Friends of Niagara University Theatre

For those who love theatre at Niagara University Summer 2003

Off-Broadway Hit Plays This Summer at the Church The trials, tribulations and triumphs form the cast of the production: This of modern-day romance are delight- Heather Adair of Albany, N.Y.; performance fully explored in “I Love You, You’re Brendan Powers, ’96, of Buffalo, is made Perfect, Now Change,” an off-Broad- N.Y.; Cristina Sass of Kingston, possible way hit that will be on stage at Niagara N.Y.; and Zakary Ward of Niagara with University Theatre-at-the-Church, 415 Falls, N.Y. Powers is an adjunct funds Plain St., Lewiston, N.Y., from July 31 acting and English professor at NU, from the through Aug. 24. as well as interim director of Niagara Decentrali- VARIETY called the show “a University Theatre. Technical director zation Paul Todaro witty, impeccably performed musical Jack Wrobel will provide sets for the Program, revue about romance.” Act One production, while lighting designer a regrant program of the New York features a joyful, satiric look at being Tim Wrobel is in charge of lighting. State Council on the Arts, single in today’s world, and Act Two NU alumna Erin Chase will serve as administered by the Niagara Arts turns its attention to married life. stage manager, and NU senior Council Inc. “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Nicholas Santasier will serve as Tickets for the production are $15 Change” features script and lyrics by assistant stage manager/costumer. each and can be purchased by calling Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Peg Lacki in NU’s theater depart- Roberts. The play will be directed by Change” is on stage at 8 p.m. from ment at 716-286-8483, or by Paul Todaro, ’87, a lecturer of theater July 31-Aug. 2, Aug. 7-9, 14-16, stopping by the Lewiston Visitor’s and fine arts at Niagara University. and 21-23. Matinees will be Center, 476 Center St., Lewiston, Three NU theater studies students presented at 2 p.m. on Aug. 3, 10, Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and one university faculty member 17 and 24. and on Fridays from 9-11:30 a.m.

Friends’ Gala Will Include a Journey “Into the Woods”

The night of Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003, will see the Friends of Niagara University attend a gala auction and reception at the Castellani Museum and then move over to the Leary Theatre for NU Theatre’s production of Sondheim’s musical, “Into the Woods.” The announcement was made by the chairs of this year’s gala, John and Karen Sanderson and Jim and Sharon Burdick. Auction chairs Mike and Maria Arena also wished to remind our friends and alumni that they are now earnestly looking for auction prizes and if our readers would like to make a donation of items or gift certificates, prizes should be sent to The Friends’ Gala, c/o The Theatre, Niagara University, N.Y. 14109. For further information, either about auction gifts or tickets to the gala evening, call Peg Lacki at 716-286-8483. Seats are limited to 150 and last year’s gala sold out. Patrons are urged to make reservations early. Murder They Wrote stars gather to pay their respects to the “We’re not delivering a deep message, recently deceased Woody Allen. The but the show is funny, smart and it’s a By Ann Rooney Heuer stars irreverently share jokes, sing blast,” he said. “We have a fun time Writer-director Woody Allen once Broadway tunes and promote their doing it, and we plan on pushing the wrote, “It’s not that I’m afraid to die, I careers, providing dead-on project so that we can audition it for just don’t want to be there when it impersonations of Billy Crystal, producers and backers.” happens.” While Allen’s deadpan Christopher Walken, Diane Keaton, Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., humor is sometimes bawdy, always Alan Alda, John Cusack, Ed Burns, director of Niagara University Theatre, quirky and often outrageous, he’s a Conan O’Brien, Leonardo DiCaprio is also a fan of the play. “It’s great fun,” master at entertaining audiences and Spike Lee. As the fictional he said, “and it’s wonderful to see our around the world with an impressive memorial service proceeds, a detective alumni working with other New York body of work that includes films, books arrives to inform the mourners that he City actors.” and plays. For a number of talented knows that one of them murdered On her role as Diane Keaton, alumni of Niagara University, Allen, Woody Allen. “Everyone in this room Dugan says, “This project has been a 67, is not only a comic legend, he is had a motive,” he observes. sheer joy from the start. I have never, one of several celebrities who has The NU connection to “Who Killed ever, laughed so hard during rehearsals. inspired their comedy whodunit, Woody Allen?” is strong. The show I had never worked with any of these “Who Killed Woody Allen?” benefits from the talents of several NU NU fellas. They are all wonderful, The play is a popular off-Broadway theater alumni, including playwright talented individuals whom I cherish production which was written during Brendan Connor, ’94; cast members and look forward to working with 2001 and 2002 by Dan Callahan, Tom Jill Ann Dugan, ’91 (Diane Keaton); again.” She added that “industry Dunn, and NU alumnus Brendan Shaun Sheley, ’96 (a very special response has been enormous” since Connor, ’94. The three longtime guest); and Christopher Wisner, ’97 people from Spike Lee’s film company, friends share a passion for Woody (Billy Crystal), along with backstage “Saturday Night Live” and “The Allen’s work and the stage. professionals Aron Deyo (tech Conan O’Brien Show” have seen it. “Who Killed Woody Allen?” was director), and Dennis Keefe, ’99 Like the genre it imitates, the future first produced off-Broadway by the (sound design). The six alumni are of “Who Killed Woody Allen?” is a Empty Stage Theatre Company/Gin & either old or new friends, and several mystery. “It’s an honor to be a part of Tonic Productions in November 2002. have worked together on other off- this production and I think everyone It had a second run in March 2003. Broadway productions. involved in it would love to see this The theater company was founded by Wisner said, “Woody Allen continue,” said Keefe. “I know there’s a Niagara alumni Christopher Wisner, respectfully declined our invitation to lot involved in trying to keep the show Brendan Connor and Aron Deyo, come see our production, but he running, but ultimately, with the way along with their colleague Tom Dunn. wishes us no ill will.” Reportedly, we’ve been selling, I would expect that According to cast member Allen’s longtime manager Jack Rollins we are at least able to run the show for Christopher Wisner, ’97, the show has has seen the show and thoroughly a third time.” enjoyed it. received outstanding reviews since its Several NU alumni are key players on first run. “To get the New York Daily Interestingly, the authors of “Who stage and behind-the-scenes in the off- News there was a testament to what a Killed Woody Allen?” created the Broadway production of “Who Killed great project it is,” he said, noting that show only after they were denied Woody Allen?” From left, Christopher this zany comedy has also been praised permission to stage one of Woody Wisner, Jill Ann Dugan & Dennis Keefe. by the BBC News and several other Allen’s productions, “Death,” when publications and theater industry Allen’s lawyer informed them that Web sites. rights to the play would not be Described by the New York Daily renewed. It was only a few weeks News as “a raucous, silly and until “Death” was scheduled to open consistently hilarious show biz and the trio would have lost their sendup,” and by On/Off Magazine as theater rental investment if they “a hilarious, dark satire of our celebrity hadn’t come up with another show. obsessed culture,” the play is part Wisner said “Who Killed Woody murder mystery and part award Allen?” has played to many packed ceremony. It takes place at a funeral houses and at least 20 to 30 NU home, where a number of Hollywood alumni have seen the production. 2 Friends of Niagara University Theatre Alumni he is touring with a production of Carmen Ruby Floyd, ’00, opened “Annie” which stars John Schuck and this summer on Broadway in “Avenue News . . . Marcia Lewis Brown. Q” at the Golden Theatre. Previously, Dave Avery, ’99, has appeared in she appeared in a musical tribute to

several regional commercials, including Hollywood, “Hollywood to Jill Ann Dugan, ’91, appears in those for HSBC, Lake Shore Savings Barbados,” for the International Gold her new one-woman show, “Exit and Loan and Fischer Price. Cup Race Horse Festival, as well as in a showcase featuring the songs of 57A: Turn Here for the Eden Corn Kevin McIntyre, ’00, performs on Horne, Simone and Holiday at the Festival,” at Danny’s Skylight Room board the Royal Caribbean Line as Tribeca Theatre in New York. and The Duplex. It is billed as an one of their Kruise Komix. evening of “a-maize-ing music and Melissa Bush, ’03, is assistant Justin Dimieri, ’03, has performed corn-y stories.” director of the NU repertory theater with Buffalo’s TOY Company in the group. She is also performing in “A Joe Pauly, ’83, program director productions of “Tuck Everlasting” Funny Thing Happened on the Way to for WMOR-Channel 32 in Tampa, and “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse.” Fla., has formed a theater company the Forum” for the Geneva Theatre Tamara Brown, ’02, appeared in called Yellow Snow Productions. One Guild at the Smith Opera House. Buffalo’s Kavinoky Theatre production of their latest efforts was a comedy Peter Bennett, ’03, is performing at of “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s entitled “A Christmas Cannoli: or a Darien Lake. He will be in “42nd Nest” (Sandy) and was ASM for Tale of Two Families.” Street,” Curtain Up Productions “My Fair Lady.” She also works with Upstate New York, and will be on the Matt Knight, ’02, has been Dramatic Solutions, a business theater national tour of “Sesame Street Live” as touring with a children’s theater, The company, and was dramaturge for one of the characters and the under- Periwinkle National Theatre, doing a NU’s recent “The Laramie Project.” study for five other roles this fall. show called “Little Red Riding Hood She will be performing at Darien Finds the Safety Zone.” He has also Lake and appearing in “42nd Street” Julie Burdick, ’03, is performing been doing several play readings. this summer. in “Oklahoma” at Artpark this This summer he will be performing summer and the national tour of Brendan Powers, ’96, recently in “Oklahoma” at Artpark. “Fame” as Iris in the fall. made several TV spots for the United Denise Payne, ’99, just finished a Way, HSBC, and the law offices of Michele Roberts Maier, ’99, is successful run as Ruby in the Helen Nicholas, Perot, Smith, Koehler and performing in “Oklahoma” this Hayes Theater Company’s (Nyack, Wall. He will be seen this coming summer at Artpark. N.Y.) production of “Dames at Sea.” theater season in several Buffalo David Autovino, ’03, will be Neil Casey, ’91, has been playing venues. He also did the voice-over performing in “Oklahoma” and the lead in the Kennedy Center’s for the Art on Wheels Exhibition for “Madama Butterfly” at Artpark. (Washington, D.C.) production of the Castellani Museum at NU. Maureen Pusateri Kucieski, ’00, the hit comedy/satire, “Shear Patrick Riviere, ’88, is a semi- will play Peter Pan in the Niagara Madness.” finalist in two national playwriting Summer Fine Arts Program Michele Ragusa, ’87, captured competitions, The Mildred and Albert production of “Peter Pan” at Niagara one of the leads in Goodspeed Opera Panowski Playwriting Award and the Falls High School. House’s “Me and My Girl.” Michele 2003 Mill Mountain Theatre New Jaclynn Carpenter, ’03, and returns to her native Buffalo for Play Competition. The play is titled Elizabeth Oddy, ’03, are performing Studio Arena’s September production “The House of Nunzio.” in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at of “Noises Off.” Damian Vanore, ’02, will appear all Shakespeare in Delaware Park. Susan Mele, ’89, both starred in summer in the Midtown International Susan Drozd, ’02, is performing and wrote Theatre Project’s “Roxi Theatre Festival (New York) produc- in “Much Ado About Nothing” at Starr in 3D with Elvis.” Theatre tion of “The $25,000 Pyramid.” Shakespeare in Delaware Park. Project makes its headquarters in Candy Lawrence, ’02, will Alison Nusbaum, ’03, is Baltimore. graduate from the Toronto Second performing in “42nd Street” at the A.J. Sullivan, ’92, appeared in City Conservatory this fall. Palace Theatre and in “Bye Bye “Annie” at the New Jersey Paper Mill Birdie” at the Lancaster Opera House Playhouse this past year. Currently this summer.

Friends of Niagara University Theatre 3 Telling Tales yet, they were fulfilling to write. Ask Mary about what sells in the By Ann Rooney Heuer world of children’s literature, and she In Steven Spielberg’s historic can tell you one success story after film,”Amistad,” the character of another. It all began with a writing former President John Quincy Adams contest sponsored by Highlights for (Anthony Hopkins) observes, “Who- Children magazine. “I did everything ever tells the best story wins.” Peg wrong,” Mary admits with a grin, Neuhauser, author of “Corporate “but Highlights still bought my Legends and Lore,” echoes these story.” Mary entered the contest with sentiments when she writes, “story- remember the story, the actors, and an 850-word story written for lower- telling is the most powerful form of an enthusiastic audience clapping in grade readers, not realizing the communication.” And Niagara my living room.” specifications called for 400 words University adjunct English professor A lifelong Niagara Falls resident, maximum. Still, the magazine and author Mary Furlong agrees. Mary decided early on that she bought her story, “The Fly-Away “I believe in the power of fiction, would follow in her mother’s Umbrella,” and it appeared in one of especially for children,” Mary notes. footsteps. “I always assumed I’d be a their issues, as well as in an “Children learn from stories in a way teacher like my mom,” she said. anthology of stories. that they can’t from nonfiction. Just Throughout high school and college, Mary also entered a contest look at the Old and New Testament. however, she never stopped writing. sponsored by a newsletter for writers They’re filled with stories. You can tell She was the class poet at LaSalle of children’s stories. The newsletter the truth more easily with fiction.” High School, a position she reprised received 3,400 entries and her entry th As a former Niagara Falls school a few years ago for the 50 reunion of came in sixth. Her story, “15 teacher with 35 years of experience in her high school class. And during her Minutes Or So” was based on the enriching the minds and hearts of 35 years as a teacher, she wrote plays, real-life experiences of a school bus first and second graders, Mary Furlong poems and songs for her students to driver who planted and tended a is anything but retired. Her talent enjoy. She also created plays for garden at the end of the line where for writing books, short stories, light audiences of all ages. In 1976, she he waited every day for 15 minutes. verse, newsletters, teachers’ guides penned “Down on the Landing,” a This sweet story about a not-so- and plays is making the second act of bicentennial play for the Village of secret garden was sold to Highlights her life as exciting as the first. Lewiston. Mary describes the play as which resold it to several other Each fall, Mary teaches a creative a sort of “Spoon River Anthology” publications. “Because of resales, that writing course at NU. A lifelong fan and is delighted that it was performed little 342 word story has made about of the stage, Mary volunteered her on the steps of the Frontier House $1,800 for me,” said Mary. “I call it services for nearly 25 years as a and at Lewiston’s Historical my magic story.” costume-maker for NU Theatre. She Museum. She also wrote “Murder By “I do think this particular story is presently a member of the steering Chance,” a dinner theater play which led to other things,” she added. For committee and choir of Alumni was performed at the Homestead example, Mary was named Highlight’s Chapel, and is president of Western Restaurant in Niagara Falls. Author of the Month in March of New York’s Association of Since retiring in 1988, Mary has 1998. And when she attended the Professional Women Writers. written three novels for adults which Chatauqua Institute’s Writer’s While all these activities bring her are currently under review by a Conference in 2001, her colleagues joy, she admits that what truly professional reader. One novel is set were impressed with her story’s nourishes her spirit is writing. in an elementary school, one takes national publishing success. Shortly Mary has been bringing imaginary place in a community theater, and after the conference, Zaner-Bloser, a characters to life ever since she was a the third revolves around an urban prestigious educational publishing little girl. More than half a century Irish church parish. “My books firm, offered her a chance to write has passed, but she can still portray a realistic view of life,” Mary three “Hi/Lo” books for fifth graders. remember minute details about said, “but my agents say what sells is Characteristically, Mary jumped at “Patty’s Dream,” the very first play confrontation and dramatic changes the chance. she wrote. “I was in third grade at in characters’ lives.” She added that When asked how many hours she the time,” she recalls, “but I vividly even though these books haven’t sold spends at her computer each week,

4 Friends of Niagara University Theatre Mary said it varies, depending upon Library and area schools. And in her NU Faculty and the projects she’s working on. “I’m spare time, she volunteers to write compelled to write every day,” she news articles and features for the Students Involved said. “It’s a source of income and it’s Friends of Niagara University Theatre something I like to do.” Mary newsletter and the Mental Health in Summer Projects agreed, however, that writing is hard Association newsletter. Niagara University Theatre-at-the- and challenging. “I don’t find writing To keep learning and growing, Church in Lewiston: “I Love You, for children any easier or harder than Mary also belongs to The Monday You’re Perfect, Now Change” — crafting a story for adults,” she notes. Club, an “old fashioned study club” Heather Adair, Erin Chase, Brendan “To me, a children’s story should be where each member does research Powers, Nicholas Santasier, Christina enjoyable for both youngsters and papers and shares them with the Sass, Paul Todaro and Zak Ward. grown ups.” group. “I’m interested in history and Among other writing projects she’s biography,” Mary said, “and I’ve Artpark: “Oklahoma” — Heather worked on during her retirement done papers on Pocahontas, Lady Adair, Kathryn Condidorio, Andrew from the classroom are newsletters, Jane Grey, Catherine of Aragon and Liegl, Chantal Martin, Gregory teachers’ guides and program guides Olivia de Haviland. I’d like to do Pragel, Christina Sass, Paul Todaro, for the Holy Childhood Association research now on Heddy Lamar. She Zak Ward and Laura Zachary; of Washington, D.C., teachers’ was a brilliant woman.” “Madama Butterfly” — Tara Laurie. guides for Rosen Publishing, stories From children’s stories to creative Coop’s Spotlight Productions: and anthologies for Highlights teachers’ guides, imaginative plays to “Oliver” — Gregory Austin, Erin magazine, including a story which research papers, Mary Furlong is a Chase, Elizabeth Fuller, Sarah Neffke, will appear in the August 2003 issue, versatile storyteller. She’s proud of Sarah Orloff and William Patti; and poetry for Shoofly Audio her adventures in publishing and “Charlotte’s Web” — Gregory Austin, Magazine for Children. Mary has looks forward to continuing to share Erin Chase, Sarah Orloff and Kyle also been a guest author and her fertile imagination with NU Lynn Tuttle (Lancaster Opera House). storyteller at the Youngstown Public students and readers of all ages. Darien Lake: John Alder, Brian Maxwell and Brandon Sierra. Theater Students Attend Schiller Institute Fantasy Island: Suzanne Dominiak, Jacqueline LaNasa; Jerry For the third summer in a row, a group of NU theater students attended the McGrier and Joseph Weins. Schiller Institute in London. Dr. Sharon Watkinson, chair of the theater and fine MTC Theatre Productions: “High arts department, accompanied the students for the first week of their studies. Society” — Jessica Knoerl (Lancaster This year nine students attended: Lauren Arena, a senior from Clarence, Opera House). N.Y.; Adrian Borden, a junior from Birmingham, Ala.; senior Elizabeth Niagara Summer Fine Arts Program Campbell and sophomore Aaron Doolittle from Buffalo, N.Y.; junior Jennifer Inc.: “Peter Pan” — Amanda Gembka and senior Erica Stevenson from Depew, N.Y.; Daniel Schmidt, a Kandefer, Elizabeth Lesinski and junior from Pasadena, Md.; Jennifer Schock, a senior from Glen Ridge, N.J.; Danielle Quider (Niagara Falls High and Jason Tamborini, a junior from Bloomfield, N.J. School). The students spent seven weeks in London, studying at the Schiller Institute. These seven weeks account for a full semester of work for which they Shakespeare in Delaware Park: receive credit. Beyond the classroom, events and excursions include London “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — theater, backstage tours Kahlil Gibran Jackson and Steve and trips to such places as Vaughan; “Much Ado About Stratford-upon-Avon. A Nothing” — Jane Dewey and Paul few long weekends afford Todaro. them an opportunity to Niagara University Repertory take the Chunnel to Paris Theatre: Erin Garvey, Andrew Lange, or a flight to Ireland. Sarah Maine, Sarah Neffke, Sarah Orloff, William Patti, Timothy Stuff and Ian Tweedie. Dr. Sharon Watkinson and the Schiller students. Busch Gardens: Kevin Kreczko

Friends of Niagara University Theatre 5 NIAGARA UNIVERSITY THEATRE SEASON CALENDAR 2003-04 I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change — The One-Act Plays — The Leary Theatre The Church, Lewiston First Group: Thursday-Saturday, July 31-Aug. 2, 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 24, 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, 2 p.m. Second Group: Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 7-9, 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, 2 p.m. Third Group: Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 14-16, 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 31, 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, 2 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 21-23, 8 p.m. Fourth Group: Sunday, Aug. 24, 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 1, 2 p.m. A Shayna Maidel — The Church, Lewiston The Cocktail Hour — The Church, Lewiston Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 & 20, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13 & 14, 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 p.m. Into the Woods — The Leary Theatre Orpheus Descending — The Leary Theatre Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 9-11, 8 p.m. Thursday*-Saturday, Feb. 26-28, 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m. (A) Sunday, Feb. 29, 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. (OST) & 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 4-6, 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2 p.m. California Suite — The Church, Lewiston The Way of the World — The Church, Lewiston Thursday*-Saturday, March 25-27(A), 8 p.m. Thursday*-Saturday, Nov. 6-8, 8 p.m. Sunday, March 28, 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 10 a.m. (OST) Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14 & 15, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 2 & 3, 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m. Sunday, April 4, 2 p.m. A Christmas Concert Spinning Into Butter — The Church, Lewiston The Church, Lewiston: Friday and Saturday, April 23 & 24, 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. (OST) & 8 p.m.* Sunday, April 25, 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 & 6, 8 p.m. Sweet Charity — The Leary Theatre Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m. Thursday,* April 29, 8 p.m. The Leary Theatre: Friday, April 30, 10 a.m. (OST) & 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 11-13, 8 p.m. Saturday, May 1, 8 p.m. (A) Sunday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. (A) Sunday, May 2, 2 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, May 6-8, 8 p.m. (A) Alumni Dinner/Brunch Performance (OST) On-School-Time Performance * The Thursday Evening Previews — These are highly discounted for all patrons.

Do You Have News If you would like to receive a season for These Pages? brochure, please call Peg Lacki at 716-286-8483. The newsletter of the Friends is always interested in your news. If you have a snippet or a volume of information you For information on becoming a Friend think should be published, please just send it along to us. of Niagara University Theatre, please You may e-mail it or send it by regular mail to: Theater Department call Liz Napier at 716-286-8480. Niagara University, NY 14109