Our Story

In 2014, Arlene’s Broadway on Buffalo (ABOB) was founded by a son who sought to honor his late mother, Arlene, and her husband, Eric, both of whom shared a deep love for the arts and a belief in the transformative power of storytelling. Arlene had always believed in the magic of theater—its ability to unite, inspire, and uplift. She passed this passion on to her son, who grew up surrounded by their shared love for the arts. Eric, Arlene’s devoted husband, supported her artistic dreams, and together they created a home where creativity flourished. After Arlene’s passing, her son envisioned creating a space that celebrated their legacies, a place where the community could come together and experience the joy of live theater.

When he discovered an abandoned church in the heart of Conneaut, Ohio, he saw its potential not only as a building but as a sanctuary for stories, a space where families could gather, and a platform for artists to explore their creativity. The church was lovingly restored, maintaining its historic features while being transformed into a dynamic theater. The altar that once held prayers now cradled performances, and the acoustics that had once resonated with hymns now amplified the voices of actors, musicians, and storytellers.

From its first performance, Arlene’s Broadway on Buffalo embraced its mission to be a welcoming space for families, where every generation could experience the wonder of live theater. Whether it was a heartwarming family play or a bold, experimental piece, ABOB quickly became a place where families could connect and grow together through the magic of storytelling. This spirit of creative freedom was central to ABOB’s philosophy, encouraging artists to take risks, explore new ideas, and push boundaries in their work.

What truly set ABOB apart was the power of collaboration. Arlene’s and Eric’s belief in the strength of community inspired the theater to be built on teamwork and shared vision. Every production was a collective effort, with actors, directors, designers, and crew members working together to create something greater than any one individual could achieve. ABOB became more than just a venue for performances—it became a beloved home for the community, a place where families created lasting memories, young artists found their voices, and theatergoers of all kinds could experience the collective joy of shared stories.

As ABOB celebrates its 10th anniversary, the theater continues to evolve, remaining rooted in its core values of family, creativity, and collaboration. New generations of artists and theatergoers have found their place in the theater’s story, and the community that Arlene and Eric nurtured continues to grow. The 10th anniversary is a time to reflect on the enduring legacy of both Arlene and Eric and to honor their shared love for the arts, which continues to shape ABOB’s mission.

Looking ahead, Arlene’s Broadway on Buffalo remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive, creative space where future generations can continue to experience the magic of storytelling. The theater’s commitment to creativity, community, and collaboration ensures that Arlene and Eric’s vision for the arts will continue to thrive for years to come. Here’s to the next decade, and to the lasting legacy of Arlene’s Broadway on Buffalo.