Friends of Niagara University Theater
For those who love and support theater at Niagara University Spring/Summer 2008
For the second year in a row, gala auction chairs What Good Is Sitting Alone in Your Room? William LeCuyer, center, and Pamela Come to the Gala and Auction! LeCuyer, right, are By Ann Heuer, ’78 spearheading the collection of gift items $1,500. Here’s a sneak preview of from Poster Art of Elmwood Ave., for the Friends of just a few of the many items that will Buffalo. Niagara University Theater’s 23rd Annual be available at this year’s gala auction. Physical Fitness – Two fitness Gala and Auction. Collectibles – Gregory Fletcher, memberships from Planet Fitness, Posing with the LeCuyers is Adair Saviola, ’73, director of NU Theater, is close Williamsville, N.Y.; and a variety of president of the Friends of Niagara University friends with the celebrated comedy sporting good certificates. Theater. The three Friends display just a few of the gift baskets and prints that have been donated for the event. team Stiller and Meara. He has Travel Package – A five-course donated a number of fun collectibles dinner for two representing their work and the work and a luxurious An exciting array of goods and of their son, comedian Ben Stiller. The two-night stay certificates from local businesses, treasure trove includes autographed in one of the entertainment legends, friends and a collector edition books, autographed apartment suites posh Chicago hotel will highlight the theater, film and television scripts at The James 23rd Annual Friends of Niagara (e.g., Anne Meara’s play “After-Play,” Hotel of Chicago University Theater Gala and Auction “A Night at the Museum,” “The (pictured right). this spring. King of Queens” and “Seinfeld”) and This package is Gala co-chairs Kenneth and Mary even a “Latke Larry Doll,” with the valued at $1,600! The James Hotel is Tirohn of Cheektowaga, N.Y., and voice of Jerry Stiller — the world’s located at 55 West Ontario St., Ryan and Tara Erwin of Tonawanda, only talking action Chanukah gift. Chicago, just minutes away from N.Y., have planned a fun-filled The doll is signed by Jerry Stiller. Michigan Avenue’s “Magnificent evening along with auction chairs Also, NU alumnus Bob Renna, ’72, Mile,” a shopping and dining William and Pamela LeCuyer of an assistant prop master, on-set dresser, hotspot, and such cultural attractions Getzville, N.Y. The event will be buyer and draper who lives and works as Millennium Park, Chicago’s held on campus on Saturday, April 26. in California, donated several feature Historic Water Tower, The Museum This year’s gala will begin with a 4 film and TV scripts including “The of Contemporary Art, Navy Pier, and p.m. matinee of the hit Kander and Fallen Woman” episode of NBC The Smith Museum of Stained Glass, Ebb musical, “Cabaret,” at the Leary Universal’s “Life,” by Rand Ravich, to name a few. Theater on NU’s campus. Guests NBC Studios, 2007. Travel Accessories – Luggage from will then proceed to the Castellani Dining – Great restaurant AAA of Williamsville, N.Y. Art Museum for a cocktail hour, certificates from a variety of For tickets or information about silent auction, dinner, live auction restaurants located in Erie and the gala, please contact Peg Lacki at and a visit from the cast and crew of Niagara Counties. (716) 286-8483 or Ann Heuer at “Cabaret.” Auction items include a Entertainment – A walk-on role in (716) 286-8480. The auction travel package, paintings, posters, next spring’s Niagara University committee welcomes donations of entertainment and sports Theater gala musical, Blockbuster collectibles, artwork, antiques, gift memorabilia, gift baskets, gift gift certificates and more! baskets or gift certificates valued at certificates and more. Home and Office Décor – A rug $50 or more. Please contact Lacki or Anyone can bid on the silent and from Markarian Carpets; artwork Heuer if you would like to donate an live auction items, which range in from Calvins Furniture & Leather item to the gala. value from $50 to more than Gallery, Williamsville, N.Y.; artwork What’s New at NU: By the editor-in-chief, Gregory Fletcher My family and very meaningful for all of us here at dues of $25 a year): Eligible for friends are surprised NU to have Julie’s name perpetually anyone in their 20s — although to hear how much I in the department as a vibrant, whenever your budget allows for it, am enjoying the loving, supportive role model for our we hope that you will choose a winter here in current and future students. higher membership when possible. Niagara Falls. Each season has been Speaking of another beloved As president of Friends Adair so very different; I love such variety. member of Niagara University Saviola, ’73, explains: “The Friends It is this variety that I hope to incor- Theater, a scholarship fund has also were established to be a support porate into our very own upcoming been established in Tim Ward’s organization, devoted to helping and theater season, which will be publicly memory. The former associate enhancing our beloved theater depart- announced during our final produc- director and professor of theater at ment. Only with ongoing philan- tion of “Cabaret.” Niagara, Tim passed away in 2006. thropy and increasing membership As of this writing, over one and a His son, Zak Ward, ’04, created the will we be able to continue assisting half million dollars have been raised following Web site that exhibits this program that absolutely deserves for the upcoming renovation of the many photos of Tim as well as music our efforts and attention.” Leary Theater, which is scheduled for samples of a few rare performances. As incentives for membership, we a major face-lift in a year from June. Please visit www.myspace.com/ offer three new perks: At a recent meeting with the architects, whatwouldtimwarddo. 1) Theater ticket discounts: We are a computer drawing of the intimate If you would like to contribute to now offering Friends the same discount proscenium theater was generated. either scholarship fund, please mail that NU faculty, staff and senior The new stage will be less wide than your check (made out to the Julie citizens receive. our current stage but much deeper, Burdick Scholarship Fund or the 2) Friends bring friends: entitles a and the dozen rows that make up the Timothy Ward Scholarship Fund) to Friend to bring a guest for 50 150 seats, raking up to a second-level Peg Lacki, P.O. Box 1913, Niagara percent off the general admission tech booth, promises a perfect view University, NY 14109-1913. ticket price — only one guest discount from every seat, not to mention enough per performance. room for legs and arms. Along with a Certainly, it is not the level 3) Complimentary NU Arts new air conditioning system, we will of membership you pledge calendar: consisting of production actually be able to control the temper- but rather the annual act photos, theater season schedule, class ature. And there will be an easily of support to which schedule, Castellani Art Museum accessible lobby with elevator access I am appealing. exhibits, and Live Music events to the top seats. I’ve been here only a (available each summer). mere nine months and I am ecstatic Recently, it has come to my In my youth, I distinctly remember with anticipation — I can only attention that many of you who are the TV commercial for the Hair Club imagine how the rest of you must feel. reading this “Friends of Niagara for Men. (Maybe it was a sign — see I am also happy to report that University Theater Newsletter” are photo.) The president for the Hair currently $30,000 has been raised in not actually Friends. You may be Club for Men would make his Julie Burdick’s name, the annual “friends” but not Friends with a membership plug, so to speak, and interest of which will soon become capital F. Certainly, it is not the level then end by taking off his hairpiece the Julie Burdick Scholarship Fund. of membership you pledge but rather and stating, “I am not just the For those of you who did not know the annual act of support to which I President of Hair Club for Men, I am Julie, she was a graduate from the am appealing. To prove it, we are also a client.” As I look at our news- Class of 2003 who suddenly passed creating two new levels of member- letter going to print and gaze upon away in January 2007 at the young ship as well as perks: the subheading, which reads: “For age of 25. When I hear people speak 1) “Production Assistant — First those who love and support Niagara of Julie, it becomes quickly apparent Year Graduate”: Entitles current University Theater,” let me end by how special she was, not only because theater graduates to a year of saying: “I am not just the director of of her star-making talent but because complimentary membership. Niagara University Theater, I am also of her heart of gold. It is, therefore, 2) “Rising Star” (with membership a Friend.”
2 Friends of Niagara University Theater NU Students Impress Producers at UPTA Auditions By Ann Heuer, ’78 The lines of people waiting to Kevin Craig, ’08, also attended chair of NU’s department of theater audition at the United Professional this year’s UPTAs and accepted an and fine arts. “I have no doubt Theatre Auditions in Memphis this offer for a paid internship with Mill they’re all going to come out with winter weren’t as long as those for Mountain Theater Co. in Roanoke, many job offers from the conference! “American Idol,” but the atmosphere Va., where a number of NU grads LCT actually talked to quite a few of was just as electric. have worked in the past. them. It made me proud of our theater This year, over 800 professional Charles Wahl, ’08, was offered and department at NU!” Smiley landed actors, production personnel and accepted a job with Barter Theatre in an acting and teaching job with theater studies seniors from across the Abingdon, Va., to play a role in its Lexington Children’s Theatre when she nation auditioned there for national production of “Sweeney Todd.” Lia attended last winter’s UPTAs. performance contracts and production Sumerano, ’08, was offered a job NU seniors can participate in the jobs. This conference is highly working in an amusement park and preprofessional auditions at the respected in the industry and is praised learned that most of the companies UPTAs as long as they will receive by theater producers and actors alike. that she and her fellow students their undergraduate degree during In fact, 116 companies were auditioned for would be calling in the current year. Actors with post- represented at the UPTAs this year. mid-March regarding job offers since graduate degrees participate in Clearly, producers know they will see they had other auditions to conduct. regular auditions and individuals top-notch talent there — and actors Sumerano added, “Attending the with undergraduate theater degrees can trust that they will audition for UPTAs was a great experience.” are welcome to participate in respected, reputable producers. NU alumna Kristen Smiley, ’07, production interviews. A variety of This February, nine of NU’s theater also attended this year’s auditions, well-known entertainment venues are studies seniors flew or drove south to along with Tara Lawton, ’07, M. represented each year at the UPTAs, attend the UPTAs. According to Lisa Joseph Fratello, ’07, Patrick Moyer, such as Busch Gardens Europe and LeCuyer, ’08, “a lot of companies that I ’07, and Gregory Pragel, ’04, among Tampa, Holland American Cruise talked to made a comment on how others. Lines and Universal Studios. Also, a impressed they were with the Niagara “I ran into a few of the seniors at wide array of renowned regional University talent. I received about 30 my callbacks and I can’t tell you how dinner theaters, summer playhouses, callbacks, and many of those many companies had wonderful things children’s theater, repertory theaters, companies have worked with NU grads to say about the students from NU Shakespearean theaters, renaissance and said they would like to continue to after they noticed the same school faires and theme parks also work with us because of the success listed on my resume,” Smiley wrote participate. For more information, they’ve had with our alumni.” in an e-mail to Dr. Sharon Watkinson, visit www.upta.org.
Each summer, Niagara University theater students and students from other disciplines have the opportunity to participate in a summer study abroad program at Schiller International University in London. This year, at least a dozen theater majors will participate in study abroad at Schiller. Among the theater students who studied in London during the summer of 2007 were, from left, Charlotte Colby, ’08, Lisa LeCuyer, ’08, and Kevin Craig, ’08. Here the three pose at Stonehenge.
Friends of Niagara University Theater 3 Advice From the Great White Way By Ann Heuer, ’78 Actor David Hyde Pierce, best speech and vocal known for his role as Niles Crane on therapist and the television series “Frasier,” was learned that my among four theater personalities who singing voice was were honored by Niagara University an extension of at a special convocation on Nov. 19. my speaking The convocation, a celebration of voice. I also had excellence in theater, also honored to learn how to actors Debra Monk and Karen breathe. You Ziemba and director Scott Ellis. The really have to get four honorees have been working out there and risk together for a year on “Curtains,” a looking or popular Broadway musical featuring sounding like an music by celebrated composer John ass to get better.” From left, Debra Monk, David Hyde Pierce and Karen Ziemba cracked each Kander, who also attended the — Karen Ziemba other up several times during the question and answer session held in the Leary convocation. Theater for the theater studies students. Before the convocation, the four Q. How do you honorees and Kander graciously stay well and healthy and not get Q. You’ve all achieved great success provided an intimate 90-minute stressed out when you’re in a in the entertainment industry. How question-and-answer session attended production? do you handle failure? by Niagara University Theater “When you’re younger, you have to “I ask the press and they will say students, staff, faculty and journalists. do everything. But our obligation is reviews are great, mixed or not so If ever there was an “Inside the the show, and for me, there’s a lot of great. I found that phones don’t ring Actors’ Studio” moment in the Leary singing and dancing, so you have to if the reviews aren’t good. It’s hard Theater, this was it! The five stage preserve your health and not go out but you get stronger and move ahead veterans answered dozens of questions, at night. You have to preserve your after failures. A friend at a high shared stories about their work together health by sometimes not having fun school reunion said to me, ‘you’re so on “Curtains,” and offered tried and outside the show.” — David Hyde successful. You’re still doing what true advice to the young actors. Pierce you love to do.’” — Scott Ellis Q. Mr. Kander, you’ve worked with many of the students at NU when they’ve staged your musicals, such as “Chicago,” “Flora, the Red Menace,” or “The Happy Time.” Any advice for the students as they seek work in musical theater? A. “Karen Ziemba has an enormous voice and range today, but when we started working together 18 years ago, her range was much smaller. Performers must realize that their voice is going to be their meal After the convocation, the four honorees thanked the ticket.” — John Kander university for their honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts “When I was doing “And the World degrees and mingled with nearly 100 Friends of NU Theater, members of the university’s Goes Round” with Kander, I did the administration, faculty and staff, and a number of show eight times a week and needed theater studies students. Here, David Hyde Pierce, more strength and technique. I left, meets theater studies student Kevin Craig, ’08. Scott Ellis enjoyed his chat with theater lover and Friends of NU theater member Elizabeth Ann Clune. contacted a great voice teacher and
4 Friends of Niagara University Theater After the question and answer session, NU theater students met with the honorees. Karen Ziemba, third from left, shares a group hug with theater studies students When a student asked David Hyde Pierce about the people he has worked with Preston Cuer, ’09, left, and Lisa LeCuyer, ’08, Emily Boudreau, ’09, and and roles he has played, he said, “As young actors and directors, you don’t get to Caitlin Holland, ’10. have choices. You will be able to absorb a lot about working with a butthead, the Theater studies student Matthew Chavez, ’08, right, chats with award-winning sweetest people in the world who aren’t talented or prickly geniuses, but you can’t Broadway, film and television composer John Kander, whom he worked with find a gentler, greater talent than composer John Kander.” Clockwise from left: when he played lawyer Billy Flynn in NU Theater’s production of Kander and Kelly Mackowiak, ’11, Whitney Walker, ’08, Hyde Pierce, and Erin Daley, ’11. Ebb’s “Chicago” in 2006. “My failures have taught me a lot more than my successes. Overcoming adversity has given me great confidence to know that I can go out there (and succeed).” — Debra Monk
Q. Is there ever a point when you feel you’ve perfected your craft? “No!” — John Kander “You always feel like you’re growing and expanding. The longer you’re in the field, you know more and you know the risks. You’ve got to keep pushing.” — Scott Ellis “A show changes every night. You give yourself new goals for the role you play in each performance.” — Debra Monk “You never stop learning, studying, and always emulating the people you admire.” — Karen Ziemba
At the convocation reception, David Hyde Pierce, right, enjoyed visiting with over 100 members of the Friends of Niagara University Theater, administrators, faculty and students.
Debra Monk, center, enjoyed chatting with NU alumnus and vice president of the Friends of Niagara University Theater, Russell Papia, left, and William LeCuyer, right, a Friends board member and co-chair of this year’s gala auction.
Friends of Niagara University Theater 5 Our Very Own Atticus Finch By Gregory Fletcher
Doug Zschiegner remembers Cast in a smaller always wanting to be an actor. Even role in “Romeo his eighth-grade yearbook reports and Juliet” at that acting would be his intended Mill Mountain career. So it wasn’t a surprise to anyone Theatre, Doug when Doug signed up as a theater expressed an major as an undergraduate at Illinois interest in Wesleyan University. Nor was it a directing and surprise after graduating in 1982 that, asked if, in like so many theater graduates before addition to his and after him, he headed to New role, he could be Doug Zschiegner, associate director of Niagara University Theater, reveled in his York City. Over the next eight years, the assistant opportunity to play the role of Atticus Finch in Buffalo’s Studio Arena Theater Doug studied at the National director. The stars production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” From left, Robert Rutland (Judge Shakespeare Conservatory, worked at lined up, artistic Taylor), Zschiegner (Atticus Finch), and NU theater studies student Cassie Gorniewicz, ’08 (Mayella Ewell). several off-off-Broadway theaters for leadership little to no pay, earned money doing shifted, and by the time Romeo and publicly representing NU’s theater survival jobs, and performed in many Juliet died in each other’s arms for faculty, and rearranging some of his regional theaters and children’s the last time, Doug was asked to be the school responsibilities, not to theater tours. resident director of Mill Mountain mention the fact that Doug had not In 1989, Doug wanted more Theatre as well as director of education acted in 10 years. Did he still have classical theater training and applied to and outreach. During his following the chops? Memorizing dialogue is the highly competitive Professional eight-year residency, Doug directed like using a muscle and, clearly, Theater Training Program at The 30 productions and, needless to say, Doug’s memory muscle had not been University of Delaware and thereafter his acting chops were put on a back exercised in a while. Yet, in the end, earned an MFA in Acting. His days burner. there was no reason to panic; every- began at 9 a.m. and ended at 11 p.m., When Doug felt that he had thing worked out beautifully. Doug’s and this strenuous classical theater conquered Mill Mountain, he Buffalo acting debut was as strong boot camp continued six days a week continued to guest direct at various and impressive as his recent directing for three years. theaters and universities, and began debut with NU’s production of After graduating, instead of to teach at Dickinson College, Sondheim’s “Company.” heading back to New York City, now Franklin & Marshall College, and Not to be overlooked, our very a member of Actors Equity (the Virginia Tech. When Doug own Cassie Gorniewicz, ’08, was cast professional union for actors and interviewed for his job at Niagara in the role of Mayella Ewell. Her small stage managers), Doug explored the University, it was just after the recent but pivotal role was as memorable as regional theater scene. Cast by a distressing tragedy on campus at her role of Amy in “Company” when variety of theaters, Doug spent time Virginia Tech. she sang the show-stopping, “I’m onstage at the American Player’s While Doug was getting to know Not Getting Married Today.” Having Theatre in Spring Green, Wis., at the the professional theater community worked with Doug in the director/ Wayside Theatre in Middletown, Va., here in Buffalo, both Scott Behrend actor capacity, this time she was and in Kansas City, Mo., Doug of Road Less Traveled Productions playing opposite him in an intense performed with the Missouri Repertory and Kathy Gaffney of Studio Arena dramatic scene where Atticus expertly Theatre, the Heart of American took notice of Doug’s acting credits pushes Mayella into breaking down Shakespeare Festival, and the and asked him to audition for their on the witness stand. Like Doug, her American Heartland Theatre. In co-production of “To Kill A Mocking- Buffalo acting debut was strong, Cedar City, Utah, Doug performed bird.” A week later, they offered him impressive, and we are all so very three summers with the Utah the lead role of Atticus Finch. Doug proud of Cassie and all that she has Shakespearean Festival. Then in panicked, feeling the pressure of such achieved. Roanoke, Va., Doug’s life changed. a large role, a Buffalo acting debut,
6 Friends of Niagara University Theater Sharon Watkinson: Her Professional Runway By Mary E. Furlong
Summer-weight Chanel-style tweed Faster than you can say “Mary chair of suit in beige with flecks of lime green/ Quant,” theater became Sharon’s the cerulean blue; lime green shell with focus. After graduation, she entered department floral appliqué. Catholic University’s master’s degree of theater I know. Sharon Onevelo Watkinson program in speech and drama. She and fine is far more than a clothes horse in loved CU, loved Washington, D.C., arts, residence. But admit it; you were and degree in hand, loved her first Sharon dying to hear all the sartorial details. job with NBC-TV. oversees the entire academic program. Dressiness is part of what makes Soon, however, Bro called to tell She’s “Marge-in-Charge” of an Sharon Sharon. her of a teaching opportunity at NU. administrative assistant, a seasonal Yet Sharon is even sharper than “English 101” was the inauspicious secretary, six full-time and 13 her famous wardrobe. From the very class title, but sly Bro had other adjunct theater studies faculty, 12 beginning, she’s shown that she can plans as well. Sharon came home to fine arts adjunct faculty, and one get a challenging job done in style — play many roles in a developing NU director emeritus (sh-sh-sh! He high style. Theater: producer, publicist, director, doesn’t know he has a boss). She also The Very Beginning — 1962 BB and, most happily, actress (furs, feathers, teaches two courses each semester; (i.e. Before Bro): Father Joseph farthingales — clothes horse heaven!).* takes on ad hoc projects, like Ganley directed the Players back When Bro left temporarily to pursue Niagara’s 150th anniversary then. Sharon — slim Capris, ballet a Ph.D. at New York University, committee; and facilitates new flats — was an English education Sharon donned leadership shoes (high theater studies options, like the major, looking forward to a teaching heels, of course). With the adminis- study-abroad program at Schiller career. Acting was just an exciting tration’s approval, she lay claim to an International Institute in London. sideline. abandoned gym on Clet Hall’s second Sharon herself once studied in With Brother Augustine’s arrival floor and, with the help of some England, at Royal Hollaway College in 1963, NU Theater became a new enthusiastic undergraduates, built a near London. While there, she met creation — a mustard seed of a thing stage and installed seats (sweatshirt her husband, Andrew Watkinson. On that would grow into something and blue jeans, but really, really neat a commuter train! Imagine! A chance wonderful. Cast in the title role of ones). Then, fashionably spiffy once encounter, just like in the movies. “The Diary of Anne Frank” — school- again, she directed “J.B.,” the first Picture it: Their eyes meet. He girl cardigan, pleated skirt — Sharon production in this first dedicated speaks — darling English accent. She was in on the ground floor. (“Mustard theater space — a new ground floor, speaks — mahvelous vowel sounds. seed,” “ground floor.” Mix-and-match so to speak. Later, renamed the Leary The English countryside streams by. metaphors — so-o- fashionable.) Theater, it’s still the department’s They don’t see it. A bell clangs. They main theater. don’t hear it. A porter cries, “Mind Subsequently, Sharon earned her the gap.” They don’t mind him. Is own Ph.D. at NYU. Thus, “Miss O” this romantic, or what! Thirty-one became “Dr. Sharon,” an impressive years later, the idyll continues in an soubriquet, reflective of the theater’s island hideaway with a glorious view ongoing progression from extra- of the west Niagara River and tons of curricular fun stuff to independent closet space. degree program. That’s one thing our new theater is Fashion forward to 2007-2008. As sure to have in Sharon’s honor — tons of closet space. Some fine day, they At the November 2007 convocation honoring four may even put a plaque on the wardrobe theater personalities, Dr. Sharon Watkinson, center, room door: “The Sharon Onevelo chair of NU’s department of theater and fine arts, enjoyed catching up with celebrated composer John Watkinson Testimonial Closet.” Kander, right, and Doug Zschiegner, left, associate *For an awesome list of Sharon’s director of Niagara University Theater. acting/directing credits, visit www.niagara.edu/theater.
Friends of Niagara University Theater 7 Left: Backstage at the Broadway musical Backstage Broadway! “Wicked,” veteran wardrobe supervisor Alyce By Marilyn Deighton and Ann Heuer Gilbert provided a fascinating “show and tell” about the production’s props and costumes. Here Flying monkeys, movie monsters, she shows how the flying monkey wings expand. Muppets and wicked witch costumes! Below: Ms. Gilbert shows the students one of These are just a few of the exciting many flying monkey masks used in “Wicked.” creations that highlighted a backstage Broadway tour in January for 13 NU theater studies majors, five additional The following day was packed NU students, NU costume designer with fascinating behind-the-scenes Maureen Stevens and costume tours. The group toured Izquerdo technologist, Marilyn Deighton. Studio, which creates costumes Deighton coordinated this four- and props for theater, film, day field trip to expose students to television and advertising, the many job opportunities available including the enormous wings in design/tech for the theater, film worn by Victoria’s Secret models and television industry. The behind- for TV commercials and magazine the-scenes visit was so successful that ads. The next stop was a 90- Stevens and Deighton hope to offer minute backstage tour of the Broadway musical, “Wicked,” guided Opera, the Broadway musical, the tour for theater studies students “Young Frankenstein,” and a new every two years. by one of Broadway’s renowned wardrobe supervisors, Alyce musical scheduled to open in Japan. Gilbert. The group saw a close-up Free time was built in for the students viewing of the scenery and props to attend matinee and evening per- and toured most of the dressing formances or to explore the city. rooms, learning about the For several of the university’s intricately detailed costumes. Next design/tech students who had grown stop, the IATSE (Stagehands’ up watching “Sesame Street” and Union) headquarters where a panel “Fraggle Rock,” it was thrilling to of union members presented a tour the Jim Henson Co. Studio on discussion on “Alternative Careers in the last day of the trip, while the Theater.” The day was capped off other students took dance classes or with a performance of “Wicked,” a shopped. At the Jim Henson Studio fantastical in the “Big Apple” (one of three Jim At the party held to acquaint NU theater students with “untold story” Niagara’s theater alumni who live and work in New York about the City, Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., director emeritus, witches of second from left, dropped by to catch up with some of his students from the last three decades. Clockwise from left: Oz. Jill Ann Almindinger Dugan, ’91, Brother Augustine, On the Tim Gallagher, ’82, Natalie Slipko, ’93, Michael Gilbert, third day, the ’92, and Kevin Henderson, ’89. group toured The trip began with a pizza party Carelli Cos- arranged by Stevens for the students tumes, one of the and NU theater alumni who live and major costume work in the New York City area. houses in New Nearly 35 alumni attended, delighting York. The in the chance to catch up with one students were another and to mingle with and offer able to see some advice to the newest generation of of the costumes At Izquerdo Studio, the students learned about Fashion Week props and examined NU theater students. Brother under construc- mock-ups of monsters created for writer/director M. Night Shyamalan’s 2004 Augustine Towey, C.M., director tion for the horror film, “The Village.” The studio not only created the mock-ups, but the actual monsters for the movie. emeritus, joined the festivities, too. Metropolitan
8 Friends of Niagara University Theater From left, Niagara Friends of Niagara University design/tech University Theater theater studies students Newsletter Kelly Konecko, ’09, Amanda Serio, ’09, and Jessica Oney, ’10, Editor-in-Chief: pose with their “Sesame Gregory Fletcher Street” friend, “Oscar Director, Niagara University Theater the Grouch,” at the Jim Henson Co. Studio in New York. Managing Editor: Ann Heuer Secretary, Department of Theater & Fine Arts Henson Co. Media Coordinator, Friends of Studios in the Niagara University Theater United States), the students were able to see some Editorial Consultants: of the archival characters Henson Dr. Sharon Watkinson created such as “Oscar the Chair, Department of Grouch” and “Elmo.” They also Theater & Fine Arts observed some of the puppet Brother Augustine Towey, C.M. creators working on several new Director Emeritus Muppet characters. Peg Lacki The final stop for the group was Theater Secretary/ CBS Studios, where Doug Towey, Box Office Supervisor Brother Augustine’s sibling, arranged for a studio tour. The Contributing Writers: students visited the CBS News NU theater student Amber Dawn Hohman,’09, was one Gregory Fletcher studio where two of the directors of several students on the trip who were given a backstage explained what their fast-paced tour at Broadway’s “Young Frankenstein.” Here, she poses Mary Furlong with the monster, played by Shuler Hensley. jobs entailed. Next, the group Ann Heuer visited the Marilyn Deighton wardrobe room where Photographers: contemporary Marilyn Deighton fashions for Fred Heuer several on-air Assistant Vice President for personalities are Marketing stored. A network Selectus, Inc. wardrobe supervisor Editing and Design explained the Lisa McMahon scope of her job, Associate Director for Publications as did Towey, who provided a Please e-mail story ideas to fun, informative Gregory Fletcher at A costume designer at Izquerdo Studio discusses a mock-up of a costume designed tour where he for New York’s annual Fashion Week. [email protected] produces the CBS or to Ann Heuer at Sports show. [email protected]. Deadline for submissions for the fall issue is Oct. 1, 2008.
Friends of Niagara University Theater 9 Updates! Editorial Note: In each issue of the University in Friends of NU Theater newsletter, we Wilkes-Barre, will feature current news from alumni, Pa. The lectures faculty and staff in this column. were part of the university’s Brieanna Bailey, ’07, joined the graduate creative Columbus Children’s Theatre for the writing program. 2007–2008 touring season. In February, his Victoria Buda, ’98, is director of short play summer programs at The Play Group “Stairway to Theatre in Westchester, N.Y. This Heaven” was winter she traveled upstate to direct produced in shows at her theater company, “Miss Tacoma, Wash., Vic’s Drama Room.” by the Alumnus Brendan Powers, ’96, portrayed Father Flynn in Florida Repertory Northwest Theatre’s production of the Tony-Award winning play, “Doubt: A Parable” this Cyndi Argona Burnett, ’98, is a winter. Set in a Catholic school in the Bronx in 1964, the thought-provoking lecturer in creativity at SUNY at Playwright’s drama revolves around a principal who — without proof — suspects a priest of Buffalo College and Karen Colville, Association at molesting a young boy. Here, Father Flynn talks to Sister James, played by Rachel ’98, is a WAO Literacy Specialist for the Broadway Burttram. In the Fort Myers Florida Weekly, reviewer Nancy Stetson wrote, Save the Children in Mesa, Ariz. Center for “Powers shows the hell of the man struggling both internally and externally, all the while claiming his innocence … though he is not above using the pulpit as a Derek Campbell, adjunct theater Performing Arts. means to fight back … this is as good as theater gets.” professor, will direct Shakespeare in Tim Delaware Park’s production of “King Gallagher, ’82, Dance;” Broadway dancer Elizabeth Lear” this summer in Buffalo. a member of Ensemble Studio Polito; hip hop dancer Richard Edward Cheetham, ’87, is Theatre, has been an actor, director, Ashworth; and actors Margo Wilburn producing director of Powerhouse playwright and production manager. and Marlo Witorski. Theater and assistant director of He has assisted in the production Matt Knight, ’02, is doing a lot of college relations at Vassar College in and development of over 80 new voice-over spots. For some of Matt’s Poughkeepsie, N.Y. American plays. His film “15 Films current work, visit www.youtube.com/ Joseph Christopher, ’06, spent About Madonna” aired on A&E (visit watch?v=4TmWYqjfE7Y and http:// last summer in Washington, D.C., www.youtube.com/ link.brightcove.com/services/link/ producing a world premiere drama watch?v=CoXfNaISykk). He has also bcpid1078541425/bctid1113465305. for the city’s Fringe Festival, while worked on the prop crew at “One For more about Matt, see the feature simultaneously developing an Life To Live.” story on him in this issue. independent film. Joe is the Adriano Gatto, ’06, is working in Kevin Kreczko, ’05, served as coordinator of theater programming an acting fellowship for the Shakespeare assistant director for Buffalo’s Irish at the Kennedy Center in Theatre Co. in Washington, D.C. Classical Theatre Co.’s production of Washington, D.C. He performed in “Tamburlaine the “Moon for the Misbegotten” and as Terri Filips, associate professor/ Great” (starring Avery Brooks) and stage manager for Leonard Bernstein’s choreographer, has created a new “Edward II,” “Major Barbara,” “Mass.” Both productions were work for the Zodiaque Dance Co. of “Antony and Cleopatra” and “Julius directed by Brother Augustine SUNY at Buffalo’s department of Caesar.” Towey, C.M., director emeritus of theatre and dance. Her work explores Steve Hasley, ’87, performed in NU Theater. Kreczko recently stage- inventive partnering and rhythm the comedy “Dead Bride Running” managed and company-managed layering in a stylized tap work, last fall at the Underground Theater “Blue Shade” and worked with “Break Thru.” This work was in Hollywood. Universal Studios in California. featured in the dance company’s Stacy Janusz, adjunct dance Kreczko completes his master’s of spring concert, Feb. 22–March 2. professor, held a Western New York fine arts degree in June. Gregory Fletcher, director of NU Performing Arts Convention in Carl Krickmire, ’04, was in “I Theater, presented playwriting Buffalo in February. Guest Love You, You’re Perfect, Now classes in January as a guest teacher instructors included Lauren Gottlieb Change” at the Down Stairs Cabaret for an on-campus residency at Wilkes from TV’s “So You Think You Can
10 Friends of Niagara University Theater Theatre in Rochester, N.Y. He has Theatre and was also performed in “Death Trap,” cast in the “Enchanted April,” and “You’re a theater’s current Good Man Charlie Brown.” production, Gary Marino, adjunct dance “Breaking Legs.” professor, performed in the Patrick “Nutcracker” for Lockport City Riviere, ’88, Ballet at The Riviera Theatre in artistic director North Tonawanda, N.Y. of Cliffside Park, Susan Mele, ’89, created a N.J.’s All Seasons comedy for the Baltimore Theatre Theatre Co., Project entitled “Woman on the starred in “Mass Last fall, Buffalo’s Studio Arena Theatre presented a MusicalFare Theatre Rag,” which was staged in Baltimore, Appeal” and “It’s production of the award-winning “Bat Boy: The Musical,” about a feral half- in September. Visit Susan’s blog at A Wonderful boy, half-bat. From left, Loraine O’Donnell as Meredith, Louis Colaiacovo, ’99, as Bat Boy, and Michele Marie Roberts, ’99, as Shelley. www.trekbikes.com and click on Life.” He also “Women and on Women Who Ride.” performs on the pre-Broadway demo Holocaust and starred in “Laura Ingalls Patrick Moyer, ’07, is in the Iowa CD for the new musical, “The Really Wilder’s Christmas.” She is teaching Old Creamery Theater Co. He just BIG Pirate Show!” Visit three theater classes for children, ages 6 finished a kids’ tour and “A www.thereallybigpirateshow.com. through 16, and is rehearsing for “The Christmas Carol.” Riviere adapted Charles Dickens’ “A Big Friendly Giant,” in which she’ll Ryan Murphy, ’04, is assistant Christmas Carol” to create “Old Mr. play the title character. production manager for Trioka Scrooge,” published by Cliffside Katie Swimm, ’06, works at a Entertainment in Maryland, Small Press. Visit www.lulu.com/ financial firm by day and auditions producing up to 10 national and parplaywright. by night and on weekends. She’s international tours a year. He’s also Michele Marie Roberts (Benzin), having fun and finding Chicago working with The Bethesda Theatre ’99, played Shelley in “Bat Boy” at colder than Buffalo and Niagara in Washington, D.C., currently Buffalo’s Studio Arena Theatre and Falls. “For all you Niagara folk, you producing a 20-week run of “I Love Shelby in “Steel Magnolias” at know this means business!” You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” O’Connell and Company in Buffalo. Damian Vanore, ’02, appeared in Actress and aerial artist Mara Later this season she will play the the film “Chicago Overcoat,” starring Neimanis, ’85, was profiled in the young Judy Garland in MusicalFare Frank Vincent of “The Sopranos” and Washington Post for her one-woman Theatre’s production of “Beyond the Mike Starr (visit Imdb.com). Vanore show, “Air Heart,” about Amelia Rainbow, the Judy Garland Story.” also starred in a short film, “Eastland Earhart: www.washingtonpost.com/ Lauren Sale, ’06, performed in Ghosts” (visit www.YouTube.com.) wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/16/ “Siskel and Ebert Save Chicago,” Vanore’s Chicago sketch troupe, AR2007071601914.html? works as a travel agent, and auditions Money in the Pants, is doing many referrer=emailarticle. for Chicago area productions. shows in Chicago and Los Angeles. His Portia (Litha Portiaeyne Johnson Nicholas Santasier, ’04, starred in smaller sketch troupe, Rub A Dub when she was an NU theater student the musical “Admit Impediments,” Dub, is also doing well. Vanore has in the early 1980s) was recently on worked in the ensemble for Three recently performed in “Happy End,” the London stage playing Berenice in Legged Dog’s new multimedia “Moon Over Buffalo,” “Whirlybirds” Carson McCullers’ “The Member of project, “Fire Island”, and fight- and “Children of the Night.” the Wedding.” The production was choreographed and played the roles Steve Vaughan, artist-in-residence staged at the Young Vic. A review in of the Captain, Priets, Officer, and and combat instructor, will direct the Oct. 5, 2007, Times Literary Valentine in “Twelfth Night” for Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s Supplement noted, “Berenice is Holla-Holla Productions. production of “The Merry Wives of superbly played by the American Kristen Smiley, ’07, works at Windsor” this summer in Buffalo. He actress Portia (bereft of a surname).” Lexington Children’s Theatre in and theater student Liz Warden, ’08, Brendan Powers, ’96, played Lexington, Ky. She performs the roles provided stage combat instruction for Father Flynn in “Doubt: A Parable” of six characters and does mask work for Grand Island High School’s production this winter at Florida Repertory “Hanna’s Suitcase,” about the of “The Hobbit.”
Friends of Niagara University Theater 11 The Voice of a Knight: Matt Knight, Class of 2002 By Gregory Fletcher In his junior year of high school in classmates, for life itself.” day. And for the first year of Rochester, N.Y., Matt Knight’s voice “My voice was a distinct feature, auditions — no bookings. Was he dropped to a lower register and his and many people said I should work worried? “Well, of course I was, but entire future became clear. No, wait a in radio, but I had no idea how to go CESD seemed very optimistic for my second, a few details are missing. Yes, about it.” Then in Matt’s final year future and assured me that things this tall, thin, gangly boy now spoke at NU, the day before the opening of would start to click soon. Besides, I lower than any of his friends, but “A Funny Thing Happened on the was young, inexperienced, getting to college and future plans were anything Way to the Forum,” alumnus Army know casting directors, and learning but clear. As late as his senior year, Schultz, ’81, was brought up from how to audition.” In the meantime, Matt assumed he would be going to New York City to lead a voice-over Matt took advantage of the abundance Bowling Green State University to be workshop. “Army told me that I of survival jobs that New York City a business major. Then one night, his should think about doing voice-over offers, working as a valet, a commercial father came home from work and work.” After graduation, Matt moved mover, a data-entry processor, and he reported how much his friend’s son to Brooklyn, and Army arranged a worked corporate events, after-school (Derek Roland, Class of 2000) was meeting for Matt with CESD, a programs, and children’s birthday enjoying Niagara University as a talent agency for commercial work. parties. Then along came McDonalds theater major. “Which sounded a But Matt quickly realized, “it’s not — an on-camera national commercial. whole lot better than being a just about having a low voice or even “That helped my confidence a lot. business major,” remembers Matt, a distinct voice that gets you work in Not to mention my bank account.” since he had been onstage in many of voice-overs.” CESD passed on Matt From then on, Matt started booking his high school productions. So Matt and suggested that he take some one- more and more —”although I’d still visited Niagara’s campus and on-one classes and make a voice say, on an average, I book about one auditioned for a theater scholarship. demo. His voice-over coach helped out of every 30 to 50 auditions.” Chair Sharon Watkinson him with style, breathing, relaxing, Recently, Matt made an invaluable enthusiastically recalls, “Sure, I and pulling back. “After working on decision. “I was being sent out for remember Matt Knight’s audition — so many shows in venues like the my age range, but I was always being that voice, we had to have that voice!” Leary Theater and Artpark, your told that I sounded older. So I asked And Niagara University Theater got the instinct is to project and enunciate, CESD to start sending me out for voice. Looking back, Sharon continues: but in voice-overs you have to make older job requests. Here I was, this “And we got much more than a voice. the words seem so effortless and kid, surrounded by experienced We got a genuine human being, with a conversational; it took me a few veterans in their 30s and 40s, but the passion for the department, for his sessions to understand the keys to a great thing about the microphone is it good read.” A only hears what it hears and could Matt Knight, as Hysterium, right, shared the stage with Aaron Randolph as few months care less with your looks. And I started Erronius in NU Theater’s production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way later, along with booking more auditions ever since.” to the Forum” in 2001. a thousand Matt’s many voice-over credits dollar demo, include MTV/MTV2, FUSE, Travel CESD Channel, McDonald’s, Cingular, reconsidered AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, Subway, The Matt and signed Hartford, Snapple, UPS, Domino’s, him to an Miller, GM, and many more. Does exclusive he miss doing theater? “The few contract. things I’ve done off-off-Broadway or Auditions in the New York Fringe Festival were were erratic: fun, but not as enjoyable as my theater sometimes once experiences at NU. In contrast, the a week, some voice-over world is easygoing, casual, weeks — three less competitive, less stressed out, no to five times a cattle calls, a much smaller com-
12 Friends of Niagara University Theater Looking for News About NU Theater Alumni? It’s easy to stay in touch with alumni through our updated Niagara University Theater Web site. Visit us at www.niagara.edu/theater and click on “NU Family” and “Alumni” to read all about your friends. If your bio is not yet listed, we’d love to add you to this ever- A recent shot of Matt Knight and his girlfriend, growing chorus line of theater graduates! Kimberly Tomas. Please e-mail your bio/news/and high quality digital photos of shows munity, the fit feels right; I like you’ve recently worked on to Gregory Fletcher, Director of Niagara where I am.” Matt is paying his bills, University Theater, at [email protected]. saving a little here and there, and And be sure to let us know if it’s okay to publish your e-mail address only rarely working a survival job. so fellow alumni can get in touch. “And this is only the beginning. Thanks so much. We hope to hear from you soon! There are national network voice- overs, PSAs, on-camera jobs, animation voice-overs, books-on- tape, much to be conquered.” Ironically enough, Matt is now housemates with Derek Roland! And Army Schultz continues to send nice gestures Matt’s way. (Most recently, an invitation to play on the “Frost/ At left, top: Alumnus Brian Mysliwy, ’96, left, Nixon” team for the Broadway Softball played the servant Truffaldino in Buffalo’s Irish League in Central Park. “It was a blast; Classical Theatre Co.’s production of Carlo our final ranking wasn’t great, but we Goldoni’s “The Servant of Two Masters.” Here, had some good games in the consola- he shares the stage with Joseph Weins, ’04, who tion bracket.”) And there are many played Florindo. Buffalo News reviewer Colin Dabkowski wrote, “Every casting choice in this other sustained friendships from NU: show is spot-on … Mysliwy is a comic force to Damian Vanore, ’02, Candy Lawrence, be reckoned with … the sort of lovable, ’02, Gerry Miller, ’01, Josh Fast, ’01, Chaplinesque actor who is less clown than Pascal Frisina, ’00, Justin Dimieri, ’03, comedic master.” Photo by Lawrence Rowswell. Andy Starr, Paul Mahoney, ’02. And At left, bottom: In The ICTC’s production of there are other NU alums for whom “The Servant of Two Masters,” alumnus Brian Matt is very grateful. “Heather Adair, Mysliwy, ’96, left, also shared the stage with Sarielys Matos, ’04, right, who played ’04, invited me to her birthday party Smeraldina, and Todd Benzin, center, who where another alum, Brandon Sierra, played Lombardi. Artvoice reviewer Anthony ’04, brought a friend — Kimberly Chase wrote, “Special mention is due to Sarielys Tomas, a nursing student from NYU. Matos, who is a standout as the voluptuous and “We’ve been dating two years now, irrepressible servant.” NU artist-in-residence Steve Vaughan provided fight choreography and and Kimberly is planning to go to alumna Susan Drozd, ’02, provided hair and grad school at Columbia in the makeup. Photo by Lawrence Rowswell. fall.” Maybe our knight is turning into a prince? Matt smiles, “This is the one.”
Friends of Niagara University Theater 13 In the Spotlight
How outlandish can a four-year-old’s birthday party get? In playwright Tina Howe’s comedy, “Birth and After Birth,” the birthday boy’s insatiable appetite for attention and play tests the limits of his parents’ good humor. Here, the doting parents enjoy their son’s antics, while visiting friends aren’t amused. From left, Brendan Cataldo, ’08 (Jeffrey Freed), Charlotte Colby, ’08, (Sandy Apple), Will Vaughan, ’09, (four-year-old Nicky wearing a Richard Nixon mask), Kevin Craig, ’08 (Bill Apple) and Holly Lowden, ’08 (Mia Freed). Playwright Tina Howe (fourth from left) visited NU Theater’s students in December to work with them on their production of her wildly comic play, “Birth and After Birth.” She noted, “‘Birth and After Birth’” was born in the early 70’s when the divide between women who stayed home to have babies and those who left it in favor of having careers was intense. It was either all or nothing. Mercifully, times have changed and women have come to expect that they can have it all.” Here, the cast and some of the crew work with Ms. Howe. Back row from left, stage manager Cassie Gorniewicz, ’08; Charlotte Colby, ’08; Kevin Craig, ’08; Howe; Will Vaughan, ’09; Brendan Cataldo, ’08; and director Steve Vaughan. Front row from left, Holly Lowden, ’08; and assistant stage manager Peter Andres, ’09.
Niagara University theater studies seniors presented 21 ten-minute plays during the department’s annual Short Play Festival held from Jan. 25 – Feb. 3. In playwright Vincent Delaney’s short drama “Kuwait,” Trevor Hibbard, ’10, portrays Kelsey, a troubled American soldier. His detainee is Rachel, an American journalist played by Adrienne Lewis, ’09. Here, Kelsey pins Rachel down, nearly suffocating her. The play was directed by Candice Kogut, ’08.
NU Theater presented a readers’ theater production of Caryl Churchill’s “Top Girls” at the Church in Lewiston in February. Here, in a dream sequence, several historic characters share stories of their private joys, sorrows and tragedies with Marlene, a troubled British career woman. From left: Noelle Wright, ’09 (Marlene), Jessica Bill, ’10 (Lady Nijo), Maria Held, ’11 (Dull Gret) and Paige Mingus, ’09 (Isabella Bird). The production was directed by adjunct theater professor Lawrence G. Smith.
14 Friends of Niagara University Theater In the Spotlight
Below: In the closing scene of “Life’s A Dream,” a journey comes to an end when Rosaura (Candice Kogut, ’08), second from right, is reunited with her fiancée, Duke Astolfo, (Brendan Cataldo, ’08),second from left, as Prince Sigismund (Trevor Hibbard, ’10), center, looks on. At left is Clotaldo (Jared Hoyt, ’09). At right is a servant/rebel soldier (Ralph Donatelli III).
Above: In Pedro Calderon de La Barca’s drama “Life’s A Dream,” Prince Sigismund (Trevor Hibbard, ’10), left, is imprisoned for much of his young life. At the moment when he first tastes freedom, Duke Astolfo (Brendan Cataldo, ’08), right, steps in to object to his beastly manner. The production was directed by Gregory Fletcher, director of Niagara University Theater.
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Friends of Niagara University Theater 15 This year’s gala chairs are planning a fun-filled evening that includes delicious food, cocktails, an array of desserts, and exciting silent and live auctions. From left, gala co-chairs Tara and Ryan Erwin and Mary and Kenneth Tirohn pose with auction chairs William and Pamela LeCuyer.
Professional auctioneer Christopher Blake has volunteered to conduct this year’s live auction at the 23rd Annual Friends of Niagara University Theater Gala on April 26. Here is a scene from last year’s gala where Blake, center, auctions off a signed Buffalo Bills jersey with the help of former artistic director of NU Theater, Brendan Powers, second from right. Students Nick Lama, ’10, left, and Jared Hoyt, ’09, right, helped spot bidders during the live auction.
Niagara University Theater Department Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID P.O. Box 1913 Niagara University, Niagara University, NY 14109 NY 14109 of Niagara PERMIT NO. 1 University Theater