Curtain Up! 2024

Celebrate 41 years of live theatre in Western New York on Friday, September 13th at Curtain Up! 2024 in the Buffalo Theatre District! This will be the 41st in-person celebration of the opening of Buffalo’s professional theatre season. Curtain Up! is produced by the Theatre District Association of WNY Inc. Founded in 1979, Theatre District Association of WNY, Inc. is a not-for-profit community association dedicated to the promotion of the health and well-being of Buffalo’s neighborhood known as the Theatre District. Curtain Up! 2024 is Presented by M&T Bank.

The Theatre District Association will kick off the week of celebration with a star-studded Plaza of Stars Induction Ceremony. On Monday, September 9th, Tony Chase will receive his star in the Buffalo Theatre District as a kickoff to the 41st Anniversary celebration. The ceremony will take place at 5:30pm at the Plaza of Stars (Main Street at Tupper Street). In 2024, Anthony celebrates his 31st year as the host of “Theater Talk” on WBFO, providing commentary on theater in WNY, Southern Ontario, and across the continent. He’s also the creator and producer of Buffalo’s annual professional theater awards, The Arties, which is presented by Buffalo Toronto Public Media. Chase’s honors include being named “Best Media Personality” in Buffalo Spree’s Best of WNY. He serves on the board of directors of Visit Buffalo Niagara. By day, he serves as the Assistant Dean of Arts and Humanities at Buffalo State University, where he teaches theater history and graduate level drama studies.

As always, Curtain Up! is a “make your own” night signature event. Select a place to dine, purchase tickets for any of a wide variety of shows, and then enjoy free entertainment on the street in the Theater District.

Act I: Cocktail Kickoff Party at Shea’s Performing Arts Center Lobby

There will be a Cocktail Kickoff Party at 5pm at Shea’s Performing Arts Center Lobby. Limited tickets available and priced at $90 per person. Start your Curtain Up! evening in Downtown Buffalo inside the magnificent and historic Shea’s Performing Art Center lobby, and enjoy a two-hour open bar, and delicious hors d’oeuvres from The Bijou Grille. For more information, and to purchase tickets, call the Shea’s Buffalo Theatre Box Office at (716) 847-0850 or click here (https://am.ticketmaster.com/sheas/buy/cup24)

Act II: Curtains Rise

At 8:00 pm, curtains rise at productions at area theaters. Advance reservations are recommended. Guests should check with each individual venue to review start times, run times, and ticket pricing.

Act III: Free Main Street Street Party

10pm-1am. When the curtains fall, the free Theatre District street party goes into high gear. Free outdoor entertainment on Main Street between Chippewa and Tupper Streets will feature a variety of music and specialty acts.

On-street performers:
Pyromancy Fire Performance Troupe: Pyromancy Fire Performance Troupe specializes in promoting the art of fire dancing, object manipulation, circus, and flow arts. Founded in 2010, they have performed at over 70 public and private events in the Western New York area. The troupe is made up of skilled and dedicated performers from a variety of backgrounds who are passionate about sharing their love of fire spinning and dancing. http://pyromancy.org/

Bill Baldwin: Bill has been performing for over 40 years as a clown, mime, actor and stuntman. Baldwin is a graduate of the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Clown College where he learned his favorite skills, stilt walking! He can dance, jump, and has been known to climb a rock wall. Bill is excited to make his return to Curtain Up and is ready to have some fun!

Wide Right: Since forming in 2009, Buffalo Music Award Winners, Wide Right, have become a WNY favorite. Winners of “Best New Band” and consecutively nominated each year at the Buffalo Music Awards. Band member Ed Berowski recently won 2015 Best Keyboard/Synth Player by All WNY Music Awards and Wide Right came in 3rd place in the All WNY Music Awards for Best 90’s/Modern Cover Band. They perform current radio hits, classic rock, country, disco, Motown, and more!

Ghostbusters of WNY: The Ghostbusters of WNY, are a local cosplay group of “paranormal investigators and eliminators” who raise money for charity and bring joy to children of all ages.

Created by Daniel Keith Barone, an ambassador for the New York City Ghostbusters. Daniel loves to volunteer, with his friends and fellow busters, with and for local charities, and birthday parties. Who you gonna call?!