New at NU Fred Ebb

Spring 2011 • Issue #14

A newsletter for alumni and friends of the department of theatre and fine arts

John Kander and New at NU Fred Ebb. Directing By Gregory Fletcher Director of NU Theatre and choreographing is Derek Roland, Our first full season ’00, featuring a in the Leary Theatre cast of Michele was exhilarating, and Marie Roberts introducing audience (Benzin), ’99; members to the new Louis Colaiacovo, Elizabeth Ann Clune ’99; Carmen Ruby Center for Theatre and the renovated Floyd, ’00; Vanessa Leary Theatre was equally thrilling. Gawinski Dawson, ’01; and With the high quality Venue to go Paschal Frisina III, ’00. Design along with our Variety of season and includes Sarah Cymba, ’11, on Value of ticket prices, our three “V’s” sets; and Ian Tweedie, ’05, on make NU Theatre a top theatre choice lights and sound. Kurt Erb, in the area. ’09, will stage manage. I hope you will join us this summer Recent purchases and for a big experiment. If it’s a success, improvements to the Leary it might be the start of a new summer Theatre include three moving tradition that will showcase the alumni lights, five cyclorama lights, of NU Theatre. Please mark your six 12-foot wide legs to mask calendars and buy your tickets for the backstage area, and a new July 21-31, 2011, for the premiere all- aubergine front curtain. This In March, NU Theatre presented Oedipus the King, alumni production of The World Goes summer, we will be adding directed by Gregory Fletcher. Pictured top photo, from ‘Round, a musical revue that celebrates two welded spotlight baskets left: Claire Cannon, ’14; Emily Aguilar, ’12; Amy Mings, ’14; and Leacel Hillenbrand, ’14. the Broadway and Hollywood music of that will hang from either side Pictured above, Richard Cole, ’13; Andrea Gollhardt, continued on page 3 ’12; Cory McCants, ’11; Steven Foote, ’13; and Elexa Kopty, ’11. Pictured bottom, far left, Steven Foote, ’13. Pictured near left: Amy Mings,’14; Cynthia Edith Printup-Harms, ’13; Steven Foote, ’13; and Cory McCants, ’11. Two Receive NU Theatre Scholarships in Presents Memory of Friends The Credeaux By Ann Heuer, ’78 Canvas At the annual In February, NU Theatre NU Players presented a staged reading of The Banquet on May Credeaux Canvas in collaboration 13, Dr. Sharon with the Castellani Art Museum. Watkinson pre- The production was directed by Paschal Frisina III, ’00. sented the Suzanne P. Jones Pictured top to bottom: Nicholas Scholarship G. Gnacinski, ’11. to NU theatre Alissa Sumerano, ’14, and performance Andrea Gollhardt Nicholas G. Gnacinski, ’11. major and fine Joe Liolos, ’11, and Meagan arts minor Andrea Gollhardt, ’12, Kurilovitch Millar, ’12. of Amherst, N.Y. The scholarship is named in memory of a dear and generous friend of Niagara University Theatre who passed away several years ago. According to Marilyn Deighton, assistant professor of theatre and fine arts, “Andrea is not only a wonderful student; she is my right hand in the costume shop.” Also, the Douglas E. Towey Scholar- ship was awarded to NU theatre performance major Andrew Adolf, ’13, of Lancaster, N.Y. The scholarship Andrew Adolf was first awarded to an NU theatre studies student last year in memory of Helen’s Towey’s beloved husband, Doug, a CBS Sports executive who was also the cherished brother of Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., director emeritus of NU Theatre, and his sisters, Ann and Brenda. This scholarship was created by the Towey family and their friends after Doug passed away in 2009. “We’re happy to award this scholarship to Andrew Adolf. He is an excellent student with an extremely positive, generous spirit,” said Gregory Fletcher, director of NU Theatre.

2 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter continued from cover of the catwalk above the audience. named “Rex,” and a Python named Theatre and the addition of the Building on the success of last “Sly.” I can’t wait to hear how the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center; I loved summer’s free performances of NURT bunny and the python get along. collaborating on the new website in the Leary Theatre on Wednesday (Notice I used the verb to hear versus and online box office system, as well afternoons, we will be offering free to see.) Since 2003, David has worked as with the Castellani Art Museum performances again this summer on as an associate professor at Southern where we have annually presented a Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also, NURT Virginia University. Among his many play about art. But at the top of my performances will be presented at regional design credits from Maine to list is working with the students, both the band shell in Academy Park in Florida, David has designed two pro- in the classroom (freshman acting, Lewiston on Mondays, Wednesdays, ductions at the National Museum of playwriting, stage-management and and Fridays. Whether you would the American Indian at the Smith- 14 independent studies) and on stage like an open-air performance or sonian Institution in Washington, D.C. (having directed Life’s a Dream, The an air-conditioned one, NURT’s In addition, David has also worked as Cripple of Inishmaan, tick…tick… children’s theatre troupe will offer free a light designer and as a director. We BOOM!, Baby With the Bath Water, performances with a rotating repertoire are all certain that David will be a big Almost Maine, and Oedipus the King). of children’s stories. asset to both the department of theatre At previous university jobs, there was A big NU thank you to Jonathan and fine arts and to NU Theatre always one student whom I thought I’d Wyman, who was here during the productions. like to know in 10 or 20 years. Here at spring 2011 semester. As a visiting Lastly, I need to share some news NU, there are dozens and dozens! lighting designer, he taught stage that isn’t easy to put into words. I have Maybe someday I will return as craft and light design, designed the decided to move back to New York a guest director — or at least as an lights for The Pirates of Penzance, City. I plan to pursue my writing, admiring patron. Either way, I will and mentored our student lighting directing, and local theatre/education remain a true friend of the Friends of designer, Jayson Clark, ’12, for Oedipus opportunities. As much as I love this NU Theatre for life and I mean that the King.Prior to NU, Jonathan taught job, living outside of New York City with a capital “F.” I have nothing but at East Carolina University, Smith tears at my heart more than I expected. respect and love for everyone involved College, and University of Massachu- I assumed with each new year it with NU Theatre, and I wish you all setts at Amherst. He also lived in Los would get easier, but in fact I become continued success, love, and a life of Angeles for 25 years, where he worked more and more like Eva Gabor on the joy and jobs, forever. Meanwhile — in every possible aspect of lighting: television show Green Acres, singing: I JUST ADORE A PENTHOUSE theatre, dance, opera, corporate, and NEEEEEEW YORK IS WHERE I’D VIEW. concerts, some of which included RATHER STAY. My last day will be DAH-LING I LOVE YOU BUT Blue Oyster Cult, Tony Bennett, Burt July 29, which means I will have had GIVE ME PARK AVENUE. Bacharach, k.d. lang, Bob Hope, and the privilege of this position for just a the Winans with Stevie Wonder. Cur- little over four years. rently based in western Massachusetts, Looking John Woodley, ’13; Andrea Gollhardt, ’12; Richard Cole, ’13; Leo DiBello, Jonathan hopes everyone will keep back, I have ’11; Kathleen Denecke, ’14; Richard Vogt, ’14; Jocelyn Mankowski, ’14; Steven in touch with him on Facebook or had some Foote, ’13; and Cory McCants, ’11. [email protected]. Best wishes tremendous to you, Jonathan, and thank you for opportunities all of your help and expertise; it was a and exper- pleasure working with you. iences. I A big NU welcome to David Dwyer absolutely and his family, who are relocating loved putting from Buena Vista, Va. David is joining together our design/tech faculty this fall as seasons of assistant professor, scenic designer, theatre with and production manager. David will great variety; I be joined by his wife, Dana, and their loved being the children, Garrett (13), Patrick (11), theatre point Larcey (7), Connor (5), and Moira (3). person for the Not to be left behind, the family pets renovation will be joining them, too: a bunny of the Leary

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 3 Spirit Awards Presented at Friends of NU Theatre Gala By Ann Heuer, ’78 The 26th annual Friends of Niagara University Theatre Gala was held on Saturday, April 30. The event began with a matinee of the comic opera Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan in the William P. and Marie Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre. The audience was delighted to see Adair Saviola, the president of the Friends of Niagara University Theatre, make a guest appearance as “Queen Victoria” during the matinee. Friends member Elizabeth Ann Clune won this walk-on role at last year’s gala and gave it to Adair as a thank you gift for all that she does with the Friends of From left, the 2011 Spirit of NU Theatre Award honorees: William and Pamela LeCuyer; Michael NU Theatre. C. Arena, ’77; Maria Arena; John R. Sanderson, ’75; Karen L. Sanderson, ’75; Arthur V. Traver Jr., After the production, guests pro- ’69; Barbara Traver, ’69; and Jack Wrobel. ceeded to the Niagara Falls Country Club for a cocktail hour, silent auction, According to Fletcher, director of and Jack Wrobel of Niagara Falls, N.Y. dinner, and live auction. Auction items NU Theatre, “The award is given to Parents of NU theatre alumna included travel packages, paintings, individuals or couples each year who Lauren Arena McCann, ’04, the entertainment and sports memorabilia, have been generous to the theatre with Arenas have been active members of gift baskets, a pirate chest full of gift their time and contributions. Niagara the Friends of NU Theatre board for certificates, and much more. Funds University Theatre, like most arts more than a decade. Maria Arena is raised at the event will benefit the organizations, cannot thrive without secretary of the board and served as an theatre program and its students, from people such as those we honor.” auction co-chair in 2010 and 2011. She needed theatre equipment and supplies This year’s honorees include four and her husband, Michael, were chairs to workshops and mentoring by guest outstanding couples who are members of the Friends of Niagara University artists. of the Friends of Niagara University Theatre gala in 2007 and they were One of the highlights of the evening Theatre board and one extraordinary chairs of the gala auction from 2002 was Gregory Fletcher’s presentation of staff member. Awards were presented through 2006. the second annual Spirit of Niagara to Michael C. Arena, ’77, and Maria Like the Arenas, the LeCuyers have University Theatre Awards. Arena of Clarence, N.Y.; William From left, NU theatre studies students Jayson D. Clark; Primo Thomas; LeCuyer and Doug Zschiegner, assistant professor of theatre and fine arts/associate Pamela LeCuyer director of NU Theatre; Nicholas G. Gnacinski; and Justin Mitchell Krall. of Getzville, N.Y.; John R. Sanderson, ’75, and Karen L. (Glasser) Sanderson, ’75, of Orchard Park, N.Y.; Arthur V. Traver Jr., ’69, and Barbara (Nagengast) Gala co-chair Candace Lytle, right, with her Traver, ’69, of son Chuck Lytle and his wife, Lana Rondina. Tonawanda, N.Y.;

4 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter continued supporting NU Theatre even after their daughter Lisa LeCuyer, ’08, graduated. Together, Pam and Bill LeCuyer served as auction chairs for the Friends’ annual galas in 2007 and 2008. Pam served as auction co- chair from 2009 through 2011 for the gala, and Bill has been instrumental in bringing in major auction gifts and in helping co-chair various Friends fundraisers. Alumni of Niagara University, Karen and John Sanderson were instrumental in the success of the theatre’s Gala co-chair Thomas Lytle, right, with his $3.1 million renovation campaign daughter, Amanda Lytle Sharpe, adjunct from 2007 – 2010. Karen served on professor and director of The Pirates of Penzance. the theatre initiative committee of Gala auction co-chair Pamela LeCuyer, left, “The Promise of Niagara: The next success of the theatre’s renovation and Peg Lacki, department of theatre and fine 150 years.” They co-chaired the campaign. They also served as co- arts office coordinator, box office manager and Friends of NU Theatre’s gala in 2003 chairs of the 2009 Friends of NU gala coordinator. with Dr. and Mrs. James Burdick, and Theatre gala with board in 2005, they were gala chairs. They member Patricia Orzetti. continue to actively support Friends Jack Wrobel, technical activities for the benefit of the theatre director for Niagara program and its students. University Theatre, has Friends of NU Theatre board been involved in local members since the founding of the and national theater organization in 1986, NU alumni productions since 1975. Arthur and Barbara Traver have both He has been part of the served the Friends in various leadership NU staff for 11 years capacities, from treasurer to vice presi- as technical director, dent to president. Currently, Art serves but began working Gregory Fletcher, director of NU Theatre, second from left, as treasurer of the board. From 2007 with NU decades ago thanks the faculty and staff. From left, Dr. Sharon Watkinson, – 2010, the couple served as co-chairs when the Friends of NU department chair; Fletcher; Marilyn Deighton, assistant of the theatre initiative committee Theatre held their galas professor of theatre and fine arts; Maureen Stevens, associate professor of theatre and fine arts; and Doug Zschiegner, assistant for “The Promise of Niagara: The at Artpark, where he professor of theatre and fine arts/associate director of NU Theatre. next 150 years.” Like the Sandersons, was an extra stagehand. the Travers were instrumental in the From 1978 onward, Jack was on an large student construction crews that “on-call” basis From left, Pirates of Penzance cast members Renee Landrigan, Andrew are needed for each production. Jack’s working with Adolf, director Amanda Lytle Sharpe, Erica Miranda Diederich, Ross expertise, easygoing manner, and dedi- the NU theatre Donatelli, Alan Trinca, and Alan’s parents, Bernadette and Joseph Trinca. cation are treasured by NU Theatre’s department to administration, faculty, staff and build scenery. students. Outside Niagara, Jack has Today, as tech- worked in various positions on the nical director, he Artpark stage for the past 36 years. He is in charge of is now master carpenter there, so the scene shop you’ll find him at Artpark when NU’s and building academic year is over. Jack is also a scenery as well as member of the International Associa- drafting designs, tion of Theatrical Stage Employees ordering supplies, Local 121 of Niagara Falls. rigging, and supervising the

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 5 On the Phone with Bro By Gregory Fletcher (Dialing GF: Tell me about your days. BRO: Well, he tries, but what can he 1.215.713.2487. BRO: I wake up at 7 a.m. — hold on. do? Hudson is a black lab. And un- Bro answers.) fortunately, all of his devotion goes to (Several minutes later) GF: Bro, it’s just one priest here. My charm will win I’m back, where was I? Greg, how’s him over sooner than later. life in GF: You just woke up at 7 a.m. GF: Uh … tell me how your days end. Philadelphia BRO: Have I kept you waiting that BRO: I go to bed. and how are you doing? long? Forgive me. Oh, right, my GF: Who’s the last person you see each schedule: I eat breakfast, get on the BRO: How nice of you to call; it’s so day? good to hear from you — hold on. computer, look at Facebook, make some phone calls, go to Mass, eat BRO: The nurse who hooks me up to (Several minutes later) lunch, go to physical therapy, make the dialysis machine. I don’t have to BRO: You there? I’m getting a program some more phone calls, work on my go out anymore for that. My blood is installed on my computer. It’s called poems — cleansed while I sleep; it’s a blessing. Dragonfly Easy Speaking, and it’ll GF: What are you writing these days? GF: Since you’re an early riser, does translate my words from a microphone that mean you go to bed early? into a word document. BRO: I’m finishing a new book of poetry entitled Joseph. It should be out BRO: Well, I’ve got to keep up my GF: What do you plan to dictate? sometime this summer. energy for all my guests — too many BRO: I want to write a book about the to mention, but recently I saw Michele GF: Joseph Stalin? Biden? Namath? history of NU Theatre. Ragusa and Sam Viverito, and Father BRO: No, no, and no. Any other GF: Promise me you won’t forget my Dennis Holtschneider took me out for guesses? time here as director of theatre. Chinese food. And the other day, a GF: Lieberman? DiMaggio? Joe Mama? friend pushed me around the Phila- BRO: Remind me of your name again. BRO: You’re too much. delphia Museum of Art. GF: It was four years of my life; to be GF: I hope you were in a wheelchair at exact, 2007 through 2011. GF: Who is your Joseph? the time. BRO: Yes, four months, I’ve got it. BRO: Saint Joseph. BRO: Yes, I am very mobile. With the GF: It might feel like four months GF: Ah yes, of course, he was right on help of a friend, I can go anywhere. I compared to your 45 years. How’s your the tip of my tongue. What inspired get in and out of cars with no problem. physical therapy going? you to write about him? Spread the word, will you? BRO: I meet with my trainer once a BRO: A recent reading at a Mass GF: Absolutely, my pleasure. day. I’m progressing along nicely, touched me deeply and I thought to BRO: There are so many museums graduating from a walker to a cane. myself, Saint Joseph is very inspira- and things to do in Philadelphia. And Although, some days it’s one cane per tional. Of course, he’s a saint so I’m I’m always so happy when friends visit. hand. Hold on. not the first one to feel that way. But once I started writing, the poems just What will you be doing next? (Several minutes later) flowed. GF: Visiting you. I’m all loaded, installed, and ready for GF: I would say that’s true inspiration. BRO: Good answer. business. How long is the book? GF: Pushing you around a museum. GF: May I quote you on that? BRO: About 50 pages. BRO: You’ve always wanted to, I’m BRO: Please do. Shall I record the (Off to someone else) sure of it. Just as long as it’s not into conversation and send it your way? Hello, Hudson. That’s right, keep traffic. GF: Heavens, no. I don’t want it to be walking. GF: On that note, is there anything verbatim. (Back to me) else before I sign off with “see you BRO: Oh, will you be fictionalizing soon” and “much love”? our conversation? He’s been ignoring me since I moved in here. BRO: Hold on. GF: Let’s just call it creative nonfiction (Several hours pass) — heavy on the creative. GF: That doesn’t sound very Vincentian. BRO: Yes, you are.

6 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter NU Theatre Names Fourth Recipient of Niagara University Theatre the Julie Burdick Memorial Scholarship Newsletter By Ann Heuer, ’78 Editor-in-Chief: Theatre design/technology junior Jayson D. Clark, ’12, Gregory Fletcher of North Tonawanda, N.Y., has been selected by the faculty Director, Niagara University Theatre of Niagara University’s department of theatre and fine arts as the recipient of the Julie Burdick Memorial Scholarship Managing Editor: for academic year 2011-2012. The scholarship is named Ann Heuer after NU alumna Julie Burdick, ’03. Prior recipients have Office and Media Coordinator, included Preston Cuer, ’09; Jessica Bill, ’10; and Casey Lynn Department of Moyer, ’11. Theatre & Fine Arts Burdick passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 27, 2007, and Editorial Consultant: her parents, Dr. James and Sharon Burdick of East Amherst, Jayson D. Clark Peg Lacki N.Y., established the scholarship as a result of thousands of Office Coordinator/ dollars of contributions made to Niagara University Theatre in honor of their Box Office Manager daughter. The Burdick family has requested that one sophomore, junior or senior who is an outstanding theatre studies major be chosen by the administrators and Contributing Writers: faculty of the theatre program to receive the scholarship, which will last for the Henrik Borgstrom, Ph.D. duration of the student’s undergraduate years at Niagara University. Once the Gregory Fletcher student has graduated from NU, new recipients for the scholarship will be selected Ann Heuer and announced. Leanne Troutman Any student selected for this honor must excel in performance or theatrical production and in the classroom, and they must model a Vincentian-like interest in Photographers: caring for and helping others. Chris Cavanagh According to Gregory Fletcher, director of NU Theatre, “Jay Clark is a triple Lukia Costello threat –– he’s a talented designer, an honor student, and as a human being, he’s a Marilyn Deighton tremendous morale builder and role model for his fellow students and the entire Terri Filips department.” Maureen Stevens, associate professor of design/technology, added, Ann Heuer “Jay Clark is very positive and a wonderful representative of the design/technology Fred Heuer major in the theatre program at Niagara University.” During the summer of his sophomore year, Clark interned as a lighting and Tim Marchinda sound technician for A More Perfect Union off-Broadway. He has worked as a (www.selectusinc.com) sound technician for the bands Cute Is What We Aim For, We the Kings, Ethnic Carl Modica Heritage Ensemble and Grammy Award winner Walt Whitman Jr. Clark is also a ([email protected]) traveling sound technician for the band Stone Row. Nancy Parisi Andrea Peeck Tim Trumble Niagara University theatre studies junior Callie Bush, ’12, has been Denise Trupe awarded the sixth Tara Laurie Gene Witkowski Memorial Scholarship to assist with her study-abroad experience Editing and Design: at Anglo-American University Lisa McMahon in London this summer. The Associate Director for Publications Laurie family established the scholarship in 2005 in memory Please e-mail story ideas to of their daughter, Tara, a theatre Ann Heuer at [email protected]. studies/hospitality student who passed away unexpectedly in 2004, Deadline for submissions several months after participating in the study-abroad program. for the fall issue is The Laurie family said “The Tara Oct. 1, 2011. Laurie Memorial Scholarship is our way of keeping our daughter’s song alive and her spirit of joy and love soaring.” From left, Janice Laurie, Bush, Donald Laurie, and Dr. Sharon Watkinson, chair of the department of theatre and fine arts.

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 7 Sara Ball, ’10, was in A Totalitarian Updates! Christmas for Buffalo’s Subversive Coordinated by Ann Heuer, ’78 Theatre during December. Rachel Baron, ’10 Andrea Andolina, ’07, and , is working as Elizabeth Oddy, ’03, starred in a lighting technician for Paramount’s Cinderella Waltz, presented by the King Dominion, a Cedar Fair owned Buffalo Laboratory Theatre in amusement park. Jason Bravo November. Oddy was also in The Bald , adjunct voice lecturer, Soprano with alumnus Matt Kindley, was the musical director and arranger Something ’10, for Buffalo’s Theatre Jugend in for the world premiere of So Right March and April. In February, , a show based on the songs Pirandello’s Wife of Paul Simon. The show was based During the department of theatre and fine arts Andolina was also in trip to the “Big Apple” in March, NU theatre for Buffalo’s Theatre Plus with alumna on an original story concept by Bravo, John Fredo, Randall Kramer, and studies alumni gathered to meet current theatre Stephanie Bax, ’93. In March, students and faculty. Clockwise from left: Casey Andolina and Sheila Connors, ’97, Jon Lehrer, and was presented at Rose Frank, ’07; Rebecca Spindler, ’07; Emily were in Buffalo Quickies, a festival of the Center for the Arts at SUNY at Boudreau, ’09; Gregory Fletcher, director of NU Buffalo in April. Theatre; David Ryan, ’07; Paige Mingus, ’09; one-act plays for Buffalo’s Alleyway and Patrick McGee, ’07. Theatre. In May, Andolina was cast In April, theatre performance Kerisa Bonville Celine in Laughter on the 23rd Floor for sophomores , Keefe and Brianna Lanoye were Joey Bucheker, ’09, directed and American Repertory Theater of WNY. starred in Love Letters for Lewiston’s Bax was in Next Fall in March for inducted into Sigma Alpha Sigma, the president’s honor society at Niagara. Theatre in the Mist in February and Buffalo United Artists. March. Alumna Dawn Smith DeLuca, They were honored in recognition of their outstanding scholastic, athletic ’96, was one of the cast members. For and social achievements. At the same Buffalo’s O’Connell and Company, event, NU theatre performance, Bucheker directed and choreographed theatre studies and design/technology Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense seniors Brandi Bruggman, Callie Hollywood Bowl Show in January Bush, Devan Corcoran, Sarah and February and starred in Buffalo Cymba, Leo DiBello, Maria Zings, an original political cabaret, in Nicole Held, and Elexa Kopty were October. He also choreographed and all selected as members of Who’s starred in Mame for O’Connell and Who Among American Colleges and Company in May and June. Universities. Students who are inducted must have QPAs of 3.0 or higher and be service-oriented leaders in academic and extracurricular activities at NU. Emily Clare Boudreau, ’09, graduated from NYU in May and spent the past semester teaching and integrating drama into the curriculum for a fourth grade classroom. Last fall, David Autovino, ’03, left, Emily Tworek- she taught an 11th and 12th grade Helenbrook and Brian Riggs in Buffalo’s Irish Classical Theatre Co. production of The acting class. Last summer, she worked Mandrake in March. Photo courtesy of Gene at The American School, a boarding Witkowski. school in Switzerland, as a counselor for its middle school summer program In December, senior lecturer Derek Campbell directed James Joyce’s The Dead for Buffalo’s David J. Avery Jr., ’09, stopped for children from all over the world. She was a dorm parent, theatre Irish Classical Theatre. NU alumns Cassie by the theatre department in March Gorniewicz, ’08, and Louis Colaiacovo, ’99, teaching assistant, sports supervisor to see the renovated Leary Theatre were in the cast. From left, Matt Witten (Bartell and to share the news that he has and trip chaperone. D’Arcy), Cassie Gorniewicz (Lily) and Valerie Yawien (Miss Molly Ivors). Photo courtesy of been accepted to the University of Gene Witkowski. Connecticut’s graduate school, where he will study mathematics.

8 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter Derek Campbell, senior lecturer, Kevin Craig, ’08, was in My Three Bruce Levitt. He was also interviewed acting, reports that following good Angels at Buffalo’s Desiderio’s Dinner for an article about teaching play- reviews and “bumper box office Theatre this winter. writing at the university level, which returns,” Buffalo’s Irish Classical Lindsie Detota, ’06, is on tour with appeared in the April edition of Theatre Co. will reprise The Dead American Family Theatre, a children’s Stage Directions Magazine. To read as part of its 2011 Christmas season. theatre company. the article, Google Stage Directions Campbell will take the helm again Aaron Doolittle, ’05, was inter- Looking for Structure. as director. In June, he is directing viewed by Buffalo’s Artvoice news- Playwright Jim Lunsford was Playboy of the Western World, starring paper in January about his latest invited by Fletcher to speak to his Cassie Gorniewicz, ’08, for the Irish independent film, Goodnight Gracie. playwriting class in March. Lunsford Classical Theatre Co. Next spring, Doolittle said “Gracie was an oppor- is a recent graduate of the Dramatic he will direct the world premiere tunity to make a film stripped of any Writing Program at NYU. Currently of Darryl Schneider’s Clean Break bells and whistles, written for two living in Los Angeles, Lunsford for Buffalo’s Road Less Traveled actors to focus on the fun and the is developing two devised theatre Productions. hard times couples go through when projects at NoHo Arts Center of Alexei Carstensen, ’14, performed they first move in together.” Visit the North Hollywood. Also, NU Theatre in the Gliding Star’s ice skating show, preview of the film at: https://www. presented a reading of Fletcher’s play, Movies and Musicals on Ice in Buffalo kickstarter.com/projects/5908411/ A Parallel Universe: St. Petersburg, on March 26. say-goodnight-gracie. Doolittle said Missouri, in April. The reading is Neil A. Casey, ’91, was in Boston’s he hopes many NU alumni visit the the first in a series and was directed Lyric Stage Co. production of Nicholas website so he and his colleagues gain by Adriano Gatto, ’06. The cast Nickleby from October through exposure for their independent art. featured Amanda Lytle Sharpe, December. He will reprise his one- Susan Drozd, ’02, will play Portia Dino Petrera, Andrew Adolf, Primo man show, This Wonderful Life, next this summer in Buffalo’s Shakespeare Thomas, Mike Van Dyke, Glenna December in Cape May, N.J. in Delaware Park production of The Rankin, Leo DiBello, and Megan Louis Colaiacovo, ’99, participated Merchant of Venice. Kemple. in a reading of Jest A Second for Buffalo’s Jewish Repertory Theatre of Right: Cassie Gorniewicz, ’08, played an WNY in March. “ethereal Madeline” in Buffalo’s Torn Space Theater production of The Fall of the House of Usher in association with the Irish Classical Theatre Co. in February and March. Photo courtesy of Lukia Costello.

Kurt Erb, ’09, was in the cast of Inside Out for Buffalo’s Theatre of Youth in November, and in February, he played a Nazi soldier in the theatre’s production of Number the Stars. Gregory Fletcher, director of NU Theatre, reports that his new play, A Port in a Storm, was included in Cornell University’s On the Fringe – New Plays in Development, directed by

Carmen Ruby Floyd, ’00, is a Above: Louis Colaiacovo, ’99 (Freddy) in spokesperson for a national advertising Buffalo’s Irish Classical Theatre holiday campaign for Quilted Northern Soft production of James Joyce’s The Dead. Photo & Strong toilet paper. An ad featuring courtesy of Gene Witkowski. Carmen appears in the March 2011 Real Simple Magazine. She starred in Right: NU alumna Sheila Connors, ’97 (Fraulein the new William Finn/James Lapine Schneider) and Robert Insana (Herr Schultz) in Buffalo’s MusicalFare Theatre production of musical, Little Miss Sunshine, at the Cabaret. Photo courtesy of Chris Cavanagh. LaJolla Playhouse in March.

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 9 M. Joseph Fratello, ’07, was in Sarielys Matos, ’04, was featured in Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical! for the the film, Queen City, shot in Buffalo Niagara Regional Theatre Guild in this winter and spring by director Peter Tonawanda, N.Y., in March. McGennis. Paige Mingus, ’09, works in New York City at Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia University, as the production intern for the Glicker- Milstein Theatre, a new blackbox theatre on campus. Patrick Moyer, ’07, starred in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, with former NU theatre studies student Tim Stuff in February. The musical was presented at Western New NU alumna Adrienne Lewis, ’09, right, with Nicole Benoit and John Fredo in Buffalo’s York’s Lancaster Opera House. MusicalFare Theatre production of Cabaret in Scott Poiley, ’00, has co-written November. Photo courtesy of Chris Cavanagh. and produced a screenplay, Cassadaga. He and his crew shot the film in the Gregory Pragel, ’04, (Pastor Oglethorpe) Meagan Kurilovitch, ’12, wed Orlando area in October. The film with Kiersten Vorheis (Mrs. Oglethorpe) in John Millar on Dec. 30 at Prince of stars Kevin Alejandro, Kelen Caleman Smoke on the Mountain for the Dutch Apple Peace Roman Catholic Church in and Louise Fletcher, and tells the story Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, Pa. Pragel was interviewed for the Intelligencer Journal of Niagara Falls, N.Y. Congratulations! of a deaf girl who attempts to contact Lancaster about his role and said he had to Carolyn Wendel Lansom, ’09, her sister during a séance, only to con- learn to play the accordion. “I’m always trying visited NU during April while in the nect with the ghost of a murdered to learn new stuff. Can you learn to play the area for a family wedding. She and woman. Visit www.imdb.com to learn accordion? Can you play the guitar? I never say no. I always say yes. As human beings, we her husband, Dave, who is in the more. just don’t know our potential.” Photo courtesy U.S. Navy, are stationed in Yokosuka, Brendan Powers, ’96, played Don of Denise Trupe. Japan. She works for the MWR Quixote in a production of Man of La (Morale, Welfare, Recreation) Outdoor Mancha for the Seacoast Repertory Michele Ragusa, ’87, played Fanny Recreation Center for the U.S. Navy Theatre in Portsmouth, N.H., in Brice in the Buffalo Philharmonic’s as a snowboarding instructor and April and May. He has starred in April production of Funny Girl in administrative assistant. She has done TV commercials for BJ’s Wholesale Concert at Kleinhans Music Hall in some community theatre and singing Club, Hood Ice Cream, and Dragon Buffalo. She was joined by fellow while stationed overseas. Naturally Speaking Software, as well alumni Paul Todaro, ’87, as Nick Susan Laxton, ’08, was in Home as “a half dozen industrials.” In the Arnstein, and Paschal Frisina III, for the Holidays for Lewiston, N.Y.’s winter, he performed in A Christmas ’00, as Heckie, John and the Stage Theatre in the Mist in December. Carol at the North Shore Music Manager. Theatre and he spent the summer performing at the Gloucester Stage Company in Massachusetts. He’s also keeping busy conducting theatre workshops for various schools and centers around the country.

Left: Lisa LeCuyer, ’08, starred in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (Molly Brown) for Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, Pa., in April and May. She has performed virtually nonstop in a variety of musicals across the From left, Michele Marie Roberts (Benzin), country since graduation. Photo courtesy of ’99; Marc Sacco, ’00; Steve Copps and Lisa Tim Trumble. Ludwig were in (title of show) for Buffalo’s MusicalFare Theatre in March. Photo courtesy of Chris Cavanagh.

10 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter Michele Marie Roberts (Benzin), Radio Play for the third year in a row ’99, was in Present Laughter in for Buffalo’s Kavinoky Theatre in November with former NU theatre December. This March, Zschiegner student David Lundy for Buffalo’s directed Tom Stoppard’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Kavinoky Theatre. for the Kavinoky. Among the cast Mark Sacco, ’00, was in The members was Josie DiVincenzo, an Temperamentals for Buffalo United adjunct acting lecturer and scenic Artists in December. That month, painter for Niagara University’s de- he and Michele Marie Roberts partment of theatre and fine arts. (Benzin), ’99, and Louis Colaiacovo, DiVincenzo coordinated a group of ’99, starred in a holiday production, Niagara University Theatre students UnSilent Night!, a fundraiser for who performed a “flash mob” concert Buffalo’s MusicalFare Theatre. In April, Roberts (Benzin) was also in The Armand “Army” Schultz, ’81, visited 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Niagara University to see the renovated Bee at MusicalFare Theatre with Sacco theatre in March. He is working in Toronto playing the role of the father and former NU theatre student Nick in Billy Elliot the Musical at the Canon Lama. Theatre through early July. Above, David Ryan, ’07, continues to from left, NU theatre and fine arts pursue acting jobs. In addition, he department’s Brother Martin Schneider, C.M., Dr. Sharon Watkinson, Schultz, has started his own business “to and Adriano Gatto. make income on the side.” Visit his business website at www.amway.com/ At right, Schultz (right) with fellow Billy Elliot performers Ryan Kasprzak (left), davidryan. the production’s dance captain, and Sara Nicholas Santasier, ’04, was stunt Brians (center), its choreographer, visit coordinator for the short film The with theatre majors at the Leary Theatre. at Buffalo’s Walden Galleria Mall in Deal this winter. He was fight December to support the arts in Buf- choreographer for Macbeth for Red Meghan Smith, ’12, received falo. In April, The Desperate, a film Shark Productions and for Jitney for Lewiston, N.Y.’s Theatre in the Mist that Josie stars in as a surgical nurse, the Gallery Players this spring. He Scholarship in January. She was nomi- was screened during the Buffalo- is the playwright and co-producer of nated for the $1,000 scholarship by Niagara Film Festival, winning the Notches for Phil Newsom Productions Gregory Fletcher, director of Niagara award for “Best Short Film and Best and Hanging Hammer Productions University Theatre. The scholarship Cinematography.” Based on a real- Media (www.hanginghammerpro. was awarded in memory of Smith’s life incident that happened during com/Site/Notches.html), performed at neighbor, Lisa Gravel, who passed World War II, the film is set in a con- The Red Room in April. away from a brain tumor. Smith is also centration camp where an imprisoned the recipient of the Powerhouse Vassar Jewish doctor is conscripted at gun- Summer Scholarship for 2011. point to perform emergency surgery on Courtney Weather, ’10, was in Last the son of a Nazi general. The Desperate of the Sensitive Bastards in November has won more than 33 awards, includ- for Buffalo’s Theater Jugend. She was ing the Hollywood Film Festival’s also in Steel Magnolias in March for prestigious “Best Short Film Award.” the Lancaster Opera House. This summer, Zschiegner will direct Stacy Zawadzki-Janusz, a Ibn Shabazz’s play, Insidious, which senior lecturer of dance at NU, will made its debut last summer. The entire choreograph Annie for Western New original cast, including NU alumna York’s Lancaster Opera House this In January, several theatre studies alumni came Adrienne Lewis, ’09, will be reunited home to Niagara to see the Short Play Festival June. She is also directing, staging, for this revival which opens June 10 and to tour the newly renovated Leary Theatre choreographing and producing her for Buffalo’s Road Less Traveled and the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre. company’s production, ZPAC’s Big Productions. Lewis was in Buffalo’s From left: Amanda Serio, ’09; Lisa LeCuyer, ’08; Adventure, in June. The production Ralph Donatelli III, ’09; and Lindsay Pizzuto, Torn Space Theatre production of ’07, pose with NU artist-in-residence/stage will showcase her staff and students. Aunt Dan and Lemon in April. Former combat instructor/recruiter Adriano Gatto, ’06. Doug Zschiegner, associate NU theatre studies student David director of Niagara University Theatre, Lundy was also in the cast. directed It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 11 Celebrating Alumnus Robert E. Leary: Actor and Preservationist By Ann Heuer, ’78 studies. While at NU, he explored his and helped raise $4 million for reno- love for theatre, performing in Niagara vations of Ennis House.” The Ennis University Theatre’s productions of House was named one of the “Eleven Equus, Man of La Mancha, Oliver!, The Most Endangered Properties in Merry Wives of Windsor, and How He America by the National Trust for Lied to Her Husband. Historic Preservation” in 2004. During the 1980s, he worked in Bob first visited the Ennis House theatre in Buffalo and New York City (1924) when he was a docent for and performed in a variety of produc- Wright’s Hollyhock House (1921). “To tions, including two off-Broadway actually see it is one thing, to go inside Robert E. Leary, ’81 musicals, Naughty Marietta and Babes it is a whole other experience,” Bob in Toyland. stated during a 2008 interview for The In 1991, he moved to Los Angeles to Journal Times Online of Racine, Wisc. American architect Frank Lloyd pursue acting, modeling and directing “Most of the Wright houses I’d seen Wright (1867-1959) believed in the jobs. He played featured roles on TV’s from the outside (in California and on transformative power of hard work Diagnosis Murder, All My Children, the East coast) were modest in scale, and beauty –– and so did one of his and As the World Turns, and played a and the Ennis House and Hollyhock great admirers, NU alumnus Robert recurring character on Another World. House were so bombastic in their E. “Bob” Leary, ’81, who passed away He was also a regular extra on One Life presentation, so audacious, grand and after a long battle with leukemia at his to Live and General Hospital, and was beautiful and thereby so unique.” He Los Angeles home on Jan. 23, 2011. on the sitcom Mad About You. He also explained that between the National Considered by most authorities to made a number of commercials for Trust listing about the endangered be the 20th century’s greatest architect, such clients as Toyota. Ennis House, actress Diane Keaton’s Wright wrote, “The longer I live, the In 1998, while Bob was working “clarion call” to motivate others to more beautiful life becomes. If you in L.A., Niagara University’s theatre help restore the collapsing architectural foolishly ignore beauty, you will soon was renamed in honor of his parents. treasure, and then the catastrophic find yourself without it. Your life will Through the generous gifts of the rains of 2005, “there was no time to be impoverished. But if you invest in Leary family and the musical theatre waste.” beauty, it will remain with you all the team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, In recent years, Bob was the recipi- days of your life.” the theatre was renovated for its 35th ent of numerous awards for his work In the three decades since Bob Leary anniversary. The seating arrangement and dedication to the preservation graduated from Niagara University, he was reconfigured, seats were reuphol- community, and he became a board contributed his considerable talents to stered, acoustic tiles and carpeting member of the Frank Lloyd Wright the stage, film, television and a variety were added, and the lobby was com- Conservancy, a national organization of business interests. He also “invested pletely refurbished. that monitors Wright structures in beauty” by working tirelessly to save “Like his deceased parents,” Bob had throughout the United States. a number of endangered Frank Lloyd a great interest in NU Theatre and was Despite his illness, Bob also selflessly Wright homes across America, most quite happy to learn of the addition to donated his time to encourage fellow notably in California. the Leary Theatre in 2010,” said Father cancer patients and their families at The son of the late William P., John Maher, C.M., a friend and fellow the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, ’50, and Marie Leary, benefactors of NU alumnus. Calif., and he was a co-presenter at a Niagara University’s theatre program, “Bob’s real passion, however, was medical conference at the Mayo Clinic Bob and his three siblings, William architecture, particularly that of Frank in Minneapolis, Minn. He was also III, ’78, Barbara Anne and Elizabeth, Lloyd Wright,” Fr. Maher continued. active in his parish, All Saints Roman were raised in Franklin Lakes, N.J. “Bob dedicated much time and energy Catholic Church of Beverly Hills. Bob attended Most Blessed Sacrament to renovating and reviving several key “He found a great deal of support and School and Ramapo High School Wright properties in Southern solace in the church community,” and went on to receive his bachelor’s California, most notably Hollyhock Fr. Maher recalled, “and he made a degree from NU in English with a House and Ennis House in L.A. He pilgrimage to the Holy Land, enjoying concentration in communication served on the latter’s board as chair it enormously.” 12 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter Robert E. Leary, ’81, left, as a horse in Niagara University’s 1980 production of Equus, and right, as “Anselmo” in Niagara University’s 1981 production of Man of La Mancha.

While Bob Leary’s life story is Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., We miss him.” shorter than any of his family or director emeritus of NU Theatre, said, In January and February, several friends had ever dreamed it would be, “Bob Leary was one of the most out- memorial Masses were celebrated in his legacy lives on. It is in the trium- standing young men the theatre has New Jersey and California for the phant preservation of several Frank graduated. We’re so sorry his life was benefit of Bob’s family and friends. Lloyd Wright architectural treasures cut short. We’ll never know what He is survived by his siblings, and –– and it is a vital, vibrant part of other great things he might have many other loving relatives, friends the history of Niagara University’s accomplished. Bob was talented, and colleagues –– and the beautiful Leary Theatre. It is in numerous extremely well liked, and well loved. architecture he championed. television shows and commercials, preserved in the archives at national television networks. And for those At the May 6 College of Arts and Sciences Recognition Day, nine theatre studies majors were awarded who knew and loved him, it is in the outstanding theatre student awards from their department for academic distinction. During the past four years, all the students maintained a 3.33 GPA or higher while spending 24 - 27 hours in class extraordinary way he lived his life. each week and being involved in over 35 NU Theatre productions which were seen by thousands of “He fought the toughest battle anyone theatre patrons. Front row, from left: Callie Bush, Kelsey Wright and Devan Corcoran. Second row can ever face,” his sister Barbara Anne from left: Cynthia Many, Casey Moyer, Marilyn Deighton, assistant professor of theatre and fine arts, Mullis said, “yet he never lost his faith, and Dr. Sharon Watkinson, chair, department of theatre and fine arts. Back row, from left: Doug and he tried to bring joy to everyone, Zschiegner, assistant professor of theatre and fine arts/associate director of NU Theatre, Brandi Bruggman, Sarah Cymba, Maria Nicole Held, artist-in-residence/recruiter Adriano Gatto, and even cracking jokes just hours after Gregory Fletcher, director of NU Theatre. Held was also awarded the Tim Ward Players’ Award having major surgery.” for Excellence in Theatre for her academic excellence, leadership, exemplary work ethic inside and Mullis continued, “My brother outside of the classroom, and Vincentian-like interest in helping others. The late Tim Ward, one of Robert was one of the most generous the founders of the department of theatre and fine arts, was a beloved acting professor and director at NU who encouraged the talents of thousands of actors, writers and design/tech professionals during and genuine people I have ever had the his lifetime. Missing from the photo is outstanding theatre studies student honoree Leo DiBello. honor to know. Family, friends and faith were the cornerstones of his life. He derived both strength from, and lent strength to, all three. He infused his irreverent sense of humor into any situation he could, and one could not help but smile around Robert, he was just like that. His love of the arts was his life’s passion, and architecture was his muse. His life’s work was all about giving back and he will be remembered and missed most for his kindness, his compassion, and his many contributions to society.”

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 13 Give Our Regards to Broadway By Leanne Troutman, ’12 I don’t presume to speak for my to wait an ungodly amount of generation, but when you hear “winter time to get to their floor. Mind break” most people would associate the you, it only added to the fun and average undergrad’s activities with I quite enjoyed the opportunity sleeping, spending half your life on of meeting and conversing with Facebook, sleeping, watching MTV, people from all over the world sleeping, procrastinating doing home- coming to visit the “Big Apple.” At the alumni party at Don’t Tell Mamas, from left: Alison work, and did I mention sleeping (or That night was our time to Nusbaum, ’03; Meaghan Reilly, ’07; and Terri Filips, is that just me)? However, this was not explore, so naturally my friends associate professor of theatre and fine arts, holding a picture of “Bro”Augustine Towey, C.M., so he could be the case for the 24 Niagara University and I went to Times Square there in spirit. theatre studies students who went on and shopped. After we went an epic excursion to New York City shopping, we hopped on a subway door and Mary, after pushing her way from Feb. 28 to March 4. train with Maureen Stevens and rode to the front, got his autograph, and The trip was arranged by Marilyn to Century 21, where we did more queried him about why they didn’t Deighton, assistant professor of theatre shopping. On a solemn note, we made make his eyes green in the “Harry and fine arts, and Maureen Stevens, it a point to visit “Ground Zero” and Potter” movies (since they were green associate professor of theatre and we looked at the building plans for the in J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books). fine arts. Dr. Sharon Watkinson, our memorial that will be erected there. We then headed over to the restaurant, department’s chair, and Terri Filips, The next morning, a whole gaggle Don’t Tell Mama’s, for a get together associate professor of theatre and fine of us set out for the Metropolitan with NU alumni living in New York. arts, also went with us, and director Museum with Maureen Stevens. While On Wednesday, I decided to explore of NU Theatre, Greg Fletcher, met there, I felt privileged to see Greek and on my own while a group of people us at some of our events. Now, I can’t Roman statues and mosaics, got lost went over to Mood (a well-known really speak for other students, but I in an Egyptian tomb, and saw more designer fabric store in the garment know I had an amazing time with an mummies than I ever imagined. I saw district that’s involved in reality TV awesome group of my peers and faculty a Stradivarius violin, as well as many programs like Project Runway and The members, so I figure, why not tell you different guitars that were played over Apprentice). The students and faculty about it? the century. My mind was effectively toured the store, shopped and met the The worst thing about the trip was blown by some medieval weaponry as store’s TV star, a dog named “Swatch.” the Monday morning flight. We took well as architecture I could have never On my leisurely venture, I did Jet Blue, a wonderful airline if you ask envisioned. what I do best and went shopping, me, very nice, very professional, except Walking back from the museum, discovering Colony, an amazing music that our flight was delayed due to we grabbed lunch and sampled what store. I’ve never seen so much music, snowfall that iced our wings, setting us is commonly known as “street meat” music memorabilia, and sheet music back an entire hour. In fact, we almost -- hot dogs sold from a cart vendor. for every style of music imaginable, didn’t get to New York because after Later we left to go to the Ed Sullivan and what seemed like every musical our departure, they cancelled all other Theater for a taping of The Late Show ever written. Afterwards, I met up flights to New York that day. But we with David Letterman, featuring with my friend and fellow theatre arrived safe and sound. Amanda Seyfried and B.J. Novak, student Dave Spychalski, and we set The drive into and through the city which was quite a treat. off to the TKTS booth to try to get was just what we expected it to be, Afterwards, we had a couple hours tickets for the shows we wanted to see everyone “oo’ing and aaahhh’ing” at to ourselves to have dinner before that night. He wanted to see Priscilla the scenery and fellow student Mary we went to see Daniel Radcliffe, aka Queen of the Desert, and I hoped to Boatman, who had never been to “Harry Potter,” in How to Succeed in get tickets for Driving Miss Daisy the city before, excitedly exclaiming, Business Without Really Trying. The starring Vanessa Redgrave and James “Look, it’s Times Square!” We arrived show was hilarious and wonderful and Earl Jones. We were both disappointed at our hotel, The Belvedere, located I very much enjoyed it. Mary Boatman in our ventures, though. The show in midtown on 48th between 8th was moved to tears, but that was more Dave wanted to see was “dark” that and 9th, and quickly discovered that from her ecstasy at seeing “Harry night, and Vanessa Redgrave was not the elevators were more of a comic Potter” before her very eyes. After the performing in my choice that evening. than functional device. Guests had show, we all stood out by the stage So we set off to find a show neither

14 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter LEFT: Theatre studies student Mary Boatman, ’12, displays her poster signed by Daniel Radcliffe, one of the stars of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Right: Marilyn Deighton, assistant professor of theatre and fine arts, at Mood Fabrics, with “Swatch,” the fabric store’s mascot and “star” of the television show Project Runway. of us had seen. After long The theatre studies majors enjoyed a talk back deliberation, we settled on The Addams Kleinfeld’s, session at Local 764, the Wardrobe Union Family Musical, but later changed our but it was Headquarters in New York City. From left, minds when Dave found out that I had really about 30 blocks away in SoHo. Jenna Kremple, a wardrobe person for Saturday Night Live, talked to NU theatre students Callie never experienced Avenue Q. We spent a good portion of two hours Bush ’12; Cynthia Edith Printup-Harms,’13; With time running short, we kicked walking to this place and on the way Brittany Metz, ’12; and Billy Leonard, ’12. ourselves into high gear and met up we stopped by a Shakespearean book- In the background are Paul Dean, president with the rest of the group to see a store that I had wanted to find, and of Broadway’s Local 1 Stagehands Union, and Pat White, president of Broadway’s Local 764 matinee performance of La Cage aux we continued window shopping all the Wardrobe Union. Missing from the photo is Folles, starring Harvey Fierstein, which way to SoHo. Mary and I managed panelist Valerie Gladstone, of Hair & Makeup was phenomenal. After the show, we to find a train that took us back up Local 798. received a backstage tour from Dale to midtown, which was fortunate. Hensley, theatre student Jay Clark’s Otherwise we might still be walking York, a group of us decided to celebrate uncle, and we saw the production’s back to our hotel. and explore. We settled on going down costume and set storage and learned a That evening, a group of friends and to the East Village to find McSorley’s lot of interesting facts about that show. I did more shopping in Times Square Old Ale House and to pick up a T-shirt That night, Dave and I set off to see and then we went to that night’s for one of our friends back home. We Avenue Q. Other students saw Wicked, performance of The Importance of got delightfully lost on the way because got a backstage tour and sat with the Being Earnest starring Brian Bedford. we’re not quite versed in the subway cast of Billy Elliot: The Musical. Some By far my favorite show of the entire system, but we found the pub all the students also went to a Billy Elliot trip, it was quick and sharp, bright same. While there, I talked to one of dimmer check that afternoon. Other and comical, and I relished every the owners about the pub’s history and shows students saw included Chicago, minute of it. Plus, we were treated discovered that the Ale House opened The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of to a private, postshow discussion in 1854 and just celebrated its 147th the Opera, and Spiderman: Turn Off with Santino Fontana, one of the birthday in February. Later that night, the Dark just one week before it closed. actors in the production, who is also back at our hotel, we packed and got Thursday was devoted to shopping a friend of Greg Fletcher. Santino ready for our flight to Buffalo the next with three fellow theatre students: told us about his career and gave us morning. Mary Boatman, Keirsten Greifenstein, great information about performance So my winter break consisted of and bride-to-be Jamie Nablo. We opportunities in the city. He answered theatre productions and TV shows, went to Kleinfeld’s where we had set questions about the show and what it stars, backstage tours, museum up an appointment for Jamie to try was like to work with the director in antiquities, shopping and meeting NU on different wedding dresses. We had the cast, and he talked about the alumni. Sure, I didn’t sleep as much as applied to be on Say Yes to the Dress, a challenges of such a verbally demand- I liked, but I think the adventure more reality show on the TLC network (in ing script. My favorite moment was than made up for it. Mind you, that fact, that was the reason we made the when he compared the characters in didn’t stop me from procrastinating appointment), but we weren’t accepted this show, all of whom are members of about my homework or going on and had just a regular appointment London Society, to the cast members Facebook (where I’m happy to report instead. Luckily, we found so many of the television show Jersey Shore. His Mary Boatman has posted our meeting beautiful dresses and found the perfect justification was that they don’t have outside the theatre with Daniel style for Jamie. jobs, live for pleasure, and are all Radcliffe, aka “Harry Potter”). Our adventures continued as Mary constantly trying to one-up each other and I set off for a juggling store which with verbal comebacks. she thought was five blocks from Since it was our last night in New Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 15 At Home on the High Seas By Ann Heuer, ’78 When she was little, Jessica Young, contract, March ’07, wanted to be a doctor. She could through October imagine herself helping and healing 2010.” people. “I think the number of years Last fall, doctors have to spend in school, Jessica returned though, kind of put me off that idea home to after a while,” she said. So instead, she Rochester to chose a career that touches hearts and spend some tickles funny bones, providing smiles, precious time delight, and laughter for people of all with family, to ages. Good medicine to be sure. revel in being a “I never knew I wanted to be an first-time aunt, Jessica Young, ’07, aboard the Disney Magic. actor when I was a child. I’ve just and to consider always enjoyed performing. I’ve been what’s next on the career horizon. After Theatre in North Carolina. Then, in dancing since I was three and being two long international cruises, would a June of 2007, I was asked to be the onstage is always where I feel at home. third voyage be the charm? “I never say “swing” for the mainstage cast on So why not get paid to work at ‘home?’” never with Disney,” she smiled. “I’ve board the Disney Magic. I call the It was triple threat talent, timing, never been big on planning too far swing the “understudy’s understudy.” and an adventurous spirit that led her ahead, but Disney has treated me well There is a female and male swing for to audition for a dream job during her and I would be honored if they asked the cast, which consists of 32 people. senior year at Niagara. Oh, and there me back for another contract.” My job as the female swing was to was one other factor. Jessica has always Jessica graciously shared some of know all of the ensemble roles for each loved Disney films and characters. “I the highlights of her work with DCL show. Some shows had four ensemble wasn’t allowed to watch many movies –– and some thoughts on how to girls while others included up to nine other than Disney while I was growing succeed in the entertainment industry other roles. The swing is expected to up,” she said. “I still have many on by always giving much more than 100 sing, dance and act in all shows –– all VHS tapes. I think even my dad percent. high quality, full productions in a knows all the words to the soundtrack 1,000-seat theatre. The contract Q. How do you think your education from The Little Mermaid because we included performing in up to 16 shows at Niagara University has helped you watched it so much! per week. There were three main in your career so far? “During one of my acting classes,” “Broadway” style shows (Disney she continued, “I was memorizing A. Being an NU theatre performance Dreams, Twice Charmed, and The lines with a fellow classmate, Mike major was a great introduction to the Golden Mickeys) with two other cabaret Vargovich, ’07. He told me that he and theatrical world. The program offers style shows as well as multiple holiday his dad were driving down to New students a wide spectrum of the many enhancements, theme night dances York City for the weekend so that different avenues that theatre can take and other possible performances. We he could audition for DCL (Disney you down. had two months of rehearsal in Cruise Lines). I asked if I could crash Q. What was the best advice any of Toronto, followed by six and a half the audition with him, and a few your NU professors ever gave you? months on the ship. months later, I also auditioned for DCL Interestingly, during my second in Toronto. My first contract was A. One powerful word: “BREATHE.” contract, I was replacing the dance August 2007 through April 2008. My Adjunct speech professor Amanda captain. So not only did I have to second contract, though, was a bit Lytle Sharpe taught us that. It is some- know all female choreography, but different. I was living and working in thing so simple and yet so effective in everyone’s choreography for all of the New York at the time when I received every possible performance and life shows. Other duties included running a phone call from the casting director. situation. and scheduling rehearsals, watching A replacement was needed for the Q. What was your first job after the shows/taking notes to maintain the “swing” on a Disney contract. A girl graduation? show quality, and keeping track of my had gotten sick and I would be needed own personal show quality. A. I was involved in a short, two- for one month. That one month month contract performing in West turned into eight, and my second Side Story at Lee’s Mac Ray’s Regional

16 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter ship. So when guests lined up with of walking! Eight to 10 hours on your their cameras, I stood alongside the feet everyday! On the Baltic cruise, we characters to take photos, hold auto- enjoyed sightseeing in Germany, graph books and to make as many Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, magical moments as possible for our Portugal, and England. To pick a fav- guests. I have a special place in my orite destination is impossible. Still, my heart for all the characters, but heart is in Europe, without a doubt. “Goofy” might be my favorite. Q. What makes this job fun and how Q. What’s a regular work day like for do you keep it fresh? you? A. The people you meet and the places A. For me there was never a typical you go. You have to find your own day. Some days I wouldn’t work at all, routine working out, dancing, singing, other days I would be getting into and enjoying the simple things to make costume 10 minutes before the show sure you don’t lose perspective of what’s started because someone got sick. important. I do have to say that travel- There are no days off the ship. Even ing the world has been amazing and when guests get off from their cruise, never in my wildest dreams did I ever a whole new 2,500 guests get back on think I would have been to some of four hours later! the places that I have and get paid to do what I love! That for me is a dream Jessica Young,’ 07, as stripper Gypsy Rose Lee Q. Where have you traveled with in NU Theatre’s 2005 production of Gypsy, come true. directed by the late Tim Ward. Disney Cruise Lines? A. I have been very blessed to have Q. Any advice for our current NU Q. Did you get to interact with the visited amazing ports with DCL. On theatre studies students? guests? the West/East Caribbean cruise we A. Work hard. And when you’re done A. As a dance captain I taught several visited St. Marteen, St. Thomas, Grand working hard, work even harder. Be dance classes to guests as well as the Caymen, Cozumel, the Bahamas, and prepared. Communicate with those cast. During two of our longer 14- Key West. And on the Mediterranean important to you, as they will be the day cruises I was also asked to teach cruise, we enjoyed stops in Italy, Spain, ones to take care of you after college. a select group of guests four different France, Africa (Tunisia), Gibraltar, Be professional. You never know dances for a program that was a spin- Malta, and Maderia. Getting to who you are going to meet or who is off of Dancing with the Stars. experience the history that you’ve going to offer you a job. Take care of Also, part of our duties as main- learned about for years and years was yourself. Your body is your instrument, stage performers was to help escort unbelievable but tiring ... lots and lots your tool, your craft. And last but not the Disney characters around the least, always remember to breathe.

For the 34th year, N.U.R.T. (Niagara University Repertory Theatre) will perform a rotating repertoire of 45 minutes of children’s stories this summer for the community. Performances will be offered outdoors at Academy Park in the Village of Lewiston, N.Y., and indoors at Niagara University’s air- conditioned Leary Theatre from July 18 through August 26. Here, the NURT 2010-2011 troupe entertains visiting school children in the Leary Theatre in March.

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 17 How I Learned to Drive Deighton Creates In April, the NU Players presented an all-student production of How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel, directed by Justin Mitchell Krall, ’11. Pictured below are (top photo from left) Michele Dalia, Costumes for ’13; Alicia Ann Burning, ’12; Stephanie Valliere, ’14; and Nathan Miller, ’14. (Bottom photo from left) Michele Dalia, ’13, and Patrick Joseph Tighe, ’14. Photos courtesy of Andrea Peeck. Touring Production By Henrik Borgstrom, Ph.D. The Niagara University Research Council awarded a $5,000 summer research grant to Dr. Henrik Borgstrom, chair of the department of modern and classical languages, and Marilyn Deighton, assistant professor of theatre and fine arts. The two colleagues will collaborate on a new production of La Farce de Maitre Pathelin (The Farce of Mr. Pathelin) by the national French- language touring company, Le Théâtre de la Chandelle Verte. La Farce de Maitre Pathelin is a 15th century farce originally performed by itinerant companies in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. It is still a part of the French canon, although it is rarely performed because the anti- quated language and period allusions in the text do not always resonate with a contemporary audience. The most recent edition of this short play, for example, contains more than 150 foot- notes to explain obsolete word-plays and archaic references. Borgstrom will write a new adaptation of the text, which will be performed by Le Théâtre de la Chandelle Verte for French language students at universities all across the United States over the next academic year. Deighton will add her technical expertise by designing and building the costumes for the performance. The designs are based on figures from medieval puppet shows, with highly exaggerated body shapes and features. Her primary creative challenge will be to build enormously oversized body-structures that will still remain light and flexible enough to allow for the highly physical stage play of the actors. Le Théatre de la Chandelle Verte will perform La Farce de Maitre Pathelin at the Leary Theatre in May 2012.

18 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter In the Spotlight: The Pirates of Penzance From April 28 – May 8, NU Theatre presented Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera, The Pirates of Penzance, directed by adjunct speech professor Amanda Lytle Sharpe.

Clockwise from top right: Pirates and maidens dance while the Major-General (Will Hicks) looks on. From left, Dan Urtz, Michael Sheridan, Nicholas G. Gnacinski, John Staton Jr., and Bobby Hall. From left, Erin Daley, Ashley DeMar, Erica Miranda Diederich, Kelsey Wright, Kayla Kreis, Meghan Hinton, and Chelsey M. Zimmerman. From left, Alan Trinca and Renee Landrigan. From left, Casey Moyer, Alan Trinca and Ross Donatelli.

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 19 Nonprofit Std. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Niagara University, NY 14109 Niagara University Theatre Department PERMIT NO. 1 P.O. Box 1913 Niagara University, NY 14109

In the Spotlight: The Pirates of Penzance First row from left, Erica Miranda Diederich, Kayla Kreis, Ashley DeMar, Meghan Hinton, Renee Landrigan, Brianna Lanoye, Andrew Adolf, Dino Petrera and Alex Garcia. Second row from left, Erin Daley, Kelsey Wright, Chelsey M. Zimmerman, Alan Trinca, Mary Boatman, Rachel M. Olszewski, Michael Wachowiak, and Eric Madia. Back row, Leanne Troutman, Will Hicks, and Ross Donatelli.