NOVEMBER 2018 If you would like to unsubscribe the BAVPA newsletter, please contact RON MANGUM ( [email protected]) or RUSSELL LINK at ([email protected]). This letter is a great way to keep everyone informed about what’s happening in our lives; please help us to keep it going.

LATEST BAVPA ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES

The BAVPA Beacon is sad to report the passing of BAVPA alumni, ARTHUR CLARK (2000). The BAVPA alumni, staff, faculty and friends offer our condolences to the CLARK family and you are in our prayers.

RANDI LANGDON (2013), TILKE HILL (1996) RON MANGUM (1988), GABRIEL ROBERE ( graduation year, unknown) and MARGO DAVIS appeared in the film Cold Brook directed by Buffalo native, actor William Fichtner. Cold Brook will be screened at the NAPA Valley Film Festival ( https://www.nvff.org/ ) in Napa County, CA November 7-November 11. For tickets, go to link.

Fichtner won the Woodstock Film Festival's The Carpe Diem Andretta Award for Best Director for Cold Brook at Woodstock Film Festival ( http://woodstockfilmfestival.org/ ) held October 10-October 14 in Woodstock, NY. RecordOnline.com photo gallery of the festival, https://www.recordonline.com/photogallery/TH/20181015/PHOTOGALLERY/101509998/PH/1. Cold Brook official website: https://trilight.ca/.

WBFO.org interview with Buffalo Film commissioner Tim Clark talking about Cold Brook making the film festival rounds: http://news.wbfo.org/post/press-pass-fichtners-cold-brook-making-festival-rounds.

Gospel Singer/Entertainer ALEXIS SPIGHT (2011) performs at KBWC Blue Jays Young Adult Ministries’ ( http://www.kblivelearngrow.org/) D.R.I.P. ( Destined for Righteousness Ignited with Purpose Conference 2018) in Pomona Beach, FL September 27-Sepetmber 28. For tickets ($40.00 VIP, $25.00 General Admission) go to church’s link: http://alexisspight.com/ .

KAMERON WOOD (2011) is a production assistant on the ABC-TV's Grey’s Anatomy firefighter spinoff series, Station 19. The show ( https://abc.go.com/shows/station-19 ), reached an all-time high in ratings while several series on competing networks are suffering major ratings losses. TVBytheNumbers.com article, https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tv-ratings-thursday-oct-11-2018/.

Educator, Saxophonist and Composer JAMES BRANDON LEWIS’ (2001), will release his latest album titled An Unruly Manifesto February, 2019. His trio will play concerts at the Ear Shot Jazz Festival/(https://www.earshot.org/ ) in Seattle, WA October 24 and Jazz Jamboree in Warsaw, PL October 28. Radiant Imprints (http://off-recordlabel.blogspot.be/)is now available for purchase on Off Label Records: http://www.jblewis.com.

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. RTC presents Barceló on the Rocks, November 30-December 16. For tickets and show times, go to link.

Smirna appears in O’Connell & Company's (http://oconnellandcompany.com/site/) Little Shop of Horrors at Park School of Buffalo through October 28. For tickets and show times, go to link. BuffaloNews.com review: https://buffalonews.com/2018/10/05/weird-and-delightful- oconnell-companys-little-shop-of-horrors-entertains/.

Victoria and Vitrano ( see below for bio), will conduct TOY ( http://www.theatreofyouth.org/fall-workshops ) acting workshops for K-12 students in November To register, go to link.

JOSHUA P. SMITH, PHD (1996), owner of Sato’s (https://www.satorestaurantgroup.com/ ) Restaurant and Brew Pub and Satomi Smith will compete in the 2018 Iron Event ( https://theironevent.org/ ) best-bite fundraiser/competitions at Buffalo Riverworks October 28. For tickets and information, go to link.

Fashion Designer BRADON MCDONALD (1993) will create costumes for the Utah Opera (http://www.utahopera.org/ ) Vincenzo Bellini’s opera, Norma to be semi-staged at Abravanel Hall in May 2019 while the Capitol Theatre undergoes renovations. SaltLakemagazine.com article. https://www.saltlakemagazine.com/fall-love-opera-utah-operas-stunning-2018-19-line/.

BJ LYONS (1994) is the lead actor in the Birdhome Productions’ government conspiracy film, The Sky is a Lie; the movie will have its world premiere at the Aurora Theatre and Popcorn Shop November 18 at 8:30PM and Dipson Amherst Theatre, 3500 Main Street, Buffalo November 19 at 7PM. For tickets, go to https://www.theskyisalie.com. A third screening of the film will be held at the Row House Cinema ( http://rowhousecinema.com/ ) in Pittsburgh, PA December 6 at 7PM.

SCOTT “GUS” POITRAS (1992) is a production carpenter in the new Broadway musical comedy, The Prom ( https://theprommusical.com/ ) opening in previews October 23; Poitras will return to his Head Carpenter position at The Bands Visit. Playbill.com article about the production:http://www.playbill.com/article/see-the-cast-and-creative-team-of-the-prom-meet-the-press.

BroadwayWorld.com article, Listen Up! New Musical Comedy The Prom Announces Original Broadway Cast Recording: (https://www.broadway.com/buzz/193742/listen-up-new-musical-comedy-the-prom-announces-original-broadway-cast- recording/?fbclid=IwAR32Z82hCytGBdRpCV6_LI1pNTC65GIMk1cz5_1MapdGaREUeX7r0Usn_-o .

BroadwayWorld.com article, BWW TV: What's THE PROM All About? The Broadway Cast Explains! video: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-TV-Whats-THE-PROM-All-About-The-Broadway-Cast-Explains-20181008.

Poitras is the Head Carpenter of the Broadway musical, The Band’s Visit on stage now at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (http://thebandsvisitmusical.com) and Beautiful:The Carole King Musical production staff at Broadway’s Sondheim Theatre. Official website:http://beautifulonbroadway.com/?gclid=CK2S6ryL_rsCFcFj7AodFnEAXQ.

Vulture.com article, How Broadway’s Tiny Musical Made Its Big Song The story behind The Band’s Visit’s Omar Sharif: http://www.vulture.com/2018/05/the-making-of-the-bands-visits-omar-sharif-song.html.

TheJewishNews.com article, Why Tony-Winning Musical The Band’s Visit Is Just That Important:https://thejewishnews.com/2018/09/24/why- tony-winning-musical-the-bands-visit-is-just-that-important/.

Playbill.com/The Band’s Visit related article, How Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Red Buckets First Began: http://www.playbill.com/article/how-broadway-cares-equity-fights-aids-red-buckets-first-began.

The Band's Visit, Beautiful and several Broadway musicals will distribute $20.00 tickets to NYC Sophomore students; sponsored by The League’s Broadway Bridges initiative, presented with support from the New York City Department of Education and United Federation of Teachers. The purpose of the program is to introduce students to the theatre and expose them the importance of the performing arts. Playbill.com article:http://www.playbill.com/article/the-broadway-league-aims-to-get-every-nyc-high-school-sophomore-to-a-broadway-show.

Playbill.com article, 9 Broadway Shows Where the Actors Were Also Their Own Orchestra:http://www.playbill.com/article/9-plays-and- musicals-that-used-actors-as-onstage-musicians.

BroadwayWorld.com article, Industry Insider VIDEO: Broadway Inspirational Voices Shares Their Take on THE BAND'S VISIT Anthem Answer Me: https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay/VIDEO-Broadway-Inspirational-Voices-Shares-Their-Take-on-THE-BANDS-VISIT-Anthem- Answer-Me-20181001.

Poitras is the Advance Flyman on Sara Bareilles’ penned musical, Waitress (http://waitressthemusical.com/ ) on Broadway at Brooks Atkinson Theater, NBC-TV’s Smash alumni Katharine McPhee currently stars and JESSE L. MARTIN (1988), portrayed Artistic Director Scott Welker in the series.

Waitress is a musical tribute to the late Waitress film director, Adrienne Shelly; the 2007 independent film of the same name starring former CW-TV star Keri Russell was the inspiration to the musical. BBC.com article: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-45645653.

Nicolette Robinson stars in the Broadway hit musical, Waitress; Robinson will be on stage through November 18. Forbes.com article about casting Robinson in Waitress (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jerylbrunner/2018/09/23/the-journey-to-broadway-with-waitress-star-nicolette- robinson/#20a008e03d3a.)

Waitress related news, NBC’s Today show meteorologist Al Roker ( who joined the cast in October ), extended his run through November 18. Playbill.com article:http://www.playbill.com/article/nicolette-robinson-and-al-roker-extend-runs-in-broadways-waitress.

Broadway star Joanna Ampil ( Miss Saigon, left) to play Jenna in the Waitress Philippines tour. ManilaStandard.net article: http://manilastandard.net/showbitz/music-concerts/274687/joanna-ampil-is-jenna-in-waitress-.html.

Waitress and Smash alumna Katharine McPhee to launch fall concert tour. Playbill.com article: http://www.playbill.com/article/smash-and- waitress-star-katharine-mcphee-will-launch-fall-concert-tour.

Playbill.com article, Waitress Alum Matt DeAngelis and Jessie Shelton to Join Sara Bareilles Musical's National Tour: http://www.playbill.com/article/waitress-alum-matt-deangelis-and-jessie-shelton-to-join-sara-bareilles-musicals-national-tour.

Poitras is on the production staff of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical running at Broadway’s Sondheim Theatre. https://beautifulonbroadway.com/?gclid=CK2S6ryL_rsCFcFj7AodFnEAXQ.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical cast performed a medley on NBC-TV’s America's Got Talent August 30. YouTube.com video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMK0hU7xEt8.

Beautiful musical alum Chilina Kennedy to appear in A Sign of the Times, a new musical featuring the songs of Petula Clark and multiple hit- makers of the 1960s as part of Delaware Theater Company's (https://www.delawaretheatre.org/ ) 40th anniversary season November 28 - December 23.

Beautiful:The Carole King Musical, The Band's Visit and several other Broadway musical stars to perform free concerts at 92nd Y Street Fest ( https://www.92y.org/ ) in NYC September 30. Playbill.com article: http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-stars-to-perform-free-concerts-at- 92nd-y-street-fest-september-30.

Special announcement, the 73rd annual Tony Awards will take place at Radio City Music Hall Sunday, June 9, 2019. The ceremony, which honors theater professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, will once again air on CBS. Deadline.com article: https://deadline.com/2018/10/broadway-tony-awards-broadcast-date-venue-1202485262/. ______

JON CESAR (1989) and retired BAVPA Theatre/ Ujima Theatre (http://www.ujimacoinc.org/ ) founder LORNA HILL to appear in Pulitzer Prize winning playwright August Wilson’s King Hedley II at the African American Cultural Center’s Paul Robeson Theatre (http://www.aaccbuffalo.org/paul-robeson-theatre- ) November 9-December 2.

The AACC PAUL ROBESON Theatre will hold its August Wilson Monologue (Buffalo) competition February 9, 2019 at Buffalo State College. For information about the contest, go to (http://www.aaccbuffalo.org/awmc), deadline January 14, 2019.

Tony Award-winning actor Roger Robinson, best known for his work in August Wilson’s plays, passed away September 26. Robinson performed in Wilson’s Seven Guitars on Broadway in 1996 in which he garnered him a Tony nomination and won in 2006 Tony for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. NYTimes.com article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/05/obituaries/roger-robinson-dead.html.

August Wilson related news, actor Wali Jamal made theatre history by appearing in all 10 August Wilson plays. Post-Gazette.com article (http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2018/09/02/Pittsburgh-actor-Wali-Jamal-makes-history-by-performing-all-of-August-Wilson-s- works/stories/201809010115 ) and interview with Jamal talking about his August Wilson-based one-man autobiographical play, How Learned What I Learned:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9UpN0vYagg.

Cesar returned for a third season of the law enforcement parody web series, Dark Justice:http://www.darkjusticeshow.com.

Cesar appeared in the 2017 horror film Johnny Gruesome; the movie will be available on DVD January 1, 2019. Buffalo News article about Goo Goo Dolls member Rob Takac releasing his song Dyin’ Tonight as part of Johnny Gruesome’s soundtrack: https://buffalonews.com/2018/10/11/robby-takac-releases-single-made-for-johnny-gruesome-soundtrack/.

Cesar appeared in the Alemaedae Theatre Founder PHIL DAVIS’ domestic violence drama series, Daddy's Girl Club. The show (https://contactatpgalaxy.wixsite.com/daddysgirlclubtv) airs exclusively on SkoVu (https://www.skovutv.com/ ) and Netflix fall, 2018. Cesar appeared in the urban drama movie series, Pure. The series can be ordered at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Pure-movie-Fonz- Carter/dp/B0794B152Y.

Paterson in Buffalo photo; Paterson’s composition, Dark Mountains was performed by the BPO as part of their season opener October 13. Buffalo News review: https://buffalonews.com/2018/10/12/historic-violin-intense-virtuoso-add-fire-to-bpo-concert/.

Composer/Educator ROBERT PATERSON (1988), will be composer-in-residence with the Charles Ives Concert Series (http://danburymusiccentre.org/charles-ives-concert- series/), the residency will culminate in performances of selected chamber works throughout the season.

Paterson will be featured guest composer at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music (https://music.indiana.edu/ ) October 22. Paterson will conduct lectures and lessons during his tenure Ghost Theater and Closet Full of Demons to be performed by the IU New Music Ensemble October 25.

Opera CNU at Christopher Newport University ( http://cnu.edu/ ),will perform Paterson’s The Whole Truth, A Chamber Opera in Seven Scenes, with a libretto by Mark Campbell, and based on a short story by Stephen McCauley November 9.

LISA VITRANO (1988) performed in the Buffalo 48 Hour Film Festival (http://www.48hourfilm.com/buffalo-ny ), science fiction drama short, Summer Lost; the film won 6 awards ( Vitrano for Best Actress) at the awards ceremony held at Shea’s Smith Theatre September 12. Summer Lost will represent Buffalo against other 48 Hour national and international film winners at Filmapalooza in Florida March, 2019. Buffalo News article ( https://buffalonews.com/2018/09/13/gallery11271/) about the Buffalo’s 48 Hour Film Festival Awards ceremony.

Singer, Multi-instrumentalist, Poet, Songwriter, Activist and Businesswoman ANI DIFRANCO’s (1987) will appear at the Guitar Mash 7th Annual Urban Campfire City at Winery, 155 Varick Street, New York NY (special event, non-concert), November12. For tickets, go to:https://www.righteousbabe.com/.

DifFranco performed on the Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown concept album (available now on Righteous Babe’s record label). The musical will be in previews at the National's Olivier Theatre (https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/your-visit/national-theatre-venues/olivier-theatre) in London, UK November 2-January 26, 2019 and will make its debut on Broadway sometime in 2019. BlouiartInfo.com article, http://uk.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/3224665/hadestown-at-national-theatre-london.

Music.MXDWN.com photos from BabeFest that was held in Brooklyn early October:https://music.mxdwn.com/2018/10/16/reviews/photos- babefest-2018-featuring-ani-difranco-torres-and-amy-leon/.

Pictured, actors Grant Gustin/ and Jessica Parker Kennedy/XS.

JESSE L. MARTIN (1987) portrays Detective Joe West on the CW-TV (http://www.cwtv.com/) superhero series, The Flash. Check out other Martin related news below.

THE FLASH, RENT, SMASH/BOMBSHELL, THE LETTER CARRIER, SEXUAL HEALING FILM AND LAW & ORDER NEWS

The Flash // 3-night crossover epic is titled Elseworlds airing December 9, December 10 and December 11.

DigitalSpy.com article, The Flash season 6: Release date, cast, plot and everything you need to know: http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the- flash/feature/a868435/the-flash-season-6-release-date-cast-plot-trailer/.

The Flash: The Secret Files of book goes on sale November 6. CBR.com article:https://www.cbr.com/preview-the-flash-the-secret- files-of-barry-allen/.

CareerMatt.com article, The Flash 100th episode spoilers: Will familiar faces return? https://cartermatt.com/329534/the-flash-100th-episode- spoilers-will-familiar-faces-return/.

TVGuide.com article, Everything We Know About the "Elseworlds" Crossover:https://www.tvguide.com/news/arrowverse- crossover-2018-everything-we-know/.

Newsweek.com article, ALL THE WAYS ‘THE FLASH’ SEASON 5 HAS REFERENCED ‘CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS’ SO FAR:https://www.newsweek.com/flash-season-5-crisis-infinite-earths-newspaper-2049-text-1163049.

The Icicle Cometh episode airs in November, broadcast date November 13. Newsweek.com article: https://www.newsweek.com/flash-season- 5-episode-titles-spoilers-predictions-1081796.

The All Doll’d Up episode 6 will feature former America Got Talent’s contortionist Troy James ( https://www.tvinsider.com/711673/troy-james- the-flash-rag-doll-peter-merkel/ ) as supervillain . Air date, November 6.

News Flash episode 7 synopsis ( https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/10/13/the-flash-news-flash-synopsis-revealed/airing ) Air date, October 30.

Flash’s The Death of Vibe article (https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/999675/The-Flash-season-5-spoilers-Is-Cisco-dead-Vibe- Carlos-Valdes-Candice-Patton-instagam ) The Death of Vibe episode photos: https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/10/16/flash-death-of-vibe- photos-cw/. Air date, October 24.

EconoTimes.com article about the possibility of King Shark & Grodd being in the same episode:https://www.econotimes.com/The-Flash- Season-5-Air-Date-Spoilers-King-Shark-Grodd-Will-Hopefully-be-on-Same-Episode-Says-Showrunner-1437749.

Rent national tour rolls into Shea’s Performing Arts Theatre (https://www.sheas.org/ ) March 26-31, 2019. For tickets and show times, go to link.

Playbill.com interview, Broadway’s Idina Menzel Shares Rent Memories and This Exclusive Live Recording of No Day But Today: http://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-idina-menzel-shares-rent-memories-and-this-exclusive-live-recording-of-no-day-but-today .

Hannahlei Cabanilla wins So You Think You Can Dance season 15 competition. Cabanilla will appear in Fox-TV's Rent:Live musical in 2019:

TheStageU.co.UK article, Mark Shenton’s top 50 musical theatre songs: 30 to 21 (https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2018/mark-shentons- top-50-musical-theatre-songs-30-to-21/), Rent’s Season of Love was ranked #30.

Rent related news, In The Heights’/Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda to direct Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick…Boom! film. Variety.com article: https://variety.com/2018/film/news/warner-bros-lin-manuel-miranda-in-the-heights-2020-release-1202836105/.

**SEEKING ACTORS/SINGERS/DANCERS **

In the Heights:The Motion Picture casting call, directed by Hamilton musical creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

How to audition for the In the Heights motion picture ( https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Atencin-Wanna-Be-in-the-IN-THE-HEIGHTS- Film-Lin-Manuel-Miranda-Launches-Digital-Casting-Call-20181011. Digital casting call information ( www.intheheightsmoviecasting.com ), deadline for submission November 7; For more information, email [email protected] .

QZ.zom article, LAW & ORDER IS AN INDESTRUCTIBLE MONOLITH THAT WILL OUTLIVE US ALL:https://qz.com/quartzy/1379708/law-and- order-hate-crimes-is-up-next-for-dick-wolfs-long-running-tv-series/.

Check out Producer Dick Wolf’s Law & Order franchise spinoff series, FBI Tuesday nights at 9PM on the CBS-TV network https://www.cbs.com/shows/fbi/.

Smash/Bombshell related article, Bob Greenblatt Saved NBC. Now What? The TV exec opens up about the Peacock’s dark days, what else he’d love to reboot, and the streaming future: http://www.vulture.com/2018/09/bob-greenblatt-saved-nbc-now-what.html.

TVLine.com article about for First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton being a huge fan of the Smash series:https://tvline.com/2018/10/05/hillary- clinton-smash-madam-secretary-season-5-premiere/.

Smash/Bombshell related article, Exclusive: Brian d’Arcy James would be up for a Smash revival. FlickeringMyth.com interview:https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/04/exclusive-brian-darcy-james-smash-revival/.

Blues Guitarist/Educator JOSEPH MICHAEL MAHFOUD (1984) portrayed the lead role of Conrad Birdie in the BAVPA 1985 production. Bye Bye Birdie.Bye Birdie, directed by CLAUDIA MARSCHALL featured JESSE L. MARTIN (1987), played Albert Peterson (Conrad’s record company president and informally his agent); GINA DORMER (1986) played Rosie, Peterson’s secretary (and girlfriend); JAMES WALKER (1987) portrayed Mr.McAfee; DENA MURRAY played Mrs. McAfee; CRYSTAL SYMS (1985) played Kim McAfee, JAY INGERSON (1987) played Randolph McAffee; the late KENNETH DOYLE (1987) played Hugo ( Kims’ boyfriend) and numerous BAVPA alumni .

TheStageUk.co.UK article, Mark Shenton’s top 50 musical theatre songs: 30 to 21 (https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2018/mark-shentons- top-50-musical-theatre-songs-30-to-21/), Bye Bye Birdie’s A Lot of Livin’ to Do ranked #23.

Singer, Dancer & Actor Jennifer Lopez ( Co-Producer and Director), brings Bye Bye Birdie Live! to air on NBC December, 2019.

Original Bye Bye Birdie film star Ann-Margret to join Syfy Channel's (https://www.syfy.com/happy/episodes) black fantasy comedy series, Happy! NewsaRama.com article: https://www.newsarama.com/42082-ann-margret-cast-in-syfy-s-happy-report.html.

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LISA JOHNSON (1983) husband Tim Johnson, is Executive Producer of the rock documentary film Rumble, the Indians Who Rocked the World. The film will be screened at Burchfield Penney Arts Center, October 25 at 7PM; free admission. After the screening, Tim and Lisa will conduct a Q&A session.

Rumble, the Indians Who Rocked the World won the Sundance Film Festival Award for Best Documentary, Canadian Screen Awards for Best Documentary, Best Cinematography and Best Editing and winner of Hot Docs in Toronto for best Documentary and multiple national film and international awards.

Blues Musician LUCKY PETERSON (pictured far left), attended BAVPA 1978-1979. Peterson performs at Daryl's House (https://www.darylshouseclub.com/ ), home to one half of Pop/RB music legends Hall & Oates Darryl Hall in Pawling, NY November 7. Lucky’s official website:http://www.luckypeterson.com.

BAVPA ALUMNI (GRADUATION YEARS UNKNOWN) and MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

Congratulations go out BAVPA Music alumna BLAISE MERANDA- MERCEDES being selected for American Idol's second round auditions! BuffaloNews.com article:https://buffalonews.com/2018/09/27/deeply-talented-buffalo-singer-makes-it-through-the-first-round-of- american-idol-auditions/.

A second Buffalo singer, Jairo Sanchez made it to the second round audition; season 17 of AI (https://abc.go.com/shows/american-idol ) premieres May 4, 2019. WKBW-TV Channel 7 report:https://www.wkbw.com/news/american-idol-comes-to-buffalo.

Author AA LEWIS wrote the Buffalo-Based 90’s urban trilogy novel, The 716 Love & Consequences; to purchase the book, go to https://dspublishing.net/.

Proud star Ossie with the real Lorenzo DuFau, original USS Mason crew member Gordon Buchanan and Actor Erik LaRay Harvey (who portrayed Kevin /James ) in the film.

Poet Slam Artist/Actor BRANDON WILLIAMSON (Pure Ink Poetry founder, http://www.pureinkpoetry.com/ ) and RON MANGUM (1988) appeared in 2004 WWII biopic Proud (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5RlEGyxnzY the film was about the only predominately Black/African American destroyer (USS Mason DE-529), that fought in WWII. The film directed by Mary Pat Kelly, produced by Tommy Hilfiger Entertainment starred Ossie Davis ( who portrayed the older Lorenzo DuFau), Denise Nicholas, Stephen Rhea, Aidan Quinn and Rashida Jones. Proud was Davis’ last film before he passed away February 5, 2005.

THE OSSIE DAVIS LEGACY AWARD SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

In honor of Ossie Davis 100th birthday, the United Negro College Fund created The Ossie Davis Legacy Award Scholarship to honor the legacy of Mr. Ossie Davis who was a well-read thinker, communicator, humorist and humanist who influenced society and cared deeply about the world, the people, and his family. For more information, go to https://scholarships.uncf.org/Program/Details/186ed0c7-3519-4c78- adf8-264255d9a3f8. Deadline for application, October 26. To learn more about Ossie Davis, visit https://ossieandruby.com/home/.

TheGrio.com article, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee’s children partner with UNCF for $10,000 scholarship:https://thegrio.com/2018/10/03/ossie- davis-and-ruby-dees-children-partner-with-uncf-for-10000-scholarship/.

Road Less Traveled Productions will open its 2018-2019 season with the film industry satire, Speed the Plow October 26-November 18. BAVPA alumna VICTORIA PEREZ (1996), LISA VITRANO (1988) and other BAVPA alumni has performed or directed past RLTP’s shows. BroadwayWorld.com article: https://www.broadwayworld.com/buffalo/article/RLTP-Opens-Its-New-Home-At-456-Main-Street-With-Tony- Award-Nominated-SPEED-THE-PLOW-20180925.

BAVPA FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS

KELLY BEUTH is a Theatre instructor at BAVPA and Subversive Theatre’s (www.subversivetheatre.org ) Co-Artistic Director. Subversive Theatre presents Mother Jones in Heaven (and hell) October 25-November 17. For tickets and show times, go to link.

Beuth’s also a member of the Brazened Faced Varlets Theatre Company (http://www.varlets.org/home.html ) Brazened Faced presents The Taming now through November 11. For tickets and information, go to link.

Former BAVPA Teacher, Film producer and Local Anti-Pollution Activist, JOSEPH DIPASQUALE, is challenging Michael Norris for the 144th Assembly District seat. Candidates for the 144th District will debate the issues the Community Room of the Lockport Public Library, 23 East Avenue, Lockport October 24 from 6:45PM-7:45PM. BuffaloNews.com ( https://buffalonews.com/2018/10/16/mayoral-assembly-debates- scheduled-in-lockport/ ) and TheDailyNewsOnline.com articles, http://www.thedailynewsonline.com/bdn01/orleans-democrats-meet-in- bullard-park-20180710. General election date, November 6.

SAUL ELKIN is an actor, director and founder of the Jewish Repertory Theatre of WNY (http://jewishrepertorytheatre.com/) and Shakespeare in Delaware Park, http://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/. JRT presents the comedy-drama, The Strudel Lady on stage through October 28. BuffaloNews.com review: https://buffalonews.com/2018/10/10/jrts-strudel-lady-lays-on-sweetness-without-much-depth/.

SANDRA LEE FOLEY-HITCHCOCK is the creator of The BAVPA Beacon’s newsletter header and BAVPA Class of 2016 logo and designs graphics and websites. Hitchcock designed the 40 Years Strong logo in celebration of the school’s 40th anniversary using the original school colors; for more information about Hitchcock’s work, go to www.warandra- productions.com/Website_ Hosting_and_Design.html.

RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON joins OWN’s (Oprah Winfrey Network, http://www.oprah.com/app/own-tv.html ), new series David Makes Man. OrlandoSentinel.com article:http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv/tv-guy/os-et-orlando-own-series-adds-ruben-santiago-hudson- 20180827-story.html.

RUSSELL LINK and RON MANGUM (1988) appeared in the 2014 independent film, The David Dance (http://www.thedaviddance.com/ ), the movie is now available for viewing on Vimeo:https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thedaviddance/244773830.

Celebrating its 10th season, PEACE OF THE CITY’S presents Shakespeare Comes to the 716 production, The Taming of Shrew. Performances will take place at the refurbished School #77 this fall; dates TBD. WKBW.com news story: https://www.wkbw.com/news/the-now/young- actors-put-new-spin-on-shakespeare.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED

BAVPA along with several other WNY high schools performed in the Starring Buffalo musical, The Hunchback of Norte Dame at Buffalo State College Performing Arts Center (Rockwell Hall), October 19 and October 20. BuffaloNews.com article about Hunchback production: https://buffalonews.com/2018/10/16/from-broadway-to-buffalo-a-different-kind-of-high-school-musical-from-starring-buffalo/.

WBLK-Power 93.7 interviewed several BAVPA freshman students on Teen Talk ( http://wblk.com/teen-talk-featuring-students-from-bavpa-and- ball-greezy/) podcast September 29. Teen Talk’s host MICHELLE VISA discussed transitioning into high school, relationships with teachers, making new friends, and other topics.

Folk Singer/Musician/Activist GRACE STUMBERG (2007) has performed with American Folk Singing Icon, Songwriter, Musician, and Activist Joan Baez in numerous concerts in the States and internationally. Stumberg performed with Baez at their farewell (from touring) concerts at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, NYCSeptember 23. NewYorkTimes.com article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/23/arts/music/paul- simon-joan-baez-farewell-shows.html.

Actor LASHAWN BANKS (1994) appeared in the 2017 romantic comedy film, Surprise Me! http://surprisemethemovie.com/the-film/.

Visual Artists VINNY ALEJANDRO (1992) and Don Keller created a Buffalo Bills helmet mural outside New Era Field across from the stadium’s scoreboard.

Renowned Soprano opera singer/activist JULIA BULLOCK held a master class and performed for BAVPA students October 15; Bullock’s the 2018 Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Met Live Arts ( https://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/met-live-arts series’ artist-in residence.

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BAVPA Visual Art major/ Artist VALENTINO DIXON spent 27 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, visited private investigator W. Malcom Plummer who played a major part in Dixon’s exoneration and release from prison. Buffalo News article about Dixon’s visit to Plummer’s house:https://buffalonews.com/2018/10/06/sean-kirst-freed-from-prison-skilled-artist-keeps-promise-to-pops/.

Comedian/Actor FAIZON LOVE (star of the films The New Edition Story, Friday, Elf ) and the upcoming comedy film The War with Grandpa, starring Robert Deniro and Uma Thurman visited BAVPA October 4 to talk to theatre and media majors about the entertainment industry.

Rapper/Actor/ Motivational Speaker TERRENCE "TEE-NYCE" WARREN appeared at the WUFO Health and Wellness Fair at Lexus Club at Key Bank Center October 19; Warren recently appeared in BET's biopic The Bobby Brown Story (https://www.bet.com/shows/the-bobby-brown- story/cast-info.html ), The Monique Show, The Queen Latifah Show and Jay-Z's Hard Knock Life Tour.

The HISTORIC COLORED MUSICIANS CLUB ( https://www.cmctheclub.com/ ) was named to National Register of Historic Places. BuffaloNews.com article: https://buffalonews.com/2018/09/22/colored-musicians-club-on-national-register-of-historic-places/.

BAVPA MUSICAL FLASHBACKS

BAVPA presented the Kenny Award-nominated musical West Side Story in 2016; the original BAVPA production was staged at the former Pfeifer Theatre in Buffalo’s Theatre District in 1999.

WEST SIDE STORY OPEN CASTING CALL IN MIAMI, FL OCTOBER 29

Where: Miami City Ballet, 2200 Liberty Avenue, Miami Beach, FL Auditioners should be aged 15-25 with proper dance attire, strong dance background and must be able to sing. Sign-in for men runs from 9 AM-10:30AM; women scheduled for 1PM to-2:30PM. For more information, see article below.

Playbill.com article, Ansel Elgort to Star in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story:https://variety.com/2018/film/news/ansel-elgort-west-side- story-steven-spielberg-1202964116/.

West Side Story remake film Director and Producer Steven Spielberg selected Tony-winning Choreographer Justin Peck. Playbill.com article: http://www.playbill.com/article/west-side-story-remake-taps-tony-winning-choreographer-justin-peck.

Liam Payne to star in West Side Story remake. Who.com article:https://www.who.com.au/liam-payne-starring-in-west-side-story-remake.

EW.com article, West Side Story original cast weighs in on new film, whether they'd cameo:https://ew.com/movies/2018/10/14/west-side-story- original-cast-new-film/.

TheStageUk.co.UK article, Mark Shenton’s top 50 musical theatre songs: 30 to 21 (https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2018/mark-shentons- top-50-musical-theatre-songs-30-to-21/), West Side Story’s song, Something’s Coming from ranked #22.

BroadwayWorld.com article, Rita Moreno and the Cast of WEST SIDE STORY Weigh in on Making Cameos in the New Film: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Rita-Moreno-and-the-Cast-of-WEST-SIDE-STORY-Weigh-in-on-Making-Cameos-in-the-New-Film- 20181014.

New York Public Library exhibit to celebrate West Side Story’s stage and film choreographer, Jerome Robbins. Playbill.com article: http://www.playbill.com/article/new-york-public-library-exhibits-celebrate-jerome-robbins-and-75-years-of-city-center.

Playbill.com article, Music Theatre International Releases New Version of West Side Story Tailored to High Schools: http://www.playbill.com/article/music-theatre-international-releases-new-version-of-west-side-story-tailored-to-high-schools.

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A Buffalo production of Runaways, directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI, featured BAVPA alumni. The production was performed at the Center Theatre (now Town Ballroom in downtown Buffalo in 1982; ELIZABETH SWADOS ( who created the musical), attended one of the performances.) Runaways was staged again at Artpark in Lewiston, NY in 1983. Swados passed away January 5, 2016. Runaways celebrates its’ 40th anniversary.

Candid photo of Swados in rehearsal and original 1978 Runaways’ Broadway production promotion button.

The New York Public Library in conjunction with League of Professional Theatre Women, presents an Elizabeth Swados Celebration (https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2018/11/15/elizabeth-swados-celebration ) November 15 at 6PM. Playbill.com article:http://www.playbill.com/article/new-york-public-library-exhibits-celebrate-jerome-robbins-and-75-years-of-city-center.

UPCOMING BAVPA EVENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL REUNION NEWS

BPO Side by Side Concert with BAVPA May, 2019

WNYPapers.com article about the BPO ( https://bpo.org/ ) concert: https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2018/10/06/134370/bpo- names-edward-dunn-as-first-appointee-to-new-community-engagement-conducting-position.

BPO’s association with BAVPA and the BPS system. BuffaloRising.com article:https://www.buffalorising.com/2018/10/buffalo-philharmonic- orchestra-celebrates-partnership-with-buffalo-public-schools/.

SH Instrumental, Choir Quartet, and Vocal Jazz Auditions at BAVPA January 26, 2019.

BAVPA and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s BlueCross BlueShield BPO Kids Series Concert December 11 ( Kleinhans Music Hall doors open at 1:30PM)

Jingle Bell Jam will feature an international tour of holiday traditions, with music from Brazil, Puerto Rico, across Europe and the U.S. The concert celebrates Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, with a singalong and special appearances by the Royal Academy of Ballet and the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Choir, and post-concert milk and cookies with the big man in red, Santa Claus/St. Nicholas. Audience members is invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys For Tots. Patrons can arrive early at 1:30PM to make cards for military personnel who are far from home for the holidays. WNYPapers.com article:

BAVPA Yearbook Sale Arts Academy 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.

The mission of the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts Foundation (BAVPA Foundation) is to enhance and to enrich student learning opportunities by providing additional financial support to the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts High School. Its singular goal is to facilitate the successful transition of Arts Academy students from high school to college. The BAVPA Foundation Board of Directors meets regularly to plan and to implement programs designed to realize this goal. BAVPA Foundation is a 501© 3 not-for-profit organization incorporated in February 2010 and it solicits contributions from the public, individuals, alumni and the business community to fund programs at the Arts Academy. These student academic opportunities and expanding performance opportunities for artistically gifted students are designed to give students better opportunities to pursue their music and art studies in college. For further information about the BAVPA Foundation, please e-mail questions or comments to [email protected]. The official link to the foundation is http://www.bavpa.org/. The BAVPA Foundation is creating a home address mailing list for BAVPA alumni. Please email your home addresses to KATE SULLIVAN at [email protected]. They’re trying to expand their database to inform more people about their accomplishments and upcoming events.

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 and Volunteer Librarian Aid at Clear Creek Elementary School, Kileen/Temple, TX

JOSEPH MICHAEL MAHFOUD (1985), Tapestry Charter High School, Music Teacher

GEORGE DAVIS (1986), BAVPA Arts Vocal and Music Teacher

ROMONA THOMAS-REYNOLDS (1986), Principal, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Multicultural Institute, Public School #39

JAY INGERSON (1987), BAVPA Arts Theater

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 and 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 (1998), Manager of HEAT Center/Holistic Healing Center, Buffalo

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

LIZ BAILEY (Unknown), Todd County Middle School, Elkton, KY

LISA BAINES DANIELS (Unknown), BPS Adult Education Division

MICHELE DEVANS, 1st Grade Teacher, Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo

DARREN BROWN (Unknown), BPS Chief of Staff, Buffalo

GINA DORMER (Unknown) Music, School #81, Buffalo

RONDA GORDON (Unknown) President, Forsyth County Association of Educators, GA

MARIA INTORRE (Unknown), Buffalo Public School System

DAVE RIFFLE (Unknown), BAVPA Media Communication Arts Teacher

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

OTHER BAVPA ALUMNI VOCATIONS

AMY (CROOKS) SCANLON (1981), Senior Lead Professional Development Trainer for 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 VINCENT MARASCHIELLO

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 and 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

STEVE BACZKOWSKI (Unknown), Music Director, Hallwalls, Buffalo

SHANNON BARRY (Unknown), To the Pointe Dance and Pilates Center, Valencia, CA

APRIL BASKIN (Unknown), Erie County Legislator and 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

TAMMY GAVIDIN (Unknown), Dance Instructor Tonawanda Dance Arts Faculty, Tonawanda

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

GINA MARTINEZ (Unknown), Dance Instructor at Broadway Dancesations, Lutz, FL

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 Studio LLC, Buffalo

Please visit BAVPA Memories, a photo web site 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).”