Road Less Traveled Productions, M&T Bank, and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield come together to provide free tickets during the theatre company’s 20th anniversary season

Through a community partnership that brings Road Less Traveled Productions (RLTP) together with M&T Bank and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Western New Yorkers can secure free tickets for select shows during the theatre company’s 2023-2024 season. Celebrating RLTP’s 20th anniversary, M&T and Highmark launched the “ALL ACCESS FRIDAYS” initiative to expand the community’s access to innovative live theater experiences that inspire creativity and foster understanding.

The program starts with the September 15 performance of Murder Ballad and then runs through RLTP’s entire season. RLTP is partnering with a diverse group of media partners and community organizations to distribute ALL ACCESS FRIDAYS tickets to the community. Panorama Hispano and Arts Access, an Arts Services Inc. program, are distributing tickets for the September 15 performance.

For future ALL ACCESS FRIDAYS performances, RLTP will work with WBFO, Buffalo Rising, Buffalo Spree, Jewish Journal of WNY, and Pride Center of WNY as ticket distribution partners. Each organization will lead its own programs to get tickets into the community — which they will promote on their websites, social media, or other publishing and broadcast platforms ahead of their designated performances.

WHEN: Friday, September 15 – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Road Less Traveled Theater, 456 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14202

WHO: Interviews available with:

  • Eric Feldstein, M&T Bank Western New York Regional President
  • Michael Ball, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Vice President, Community Affairs
  • Gina Gandolfo, Road Less Traveled Productions Managing Director

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
For two decades, RLTP has engaged audiences with unique storytelling and artistry that examines critical issues and connects diverse communities, locally and globally, through shared human experiences. This free ALL ACCESS FRIDAYS initiative is an expression of gratitude to the Western New York community for its 20 years of support for RLTP’s nationally recognized, groundbreaking work, and it will introduce more local residents to the theater.

Made possible by M&T Bank and Highmark, the full lineup of ALL ACCESS FRIDAYS performances and their corresponding ticket-distribution partners will include:

  • Murder Ballad – Friday, September 15 (Panorama Hispano, Arts Access)
  • All My Sons – Friday, November 10 (WBFO, Arts Access)
  • The Light Fantastic – Friday, February 23 (Buffalo Rising, Pride Center of WNY, Arts Access)
  • The Curious Case of the Watson Intelligence – Friday, April 19 (Buffalo Spree, Jewish Journal, Arts Access)

“As a bank for our communities, M&T is passionate about facilitating opportunities for meaningful conversations that lead to deeper understanding and creative solutions. Building on our longstanding commitment to the arts in Western New York, we’re proud to sponsor RLTP’s 20th season and excited about our collaboration for ALL ACCESS FRIDAYS, which will increase access for all members of our community to this powerful cultural resource,” said M&T Bank WNY Regional President Eric Feldstein.

“Like our co-sponsor, M&T Bank, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has a long history of supporting initiatives that enhance the overall health of our region. We are proud to join forces to support RLTP’s mission as they embark on their 20th season of offering events that engage and uplift the minds of our community members, and contribute to improved mental and emotional health,” said Michael Ball, vice president, community affairs, Highmark Blue CrossBlue Shield.

“RLTP is excited and grateful to M&T Bank for continuing our special relationship as we begin our 20th season, and we are thrilled to welcome Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY in this important co-sponsorship to bring unprecedented access to RLTP’s 20th Anniversary season of plays. To receive this level of support from these two community-focused businesses says a lot about how RLTP’s work is valued in our WNY community. Join us!” said Scott Behrend, RLTP Artistic/Executive Director.

Media Contact: Thea Pecht (716) 512-4448, tpecht@mtb.com