Shea's Performing Arts Center & local theater partners announce Frey Electric season & inaugural MusicalFare run at Shea's 710 Theatre

Shea’s Performing Arts Center Press Release & Photos 

Shea’s Performing Arts Center joined MusicalFare Theatre, AnsariSaxon Productions, Second Generation Theatre, and Road Less Traveled Productions to announce an incredible lineup of shows headed to the Shea’s 710 Theatre stage.

Brian Higgins, president and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center, said, “We are thrilled to be offering three incredible shows as part of the 2025-26 Frey Electric Season, plus an additional five as part of the inaugural MusicalFare at Shea 710 Theatre season. Together, they offer a variety of performances, presented by Western New York’s premier producing theaters, that inspire, entertain, challenge and connect audiences. It is going to be an exciting season of storytelling on stage that will speak to the heart, open the mind, and stir the soul.”

MusicalFare Theatre Artistic and Executive Director Randall Kramer said, “I am so excited for the Oct. 23 start of our 2025-26 season at Shea's 710! We've chosen five Tony Award-winning musicals that will appeal to a broad cross-section of theatergoers. We look forward to beginning our residency at our new home and continuing to offer WNY audiences the very best in musical theater.”

Kent Frey, president and CEO of Frey Electric, said, “We'd like to thank Jon Dandes, board chair; and Brian Higgins, president and CEO; for their leadership for making so many positive changes to the theater district and Buffalo, as Frey Electric continues to be the lead sponsor for Shea's 710.”

The 2025-26 Frey Electric Season at Shea’s 710 Theatre Includes:

•“Dreamgirls,” Sept. 11-28. 

Produced by AnsariSaxon Productions and Shea’s Performing Arts Center; book and lyrics by Tom Eyen; music by Henry Krieger; original Broadway production directed, produced and choreographed by Michael Bennett

Inspired by Motown and R&B legends of the 1960s-70s, “Dreamgirls” is more than a musical – it's a celebration of Black womanhood, excellence, and the pursuit of the American dream. This story reflects the journey of becoming – from artist to entrepreneur, from overlooked to unstoppable. It captures the complexity of surviving in America while daring to thrive in business, love and identity. Through music, movement and heart, we follow the Dreamettes as they navigate ambition, betrayal, joy and liberation.

“ ‘Dreamgirls’ – story rooted in Motown – uplifts Black artistry, women, resilience and brilliance. It mirrors the mission of both Ansari Saxon Productions and Shea’s Performing Arts Center: to amplify underrepresented voices and center stories of transformation, joy and power,” said Karen Saxon, partner at AnsariSaxon Productions. “Partnering with Shea’s, a cornerstone of the Western New York performing arts community, allows us to bring this vision to the stage in spectacular fashion.”

•“Mamma Mia!” Jan. 15-Feb. 1, 2026 

Produced by Second Generation Theatre and Shea's Performing Arts Center; directed by Lisa Ludwig; production stars Michele Marie Roberts, Kelly Copps and Broadway’s Bethany Moore. Music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and some songs with Stig Anderson.

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. With nonstop laughs and high-energy dance numbers, ABBA’s smash hit jukebox musical, “Mamma Mia!” is the perfect escape from Buffalo winter.

Kelly Copps, artistic director for Second Generation Theatre said, "Second Gen is thrilled to have the opportunity once again to bring our work to the Shea's 710 stage. ‘Mamma Mia!’ is the perfect escape (for) the Buffalo winter, and the ultimate feel-good show. We can't wait to bring down the house with ABBA's incredible music."

This is the second time a Second Generation production will be featured on the Shea’s 710 Theatre stage. In 2023, Second Generation, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, and Ujima co-produced “The Color Purple.”

•“A Few Good Men,” June 11-28, 2026 

Produced by Road Less Traveled Productions and Shea’s Performing Arts Center; by Aaron Sorkin

In the summer of 1986, two Marines face trial for the death of a fellow Marine during an illegal disciplinary action, known as a "Code Red." Their Navy lawyer, initially aiming for a plea deal, is pushed by his female defense partner to take a stand. As he challenges military values and honor, he goes head-to-head with the formidable Col. Jessep. With sharp humor and subtle romance, this gripping courtroom drama explores military morality, leaving the audience to question the truth.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with Shea's and return to Shea's 710 Theatre with ’A Few Good Men’ for the 25-26 season,” said Scott Behrend, artistic and executive director at Road Less Traveled Productions. “The upgrades to the lobby and box office will be a wonderful added benefit to our patrons to enhance their theatergoing experience. We look forward to working together to continue producing high-quality live entertainment in downtown Buffalo for seasons to come."

“A Few Good Men” will be the eighth Road Less Traveled Production at Shea’s 710 Theatre.

The MusicalFare Season at Shea’s 710 Theatre includes:

•“Come From Away,” Oct. 23-Nov. 9; produced by MusicalFare Theatre

The inspiring true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers on 9/11 and the small town in Canada that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

•“White Christmas,” Dec. 4-21; produced by MusicalFare Theatre

Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano” and the perennial title song. It’s an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages for the holidays.

•“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” Feb. 19-March 8, 2026; produced by MusicalFare Theatre

When a distant heir to a family fortune sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm ... and a dash of murder … uproarious hilarity ensues. This knock-'em-dead, uproarious hit won four Tony Awards including Best Musical

•“Jesus Christ Superstar,” April 2-19, 2026; produced by MusicalFare Theatre

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic rock-musical about the final week of the life of Jesus Christ, complete with an iconic score that features smash hits “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.”

•“Hairspray,” May 7-24, 2026; produced by MusicalFare Theatre 

You can't stop the beat in this big and bold musical about one girl's inspiring dream to dance. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, it’s a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.

If you’re going …

The public spaces at Shea’s 710 Theatre are currently undergoing a complete renovation, which will elevate the visitor experience. When the curtain rises this fall, visitors will enjoy updated lobby, concession and restroom areas, as well as a fantastic new cabaret lounge and outdoor patio on Main Street.

Current and new subscribers to the Frey Electric 2025-26 Season at Shea’s 710 Theatre have the opportunity lock-in seats before productions go on sale to the general public. A three-show season ticket package is $161.

The MusicalFare 2025-2026 season ticket package includes five productions for $265.

Subscription packages for both seasons are now available in person at the Shea’s Performing Arts Center box office at 650 Main St., calling 716-847-0850, or through the Shea’s 710 Theatre webpage at www.sheas.org/710-theatre.