BUFFALO, NY – Theatre fans crowded Buffalo’s Theatre District for the 37th annual ‘Curtain Up’.

The event is the official launch of the new theatre season in the Queen City.

“The best theatre is in Buffalo, New York,” said theatre goer, Rob Schwartz.

With 12 productions on opening night – there was plenty for theatre lovers to explore.

“I love the whole theatre adventure,” said Nancy Rich. “It’s the only thing in the United States I think that happens right here in Buffalo, so it’s pretty unique to the area.”

Foot traffic stayed steady throughout Main Street for opening night and the after party.

Ellen Neumaier told Spectrum News the district is quite different than what she remembers from decades ago.

“When we moved here many eons ago it was very polluted and smoggy, the roads seemed very narrow, I think buffalo has seen an amazing revitalization,” said Neumaier.

The Queen City’s theatre fans were fit for royalty for the occasion with many men and women dressed to the nines.

Aquiera Roberts is a Buffalo native and actress in one of the productions and said she looks forward to the event every year.

“I used to come down here with my father,” said Roberts “We would go and watch the Lion King. I remember thinking man I always wanted to do something like this."

 

 

Tickets were sold out for many of Friday’s shows including ‘Hamiltunes’ at Shea’s 710 Theatre.

‘Hamiltunes’ is a sing along of the Broadway hit ‘Hamiltion’ that is also slated to come to Buffalo.

Theatre District Association President, Lisa Ludwig says ‘Curtain Up’ is a production in itself – requiring year round work and planning.

Ludwig also mentioned how theatre has helped Buffalo grow.

“Think about it for the economy in Buffalo –When you have over 20  theatre companies for a city our size that’s amazing and there’s really something for everyone!”