Friends of Niagara University Theater

For those who love and support theater at Niagara University Fall/Winter 2007

NU Honors Four Entertainment Legends

Actor David Actors’ Guild Award, all for his Drama Desk Award. Monk has also Hyde Pierce, best performances on “Frasier.” appeared on regional stages across known for his role Nominated for America and has a wide number of as Niles Crane on four Tony Awards, films to her credit. the television Scott Ellis has Winner of the series “Frasier,” received the Tony Award and was among four Outer Critics the Drama Desk theater Circle Award and Award, Karen personalities who the Drama Desk Ziemba began David Hyde Pierce were honored by Award several her career as a Niagara University at a special times, as well as dancer, when as a convocation on Monday, Nov. 19. The Scott Ellis the prestigious young girl she convocation, a celebration of excellence Olivier Award in London. Besides joined the Ohio in theater, also honored actors Debra numerous New York city credits, he Ballet. Her Karen Ziemba Monk and Karen Ziemba and director has also directed in regional theater extraordinary voice, perhaps a legacy Scott Ellis. and for television. Ellis began his from her grandmother who sang for Citing their outstanding careers career as a performer, appearing in the New York City Opera, brought and the excellence each has achieved, several Broadway musical comedies. her to the musical theater. Her role the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., He served for several years as the in the musical “Contact,” which was president of the university, said, “The associate director of the Roundabout created for her, won her the triple university itself is honored to have such Theatre Company in New York City. crown of Tony Award, Drama Desk exemplary persons on our campus, Also a Tony Award and Outer Critics Circle people to whom our students, espe- Award and prime- Award. Ziemba has performed in cially our theater students, can look for time Emmy numerous musicals for the New York example. Each of the honorees has winner, Debra City Opera as well as an extensive list made a significant impact on American Monk has of regional theater, film and theater, television and film, and we are appeared in 13 television productions. delighted to honor that contribution.” Broadway “Niagara University’s long tradition While best known for his television productions, of theater productions, and its theater role, David Hyde Pierce began his garnering Tony program makes it fitting that we performing life on the stage. His Award nomin- Debra Monk bring such outstanding professionals to most recent success is as the sleuth in ations for several of them. Her the campus,” said Brother Augustine Broadway’s musical comedy, television work is equally extensive, Towey, C.M., director emeritus of “Curtains,” a performance which won the most recent of which includes the NU Theater. He added that it him this year’s Tony Award. His “Grey’s Anatomy.” Her appearance as was fitting that the university pay other Broadway appearances include Katie Sipowicz on the popular tribute to outstanding theater people “Spamalot,” “The Heidi Chronicles,” “NYPD Blues” won her an Emmy as it launches its campaign to upgrade and “Beyond Therapy.” He has Award. Monk also co-authored its theater facilities. A campaign is appeared extensively in off-Broadway “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” for currently under way to renovate the and regional theater. Besides the Tony which she won a Tony Award present Leary Theater into a state-of- Award, Pierce has won four prime- nomination, and “Oil City the-art facility by adding a lobby and time Emmy Awards and a Screen Symphony,” for which she won a other features that will make it more audience-friendly. What’s New at NU: By the editor-in-chief, Gregory Fletcher What an exciting Productions. Or if you happen to be et cetera. It’s a means for easy, fast time to begin a new around Fort Myers, Fla., in January, communication that can also be job at NU Theater. then look for Brendan as Father archived online. To be a part of the So far, at this Flynn in Florida Repertory Theatre’s 21st century, please give your okay for writing, about production of “Doubt.” being listed as a group member by $800,000 has been raised for the Currently, most of our communi- either sending me an e-mail or by renovation of the Leary Theater. cation between the Friends of NU going to the group’s home page: Tentatively reporting without Theater is by way of snail-mail. One http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ anything in writing, the construction common practice between groups friendsofNUT. Only current, paid will begin in the summer of 2009. As and organizations today is to create members of Friends of NU Theater far away as that may feel, Brother an online site with Yahoo. Therefore, will have access to the online group Augustine calms us with the in hopes to improve communication and its benefits. reminder that he’s been waiting 45 opportunities, I have created a private Let me end my first “What’s New years for this renovation — so we can Yahoo Group called friendsofNUT. at NU” by thanking you, and if I wait one more year. It’s a site where all of its members may include and speak for our new Since my start date of July 2, I can send and receive e-mails from all associate director, Doug Zschiegner, jumped into coordinating our new participating members as easily as for making us both feel so welcomed theater Web site and, even though with a click of a button. We can also and supported. We are thrilled to be putting together the content and share photos, event postings, calendars, here with all of you. photos has been a fun, fortuitous way for me to get to know our theater program, I am happy and relieved to report that the new Web site is up and running. (Please visit www.niagara.edu/theater.) Not only is the site our new calling card for recruiting future students, but the site also updates our alumni bios and e-mail addresses on a more frequent Looking for News About basis than the newsletter. Currently, NU Theater Alumni? however, we are missing many alumni bios, so please help us spread It’s easy to stay in touch with alumni through our updated the word to send in those bios. By Niagara University Theater Web site. the way, there is also a page for the Visit us at www.niagara.edu/theater and click on “NU Friends of NU Theater. If you have Family” and “Alumni” to read all about your friends. any suggestions or edits regarding the If your bio is not yet listed, we’d love to add you to this Web site, please do not hesitate to let ever-growing chorus line of theater graduates! me know: [email protected]. Please e-mail your updated bio to Gregory Fletcher, Director I am very happy to report that my of Niagara University Theater, at [email protected]. predecessor, Brendan Powers, has And be sure to let us know if it’s okay to publish your e-mail been living the actor’s life and address so fellow alumni can get in touch. auditioning for everything between here and Boston and New York City. Thanks so much. We hope to hear from you soon! If you missed Brendan in Buffalo’s Western New York premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s “MASS,” then you’ll be able to catch him in April in Eric Bogosian’s “Humpty Dumpty” at Road Less Traveled

2 Friends of Niagara University Theater Three Couples to Chair 23rd Annual Gala

Kenneth and Mary Tirohn of Cheektowaga, N.Y., and Ryan and Tara Erwin of Tonawanda, N.Y., will serve as co-chairs of the 23rd Annual Friends of Niagara University Theater Gala. The event will be held on campus on Saturday, April 26, 2008. For the second year in a row, auction chairs are William and Pamela LeCuyer Co-chairs of The Friends of Niagara University William and Pamela LeCuyer will serve as the gala’s of Getzville, N.Y. Their daughter, Lisa, Theater’s 23rd Annual Gala include, from left: Ryan auction co-chairs for the second year in a row. Here, is a senior in NU’s theater studies and Tara Erwin and Mary and Kenneth Tirohn. they pose with their daughter, Lisa LeCuyer, ’07, at last spring’s gala. program. The gala will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008, and will include a matinee of the musical “Cabaret,” This year’s Gala will begin with a a cocktail hour, dinner, and silent and live auction. 4 p.m. matinee of the hit Kander and Ebb musical, “Cabaret,” at the Permaquik Branded Materials and his Ryan Erwin added, “NU Theater Leary Theater on NU’s campus. Guests wife, Pamela, is a travel consultant has long had the reputation of pro- will then proceed to the Castellani specialist for the Automobile Club of ducing stellar shows featuring highly Art Museum on campus for a cocktail Western and Central New York. talented cast members and crew. I’m hour, silent auction, elegant dinner, Tirohn noted that he and Erwin honored to have the opportunity to live auction and a visit from the cast and their wives are delighted to serve help bring this top-notch entertain- and crew of “Cabaret.” Auction items as Gala 2008 chairs. “There are several ment to the Western New York include travel packages, paintings, reasons to stand in support of Niagara community through the advancement entertainment and sports memorabilia, University and its terrific theater of the university’s theater department.” gift baskets, gift certificates and more. program,” Tirohn said. “Without Kenneth Tirohn is a partner and creativity and the art of entertainment, vice president of support services for life would lose some of its much For tickets and information, the TenEleven Group, Inc., and his needed luster. This program teaches or to donate gift baskets, these students and the thousands of wife, Mary, works in the firm’s paintings, antiques or administration. Ryan Erwin and his visitors each year who witness their collectibles valued at $75 wife, Tara, both attended NU. Erwin wonderful shows about innovation, is a partner and chief technology expression, creativity and the love for or more, contact gala officer for the TenEleven Group, Inc., life. These students will take these coordinators Peg Lacki at life skills into their future as teachers, and his wife is the vice president of 716-286-8483 or Ann Heuer marketing for Counsel Financial entrepreneurs, authors and actors; at 716-286-8480. Services of Buffalo. William LeCuyer touching others with their enthusiasm is the national sales manager of for life and others.”

NU THEATER ACTORS “ALTAR BOYZ” AT HEART — At Buffalo’s MusicalFare Theatre’s recent production of “Altar Boyz,” four of the five cast members were from NU. Brendan Cataldo, ’08, played the hip-hop role of “Luke,” while Lou Colaiacovo, ’99, played “Abraham,” Paschal Frisina III, ’00, was “Matthew,” and Marc Sacco, ’00 was “Mark.” The production was directed by Lisa Ludwig-Kramer, who also directed “Our Town” this fall for NU Theater. Reviewer Colin Dabkowski reported in The Buffalo News, “From the very first note in the very first song of the maddeningly funny musical ‘Altar Boyz,’ there is barely a moment for audience members to breathe between uncontrollable fits of laughter.” From left, NU theater studies student Brendan Cataldo, ’08, local actor Angel Rosario, NU Theater alumni Paschal Frisina III, ’00, Louis Colaiacovo, ’99, and Marc Sacco, ’00.

Friends of Niagara University Theater 3 Alumnus in the Spotlight: Broadway Stage Manager Thom Gates, ’95 By Gregory Fletcher It didn’t take Thom Gates long to as other off-Broadway productions, Thom is not all work and no play; find his calling. In the spring semester including “The Exonerated” (a 10- his life is much more than just his of his freshman year, he was assigned month gig with a rotating cast of 53 resume. While shadowing on the to stage-manage a play in the short celebrities) and a revival of Larry Broadway production “Annie Get play festival, and everything just Kramer’s “The Normal Heart.” Your Gun,” Thom made the clicked. “I loved helping to bring every In 2000, Thom took a chance on a acquaintance of stage-manager Rick aspect of a production together,” Thom nonunion, low-paying job as a Steiger and, again, there was a click. remembers. Since graduation, it production assistant on a Broadway Seven happy years later, they just didn’t take long for things to click bound production of “Noises Off!” bought a house together in South professionally either. In just 12 short starring Patti LuPone. His gamble Orange, N.J., and they commute years, Thom is stage-managing his paid off when he was later promoted into the city where Thom continues fourth Broadway production. to assistant stage-manager and, with the Broadway production of During his time at NU Theater, thereafter — a Broadway debut. “Hairspray” and Rick with Tom Thom stage-managed main-stage Other Broadway productions would Stoppard’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll.” productions as well as at Artpark, follow: “Brooklyn — the Musical,” Looking back at his time with NU Summerfare, Theatre of Youth, and “High Fidelity!” and, currently, Theater, Thom remembers fondly Women in Theatre in Buffalo. His “Hairspray.” One of the recent how everyone worked so closely first job, post diploma, was at “Hairspray” stars, Paul Vogt, a together and how he was given many Rochester’s Downstairs Cabaret Buffalo native, who played Edna opportunities to experience a variety Theater. For stage-managing eight Turnblad on Broadway for nine of aspects in production. And of shows in repertory, he was paid $125 months (as well as taking over the course he misses the magnificent a week. After miraculously saving a role from Harvey Fierstein in Las Niagara Falls, which cannot compare thousand dollars, he moved to New Vegas) describes Thom as “calming, to his hometown falls in Hoosick York City and started sending resumes kind, positive, never flustered or Falls, N.Y. —where the little four to every possible connection he could frazzled, and he’s fun with a nice footers were dammed up years ago. find. Thom stage-managed the non- sense of humor, which is a plus for But what does compare between Equity tours of the “Slim Good Body most stage-managers — trust me.” Niagara and Hoosick is how proud Show,” “The Magic School Bus,” and No wonder the longest time Thom we all are of our Broadway Thomas “Grease!” At an off-Broadway interview has been unemployed in the past 12 Gates. for an opening at Irish Repertory years is a mere eight weeks! And yet, Theatre, the artistic director asked if he was Irish. Luckily for Thom, being half Irish was enough and, three Each fall at the Niagara years after graduating from NU, he University Open House (sponsored by the was offered his union card for Actors admissions department) Equity Association, the professional theater studies students union for actors and stage-managers. work with artist-in- A national tour of “Joseph and the residence/stage combat Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” instructor Steve Vaughan to present a followed along with the national tour swashbuckling of “Chicago” and others. Altogether, performance filled with Thom has toured for over four years choreographed sword and has stage-managed in 46 states. fights and comic relief. From left: Cassie Besides his professional debut on Gorniewicz, ’08, Liz “The Irish and How They Got That Warden, ’07, Jonathan Way!” Thom stage-managed four Klatt, ’08, and Brendan other productions at Irish Rep, as well Cataldo, ’08.

4 Friends of Niagara University Theater Friends of Niagara Telling Stories Through Dance: University Theater A Visit With Terri Filips Newsletter By Ann Heuer, ’78 Editor-in-Chief: For Terri Filips, funded by a grant. We wrote the Gregory Fletcher associate professor of libretto and scored it with radio Director, Niagara University Theater theater and fine arts/ broadcasts and music from the time. dance teacher-choreographer, practic- The 30 minute tap ballet, “July 28, Managing Editor: ing dance is not only her vocation and 1943,” is set to the rhythms of Duke Ann Heuer her athletic outlet, it’s her passion. Ellington and tells the story of what Secretary, Department of She loves to choreograph NU happened to some Americans on the Theater & Fine Arts Theater’s productions and to teach homefront that day. Media Coordinator, Friends of dance to NU theater students. That’s Working with composer John Niagara University Theater her “day job.” By night, if she’s not Kander and his collaborator, the late in the middle of choreographing a lyricist Fred Ebb, to present a few of Editorial Consultants: Niagara University production, it’s their Broadway musicals at NU Dr. Sharon Watkinson not unusual for Terri to choreograph Theater (“Chicago,” “The Happy Chair, Department of productions for such area high Time,” and “Flora, the Red Menace”). Theater & Fine Arts schools as Buffalo Academy of the Working at Artpark on “Fame” and Brother Augustine Towey, C.M. Sacred Heart and Canisius High “South Pacific.” Director Emeritus School, and local studios such as Teaching is a great highlight, too Peg Lacki Miss Beverly’s in Niagara Falls and — turning students on to dance who Box Office Supervisor/Secretary Miss Barbara’s in Buffalo. A native of have never danced before. Many are Northville, Mich., Terri joined NU’s frightened of it at the beginning but Contributing Writers: department of theater and fine arts in learn to love it. Seeing the kids grow Gregory Fletcher 2000. She holds an MFA in Dance and improve, mastering new skills Mary Furlong and Related Arts (Drama) from the and expressing themselves through Ann Heuer Texas Woman’s University and a movement is so gratifying. bachelor’s degree in dance with a Jason Mollica Q. Which living masters of dance history minor from Hope College of Photographers: do you admire most? Holland, Mich. Ann Heuer A. As a choreographer, I admire Susan Fred Heuer Q. When did you decide to become Stroman. I love the way she uses props, Assistant Vice President for a choreographer and professor of something I admire about Gene Kelly, Marketing dance? too. Susan’s work is innovative and A. I started choreographing in high exciting. Twayla Tharp’s work excites Selectus, Inc. school by setting a work for the me also. There is always so much going apprentices in the school’s ballet on in her work that you can watch the Editing and Design company. I really became interested same piece over and over and always Lisa McMahon in it, though, when I was an discover something new. I love her use Associate Director for Publications undergraduate at Hope College. of lifts and athleticism. Please e-mail story ideas to Q. What are a few of the highlights Q. What advice do you share with Gregory Fletcher at of your career path? our students to help prepare them [email protected] for the entertainment industry? or to Ann Heuer at A. The company I founded: InSync [email protected]. Dance Theatre, which is still a A. Do your homework and prepare. Deadline for submissions for the successful tap and jazz company Suffer disappointments with dignity spring issue is Feb. 1, 2008. based in Michigan. and never give up. Effort and a strong A tap ballet that I co-choreographed work ethic counts more than talent for the company (performed in in the long run. Invest 100 percent Michigan and here at NU) that was in everything you do and don’t do anything half way. Friends of Niagara University Theater 5 Alumnus in the Spotlight: His Name is Mike: An Unlikely Story By Mary E. Furlong

Beginnings, middles, and ends. give us “Steel Magnolias,” “On a NU theater studies grad Michael Clear Day, You Can See Forever,” “A Mariano, ’85, talks about them a lot. Winter’s Tale,” and “A Midsummer They’re the essence of his craft — Night’s Dream.” A favorite New York storytelling. Oh, he has a fancy- production was “Diverting Devotion,” schmancy title — producer of the hit the work of actor-playwright, Mike TV show, “My Name is Earl.” But O’Malley. Making a name for himself essentially, he’s a comedy writer, one was our Michael. Racking up credits of a team that, week after week, turns and distracting attention from you- out laugh-filled scripts for the offbeat know-what. sitcom. You know — that ongoing Predictably, he switched gears again, to-do about a guy with this endless Last April, Mike Mariano and his family visited heading to Los Angeles to work on the to-do list. Earl, the title character, Niagara University Theater and Mike hosted a lively short-lived “Mike O’Malley Show” doesn’t shirk, bless his heart, but he and informative Q & A session for theater studies (Yep! Same Mike O’Malley!). Later, students. Back row from left, Mike Mariano; Brother doesn’t learn anything either. No Augustine Towey, C.M., director emeritus of Niagara O’Malley was cast in the CBS sitcom, epiphanies here. University Theater; and Mike’s wife, Traci. Front “Yes, Dear,” and our Mike wrote “It’s all plot,” moans Mike. “All row from left, Mike and Traci’s children: John, Mike, scripts during its six-year run. Then, story.” And he goes on about the Jr., and Augusta. one of the show’s creators, Greg difficulty of coming up with ideas Garcia, came up with “My Name is that fit the beginning — middle — — Mike and Traci’s own three — Earl,” now in its third season and end paradigm. Augusta, 10; Mike Jr., 7; and John, 3 still going strong. He thinks he has problems! Here I — and the nameless thousands who And so is Michael Mariano. As I am writing Mike’s own story, which look to show business for guidance and said, he’s part of a team of writers. doesn’t fit the formula at all. For inspiration? Has our hero thought But he’s one of the head honchos starters, let’s recall his NU Theater about this? Ha! among them as his snazzy title debut in Shakespeare’s “As You Like After graduation in 1985, Mike implies. That’s what they do in TV It.” Here’s the gist of his one memor- toured North America with the — confer a title and roll the credits. able scene: He strolled across a bare Catholic University National Players. No extensive background checks. stage trailing a toy cow on a string, He played minor roles in “Twelfth That’s it: a storyteller’s story. A non flashed a beatific grin, and made his Night,” set up scenery, drove the truck. sequiter for a beginning. A circuitous exit. The bard of Avon meets Toys R The assumption was that he’d enter middle. And no end in sight. Us. What a concept! Catholic U’s master’s degree program Of course, “Earl” may eventually Concept? Not! A non sequiter; with a view to launching an acting grow listless. Then, Mike will be that’s what it was. But hey, Mike was career. Instead he switched to looking for fresh ideas. Well, here’s just a kid, making a trial run at the Columbia University to earn a master’s one for the taking: world of college theater. Time for in directing. There’s this guy who’s making it more meaningful roles once he’d Why the switcheroo? Had Catholic big as a television comedy writer. But earned his diploma from Niagara U detected the gap in his academic he has this problem. He’s a high Falls High School. credentials? Or was it, as Mike insists, a school dropout, and he can’t let Now, here’s the rub. He never got realization that only directing would anyone find out, him having such a that diploma. He just dropped high satisfy his need to focus on “the bigger prestigious literary position and all. school and eased into the theater picture?” (His first glimpse of that So he makes this list of people who studies program, soon becoming “bigger picture” occurred during his might blow his cover. And he firmly entrenched and shamelessly senior year at NU, when he directed outsmarts them, one by one. “My enjoying every minute of it. Mike an on-campus remount of an Artpark Name Is Earl” meets “Catch Me if himself isn’t sure how he got away production of “Joseph and the You Can.” Wow! What a concept! with it. “No one ever asked about it,” Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”) Or to put it in the vernacular of he says, gleefully unrepentant. For several years, Mike directed my own misspent youth, isn’t it Well! What’ll we tell the children plays in various off-Broadway venues, absolutely the End! returning to Niagara University to 6 Friends of Niagara University Theater Right: Nearly 100 board In the Spotlight members of the Friends of Niagara University Theater, NU admin- istrators, students and alumni provided a warm welcome for Broadway star Chita Rivera, center, when she received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Niagara on May 30. Clockwise from left, the first lady of dance posed with Caitlin Holland, ’10, Adrienne Lewis, ’09, Matthew Chavez, ’08, William Patti, ’05, and Brieanna Bailey, ’07.

Left: Each summer, Niagara University students gain valuable experience participating in the Niagara Fine Arts productions staged at Niagara Falls High School. From left, some of the cast members from “Fame” included: Above: Wendy Yondorf, front row, fourth from left, playwright of “I’m Peggy Ashley Johnston, ’09, an education Guggenheim and You’re Not,” visited the NU campus to see the readers’ theater major; theater studies student production of her play at NU in September. Here she posed with a number of the Adrienne Lewis, ’09; NU Theater students who were involved in the production which was directed by alumna alumna Maureen Pusateri Kuciewski, ’00; theater studies student Steven E. Maureen Anne Porter, ’86. Front row from left, Nicholas Cocchetto, ’09, Greta Sitzman,’10; choreographer Gracie Schupp; theater studies students Amanda Bowers, ’09, Jonathan Klatt, ’08, Yondorf, Joanna Farrell, ’09, Jessi Stahr, ’08, Serio, ’09 and Nick Lama, ’10; and hospitality and tourism management major Kurt Erb, ’09, and Ross Donatelli, ’11. Back row from left: Charles Wahl, ’08, Jill Shank, ’08. Front row from left: theater studies students JennaBeth Stockman, Cassie Gorniewicz, ’08, and Lindsay DiBartolomeo, ’08. ’09; and Joanna Farrell, ’09.

“COMPANY” — Top:The sophisticated set and costumes of “Company” created “OUR TOWN” a chic ambience and look for this tale of modern-day relationships. Center stage, — Top: The cast Nicholas Cocchetto,’09. Clockwise from left, Nick Lama, ’10, and Lisa LeCuyer, and crew of “Our ’08; Cassie Gorniewicz, ’08, and David Town” posed for Avery, ’08; Matthew Chavez, ’08, and this portrait shortly Adrienne Lewis, ’09; Preston Cuer, ’09, before the pro- and Kimberly Jarmusz, ’10; and Caitlin duction opened at Holland, ’10, and Steven E. Sitzman, the Leary Theater ’10. The production was directed by in October. Front Doug Zschiegner, associate director of row from left: Marc Niagara University Theater. Eric Krzystek, ’10, Appleton designed the set, while Maureen Santos Martinez, Stevens designed the costumes. ’11, Paige Mingus, ’09, Margaret Lane, ’08, Cory McCants, ’11, and Leo DiBello, ’11. Second row Bottom: In Stephen Sondheim’s from left: Susan Laxton,’08, Kevin Craig, ’08, Christina Moreno, ’08 Geoffrey acclaimed musical, “Company,” each Redick, ’11, Erin Daley, ’11, Mary Beth Lacki, ’09, Ralph Donatelli III, ’09, scene explores the joys and heartaches of and Jared Hoyt, ’09. Third row from left: scenic and lighing designer Eric single and married life in New York City. Appleton, guest director Lisa Ludwig-Kramer, Here, three of the production’s unmarried Courtney Weather, ’10, Whitney Walker, ’08, characters sing “You Could Drive A costume designer Maureen Stevens, Trevor Person Crazy” to the bachelor they are Hibbard, ’10, Peter Andres, ’09, Matthew Kindley, all dating, played ’10, Emily Pici, ’08, Nick Lama, ’10, and Will by Nicholas Hicks, ’11. Back row from left: JennaBeth Cocchetto, ’09, Stockman, ’09, Mallory Allen, ’09, Adrienne right. From left, Lewis, ’09, Rachel Phillippi, ’10, Charlotte Colby, Lisa LeCuyer, ’08, ’08, Holly Lowden, ’08, Jessica Oney, ’10, Cassie and Nick Lama, Gorniewicz, ’08, and Amber Dawn Hohman, ’09. ’10, who play a married couple, Bottom: Here, Erin Daley plays the role of “Emily listen to JennaBeth Webb.” The beautiful bride-to-be stands by a few Stockman, ’09, of the more than 150 vintage photos that made up Candice Kogut, the proscenium arch designed by Eric Appleton, ’08, and Lia assistant professor of theater and fine arts/set and Sumerano,’08. lighting designer.

Friends of Niagara University Theater 7 Faculty News Eric Appleton, assistant professor theater studies students, faculty and competing locally and nationwide in of theater and fine arts/set and staff. The group will see “Wicked” May 2008. Zawadzki-Janusz has lighting designer, is also a and will take a backstage tour of this recently been selected for “Who’s Who playwright. This fall, “homeland,” Broadway production. They will also in America 2008.” his first play to be performed in tour CBS Studios and professional Donald Shrimpton, music Western New York, was presented as costume shops, visit museums and director, established a choral group, a new play workshop selection by attend other Broadway productions. the Lewiston Choraleers, last winter. Buffalo’s Road Less Traveled The group will also enjoy a pizza The group has performed an Easter Productions. During the summer, party with NU Theater’s New York and spring concert and will present a Eric designed the set for “Aida” at City alumni. In October, Deighton, Christmas program this holiday Artpark in Lewiston, N.Y. Stevens and Robin Martinez, season at several Western New York Derek Campbell, adjunct theater costume shop supervisor, held a venues. Shrimpton was an accompanist professor, directed “The School for costume sale, fashion show and at several choral workshops this year Scandal” by Richard Brinsley make-up demonstration for the NU for the Shawnee Press. Sheridan at the Irish Classical community. Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., Theatre Co. in Buffalo this fall. Stacy Lynn Zawadzki-Janusz, director emeritus, directed two Marilyn Deighton, assistant adjunct dance professor, has established productions in Buffalo this fall: professor of theater and fine arts/ the Stacy Zawadzki Performing Arts Eugene O’Neill’s “A Moon for the costume technology and design, and Center in West Seneca, N.Y. The Misbegotten” at the Irish Classical Maureen Stevens, associate professor center opened in August and offers a Theatre Co. and the Western New of theater and fine arts/costume variety of theater and dance technique York premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s designer, will lead a trip to New York courses offered to university students. “Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, City in January for Niagara University The ZPAC dance company will be Players and Dancers” at St. Joseph’s University Church.

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