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
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Take in the Theater & Entertainment District
Be in the heart of the action downtown
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Perfectly Tuned: Kleinhans Music Hall
You have to experience this amazing concert hall!
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Harold Arlen
Buffalo’s Great American Songwriter
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Excellent Pairings for Dinner @ A Show
An evening of delicious food and entertainment
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Architectural Spotlight: Shea’s Performing Arts Center
A touchstone for downtown’s exciting revitalization
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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
A SHERLOCK CAROL
11/27
Irish Classical Theatre Company
When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the mysterious death of Ebenezer Scrooge, Sherlock must use his gifts…
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Disney’s Frozen
11/28
Shea’s 710 Theatre
Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, this powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning…
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O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
12/01
Buffalo State Performing Arts Center
Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss Grab your teacups! Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for…
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MFA Dance Showcase
12/04
Katharine Cornell Theatre
The MFA Dance Showcase offers a peek into the creative process of dancemaking, featuring works in various stages of completion…
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The Nutcracker
12/04
Shea’s Buffalo
The Nutcracker is an iconic 1892 two-act classical ballet composed by Pyotr Iiyich Tchaikovsky. Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and…
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A Christmas Carol
12/05
Alleyway Theatre
Dickens’ classic holiday tale brings all of the joy this season. Theatre maker Daniel F. Lendzian adapts Charles Dickens’ classic…
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The Sound of Music
12/08
Shea’s Buffalo
For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score,…
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Swing into the Holidays feat. Caity Gyorgy and Christian Wiggs
12/11
Buffalo State Performing Arts Center
‘Tis the season to be swinging as we take a trip down memory lane with an evening full of your…
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VIPigeon Pre-Show Workshop (Grades K-3)
12/12
Theatre of Youth (TOY)
Become a Very Important Pigeon before the curtain rises! Young theatre fans will step into the world of The Pigeon…
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The Betsy Carmichael Christmas Special
12/18
Shea’s Smith Theatre
The Betsy Carmichael Christmas Special, Buffalo’s favorite interactive holiday comedy, for a limited engagement at Shea’s Smith Theatre, December 18&20,…
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Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery Of The Magi’s Gold
12/23
Shea’s Smith Theatre
It’s CSI: Bethlehem in this holiday mystery extravaganza, by the author of the Late Nite Catechism series, as Sister takes…
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The Princess Proms
12/23
Shea’s Buffalo
We invite you to an enchanting concert, singing the most magical music in all of the land. Prepare for a…
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The SpongeBob Musical
01/14
Shea’s 710 Theatre
When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and…
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Crossover Artists: A Theatre Faculty Recital
01/29
Katharine Cornell Theatre
Featuring Matt Marco, Joelle LaChance, and Lana Sugarman The faculty recital is a tradition found in the collegiate music conservatory…
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BOU Presents: Operatic Stars of Tomorrow
02/07
Westminster Presbyterian Church
The next generation of great voices takes the stage in a celebration of Western New York’s extraordinary young talent. Featuring…
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Alice in Wonderland by International Ballet Stars
02/11
Shea’s Buffalo
Following acclaimed, sold-out runs across North America, International Ballet Stars returns with Alice in Wonderland, a world premiere production designed…
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Death Becomes Her
02/16
Shea’s Buffalo
The Tony Winning Hit Musical Comedy Madeline Ashton is the most beautiful actress (just ask her) ever to grace the…
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Stepping Out
02/19
Canterbury Woods Performance Arts Center
Stepping Out is a warm, witty, and uplifting comedy about a group of unlikely dancers who gather each week for a…
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Theatre Senior Showcase
02/21
Katharine Cornell Theatre
The Theatre Senior Showcase provides graduating undergraduate students in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Design/Technology an opportunity to present their work…
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THE MAGICAL CLOSET MYSTERY: THE MUSICAL
02/27
Theatre of Youth (TOY)
Based on the book The Magical Closet Mystery: A Puerto Rican Adventure by María Pérez-Gómez, published by Berry Powell Press.Directed by…
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