Shea's invites community to Michael Shea birthday celebration

Cupcakes & prizes among activities planned to remember Buffalo icon recognized as ‘America’s Greatest Showman’ 

Shea’s Performing Arts Center Press Release & Photos 

Shea’s Performing Arts Center invites the community to celebrate Shea’s Buffalo Theatre founder Michael Shea during an April 1 birthday event featuring special treats and prizes.

Born to Irish immigrants on April 1, 1859, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Michael Shea came to Buffalo as a young child. The family settled in the Old First Ward. Michael began working at the young age of 12 on the docks of the Buffalo River and later as an iron worker, before opening a saloon, which allowed him to save for dreams in the entertainment business. Eventually, Michael operated 13 theaters, with Shea’s Buffalo being his crowning masterpiece.

Willaim M. Eberhardt, who served as Buffalo Common Council president from 1934-35, said, “Michael Shea was a distinguished contributor to Buffalo’s progress, and his career is a shining example of the able grasping of the opportunities that lie within our own city for all citizens, who, like Mr. Shea, have the foresight and courage to make use of them.”

Michael Shea (Image courtesy of Shea's Performing Arts Center)

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The community is invited to visit the Shea’s Performing Arts Center Box Office, at 650 Main St., Buffalo, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 1, for a Michael Shea birthday party. WKSE-FM “KISS” 98.5 radio host Nicholas Picholas will provide the music and trivia. Visitors can pick up a cupcake baked by Fairy Cakes Bakery and Radah Baked Goods, while supplies last. Those who stop by can also spin a prize wheel for a chance to win Broadway and Shea’s centennial merchandise, and enter to win tickets to upcoming performances of “The Cher Show,” “Ain’t Too Proud” or “Legally Blonde.”

While in the box office, visitors can purchase a subscription to the newly announced Five Star Bank 2025-26 Broadway Season or tickets to any of the many performances coming to Shea’s three stages this spring.

Jan. 16, 2026, will mark the 100th anniversary of the grand opening of Shea’s Buffalo Theatre.