January 9-19

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LATEST BAVPA ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES

GRACE STUMBERG (2007) Band performs at Remington Tavern & Seafood Exchange, 184 Sweeney St, North Tonawanda, NY November 21 at 6:30PM. For late November and December performance dates, go to https://gracestumberg.com/.

Educator, Saxophonist and Composer JAMES BRANDON LEWIS (2001) performs at Winter JazzFest ( https://www.winterjazzfest.com/tickets- 4 ) January 9-19. Lewis received the ASCAP Foundation Fred Ho Award. The award founded by Ho http://www.jblewis.com/.

Lewis’ CD, An Unruly Manifesto ( https://jamesbrandonlewis.bandcamp.com/releases ), is available for purchase.

Celebrity Make Up Artist SIR JOHN BARNETT(2000) created the Luminess Cosmetics Limited Edition /Disney’s The Lion King Make Up Collection; https://www.luminessbeauty.com/disney/Home.

InsidetheMagic.com/The Lion King related article, Disney’s live-action “The Lion King” finally gets official Disney+ release date ( https://insidethemagic.net/2019/12/disney-live-action-the-lion-king-disney-plus-kc1/), the will be available on Disney+ January 28.

CartoonBrew.com article, Golden Globes Nominees: Disney Dominates, ‘Lion King’ Finally Acknowledged As Animation:https://www.cartoonbrew.com/awards/golden-globes-nominees-disney-dominates-netflix-and-foreign-films- miss-out-183524.html.

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.

Raices presents El Coqui Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom December 6-December 22, Victoria directed the production. For tickets and show times, go to theatre’s link.

BuffaloNews.com/Bottle of Doom article, On stage: A 'Wonderful Life' in Lockport, penguins at TOY and superheroes at Raices: https://buffalonews.com/2019/12/05/on-stage-a-wonderful-life-in-lockport-penguins-at-toy-and-superheroes-at-raices/.

BroadwayWorld.com article, Raíces To Produce The Western New York Premiere Of EL COQUÍ ESPECTACULAR AND THE BOTTLE OF DOOM:https://www.broadwayworld.com/buffalo/article/Races-To-Produce-The-Western-New-York-Premiere-Of-EL-COQU-ESPECTACULAR- AND-THE-BOTTLE-OF-DOOM-20191122/. ______

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 at Curran Theatre in San Francisco, CA:https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/san-francisco/.

DateBook.com/Cursed Child review, Review: Whiz-bang effects of ‘Cursed Child’ zap new life into ‘Harry Potter’ https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/theater/review-whiz-bang-effects-of-cursed-child-zap-new-life-into-harry-potter.

Poitras was the fly automation installer for the Broadway musical, Moulin Rouge at the Al Hirschfield Theatre https://moulinrougemusical.com/.

Playbill.com article, Behind the Design Process of Moulin Rouge! and Beautiful Scenic Designer Derek McLane: http://www.playbill.com/article/behind-the-design-process-of-moulin-rouge-and-beautiful-scenic-designer-derek-mclane.

Broadway.com article, Hadestown, Moulin Rouge!, Ain't Too Proud & More Earn Grammy Nominations. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/197669/hadestown-moulin-rouge-aint-too-proud-more-earn-grammy-nominations/.

Playbill.com article, Austin Durant Fills in for Danny Burstein in Broadway’s Moulin Rouge! Beginning December 10: http://www.playbill.com/article/austin-durant-fills-in-for-danny-burstein-in-broadways-moulin-rouge-beginning-december-10.

Poitras was on the Broadway musical Beautiful:The Carole King Musical (https://beautifulonbroadway.com ) staff at Sondheim Theatre. Beautiful completed their Broadway run October 27 after 2418 shows.

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.

BroadwayWorld.com article, BWW TV: Katharine McPhee Returns! She's Opening Up About Being WAITRESS's Final Jenna: https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay/BWW-TV-Katharine-McPhee-Returns-Shes-Opening-Up-About-Being-Being-WAITRESSs-Final- Jenna-20191123.

Playbill.com article, Pretty as Pie: Spotlighting the Props of Waitress:http://www.playbill.com/article/pretty-as-pie-spotlighting-the-props-of- waitress.

BroadwayWorld.com article, Sara Bareilles and Gavin Creel Will Lead WAITRESS in the West End, UK January 27 to March 7, 2020: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sara-Bareilles-and-Gavin-Creel-Will-Lead-WAITRESS-in-the-West-End-20191104.

Poitras was production carpenter in the Broadway musical comedy The Prom (https://theprommusical.com/ ) closed August 18.

Playbill.com article, 5 Things You Need to Know About Netflix's The Prom Star Jo Ellen Pellman:http://www.playbill.com/article/5-things-you- need-to-know-about-netflixs-the-prom-star-jo-ellen-pellman.

Broadway.com article, Jo Ellen Pellman to Star as Emma in The Prom Film:https://www.broadway.com/buzz/197532/jo-ellen-pellman-to-star- as-emma-in-the-prom-film/?fbclid=IwAR2cH-nebFP6e3C5JlfzqT-dbq6ND96BbNFAhSEBLaun1AvpY5SpP8RNqDA.

BroadwayWorld.com article, VIDEO:James Corden Talks CATS and Starring in Netflix's THE PROM on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-James-Corden-Talks-CATS-and-Starring-in-Netflixs-THE-PROM-on-JIMMY-KIMMEL -LIVE-20191203.

Playbill.com/The Prom related article, DANCE FEATURES:10 Times Broadway Sang About Dance:http://www.playbill.com/article/10-times- broadway-sang-about-dance.

DailyCollegian.com article, ‘The Prom’ lives on with Saundra Mitchell’s young adult novel:https://dailycollegian.com/2019/12/the-prom-lives- on-with-saundra-mitchells-young-adult-novel/.

Poitras was the Head Carpenter of the Broadway musical The Band’s Visit ( https://thebandsvisitmusical.com/ ) at Ethel Barrymore Theatre, the production completed its run April 7, 2019.

Esquire.com article, Tony Shalhoub Was Once Bill Murray's Cab Driver. Now He's America's Favorite Mid-Century Dad:https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a30088431/tony-shalhoub-mrs-maisel-interview/.

Playbill.com article, Janet Dacal Will Join Cast of The Band’s Visit National Tour:http://www.playbill.com/article/janet-dacal-will-join-cast-of- the-bands-visit-national-tour.

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.

JON CESAR (1989) appeared in the comedy romance, film, A Christmas Princess ( https://iontelevision.com/holiday-movie/a-christmas- princess ) now playing on the Ion TV network. Next broadcast, December 23.

BuffaloNews.com/ Princess article, There's a reason East Aurora is so popular with made-for-TV Christmas movie makers: https://buffalonews.com/2019/12/11/east-auroras-small-town-charm-is-a-gift-for-holiday-movies/.

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.

WGRZ-TV Channel 2’s 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.

MovieWeb.com article, The Purge 5 Brings in Will Patton and Cassidy Freeman:https://movieweb.com/the-purge-5-cast-will-patton-cassidy- freeman/.

ComicBook.com/Purge 5 article ( featuring The First Purge film trailer), https://comicbook.com/horror/2019/11/23/the-purge-5-adds-halloween- and-smallville-alums/.

Singer, Multi-instrumentalist, Poet, Songwriter, Activist and Businesswoman ANI DIFRANCO (1987), performs at Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge, CO February 7. For more late January and February concert dates, go to https://www.righteousbabe.com/.

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/.

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.

Playbill.com article, Close-Up On the World of Hadestown, One Hour Before the Audience Arrives:http://www.playbill.com/article/close-up-on- the-world-of-hadestown-one-hour-before-the-audience-arrives.

Playbill.com article, Watch Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney in New Music Video for Hadestown’s ’All I’ve Ever Known’ http://www.playbill.com/article/watch-eva-noblezada-and-reeve-carney-in-new-music-video-for-hadestowns-all-ive-ever-known.

Broadway.com article, Hadestown Celebrates Vinyl Album Release with a Signing Party:https://www.broadway.com/buzz/197888/hadestown- celebrates-vinyl-album-release-with-a-signing-party/?fbclid=IwAR1omtJrmq4-lrDLbiUwrQGPDryc6qRzIzcYs6AZKthtJOfDDpv0iQaM5UM.

Playbill.com article, See Hadestown Celebrate Its 250th Performance and Cast Recording Grammy Nomination November 25: http://www.playbill.com/article/see-hadestown-celebrate-its-250th-performance-and-cast-recording-grammy-nomination.

PunkNews.com review, Ani DiFranco To the Teeth (retro review) (1999) https://www.punknews.org/review/16941/ani-difranco-to-the-teeth- retro-review.

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

DarkHorizons.com article, “Stargirl,” “Crisis,” “Arrow,” “Supergirl” News: https://www.darkhorizons.com/stargirl-crisis-arrow-supergirl- news/.

TVLine.com article, The Flash After Crisis: Has Intrepid Iris Found Trouble? — 2020 First Look:https://tvline.com/2019/12/13/the-flash-season- 6-episode-10-photo-iris-injured-after-crisis/

ComicBook.com article, Kid Flash Wally West Confirmed to Return to The Flash After Crisis:https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/12/14/flash-kid- flash-wally-west-return-crisis-confirmed-after/.

KryptonRadio.com article, TRAILER PARK: THE CW’S ‘STARGIRL’ TRAILER:https://kryptonradio.com/2019/12/11/trailer-park-the-cws-stargirl- trailer/?fbclid=IwAR2exsPsjGhtfDj1LyAk5JLqP0lMZ-nZs0jZE5AtY_9CI2QzlQt2eHZes7s.

Stargirl premieres Spring, 2020 on DC Universe and The CW; the series debuted during the DC/CW Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover:https://www.dcuniverse.com/join/.

Arrow/The Flash related article, With Arrow Gone, What's in Store for CW’s Universe? ( https://screenrant.com/arrowverse-future-after-arrow/)

Arrow will end its 8-year run January 28, 2020. SyFy.com article, ARROW SERIES FINALE TITLE ‘FADEOUT’ REVEALED, FINAL SCRIPT PAGE TEASED: https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/arrow-series-finale-title-fadeout-revealed-final-script-page-teased.

Newsweek.com article, 'CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS' PART 4: WHEN WILL THE ARROWVERSE CROSSOVER RETURN IN 2020? https://www.newsweek.com/crisis-infinite-earths-part-4-release-date-episode-4-arrowverse-crossover-arrow-2020-1476188.

Crisis on Infinite Earths episodes (Arrow, part 4 and Legends of Tomorrow, part 5), airs January 14. Polygon.com article: https://www.polygon.com/tv/2019/12/8/20999110/how-to-watch-crisis-on-infinite-earths-recap-arrowverse-arrow-flash- supergirl-black-lightning.

Dexerto.com article, Twitch streamer stunned after running into Flash actor Jesse Martin:https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/twitch- streamer-stunned-after-running-into-flash-actor-jesse-martin-1286930.

Wired.com article, The CW's Crisis on Infinite Earths Puts a Gen X Headlock on Superhero TV:https://www.wired.com/story/crisis-on-infinite- earths-crossover-watchmen/.

Playbill.com/Rent/BOO!M musical creator Jonathan Larson article, Lin-Manuel Miranda on tick, tick... BOOM- 'It Was the First Musical I Saw That Felt Truly Contemporary'https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lin-Manuel-Miranda-on-tick-tick-BOOM--It-Was-the-First-Musical-I-Saw- That-Felt-Truly-Contemporary-20191120.

Marcus ( pictured second), with the original Moesha cast members.

MARK PAULK (1981) is the father of actor Marcus T. Paulk ( of TV’s Moesha and Red Tails film fame). The UPN ( now The CW), network comedy series that ran from 1996-2001 is returning to the small screen after 19 years. AJC.com article. https://www.ajc.com/entertainment/brandy-confirms-moesha-reboot-the-works/B9P3DaUEAUSi2xEJTF74mM/.

BAVPA ALUMNI (GRADUATION YEARS UNKNOWN) and MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

Tattoo Artist RYAN APONTE is the owner of Energy Art LLC ( https://www.energyartllc.com/ ) in Buffalo, NY.

The Alemaedae Theatre of Dreams CEO PHIL DAVIS attended BAVPA from 5tH-8th grades, 1993-1997. Davis appears and directed Saturday Night LMAO Live Sketch Comedy Show; see posted ad above for more information.

Alemaedae holds bi-monthly acting workshops every 1st and 3rd Saturdays, to register for classes and more information, go to https://www.atpgalaxy.com/.

Children’s book illustrator/Educator and Musician SHANE W. EVANS is featured in the latest publication, Big Papa and the Time Machine ( https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-06-246331-9 ) written by Daniel Bernstrom; the book will be available for purchase January 1.

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/.

Percussionist DAVID "TEASPOON" HULETT performs Ladell McLin and Juni Booth at the Sportsmen Tavern, 326 Amherst Street, Buffalo December 23.

KEN C. SAYRES is the author of the marriage publication, Love is Not Enough But with God: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-is-not-enough-6.

Blues Musician LUCKY PETERSON attended BAVPA 1978-1979. Peterson will be in concert at The Grand Theatre in Albi, FR January 18:https://luckypeterson.com.

BAVPA FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS

KELLY BEUTH is a BAVPA Theatre teacher and Subversive Theatre Collective’s (www.subversivetheatre.org ) co-artistic director. STC presents. Beuth’s also a member of the Brazened Faced Varlets Theatre Company.

Subversive presents Two Afternoons at Kelly's ( MARGO DAVIS appears in the production ), May 16-June 5 and Mercury Fur January 17- February 8. For tickets and show time, go to link.

BFVTC ( http://www.varlets.org/ ) presents The Anastasia Trials in the Court of Women January 17-February 2, 2020; BAVPA alumna JENNIFER ARROYO is in the production. For tickets and show times, go to link.

Actor, Director and Acting Instructor JOSIE DIVINCENZO ( http://www.josiedivincenzo.com/ ) conducts Film and TV acting classes. For more information, see poster or go to link.

SAUL ELKIN is founder of the Jewish Repertory Theatre of WNY (http://jewishrepertorytheatre.com/) and Shakespeare in Delaware Park: http://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/.

Past BuffaloNews.com article, Going backstage - and on stage - at Shakespeare in Delaware Park:https://buffalonews.com/2019/07/09/going- backstage-and-on-stage-at-shakespeare-in-delaware-park/.

JRT presents 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/.

The 2020 JOANN FALLETTA International Guitar Concerto Competition to be held June 3-6, 2020. To enter and for more information, go to http://bpo.org/guitar-competition/.

Application deadline for the guitar competition must be completed and received digitally to the competition coordinator April 1, 2020 at 5PM. Falletta 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.

YourObserver.com article, 'Roman Festivals' takes audience on whirlwind Italian getaway:https://www.yourobserver.com/article/roman- festivals-takes-audience-on-whirlwind-italian-getaway?fbclid=IwAR1RJW8DDGGh26bkl7MOKiwlP-t672ncZQfyIekgPVWl8fKyYPQGuOotXUc.

STEPHEN MCKINLEY HENDERSON portrays Stewart in the upcoming FX ( https://www.fxnetworks.com/ ) science fiction limited series, Devs.

RedCarpet.com article, Coming in 2020: “Devs” a FX production mini-series starring Sonoya Mizuno, Nick Offerman in this new sci-fi thriller mini-series #Trailer #Devs: https://redcarpetreporttv.com/2019/11/29/coming-in-2020-devs-a-fx-production-mini-series-starring-sonoya- mizuno-nick-offerman-in-this-new-sci-fi-thriller-mini-series-trailer-devs/.

LORNA C. HILL's Ujima Theatre (https://www.ujimacoinc.org/ ) presents The Gospel at Colonus, April 17-May 10, 2020; BAVPA Music Teacher KAREN SAXON, Music Director.

DCTheatreScene.com/Gospel article, 1984. A “spiritual happening” when Morgan Freeman preached The Gospel at Colonus at Arena Stage:https://dctheatrescene.com/2019/12/04/1984-a-spiritual-happening-when-morgan-freeman-preached-the-gospel-at-colonus-at-arena- stage/.

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 directed August Wilson’s play Jitney at the Center Theatre Group’s ( https://www.centertheatregroup.org/ ) Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, through December 29.

McClinton pictured with legendary playwright, August Wilsom

Acclaimed theatre director Marion McClinton, who piloted August Wilson's plays to Broadway, passed away November 28. NewYorkTimes.com article, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/28/theater/marion-mcclinton-dead.html.

EurWeb.com article, RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON’S VOW TO PLAYWRIGHT AUGUST WILSON CAME TRUE: ‘JITNEY’ DOES BROADWAY AND THEN SOME:https://eurweb.com/2019/11/20/ruben-santiago-hudsons-vow-to-playwright-august-wilson-came-true-jitney-does-broadway-and- then-some/.

PBS.org video, MARION MCCLINTON:SEASON 4 EPISODE 410:https://www.pbs.org/video/Marion-McClinton-607059H- 1/?fbclid=IwAR3o54BOgHtA8IJo7uaCOPelXCQR3seWFZSYU1R6gu-ehGuF6mF5CY6HwXA.

Irish Classical Theatre’s ( https://irishclassical.com ) Producing Director FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI ( in conjunction with the BPO, JOANN FALLETTA, conductor), presents Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night Dream; the production runs January 17-January 19. For tickets, go to https://bpo.org/event/a-midsummer-nights-dream-in-collaboration-with-irish-classical-theatre/2020-01-17/.

Nominate a present BAVPA Theatre Teacher for the prestigious Tony and Carnegie Mellon University's Excellence in Theatre Education Award. Deadline for all application materials including letters of recommendation is January 6, 2020 at 11:59 EST. For more information, go tohttps://www.tonyawards.com/education-award/?fbclid=IwAR3WWXUkJuPHCAuEPgeodidjxHMLDRE-k_YvC49QUBoky6YWinp1TJ2fRdg.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED

WBPO.org/BAVPA related article, Buffalo students from Congo to Colombia debut professional music video with help of local artists ( https://news.wbfo.org/post/buffalo-students-congo-colombia-debut-professional-music-video-help-local-artists ), the music video, We Came for Love was filmed and edited by BAVPA alumni, CHRISTIAN CASILLAS.

Congratulations BAVPA Cavaliers basketball team winning the Tipoff Tournament November 26!

______

Congratulations go out to BAVPA Senior RAHIM DUNSTON for receiving the Outstanding Youth Award at The Buffalo Urban League Gala held November 25.

BuffaloNews.com article, More busing sought for Buffalo students who walk to school in unsafe areas: https://buffalonews.com/2019/11/18/trek-through-unsafe-neighborhoods-has-city-schools-seeking-more- student-busing/.

RANDI LANGDON (2013), GABRIEL ROBERE (2005) TILKE HILL (1996) RON MANGUM (1988) and MARGO DAVIS appeared in the Comedy drama film, Cold Brook ( https://trilight.ca/ ) directed by Buffalo native, actor William Fichtner; the film is available on V.O.D ( Video on Demand), digital and multiple video platforms.

KAMERON WOOD (2011) was a production assistant for the BET-TV comedy series Twenties. Vice.com article, Watch the Trailer for Lena Waithe's New Coming-of-Age Series, 'Twenties'https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/pa7j88/watch-the-trailer-for-lena-waithes-new-coming-of- age-series-twenties.

Artist JULIAN MONTAGUE (1991) was featured in the 2004 article, Artist Julian Montague | Print Series: Cars of the 1970s https://www.buffalorising.com/2014/11/artist-julian-montague-print-series-cars-of-the-1970s/.

NewYorkUpstate.com story featured Sato Restaurant & Brewpub ( https://www.satorestaurantgroup.com/sato-ramen ) owners SATOMI and JOSH SMITH ( 1996) https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo/2017/11/sato_brewpub_japanese_food_belgian_beer_and_buffalo_flavor.html.

BuffaloSpree.com/Sato related article, Brews news:From the established to the shiny new, local brewers pint us in the right direction: http://www.buffalospree.com/Blogs/Drink/Annual-2019/Brews-news/.

WIVB.com news report featuring BAVPA alumna/ Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s ( https://preservationbuffaloniagara.org/ ) Executive Director JESSIE FISHER talking about protecting the buildings on Michigan Street in the African American Heritage’s Corridor: https://www.wivb.com/news/local-leaders-and-preservationists-focus-in-on-michigan-avenue-corridor-for-preservation/

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/.

BAVPA MUSICAL FLASHBACKS & FUTURE MAJOR MEDIA PRODUCTION NEWS

BAVPA staged the Kenny Award winning musical West Side Story in 2016; the original BAVPA production performed at the former Pfeifer Theatre in Buffalo’s Theatre District in 1999. BAVPA MATTHEW WILSON (who portrayed Jean Valjean in Les Misérables), represented WNY at the 2019 Jimmy Awards held in NYC.

BAVPA staged West Side Story at the Pfeifer Theatre in 1999.

Legendary Broadway theatre producer and director Harold Prince who co-produced the original Damn Yankees and West Side Story musicals, passed away July 31 at age 91. Prince’s exhibit is on display at the NYPL (New York Public Library) ( https://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/company-harold-prince-broadway-producer-director-collaborator ) now through March 31, 2020.

West Side Story’s Rita Moreno celebrated her 88th birthday December 11. People.com article, https://people.com/tv/seeher-story-rita-moreno- episode-10/.

Erie Philharmonic Orchestra presents music from Our Town (see BAVPA Our Town production news below ) and West Side Story January 18: http://eriephil.org/visiterie#westsidestory.

BroadwayWorld.com/article, Meet the Cast of WEST SIDE STORY - Now in Previews on Broadway! https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Meet-the-Cast-of-WEST-SIDE-STORY-Now-in-Previews-on- Broadway-20191210.

TeenVogue.com article, Maddie Ziegler on Her “West Side Story” Role:https://www.teenvogue.com/story/maddie-ziegler-west-side-story- role?fbclid=IwAR08onE5DtdKHGyFl6FE0QkbcdVX2qhNKEegoo2Us2Jg4jNGo1d95fEPBJI.

West Side Story Broadway revival is onstage at the Broadway Theatre in previews and opens February 6.

Playbill.com article, What Does West Side Story Look Like With New Choreography? http://www.playbill.com/article/what-does-west-side- story-look-like-with-new-choreography.

Slate.com/West Side Story related podcast, Studio 360 With Kurt Andersen: https://slate.com/podcasts/studio-360-with-kurt- andersen/2019/11/new-york-icons-west-side-story.

BroadwayWorld.com article, VIDEO: Watch the Cast of Broadway-Bound WEST SIDE STORY in Rehearsals! https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Watch-the-Cast-of-Broadway-Bound-WEST-SIDE-STORY-in- Rehearsals-20191202.

Vogue.com article, How Ivo Van Hove Remixed West Side Story for the 21st Century:https://www.vogue.com/article/west-side-story- broadway-ivo-van-hove.

ClassicMovieHub.com article, Classic Conversations: Two Award-Winning Costume Designers Re-Imagine ‘Rebecca’ and ‘West Side Story’: http://www.classicmoviehub.com/blog/classic-conversations-two-award-winning-costume-designers-re-imagine-rebecca-and-west-side- story/?fbclid=IwAR3deCO3EQF0FmdVY0lxDXS0gxqoAhZz2iiYjeIpfzTfE0hV2FdIlYA4rn0.

Vanity Fair article, Retro Gifts for Lovers of Nostalgia:https://www.vanityfair.com/style/photos/2019/11/gifts-for-west-side-story-fans.

BroadwayWorld.com article, WEST SIDE STORY Revival WEST SIDE STORY Revival Will Not Include 'I Feel Pretty' and the 'Somewhere' Ballet:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/WEST-SIDE-STORY-Revival-Will-Not-Include-I-Feel-Pretty-and-the-Somewhere-Ballet-20191109.

The West Side Story Broadway revival ( http://shubert.nyc/theatres/broadway/ ) opens February 6, 2020.

Playbill.com article, Guggenheim’s Spring 2020 Works & Process Series to Preview Revivals of West Side Story and Company, Intimate Apparel Opera, More: http://www.playbill.com/article/guggenheims-spring-2020-works-process-series-to-preview-revivals-of-west-side-story- and-company-intimate-apparel-opera-more.

BAVPA and Upstage New York co-produced Damn Yankees for the Artpark stage May 20-24,1987 in Lewiston, NY. The show was directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI and featured BAVPA students and faculty that included STEVEN GLASSMAN, EDSON GIFFORD III, RUSSELL LINK, CLAUDIA MARSCHALL, and the late ALLENE BUCKLEY. One of the lead roles; Mr. Applegate, was played by JESSE L. MARTIN, (1987).

Broadway.com article, Moulin Rouge! Triple Threat Robyn Hurder on Damn Yankees Dreams, Working at the 'Broadway Bakery' & More on Show People:https://www.broadway.com/buzz/197300/moulin-rouge-triple-threat-robyn-hurder-on-damn-yankees-dreams-working-at-the- broadway-bakery-more-on-show-people/.

Martin pictured with Bykowicz in Our Town’s night scene

BAVPA presented Thorton Wilder’s classic drama play, Our Town in 1984; the production featured the late DAVID FENDERICK as the Narrator, JESSEL. MARTIN (1987) as George Gibbs, TINA “CHRISTINA” WALKER-BYKOWICZ (1985) as Emily Webb and numerous BAVPA alumni.

Our Town’s graveyard scene

Runaways musical directed and composer ELIZABETH SWADOS and Paul Schmidt created the 1984 musical, The Beautiful Lady, the musical will be staged at NYC’s La MaMa ( http://lamama.org/ ) April-May, 2020. TheatreMania.com article https://www.theatermania.com/off-broadway/news/elizabeth-swadoss-the-beautiful-lady-to-receive-_89548.html.

Swados won an Obie Award for Best Director. Wikipedia.org Runaways page:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaways_(musical).

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.

UPCOMING BAVPA EVENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

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

TINA “CHRISTINA” WALKER-BYKOWICZ (1985), Nursery School and Elementary School Educator

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

JAMES.KREATE (Unknown), Furniture and Arts and Crafts Store

DAVE RIFFLE (Unknown), BAVPA Media Communication Arts Teacher

DR. TARYN SPENCER, M.D. (Unknown), UB Medical Instructor, Internal Medicine/Preventive Medicine

ELIZABETH YOUNG (Unknown), President/Creative Director at Studio LLC

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

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

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).”