Theatre

"Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme" at ICTC features, left to right, Brendan Powers as Kenneth Pyper and Michael Providence as David Craig.

Savagery of battle

Under way at the Irish Classical Theatre Company is one of Ireland's finest modern dramas, "Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme," through Sunday, April 1.

The play, by Frank McGuinness, is a powerful and harrowing, yet subtle drama about eight men, volunteers in the 36th Ulster Division of Northern Ireland, who have been chastened by the savagery of battle during World War I. The platoon is forever forged together by the bonds of their common sacrifice - in love, honor and remembrance.

"Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme" marks the return of ICTC's award-winning Associate Director Derek Campbell, who in recent years directed "Juno & the Paycock," "Translations," "The Cobbler" and "Mrs. Warren's Profession."

The cast includes John Mohr, Brendan Powers, Michael Providence, Jeff Coyle, Tim Eimiller, Guy Balotine, Steve Dawson, Christian Brandjes and Joe Wiens.

The Theatre of Youth presents "The Giver" from March 9 through April 1 at the Allendale Theatre. Pictured left to right are Andrew J. Liegl as Asher and James R. Finan as Jonas.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays at The Andrews Theatre, 625 Main St., Buffalo.

Tickets range from $35 to $40, with senior tickets from $30 to $33. Students tickets are sold at the box office one hour before curtain, in person only, for $15 each for students under 25 with a valid student ID. For tickets, call 853-4282. 'The Giver'

The Theatre of Youth is presenting Eric Coble's adaptation of "The Giver," March 9-April 1 at the Allendale Theatre, 203 Allen St., Buffalo.

Young adult readers enjoy "The Giver," the Newber y-Award winning science fiction thriller by Lois Lowry, author of "Number the Stars," the "Anastasia Krupnik" series and her latest novel, "Gossamer."

In "The Giver," everything is under control. There are no choices, and everyone's role is flawlessly assigned. Twelve-year-old Jonas is about to receive his life's assignment, along with others of his age group. To his astonishment, he is given the most respected job, "Receiver of Memory," transferred from The Giver. When Jonas discovers his community is ruled by a lie, he determines to change his world - but he cannot predict how that change will come about or what it will mean for the "newchild" Gabriel, whom he has resolved to protect.

Director Meg Quinn's cast includes Brian La Tulip, James R. Finan, Todd Benzin, Linda Stein, Tia Lee Piotrowski, Andrew J. Liegl, Anne Roaldi, Kathleen Betsko Yale and Timothy Newell.

Opening is at 7 p.m. Friday, March 9, and continues at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, March 10, 11, 24, 25, 31 and April 1; and at 7 p.m. Friday, March 30.

Tickets are $17 and $19 per person, and are available by calling 884-4400. Group rates are available.

The production was originally commissioned by the Oregon Children's Theatre in March 2006 and is presented in conjunction with Full Circle Studios. "The Giver" is suitable for ages 10 and older.

Lowry will present a keynote lecture from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 1 at the Allendale Theatre. Tickets are $20. March 9

Endgame Samuel Beckett's play presented by Torn Space at the Adam Mickiewicz Dramatic Circle & Library, 612 Fillmore Ave., Buffalo. Runs Friday, March 9 through Saturday, March 31, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday performances. Call 847-0839 or visit www.tornspacethe ater.com for more information.

The Call Comedy by Philip Davis presented by Alemaedae Theater Productions under the direction of Davis and Harold White. The show opens 7 p.m. Friday, March 9 at the Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, and continues at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 11 only. Call 602-6253 for more information.

My Way An up-tempo musical revue tribute produced by Cosmopolitan Productions, featuring songs from the legend's heyday, opening at 8 p.m. Friday, March 9 and continuing 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday through Sunday, March 18 at the Lancaster Opera House, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster. Call 683-1776 or www.lancopera.org for more information.

1776 - The Musical The story of the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, turned into a Tony Award-winning musical by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, March 9-24, and a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee on March 18 at The Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda. Call 692-2413 or visit www.niagaratheatre. com for more information.

March 15

Betty's Summer Vacation Christopher Durang's comedy, presented by the Buffalo State College Theater Department and Casting Hall Productions, opens at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 15 and runs through Saturday, March 24 at Buffalo State College's Warren Enters Theatre, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo. Call 878-3005 or visit www.buf falostate.edu/theater for more information.

Continuing

now-March 11

As You Like It Niagara University's Leary Theatre in Clet Hall, Lewiston. 286-8622, www.niagara.edu

now-March 11

Late Nite Catechism Shea's Smith Theatre, 660 Main St., Buffalo. 847-1410, www.sheas.org now-March 11

Ravenscroft Sheridan-Parkside Community Center, 169 Sheridan-Parkside Drive, Kenmore. 693-1836

now-March 17 Based on a Totally True Story Main Street Cabaret, One Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo. 886-9239, www. buffalobua. org

now-March 17

Embody New Phoenix Theatre, 95 Johnson Park, Buffalo. 853-1334, www.newphoenixtheatre.com now-March 18

Brooklyn Boy Alleyway Theatre, 1 Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo. 688-4114, x334, www.jewishrepertor ytheatre.com

now-March 18 Wild Women Don't Get the Blues Cabaret in the Square Theatre, 4476 Main St., Snyder. 839-3949, www.oconnellandcompany.com

now-March 25

The Best Woman Ujima Company at TheaterLoft, 545 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo. 883-0380, www. ujimatheatre. org

now-April 1

Enchanted April Kavinoky Theatre, 320 Porter Ave., Buffalo. 829-7668, www.kavinokytheatre.com

now-April 1 Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme Irish Classical Theatre, 625 Main St., Buffalo. 853-4282, www.irishclassicaltheatre.com

now-April 1

Tick, Tick... Boom! MusicalFare Theatre, 4380 Main St., Amherst. 839-8540, www.musicalfare.com

Special Presentations Diva by Diva: A Celebration of Women Presented by O'Connell & Company, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Cabaret in the Square Theatre, 4476 Main St., Snyder; $20. 839-3949, www.cabaretinthesquare.com