January 18 – February 11, 2024
Island City Stage | www.IslandCityStage.org
By Denny Patterson
South Florida actor Matthew Buffalo, who has performed in several Island City Stage productions including Buyer & Cellar, Tracy Jones, and Pageant, will be returning to the popular queer theater venue for its upcoming performances of Which Way to the Stage, playing January 18 – February 11, 2024.
Written by Ana Nogueira, this playful and profound comedy follows Broadway superfans Jeff and Judy, who eagerly await their idol, Idina Menzel, after her performance in If/Then at the stage door every night. However, when a sexy stranger enters the scene and upends their friendship, the musical theater aficionados may have to go off book to rewrite their own finale.
Buffalo will be starring as Jeff, and he took some time to talk more about the show and his role with OutClique.
Denny Patterson: Hi, Matt! Let me begin by asking, how excited are you to be in Island City Stage’s production of Which Way to the Stage?
Matthew Buffalo: I am super excited! I always love working with Island City Stage, and this play is so much fun.
Denny Patterson: You play Jeff, one of the leads. How are you wanting to approach this character?
Matthew Buffalo: Every time I read through this play, I fall more in love with the character of Jeff. He has his flaws, as we all do, but his sense of humor, as well as his personal and career struggles, I definitely connect with. The more I explore the character of Jeff, I discover that we are very similar in many respects. The challenge for me as an actor is going to be finding the differences between myself and Jeff while still empathizing with what motivates him.
Denny Patterson: Are you as big of an Idina Menzel fan as Jeff and Judy are?
Matthew Buffalo: I have seen her in almost every show she has been in on Broadway, except Aida. So, I guess I kind of am an Idina fan (laughs).
Denny Patterson: What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from this production?
Matthew Buffalo: That’s a tough question because there are so many wonderful aspects of this play. If I were to narrow it down, I’d say that I want the audience to not only walk away laughing and having had a fun evening, but I also hope it sparks conversation about the myriad of current topics that the play raises about our community and world.
Denny Patterson: And with this show, what are you hoping to personally gain?
Matthew Buffalo: Great question! I’ve never been asked that before. As with any production I am a part of, I’m hoping to simply learn a bit more about myself as an actor and as a person. That may sound generic, but it’s the truth.
Denny Patterson: Is there a certain scene you are most excited to do?
Matthew Buffalo: These scenes are so fast paced and lively, and I cannot wait to live them nightly. However, the scene I am most excited to explore is the scene when Jeff gets to do his drag act at his local gay bar! It’s going to be a personal dream to perform these songs.
Denny Patterson: Have you always had a passion for acting and performing?
Matthew Buffalo: I have. My earliest memory of performing was weirdly after my grandmother’s surgery. While she was recovering in bed, I’d use her bedroom closet curtains as my stage. I was her own personal theater troupe, dancing, singing, and doing improv scenes in order to make her laugh and feel a bit better. I’ve never stopped performing.
Denny Patterson: You have been in a couple previous Island City Stage productions including Buyer & Cellar, Tracy Jones, and Pageant. What makes this company so special to you?
Matthew Buffalo: Island City Stage has been so welcoming to me, not only as an actor, but also as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. When I moved to the area several years ago, it was the first theater in the Fort Lauderdale area where I attended a performance. The entire team that works in every capacity are some of the best people to work with. I am always eager to do a show there. Island City Stage is also special to me because of its mission of bringing diverse stories from the LGBTQ+ community to life on stage.
Denny Patterson: What are some future goals you hope to accomplish as an actor?
Matthew Buffalo: I love getting to know the characters I play and understand them a bit better, which helps me understand myself and the human condition a bit more. I just want to continue sharing stories.
Denny Patterson: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug?
Matthew Buffalo: I am an assistant professor of theater at New World School of the Arts in Miami, so directing and teaching at the college will be my upcoming projects. I love being on stage, but having the honor to share what I’ve learned in my career and previous training with my students along with what I’m discovering in real time while in a production is a dream come true!
Stay up-to-date and connect with Buffalo by following him on Facebook and Instagram. For more information and to purchase tickets for Which Way to the Stage, visit IslandCityStage.org.
