MusicalFare Scraps Plans for New Theater in Amherst

Amherst, NY (WBEN) - MusicalFare Theatre announced that it no longer plans to build a theater as part of the new Amherst Central Park on the site of the former Westwood Country Club.

"It's become clear that the project has stalled," said MusicalFare Executive Director Randy Kramer. "Funding from the town is not available at this point. There's also still a lawsuit pending against the town. We can't afford to be at a standstill, so we need to start a search elsewhere."

The project hit a standstill after Amherst residents rallied to oppose the Town Board's decision to borrow up to $11 Million toward the cost of the theater. Residents collected enough signatures to put the bond up to a public referendum, forcing the board to rescind its approval of the borrowing earlier this year.

MusicalFare must leave its longtime Daemen University home when their current season, which begins next week, comes to an end.

"We have secured a temporary agreement with Shea's 710 (theater) for the 2025-2026 season, but we are looking for something more permanent," Kramer said.

There is no timeline for that search, but Kramer said the group is looking for a central location in Erie County.