A Free Reading
12/08
Shea’s Smith Theatre
Diane, a permaculture gardener who is actually the Greek God Dionysius in disguise, arrives in a New Jersey cul-de-sac with…
Details
A Christmas Carol
12/09
Alleyway Theatre
Theatre maker Daniel F. Lendzian adapts Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale into a gorgeous new production for our time. Directed…
Details
Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol
12/12
Kavinoky Theatre
Mike Randall returns to the Kav with his dynamic one-man production of Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol, one weekend only.…
Details
Twas The Night Before
12/17
Shea’s Buffalo
It’s the holidays, and this year, things are different. For years, Isabella and her father have read “A Visit from…
Details
The Night Before Christmas
12/19
Lancaster Opera House
Set in Christmastown on a very special Christmas Eve, our locally commissioned and well-received family musical tells the story of…
Details
Girl’s Night Christmas
12/27
Shea’s Smith Theatre
The new Christmas sequel will feature the 5 ladies we have all come to know and love gathering for a…
Details
God of Carnage
02/13
Shea’s Smith Theatre
Winner of the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play, Yasmina Reza’s GOD OF CARNAGE is a comedy of manners… without…
Details
Exit Strategy
02/20
Road Less Traveled Productions
The teachers of Tumbldn High School bring mousetraps from home, they make the toilet paper last, and they show up…
Details
Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
04/17
Road Less Traveled Productions
A bluesy rock score by legend John Mellencamp and a claustrophobic, refractured parable from the master of thriller Stephen King…
Details
PARKER PRY- PRIVATE EYE: A Free Reading
04/20
Shea’s Smith Theatre
WORLD PREMIERE! In BIG CITY, no case is too little for Parker Pry, the least famous detective in town. A…
Details
Pure Glitter: A New Play for the Gays
05/01
Shea’s Smith Theatre
From current Broadway Playwright Douglas Lyons (CHICKEN AND BISCUITS, TABLE 17, BEAU), comes PURE GLITTER: a slice of life comedy…
Details
tiny father: A Free Reading
06/15
Shea’s Smith Theatre
When a “friends with benefits” relationship unexpectedly results in the early arrival of a baby girl, Daniel must choose between…
Details