I've seen a few shows at the New Phoenix and I'm highly impressed by each one. The acting is superb, the cues are spot on, and the atmosphere is (as another reviewer put it) palpable. The space is amazing: it has so many different knick knacks and historical items about, it reminds me of a very well organized historical pawn shop. Better yet, it's like a museum of memories - hinted with nostalgia, but mainly fresh by their placement alongside each other.
The thing that really gets me about the New Phoenix is the kinds of plays they perform. They are a smaller theatre and produce some of the most touching, intimate, and affecting works I've seen. A recent production, "Cloud 9," made me laugh hysterically and cry in the same breath. It's like being too close to the action you cannot help but feel it.
A few years ago, they produced "Thrill Me," a musical about Leopold and Loeb - the two Chicago students who murdered a young boy to prove they were ubermench-es. I don't know many places that would put that kind of musical in Buffalo and with such talent, panache, and grace, well - it's still in my mind years later.
So, my recommendation - got to the theatre. If you don't have much money, go Thursday's for pay-what-you-can nights. But go. if you don't know the play, which you probably won't, still go. They will be interesting and food for thought. And the atmosphere is such that if you don't quite get it, ask someone else in the audience. Everyone on staff and audience has always been quite friendly and helpful. read more