UB’s fall performance radar

At the beginning of the semester, it’s hard to know all of the entertainment opportunities the Buffalo area can offer. 

And for some students, it can be difficult to make it downtown to enjoy a play or musical performance. But excellent performances may be closer than students think.

Venues across campus provide unique and exciting performance opportunities for students to enjoy. We compiled a list of on-campus shows and concerts coming up this semester for students to check out. 

“Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat”

Sept. 27-28, Katharine Cornell Theatre

UB’s Student Directed Series has given students the unique opportunity to perform and direct full-scale theatrical productions. This semester’s student-directed performance is “Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat.” Directed by senior music theatre major Jill Anderson, the energetic 30-minute production will feature fun visual gags and outlandish performances. 

The performance caters to audience members of all ages. Before the show, younger audience members are given the opportunity to make crafts, color and read various Dr. Seuss books. The play concludes with photo and meet and greet opportunities with the cast. 

Urban Bush Women: “Walking With ‘Trane”

Sept. 28, Center for the Arts

UB provides opportunities for unique touring artists to perform for students and will bring the innovative performance ensemble Urban Bush Women to campus. Urban Bush Women’s goal is to motivate artists, activists and audiences through performances and community outreach. 

This year, Urban Bush Women is celebrating its 35th anniversary. The group’s performance at UB, “Walking With ‘Trane” takes inspiration from legendary saxophonist and jazz artist, John Coltrane. During the performance, the ensemble will perform movements inspired by Coltrane’s album “A Love Supreme.” 

“Slee Beethoven String Quartet Cycle” Concert I: Calidore String Quartet

Oct. 4, Slee Hall

Since 1955, distinguished music groups have visited UB to participate in the “Slee Beethoven String Quartet Cycle.” The concert series consists of six annual concerts that go through the complete cycles of the Beethoven String Quartets. This year, the concert series features the Calidore String Quartet, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in the 2019-20 season. The group has performed in prestigious venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall and Berlin Konzerthaus. Students are given one complimentary ticket to any UB Music Department performance with a valid UB ID.

Zodiaque Dance Company

Oct. 17-20, Center for the Arts

Zodiaque Dance Company celebrated its 45th anniversary last year. The dance company will continue its tradition of artistic dance numbers and excellent choreographic techniques in its upcoming fall performance. 

Zodiaque Dance Company is comprised of members of UB’s dance department. The company prides itself on the motto “versatility matters,” embracing various choreographic ideas and styles. Students can experience this from Oct. 17-20 in the Center for the Arts Drama Theatre. 

“The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”

Oct. 23-27, Center for the Arts

 The UB Department of Theatre and Dance will perform “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” Oct. 23-27. The play tells the story of the school teacher Miss Jean Brodie and her clique of favorite students, known as the “Brodie set.” The play deals with love affairs, betrayal and manipulation. This classic will be directed by Associate Professor Vincent O’Neill, co-founder and artistic director for Buffalo’s Irish Classical Theatre Company. The play will take place in the Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre.

“Guys and Dolls”

Nov. 15-17, 22-24, Center for the Arts

Often described as the “perfect” musical comedy, “Guys and Dolls” tells the story of gamblers, Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson, as Nathan tries to win a bet with Sky in order to run an illegal gambling ring safe from the cops. Throughout the musical, the pair try to win over their “dolls,” Miss Adelaide and Sister Sarah Brown. Guest director Keith Andrews will both direct and choreograph the piece, while Director of Music Theatre Nathan R. Matthews will serve as the production’s music director. 

Julianna Tracey is the senior arts editor and can be reached at julianna.tracey@ubspectrum.com and @JTraceySpec.

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