Buffalo Spree Names Chase Best Media Personality in Western New York

For more than 20 years, Western New Yorkers seeking insight into local theatrical productions have relied on Anthony Chase, assistant dean of arts and humanities, for his thoughtful and eloquent commentary. Chase hosts “Theater Talk” with Jim Santella on WBFO and AM-970 and serves as theater editor for Artvoice. He has handled both roles with aplomb—striking a balance between theater critic and champion.

His efforts and talents have not gone unnoticed, especially this year. In its July issue, Buffalo Spree named Chase Best Media Personality in Western New York for 2012. In January, the National Federation for Just Communities gave him the Community Leader Award in the Arts and in April, Chase was named an outstanding faculty member during Buffalo State’s Student Life Awards.

Along with his assistant dean duties, Chase teaches dramaturgy and criticism to Buffalo State students. He is creator and producer of Buffalo’s annual professional theater awards, “The Arties.” He wrote for Theater Week magazine in New York for 10 years, and his work has been published in Stages, In Theater, American Theater, and Hispanic magazines.

With the dwindling number of news outlets—and fewer theater critics—Chase said the expertise he provides theater-goers is more important than ever.

"I went to college to do this. Along with theater, I studied the related arts: fashion, English literature, art history, music."

When he discusses a play or musical, Chase aims to connect people to experiences that they would enjoy, even if it’s not a production he personally favored.

"The role of the theater critic as tipster has become obsolete," Chase explained. "Ultimately, my opinion of a production does not matter; what matters is what the person experiencing the production thinks. My job is to help people understand and appreciate the various theatrical experiences, not alienate them from theatrical experiences."

Chase, who holds a doctorate with a concentration in dramatic literature from the University at Buffalo, has reveled in live theater since he was a young child growing up in Fishkill, New York, with an actor father and costume-designer mother. They later became educators and critiqued many productions around the dinner table. After toying with the idea of an acting career, Chase said he realized, "I wanted to be a professional member of the audience."

Indeed, he has transformed that role into his life’s passion. Chase spends 250 nights a year at a play, musical, or dramatic reading, not only in the Buffalo area, but also in theaters in New York City and Los Angeles, especially if the production stars a Buffalo actor or has another local connection.

By heralding the wide array of theater options available in Western New York, Chase said, "I am here to say that the arts in this community matter."