WNY Theater: Kenan Center opens with Rodgers & Hammerstein revue

By A.J. Govenettio
(Photos by Jeff Tracy)

The Taylor Theatre started the Kenan Center’s 2025-26 season with contagious charm.

“A Grand Night For Singing” is a musical revue conceived by Walter Robbie that celebrates Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s songs on all things love. From “Oklahoma! to The Sound of Music.” they ruled the golden era of musical theater, and defined love on a level of influence rivaling Disney.

Thirty-one songs in 95 minutes might seem like like a recipe for tonal whiplash, but every member of the cast, pit and crew turn it into a night of irresistible momentum. Lighting design by Buffalo native Chris George flawlessly transitions the audience from bombastic comedy into introspective yearnings.

The compact size and thrust stage give Taylor Theatre’s performers a uniquely close connection to the audience. The detail captured by House Photographer Jeff Tracy’s photos isn’t far off from the experience of any seat in the house.

Kay Johnson provides the sleek costuming unique to every performer. Much like the stage design, their costumes provide memorable design choices that work in a myriad of moods.

Behind it all, the great four-person pit fills the house with the larger than life scores of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Music Director Patrick Towey proves that a melody is plenty to set the stage.

Kevin Leary’s direction is just another example of how to make the most of such an intimate space. His choreography uses every step, bench, pole and exit to distinguish every song.

Finally, the performers add occasional, fourth wall-breaking interjections to highlight the absurd (and occasionally outdated) themes of R&H. Their interactions with each other, as well as the audience, are a delight to see. Of course, this is alongside their wonderful renditions of the duo’s oeuvre that this show exists to commemorate.

Anthony Alcocer provides the necessary charm of the various leading men, delivering the warm welcome to Act II with “Beautiful Mornin'” as well as the somber closer of “This Nearly Was Mine.” You might recognize him from his ARTIE winning performance of Jackie in Road Less Traveled’s production of “Motherf**ker with the Hat.”

Sydney Conrad’s graceful vocals make for several stand out solo performances. She’s a perfect fit over the score of shows like “Cinderella.” She played this character in a much different context in the O’Connell and Company’s “Into the Woods.”

Heather Holden’s bubbly demeanor adds a wonderfully playful element to the often emotionally torn women of these shows, best seen in moments such as “I’m In Love With a Wonderful Guy.” Her keen sense of play is perhaps inspired by her many years as an elementary school music teacher in Orchard Park.

Brittney Leigh Morton’s ability to change character on a dime is on full display throughout the show. One look at her history of theater, from playing “Shrek’s” Fiona in Kansas to “Grease’s” Sandy in Michigan and roles on the Disney Cruise Line, and it’s evident how experienced she is in just this sort of thing.

Last but not least is Aaron Gabriel Saldana. His yearning in numbers like “Love, Look Away” and “The Man I Used To Be” go from comic to tragic at the snap of his fingers. A less experienced actor might have trouble adding specificity to distinguish the losses of love as he so smoothly does.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music captures a ridiculous era of musical theatre so perfectly. But this revue is proof that we don’t memorialize them for the sake of spectacle, but their uncanny ability to capture universal truths of love. This revue is a blinding monster for any company to tackle. The Kenan Center demonstrates exactly what it takes to pull off such a feat. It’s not diamond chandeliers or 50-foot stages. It’s the same simple humanity that has always driven us to art.

“A Grand Night For Singing” continues through Oct. 12 at Taylor Theater at the Kenan Center, 455 Locust St, Lockport, NY 14094 (parking on site).

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/kenancenter/a-grand-night-for-singing#, $28 for general admission, $18 for students