Past Productions – Second Generation Theatre

THE COLOR PURPLE

Written by Second Generation Theatre on September 23, 2023. Posted in Past Productions, Uncategorized.

Based on the novel by Alice Walker

Directed by Sarah Norat-Philiips

The Color Purple is a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life.

WARNING – This play contains themes of violence, abuse, rape and sexuality. Parents should use discretion about what is age appropriate for their children. Should you or anyone you know need assistance, The Color Purple team has partnered with Family Justice Center of Erie County, who provides free services and support to individuals and the community on breaking the cycle of abuse.

tick,tick…BOOM!

Written by Second Generation Theatre on May 3, 2023. Posted in Past Productions.

BUFFALO NEWS REVIEW OF TICK,TICK…BOOM!

By Jonathan Larson

Jon is a promising composer living in NYC… but he’s almost 30 and what has he done? A fast-paced musical about being true to yourself and what “success” really means from the composer of RENT.

Directed by Louis Colaiacovo, Choreographed by Elizabeth Polito, Music Direction by Joe Isgar

Every Brilliant Thing

Written by Second Generation Theatre on March 3, 2023. Posted in Past Productions.

By Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe

This one-man show is a beautiful and unique experience. The Narrator (Kevin Craig, AEA) takes the audience through his life and his on-going list of “every brilliant thing” there is to live for. A hilarious and heart-breaking look at life, loss, and how we move on. Directed by Charmagne Chi

CONTENT WARNING– Although the play balances the struggles of life while celebrating all that is “truly brilliant” in living each day, Every Brilliant Thing contains descriptions of depression, self-harm, and suicide. The show briefly describes a character’s attempted suicides and her death by suicide. Crisis Services recommends only audience members 14+ attend, and reminds audiences to attend this program with their personal experiences in mind. As always, if you or somebody you know is struggling, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The Secret Garden: Spring Version

Written by Second Generation Theatre on September 3, 2022. Posted in Past Productions.

Music by Lucy Simon, Book & Lyrics by Marsha Norman

Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

An enchanting 90-minute retelling of the beloved 1911 novel, THE SECRET GARDEN is beautiful story of finding home and family where you least expect it.

Directed & Choreographed by Michael Oliver- Walline, Music Direction by Allan Paglia

THE SECRET GARDEN: SPRING VERSION is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

Cabaret

Written by Second Generation Theatre on June 3, 2022. Posted in Past Productions.

Book by Joe Masteroff
Music & Lyrics by John Kander & Fred Ebb

In 1930’s Berlin, everything is beautiful… but for how long? CABARET is a disturbingly stunning tale for our times at the Shea’s Smith Theatre.

Directed by Kristin Bentley, Choreographed by Kelly Copps, Music Direction by Allan Paglia

Second Generation Theatre SPonsors M&T Bank, Cullen FOundation Evans Bank and Insty PRints

Constellations

Written by Second Generation Theatre on March 3, 2022. Posted in Past Productions.

By Nick Payne

Roland and Marianne meet… and then meet again… and again. Each time the outcome changes slightly. CONSTELLATIONS examines every choice we make… and those we don’t.

Directed by Michael Gilbert-Wachowiak

A man and a woman in blue light, in dance position — Kristin Bentley & Chris Avery (AEA)

Songs For a New World

Written by Second Generation Theatre on October 3, 2021. Posted in Past Productions.

Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

Second Generation Theatre (SGT) is delighted to welcome our audiences back into the Shea’s Smith with an in-person performance of Jason Robert Brown’s musical SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD. A song cycle full of love, loss, hope, and discovery, SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD is a celebration not to be missed.

Directed by Amy Jakiel, Music Direction by Stephen Piotrowski

The Toxic Avenger

Written by Second Generation Theatre on October 3, 2019. Posted in Past Productions.

A Regional Premiere Musical

Music & Lyrics by Joe DiPietro and David Bryan

Based on the 1984 cult classic film, this rock musical is a true underdog story set in the world’s most toxic waste dump… New Jersey. Starring SGT favorites Steve Copps and Bethany Burrows with Jenn Stafford and Raphael Santos. Full of uproarious humor and high speed comedy, this is the perfect Halloween show!

Directed & Choreographed by Doug Weyand
Music Direction by Allan Paglia

Five RAVE REVIEWS for SGT’s THE TOXIC AVENGER! Click here to read them all!

Steve Copps as Melvin Ferd III- Photo by Mark Duggan

Nine

Written by Second Generation Theatre on June 3, 2019. Posted in Past Productions.

Program is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; administered by Arts Services Initiative of Western New York.

Music & Lyrics by Maury Yeston

Nine is a Tony Award-winning musical that follows film director Guido Contini as he dreadfully approaches his 40th birthday in early-1960s Venice. As Guido faces a midlife crisis that doubles as a creative roadblock, he becomes entangled in a web of romantic troubles. Starring SGT favorite Ben Michael Moran.

Directed by Victoria Perez, Choreographed by Lauren Alaimo, Music Direction by Allan Paglia

Angels in America: Part 1

Written by Second Generation Theatre on March 3, 2019. Posted in Past Productions.

ANGELS IN AMERICA: PART 1, MILLENNIUM APPROACHES

By Tony Kushner

The winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Tony Award for Best Play, and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, Angels in America – Part I: Millennium Approaches is a multifaceted examination of AIDS and homosexuality in 1980s United States.

Directed by Greg Natale

CLICK HERE to read exclusive interviews with the cast of Angels!

Angels in America is sponsored by:

Big Fish

Written by Second Generation Theatre on October 3, 2018. Posted in Past Productions.

By Andrew Lipps

Edward Bloom is a traveling salesman whose stories have always been larger than life. When he falls ill and his grown son, Will, is faced with fatherhood, will his tall tales hold up?

Directed & Choreographed by Michael Walline

Music Direction by Philip Farugia

BUFFALO NEWS GIVES BIG FISH FOUR STARS! READ ON HERE!

SPONSORED BY: The Buffalo Bisons & Rich Products

The Light in the Piazza

Written by Second Generation Theatre on June 3, 2017. Posted in Past Productions.

Summer 1953: Margaret Johnson, an elegant and strong-willed Southern woman, has taken her daughter, Clara, on a vacation to Italy. When a gust of wind blows Clara’s hat right into the hands of a young Italian gentleman, neither age nor language nor familial disapproval can stop their whirlwind love affair. As Clara and Fabrizio fall into each others’ arms, Margaret must grapple with the question of whether to disclose Clara’s devastating secret to Fabrizio’s warm, passionate Italian family.

Directed by Loraine O’Donnell

Music Direction by Allan Paglia

Starring Christopher Andreana (Ensemble), Leah Berst (Ensemble), Kelly Copps (Clara), Lucas DeNies (Ensemble), Steve Jakiel (Roy), Anthony Lazzaro (Fabrizio), Melissa Leventhal (Ensemble), Katy Miner (Signora Naccarelli), Debbie Pappas Sham (Margaret), Rebecca Runge (Franca), Marc Sacco (Giuseppe), Matt Witten (Signor Naccarelli)