About BuffaLoveBus

Stepping into BuffaLoveBus feels like stepping back in time — and straight into a whirlwind of fun. Their iconic 1972 VW Bus isn’t just a vintage ride; it’s a roaming playground for anyone who loves quirky, memorable experiences. Whether you’re posing inside the retro bus or striking creative snapshots around it, every moment feels playful and spontaneous. The vibe is lighthearted, social, and downright Instagram-worthy, making it perfect for a weekend outing, a group adventure, or just a unique way to spend an afternoon in Buffalo. You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy it — the nostalgia, colors, and charm of the bus make it a mini adventure all on its own.

What makes BuffaLoveBus truly magical is how it turns ordinary moments into memories. Friends laughing together while taking photos, families exploring the retro setup, or couples capturing candid moments — it’s all part of the experience. The blend of vintage aesthetic and interactive fun makes it more than a photo opportunity; it’s an activity that encourages connection, creativity, and a little carefree silliness. If you’re looking for something fun and offbeat to do in Buffalo, hopping on the BuffaLoveBus promises a playful, unforgettable adventure.

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Catch the opening night of Shakespeare in The Park’s Twelfth Night

Location: Delaware Park in Buffalo

Cost: FREE!!!

Performance begins at 7:30pm and will run June 19th-July 13th, Thursday-Sunday.

Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy about mistaken identity, love, and self-discovery. After a shipwreck, Viola (Solange Gosselin) is separated from her twin brother, Sebastian (Richard Thomas Robbins), and believes he has drowned. Disguising herself as a man named Cesario, she enters the service of Duke Orsino (Chris Hatch), who sends her to woo the Countess Olivia (Rebecca Elkin) on his behalf. But Olivia falls in love with “Cesario,” while Viola secretly loves Orsino. Chaos and comedy ensue, especially when Sebastian reappears. In the end, true identities are revealed, couples are united, and love triumphs.

Performance begins at 7:30pm and will run Thursday-Sunday. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, snacks, anything you would want to bring to enjoy the warm summer night under the stars with a performance!

I make an effort to attend a Shakespeare in The Park play with a group of friends every summer. Delaware Park is a great place to hang out and enjoy the fresh air, scenery, paddle boats, lounging near the water, or catching local talent whom may be performing in the park. Unwinding with a Shakespeare performance makes the day even better! You can make an entire day trip out of Shakespeare in The Park, as there’s so much to do in the area, with shopping and places to eat on Elmwood nearby, and the AKG Museum located right in front of Delaware Park. My personal favorite spot to grab something to eat before the show is right in Delaware Park: ‘The Terrace‘ (check them out here: terracebuffalo.com). If you’re looking to make the most out of your “Shakesperience”, I’d suggest bringing picnic style snacks and beverages. Personally, I firmly believe you can never go wrong with a charcuterie board!

I’ve never left a Shakespeare in The Park performance feeling anything other than overjoyed, emotionally moved, pondering the depth of the script, and eager to see the next performance (Richard III will be the next performance, running from July 24th-August 17th, same location, time, and free viewing).

I would encourage you to get there early to grab a good spot, as the space and parking fills up fast!

Check out the official cast list:

VIOLA – Solange Gosselin
OLIVIA – Rebecca Elkin
MARIA – VerNia Garvin
ORSINO – Chris Hatch
SEBASTIAN – Richard Thomas Robbins
ANTONIO – Nathanial Higgins
SIR TOBY BELCH – Norm Sham
SIR ANDREW AGUECHEEK – Todd Benzin
MALVOLIO – Daniel Lendzian
FESTE – Kevin Craig
FABIAN – Isaiah Brown
VALENTINE – Maeve Garvey
SEA CAPTAIN/FIRST OFFICER – Mike Garvey
PRIEST – Bill Baldwin
LADY IN WAITING – Katie Osborn
LADY IN WAITING – Sue McCormack
SECOND OFFICER/REVELER – Sean McCormack

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About Shakespeare in Delaware Park

Shakespeare in Delaware Park is a beloved summer tradition in Buffalo, NY, offering free outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s plays in scenic Delaware Park since 1976. Held on the Saul Elkin Stage near Hoyt Lake, the festival runs from June to August, with two different productions and 44 performances annually.

Audiences are invited to bring blankets or chairs and enjoy a picnic while watching professional actors bring Shakespeare’s works to life. It’s one of the largest and longest-running free Shakespeare festivals in the country, drawing over 1.5 million visitors since its founding.

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About Amherst Dipson Theatre

Dipson Amherst Theatre, located at 3500 Main Street in Buffalo, New York, is a locally owned, three-screen cinema offering a blend of first-run commercial films and independent, foreign, and documentary features. Operated by Dipson Theatres, a family-run chain established in 1939, the theater provides an intimate movie-going experience with approximately 70 leather recliner seats per auditorium

The theater is known for its welcoming atmosphere, showcasing a diverse lineup that includes Oscar contenders, indie films, and special events like Metropolitan Opera broadcasts and classic film series . Patrons often praise the theater’s vintage charm, comfortable seating, and the quality of its popcorn, which is made with real butter.

With its rich history and commitment to quality cinema, Dipson Amherst Theatre remains a cherished destination for movie enthusiasts in the Buffalo area.

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About O’Connell & Company

O’Connell & Company is a professional, nonprofit theater company in Buffalo, founded in 1995 by award-winning actress Mary Kate O’Connell. The company is known for its commitment to gender parity in the arts, often featuring works by female playwrights and directors, as well as productions with strong female characters. Their productions range from regional premieres to popular classics, with notable shows including 1776, Young Frankenstein, Little Shop of Horrors, and their original production, DIVA by DIVA: A Celebration of Women!.

The company continues to enrich Buffalo’s cultural landscape by providing accessible and engaging theater experiences that celebrate diversity and community.

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About North Park Theatre

The North Park Theatre is a historic single-screen cinema that has been captivating audiences since its grand opening on November 21, 1920. Originally known as Shea’s North Park, it was part of Michael Shea’s movie theater empire.

Today, the North Park Theatre continues to serve as a beloved cultural landmark, offering a diverse selection of films, including first-run, independent, and foreign titles, to the Buffalo community. Its rich history and commitment to cinematic excellence make it a cherished destination for moviegoers and a testament to Buffalo’s vibrant cultural heritage.

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About Transit Drive-in Theatre

The Transit Drive-In operates seasonally from April through November, featuring double features on weekends during the spring and fall, and nightly screenings during the summer months. Movie audio is transmitted via FM radio, and patrons can enjoy a variety of classic concession stand offerings, including burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, pizza logs, ice cream, and popcorn . Admission is reasonably priced at $12 for adults and $8 for children aged 5–11, with children under 4 admitted free . The theater is pet-friendly, allowing leashed animals, and permits outside food and beverages.

In addition to its movie offerings, the Transit Drive-In features a 19-hole miniature golf course known as “The Greens Under The Screen,” providing entertainment for early arrivals and families seeking additional activities .

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Welcome to O’Connell & Company’s The Marvelous Wonderettes—a reunion of grooviness, romance, a tenacious retiree, and a night filled with your favorite songs!

The Marvelous Wonderettes, by Roger Bean, is a jukebox musical set in the early ’70s that uses your favorite ’50s and ’60s jams to tell the story of four wonderful girls who are the life of the party at reunions, retirement parties, and more!

“It’s 1969, and the Marvelous Wonderettes are back at Springfield High (Go Chipmunks!) to throw a retirement party for their favorite homeroom teacher. As the girls sing their way through the greatest girl-group hits of the ’60s and bid Ms. McPherson a fond farewell, one of the Wonderettes reveals she’ll also be saying goodbye to search for success and happiness on her own. Act II finds the girls back together as the class of 1958 celebrates their 20-year reunion. The classic pop and rock hits of the ’70s provide the perfect soundtrack for these old friends to catch up on the paths life has led them, all performed with their own marvelous spin!”

This iconic and fabulous quartet are everything you want. If you are a fan of Mamma Mia’s Donna & Dynamos, Dreamgirls, and Six: The Musical, this is the show for you! The “Wonderful” Marvelous Wonderettes were led and directed by Joey Bucheker, who also served as the voice of Principal Varney. Bucheker, who always delivers a night of joy and dance, created a wonderful vision of four ladies who danced and belted the night away, captivating audience members with sequined outfits, fluorescent set design, and immersive performances. This show is simple and quirky—the perfect production to bring your parents to! The unseen Ritchie Stevens, who managed the light board, did a phenomenal job lighting the dance floor for these ladies.

The Marvelous Wonderettes are composed of Cindy Lou, Betty Jean, Missy, and Suzie; and if they are the Wonderettes, I am the reviewer (an inside joke you’ll understand after you see the show). Each actress sparkled and shone brightly, effortlessly outshining one another with their solo performances, all while being supported by their talented castmates as the “backup” singers.

First up is the incredible and audacious Dasia Cervi. “My oh my,” can Cervi belt! Portraying the one-hit wonder Wonderette, Cindy “Cynthia” Lou, she captivated the audience with her powerful voice and remarkable interpretation of the character. If these Wonderettes had a “Beyoncé,” Cindy Lou would undoubtedly claim that title. Next, we have Betty Jean, played by the ever-charismatic Smirna Mercedes —a familiar face in the O’Connell & Company family—who brought her own sparkle to the role of the tough-hearted and edgy Betty Jean “BJ.” Mercedes infuses her characters with a distinctive flair, and in this performance, she masterfully conveys Betty Jean’s serious and newly discovered feminist perspective. The dynamic between Mercedes and Cervi was a highlight of the show, as they playfully competed with each other, their chemistry adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their performances. Their interactions with the lucky audience member portraying the mysterious retiring Miss McPherson created a delightful and engaging experience, making the audience feel like an integral part of the action.

 Casey Moyer, in her role as Missy, delivered a heartfelt performance that resonated with the audience through poignant ballads of heartbreak and miscommunication. Her portrayal of Ms. Missy Lee, Springfield’s new Vice Principal, was a masterful blend of authority and warmth, bringing a nuanced charm to the character. Moyer’s powerful vocals in “Maybe” showcased her range and elicited genuine empathy, making her character’s struggles relatable and impactful. Last but certainly not least is Suzie, brought to life by the talented Audrianna Yates. The saying “blondes have more fun” rings true in Yates’s delightful portrayal of this sweet and “naïve” character. Yates masterfully captures Suzie’s innocence and charm, infusing her performance with an infectious energy that lights up the stage. Her unique ability to “spill the beans” through a rapid-fire delivery adds a layer of humor and whimsy, showcasing her impressive comedic timing. Not only does Yates sing her heart out, eliciting genuine emotion from the audience, but she also delivers her lines with remarkable breath control—her stamina and vocal prowess leave us in awe, as she seamlessly navigates the fast-paced dialogue without losing momentum. These wonderful ladies matched pitch, harmonized, and maintained a fashionable flair in their performances.

Timmy Goodman, who coordinated the outfits, did a phenomenal job blending each lady’s attire; in Act II, if you pay close attention, each lady’s outfit complements the next through their sequined belts. Reuben Julius Schwartz brought the disco boogie scene to life with his metallic chrome balloons and neon fluorescent backdrops, which complemented Jay Marks’s lighting that spotlighted this production’s outstanding set design.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to be part of the show, this is the one for you. Fair warning for those who shy away from attention and the spotlight: sit as far from the aisles as possible, or you may find yourself part of this wonderful cast!

O’Connell & Company’s production of The Marvelous Wonderettes runs until November 24th, 2024. Tickets can be purchased at the box office and online at https://www.oconnellandcompany.com/

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About The Haunted Forests Horror Park

The Haunted Forests Horror Park is an immersive Halloween attraction set in a spooky, wooded environment. Guests navigate through dark, winding trails filled with chilling scenes, scare actors, and eerie sound effects. The park features multiple themed sections, each designed to heighten the fright factor, from haunted cabins to creepy creatures lurking in the shadows. Ideal for thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts, the Haunted Forests Horror Park offers a unique and thrilling outdoor experience that captures the essence of Halloween.

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About Frightworld Screampark

Frightworld is America’s BIGGEST and BEST Indoor Screampark, where Nightmares Come True. Voted as one of the Best Haunted Attractions in the country, Frightworld features 5 uniquely themed award-winning haunted houses. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, Halloween enthusiast or looking for a heart-pounding night out, Frightworld promises an unforgettable experience. For more information, visit Frightworld.com

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