Shea's Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party

This week on Cast Party, we’re getting into the Halloween spirit — by talking to some spirits!

Join us as we sit down with Chelsea Gill — local medium, history buff, paranormal investigator, and newest friend of the pod — for a hauntingly good chat about her walk through Shea’s and what (or who) she might have encountered roaming the halls.

Hear about Chelsea’s clairvoyant journey, her time exploring Shea’s, and her advice on what to do if you ever have your own paranormal experience.

Nothing says Spooky Season like hanging out with Buffalo’s...

This week on Cast Party, we’re gearing up for a singular sensation of an event at Shea’s — the 43North Finals! Hear firsthand from Colleen Heidinger, President of 43North, and Tiffani Dickinson, Art Director, as they share what it takes to run Buffalo’s ultimate startup showdown — happening Thursday, October 16th at 6 PM at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. For the 11th consecutive year, founders from around the world will step into the spotlight to pitch for a chance at a $1 million investment and the opportunity to grow right here in the 716. Tune in for insider stories, startup secrets, and a behind...

This week on Cast Party, we’re rolling out the red carpet for Shea’s Buffalo’s very own Albert Nocciolino — Tony Award-winning producer, President & CEO of NAC Entertainment, and of course, our Broadway Season Partner! Albert takes us behind the curtain to share what it really takes to put together a Shea’s Five Star Bank Broadway Season, his very first experiences with Shea’s Buffalo, plus tips and advice for aspiring producers. And of course, you’ll hear plenty of behind-the-scenes scoops and stories only Albert can tell. Tune in for a masterclass in Broadway magic, straight from one of th...

Alright, Party People — we’ve got a special mini-sode for you! This week we’re celebrating Shea’s 710 and Ansari Saxon’s spectacular production of Dreamgirls! Hear the gang’s first reactions to the show, the cast, and the dazzling new Shea’s 710 Cabaret Space. It’s bold, it’s fresh, and it’s got us dreaming big. Tune in now — this is one you don't want to miss!

We’ve got Great Expectations for this week’s episode of Cast Party! September is packed with excitement on the Shea’s Campus, and we’re covering it all — from the brand-new Shea’s 710 renovations, to the opening of Dreamgirls, to the Shea’s Wonder Awards adjudication applications, which are now live. Plus, the gang dives into all things The Outsiders, rolling into Shea’s Buffalo September 17–23. Whether you’re here for the musicals, the makeovers, or the must-know theatre scoop, we’ve got you covered. So grab your Sheabill, mark your calendar, and get ready to get your theatre on! #CastParty...

On this week’s episode of Shea’s Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party, the crew flips the script and practices their interviewing skills — by interviewing each other with questions straight from the Shea’s staff! Tune in to hear about the group’s very first Shea’s experiences, Ken’s unforgettable Shea’s proposal story, and even the scoop on horror musicals. And because no Cast Party is complete without caffeine, the gang spills the tea on their coffee routines — from Corkcicles to pour-overs to the start of a brand-new 4th Floor Rivalry. We like our podcasts the way we like our co...

This week on Shea’s Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party, the gang’s got that back-to-season buzz! We’re talking all the exciting events on the horizon — from TDA’s Curtain Up! on September 19th to The Outsiders teching and previewing their tour, and so much more. Plus, we’re getting our reading list together to gear up for all the incredible programming hitting the mainstage this season — and spilling the tea on the best spots along Main Street for a pre- or post-show cocktail or mocktail. Whether we’re catching up, making plans, or perfecting our theatre small talk, this...

This week on Cast Party, the crew pops over to our next-door neighbors at Electric City Buffalo to pull back the curtain with Production Manager extraordinaire Chris Bratek! From tech and hospitality riders to building full-scale airplanes (yes, really), Chris shares all the backstage lore. Whether it's musicals, rock shows, or total production pivots, he’s seen it all—and lived to tell the tale. Tune in to hear what it takes to run the show when the spotlight's not on you—and why tech teams are some serious MVPs of live performance.

This week on Cast Party, the crew pulls back the curtain on the dynamic duo behind Dreamgirls: The Musical at Shea’s 710 — Naila Ansari and Karen Saxon!They’re artists, creatives, educators, and co-founders of Ansari Saxon Productions, and we’re just scratching the surface. From their origin stories to all the tea on the powerhouse team of artists bringing Dreamgirls to life this fall, this episode has it all. Tune in, get inspired, and start dreaming about those seats for Shea’s 710 season opener!

This week, the Cast Party crew rolls out the red carpet for a Shea’s legend—Group Sales Manager Mary Oshei! With 18 years of theatre stories under her belt at Shea's alone, Mary shares the highs, the laughs, and the lessons (like why you definitely shouldn’t dance in a box suite). From behind-the-scenes tales to her deep love for The Scarlet Pimpernel, it's a theatrical deep dive into the world of group sales and musical obsessions. Grab your sheabills and get your group together —Mary Oshei is a scene stealer!

Great Scott! This week on Cast Party, Ken, Julianna, and Rita relive all the glam from the Shea’s Gala and share their hot takes on the 2025 Tony Awards—performances, winners, surprises, and some Glee chatter included. Then, it’s game time as Rita challenges the crew to “Broadway, But Make It Time Travel,” where they re-imagine iconic musicals with a twist of timeline chaos. Who knew Les Mis needed a DeLorean? Let the Chaotic Creativity Commence!

It’s a night out on the town! In this episode of Cast Party, Julianna, Ken, and Rita recap their evening on Main Street—from dinner and drinks to catching Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations at Shea’s. Plus, they share some exciting updates from across the Shea’s campus you won’t want to miss. And if that’s not enough, Rita puts the crew to the test in a round of “Motown HR.” Can they channel their inner Berry Gordy and keep their musical acts in line? Tune in and find out!

The Cast Party crew is growing! For the first time ever, Ken, Julianna, and Rita welcome a guest to the party—Shea’s receptionist, local theatre artist, and photographer Rachael Buchanan. Together, they chat about audition stories, dream roles, and so much more. Plus, they spill the beans (literally) on Shea’s Centennial Coffee blend, created in collaboration with Tipico Coffee. It’s equal parts heart, hustle, and caffeine—just how we like it!

It’s Broadway’s biggest night (well, almost), and the Cast Party crew is ready to react! This week, Ken reads off the freshly announced 2025 Tony Award nominations while Julianna and Rita react and guess through some of the major categories. From surprise snubs to standing ovations, it’s a chaotic, laugh-filled rundown of the nominees you won’t want to miss. Who nails the prediction, who gets hilariously humbled and who’s already planning their watch party outfit?? Press play and find out!

We got you, babe! In this glitzy new episode of Cast Party, Julianna, Ken, and Rita kick things off by finally revealing their official job titles at Shea’s—with a little help from a hilarious ice breaker. Then, it’s time to turn back time in a game of “If I Could Cher Back Time,” where Rita challenges the crew to place iconic Cher moments into the correct era: Babe, Lady, or Star. It’s all leading up to The Cher Show, strutting onto the Shea’s Buffalo stage May 2–4, as a special engagement sponsored by Gallagher. So put on your best...

Omigod, you guys—it’s time to talk Legally Blonde! In this episode of Cast Party, Ken, Julianna, and Rita spill the tea on the exciting renovations happening at Shea’s 710 Theatre, taking you from dreamy renderings to real-life construction with some jokes in between. Then it’s game time as Rita quizzes the crew with “Bend and Snap or Cap,” putting their Legally Blonde: The Musical knowledge to the test with True (Bend & Snap) and Cap (False) statements about the show. With MusicalFare’s production hitting the 710 stage May 1–18, it’s the perfect pre-show party!

Be our guest, be our guest, put our podcast to the test! In the premiere episode of Shea’s Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party, hosts Julianna, Ken, and Rita share their chaotic origin story of how Cast Party was born— here’s a hint: it involves a printer, some sass, and a lot of theatre banter. The gang also dives into Shea’s newly announced Five Star Bank 2025-26 Broadway season, with Ken, resident theatre newbie, guessing show titles based on blurbs. From Wicked to The Outsiders, there’s something for everyone—plus laughs, fun facts, and our first ever t...

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