Buffalo theater season kicks off with ‘Curtain Up’ event

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Shea’s Performing Arts Center along with several other theaters officially opened its doors on Friday for Curtain Up, the official kickoff of the Broadway season in the Queen City.

Smiles adorned the faces of hundreds of people who entered Shea’s for the 41st in-person celebration. It kicked off with a cocktail hour, followed by several performances, and wrapped up with a free street party for all to enjoy.

The CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Brian Higgins, says Broadway in New York City and Buffalo are very similar to each other, and we have Michael Shea to thank for that.

“He built them (theaters) in the neighborhood so the working folk would have access to entertainment and theater,” said Higgins. “This, the Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, is his lifework.”

12 different shows opened up on Friday including Dracula and Newsies. Lisa Ludwig, Co-President of the Theater District Association says there are over 20 professional theater companies in Western New York for everyone to enjoy.

“The great thing about ‘Curtain Up’ is it’s the kickoff to the season,” said Ludwig. “We don’t want people to think it’s just one night. You’ve got all year to go to these amazing theaters right here in Western New York and see great, wonderful entertainment.”

A ‘Curtain Up’ event especially for kids takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at 203 Allen St.

If you’d like to purchase tickets, you can check out the list of shows with dates here.

Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here .