“I hate Wegmans.”  Three words you’ll never hear any Western New Yorker utter.  In fact, the grocery chain is almost unanimously loved by Buffalonians, but it is rare that someone from outside the area understands the value of the $6 meal (or the myriad other pluses of Wegmans).  Apparently, Alec Baldwin is an exception to that rarity because Wegmans, and Buffalo in general, seem to have a special place in his heart.  Whether he is shooting a promotional video for our beloved store or mocking the Buffalo accent, Baldwin does well to promote the Queen City.

Another way the 30 Rock star supports Buffalo is by backing the city’s theater scene; in past years he has worked hand-in-hand with Road Less Traveled Productions to promote the company’s grassroots theater movement.  Baldwin has done two previous readings for RLTP: in July 2006 he read Yasmina Reza’s Art and in 2009 he performed David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow.  On Jan. 27, 2012, our new favorite Buffalo-backer returns to support RLTP for the third time as he reads Clifford Odets’ play, The Big Knife.

Currently in its eighth year, Road Less Traveled has set up shop in the Market Arcade Film and Arts Centre and continues to grow, thanks in part to Baldwin.  Not only does he promote the group through his dramatic readings, but he is also a member of RLTP’s National Advisory Board.

The professionally-directed reading of The Big Knife will take place at the UB Center for the Arts.  Before the show, there will be a private cocktail reception beginning at 5:30 p.m; a catered dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m.  Don’t get too excited Baldwin fanatics; admittance to this pre-show reception only comes with a VIP “top tier” ticket, which costs $250.

Other tickets for the 8:00 p.m. reading are available for $75 and $60, depending on seating locale.  All tickets are available through Ticketmaster by phone at 800.745.3000, online at Ticketmaster.com. You can also pick up your entry pass at the Center for the Arts Box Office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.