From Ottawa to Buffalo’s Allentown: A Canadian’s Perspective
Theater season is in full swing in Buffalo, and there’s a lot to be excited about. Shea’s 710 Theatre, which just got a fresh new look, is now home to MusicalFare Theatre’s downtown productions.
One of the season’s most anticipated shows is Come From Away, a heartwarming musical about unexpected kindness and the power of community. It’s a story that feels so close to home here in Buffalo, where our connection to Canada runs deep. That’s why we chatted with Kayla McSorley, one of the show’s cast members. Her Canadian background brings a unique perspective to a story that’s all about bridging divides and coming together when it matters most.
Visit Buffalo: This show has such a powerful message about compassion and community. Why do you think Come From Away resonates so deeply right now, especially in today’s divided world?
Kayla McSorley: There’s so much noise and division in the world, but this show cuts through all of that. It reminds us that compassion doesn’t need to be complicated — it’s just about taking care of each other when it matters most.
VB: As a Canadian performing in this story of Canadian kindness, what does it mean to you personally to share this show with audiences just across the border in Buffalo?
KM: All actors have a bucket list of shows they’d like to perform in and I think it’s safe to assume that most Canadians have Come From Away on theirs. Amidst the heightened political tension that extends cross-border, performing a show that helps teach the importance of empathy and the value of being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is one of the reasons I continue performing in an industry that can be quite challenging. I’m extremely honored to help tell this story in Buffalo which I now consider home!
VB: Buffalo has such a growing reputation for its arts and theater scene. What has surprised or impressed you most about performing here?
KM: After graduating from Niagara University, NY where I earned my BFA in Theatre Performance and BA in French, I went on to work internationally as a full-time performer and educator. In every rehearsal room I stepped into, fellow actors were giving 110% of their focus and efforts into the project at hand seeing as the given contract was everyone in the cast’s main priority/source of income at the time. Buffalo on the other hand, is a community in which performers often work 9-5 jobs that hit various other passions of theirs and still get to rehearse and perform high caliber professional shows on the evenings and weekends (This model grants most the rare gift of a stable income without having to sacrifice their acting careers). You would think that the incredibly packed schedules WNY actors have to juggle would affect their work ethic but these Buffalonians are shockingly resilient and put their whole hearts into every artistic project they’re a part of to create beautiful productions nevertheless. The tenacity here is really impressive.
VB: MusicalFare Theatre and Shea’s 710 Theatre are beloved parts of Buffalo’s creative community. How has it been working in these venues, and what makes the experience unique compared to other places you’ve performed?
KM: As rights to Broadway Musicals become available to regional theatres, we are hearing more and more feedback from WNY audiences sharing how wonderful of an experience it has been to see one of their favorite shows up close and personal. I’m so thankful that MusicalFare is now in residence at Shea’s 710 as it is a venue that strikes a rare balance: intimate enough to feel connected to every audience member, but still big enough to feel grand and wow the crowds.
VB: For audiences traveling from Canada, what do you think they’ll take away from seeing Come From Away in Buffalo — a city that also prides itself on its warmth and hospitality?
KM: I think they’ll see how kindness transcends borders. Crossing the border has been intimidating as of late, but I have continued to be greeted with open arms on both sides which mirrors the values we share in this show. Come From Away is worth the commute and will leave audiences feeling so inspired!
VB: Outside the theater, have you had a chance to explore Buffalo? Any favorite spots, restaurants, or experiences that stood out during your time here?
KM: I love the culture here in Buffalo. There is always a market, fair, community gathering, sporting event or theatre performance to attend on a scale that is fulfilling yet not as overwhelming as huge cities like Toronto or NYC. Working in the heart of Allentown, I’m a big advocate for programming at Theatre of Youth, lunch at Cafe 59 (for the best fried pickles), a Buffalo Sabres/Bisons/Bandits/Bills game, taking scenic walks around Delaware Park, local nature preserves or, of course, visiting the falls!
VB: If you could describe the connection between Buffalo and Canada in one word, what would it be — and why?
KM: Neighborly. It’s more than geography — it’s a shared spirit of kindness and community….Go Bills!
Kayla McSorley (She/Her/Elle) is a French-Canadian Performer and Educator originally from Ottawa, ON. Having Acadian family roots in the Maritimes, this show is a special one! Kayla has performed, taught, and toured internationally and is now proudly sparking joy and wonder as the Executive Assistant at Theatre of Youth. Some favorite credits include SIX (Boleyn/Cleves/Parr), The Last Five Years (Cathy), Chicago (Velma Kelly), Titanic The Musical (Kate McGowan), Julius Caesar (Brutus), Comedy of Errors (Luciana/Duke) and at MusicalFare; The Prom (Kaylee) and Legally Blonde (Serena).
Follow Kayla at kaylamcsorley.com | Instagram:@mcsokayl | REELS & MEDIA
