Friends of Niagara University Theatre

For those who love theatre at Niagara University Spring 2005

Broadway Luminary Lights Friends’ 20th Annual Gala

One of Broadway’s brightest talents, exciting evening as we support the with three composer and Tony-Award winner Niagara University Theatre program major John Kander, will be the guest of honor and its students.” productions: at the 20th Annual Friends’ Gala to be Guest of honor John Kander has the held on Saturday, April 30, at the written Broadway scores for: “A Family Encores Castellani Art Museum on Niagara Affair” (1962); “Never Too Late” production University’s campus. (1962); “Flora, the Red Menace” of The gala will include a silent auction (1965); “Cabaret” (1966); “The “Chicago”; featuring a variety of items, an open bar Happy Time” (1968); “Zorba” (1968); the preceding an elegant dinner, and “70, Girls, 70” (1971); “Zorba” Donmar Niagara University Theatre (London, 1973); “Chicago” (1975); (from performance of “Flora, the Red “The Act” (1977); “And The World London) John Kander Menace,” with music by John Kander Goes Round — The Kander and Ebb production of “Cabaret”; and “Steel and lyrics by the late Fred Ebb. The Musical” (1991); “Kiss of the Spider Pier,” which Niagara University charming, bittersweet musical is based Woman” (1993); and “Steel Pier” Theatre produced in 1999. His work, on the novel “Love is Just Around the (1997). Television work includes music “The Visit,” premiered in Chicago in Corner” by Lester Atwell. The musical for “Liza with a Z” (1974); “Ole Blue 2001. He is also the recipient of The underwent a major revival in New York Eyes is Back” (Frank Sinatra); Kennedy Center Honors. City in 1987. In its original “Baryshnikov on Broadway;” “An Early For tickets and information about incarnation, the show brought Liza Frost”; and “Liza in London.” Film the gala, contact Peg Lacki in the Minelli to stardom. scores include: “Something for department of theater and fine arts at The gala begins at 5 p.m. at the Everyone”; “Funny Lady”; “Lucky 716-286-8483. Castellani Art Museum, and patrons Lady”; “New York, New York”; will attend the 8 p.m. performance “Kramer vs. Kramer”; “Norman of the musical in the Leary Theatre Rockwell”; “Places in the Heart”; on the university’s campus. Tickets “French Postcards”; “Stepping Out”; Gala Items Wanted! are $125 per person. and the film of “Cabaret.” Chairpersons John and Karen He has received the Antoinette Do you have any artwork, Sanderson and auction chairpersons Perry (Tony) Award for his score for antiques large or small, unused Michael and Maria Arena are planning “Cabaret”; an Emmy Award for “Liza Christmas gifts, gift certificates, an evening that’s both elegant and fun. with a Z”; a Tony Award for “Kiss of new merchandise or like-new items Dress is “business casual.” the Spider Woman”; the New York that you wish to donate to the “We are honored to chair the 20th Drama Critics’ Award for Best Friends’ 20th Annual Gala? Niagara University Theatre Gala, the Musical for “Kiss of the Spider We’re grateful for your generosity major annual fund-raiser for the Woman”; the 1996 President’s and happy to pick up your Friends of NU Theatre,” noted the Award, Society of Stage Directors and donation(s), at your convenience. Sandersons. “The evening promises Choreographers; and he and lyricist Please contact gala auction chairs to entertain as we enjoy two of our Fred Ebb were awarded honorary Maria and Michael Arena at community’s finest cultural assets: doctoral degrees at Niagara 716-759-1108 for information or Niagara University Theatre and the University in 1994. to schedule a pick up. Thank you! Castellani Art Museum. We are The 1996-97 theatrical season saw looking forward to an elegant, Kander represented on Broadway Dr. Sharon Watkinson Honored with Niagara’s Vincentian Mission Award

Dr. Sharon Watkinson, ’66, a Mission of service. Niagara University alumna and chair “Sharon has dedicated her entire of the university’s department of professional life to Niagara University theater and fine arts, was honored and to Vincentian education,” Brother with Niagara’s Vincentian Mission Augustine read. “Dedication and Award at the university’s annual competence only partly describe what Vincentian Heritage Convocation on Sharon has meant to the university,” he Jan. 25. Thomas Maroon, a 1987 added. “There is a more personal, more Pianos Needed alumnus of Niagara University, was caring dimension to her personality awarded the Caritas Medal, and the that better speaks to the manner in Do you have an upright or spinet Rev. Gregory Gay, C.M., superior which she epitomizes the values and piano that is in good condition that general of the Congregation of the ideals of St. Vincent and the university. you could donate to the department Mission, received the President’s A colleague and longtime observer of theater and fine arts at Niagara Medal at the event. perhaps described it best. ‘One University? We have a number of old The Vincentian Mission award is example of her generosity is the pianos in the department that are used annually given to an employee who selflessness with which she gives her for theater productions and voice demonstrates the values of St. Vincent time to the students. It has never lessons, but several are past their prime. de Paul. The President’s Medal is the mattered to her what time of day it If you are considering donating your university’s highest honor, while the is. Sharon is there for the student … used piano to our department, please Caritas Medal is given to a person to deal with an academic issue or per- contact Brother Augustine Towey, whose life eminently portrays the sonal matter, whether it is morning, C.M., director, at 716-286-8481 for charity of St. Vincent. afternoon or night. Sharon is always more information. During the presentation of Dr. available to students, demonstrating Watkinson’s award, Brother Augustine what might best be described as Towey, C.M., director of Niagara parental concern for their welfare.’” NU Theatre University Theatre, read a citation in Upon hearing about the award, tribute to his colleague. The citation, one of Dr. Watkinson’s colleagues Alumnus Returns written by Linus Ormsby, director of noted, “She is an ideal representative to Campus Niagara’s Office of Communications of what the university stands for and and Public Relations, illuminated what it means to be an outstanding Dr. Watkinson’s passion for teaching role-model of a teacher.” and joyfully living the Vincentian

At the reception following Niagara’s annual Vincentian Heritage Convocation, Dr. Niagara University Theatre alumnus Steve Watkinson was Hasley, ’87, an actor in Los Angeles, presented congratulated by an acting seminar and helpful professional her husband, contact information for NU theater students at Andrew, and by a guest lecture on Feb. 9. Here Steve poses with her dear friend several of the department’s students. From left: Dorothy Gould, Tracy Murawski, Adrian Borden, Steve Hasley, former chair of Amanda Tech and Sarah Neffke. NU’s English department.

2 Friends of Niagara University Theatre Tara Laurie Memorial Scholarship Established at NU Tara Laurie, a senior theater studies wherever it would take her.” student from Ransomville, N.Y., “The Tara Laurie Memorial passed away suddenly in October of Scholarship is our way of keeping our 2004. A special scholarship has been daughter’s song alive and her spirit of created by her parents, Janice and Don joy and love soaring,” the couple Laurie, in her memory. noted. “It is our hope that her legacy These funds will be used each year will live on and the recipient of this to assist a Niagara University theater award will realize all of their dreams, studies student who applies to the hopes and aspirations through summer theater program at Schiller participation in Niagara University International University in London. Theatre’s study-abroad program.” “The most satisfying adventure In a report Tara had written last you can ever have is living all that fall for her theater professors, she you dream,” said Don Laurie. “Our explained that her 2004 study-abroad daughter Tara lived her dreams of trip had had a tremendous impact on becoming an actress, excelling in her her life and aspirations. “The studies, traveling the world, and fabulous theatrical experiences, the reaching out to others. This past enlightening classes and the many summer, one of Tara’s dreams came travel opportunities I took advantage During the summer of 2004, Niagara true when she studied Shakespeare at of made the trip so much more than University theater studies student Tara Laurie Schiller University in London, worthwhile,” she wrote. “I valued enjoyed her summer theater studies program at Schiller International University in London. England, and traveled to Belgium, each class, show, tour and side trip Here, she takes time out from her classes to visit Italy, Scotland, and France.” that was part of the theater course.” the Tower of London. After she passed away “Tara’s generous spirit was one of Contributions to the Tara Laurie unexpectedly in October 2004, her parents love, hope, joyful living, friendship, scholarship may be made by sending a established a memorial scholarship in her honor peace and giving,” Janice Laurie check to the Office of University to benefit her fellow Niagara University noted. “Her passion for theater, art, Advancement, Butler Building, theater studies students who will be studying singing, acting, and traveling filled Niagara University, N.Y. 14109. Please at Schiller International University. our home with excitement and joy. make payable to Niagara University We always encouraged our daughter and note on check: for the Tara Laurie to follow the song in her heart Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Renowned Choreographer Gives Presentation at NU

International director and choreographer Sam Viverito, front row, center, and his stage manager, Aja Kane, front row, second from left, provided a guest lecture about professional dance for NU Theatre students on Feb. 7. Here, the students gather round for pointers on dance styles and how to effectively sing and dance at the same time. Sam and Aja also offered tips on incorporating different styles of dance from various decades and eras. Sam directed “Evita” at Niagara University and has worked with numerous members of the faculty and administration at Artpark. As a performer, Sam worked on Broadway in “A Chorus Line,” “Evita,” and in Rita Moreno’s nightclub act. As a choreographer, he says, “You name a dance musical, and we’ve done it!” Some of his favorite shows include “Annie” with Sally Struthers, “Sweet Charity,” and “Funny Girl.” Internationally, he has directed choreography for Disney’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “The King and I” in Korea. His associate and stage manager, Aja Kane, just completed a tour of “Scrooge, the Musical,” with Richard Chamberlain.

Friends of Niagara University Theatre 3 “My mom says I’ve work always been a ham!” closely with each Anyone who saw her play “Maria” in actor, “West Side Story” at Artpark several nurturing summers ago, or heard her sing in their Niagara University Theatre’s produc- abilities, tion, “A Grand Night for Singing,” and would likely find it hard to believe helping that Julie Burdick, ’03, never took them find voice lessons until she was a senior in their high school. Julie Burdick, ’03 weak What’s even more surprising is spots so they can grow,” she said. that Julie wasn’t originally planning After she graduated from Niagara on a career as an actor. University in 2003, Julie took her “I love history, language and talents on the road. Her first job out debating, and was considering going of college was a 10-month North to Georgetown for international American tour of “Fame, the Musi- relations,” she said. That all changed, cal,” playing the role of Iris Kelly. however, during her junior year in Her next role would entail playing the high school when she performed feisty female lead in one of America’s with professional actors as “Rosa most beloved musicals, Richard Bud” in “The Mystery of Edwin Rodgers’ and Oscar Hammerstein’s Julie Burdick, ’ 03, and Greg Pragel, ’04, share Drood” for Buffalo’s MusicalFare “Oklahoma!” a classic from 1943 about a hug at Julie’s senior banquet in 2003. Theatre. From that moment on, she a turn-of-the-century love story set in was hooked on acting. the Oklahoma territory. “I had always sung in groups in In 2004, Julie was one of over school and had studied ballet and All the World’s 1,000 actors who auditioned in New jazz since I was seven,” Julie noted. “I York City for roles in the revival of Their Stage was in the drama club at Williams- “Oklahoma!” by Networks Presenta- By Ann Heuer, ’78 ville East High School and enjoyed tions, LLC. She was thrilled to land the opportunities to perform. My What’s it like to be a young actor the role of “Laurey Williams” and mom says I’ve always been a ham.” on a national or international tour of said she had only one month off from As a student in NU’s theater a critically acclaimed production? her whirlwind tour with “Fame” program from 1999 to 2003, Julie Just ask Julie Burdick, ’03, or Greg before her “Oklahoma!” tour began soaked up knowledge from all her Pragel, ’04, outstanding graduates of in Birmingham, Ala., in September professors and the department’s Niagara University’s theater studies of 2004. The “Oklahoma!” tour will administrators. “Brother Augustine program. While the roles they play end in Dayton, Ohio, in June of 2005. Towey, Dr. Sharon Watkinson and all are worlds apart, both actors bring Right now, Julie is having the time of the professors at NU were so accessible their own fresh interpretation to her life, bringing an endearing, spunky and helpful,” she said. “They obviously classic characters beloved by people version of “Laurey” to the stage. love what they do, and this kind of of all ages. support truly feeds an actor’s desire “Both Julie Burdick and Greg Pragel “You have to be able to to perform, learn and grow. were outstanding students in our give up your voice, “The book theater classes coupled department and truly professional your body, your hair.” with the performance classes and all before they were even graduated,” the different acting opportunities at Like her friend and fellow NU Theatre according to Brother Augustine NU Theatre and Artpark gave me graduate Greg Pragel, Julie adheres to Towey, C.M., director of the theater both the general knowledge and an exercise regimen to stay fit while program. “We are delighted with performance experience I needed for touring with a show. A typical day on their success. They are splendid my field,” Julie added. “Brother the road for her involves a morning ambassadors for Niagara University,” Augustine and the rest of the faculty workout with about 25 minutes on a he added. treadmill and 45 minutes devoted to

4 Friends of Niagara University Theatre pilates for “abs and legs.” Some days “The opportunity to see places like during a show. When that happens, involve interviews with local TV, radio Alcatraz, San Francisco, California’s Julie said, she just tries to be “in the and newspaper reporters, especially wine country, Chicago and Colorado moment and to go with the flow.” when the company has just arrived in a Springs has been exciting,” Julie said. In retrospect, the most amusing new city. Other days offer the chance Still, while she is delighted with the offstage calamity that happened to Julie for the cast members to sightsee. travel, she is even more grateful to be and her colleagues occurred during the Julie said that on the days of shows, playing a much bigger role that she tour of “Fame, the Musical.” “We were she likes to arrive at the theater about says provides “a better opportunity to traveling by bus in Colorado on our 90 minutes before the curtain goes expose my talents.” way from Colorado Springs to a ski up. She goes into “show mode” by “We’ve done the show nearly 200 resort in Avon,” Julie recalled. “Our bus putting on her makeup and pin- times and I have to say that for about broke down several hours outside of curling her hair, warming up vocally the last two months I’ve been in a nice Avon. But since the show must go on, and physically, and following a set groove,” Julie noted when asked to we all had to call for cabs to get us routine. comment on the enthusiastic reviews there on time. Just imagine, we had a “I’m methodical,” Julie explained. “Oklahoma!” has been receiving sea of yellow cabs traveling across “I fill up my water bottles and store nationwide. Colorado for 300 miles! The cab fare them on the set. I warm up. I listen “What I love most about touring was $650!” to music. I do my makeup and hair with a show is the chance to grow into Julie noted that missing family and talk to the actresses that play a role, to hone my character and skills and friends is an unavoidable part of ‘Gertie’ and ‘Ado Annie.’” at the same time,” Julie said. “With the touring experience, but she feels Interestingly, golden-haired Julie ‘Laurey,’ I’ve discovered a character that fortunate that her loved ones have noted that she had to dye her hair for allows me to try new things. She is a stayed in touch with regular visits, the show. “When Trevor Nunn frontier woman and her ‘Aunt Eller’ e-mails and letters. “My parents directed this revival of ‘Oklahoma!’ tells her she has to be ‘hardy.’ Still, she came to ‘Oklahoma!’’s opening in in London in 1998, he stipulated is just discovering her sexuality and her Birmingham, Alabama, and brought that ‘Laurey’ could not be a blond,” feelings of love, fear and vulnerability. my grandparents to see the show in Julie noted. “He felt that there is a stigma attached to being a blond, “Julie Burdick is a knockout as ‘Laurey,’ who and he wanted ‘Laurey’ to be brunette inflames the heart of ‘Jud’ (Andrew Legon) and so she’d be convincing as a plain Jane ‘Curly’ (Jeremiah James). Tomboyishly and tomboy.” glamorous in her overalls, Burdick sings “Dying your hair comes with the sweetly and spars ably. And, as advertised, she territory,” she added. “You have to be dances Ginger Thatcher’s dream ballet, usually able to give up your voice, your performed by a ballerina double.” body, your hair for the role you’re Evan Henerson, L.A. Daily News, Jan. 20, 2005 playing. Of course,” she added play- fully, “offstage, I wear a lot of hats!” While her tour with “Fame” in- Julie Burdick as “Laurey” in the national tour of Rodgers’ and volved a fairly hectic schedule, the Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” Photo credit: Joan Marcus. “Oklahoma!” tour is more leisurely. “We’re in every city one to two weeks, Playing ‘Laurey’ is such an incredible East Lansing, Michigan,” Julie said. so we have time to see the sights and opportunity.” “My sister, Gretchen, and brother- get used to the theater at which we’re When asked to share the most in-law, Jason, came to see the show performing,” Julie added. challenging aspects of being on the in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. And my “Out on the road, the people you road, Julie noted that the cast has to close friends and fellow NU theater work with become your family,” she get used to new spaces to perform in graduates, Peter Bennett, ’03, and observed. “Our cast members range in every one or two weeks. “We have a Anne Wiencek, ’03, just came out to age from 18 to 56. The average age is travel crew of about 15 people that San Francisco, California, to see me. about 25, though, so it’s a young cast,” work with local crews in each city to I’m so blessed that I have visitors she said. “My colleagues are wonderful set up the technical aspects of the every few weeks. And this May, a lot of and supportive on stage and off,” she show,” she noted. Still, technical friends and relatives will be coming said. “It’s been a blessing. things can sometimes go wrong to see the show in Cleveland, Ohio.”

Friends of Niagara University Theatre 5 “Fresh-faced leads Jeremiah James (‘Curly’) and Julie “As actors we Julie also looks forward to enjoying Burdick (‘Laurey’) exude youth deal in altered some well-deserved family time, and and the exciting but somewhat realities, but to being a first-time aunt. Like her frightening aspects of first the real world character in “Oklahoma!” Julie love. Both have significant is where we Burdick is full of vivacious enthusiasm touring/regional credits and have to exist.” and optimism about the future. She sing well.” should be. As a critic from the San Ann Miner Like Greg Pragel, Francisco Chronicle wrote in his Feb. 4 Talkin’ Broadway. com Julie is eager to review of “Oklahoma!,” “Julie Dec. 31, 2004 share what she’s Burdick really shines.” For more learned with information about “Oklahoma!,” Niagara Univer- visit www.oklahomaontour.com. Jeremiah James as “Curly” and Julie sity Theatre’s Burdick as “Laurey” in the national tour current students. “When the kids see your of Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” Photo credit: Joan Marcus. She said students character, it’s all worth it!” need to keep It’s been several important points in mind The topic of family comes up a lot less than a about the acting profession. when conversing with Julie. Her family year since “Don’t take anything personally,” means everything to her. “While I Greg she said. “First and foremost, the world respect a lot of actors, directors and Pragel of theater is very much a business. writers,” she said, “my parents, Jim and graduated Sometimes what you have to offer may Sharon, are the reason I’ve succeeded. from or may not be what directors are They are excellent role models. They’ve Niagara’s looking for. It will ultimately come instilled a great work ethic in me. depart- down to what ‘type’ you are, consider- “The older I get, the more I realize ment of ing such factors as your height, weight how lucky I am to have such close- theater and color of hair.” Greg Pragel, ’04 ness with my parents, grandparents and fine Julie added, “Try to adopt a and sister,” Julie continued. “Not arts, yet he’s already traveled around positive attitude and remember to let everyone my age has that kind of the world entertaining children of that carry over into the relationships relationship with their family. But I North America and Asia. you build with other people, such as feel glad and very fortunate. I’ve Immediately after graduation, he your family, friends and co-workers. realized that my family is always played the role of “Jesus” in a regional It’s always good to remind ourselves there for me.” theater production of “Godspell,” as actors that we deal in altered Julie added that some people say and played “Butch” in Artpark’s realities. The real world is where we acting is a lonely profession, yet she production of “A Chorus Line.” Since have to exist most of the time and doesn’t agree. “Acting can be a lonely last August, he’s worked for “Sesame having a positive, grounded outlook profession if you make it that way,” she Street Live,” a VEE Corp. Produc- and a supportive foundation of said. She noted that some actors can be tion, which operates four tours of people to surround yourself with will obsessive about constantly taking “Sesame Street.” Pragel was hired for allow you to be able to plow through classes, for example. While she agrees the international tour of “Everyone the trials and tribulations that go that it’s important to never stop Makes Music,” playing the part of along with the glorious, insatiable learning about your craft, she believes “Cookie Monster,” “Count Von need we have to communicate with there’s more to life than the stage. Count,” and a live tap dancing and perform for an audience.” “What actors have to remember,” Julie performer. Once “Oklahoma!”’s cast takes its said, “is that it’s not about us as much “I auditioned for ‘Sesame Street final bows, Julie plans to return to as it is the relationships we build in our Live’ in May, was called for availabil- New York City. “I’ve had a few job lives. What will enrich us as performers ity in July, and was contacted again offers from past auditions,” she noted. is having people that support us and at the end of August with the offer “I’d like to pursue having an agent, enrich us. Instead of being self- for the international show,” Greg since I spoke with several already in centered, we have to open ourselves to said. “I had the job as long as I could California and will contact several in learn from one another.” leave in four days!” New York in the near future.” The cast was already two weeks

6 Friends of Niagara University Theatre into the production process when “Seeing all the places Reno, Nevada; Colorado Springs and Greg arrived, so he was asked to learn we go to is the biggest perk Fort Collins, Colorado; Anaheim, San his “track,” (traffic patterns, dance about being on the road.” Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and numbers and how to move in a heavy Fresno, California; as well as Singapore What’s a regular day on the road like costume) in just three days. “On the and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,” where for Greg? He noted that when he’s in fourth day,” he said, “I was thrown his troupe performed for one of the the United States, Monday is usually onstage for a preshow that we were nation’s nine royal families. a travel day, Tuesday is generally a performing in Minneapolis, Minne- Seeing Yellowstone National Park rehearsal day and opening night for sota, before going on the road to our and San Francisco was a thrill for split weeks (when he performs in two first stop in Bismarck, North Dakota.” Greg. Overseas, he enjoyed seeing cities during a week), Wednesday is a Even though Greg had little time Thailand’s beautiful cities of performance day, Thursday is a travel to prepare for the show, he learned Bangkok and Phuket. A chilling day and Friday through Sunday are his roles and even found time to add memory is that he stayed on the performance days. For each venue the his own fresh approach to his solo, Patong Beach for a brief vacation just cast plays, there is one rehearsal. “C is for Cookie.” He explained that four days before the tsunami hit and Greg enjoyed the show’s tour in the character is supposed to do an destroyed all the bungalows that he Singapore, but noted that when over- “arm wave motion with a cookie jar” and his friends had been staying in. seas, there are many more productions in the number, but he got creative. “I “Sometimes living out of a suitcase on the weekend. “On the weekend thought it would be funnier if I did can be a little tiresome,” Greg we were in Singapore, we did a nine- that pump motion with the cookie observed, “but I am very blessed to pack, including three shows Friday, jar and it came off as this ‘NSYNC’ be performing with the people that three shows Saturday and three type hip-hop dance move. My are in my cast and company. We all shows Sunday,” Greg said. “We were production director came up to me get along and have had a blast from exhausted by Saturday, and Sunday at intermission and said, ‘Keep it. start to finish. The thing that I think was a little rough to say the least, but That was hysterical.’” about most is that I am getting paid we sold out every show that week- When asked if performing in to do what I love to do and travel end. We also did two shows on costume was taxing, Greg noted, too. I love this job!” Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday!” “Performing in costume is much Tall and lean, Greg looks like Still, hard work has its rewards. Greg different than being a live performer. “Sesame Street Live” is helping him enjoys the sights and sounds of being It takes a lot out of you physically stay in shape. Interestingly, though, on the road with a touring company. and sometimes can be very draining, he said maintaining the same weight “Seeing all the places we go to and all but when the kids see your character, on the road isn’t a piece of cake. “It’s the beautiful theaters is definitely the it’s all worth it to see the excited easy to get out of shape when touring biggest perk about being on the road looks on their faces.” Greg can’t because you are constantly eating to with a show,” he said. “My tour went divulge exactly how hot it gets inside get energy for each show.” He added to Bismarck, North Dakota; Sioux his costumes, but he noted that it’s that gyms are set up for the performers Falls, South Dakota; Casper, Wyoming; about 10 degrees warmer than the in each city so that they can work Boseman and Billings, Montana; onstage environment. out to look and feel their best.

“’We really do look for the strong dancers, folks that are ballet and jazz and tap trained,’ said Lee Henderson, publicist for the ‘Sesame Street Live’ tour. ‘They really have to use the physical characteristics of the charac- ters. ‘Cookie Monster’ acts a certain way and ‘Elmo’ acts a certain way and so does ‘Big Bird.’ So the actors have training in their character’s signa- ture moves and what the character does and does not do. ‘The characters are in full-body costumes. It’s really just kind of the TV show coming to life. Yet it’s more than a costume parade. During the course of the night, favorite characters walk the audience through a story. This highly entertaining show appeals to children and adults who have grown up with ‘Sesame Street.’ It’s a treat for the whole family.’” Greg poses in the true blue “Cookie Monster” costume in Forrest Hartman, Reno Gazette Journal, Sept. 28, 2004 Santa Barbara, Calif.

Friends of Niagara University Theatre 7 It was a thrill for Greg to have his you can go with this field, and I Niagara college roommate and best friend, really found that out through seeing actor Daniel DelGaudio III, ’04, see theater around the world and across University his show in Anaheim, Calif. “My the United States.” family wasn’t able to travel to California When asked if he would share some Theatre to see the show, but will see it when advice for current theater students, Performances it comes to Rochester, New York, in Greg said, “Lona Geiser, ’93, one of my March,” he said. “I’m going out with teachers, used to say ‘Be a sponge.’ The www.niagara.edu/theatre the ‘1, 2, 3 Imagine — Sesame Street NU theater department has so much Live’ tour and will again play ‘Cookie to offer, so I would advise students to Dancing at Lughnasa Monster’ and ‘Count Von Count.’” learn as much as they can while they’re Leary Theatre This time Greg will also play “Mr. undergraduates. Also, if a student really Thursday, March 3 • 8 p.m.* Noodle,” a live performer who is a has the drive and passion for this field, Friday, March 4 • 8 p.m. friend of “Elmo.” I would tell them to just keep going. Saturday, March 5 • 8 p.m. Greg notes that he’s delighted that Don’t let anything get in your way. Sunday, March 6 • 2 p.m. another graduate of Niagara Always keep a positive attitude.” Friday, March 11 • 8 p.m. University’s department of theater and Greg said he decided to become an Saturday, March 12 • 8 p.m. fine arts was also hired for “Sesame actor while he was involved in high Sunday, March 13 • 2 p.m. Street Live.” Over the past few months, school theater. “Someone told me I Katrina Needham, ’04, was on the East could do this as a career, and I Three Tall Women coast tour of “Sesame Street Live — thought, sweet! Then I went to The Church in Lewiston Out of This World,” playing “Terri, the Niagara University and through all of Friday, April 8 • 8 p.m. Fix-It Girl,” a live performer. the classes and shows that I watched Saturday, April 9 • 8 p.m. During a brief winter break from and performed in, I developed an Sunday, April 10 • 2 p.m. his “Sesame Street Live” tour, Greg incredible respect for this profession. was scheduled to perform in Western Now it’s the only thing that I want Flora, the Red Menace New York in “Meshuggah-Nuns” at to do and will do.” Leary Theatre the Lancaster Opera House, and was When asked if he has been inspired Thursday, April 28 • 8 p.m.* cast with fellow NU Theatre actors in by a particular performer or director Friday, April 29 • 8 p.m. a dinner theater murder mystery in his profession, Greg said, “My role Saturday, April 30 • 8 p.m.** staged by K Productions. During his model is definitely Jim Carrey because Sunday, May 1 • 2 p.m. break, he was called back to the tour he put everything on the line for what Friday, May 6 • 8 p.m. sooner than expected so that he he loved to do. He wrote a check to Saturday, May 7 • 8 p.m. – A could fill in for an injured actor. himself for $10 million dollars when Sunday, May 8 • 2 p.m. he was broke and living in his van “Be a sponge.” before he became a famous actor/ *** All NU students receive one Of his training at Niagara University, comedian. To have that kind of attitude free ticket per show *** Greg said, “The acting classes helped and drive in your heart is amazing to me build and improve my skills for my me. And now he can do it all, comedy, * Thursday evening craft. For the ‘Sesame Street Live’ job, drama, whatever he wants. performances are highly however, the best preparation came “That’s the kind of person I want discounted for all patrons. from the dance and mime classes. The to be,” Greg added, “and for people mime training has come in handy, to see me as someone who won’t give ** Friends of Niagara University helping me bring out emotions as a up and who will follow his dream Theatre Gala costumed character,” he added. It also until the end. And it will happen,” helps, Greg noted, that he grew up he smiled. “You can count on it.” A – Alumni Dinner/Brunch watching “Sesame Street.” “It’s very Considering Greg’s talent, drive and Performance close to my heart,” he said. enthusiasm, it’s already happening “I’m grateful to NU for offering all for this versatile performer. If you would like to receive a those extra classes, on top of acting, For more information on the season brochure, please call singing and dancing,” he said. “Sesame Street Live” tours, visit Peg Lacki at 716-286-8483 “There are so many different ways www.sesamestreetlive.com.

8 Friends of Niagara University Theatre Summer-at-the-Church Will Be Home of Riotous Comedy

This actors’ union, and have significant University both Powers’ and summer, professional credits. Mysliwy’s credits were extensive at Niagara Powers is artist-in-residence in NU’s the university’s theater and at University theater department. New York City Artpark. They teamed up for Theatre will credits include “Oh, Coward!”; “The “Waiting for Godot” in 1995 and produce the Drama League Tributes to Liza Minelli also played brothers Eugene and hilarious and Liz Smith”; “Sex & The City”; and Stanley in Neil Simon’s “Brighton comedy, “All My Children.” Regional credits Beach Memoirs” and “Broadway “Greater include “The Laramie Project”; “Wit”; Bound” at Artpark at the Church. Tuna” in “Arsenic and Old Lace”; “The Country “Greater Tuna” opens on Thursday, July at The Girl”; “My Fair Lady”; “Forever Plaid”; July 7, at 7:30 p.m. and plays Brendan Powers, ’96 Church in and several seasons at Artpark, as well through Sunday, July 31, at 2 p.m. Lewiston. as voice-overs and commercials in the Performances are scheduled through- “Howling Buffalo area. He is currently perform- out the summer on Thursday, Friday funny,” ing the lead role in the world premiere and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Variety said production of “The Cobbler” at the and on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. when it first Irish Classical Theatre in Buffalo. The production is being mounted opened Mysliwy, who works full time for with the assistance of the Friends of some years Fisher Price Co., is playing the lead Niagara University Theatre. ago off- in the forthcoming production of Tickets, priced at $15 each, may Broadway. “She Stoops to Conquer” at the Irish be purchased by calling Peg Lacki at The play Classical Theatre in Buffalo. In New 716-286-8483. Tickets will also be casts two York City he performed off-Broadway available at the Greater Lewiston actors in in Second Stage’s “Gemini.” He also Business and Professional Association Brian Mysliwy, ’96 many roles. performed in “A Cup of Coffee” for at 716-754-9500, at Ticketmaster The NU production will star Brendan Hartford Stage and “The Comedy locations, ticketmaster.com, or by Powers, ’96, and Brian Mysliwy, ’96. of Errors” for the Yale University calling 716-852-5000 in the Buffalo Both actors, alumni of the NU Theatre Rep. Company. area or 416-870-8000 if ordering program, are members of Equity, the While undergraduates at Niagara from Canada. Appropriate service charges apply.

Friends’ Holiday Basket Party

Members of the Friends of Niagara University Theatre were in the holiday spirit on Dec. 6 when the board held a “basket party” and meeting at Meade Hall. Several dozen baskets were contributed that evening toward this spring’s 20th annual Gala, to be held on April 30 at the Castellani Art Museum. Here, former interim director of Niagara University Theatre, Brendan Powers, third from right, updates the Friends on upcoming productions for 2005.

Friends of Niagara University Theatre 9 Josh Bradley, ’00, has been to Alumni Israel where he doubled for a famous Israeli actor in a commercial and has News . . . also shot an ESPN commercial. Josh

is represented professionally with Thomas Gates, ’95, has worked in both commercial and theatrical stage management on two off- agents, and is busy at Swordplay, the Broadway shows, “They Wrote That?” fencing studio for which he works. and the revival of “The Normal Heart.” Michelle Gigante, ’87, presented He is currently assisting on “Brooklyn and danced in an original poetry — the Musical.” performance piece, “Words, Music Paul Todaro, ’87, received and Movement” at the Performing mention in the Pittsburgh Post Arts Center of the Buffalo Seminary. Gazette as one of the 10 performers Brian Mysliwy, ’96, plays of the year for his performance in Marlowe, the lead in Buffalo’s Irish Armand “Army” Schultz, ’81, right, directed last James Joyce’s “The Dead.” He Classical Theatre production of “She fall’s Niagara University Theatre musical, “The directed and appeared in “Peter Stoops to Conquer,” on stage in May. Spitfire Grill.” Here he greets a friend and fellow Versus the Wolf” for the Buffalo Susan Drozd, ’02, acts frequently alumnus, Sean Higman,’82, during Alumni Weekend 2004. Currently, Army can be seen on Philharmonic. In March he appears in Buffalo productions and is office the television program “Law and Order,” and in “The Business of Murder” at the manager for Shakespeare in Delaware on a national commercial for Hartford Insurance. Kavinoky Theatre in Buffalo. Park. Nick Santasier, ’04, is appearing Damian Vanore, ’02, is currently in the Minstrel Players’ production appearing as Tony in “Tony ’n Tina’s of “Don’t Drink the Water” at Wedding” in Chicago. He is also Send your news article ideas to: Northport, N.Y. entering his second term at the Brother Augustine Towey Brendan Powers, ’96, is playing training school of the famous comedy Theater Department the lead in the world premiere of venue, Second City. P.O. Box 1913 “The Cobbler” at The Irish Classical Michael Maier Brown, ’99, stars Niagara University, NY Theatre in Buffalo. as Percy in MusicalFare’s (Buffalo) 14109-1913 Matt Knight, ’02, has a national production this spring of “Spitfire [email protected] promotion airing for FUSE Network Grill.” and has also done a McDonald’s commercial. He also teaches an acting and film class for second and Brendan Powers, ’96, center, is playing the lead this spring in the Irish Classical Theatre’s world premiere of “The Cobbler.” Here, he congratulates Dr. Sharon Watkinson, left, on her Vincentian Mission Award. third graders with Wingspan Arts in Joining in the group hug is Elaine Morreale, right, secretary to the dean of the College of Business. Manhattan. Matt is also our “voice” for preshow announcements. Joseph Weins, ’04, starred in the world-premiere production of “Private Viewing” at the New Phoenix Theatre in Buffalo. Armand Schultz, ’81, appears as the U.S. Attorney General in the new “Law and Order: Trial by Jury” on television. He can also be seen in a national commercial for Hartford Insurance. Katrina Needham, ’04, is touring the Eastern United States in “Sesame Street Live.” She plays the part of Terri, the fix-it lady, friend to the Muppets on “Sesame Street.”

10 Friends of Niagara University Theatre Seniors Share Postgraduation Plans During the weekend of May 21-22, and my Wilson nearly 1,000 Niagara University long-term native graduate and undergraduate students goal is to Jacqueline will participate in commencement get to Los LaNasa ceremonies held at Niagara and at Angeles, noted, “I’m SUNY Buffalo. On May 22, California. going to hundreds of undergraduate students, I’m inter- work at Six including over 30 seniors in the ested in Flags Darien department of theater and fine arts, working in Lake this will receive their diplomas in the theater, summer as Alumni Arena at SUNY Buffalo. television, Jacqueline LaNasa a full-time Among the seniors who are film, com- stunt woman and dancer. This is just graduating from the department, a Tracy Murawski munications to make money. Then I’m going out number are planning on attending and/or education. If I go to to Los Angeles with others. I’ll be graduate school, while others are graduate school, I would like to be auditioning until I drop.” When planning on seeking employment in able to teach.” asked what areas she’s interested in, the entertainment industry. When William “Bill” Patti of Lewiston Jackie said, “Television, film, modeling asked “what’s next,” several seniors said that he or stuntwork. Anything that would discussed their postgraduation plans. plans to get give me work.” Adrian Borden of Birmingham, his master’s Sara Ala., noted “I’m moving straight to degree in Bentley of Los Angeles, theater or Oneida, California, English so N.Y., hopes to begin that he can to either auditioning teach at the seek for film, college employment commercials level. He in the field and tele- plans to of theater or vision. If I earn the to be a get the Bill Patti degree, student in chance, I’d spend a few years working in New the profes- like to be a York City, and then he hopes to sional Sara Bentley production return to Western New York for a program at the Broadway Dance Adrian Borden assistant so teaching career. Center in New York City. Her I can Ian Tweedie of Lewiston is interests include working on the observe the field. Also, I might be currently applying for master’s stage, in linking up with other NU students in degree programs in directing, television California to do a novice actors’ dramatic and in showcase. My plan is to stay there for writing and cinemato- two years, hopefully save some education. graphy. money, and then move to London to Like his Sarah attend the Royal Academy of friend Bill Orloff of Dramatic Arts or the London Patti, his Bear Lake, Academy of Music and Dramatic goal is to N.Y., hopes Arts. I would get my master’s degree teach at the to use all in acting or musical theater there and college level she’s learned live and work in the West End.” and to work in the theater Cleveland’s Tracy Murawski said, “I in Western program to am going back home to save money. I New York. Sarah Orloff work in may eventually go to graduate school Ian Tweedie children’s theater.

Friends of Niagara University Theatre 11 Niagara University Theater Department Nonprofit Org. P.O. Box 1913 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Niagara University, NY 14109 Niagara University, NY 14109 PERMIT NO. 1

12 Friends of Niagara University Theatre