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LATEST BAVPA ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES
Educator, Actor and Magician CONNOR GRAHAM (2011) is a Graduate Teaching Assistant/Graduate Student at Ohio State University’s ( https://theatre.osu.edu/ ) Department of Theatre.
GRACE STUMBERG (2007) performs at Liberty Hound, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo August 24 at 2PM and Colter Bay, 561 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo September 4 at 6PM:https://gracestumberg.com/.
Educator, Saxophonist and Composer JAMES BRANDON LEWIS (2001), performs at Internationales Jazzfestival Saalfelden in Saalfelden Am Steinernen Meer, AT August 24 and Jazz Festival Willisau with Chad Taylor & JBL in Willisau, SUI September 1:http://www.jblewis.com/.
Lewis’ CD, An Unruly Manifesto ( https://jamesbrandonlewis.bandcamp.com/releases ), is available for purchase.
Beyonce portrayed The Lion King’s Nala
Superstar singer/actress Beyonce personal and celebrity makeup artist SIR JOHN BARNETT's (2000) Luminess Cosmetic’s Limited Edition Disney The Lion King Make Up Collection commercial:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EatnkK1hNek.
GoodMorningAmerica.com article, Celebrity makeup artist Sir John gave us the ultimate Lion King-inspired makeovers: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/style/story/celebrity-makeup-artist-sir-john-gave-us-ultimate-64372697.
WashingtonPost.com article, The true story behind ‘The Lion King’:https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/07/17/true-story-behind- lion-king/?fbclid=IwAR0YPPO34yen9c2CHfoPDJhLYK1a3ZaZGqA_tGjbsw51RHThy87R3Hru1_8&noredirect=on&utm_term=.7b8b2fd3a40c.
MarketWatch.com article, ‘The Lion King’ beat ‘Frozen’ to become the highest-grossing animated movie ever: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-lion-king-beat-frozen-to-become-the-highest-grossing-animated-movie-ever-2019-08-12.
HollywoodReporter.com article, Behind Disney's Massive 'Lion King' Marketing Effort:https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/behind- disneys-massive-lion-king-marketing-effort-1225625.
Revelist.com article, 20 ‘Lion King’ Merch Picks That’ll Make Fans Sing ‘I Just Can’t Wait To Be Seen’:https://www.revelist.com/lion-king- merch-clothes/lion-king-merch-clothes/15994/custom-lion-king-nike-roches-120-etsy/20.
VICTORIA PEREZ (1997) is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Raices Theatre Company (www.raicestheatrecompany.com), SMIRNA MERCEDES-PEREZ (1992) and LISETTE DEJESUS are RTC members; the theatre ensemble is celebrating its sixth anniversary.
BroadwayWorld.com article, PBS to Premiere New Season of Latino Public Broadcasting's VOCES: https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/PBS-to-Premiere-New-Season-of-Latino-Public-Broadcastings-VOCES-20190716.
LASHAWN BANKS (1994) portrays Clown in Milwaukee American Players’ ( https://americanplayers.org/ ) Shakespeare production, Twelfth Night on stage now through October 6.
SCOTT “GUS” POITRAS (1992) is the advanced carpenter in the San Francisco, CA staging of J.K. Rowling’s stage play Harry Potter and The Cursed Child opening at Curran Theatre October 23:https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/san-francisco/.
MentalFloss.com article, Fans Can Go Behind the Scenes of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child With a New Book: http://mentalfloss.com/article/589641/new-book-will-go-behind-scenes-harry-potter-and-cursed-childs-stage-production.
Poitras was the fly automation installer for the upcoming new Broadway musical, Moulin Rouge at the Al Hirschfield Theatre https://moulinrougemusical.com/.
Variety.com’s Moulin Rouge review:https://variety.com/2019/legit/reviews/moulin-rouge-review-broadway-musical-2-1203278036/.
Playbill.com article, Broadway’s Moulin Rouge! Musical Will Release a Cast Recording in the Fall:http://www.playbill.com/article/broadways- moulin-rouge-musical-will-release-a-cast-recording-in-the-fall.
Broadway.com article, Moulin Rouge! The Musical to Open in Australia in 2021:https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196505/moulin-rouge-the- musical-to-open-in-australia-in-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0gBEvehAvOMMaNWfArd0JeQMaZ3hTjQq-qSnU4RRdek6QsNEcWiC3c2ZQ.
Poitras was a production carpenter for the Broadway musical comedy, The Prom ( https://theprommusical.com/ ) on stage now at Longacre Theatre; the musical closed August 11.
Broadway.com article, Broadway Grosses: The Prom Goes Out on Top, Reaching All-Time High at the Box Office:https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196613/broadway-grosses-the-prom-goes-out-on-top-reaching-all-time-high-at-the-box- office/?fbclid=IwAR0V3B7DZCEHE9C2iKDH-8N0haHrjtumjBD_4nvok9y5LK2jbt5bb_U6vDU.
BroadwayWorld.com article, VIDEO: Casey Nicholaw and Caitlin Kinnunen Give Emotional Speeches at THE PROM's Final Curtain Call: https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay/VIDEO-Casey-Nicholaw-and-Caitlin-Kinnunen-Give-Emotional-Speeches-at-THE-PROMs-Final- Curtain-Call-20190811.
Poitras was on the Broadway musical Beautiful:The Carole King Musical (https://beautifulonbroadway.com ) staff at Sondheim Theatre. Beautiful will finish their Broadway run October 27, 2020.
Playbill.com/Beautiful article, Tour of Beautiful-The Carole King Musical Will Welcome Kennedy Caughell, James D. Gish, Kathryn Boswell, and More:http://www.playbill.com/article/tour-of-beautifulthe-carole-king-musical-will-welcome-kennedy-caughell-james-d-gish-kathryn- boswell-and-more.
TheatreMania.com article, 5 Questions With Vanessa Carlton, Beautiful's Latest Carole King:https://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/5- questions-with-vanessa-carlton-beautiful_89433.html.
Playbill.com article, Carole King, Ben Platt, and Hugh Jackman Will Take the Stage at NYC’s 2019 Global Citizen Festival September 28: http://www.playbill.com/article/carole-king-ben-platt-and-hugh-jackman-will-take-the-stage-at-nycs-2019-global-citizen-festival.
Poitras was the advance flyman on Sara Bareilles’ penned musical Waitress ( https://waitressthemusical.com/) on Broadway at Brooks Atkinson Theater. Waitress will end Its run January 5, 2020; discount tickets on sale: http://www.playbill.com/discount.
Broadway.com article, Jordin Sparks Sets Broadway Return as Jenna in Waitress ( https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196679/jordin-sparks- sets-broadway-return-as-jenna-in-waitress/?fbclid=IwAR2p_dHZjBv5KcLDt6m0VsWQTLjgnmtBrdD4-iuF-sdJulXoRhJ_boyMChk0, Sparks will Sparks will join the musical on September 16, replacing current headliner Alison Luff, who will play her final performance on September 15 and will play a limited engagement through October 27.
BroadwayWorld.com article, Meet the Current Cast of WAITRESS on Broadway!https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Meet-the-Current- Cast-of-WAITRESS-on-Broadway-20190818.
BroadwayDirect.com article, LISTEN NOW: WHAT’S NOT INSIDE – THE LOST SONGS FROM WAITRESS:https://broadwaydirect.com/listen- now-whats-not-inside-the-lost-songs-from-waitress/.
Sara Bareilles released a new EP of Waitress cut songs and demos August 16:https://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/sara-bareilles- to-release-new-ep-of-waitress_89528.html.
Waitress, Beautiful:The Carole King Musical alumna Jesse Mueller and Smash alumna Megan Hilton to star as Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn in Lifetime biopic, Patsy & Loretta: https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/patsy-and-loretta.
Broadway.com article, Watch Megan Hilty & Jessie Mueller Transform into a Pair of Music Icons in First Trailer for Lifetime's Patsy & Loretta: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196456/watch-megan-hilty-jessie-mueller-transform-into-a-pair-of-music-icons-in-first-trailer-for-lifetimes- patsy-loretta/?fbclid=IwAR1HgEKXbPaBWLmLJh501p5r-IV64j1FGsfF7wsptmoeWXyuMv2oyjy-Tcw.
BroadwayWorld.com article, Photo Coverage: Get a First Look at Jessie Mueller and Megan Hilty in PATSY & LORETTA: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Get-a-First-Look-at-Jessie-Mueller-and-Megan-Hilty-in-PATSY-LORETTA-20190415.
Poitras was the Head Carpenter of the Broadway musical The Band’s Visit at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre:https://thebandsvisitmusical.com/.
ReadingEagle.com article, ‘The Band’s Visit’ star plays on, from screen to stage: https://www.readingeagle.com/life/article/the-bands-visit- star-plays-on-from-screen-to-stage.
BroadwayWorld.com article, VIDEO: Get A First Look At THE BAND'S VISIT on Tour: https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay/VIDEO-Get- A-First-Look-At-THE-BANDS-VISIT-on-Tour-20190712.
The Band's Visit national tour will perform at Shea’s Performing Arts Center April 14-19, 2020. BroadwayWorld.com article: https://www.broadwayworld.com/buffalo/article/MEAN-GIRLS-THE-BANDS-VISIT-Announced-For-Sheas-2019-20-Broadway-Series-20190312.
Poitras was the Advance Automation Programmer for the Broadway musical War Paint starring Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole. The production closed August 21, 2018:https://www.goodmantheatre.org.
War Paint’s Lupone and Ebersole appeared in animated Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe:The Movie airing September 2: https://tvweb.com/steven-universe-the-movie-trailer/.
Author/Dancer/African Drum Instructor and Educator KRISTIN CRAGE (1988) latest publication, Woman to Woman-The Conversation, Part I is available for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/ Woman -Conversation-Part-I/dp/0692164618.
Woman to Woman-The Conversation, Part I Book Overview
This series is about the conversations we never had, need to have, and still can have. It’s about growing from girl to woman - living, loving and learning while finding self-worth and dignity in the face of serious setbacks and major challenges. This is the journey of releasing pain and anger, no judgment and no-holds-barred and finding the way to love. The Woman to Woman series is for every woman.
CLAUDINE EWING (1988) and GABRIEL ROBERE’ (2005) appeared in the 2018 action/sci-fi horror film, The First Purge, ( https://www.uphe.com/movies/the-first-purge ) starring Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Oscar winner Marisa Tomei and Patch Dorragh.
ScreenRant.com/Purge 5 film article, The Purge 5 Recruits Mars Director Everardo Gout:https://screenrant.com/purge-5-mars-director- everardo-gout/.
The 2018 USA Network spinoff TV series based on motion picture The Purge ( https://www.usanetwork.com/thepurge ), was renewed for a second season; broadcast date September, 2019.
The Purge TV series’ season two trailer:https://deadline.com/video/the-purge-season-2-trailer-teaser-season-2-usa-network-series- blumhouse-television/.
Singer, Multi-instrumentalist, Poet, Songwriter, Activist and Businesswoman ANI DIFRANCO (1987), performs in An evening with Peter Mulvey & Pieta Brown at Fort Atkinson, WI September 17. For late August dates, go to https://www.righteousbabe.com/.
RollingStone.com article, Ani DiFranco Plots North American ‘No Walls’ Tour:https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ani-difranco- no-walls-tour-820571/?fbclid=IwAR0Hk4P424xwPYkDJEwUzdo-ogjJsTdJOU0bFDZZWtNK2lxQ2Ksoxq-07s8.
DiFranco’s memoir, No Walls and the Recurring Dream and audio recording are available for purchase: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/558143/no-walls-and-the-recurring-dream-by-ani-difranco/9780735225176/.
DemocracyNow.com interview with DiFranco talking about No Walls and the Recurring Dream memoir; https://www.democracynow.org/2019/7/16/ani_difranco_on_trump_her_new.
DifFranco portrayed the character of Persephone on the Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown concept album ( available now on Righteous Babe’s record label:https://www.righteousbabe.com/.
The Broadway musical Hadestown (https://www.hadestown.com/ ) is onstage at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Hadestown is the first Broadway musical to feature a book, music, and lyrics by a sole female writer since Elizabeth Swados’ 1978 Runaways.
A Buffalo production of Runaways, directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI, featured BAVPA alumni. The production was performed at Center Theatre (now Town Ballroom in downtown Buffalo in 1982; ELIZABETH SWADOS ( who created the musical), attended one of the performances.) Runaways was staged again at Artpark in Lewiston, NY in 1983; Swados passed away January 5, 2016.
Broadway.com article, We Raise Our Cups! Tony-Winning Best Musical Hadestown Will Embark on a National Tour in 2020: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196221/we-raise-our-cups-tony-winning-best-musical-hadestown-will-embark-on-a-national-tour-in- 2020/?fbclid=IwAR2Xe27KoY7AQ0fWAIGvwxubR6N5dYgM-tfjDXO3hGqG6geR0nkqLGoq0rM.
PRI.org/Hadestown related article, In 'Hadestown,' Greek mythology and climate change come to Broadway:https://www.pri.org/stories/2019- 07-30/hadestown-greek-mythology-and-climate-change-come-broadway.
LATimes.com article, Anais Mitchell on the very public evolution of ‘Hadestown’ in the digital age: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-hadestown-anais-mitchell-history-20190604-story.html. Playbill.com article, 6 Times Orpheus and Eurydice Took the Stage Before Hadestown: http://www.playbill.com/article/6-times-orpheus-and- eurydice-took-the-stage-before-hadestown.
JESSE L. MARTIN (1987) portrays Central City Police Department’s Captain Joe West on the CW-TV ( http://www.cwtv.com/) superhero series, The Flash.
THE FLASH, RENT, SMASH/BOMBSHELL, THE LETTER CARRIER AND LAW & ORDER NEWS
DigitalSpy.com/Flash related article, Grant Gustin says that The Flash season 7 "could be potentially the last": https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a28458529/the-flash-season-7-could-be-final-grant-gustin/.
Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event air dates, Batwoman Monday, December 9 at 8/7c; The Flash Tuesday, December 10, at 8/7c; Arrow Tuesday, January 14 at 8/7c DC's Legends of Tomorrow Tuesday, January 14 at 9/8c. TVGuide.com article: https://www.tvguide.com/news/arrowverse-crisis-on-infinite-earths-crossover-dates/.
Meaaww.com/Flash article, 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' might drastically change 'Supergirl' and 'The Flash' by collapsing The CW's DC multiverse:https://meaww.com/crisis-on-infinite-earths-arrowverse-collapse-new-earth-reboot-cw-arrow-flash-supergirl-batwoman.
DenofGeek.com/Flash article, The Flash Season 6 Teases New Suit:https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/dc-entertainment/282473/the-flash- season-6-new-suit.
DigitalSpy.com article, Why every Arrowverse show should be combined, including Supergirl and Black Lightning: https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a28644996/supergirl-black-lightning-arrowverse-combine-crossover-crisis-on-infinite-earth/
Deadline.com article, ‘Black Lightning’ Stars To Feature In The CW’s Superhero Crossover ‘Crisis of Infinite Earths’ For The First Time – TCA:https://deadline.com/2019/08/black-lightning-the-cws-crossover-crisis-of-infinite-earths-1202660768/.
ComicBook.com article, The Flash: Danielle Panabaker to Direct an Episode in Season 6:https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/07/24/the-flash- danielle-panabaker-directing-season-6-episode-6/.
CBR.com article, Arrowverse's The Monitor Talks Crisis on Infinite Earths & Beyond :https://www.cbr.com/crisis-on-infinite-earths-monitor- lamonica-garrett-interview/.
ComicBook.com’s latest Crisis on Inifinite Earths casting news, https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/08/15/heres-all-the-characters-confirmed-for- the-cws-crisis-on-infinit/.
CinemaBlend.com article, The Flash's Bloodwork: 6 Things We Know About The Season 6 Villain: https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2476895/the-flashs-bloodwork-6-things-we-know-about-the-season-6-villain.
HeroicHollywood.com article, ‘The Flash’ Season 6 Set Photo Offers New Look At Sendhil Ramamurthy As Bloodwork: https://heroichollywood.com/grant-gustin-the-flash-villain-bloodwork-photo/.
CBR.com article, The Flash Will Deal With Crisis on Infinite Earths For the Entire Season:https://www.cbr.com/flash-crisis-on-infinite-earths- all-season/.
ComicBook.com article, Stephen Amell: "Don't Start Calling It the Flashverse" After Arrow's Gone: https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/08/18/wonder-woman-1984-reveals-new-amazons-major-implications-plot/ MoviesGamesandTech.com article, The Flash Season 6 SDCC 2019 Sizzle Trailer:https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2019/07/21/the-flash- season-6-sdcc-2019-sizzle-trailer/.
ComicBook.com article, DC TV Sizzle Reel Released by The CW:https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/07/19/dc-tv-sizzle-reel-the-cw-arrow- batwoman-legends-supergirl-flash-/.
The Flash sneakers and related Flash items for purchase. Inverse.com/article:https://www.inverse.com/article/58236-comics-inspired- sneakers-that-are-cooler-than-they-are-nerdy.
Longtime Manhattan DA Robert Morgenthau ( who inspired the original Law & Order TV series) , passed away July 21 at 99. CNN.com article, https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/22/us/robert-morgenthau-death-obituary/index.html.
Law & Order airs on the Bounce TV network, check your local listings:https://www.bouncetv.com/schedule/.
Forbes.com article, New, Limited Edition CD Package Features Music of 'Rent' Composer Jonathan Larson, Collectible Book: https://www.forbes.com/sites/janelevere/2019/07/28/new-limited-edition-cd-package-features-music-of-rent-composer-jonathan-larson- collectible-book/#4303be9da1f9.
Marvin Gaye/Martin’s Sexual Healing film related news, plans underway for a museum in Ostend, BE honoring Gaye; the hotel ( Resident Jane), where Gaye stayed while recovering fromhis drug and alcohol, was the site where he composed the legendary comeback R&B single, Sexual Healing. TheGuardian.com article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/17/healing-marvin-gaye-museum-belgian- town-ostend .
Sexual Healing film footage:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaw318mu0QE&has_verified=1.
The American Theatre Wing ( https://americantheatrewing.org/ ) announced that it will celebrate the legacy of Rent musical creator Jonathan Larson and the Larson family at the Say YES to Artists Gala at Cipriani, 110 East 42nd Street, NYC September 16. TheatreMania.com article, https://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/jonathan-larson-and-larson-family-to-be-honored_89342.html. Vulture.com 2016 article, Rent:The Oral History:https://www.vulture.com/2016/05/rent-oral-history-c-v-r.html.
Smash/Bombshell related article, Look Back at Debra Messing in NBC’s Smash: http://www.playbill.com/article/look-back-at-debra-messing- in-nbcs-smash. JESSE L. MARTIN (1987) portrayed Scott Welker, an artistic director of a theater company who is a potential love interest to Debra Messing's Julia in the NBC Marilyn Monroe-based musical series, Smash that ran in 2012.
BAVPA ALUMNI (GRADUATION YEARS UNKNOWN) and MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Bassist ZURI APPLEBY performs at the 3rd Annual Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Festival ( www.beaufleuvemusicarts.com ) at Silo City, 85 Silo City Row , Buffalo August 25; gates open at 11:00AM.
BuffaloRising.com article about the Beau Fleuve M&A Festival:https://www.buffalorising.com/2019/08/3rd-annual-beau-fleuve-music-arts- festival/.
JONATHAN “KEYZ” DEAS plays keyboard for the band, 12th and Chicon in Austin, TX.
Austin360.com article about their weekend jam sessions. https://www.austin360.com/entertainmentlife/20190402/austin-residency-of-month- butter-n-jam-at-dozen-street.
KeyBoardmag.com interview featuring Deas: https://www.keyboardmag.com/artists/talent-scout-jon-deas.
YOLANDA FIELDS is Buffalo Garden Walk’s ( https://gardensbuffaloniagara.com ) Chairperson. BuffaloNews.com interview with Fields and the BGW organization ( https://buffalonews.com/2019/07/26/fashion-friday-meet-yolanda-fields-chair-of- garden-walk-buffalo/ )
KRIS HOLLIE is a personal physical fitness trainer for Impact Training 716 and Ascend to Greatness ( https://ascend2greatness.com/team/ ) in Buffalo.
Author A.A. LEWIS wrote the Buffalo-Based 90’s urban novel, The 716 Love & Consequences; the book is available for purchase:https://dspublishing.net/.
The Alemaedae Theatre of Dreams CEO PHIL DAVIS attended BAVPA from 5tH-8th grades, 1993-1997, holds bi-monthly acting workshops every 1st and 3rd Saturdays. To register for classes, go to https://www.atpgalaxy.com/.
BizJournals.com interview with Say Yes and Phillips Lytle intern, JEANN MICHEL, JR:https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2019/07/26/through- sickness-and-middling-grades-a-leader-was.html.
Blues Musician LUCKY PETERSON attended BAVPA 1978-1979. Peterson performs at The Triple Door (http://www.thetripledoor.net ) in Seattle, WA September 4 at 7:30PM. For late August concert dates, go to http://www.luckypeterson.com.
Peterson performed at the 30th Annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion at MLK ( Martin Luther King Park), August 4. TheChallengerNews.com article about Peterson and the Pine Grill event:https://thechallengernews.com/2019/08/30th-year-celebration-of-the-pine-grill-jazz-reunion/.
Nominate a current BAVPA Theatre teacher for the prestigious Tony & Carnegie Mellon University's Excellence in Theatre Education Award. Deadline for all application materials including letters of recommendation is December 6 at 11:59 EST. Go to TAEA’s website for application: https://www.tonyawards.com/educationaward/?fbclid=IwAR1Jlr8v2VPoRJHiwcO0AwDAWir9NzadeelO0hp73BOYO1ETqprlJWwcsu8.
The Christian Worldview Film Festival is now accepting submissions for films including: features, documentaries, short films, music videos, promos, animated films, and more! The first deadline is October 8 or November 5 if registering as a late entry, see link for details.
The Inclusive Theatre of WNY ( https://inclusivetheaterofwny.com/ ) is looking for WNY playwrights from all social backgrounds with original genre-defying scripts that are groundbreaking and defies shatters stereotypes. The scripts must be unproduced and plays that are stage readings will be accepted; no adaptations or children’s play not eligible. The cast size must be no more than 10 performers, 15 minutes long and have a small setting with minimal props.
Playwrights may send multiple scripts submissions and if selected there will be three performances and the playwright will receive $50.00 stipend. Send submissions to ( [email protected] ), final selections to be held Mid-September
BAVPA FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS
KELLY BEUTH is a Theatre instructor at BAVPA and Subversive Theatre Collective’s (www.subversivetheatre.org ) co-artistic director. Beuth’s also a member of the Brazened Faced Varlets Theatre Company, http://www.varlets.org/.
Actor, Director and Acting Instructor JOSIE DIVINCENZO ( http://www.josiedivincenzo.com/ ) conducts Film and TV acting classes. For more information, go to link.
NYS Governor ANDREW CUOMO signed a law allowing school districts to install cameras on the stop-arms that swing out from the buses. The law will be in effect for BAVPA and the rest of the BPS system; drivers caught on camera in the new school speed zones passing a stopped bus would face fines up to $250.00. WBPO.org article about the speed zone cameras: https://news.wbfo.org/post/20-speed-cameras- coming-buffalo-school-zones.
SAUL ELKIN is founder of the Jewish Repertory Theatre of WNY (http://jewishrepertorytheatre.com/) and Shakespeare in Delaware Park: http://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/. JRT presents Oh My God October 24-November 17 and What I Thought I Knew featuring JOSIE DIVINCENZO February 6-March 1. StepOutBuffalo.com articles about the OMG ( https://stepoutbuffalo.com/events/oh-my-god/ ) and What I Thought productions:https://stepoutbuffalo.com/events/what-i-thought-i-knew/.
Artvoice.com article about SDP’s 2019 season, https://artvoice.com/2019/05/06/shakespeare-in-delaware-park-prepares-for-44th-season-of- free-theatre-with-a-new-715-start-time/.
STEPHEN MCKINLEY HENDERSON portrayed Stewart in the upcoming FX ( https://www.fxnetworks.com/ ) science fiction limited series, Devs. Observer.com article, The 9 Most Anticipated New TV Series Arriving in 2019:https://observer.com/2019/01/2019-television-watchmen- witcher-star-wars-new-series/.
LORNA C. HILL's Ujima Theatre (https://www.ujimacoinc.org/ ) presents The Gospel at Colonus September 20-October 13. For tickets and show times, go to link.
SANDRA LEE FOLEY-HITCHCOCK is the creator of The BAVPA Beacon’s newsletter header, BAVPA Class of 2016 logo who also designs graphics and websites. Hitchcock designed the BAVPA 41 Years strong logo honoring the past and present school colors; for more information about Hitchcock’s work, go to www.warandra- productions.com/Website_ Hosting_and_Design.html.
RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON to direct August Wilson’s play Jitney at the Center Theatre Group ( https://www.centertheatregroup.org/ ) in Los Angeles , CA November 22-December 29 and Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage September 13-October 20. Broadway.com article about the D.C. production:https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196541/keith-randolph-smith-more-to-reprise-broadway-performances-in-national-tour-of-tony- winning-jitney/.
RUSSELL LINK appeared in the 2018 The Beatle’s John Lennon and Mark David Chapman-based film, Catcher in the Rye with Diamonds. Catcher will be screened at Eastern Hills Cinema, 4545 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY August 26 from 7PM-9PM. The film will be part of the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Festival ( http://www.buffalodreamsfantasticfilmfestival.com/ ), for tickets go to link.
Catcher in the Rye with Diamonds film trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh0xkqOICfE&feature=youtu.be. CNN.com article, Catcher in the Rye finally joins the digital age:https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/11/us/catcher-in-the-rye-salinger-digital-ebook- trnd/index.html.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED
The Freedom Wall by artists John Baker, Julia Bottoms, Chuck Tingley and Edreys Wajed is across the street from BAVPA.
BAVPA was mentioned in the Buffalo News editorial ( https://buffalonews.com/2019/08/16/editorial-the-art-of-buffalo/ ) about the city’s wall art explosion.
AGO 2019 Biography of Organist STEPHEN PRICE, (2005).
DeseretNews.com/BRADON MCDONALD (1993) article, Before 'Project Runway,' he danced at Juilliard. Now, this designer is making costumes for Utah Opera:https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900068581/before-project- runway-he-danced-at-the-juilliard-school-utah-opera-norma-bellini-salt- lake-city-los-angeles-fidm-mark-morris-dance-group.html.
BAVPA, Hertel Walls’ ( https://www.hertelwalls.com/ ) visual artist VINNY ALEJANDRO (1991) along with several Buffalo sites were mentioned in the BuffaloNews.com article, As Buffalo's murals multiply, neighborhoods become art destinations. The Freedom Wall (across the street from BAVPA), Alejandro’s and works are featured with an interactive map: https://buffalonews.com/2019/08/09/ as-buffalos-murals-proliferate-neighborhoods-become-art-destinations/.
JESSIE FISHER , executive director of Preservation Buffalo Niagara, has been working with African Heritage Food Co-Op founder Alexander Wright to make the burned out property of 238 Carlton Street, Buffalo ( a local historic landmark), AHFC-O’s new headquarters.
BuffaloNews.com article about the African Heritage Food Co-Op’s situation:https://buffalonews.com/2019/06/05/donor-saves-fruit-belt- landmark-and-dream-at-a-cost-that-never-should-have-been/.
WKBW-TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News interview with BAVPA Art Teacher HEATHER GUINTHER talking about her students participation in the Allentown Arts Festival held June 13-14. https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/62nd-annual-allentown-art-festival-highlights-hundreds- of-artists-including-local-buffalo-students.
BAVPA Music Teacher JAIME PITNE, Niagara Falls High School Christina Custode and Fredonia High School Andrew Bennett were nominated for the 2020 Grammy Music Educator Award. The award honor teachers across the country who have made significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools. The winner of the 2020 Grammy Music Educator Award to be announced during Grammy Week January 20, 2020. Golderby.com article about key Grammy Award dates:https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/when-are-2020-grammy-nominations-key-dates-calendar- news/.
DistinctDiva.com interview with BPO ( https://bpo.org/) conductor JoAnn Faletta:https://distinctionva.com/a-short-interview-with-joann- falletta/?fbclid=IwAR0tZaIgb8trOufMQONnsSNymEod0uJZRvkXFGUQAuXiFTspFXJOW2PCZlQ.
Faletta’s the VSO’s ( https://virginiasymphony.org/ ) principal conductor who orchestrated the 2005 Virginia Arts Festival (https://www.vafest.org/ ) Midsummer Night’s Dream in conjunction with Ohio State University and the BPO; RON MANGUM (1988), portrayed one of the Rude Mechanicals in the production; directed by Lesley Ferris.
BAVPA MUSICAL FLASHBACKS & FUTURE MAJOR MEDIA PRODUCTION NEWS
BAVPA staged the 1999 production Guys and Dolls, directed by Meghan Rose Frank. The production featured GREG CHAFEE who portrayed Nathan Detroit, FRANK WATKINS as Sky Masterson, SARIELYS MATOS (2000), as Miss Adelaide, BETH SOBOCINSKI asSarah Brown and numerous BAVPA students, crew and faculty.
Playbill.com/Guys and Dolls related article, From Screen to Stage: Songs From 9 Movie Musicals That Ended Up on Broadway: http://www.playbill.com/article/from-screen-to-stage-songs-from-9-movie-musicals-that-ended-up-on-broadway.
BAVPA staged the Kenny Award-nominated musical West Side Story in 2016; the original BAVPA production performed at the former Pfeifer Theatre in Buffalo’s Theatre District in 1999.
Actors Diana Rigg, Laurence Guittard and Prince during the filming of A Little Night Music in Vienna, 1977
Legendary Broadway theatre producer and director Harold Prince ( pictured right), who co-produced the original Damn Yankees and West Side Story musicals, passed away at age 91. Playbill,com article about Prince’s prolific career:http://www.playbill.com/article/harold-prince- giant-of-the-broadway-stage-dies-at-91?fbclid=IwAR2lBzUSKL7lL6l_pVUTLXCqll6-b7tV33RROSHdbDdv8-E6kXG4xLo70F0.
Harold Prince exhibit on display at the New York Public Library ( https://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/company-harold-prince-broadway- producer-director-collaborator )September 18-March 31, 2020. Playbill.com article:http://www.playbill.com/article/harold-prince-exhibit-at-the- new-york-public-library-sets-opening-date-and-programming.
Playbill.com article, A Look Inside Rehearsals for West Side Story, Company, and More with Harold Prince:http://www.playbill.com/article/a- look-inside-rehearsals-for-west-side-story-company-and-more-with-harold-prince.
NYTimes.com interview with Prince:https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/31/theater/hal-prince-dead.html.
Vulture.com article, Rita Moreno’s List of Accolades to Now Include ‘PBS Documentary Subject’:https://www.vulture.com/2019/07/rita- moreno-pbs-documentary.html.
USHola.com article, RACHEL ZEGLER WILL DANCE AND SING HER WAY INTO YOUR HEART AS MARIA IN WEST SIDE STORY: https://us.hola.com/celebrities/gallery/2019081326959/west-side-story-rachel-zegler-steven-spielberg/1/.
Gothamist.com article, Video: 'West Side Story' Fever Hits NYC As Steven Spielberg Films Around Town: https://gothamist.com/2019/07/30/west_side_story_spielberg_videos.php.
NJ.com article, Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ is about to film in Paterson. See our photos of the amazing sets: https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2019/08/spielbergs-west-side-story-is-about-to-film-in-paterson-see-our-photos-of-the-amazing-sets.html.
ClassicFM.com article, West Side Story's Ariana DeBose and David Alvarez dance on set of Steven Spielberg's remake: https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/first-look-west-side-story-ariana-choreography/.
UntappedCities.com article, Photos from the Harlem Set of Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story Remake: https://untappedcities.com/2019/07/22/photos-from-the-harlem-set-of-steven-spielbergs-west-side-story-remake/.
DanceMagazine.com article, These 6 Dancers Are Appearing in the New Film AND Broadway Productions of “West Side Story”: https://www.dancemagazine.com/dancers-west-side-story-film-broadway-2639163261.html?rebelltitem=3#rebelltitem3.
Deadline.com article, Broadway Cast Announced For Ivo Van Hove’s Upcoming ‘West Side Story’ Revival:https://deadline.com/2019/07/west- side-story-broadway-revival-cast-ivo-van-hove-scott-rudin-1202644419/.
KWBU.org podcast, David and Art - "West Side Story"https://www.kwbu.org/post/david-and-art-west-side-story#stream/0.
MusicalFare ( https://musicalfare.com/ ) presents West Side Story September 4-October 6; the production has the distinction of having an all- Latino Sharks’ cast members. For tickets and show times, go to link.
JOSEPH MAHFOUD (1984) portrayed the lead role of Conrad Birdie in the BAVPA 1985 production, Bye Bye Birdie, directed by CLAUDIA MARSCHALL. The production featured JESSE L. MARTIN (1987), played Albert Peterson ( Conrad’s record company president and informally his agent); GINA DORMER (1986) played Rosie, Peterson’s secretary (and girlfriend); JAMES WALKER (1987) portrayed Mr.McAfee; DENA MURRAY played Mrs. McAfee; CRYSTAL SYMS (1985) played Kim McAfee,JAY INGERSON (1987) played Randolph McAffee; the late KENNETH DOYLE (1987) played Hugo ( Kims’ boyfriend) and numerous BAVPA alumni.
Playbill.com/Bye Bye Birdie related article, From Screen to Stage: Songs From 9 Movie Musicals That Ended Up on Broadway: http://www.playbill.com/article/from-screen-to-stage-songs-from-9-movie-musicals-that-ended-up-on-broadway.
A Buffalo production of Runaways, directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI, featured BAVPA alumni. The production was performed at Center Theatre (now Town Ballroom in downtown Buffalo in 1982; ELIZABETH SWADOS ( who created the musical), attended one of the performances.) Runaways was staged again at Artpark in Lewiston, NY in 1983; Swados passed away January 5, 2016.
Runaways musical/Swados related news, Watch highlights from The Public’ gala staging of Runaways held in NYC June 11. Playbill.com article:http://www.playbill.com/article/watch-highlights-from-the-publics-gala-staging-of-runaways.
UPCOMING BAVPA EVENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL REUNION NEWS
BAVPA Yearbook Sale BAVPA yearbooks are on sale for the following years while supplies last. 1984,1985, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013,2014 and 2015. Yearbooks are $20.00 each or three for $50.00 and may be picked up at the school. For more information, contact Sheila at [email protected].
Call (716) 816-4220 or go to (http://www.buffaloartsacademy.org/ ) for more information.
BAVPA ALUMNI EDUCATORS
STEVE APPLER (1981), Visual Art Teacher, Amherst High School
KAREN TOMZAK (1981), Program Director of Dance at Western University, Cullowhee, North Carolina
DEBORAH LIPA-CIOTTA (1982), Tapestry Charter School, K-4 Dance Teacher
ARLENE SHORT (1982), Patient Health Navigator, Buffalo
OMAR CARTER (1984), Arts Teacher, Philadelphia, PA CAITLIN BAUMLER-COLEMAN (1984), Tapestry Charter School, K-8, Grade ½ Teacher
TRACEY HOLT-COFIELD (1984), Principal, Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
DONNA KERR (1984),City Honors Music, Buffalo
MICHAEL STARZYNSKI (1984), Waterfront School, 1st Grade Teacher
ARTHUR PERRY (1984), Crossing Guard, Volunteer Librarian Aid, Clear Creek Elementary School, Kileen/Temple, TX
JOSEPH MICHAEL MAHFOUD (1985), Tapestry Charter High School, Music Teacher
GEORGE DAVIS (1986), BAVPA Arts Vocal and Music Teacher
ROMONA THOMAS-REYNOLDS (1986), Principal, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Multicultural Institute, Public School #39
JAY INGERSON (1987), BAVPA Arts Theatre Instructor
JODY COVINGTON (1988), BAVPA Principal
KU’WONNA MAHONE INGRAM (1988), University of Phoenix Adjunct Instructor and Principal at Lee County Youth Development Center, AL
LISA HANNA-MATHEWS (1988), Ethics and Project Management Professor, Georgetown University and University of Maryland
HOLLY QUICKSEY (1988), Ph.D. Assistant to the Dean & Assistant Director of MECHS Programs, SUNY Buffalo State College
MARC RUMMENIE (1988), The Gow School, South Wales, NY
LESLIEANNE BIRD (1990), Teaching with Orff Music and Movement Educator, North Olmstead, OH
ORNIECE HILL ( 1990), Assistant Principal, South Park High School, Buffalo
JOSEPH MOBERLY (1991), House Electrician at Shea's Buffalo Theatre
MICHAEL WEIDRICH (1991), Executive Director, Young Audiences of WNY
SEAN CLEMENTS (1992), Bronx, NY
DAVID PATERSON (1992), Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, P.S. #22, Queens, NY
MATTHEW HURLEY (1994), Middle School Teacher, Raleigh, NC
JESSE MANK (1994), Tapestry Charter High School, English Teacher
LIZ YOUNG (1995), Professor of Graphic Design and Illustration, Pace University, NY
PATRICIA ENFIELD (1996), Elementary Education
TAMMY GAGOLA (1996), Elementary Education
NICOLE JONES (1996), BAVPA Dance
ERNEST KEEN (1996), Physical Education, Rochester
LISA SANTIAGO (1996), Vocal Music
LUCY ALTIERI (1997), Visual Arts
MICHEL DEVANS (1997), Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
TANDY GREEN (1997), Elementary Education
EMILY BALL, LMT (1997) HEAT Center ( http://www.heat.center/ ) Founder, Massage Therapist; Reiki, Energy & Spirit Work Educator/Mentor
AMANDA RAYBURG (1998), Massage Therapist at HEAT Center/Holistic Healing Center, Buffalo
PAUL M. SIEKIERSKI (1999), Music
MARIA INTORRE (2000), Elementary Charter School
DENNIS YACOBUCCI (2001), Brooklyn Special Education
CHRISTOPHER RUDROFF (2002), Music
SHAWN M. ISAACS (2004), Assistant Director of Life Residence at Alfred University
JYESHA CLARK (2005), Founder of Ms. Jye’s Music Corner
CONNOR GRAHAM (2011), Graduate Teaching Assistant/Graduate Student at Ohio State University’s Department of Theatre
LIZ BAILEY (Unknown), Todd County Middle School, Elkton, KY
LISA BAINES-DANIELS (Unknown), BPS Adult Education Division
MICHELE DEVANS, 1st Grade Teacher at Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
DARREN BROWN (Unknown), BPS Chief of Staff, Buffalo
GINA DORMER (Unknown) Music, School #81, Buffalo
YOLANDA FIELDS (Unknown), Buffalo Garden Walk Chairperson
RONDA GORDON (Unknown), President of the Forsyth County Association of Educators, GA
MARIA INTORRE (Unknown), BPS System
DAVE RIFFLE (Unknown), BAVPA Media Communication Arts Teacher
DR. TARYN SPENCER, M.D. (Unknown), UB Medical Instructor, Internal Medicine/Preventive Medic
OTHER BAVPA ALUMNI VOCATIONS
AMY (CROOKS) SCANLON (1981), Senior Lead Professional Development Trainer, MAXIMUS, Inc.
ANDY MCCLAIN (1981), Owner of Treats Unleashed, Amherst, NY
PETE GALLIVAN (1983), WGRZ-TV Channel 2 Daybreak Co-Anchor
NANCY WILLAMS-NETTLES (1984), Crisis Counselor at the YWCA of Nashville and Middle TN
UMAR ADEYOLA (1988), President and CEO, H.E.A.R.T. Foundation, Buffalo
KRISTIN CRAGE (1988), West African Ivory Coast Drum accompanist, Alvin Ailey School of Dance
PASTOR GARNEY DAVIS, JR. (1988), Founder of Impacting Love Global Ministries and CEO of Impacting Love, Inc.
CLAUDINE EWING (1988), WGRZ-TV Channel 2 Reporter/Fill-In Anchor
VINCENT MARASCHIELLO (1989), Systems Administrator, PureRED Integrated Marketing Atlanta, GA
STEVEN MARCHIONE (1989), Francesca’s Restaurant, Buffalo
REGINALD BURKE,SR. (1990), Founder of Bay Area Hoops, Tampa Bay, FL
CHAD JAKUBOWSKI (1991), Personal Trainer, Buffalo
STEFAN MYCHAJLIW (1991), Erie County Comptroller
JOSHUA P. SMITH, PHD (1996), Owner,Sato’s Japanese Restaurant, Buffalo
LUCILLE ALTIERI (1997), Presto Restaurant, Buffalo
KAMERON D. WOOD (2011), Director & Production Assistant
RICKY WHITCOMB (2004), Tour Manager, StarQuest International
CRAIG PRIDGEN (2002), Pastor and M&T Bank Analyst
STEVE BACZKOWSKI (Unknown), Music Director, Hallwalls, Buffalo
SHANNON BARRY (Unknown), To the Pointe Dance and Pilates Center, Valencia, CA
APRIL BASKIN (Unknown), Erie County Legislature Majority Leader
CHARLOTTE CARWELL (Unknown) Founder, P.O.C.E. Dance & Art Institute, Buffalo
LAKEISHA CARTER (Unknown), Dance Choreographer Dance Incorporated Center for the Fine & Performing Arts, Sickerfield, NJ
STEPHANIE CALHOUN (Unknown), Assistant Attorney General, NYS Office of the Attorney General
DANIELLE CATONE (Unknown), Danielle’s Dance and Fitness School
JESSIE FISHER (Unknown), Executive Director, Preservation Buffalo Niagara
TAMMY GAVIDIN (Unknown), Dance Instructor Tonawanda Dance Arts Faculty, Tonawanda
KRIS HOLLIE (Unknown), Personal Physical Fitness Trainer for Impact Training 716 and Ascend to Greatness
KIMMY JANE (Unknown), Kimmy Jane Tattoo & Artwork, Buffalo
AQUIL JONES (Unknown), Videographer, Krump Dancer and Founder of Legacy Visions Production
MELODY JONES (Unknown), Audio Technician
CHANON JUDSON, Associate Artistic Director, Urban Bush Women Dance Company
GINA MARTINEZ (Unknown), Dance Instructor at Broadway Dancesations, Lutz, FL
EBONY PACE, Against Destruction Theatrically Founder
DAVID RIFFEL (Unknown), Niagara Arts & Cultural Center’s documentarian and arts collaborator, Niagara Falls, NY
KAT WHITEFIELD (Unknown), Photography Assistant at Locust Street Art, Buffalo
ELIZABETH YOUNG (Unknown), President/Creative Director at Buffalo Studio Labs, Buffalo
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Please visit BAVPA Memories, a photo website devoted to BAVPA’s past, present, and future. To follow site postings, make suggestions, or if you have questions, go to the site link (www.bavpamemories.com) and check out the BAVPA Memories PDF.
“To follow site postings, make suggestions, or if you have questions, go to the site link and check out the BAVPA Memories posting (below).”