Season 2017-2018 • Issue #23

A newsletter for alumni and friends of the Department of Theatre and Fine Arts THE 2018-2019 New at NU SEASON By Steven Braddock, Director of NU Theatre I’ve been thinking about change recently Not from a Oct. 11–15 personal perspective––although, admittedly, I’ve moved three The Wolves times in the past year and a half––but from my vantage point by Sarah DeLappe of watching the evolution of the department and the type of work we do. Change is interesting. Change is inevitable too. Nov. 1–11 Little Shop of Horrors It can sneak up on you before you know it’s there. Or you can by Alan Menken & Howard Ashman plan for it and implement it. Sometimes you see it coming from a mile away. Or it can stick its head out from behind a door and yell, “Boo!” Nov. 29–Dec. 9 What we do in theatre requires change. Change fosters growth. Certainly, Is He Dead? we change our production offerings from season to season. Without doing so, by Mark Twain & David Ives we’d lose our audiences to boredom rather quickly. We change our methods of producing to reflect what’s new outside our walls in the profession: materials, Jan. 25–27 technology, techniques. And, of course, we change the composition of our Short Play Festival department by about one-quarter each year, as a senior class leaves us and new Three cycles of student-directed plays freshmen join the fold. And as things change, they often stabilize in such a way (possible adult subject matter) that that the change doesn’t become noticeable unless you’re looking for it. I don’t remember who said, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” I Feb. 21–24 think it was a French writer, but it may have as easily been Shakespeare … or Bob Copenhagen Dylan. In any case, we’ve had a bunch of change here, and we’re heading for more. by And to quote Etta James (yeah, I know this one), “A change is gonna do me good.” Studio Production –– Clet 101 Departmental change. Big one. We welcomed Dr. Bridget Moriarty to the Acting Studio faculty and the scope and tenor (pun absolutely intended) of vocal instruction March 1–3 began a much anticipated transformation. Now on to the productions: Some Girl(s) First change. Gender perceptions. Trevor Copp helmed the first production of by Neil LaBute the year, Men On Boats, incorporating physical theatre techniques and puppetry NU Players––all student produced into a rollicking comedic adventure that resonated for the #MeToo movement. Supported by evocative sets by Andrew Hayes, ’18, costumes by Maureen Stevens, March 28–April 1 lights by David Dwyer, and projections by Tristan Hils, ’18, the cast of 10 women Pygmalion by IN THIS ISSUE April 25–May 5 A Musical Update...... 3 Study Abroad Scholarships...... 9 Legally Blonde: The Musical 17-18 Season in Review...... 4 Dr. Sharon Watkinson...... 10 by Heather hach, Laurence O'Keefe Actor Combat Certification...... 7 N.U.R.T. & T.Y.A...... 10 & Nell Benjamin Scholarship Recipients Announced.....7 NU in the Professional World...... 11 33rd Annual Friends Gala...... 8 18-19 Season at a Glance...... 14 helped us alter our perception of Festival. Every change, approximately not constrained by time nor geography. history by looking at it through a very 10 minutes apart during each Eighth change. By leaps and different lens. performance, was exactly what we’d bounds. And splits. And cartwheels. Second change. Political outlooks. come to expect, and enjoy. And … well, you get the picture. How many times since 1599, when Fifth change. I have no words. Velma and Roxie’s quest for fame it was written, have variations on the Really. Robin Patterson’s direction of and fortune, by way of fake news, power struggles intrinsic to Julius Theatre Beyond Words’ Potato People 20s style, resulted in a stunning final Caesar played themselves out across in School Daze, brilliantly executed production of the season, Kander and the globe? On a shifting, modular for young audiences (of all ages) at the Ebb’s Chicago. With Terri Vaughan playground designed and built Castellani Art Museum, was a dazzling on sabbatical, we turned to alumna by David Dwyer, 14 adventurous display of mime, mask work and joy. Natalie Slipko to channel her inner actors explored the rich terrain of Ably abetted by assistant director Fosse and make some magic. Which Shakespeare’s political saga with me, Connor Caso, ’18, Ms. Patterson she sure did, and along with Bridget, boldly examining ideas and actions of led her seven agile actors through a and myself, created an extravaganza political partisanship that echoed in a cartoon world full of mirth and magic. to make our old friend John Kander post-election year. Maureen Stevens’ A special student matinee, offered to proud. Hundreds of rehearsal hours contemporary costuming evoked students for St. Mary’s School for the and sleepless nights yielded one of volatile global issues while Tristan Deaf, was a profoundly inspiring event. the most animated productions on Hils’, ’18, projections and Jeremy Sixth change. Annual changing of which I have ever been privileged to Warsitz’s, ’19, lighting design played the guard. The NU Players’ student collaborate. David’s set was modeled across tumbling towers like lightning produced and directed show, Recent on vintage vaudeville houses and in a storm. Shakespeare never felt Tragic Events, shed a comic yet an Irish prison. Maureen’s gorgeous so accessible, while at the same time poignant light on 9/11. Spearheaded by costumes suggested the 1920s but disquieting. artistic director Rachael Buchanan, the similarly hinted at a timelessness, Third change. December: musical team––director Marquise Tomasik, supporting our collective notion benchmark reached. Under Bridget set designer Matthew Myers, costume that bad behavior of the 20s hasn’t Moriarty’s musical direction, the designer Nicole DeLucia, light designer changed so much after all. Patty Rihn’s orchestra for She Loves Me filled the Kimberly Pukay, and sound designer haunting lighting design spirited us Leary theatre with a rich, soaring Kalee George, along with their from prison to cabaret and back again sound that we haven’t heard in quite audacious cast of five––displayed skills in the blink of an eye. A hard-working some time; and the vocalists belted that prove they’re ready to take on the gifted cast, a full 14-piece orchestra led and harmonized, leaving audiences changes that will come with venturing by Bridget, and a tireless crew resulted delightfully dumbstruck. The into the profession after their time here in a sold-out run of which we couldn’t production’s charmingly familiar is done. be prouder. Of course, change makes tale of lonely hearts and mistaken Seventh change. Inside, looking out. us set the bar even higher as we move identity was superbly directed by Doug Federico Garcia Lorca’s drama of five forward. Zschiegner, arranging an exceptional sequestered, willful women, virtually And, as usual, the final show of our cast on Dwyer and Stevens’ vibrant imprisoned at home by their mother, season provided the backdrop for the palette of scenery and costumes with provided an unpredictable cage match annual Friends of Niagara University his distinctive genius and aplomb. where societal and cultural behaviors Theatre Gala, once again exquisitely Dance choreography by Terri Vaughan were played out in the confines of a improved by the cameo appearance of completed the exquisite picture. domestic setting. Director Amanda Elizabeth Ann Clune, in a stunning Change 3.1. Dr. Moriarty accepted her Lytle Sharpe guided her 12 talented reprise of “All That Jazz.” (For more on boyfriend Alec’s marriage proposal, on actresses with skill and dexterity, all the Gala, please see Suzanne Hibbard’s stage during a post-show discussion in the while ensuring that their Scottish article on page 8.) Under the new front of cast, crew, audience … and me brogues were accurate and evocative. leadership of alumni and new Friends with my cellphone. Yes, you can see it David Dwyer’s claustrophobic interior, board members Micahel Wachowiak on the NU Theatre Facebook page. illuminated by alumnus Jayson Clark’s and Celine Keefe, the fundraiser The uniformity of Christmas lighting design and Maureen Stevens’ proved successful and delivered a and the break it offered gave us fashionably modern costumes, brought delightful evening of cuisine and an opportunity to appreciate the Lorca’s 1940s Spanish drama roaring camaraderie at the Niagara Falls adjustments we’d experienced and to into present day Scotland, but for Country Club. We are so honored to anticipate … we in the audience, those alterations have such a committed company of Fourth change. Short Play reminded us that familial tragedy is supporters that provides so much love,

2 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter inspiration, and support. We do hope that part will never change. A Musical Update Departmental change two. Really By Dr. Bridget Moriarty big one. At the end of the semester, Asistant professor, music director, voice Dr. Sharon Watkinson, co-founder In my NU Theatre has been able to utilize and chairperson of the Department first year larger pit orchestras than have been of Theatre and Fine Arts, shocked us at NU, seen on the Leary stage in many years. all with the announcement that she I have We are also updating and adding was retiring from her position here at been equipment to better facilitate the NU. Big pause while you all retrieve wel- musical needs of the productions, your jaws from whence they just comed including new sound equipment, dropped. Much more news to come, with chairs and stands for the musicians, as celebrations of Sharon and her open and new microphones. legacy will be forthcoming. However, arms and encouraged to use my For the upcoming year, I am adding suffice it to say that her shoes will be skills to enhance the needs of the a class on advanced music theatre very difficult to fill. Thankfully, Dr. department, both academically and techniques. This course is an extension Sharon will be with us for one more musically. Some of the changes include of the vocal techniques courses and year, teaching her usual classes as an an established and strengthened voice focuses on the skills specific to music adjunct, while we search for a new class curriculum. This includes a theatre performance. Students will faculty member. stronger emphasis on music theory learn varied styles of repertoire, work As I sit here, mid-July, reflecting on and sight singing, as well as building on audition material, and strengthen the changes of the past year, it dawns audition repertoire and preparing for their overall skills as performers. on me that many more are on their professional auditions. An established My goal is to continue to build the way, both planned and, I’m quite sure, voice lesson policy has encouraged curriculum to meet the needs of current of the other variety … twice as many students to sign up for and future NU Theatre students. Of the planned ones, be on the private voice instruction within the Overall, the most tangible change lookout for The Wolves by Sarah last year alone. This summer, I am this year has been that of consistency. DeLappe, Little Shop of Horrors, Mark administering a diagnostic exam for By having the same music director Twain’s Is He Dead? as adapted by incoming freshmen, which allows the for the fall and spring musicals, David Ives, the Short Play Festival, students to be placed into a voice class the Theatre for Young Audiences Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen, based on previous musical ability. I am production this summer, and as a Neil LaBute’s Some Girl(s), Doug very excited about this, as it will allow voice instructor, the students receive Zschiegner’s contemporary take on me to focus on individual needs among consistent feedback from a faculty Shaw’s Pygmalion and a Legally Blonde the students and foster a learning member with whom they have been designed to tickle you pink. environment that promotes individual working all year. This allows for a far Of the unplanned variety? Just be growth; preparing the students for more efficient rehearsal process and patient and wait with me. their continued study throughout the benefits the students as they continue “Ch ch ch changes…” degree program. to grow and develop as singers and ––David Bowie From the production standpoint, theatre professionals.

Theatre Students Awarded at the Day of Recognition: At the May 11 College of Arts and Sciences Recognition Day, seven theatre majors were awarded outstanding theatre student awards from their department for academic distinction. The honorees were: Briegette Bullock, Krista Cantrell, Sarah Emmerling, Kalee George, Katie Rose Gould, Jordan Grimble, Keelin Higgins, Mersedez Hoover, Kayla McSorley, Kayla Storto, Carly Weldy, and Russell Wilson. During all four years, all the students maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher while spending 24–27 hours in class each week and being involved in over 30 NU Theatre productions which were seen by thousands of theatre patrons. Senior Andrew Hayes was selected by the theatre faculty to receive the Tim Ward Award for Excellence in Theatre, a prestigious departmental award given to only one or two graduating theatre majors each year.

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 3 A Window on the World … 17-18 Season in Review Men on Boats By Jaclyn Backhaus

Above: Men on Boats, directed by physical theatre lecturer Trevor Copp, October 2017.

Top left: Amelia Roque, ’21, as John Colton Sumner and Sophia Matlasz, ’19, as William Dunn. Bottom left: Cast and crew of Men on Boats, October 2017. At right: Set design by Andrew Hayes, ’18.

Potato People in School Daze By Theatre Beyond Words

At right: Potato People in School Daze was co- produced with the Castellani Art Museum in February 2018. The production, by Canadian physical theatre company Theatre Beyond Words, combined European mask work with North American style animation.

Directed by physical theatre adjunct Robin Patterson, and assistant directed by Connor Caso, ’18.

4 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter Julius Caesar By

Clockwise from top left: Projection design by theatre design/ production major Tristan Hils, ’18. Fight choreography by artist-in- residence, Adriano Gatto, fight direction by Rachael Buchanan, ’18. From left, Krista Cantrell, ’18, Kalee George, ’18, Kayla McSorley, ’18, Nick Edwards, ’18, Mersedez Hoover, ’18, and Marissa Delvecchio, ’19, in Julius Caesar, directed by Steve Braddock. Cast and crew of Julius Caesar, November 2017.

She Loves Me By Joe Masterhoff, Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick

Clockwise from far left: From left, Lauren McCall, ’20, Katie Rose Gould, ’18, Mariangela Mercurio, ’19, David Wysocki, ’18, Ronnie Stewart, ’19, Charles McGregor, ’19, and Arianna Lasting, ’18. Kayla Storto, ’18, as Amalia Balash and David Wysocki, ’18, as Georg Nowack. Choreography by associate professor of dance Terri Filips Vaughan and light design by Patty Rihn. Cast and crew of She Loves Me, December 2018. Directed by associate professor Doug Zschiegner.

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 5 The House of Bernarda Alba By Federico Garcia Lorca, adapted by Rona Munro

Above: Cast and crew of The House of Bernarda Alba, directed by adjunct professor of speech Amanda Lytle Sharpe, March 2018. Above right: Set design by associate professor/scenic designer and production manager David Dwyer and light design by Jayson Clark. At right: Kalee George, ’18, Rachael Buchanan, ’18, Carly Weldy, ’18, Kayla Storto, ’18, and Heather Gervasi, ’20.

Chicago By Fred Ebb, Bob Fossee & John Kander

At left; Kayla McSorley, ’18, as Velma Kelly, and Cassidy Kreuzer, ’19, as Roxie Hart. Above: Costume, hair, and make-up design by associate professor Maureen T. Stevens. Above right: Choreography by lecturer of dance Natalie Slipko. At right: Cast and crew of Chicago, directed by Steve Braddock, April 2018.

6 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter Recent Tragic Events Burdick and Towey By Craig Wright Scholarship Recipients Announced A Julie Burdick Memorial Scholarship for academic year 2018- 2019 was awarded to NU theatre performance major Cassidy Kreuzer, ’19. The scholarship is named after NU alumna Julie Burdick, ’03, who passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 27, 2007. Her parents, Dr. James Burdick and Mrs. Sharon Burdick of Cassidy Kreuzer, ’19 East Amherst, N.Y., established the scholarship as a result of thousands An all student run production in February 2018. Produced of dollars of contributions made by NU Players. From left, Johnny Barden, ’18, Toni Shinkel, to Niagara University Theatre in ’18, Anika Pace, ’20, and Russell Wilson, ’18. honor of their daughter. Any student selected for this honor must excel in performance or theatrical production and in the classroom, and they must Actor Combat Certification model a Vincentian-like interest in caring for and helping others. To In May 2018, 12 NU Theatre seniors were the first date, 11 Julie Burdick Memorial group to test for Basic Actor Combatant Certification with Scholarships have been awarded to the Academy of Fight Directors Canada. These students Elijah Vasquez, ’19 NU theatre majors. completed over 90 hours of coursework and training with Elijah Vasquez, ’19, is the sixth Certified Fight Instructor and Artist in Residence Adriano recipient of The Brother Augustine Gatto in three different theatrical weapon disciplines: Towey, C.M., Ph.D., Scholarship for unarmed, single sword, and quarterstaff. This training Theatre Studies. Named after “Bro” culminated in a presentation test day of stage combat scenes Augustine, the co-founder of NU’s in every weapon, adjudicated by FDC Fight Master Daniel theatre program, the scholarship Levinson, founder of Rapier Wit, Canada’s oldest stage was established in Summer 2012 to combat school. This certification is a distinguished credential commemorate Bro’s 75th birthday recognized internationally in the professional theatre and 50th anniversary as a Vincentian. industry. We are proud to say that all 12 students passed! Theatre performance majors Marissa Delvecchio, ’19, and Ronnie Marissa Delvecchio, ’19 Stewart, ’19, are the ninth and 10th recipients of the Douglas E. Towey Memorial Scholarship, first awarded to an NU theatre studies student in 2010 in memory of Helen Towey’s beloved husband, Doug, a CBS Sports executive who was also the brother of Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., Ph.D., director emeritus of NU Theatre, and his sisters, Ann Towey and Brenda Romanski. This Top row: Briegette Bullock, Rachael Buchanan, Kalee George, Adriano Ronnie Stewart, ’19 scholarship was created by the Towey Gatto, Daniel Levinson, Russell Wilson, David Wysocki, Kevin Trala, and family and their friends after Doug Marquise Tomasik. Bottom row: Mersedez Hoover, Kayla Storto, Kayla passed away in 2009. McSorley, Katie Rose Gould, and Krista Cantrell.

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 7 33rd Annual Friends Gala By Suzanne Hibbard, Administrative Assistant

On April 28, the Friends of Niagara University Theatre celebrated 54 years of NU Theatre and the contributions of the theatre program’s late co-founder, Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., Ph.D., its faculty, staff and students, when they hosted the 33rd annual Friends of Niagara University Theatre Gala, attended by 120 guests and more than 30 theatre students. The annual event included a 4 p.m. performance of Chicago at the Leary Theatre, followed by a cocktail reception, dinner, and silent and live auction at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston. Sticking with the theme of Chicago, the event featured delightful passed hors d’oeuvres and a featured cocktail of the evening, “Razzle Dazzle.” We were privileged to have Dr. and Mrs. Timothy Ireland serve as this year’s honorary Gala chairs. Celebrity auctioneer, senior meteorologist Mike Randall, donated his time and headed the exciting live auction, which included four NY Mets tickets, a night getaway to The Westin Hotel and Resort in Toronto, dinner for six at the Protocol restaurant in Williamsville, theatre night in Buffalo, and of course, a cameo role for the May 4, 2019, Gala musical, Legally Blonde! This year, Dr. Sharon presented the Spirit of NU Awards, which were given to Dr. Henrik Borgstrom and Kurt Von Voetsch. Auction committee co-chairs included Friends board members Maria Arena, Cathy D’Angelo, Cassie Gorniewicz, Pamela LeCuyer , Margaret Lacki, Adair M. Saviola, Elizabeth Slenk, and Patricia White. Mrs. Arena is board secretary and decorations chair of the event, and Ms. Saviola is board president. Dinner committee chair was Friends’ board vice president, alumnus Russell Papia and Gala coordinators were Celine Keefe and Michael Wachowiak. Funds raised from the annual gala will benefit the theater program and its students, from needed equipment and supplies to workshops and mentoring by guest artists with such professional credits as the Broadway stage, television shows, and films. For more information about the 2019 Gala, please contact Steve Braddock at 716.286.8329.

8 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter Scenes from the Place to Be Seen, Gala 2018!

Nine Students Receive Study Abroad Scholarships

Nine NU theatre majors received study abroad scholarships from three theatre scholarship sources. Elijah Vasquez, ’19, received the $1,500 Tara Laurie Memorial Scholarship. Donald and Janice Laurie established the scholarship in 2005 in memory of their daughter, Tara, a theatre performance/hospitality student who passed away unexpectedly in 2004, several months after participating in the London study abroad program. The Laurie family said, “The Tara Laurie Memorial Scholarship is our way of keeping our daughter’s song alive and her spirit of joy and love soaring.” Recipients of $1,000 study abroad scholarships from the Paul and Martha Rees Charitable Trust and the Friends of Niagara University Theatre include Marissa Delvecchio, Nolan Miles, Mariangela Mercurio, Christine Turturro, Cassidy Kreuzer, Sofia Matlasz, John O’Rourke, and Charles McGregor, all of the Class of 2019. The group of ten theatre students was joined by Dr. Watkinson the first week of the trip to London’s Anglo-American University this summer. At right: Dr. Sharon and Mr. and Mrs. Laurie with scholarship winner, Elijah Vasquez, ’19. Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 9 Dr. Sharon Watkinson: A Niagara University Legend By Britini D’Angelo, Class of 2019

This is Dr. Watkinson’s 49th year “Our program really gives our teaching at Niagara University, and she students a liberal arts education, but absolutely loves it. NU has taught her within that liberal arts education, so much, not just in her undergraduate they are getting a conservatory actor years of education, but throughout her training program,” she said. numerous years of teaching as well. Dr. Watkinson notes that students “Niagara University has been a way who go through this program are not of life for me,” she said. “It’s all I’ve only graduating with a BA, but a BFA. ever known. Because I love what I do, Dr. Watkinson’s career at Niagara I have never worked a day in my life.” University can most certainly be Dr. Watkinson co-founded the described as both illustrious and Niagara University theatre and fine arts legendary. Moments that truly touched program, alongside Brother Augustine her heart were when she received the If you walk into the theatre office Towey, a very special person in her life. Vincentian Mission Award in 2005, wing on any given day, you may have Dr. Watkinson spent countless hours the Outstanding Teacher Award the honor of seeing this incredible with Brother Augustine as they were (nominated by students), and honorary individual. At the end of the hallway, growing, shaping and molding the membership into the Delta Epsilon past posters of previous theatre shows program together. Sigma honor society. signed by cast members, you will see a Every day was a memorable day Dr. Watkinson has touched the lives woman sitting with the brightest smile when Brother Augustine was around,” of hundreds of students, faculty, staff on her face. She is one of the most said Dr. Watkinson. and administration throughout her legendary individuals to ever grace The program began in 1988 and time at Niagara, including this writer. Niagara University. Who is the person, the first degree was given out in 1991. She is an inspiration to us all. She is a you may ask? This individual is none Since then, the theatre and fine arts one-of-a-kind individual who deserves other than Dr. Sharon Watkinson, program at Niagara has become one every recognition she gets. professor and chair of the Department of the finest programs of its kind, Niagara University loves you, Dr. of Theatre and Fine Arts. not only in Western New York, but Sharon, and it always will. throughout the state.

N.U.R.T. & T.Y.A: An NU Tradition Continues Clockwise from top right: Summer 2018 Niagara University Repertory Theatre (N.U.R.T) troupe. From left, Zach Gammel, Ronnie Stewart, Michael Kelleher, Skylah Fields, Audrey Grout, Ashton DeCaro, Justin Pope, Kayla Reumann, and Sonia Angeli. Theatre for Young Audience presents: Click Clack Moo, performing in the Leary Theatre this summer. Photo and light design by Matthew Myers, ’18. The cast of the N.U.R.T, performing on campus in Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre in the Leary Theatre this summer.

10 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter NU in the Professional World Current updates on NU alumni, faculty, and staff Edited by Suzanne Hibbard, Administrative Assistant

Kevin Craig, ’07, recent credits choreography execution. She has Colleen Pine; January-February 2018: include: Peter and the Starcatcher also been seen onstage in La Cage The Nether (Iris) at Road Less Traveled (Smee) MusicalFare; The Night Alive Aux Folles with the Redhouse at City Theatre; March-April 2018: Significant (Doc) Irish Classical; The Foreigner Center. Up next for Mackenzie is Other (Laura) at Buffalo United (Charlie) Kavinoky––nominated choreography for Manlius Pebble Artists, with NU alums Matthew for Outstanding Leading Actor in Hill School's summerstock program, DiVita and Peter Raimondo; May-June a Play Artie; and King Lear (Fool) directorial debut at Solvay High 2018: Stellaluna (Puppeteer/Flap/Owl/ Shakespeare in Delaware Park. School for the fall play, and again Big Bat #1) at Theatre of Youth. Kevin also accepted a full graduate working alongside Christian Oliver on Katie Keating, ’04, is proud to assistantship at Michigan State the Solvay High School spring musical. report that she has been consistently University’s MFA Acting program, and Karen Harty, ’16, moved back acting, has appeared on countless will start there this August. to Buffalo after a year and a half in stages and in a variety of roles; some MacKenzie Gildemeyer, ’15, Orlando, Fla., working for Disney. of which she has won awards for has been working with a local She was a fairy godmother in training since graduating from NU with her Syracuse high school in Solvay, N.Y., during her college internship program BFA in theater. Two of her favorite as the musical assistant director/ and transitioned to costuming when lead roles in 2017 were Beverly in choreographer, where she and longtime she obtained cast member status. She The Receptionist, a fast-paced, timely friend Christian Oliver (Solvay High worked primarily with the Equity cast allegory by playwright Adam Bock; School choral director) have been the members at the Hoop De Doo Revue and Lynn McCarthy in Red Herring, co-collaborators for the restructuring and Voices of Liberty. After moving a noir comedy by playwright Michael of the school drama club program. back, she assistant costume designed Hollinger. Katie received rave reviews Since taking over two years ago, they The Diary of Anne Frank at Lancaster most recently for her portrayal as are still thriving to bring the program Opera House and performed in The Horatio in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, a to the next level of professional theatre. Nance at Subversive This year's production of Fiddler on Theatre Company. Most the Roof received four nominations recently, she was seen in at the Syracuse High School Theatre Buffalo Stories: Russell Awards held on June 3, including one Salvatore at Road Less for MacKenzie for her outstanding Traveled, and she will be in Sweeney Todd at Kavinoky Theatre for Curtain Up in September of this year. Sabrina Kahwaty, ’16, notes her recent Above: Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo credit Lisa Grisanti credits include Killer Garcia. Rack (Madame Zingara/ Below: Significant Other. Photo credit Cheryl Gorski. Sheryl) at Alleyway Theatre from September to October 2017, with NU alums Colleen Pine, Nathan Miller, Kyle Baran, and Joey Bucheker; A Charlie Brown Christmas (Sally) at Theatre of Youth in MacKenzie Gildemeyer, ’15, and Christian December 2017 with Oliver celebrate their Fiddler on the Roof NU alums Dan Urtz, successes at Solvay High School, March 2018. Preston Williams, and

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 11 gender bending production centered with the Lancaster Regional Players; on being told as Horatio’s ghost story, Janet in the shadow cast for The Rocky produced by Screen Plays Theater. Horror Picture Show at the Riviera Katie is currently in rehearsals for the (an annual event she’s been doing title role in George Bernard Shaw’s for the last five years); the title role famous play Major Barbara, being in Cinderella in a new adaptation produced by Classics Theater and of the story for the New Phoenix opening in August. Coming up in Theatre; Vicki Nichols in The Full December, Katie will be portraying Monty with Subversive Theatre; and Mrs. Mary Doyle in the world is currently playing Tina Winslow premiere of M.J. Savastano’s incredible in the farce Here Lies Jeremy Troy adaptation of Jamie O’Neill’s award- Enrique “Henry” Menendez, at Desiderio’s Dinner Theatre.She winning novel, At Swim, Two Boys, ’84-’85 (pictured above), is currently is looking forward to a busy 18-19 which is set against the backdrop of studying film directing at The New season, starting with a production of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland. School. He was named HIV Hero Fahrenheit 451 with Subversive Theatre Katie attributes the NU Theatre of the Month for January 2018 for as Mildred Montag, then a production Department, the lessons learned, heronews.org and hivhero.org. Henry of My Three mentors that guided her, and the also works as a casting director for Angels at truly unique and unmatched NU HIV pharmaceutical ads. In 2017, the New BFA theater program for many of he was a lead in the docu-short film Phoenix the lessons, skills, and abilities that entitled, Hept C Free, directed by Theatre still guide her today. She consistently Oscar winner Cynthia Wade. Henry and The asks herself “What would Tim Ward was interviewed for a literary and Secretary do?” in rehearsals, and never walks photo essay in the fall issue of The with the on a stage for a performance without Washington Babylon written by Uliana Brazen- first sending one up into the lights to Malashenko and is in preproduction Faced Brother Tim. for his short biopic entitled Trigger. Varlets! Below: Katie Keating as Horatio in Hamlet; as Meagan (Kurilovitch) Millar, Above: Jamie Nablo Lynn McCarthy in Red Herring; and as Beverly ’12, was chosen to create an entire Lori Granchelli Panaro, ’97 in The Receptionist . theatre program for the two local (pictured below), appeared in Niagara middle schools in the Regional Theatre’s 2017-18 season as Niagara Falls School District Virtue in Anything Goes and Joanna from the ground up. She Lyppiatt in Present Laughter.Additionally, produced and directed Elf Jr. she will appear in Singin’ in the Rain at the musical, and a cabaret. the Historic Palace Theatre this summer. This year, she is producing and directing Lion King Jr. and taking on the annual Christmas extravaganza show for local elementary schools. She is a full-time teacher at Gaskill Middle School. She is also still performing in shows herself and can be seen next in The Last Five Years as Cathy. Jamie Nablo, ’12, was part of the 2017 Outstanding Ensemble of a Play for One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (Candy Starr) with Subversive Theatre. Brianna Lanoye, ’13, was She also played Lady MacDuff in Bill Patti, ’05, is finishing his sixth awarded a Building Excellent Schools Macbeth for Shakespeare in Delaware season as the artistic director of The Fellowship and will be the founder and Park; started gigging out and playing Highlands Playhouse––one of the principal of a new high-performing baritone ukulele with Ryan Kaminski; nation’s oldest professional summer charter school in Buffalo in 2020. played Lucy Westenra in Dracula stock theatres. He is overseeing

12 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter the Playhouse’s transition to a new St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, and $10,000,000 theatre, which broke worked with ArtPark on its annual Niagara University Theatre ground in June and is set to open in Summer Solstice Festival, as well as Newsletter May of 2020. He also serves as the costumes for its summer production director of theatre at Episcopal High of The Odyssey. You will be able to see Editor-in-Chief: School in Alexandria, Va. Keirsten’s designs in two shows at the Steven Braddock Steven E Sitzman, ’10, notes that New Phoenix Theatre this coming Director his recent credits include: Aida (Zoser season! Niagara University Theatre Replacment); Hairspray (IQ); Big River Primo Thomas, ’13, became the (Pap Finn/King); and Sister Act (Joey) technical director for the theatre Managing Editor: at Thingamajig Theatre in Pagosa arts program at Niagara County Suzanne Hibbard Springs, Colo., (summer 2017); Ring Community College in September Administrative Assistant of Fire (lead guitar/vocals), and Elf 2017, where he has designed and Department of Theatre & Fine Arts The Musical (Greenway/Ensemble) produced three shows. Primo also Editorial Consultant: at Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse, (fall designed the lighting for the Kenny- Dr. Sharon Watkinson 2017); Ring of Fire (lead guitar/vocals) nominated production of The Chair at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre and Hunchback of Notre Dame at St. Department of Theatre and Fine Arts Pump Boys and Dinnettes (Jackson) Joesph’s Collegiate Institute. You will at Myers Dinner Theatre, (spring be able to see his work in the Buffalo Photographers: 2018); Legally Blonde (Ensemble/US Theatre Community this coming Steven Braddock Emmett), West Side Story (Lt. Shrank/ season, as he will be designing for The Rachael Buchanan Fight Choreographer), and Thoroughly New Phoenix Theatre and Torn Space Modern Millie (Ensemble/Fight Theatre. Andrew Emmons Captain) at Thingamajig Theatre in Phoebe Wright, ’15, continues Michael Freedman Pagosa Springs, Colo., (summer 2018). to live and work in New York City. Keelin Higgins Dave Spychalski, ’13, costume Last summer, she appeared in Hamlet Vincent Lopez designed the On Stage program at Isn’t Dead’s all female production of Hannah Macios Elmwood Franklin’s summer camp Henry V (Westmoreland) and spent Matthew Myers and worked on Seussical and Into The the holiday season in Angels Among Woods. He then played Gaston in his Us (Kady) at the American Theatre Editing and Design: dream show, Beauty and the Beast, in of Actors. The spring brought a new Lisa McMahon October with Theatre In The Mist, challenge of an all-female production Associate Director for Alumni & and also performed “If I Can’t Love of Richard III (Richard) at Columbia Development Communications Her” from Beauty and the Beast at University. She will be spending CAPberet 2018––the memorial for summer 2018 with Pantochino Please e-mail story ideas for Nicholas Albano. In May, he made Productions in Milford, Conn. She next season’s issue of the his professional costume design debut and Nicholas Seres, ’15, (pictured Niagara University Theatre with The Foreigner at The Kavinoky below) are delighted to share news of newsletter to Steven Braddock, Theatre and was just made full time their engagement in Lake Placid, N.Y., director of NU Theatre, at at The Kavinoky working as their May 2018. Nicholas continues to work [email protected]. box office and bar manager! Coming for Flying By Foy! up, he will be appearing as Karl in Deadline for submissions Big Fish: The Musical with Second for the Season 2018–19 issue Generation Theatre Company. is Feb. 15, 2019. Keirsten Thomas, ’13, is the costume designer for the theatre In an effort to support the arts program at Niagara County university’s commitment to Community College, where she environmental awareness, has designed Pippin and supervised we will be going green next the costume build of A Midsummer year with our annual theatre Night’s Dream. Keirsten was part newsletter! This will be our last of the costuming team for the mailing. Look for the digital Kenny-nominated production of version on our NU theatre The Hunchback of Notre Dame at website and Facebook page!

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 13 Left: Niagara University alum and current theatre students at the Bisons’ game, where they performed a “Grease Review” choreographed by Terri Vaughan. At right: Niagara University alum working with rock star Eddie Money on a world premiere musical staring Mr. Money himself, choreography by Terri Vaughan.

2018 – 2019 Season at a Glance

Leary Theatre in the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre Box Office: 716-286-8685 • Email: [email protected] Website: http://theatre.niagara.edu/

Oct. 11–15, 2018 Nov. 29–Dec. 9, 2018 March 1–3 The Wolves, by Sarah DeLappe Is He Dead? by Mark Twain & Some Girl(s) by Neil LaBute Thursday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. David Ives NU Players— all student-produced Friday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2 p.m. PSD Saturday, Dec. 1, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, 2p.m. PSD Thursday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. March 28– April 1 Nov. 1–11, 2018 Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw Little Shop of Horrors, by Alan Saturday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, 7:30 p.m. Menken & Howard Ashman Sunday, Dec. 9, 2p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, 7 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 –27, 2019 Sunday, March 31, 2 p.m. PSD Saturday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Short Play Festival Monday, April 1, 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, 2 p.m. PSD Three cycles of plays, all student- Thursday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m. directed (possible adult subject matter) April 25–May 5 Friday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25 7:30 p.m. Cycle A Legally Blonde: The Musical, by Saturday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2 p.m. Cycle A Heather Hach, Laurence O’Keefe & Saturday, Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m. Cycle B Nell Benjamin Sunday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27 2 p.m. Cycle B Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m. Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21–24, 2019 Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Key: Copenhagen (studio production–– Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m. PSD Gala = Special ticket required, Clet 101 Acting Studio) Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m. call for details: 716-286-8483 by Michael Frayn Friday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. (35th annual FRIENDS OF NU Thursday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 4 p.m. Gala THEATRE Gala) Friday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. PSD= Post Show Discussion Sunday, Feb. 24, 2p.m. PSD

14 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter You’re a Friend, But Are You a Friend of NU Theatre?

• The Friends of Niagara University Theatre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the theatre by supporting student and faculty development, production costs and equipment purchases.

• Joining the Friends will not only help us continue to improve our new facility and future productions, but will also afford us the ability to bring guest mentors to work with our students.

• Our Friends are “kept in the loop” with our annual newsletter.

• Friends also receive discounts to all NU Theatre productions.

• Your generosity will help assure that our talented theatre students, faculty and staff will continue to benefit from your generous contributions.

• We need your help. Thank you for your consideration and Friendship.

Niagara University Theatre Newsletter 15 Nonprofit Std. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Niagara University, NY 14109 Niagara University Theatre Department PERMIT NO. 1 P.O. Box 1913 Niagara University, NY 14109

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Save the Date!

NU Theatre Presents:

Legally Blonde: The Musical

The 34th Annual Friends of NU Theatre Gala will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019!

This is a special evening of great theatre, fine food, auctions, and fabulous Friends to support the NU Theatre program.

16 Niagara University Theatre Newsletter