Over the Tavern

Tom Dudzick had his first play, Greetings! produced off-Broadway at the John Houseman Theatre, starring Darren McGavin; it is now a holiday favorite all across the country. Mr. Dudzick went on to write a comedic semi-autobiographical series of plays about growing up Catholic in Buffalo called the Over the Tavern Trilogy, which has been one of the biggest grass roots successes in American regional theatre. Mr. Dudzick's home theatre, Buffalo's Studio Arena, then commissioned his idea about a parochial school novice who takes religion into her own hands, entitled Hail Mary!. Next up for Studio Arena was Don't Talk to the Actors, a hilarious semi-autobiographical backstage comedy, which boasted a star-studded cast including Denny Dillon, Richard Kline, and Lewis J. Stadlen. Mr. Dudzick's newest work, Miracle on South Division Street is based on a local Buffalo legend wherein the Blessed Virgin Mary materialized in a barbershop in the author's old neighborhood. The comedy was produced off-Broadway, where it was praised by audiences and the The New York Times. Mr. Dudzick lives in Nyack, New York with his wife and two children.

In that most idealized period of 20th-century America, the Eisenhower years of the 1950s, the Pazinski family has a lot going on in their cramped Buffalo apartment. The youngest of the bunch, 12-year-old Rudy, is a smart, wise-cracking kid who‘s starting to question family values and the Roman Catholic Church. When Rudy goes up against the ruler-wielding Sister Clarissa and announces that instead of being confirmed he‘d rather shop around for a more “fun” religion, all hell breaks loose. A warm and hilarious look at family, growing up and God.

 

Over the Tavern premiered at Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo, New York on December 6, 1994. Directed by Terence Lamude, the production featured Yvon Pasquarello, Jeanne Cairns, Susanne Marley and Chad Vahue.

Main

April 9 - 18, 2027

Available Pricing Options

  • Adult : $25.00 + $1.84 fee
  • Senior/Student : $22.00 + $1.73 fee

Performances

The Williamsville Meeting House is an old, converted church built back in 1871. There is about 15 parking spots behind the building, however you will mostly use street parking or use the public parking lot behind the Williamsville Town Hall located about a block down and on the other side of the street from the Meeting House. The building is handicap accessible, but we ask, if using a wheelchair that you let us know prior to the show day so our front of house staff is aware 

Venue

The Meeting House

Genre