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The BAVPA Beacon is sad to report the passing of Ujima Theatre founder, Community activist and former BAVPA Theatre teacher, LORNA C. HILL. The BAVPA alumni, staff, faculty, friends offer our condolences to the HILL family and they are in our thoughts and prayers; Hill taught theater arts, theater history and creative writing at BAVPA from 2008-2014.
TheChallengerNews.com article, LOVING LORNA: A CHALLENGER TRIBUTE TO THESPIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE LORNA C. HILL: https://thechallengernews.com/2020/07/loving-lorna-a-challenger-tribute-to-thespian-extraordinaire-lorna-c-hill/.
TheatreTalk.com audio interview, Lorna: in her own words:https://www.theatertalkbuffalo.com/post/lorna-in-her-own- words?fbclid=IwAR35OYZbCszD13R0DsSh9PYFdIHKMMxm--oqhhoc-S8rvk5QcqyqIc4Wboc.
Vimeo.com/Hill interview, BYMI 2010, Unscripted: Lorna C. Hill ( https://vimeo.com/13373497 ) created by DANIEL HENDERSON (2013).
BuffaloNews.com/BAVPA related article, Shaken theater community bids farewell to icon, artist, activist Lorna C. Hill: https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/shaken-theater-community-bids-farewell-to-icon-artist-activist- lorna-c-hill/article_e16a15ac-bbd6-11ea-924f-4bb0e2324e19.html.
Watch Ujima Theatre ( https://www.ujimacoinc.org/ ) founder LORNA C. HILL, STEPHEN MCKINLEY HENDERSON ( see bio below) and other WNY Black artists in The Blackness Project, a film exploring race and racism in the United States through the lens of African Americans.
WBFO.org/ Hill and The Blackness Project article, Our method of trying to create change':Local filmmakers talk series centered on race in America:https://news.wbfo.org/post/our-method-trying-create-change-local-filmmakers-talk-series-centered-race-america.
Watch Ujima Theatre ( https://www.ujimacoinc.org/ ) founder LORNA C. HILL, STEPHEN MCKINLEY HENDERSON ( see bio below) and other WNY Black artists in The Blackness Project, a film exploring race and racism in the United States through the lens of African Americans.
LATEST BAVPA ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES
Much Ado’s 2019 production photo, Henderson pictured right.
DANIEL HENDERSON (2013) portrayed Bhaltasar in Public Theatre’s ( https://publictheater.org/ ) 2019 production, Much Ado About Nothing. PBS will broadcast the Great Performances filmed version August 14 at 9PM; check local listings.
Henderson appears in the Tyler Perry's White House-based political drama, The Oval on the BET network ( https://www.bet.com/shows/tyler- perrys-the-oval.html ) Wednesday nights at 9PM.
TVGuide.com upcoming Oval episodes: Unexpected Guest July 15, Twenty-Four Hours and One of Us July 22. Deadline.com article, https://deadline.com/2020/07/tyler-perry-sistas-starting-production-in-atlanta-the-oval-to-follow-1202984890/ .
AmericanTheatre.org/Much Ado About Nothing related article, The Public Theatre Announces Radio Drama ‘Richard II’: https://www.americantheatre.org/2020/06/18/the-public-theatre-announces-radio-drama-richard-ii/.
Much Ado About Nothing to stream on PBS WNET July 24-September 11:https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/blog/summer-streaming- lineup/?fbclid=IwAR26sS9bBa4WF_mWg8cWy6Js5Z_ATdbkRZAkKUvpHnxhsL9dSM0yl30wopc.
Gospel Singer ALEXIS SPIGHT (2011) performed on Gospel and R&B songwriter Alvin Garrett’s theme song for today's racial and social justice issues in America new single, Something's Different This Time. The song will be featured on his upcoming EP entitled, The Awakening, set for release nationwide July 15.
PRNewswire.com article, Grammy®-Nominated Songwriter, Alvin Garrett, Pens Anthem for Today's Racial Tensions with New Single Something's Different This Time:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grammy-nominated-songwriter-alvin-garrett-pens-anthem-for- todays-racial-tensions-with-new-single-somethings-different-this-time-301078933.html.
Check out JAY DREF’S (2009 ) new album, Drifting: https://open.spotify.com/album/5EDm1O5wfTdZMGTMvE0bzV.
ClassicalCrossovermagazine.com review, Classical Crossover Baritone Jay Dref: https://www.classicalcrossovermagazine.us/classical- crossover-baritone-jay-dref/ .
GABRIEL ROBERE’ (2005) and WGRZ-TV Channel 2’s CLAUDINE EWING (1988) and 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.
Collider.com article, ‘The Forever Purge’ Gets New Release Date Following Indefinite Delay ( https://collider.com/the-purge-5-release-date- update/ ) July 9, 2021.
Educator, Saxophonist and Composer JAMES BRANDON LEWIS Quartet (2001) performs at Amherst, MA November 12: http://www.jblewis.com/.
Downbeat.com/ Lewis related article, Terri Lyne Carrington Tops 2020 DownBeat Critics Poll: https://downbeat.com/news/detail/carrington- tops-2020-downbeat-critics-poll.
LondonJazzNews.com CD review, James Brandon Lewis, Chad Taylor – “Live in Willisau: https://londonjazznews.com/2020/06/18/james- brandon-lewis-chad-taylor-live-in-willisau/.
Lewis’ new CD, Live at Willisau: (https://jamesbrandonlewis.bandcamp.com/album/live-in-willisau ) is on sale now.
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.
MovieWeb.com article, Black Is King Teaser Reveals Beyoncé's Lion King Inspired Visual Album for Disney+: https://movieweb.com/black-is- king-teaser-beyonce/.
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.
RTC in conjunction with MusicalFare Theatre presents In the Heights at 710 Main Theatre (https://www.sheas.org/710-theatre/ ) November 30- December 6. For tickets and show times, go to link.
Check out Lin-Manuel Miranda's first Tony-winning musical In the Heights and its road to Broadway in the documentary In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams on August 7 on PBS, check local listings for broadcast times.
Broadway.com article, In the Heights Documentary, Kelli O'Hara in The King and I & More to Air on PBS This Summer: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199625/in-the-heights-documentary-kelli-ohara-in-the-king-and-i-more-to-air-on-pbs-this- summer/?fbclid=IwAR0xuZMWH9XT4xbo8I5-Vv6xgewM_7d_6LJeE064fab88oPYMKA7BQgqaEk.
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/.
MuggleNet.com article, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, San Francisco and London Productions of “Cursed Child” Prolong Suspended Operations:https://www.mugglenet.com/2020/06/warner-bros-studio-tour-london-san-francisco-and-london-productions-of-cursed-child- prolong-suspended-operations/ .
Broadway.com article, Broadway Performance Suspension Extended Through January 3: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199499/broadway- performance-suspension-extended-through-january-3/.
Poitras was production carpenter in the Broadway musical comedy The Prom ( https://theprommusical.com/ ) closed August 18, 2019.
July 5, 2018 marked the 2nd anniversary of The Prom musical opening on Broadway; the production played for 309 performances at Longacre Theatre.
Broadway.com/The Prom musical and film related article, Podcast: LITTLE KNOWN FACTS with Ilana Levine and Special Guest, Ariana DeBose : https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Podcast-LITTLE-KNOWN-FACTS-with-Ilana-Levine-and-Special-Guest-Ariana-DeBose- 20200629.
SheKnows.com\/The Prom related article, Nicole Kidman Says Her New Movie With Meryl Streep Is Nothing Like Big Little Lies: https://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/2282008/nicole-kidman-meryl-streep-the-prom-netflix/.
NYTimes.com article, Beyond Broadway, the Show Does Go On: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/04/theater/theaters-persevere-in- pandemic.html.
Author/Dancer/African Drum Instructor and Educator KRISTIN CRAGE’s (1988) 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.
Singer, Multi-instrumentalist, Poet, Songwriter, Activist and Businesswoman ANI DIFRANCO (1987) to perform online at Monsta X Live ( https://www.livexlive.com/ ) Pay-Per-View Concert in South, KR July 25-July 26.
DiFranco to perform Prison Music Project Town Hall (online) July 18 at 5PM; purchase a virtual ticket at http://anidifranco.com/tour.
DiFranco is an advocate for The Breathe Act ( https://breatheact.org ) a legislation that would radically transform the nation's criminal justice system by eliminating life sentences, retroactively expunging drug crimes, shutting down multiple federal agencies and permanently closing prisons and immigration detention centers, among other agenda items. For more information about the bill, go to link.
Salon.com article, "The American apartheid is coming to a head": Ani DiFranco on oppression and "Prison Music Project": https://www.salon.com/2020/06/05/ani-difranco-prison-music-project-zoe-boekbinder/.
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.
OnStageBlog.com article, "How the World Can Be" - Lessons for a Revolution from 'Hadestown': https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/how-the-world-can-be-lessons-for-a-revolution-from-hadestown.
Broadway.com article, Tony Winner Anaïs Mitchell to Release Book About the Making of Hadestown: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199590/tony-winner-anais-mitchell-to-release-book-about-the-making-of- hadestown/?fbclid=IwAR0EY396nr1SkjHyViMFy8g__iU89OfRwpM1Zni6bN6z5FxGtdiOF-hixvs.
CBR.com article, Hadestown Is Perfect for Lore Olympus Fans During the Comic's Hiatus:https://www.cbr.com/lore-olympus-fans-check-out- hadestown/.
BroadwayWorld.com article, HADESTOWN Announces Initial 2021 Tour Dates:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/HADESTOWN- Announces-Initial-2021-Tour-Dates-20200203.
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/.
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 AND LAW & ORDER AND TICK TICK…BOOM! NEWS
CBR.com article, Flash, Riverdale & Charmed Aim to Restart Production in August:https://www.cbr.com/flash-riverdale-charmed-august- production/.
ScreenRant.com article, Grant Gustin Welcomes New Batwoman Javicia Leslie To The Arrowverse: https://screenrant.com/flash-grant-gustin-welcomes-batwoman-javicia-leslie-arrowverse/.
DeadLine.com/DC Multiverse related article, Warner Bros. To Host DC FanDome Virtual Experience Featuring Talent From DC Multiverse Films, TV And Comics: https://deadline.com/2020/06/warner-bros-dc-fandome-virtual-experience-film-tv-dc-comics-1202959941/.
DCFanDome.com’s official website, https://dcfandome.talenthouse.com/en.
CheatSheet.com article, Burning Questions ‘The Flash’ Fans Have For the Virtual DC FanDome Convention: https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/burning-questions-the-flash-fans-have-for-the-virtual-dc-fandome- convention.html/?fbclid=IwAR1psL8EcBE0jIexdqOF0qIlSsdiklP66ADtzbHZ6a8mQCfkUibBax482_U.
TVLine.com article, The Flash Will Finally Face Off With [Spoiler] in Season 7, EP Confirms: https://tvline.com/2020/05/31/the-flash-season-7- real-godspeed/.
ScreenRant.com article, The Flash: 10 Heroes That Can Replace Elongated Man In The Show:https://screenrant.com/the-flash-heroes-that- can-replace-elongated-man-in-the-show/.
ScreenRant.com article, The Flash: Every DC Speedster Missing From the Arrowverse: https://screenrant.com/flash-dc-comics-speedsters- missing-arrowverse/.
ScreenRant.com article, The Flash: 10 Times The Show Took Material From The Comics: https://screenrant.com/the-flash-times-the-show- took-material-from-the-comics/.
ScreenRant.com article, The Flash: Every DC Villain That Was Gender-Swapped In The Arrowverse: https://screenrant.com/flash-arrowverse- dc-villains-characters-gender-swapped/.
ComicBook.com article, The Flash Star Tom Cavanagh Opens Up About Playing So Many Versions of Harrison Wells: https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-talks-versions-of-harrison-wells-/.
CBR.com article, The Flash: 5 Characters That Are In The Comics (& 5 They Made Up For The Show:https://www.cbr.com/the-flash-cw-dc- comic-characters/.
HollywoodReporter.com article, Mayim Bialik's 'Flash Facts' Aims to Use Superheroes to Teach STEM: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mayim-bialiks-flash-facts-aims-use-superheroes-teach- stem-1300483.
TVLine.com article, The Flash: 5 Characters That Are In The Comics (& 5 They Made Up For The Show): https://tvline.com/2020/06/28/the- flash-season-7-graphic-novel-format-changes.
TVSeriesFinale.com/Arrowverse related article, Batwoman: Season Two of CW Series to Star Javicia Leslie; Ruby Rose Reacts: https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/batwoman-season-two-of-cw-series-to-star-javicia-leslie-ruby-rose-reacts/.
BleedingCool.com article, No Blu-Rays and Reduced DVDs For Black Lightning?https://bleedingcool.com/tv/no-dvd-blu-ray-black-lightning/.
Broadway.com article, Megan Hilty, Cheyenne Jackson & Norm Lewis Join Virtual Summer Concert Series: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199588/megan-hilty-cheyenne-jackson-norm-lewis-join-virtual-summer-concert- series/?fbclid=IwAR1acFoonxnGJqdpFxt6s6-PK2JsXMj48C4Fz7nXWpWEePrL1Xff-suDNSY.
TVInsider.com article, Where Are They Now: Catch Up With the 'Smash' Cast Before the Drama Hits Broadway: https://www.tvinsider.com/gallery/smash-cast-now-reunion-broadway-musical/.
TV.AVClub.com/L&O franchise related article, How Law & Order’s Paul Robinette embraced his revolutionary Blackness: https://tv.avclub.com/how-law-order-s-paul-robinette-embraced-his-revolutio-1844313479.
Deadline.com article, Peacock In Talks With Dick Wolf For Originals; ‘Law & Order: Hate Crimes’ & ‘New York Undercover’ On The Table: https://deadline.com/2020/07/peacock-dick-wolf-law-order-hate-crimes-new-york-undercover-1202982555/.
D’ANDRA BYRD-ULMER's (1987) daughter Mikaila, is the founder and CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade Company: https://www.meandthebees.com/.
MSN.com article, Texas Teen Helps Save Honeybees with Wildly Successful Lemonade Business: https://www.msn.com/en- us/lifestyle/parenting/texas-teen-helps-save-honeybees-with-wildly-successful-lemonade-business/ar-BB16JU3U?li=BBnb7Kw.
BAVPA ALUMNI (GRADUATION YEARS UNKNOWN) and MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Author A.A. LEWIS wrote the Buffalo-Based 90’s urban novels, The 716 Back to Business, The 716 Love & Consequences and The 716 Ladies First are available for purchase: https://dspublishing.net/.
CRISANTA MELENDEZ was the visual effects coordinator for the upcoming military science fiction action film, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. The film will open October 23 release date.
GizmoBlaze.com article, “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins”- Plot, Release Date, Cast, Trailer and much more. Here’s everything you need to know: https://gizmoblaze.com/2020/06/30/snake-eyes-g-i-joe-origins-plot-release-date-cast-trailer-and-much-more-heres-everything-you-need- to-know/.
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.
$15.00 participation fee, through Eventbrite in the form of a "ticket" ( https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-voices-musical-theatre-vocal- competition-july-2020-tickets-112874083422?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch ) and the submission deadline July 25. Winners to be announced and a written assessment will be provided via email by July 30. Contact Cara Demanuele at [email protected] for additional information.
Playbill.com article, Announcing Playbill’s Search for a Star Contest ( https://www.playbill.com/article/announcing-playbills-search-for-a-star- contest ), contest entries run through August 5 at 11:59PM ET.
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 and CAROLINE SANDERS-PARZY are members of the Brazened Faced Varlets Theatre Company: http://www.varlets.org/.
Actor, Director and Acting Instructor JOSIE DIVINCENZO ( http://www.josiedivincenzo.com/ ) conducts film and TV acting classes. For more information, 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/.
Pictured, Our Town Narrator DAVID R. FENDERICK, Bykowicz and Martin.
BAVPA presented the 1984 production Our Town featuring JESSE L. MARTIN (1987) as George Gibbs, CHRISTINA MARIE BYKOWICZ (1985) as Emily Webb and numerous BAVPA alumni.
BAVPA alumni portraying Grover Corners’ cemetery members.
BuffaloRising.com article, Applications Open for Fendrick Theatre Fund: $1,000 Grant for a Theater Artist: https://www.buffalorising.com/2020/06/applications-open-for-fendrick-theatre-fund-1000-grant-for-a-theater-artist/.
ASI announced applications for the DAVID R. FENDERICK Theatre Fund are now open. This biannual program awards one $1,000 grant to an individual theater artist in Western New York, and supports the writing or production of new work, the new production of existing work, experimental and multi-media theatrical productions, and/or the completion of a work in progress. Applications are open until Monday, August 24 at 11:59 PM; selections to be announced in September.
Playbill.com article, Dustin Hoffman Will Star in Broadway Revival of Our Town: https://www.playbill.com/article/dustin-hoffman-will-star-in- broadway-revival-of-our-town.
BuffaloRising.com article, Spark Spotlight: JoAnn Falletta, Artist of the Year Finalist: https://www.buffalorising.com/2020/06/spark-spotlight- joann-falletta-artist-of-the-year-finalist/?fbclid=IwAR283l_y0yPdDwB374eqE7yHVtH7N2auCIWTsPuT30CoT_dikl3e_pbj-NI .
STEPHEN MCKINLEY HENDERSON portrays Stewart in the upcoming FX ( https://www.fxnetworks.com/ ) science fiction limited series, Devs on FX/Hulu.
RadioTimes.com/Devs article, Will there be a second season of Devs? What will it be about?: https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-04- 30/devs-season-2/.
HollywoodReporter.com article, 'Devs' Editor Reveals Secrets Behind Creative Process: "We Treated Each Episode Exactly as a Movie": https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/devs-editing-reveals-secrets-behind-creative-process-1301873.
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.
Playbill.com article, Joel Grey, RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON, Leigh Silverman, More to Direct in Two River Rising Reading Series: https://www.playbill.com/article/joel-grey-ruben-santiago-hudson-leigh-silverman-more-to-direct-in-two-river-rising-reading-series.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED
Flanigan’s character Autumn with her onscreen cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder).
BAVPA alumna SIDNEY FLANIGAN (2016) appeared in the critically acclaimed and award winning indie film, Never Rarely Sometimes Always: https://www.focusfeatures.com/never-rarely-sometimes-always.
IndianExpress.com article, Never Rarely Sometimes Always shows what it’s like to be a woman in a man’s world: https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/never-rarely-sometimes-always-shows-what-its- like-to-be-a-woman-in-a-mans-world-6479552/.
Erie County Legislator/ BAVPA alumna APRIL BASKIN reopened the Buffalo Masten Boys & Girls Clubhouse ( https://www.bgcbuffalo.org/ ) July 2. The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of the remodeling and restoration of the facility that began in early 2020. Along with other private business partners, Erie County contributed $75,000 to the renovations as part of the 2020 Capital Projects Budget; Baskin sits on the Erie County Capital Projects Committee advocated the funding.
NewBreak.com article, The Masten Boys & Girls Club Gets A New Makeover:https://www.newsbreak.com/news/0PZyo6Y8/the-masten-boys- girls-club-gets-a-new-makeover?s=oldSite&ss=a1.
WGRZ's CLAUDINE EWING (1988) returned to her weekend anchor duties after a 4-month hiatus July 11.
BuffaloNews.com article, WGRZ's Claudine Ewing expected back in July; Hamilton's debut to focus on commentary: https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/wgrzs-claudine-ewing-expected-back-in-july-hamiltons-debut-to-focus-on- commentary/article_6247c8f4-b7a9-11ea-b4d5-67f3a752074f.html .
BuffaloNews.com/ Ewing related article, Alan Pergament: Local TV stations have improved diversity, but not in weekday anchors: https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/alan-pergament-local-tv-stations-have-improved-diversity-but-not-in-weekday- anchors/article_5fcce800-c20a-11ea-8b7d-e7ddf35935e2.html .
TRACEY MCCOMBER-PRINTUP's (1983) sons, Emmett Printup IV and Aaron Printup are starring in the lacrosse based movie, Crooked Arrows ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOqSi-_cXeE&feature=emb_logo ). The plot‘s about a half white/half Native American who coaches a reservation high school lacrosse team that continuously loses to an elite prep school teams (think Bad News Bears, Mighty Ducks, etc) and coaches them to success.
Madison365.com article, Indigenous movies to watch during the coronavirus isolation period: https://madison365.com/indigenous-movies-to- watch-during-the-coronavirus-isolation-period/.
LUCKY PETERSON passed away May 17; Peterson attended BAVPA 1978-1981. UDiscoverMusic.com article, Bluesman Lucky Peterson Dies, A Young Industry Veteran At 55:https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/bluesman-lucky-peterson-dies-at-55/.
BuffaloNews.com/BAVPA related article, JOE OVERFIELD wrote the book on Buffalo baseball. His son continues the story. Naturally: https://buffalonews.com/2020/06/21/joe-overfield-wrote-the-book-on-buffalo-baseball-his-son-continues-the-story-naturally/.
BAVPA ( formerly Traditional High School), was the site for Offerman Stadium, home to the International League’s Buffalo Bisons from 1924- 1962.
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 staged West Side Story at the Pfeifer Theatre in 1999.
FilmSchoolRejects.com article, Revisiting the Police Presence in 'West Side Story' :https://filmschoolrejects.com/west-side-story-police- presence/.
TCM.com article, Five Things You Likely Didn't Know About WEST SIDE STORY (1961) http://www.tcm.com/this-month/movie- news.html?id=1577744&name=Five-Things-You-Likely-Didn-t-Know-About-WEST-SIDE-STORY-by-Richard- Barrios&banner=1&fbclid=IwAR2L4DbsCU1NqG0sk1wflbjpmNobwR59rQmdnD596OX484dTJWEMr8rbyVs .
BroadwayDirect.com article, A COMPLETE ROUNDUP OF EVERY SONDHEIM MUSICAL:https://broadwaydirect.com/a-complete-roundup-of- every-sondheim-musical/.
NPR.org article, Bobby Sanabria Reimagines West Side Story: https://www.npr.org/2020/07/02/886505245/bobby-sanabria-reimagines-west- side-story.
Micky.com article, ‘Ninjala’s’ launch trailer is a parody to 1960’s ‘West Side Story’:https://micky.com.au/ninjalas-launch-trailer-is-a-parody-to- 1960s-west-side-story/.
GoldDerby.com/West Side Story related article, 25 greatest movie musicals adapted from Broadway plays, ranked worst to best: https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/best-movie-musical-adaptations-ranked/evita-5/.
BAVPA and Raices Theatre ( https://raicestheatrecompany.com/) staged In the Heights ( 2020 & 2018) and West Side Story ( 2016, 1999).
The BAVPA Kenny Award nominated musical Les Mise'rables was performed in 2019, BAVPA MATTHEW WILSON (who portrayed Jean Valjean in Les Misérables), represented WNY at the 2019 Jimmy Awards ( https://kennyawards.weebly.com/2019-kenny-awards.html ) held in NYC.
Golderby.com/West Side Story related article, 15 movies that won the most Oscars, from ‘Titanic’ to ‘Gone with the Wind’:https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/movies-most-oscars-won/.
GoldDerby.com/Les Misérables related article, 25 greatest movie musicals adapted from Broadway plays, ranked worst to best: https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/best-movie-musical-adaptations-ranked/evita-5/.
BAVPA and Upstage New York co-produced Damn Yankees at Artpark in Lewiston, NY May 20-24, 1987. The show ( directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI ) 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).
NewYorkTimes.com/Damn Yankees related article, Louis Johnson, 90, Genre-Crossing Dancer and Choreographer, Dies ( https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/10/arts/dance/louis-johnson-90-genre-crossing-dancer-and-choreographer-dies.html ), Johnson passed away March 31.
JOSEPH MAHFOUD (1984) portrayed the lead role of Conrad Birdie in the BAVPA 1985 production, Bye Bye Birdie, directed by CLAUDIA MARSCHALL. The production featured JESSE L. MARTIN (1987), played Albert Peterson ( Conrad’s record company president andinformally 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.
Deadline.com article, Michael J. Pollard, scene-stealing actor in Bonnie and Clyde, dies at 80 ( https://deadline.com/2019/11/michael-j-pollard- dead-dies-obituary-bonnie-and-clyde-house-of-1000-corpses-1202792891/ ) November 20, 2019; Pollard originated the role of Bye Bye Birdie’s Hugo on Broadway in 1960.
Playbill.com article, Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway: https://www.playbill.com/article/celebrate-the-60th- anniversary-of-bye-bye-birdie-on-broadway.
GoldDerby.com/Bye Bye Birdie related article, 25 greatest movie musicals adapted from Broadway plays, ranked worst to best: https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/best-movie-musical-adaptations-ranked/evita-5/.
Runaways cast members bring schooled by EZ ( portrayed by DWIGHT SIMMONS), in the monologue Lazar’s Heroes before the musical number, Find Me a Hero.
A Buffalo production of Runaways was 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. Swados won an Obie Award for Best Director.
Wikipedia’s Runaways musical web link, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaways_(musical).
Playbill.com article, Amber Gray, Michael R. Jackson, Sophia Anne Caruso, More Sing on Elizabeth Swados Tribute Album, Out May 22: https://www.playbill.com/article/amber-gray-michael-r-jackson-sophia-anne-caruso-more-sing-on-elizabeth-swados-tribute-album-out-may- 22?fbclid=IwAR3FkUskIBwA8MKM_rUi3a_A0-6SlKz2bJ2Dv1gKHxopUJxQYaXbtMFWhGQ.
UPCOMING BAVPA EVENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL REUNION NEWS
BAVPA YEARBOOK SALE BAVPA yearbooks are on sale for the following years while supplies last. 1984, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Yearbooks are $20.00 each or three for $50.00 and may be picked up at the school. For more information, contact Sheila at [email protected].
Call (716) 816-4220 or go to ( http://www.buffaloartsacademy.org/ ) for more information.
BAVPA ALUMNI EDUCATORS
STEVE APPLER (1981), Visual Art Teacher, Amherst High School
KAREN TOMZAK (1981), Program Director of Dance at Western University, Cullowhee, North Carolina
DEBORAH LIPA-CIOTTA (1982), Tapestry Charter School, K-4 Dance Teacher
ARLENE SHORT (1982), Patient Health Navigator, Buffalo
OMAR CARTER (1984), Arts Teacher, Philadelphia, PA
CAITLIN BAUMLER-COLEMAN (1984), Tapestry Charter School, K-8, Grade ½ Teacher
TRACEY HOLT-COFIELD (1984), Principal, Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
DONNA KERR (1984),City Honors Music, Buffalo
MICHAEL STARZYNSKI (1984), Waterfront School, 1st Grade Teacher
ARTHUR PERRY (1984), Crossing Guard, Volunteer Librarian Aid, Clear Creek Elementary School, Kileen/Temple, TX
TINA “CHRISTINA” WALKER-BYKOWICZ (1985), Nursery School and Elementary School Educator
JOSEPH MICHAEL MAHFOUD (1985), Retired 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
ORNIECE HILL (1988), Principal BPS School #43
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
GINA DORMER 1986 Music, School #81, 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
YOLANDA FIELDS (Unknown), Buffalo Garden Walk Chairperson
RONDA GORDON (Unknown), President of the Forsyth County Association of Educators, GA
MARIA INTORRE (Unknown), BPS System
DONNA KERR ( Unknown ), Olmstead Kensington
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
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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/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
AMANDA RAYBURG (1998), Massage Therapist at HEAT Center/Holistic Healing Center, Buffalo
KAMERON D. WOOD (2011), Director & Production Assistant
RICKY WHITCOMB (2004), Tour Manager, StarQuest International
CRAIG PRIDGEN (2002), Pastor and M&T Bank Analyst
RYAN APONTE (Unknown) owner of Energy Art LLC, Buffalo
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, Buffal
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Please visit BAVPA Memories, a photo website devoted to BAVPA’s past, present, and future. To follow site postings, make suggestions, or if you have questions, go to the site link (www.bavpamemories.com) and check out the BAVPA Memories PDF.
“To follow site postings, make suggestions, or if you have questions, go to the site link and check out the BAVPA Memories posting (below).”