Buffalo Theater: Play from Canada’s most produced playwright features Peter Palmisano, Eileen Dugan

Name of Play: “On A First Name Basis”

Venue: Desiderio’s Dinner Theatre at Bobby J’s, 204 Como Park Blvd. Cheektowaga

Playwright: Norm Foster

Director: Jay Desiderio

Lead actors:

Note: Due to circumstances outside of the theater’s and the actor’s control, Sean Cullen was not able to perform in this play. The role was taken on by Peter Palmisano, another iconic Buffalo actor.

Sean Cullen – Buffalo native, award winning stage, screen and television star. He has been in films with Al Pacino, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio, to name a few. Plus he has been a recurring character as Warden on the TV series “Suits” with numerous episodes on “Law and Order” to his credit.
Eileen Dugan is a three-time Artie Award-winning Buffalo actress. She has starred on a multitude of WNY stages.

Other Significant Production Credits: Norm Foster is Canada’s most-produced playwright. His plays are produced all over Canada, the U.S. and the world. In fact, “On A First Name Basis” was recently produced in Kyiv, Ukraine.

What makes this play special and why did you decide to do it? Director Jay Desiderio: This play has everything you would want to see in a play. “On A First Name Basis” is very funny with witty and engaging dialogue. It pulls the audience into the story of these two unique characters from start to finish. The play is a love story, a social commentary, a mystery, full of surprising revelations that are extremely moving and humorous.

What sets this production of the play apart from others that have been done? “On A First Name Basis” is one of Norm Foster’s biggest hits. It is a play with just two characters, but they hit the running and keep the audience captivated from start to finish. It puts the theatre-goers on a beautiful emotional roller coaster ride which they will never forget.

Is there anything else the audience should know? Be ready to laugh and cry has you get to know David And Lucy. And, of course, be ready to enjoy a wonderful and delicious dinner before the show. 

Show dates: March 12-May 23, 2026

Website: mybobbyjs.com

Tickets: Available on website or by phone at  716-395-3207