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LATEST BAVPA ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES
GRACE STUMBERG (2007) performs at the Larkin Square Concert Series (https://www.buffalorising.com/2019/04/larkinville-announces-2019- season/ ) August 20. BuffaloRising.com article about the series:https://gracestumberg.com/.
Educator, Saxophonist and Composer JAMES BRANDON LEWIS (2001). Lewis performs at Ears Open at Public Records, 233 Butler Street, Brooklyn, NY May 1: http://www.jblewis.com/.
Lewis’ CD, An Unruly Manifesto ( https://jamesbrandonlewis.bandcamp.com/releases ) is available for purchase.
Celebrity Make Up Artist SIR JOHN BARNETT (2000) will host A Hands on Master Class at Genacelli Salon ( http://genacellieaststudio.com/ ) in Chicago, IL May 15 from 10AM-7:30PM:https://www.ericacarr.com/.
Refinery29.com/Barnett related interview: “Black Don’t Crack” Almost Kept Me From Getting Fillers:https://www.refinery29.com/en- us/2019/03/226871/sir-john-makeup-artist-microneedling-under-eye-fillers.
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 Desde El Puente through May 5. BroadwayWorld.com article about the Raices’ 2018-2019 season ( https://www.broadwayworld.com/buffalo/article/Races-Theatre-Company-Announces-2018-19- Season-Including-Musical-Version-Of-DESDE-EL-PUENTE-20181103 ) for tickets and information, go to theatre’s link.
BRADON MCDONALD (1993) created costumes for the Utah Opera ( https://utahopera.org/ ) Vincenzo Bellini’s opera Norma at Abravanel Hall in Salt lake City, UT May 4-7. For tickets and show times, go to link.
SCOTT “GUS” POITRAS (1992) is the Advanced Automation Carpenter for the Susan Stroman helmed musical, Marie, Dancing Still-A New Musical at 5th Avenue Theatre ( https://www.5thavenue.org/show/marie ) in Seattle, WA.
Marie, Dancing Still-A New Musical production photos. BroadwayWorld.com article, https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-Get- A-Look-At-More-Photos-From-MARIE-DANCING-STILL-Opens-Tonight-20190405.
Poitras is a production carpenter in the Broadway musical comedy, The Prom ( https://theprommusical.com/ ) on stage now at Longacre Theatre.
Ryan Murphy adapting The Prom musical to a TV movie for Netflix. Variety.com article, https://variety.com/2019/scene/news/ryan-murphy- adapting-the-prom-musical-for-netflix-also-hosting-kamala-harris-and-pete-buttigieg-fundraisers-1203185608/.
Golderby.com article, The Prom’s leading ladies Beth Leavel and Caitlin Kinnunen are hoping to make Tony Awards history: https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/the-prom-beth-leavel-caitlin-kinnunen-tony-awards/.
The Prom related news, Alan Wasser prolific general manager and Tony Award Recipient, passes away at 70. BroadwayWorld.com article:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Broadway-General-Manager-Alan-Wasser-Passes-Away-20190415.
The Prom musical related news, register for the 2019 Broadway Teachers Workshop ( http://www.broadwayteachinggroup.com/ ) for more information, go to link. Playbill.com article:http://www.playbill.com/article/registration-open-for-2019-broadway-teachers-workshop.
AmericanTheatre.com/The Prom musical related article, A New Golden Age for the Broadway Musical? https://www.americantheatre.org/2019/03/26/a-new-golden-age-for-the-broadway-musical/.
Poitras is the Advance Flyman on Sara Bareilles’ penned musical, Waitress (https://waitressthemusical.com ) on Broadway at Brooks Atkinson Theater.
BroadwayWorld.com article, Tickets to WAITRESS Now on Sale Through December 15:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Tickets-to- WAITRESS-Now-on-Sale-Through-December-15-20190403.
Broadway.com #LiveatFive with Eddie Jemison of Waitress interview:https://www.broadway.com/videos/159243/broadwaycom-liveatfive-with- eddie-jemison-of-waitress/.
NBC-TV’s Smash alumna Katherine McPhee announced Waitress UK final performance date. Playbill.com article: http://www.playbill.com/article/katharine-mcphee-sets-final-date-in-londons-waitress.
NYPost.com article about Sara Barieilles’ new album, Amidst the Chaos on sale now:https://genius.com/a/read-all-the-lyrics-to-sara- bareilless-new-album-amidst-the-chaos.
Shoshana Bean sings She Used to Be Mine from Waitress. Broadway.com article: https://www.broadway.com/videos/159266/exclusive-watch- shoshana-bean-belt-out-she-used-to-be-mine-from-waitress/.
Playbill.com article, Watch Ben Platt and Sara Bareilles Belt Out Waitress and More on Carpool Karaoke:http://www.playbill.com/article/watch- ben-platt-and-sara-bareilles-belt-out-waitress-and-more-on-carpool-karaoke.
Former CW-TV’s Supergirl actor Jeremy Jordan returns to Broadway in Waitress for a limited run through May 7. UPI.com article: https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2019/03/18/Jeremy-Jordan-joins-cast-of-Waitress-on-Broadway/8661552922031/.
Poitras is on the Broadway musical Beautiful:The Carole King Musical (https://beautifulonbroadway.com ) staff at Sondheim Theatre.
AmericanTheatre.com/ Beautiful: The Carole King Musical musical related article, A New Golden Age for the Broadway Musical? https://www.americantheatre.org/2019/03/26/a-new-golden-age-for-the-broadway-musical/.
StLToday.com/Beautiful musical related article, Beautiful writer Douglas McGrath wowed by the enduring passion for Carole King's music: https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/beautiful-writer-douglas-mcgrath-wowed-by-the-enduring-passion- for/article_23b58c3c-4704-5498-a27f-58f5c631c363.html.
Waitress, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical alumna Jesse Mueller and Smash alumna Megan Hilton to star as Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn in Lifetime biopic, Patsy & Loretta. WideOpenCountry.com article about the film: https://www.wideopencountry.com/patsy-and-loretta- lifetime-movie/.
Smash series related news, JESSE L. MARTIN (1987), portrayed Scott Welker, an artistic director of a theater company who is a potential love interest to Debra Messing's Julia in the NBC Marilyn Monroe-based musical series that aired 2012-2013.
Sarah Bockel took over the Beautiful: The Carole King Musical lead role and performs through May 5. Broadway.com article: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/195396/sarah-bockel-takes-over-as-carole-king-in-beautiful-on-broadway/.
Poitras was the Head Carpenter of the Broadway musical, The Band’s Visit at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Official website: http://thebandsvisitmusical.com.
The Band’s Visit played its final Broadway performance April 7. BroadwayWorld.com article:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW- Flashback-THE-BANDS-VISIT-Plays-Final-Broadway-Performance-Today-20190407.
The Band’s Visit related news, Alan Wasser prolific general manager and Tony Award Recipient, passes away at 70. BroadwayWorld.com article:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Broadway-General-Manager-Alan-Wasser-Passes-Away-20190415.
AmericanTheatre.com/The Band’s Visit musical related article, A New Golden Age for the Broadway Musical? https://www.americantheatre.org/2019/03/26/a-new-golden-age-for-the-broadway-musical/.
Golderby.com article, Shortcut to EGOT? Katrina Lenk and Ari’el Stachel could be the latest to win Tony, Grammy and Emmy for one show:https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/egot-katrina-lenk-ariel-stachel-the-bands-visit-daytime-emmys-news/.
Broadway.com article, The Band's Visit's George Abud Set for World Premiere August Rush Musical Directed by John Doyle April 24 through June 2:https://www.broadway.com/buzz/195279/the-bands-visits-george-abud-set-for-world-premiere-august-rush-musical-directed-by-john- doyle/?fbclid=IwAR0KrWKKHseqHtmuOAgUlGhJPhzaVdTf7FFDlH0N0QnmECCp2Hx3e4QKvEE.
The Band's Visit national tour will perform at Shea’s Performing Arts Center April 14-19, 2020. BroadwayWorld.com article: https://www.broadwayworld.com/buffalo/article/MEAN-GIRLS-THE-BANDS-VISIT-Announced-For-Sheas-2019-20-Broadway-Series-20190312.
( In relation to musicals posted in Poitras’ bio), James Cordon to host the 2019 Tony Awards (https://www.tonyawards.com ) ceremony, June 9 at Radio City Music Hall on CBS; Tony Award winner Bebe Neuwirth and Tony nominee Brandon Victor Dixon will share the podium April 30 to announce nominations for the 73rd annual Tony Awards.
Actor Comedian JON CESAR (1989) appeared in the made for TV Christmas movie, A Special Christmas Dinner, directed by Fred Olen Ray. The film will air some time during Christmas season, network TBD. WYRK.com article, https://wyrk.com/new-movie-being-shot-in-western- new-york-starting-tuesday/.
PASTOR GARNEY DAVIS (1988) presents the Impacting Love Global Ministries Reset for My Glory Gospel Crusade at Sahlen Field, Griffin 1 Field ( formerly Buffalo Bisons’ Coca Cola Field), August 10 from 10AM-5PM. Free admission; reserve tickets at https://resetformyglory.com/.
Author/ Dancer/African Drum Instructor and Educator KRISTIN CRAGE (1988) latest publication, Woman to Woman-The Conversation, Part I is available for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Woman -Conversation-Part-I/dp/0692164618.
Woman to Woman-The Conversation, Part I Book Overview
This series is about the conversations we never had, need to have, and still can have. It’s about growing from girl to woman - living, loving and learning while finding self-worth and dignity in the face of serious setbacks and major challenges. This is the journey of releasing pain and anger, no judgment and no-holds-barred and finding the way to love. The Woman to Woman series is for every woman.
RON MANGUM (1988) and LISA VITRANO (1988) appeared in the hockey based film drama, Bubble Girl directed by Peter McGennis ( Queen City and Buffalo Bushido ).. The world premiere screening will take place at North Park Theatre ( https://www.northparktheatre.org/ ), Buffalo June 8 from 4 PM-5:15. For tickets, go to link.
Bubble Girl promotional trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRjerEXmk-g.
Bubble Girl’s plot involves a young girl who overcomes a childhood illness with an imaginary superhero friend; Roswell Park Cancer Institute is featured in the film. OnlineVacations.com article about the film:https://onlocationvacations.com/2012/11/15/blue-bloods-star-abigail-hawk- begins-filming-bubble-girl-in-buffalo/.
BuffaloNews.com/ Bubble Girl related article, Soundcheck:Kofi Burbridge remembered as a brilliant musician, beautiful soul: https://buffalonews.com/2019/02/19/soundcheck-kofi-burbridge-remembered-as-a-brilliant-musician-beautiful-soul/.
ROBERT PATERSON’s (1988) compositions to be performed at Danbury Music Centre’s Charles Ives Concert Series in Danbury, CT May 13 at 7PM. For tickets, go to http://danburymusiccentre.org/charles-ives-concert-series/.
STPost.com article about the concert series:https://www.ctpost.com/entertainment/article/Danbury-Music-Centre-announces-spring-season- of-13642922.php.
Paterson wrote a piece called Embracing The Wind, for flute for Aureole Trio ( https://www.aureoletrio.com/ ) now available for purchase on ArkivMusic.com and Amazon.com :http://robertpaterson.com/.
Paterson 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.
LISA VITRANO (1988) to perform in the Road Less Traveled Production’s annual fundraiser Screen to Stage, a public screenplay reading series The Princess Bride April 6. For tickets for the fundraiser and information, go to https://roadlesstraveledproductions.org/.
Singer, Multi-instrumentalist, Poet, Songwriter, Activist and Businesswoman ANI DIFRANCO (1987), performs at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, LA May 3 to kick off her No Walls and the Recurring Dream book tour:http://anidifranco.com/.
RollingStone.com article, Ani DiFranco Plots North American ‘No Walls’ Tour:https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ani-difranco- no-walls-tour-820571/?fbclid=IwAR0Hk4P424xwPYkDJEwUzdo-ogjJsTdJOU0bFDZZWtNK2lxQ2Ksoxq-07s8.
DiFranco/Prince related news, the Prince Estate announced physical reissues of the late musician’s albums Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic ( released in 1999), and its remix accompaniment, Rave In2 the Joy Fantastic (released 2001). Exclaim.com article, http://exclaim.ca/music/article/princes_rave_albums_are_being_reissued_as_ultimate_rave.
DiFranco’s memoir, No Walls and the Recurring Dream will be available for purchase May 7; the audio book will be available at a later date: https://www.righteousbabe.com/.
DiFranco’s memoir mentioned in the Bustle.com article, 29 Nonfiction Books Coming Out In 2019 To Start Getting Excited About: https://www.bustle.com/p/29-nonfiction-books-coming-out-in-2019-to-start-getting-excited-about-13212013.
Hadestown related news, A New Golden Age for the Broadway Musical? AmericanTheatre.com article: AmericanTheatre.com/https://www.americantheatre.org/2019/03/26/a-new-golden-age-for-the-broadway-musical/.
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/ ) based on the album, opens April 17. Playbill.com article, Watch New Clips From Hadestown on Broadway:http://www.playbill.com/article/watch-new-clips-from-hadestown-on-broadway.
Hadestown is the first Broadway musical to feature a book, music, and lyrics by a sole female writer since Elizabeth Swados’ 1978 Runaways. Playbill.com article:http://www.playbill.com/article/hadestown-begins-on-broadway-march-22.
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.
TheFederalist.com/Hadestown article, Hadestown On Broadway Re-Envisions An Ancient Story Of Love, Loss, And Distrust: https://thefederalist.com/2019/04/17/hadestown-on-broadway-tells-the-story-of-love-loss-and-distrust/
Vulture.com article, Hadestown Took the Long Way From Community Theater to Broadway: https://www.vulture.com/2019/04/hadestown-how- it-ended-up-on-broadway.html.
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 AND LAW & ORDER NEWS
The Flash’s Jesse Quick ( portrayed by Violett Beane who’s currently starring in CBS-TV’s God Friended Me), possible return to Arrowverse’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. CBR.com article:https://www.cbr.com/jesse-quick-arrowverse-comics-comparison/.
The Flash and Arrow Bring to appear in the DC Comics Crossover Crisis trilogy, The Flash: Green Arrow’s Perfect Shot. The title is available for pre-order now ( see BC.com story for link) and will be available for purchase August 13. BleedingCool.com article: https://www.bleedingcool.com/2019/04/04/the-flash-and-arrow-bring-their-crossover-crisis-to-the-printed-page-excerpt/.
The Flash Season 5 will be available on Netflix May 22. NetFlixLife.com article, https://netflixlife.com/2019/03/07/flash-season-5-coming- netflix-may-2019/.
Houston's Comicpalooza 2019/Grant Gustin news; Gustin is scheduled to appear May 11. HoustonPress.com article: https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/things-to-do-comicpalooza-2019-now-with-the-flash-11274004 .
FlashTVNews.com article, The Flash Spoilers: “Gone Rogue” Description:http://flashtvnews.com/the-flash-spoilers-gone-rogue- description/32563. Air date, April 30.
The Flash’s Snow Pack episode synopsis and episode photos, https://www.cbr.com/flash-photos-reveal-return-icicle/. Air date, April 23.
The Flash Spring season finale airs May 14. NewsaRama.com article: https://www.newsarama.com/44226-cw-announces-season-finales-for- arrow-black-lightning-flash-supergirl-legends-riverdale.html.
HeroicHollywood.com article, Red Death Is Ready To Face Grant Gustin’s The Flash In New Image: https://heroichollywood.com/the-flash-red- death-grant-gustin/.
The Flash/90’s Flash and Elseworlds crossover related new, Earth-90 Flash statue coming to GameStop. ComicBook.com article: https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/04/04/elseworlds-earth-90-flash-statue-coming-to-gamestop/.
Smash/Bombshell related news, will the BBC’s Marilyn Monroe TV series based on Keith Badman’s book The Final Years of Marilyn Monroe: The Shocking True Story finally get her story right? WMagazine.com article: https://www.wmagazine.com/story/marilyn-monroe-tv-series-bbc.
Smash/Bombshell related news, Chris Evans ( Captain America and Avengers ), wants to be in a musical. TheMarySue.com article, https://www.themarysue.com/chris-evans-musical/.
Rent musical creator Jonathan Larson’s CD, The Jonathan Larson Project ( https://www.ghostlightrecords.com/the-jonathan-larson- project.html ), now on sale. BroadwayWorld.com article: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/THE-JONATHAN-LARSON-PROJECT- Album-Is-Released-Digitally-Today-20190405.
CheatSheet.com/Rent related article, Best of Broadway: The 5 Most Iconic Showtunes of All Time: https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/best-of-broadway-the-5-most-iconic-showtunes-of-all-time.html/.
Rent related news, A New Golden Age for the Broadway Musical? AmericanTheatre.org article:https://www.americantheatre.org/2019/03/26/a- new-golden-age-for-the-broadway-musical/.
Broadway.com article, Exclusive! George Salazar & More on the 'Really Exciting' Chance to Preserve the Unheard Works of Jonathan Larson:https://www.broadway.com/buzz/195432/exclusive-george-salazar-more-on-the-really- exciting-chance-to-preserve-the-unheard-works-of-jonathan-larson/?fbclid=IwAR27wS_17oVsYnND4VyYjkGF54i-e0H_ scQ upux1Tx4rfzFi1NK_kgUJ0w&fbclid=IwAR2qFAb7JJUVTE7S9Q18Pb9AnWCxxWYmyt5W8P5wTTNGm_Ja-jeLISHL_fs.
ScreenRant.com article, Ranked: Every Law & Order Series: https://screenrant.com/ranked-every-law-order-series/.
MIKE STARZYNSKI (1984) performs in Buffalo Quickies at Alleyway Theatre ( http://alleyway.com/ ) through May 4. BuffaloNews.com review: https://buffalonews.com/2019/04/12/anthony-chase-amusing-installment-of-buffalo-quickies-at-alleyway/.
BAVPA ALUMNI (GRADUATION YEARS UNKNOWN) and MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Uber driver/BAVPA alumna SYLIVIA COLLINS saved the life of a 2-year old toddler roaming alone in the early morning April 2. RecordOnline.com article:https://www.recordonline.com/news/20190403/uber-driver-credited-for-rescuing-wandering-2-year-old-boy.
Erie County Legislature Majority Leader APRIL BASKIN announced she will run for a second term as 2nd District County Legislator; the Democratic Primary election date, June 25.
KIMERA LATTIMORE is the daughter of Stacey Lattimore, a member of the 1980’s singing group Process and the Doo Rags produced by Buffalo, NY native/Punk Funk icon, Rick James.
Lattimore performs Lipstick Unplugged - Encore Performance at the Aud on Hertel, 567 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo May 3. Doors open at 6PM, 7PM start: https://allevents.in/buffalo/lipstick- unplugged-encore-performance/1000016621163137.
Author A.A. LEWIS wrote the Buffalo-Based 90’s urban novel, The 716 Love & Consequences the book is available for purchase: https://dspublishing.net/.
Blues Musician LUCKY PETERSON attended BAVPA 1978-1979. Peterson performs at Rhythm & Blues Night 2019 in De Oosterpoort, Groningen, NE May 11: http://www.luckypeterson.com.
The Alemaedae Theatre of Dreams’ (CEO PHIL DAVIS attended BAVPA from 5th-8th grades, 1993-1997), holds their bi-monthly acting workshops every 1st and 3rd Saturdays. To register for classes, go to https://www.atpgalaxy.com/.
BAVPA Alumni TYSHAUN TYSON serves as the arts consultant on the following project and encourages other BAVPA alumni to apply.
The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is pleased to invite artists to participate in the Call for Artists for the Heritage Arts Mural Project for the 2019 summer season. We are seeking seven Western New York artists to create a series of public murals adjacent to the new Underground Railroad Heritage Center and Niagara Falls Amtrak Station in the Highland Community in the City of Niagara Falls.
The Mural Project will unite artists with the community in a collaborative process, rooted in historical and contemporary themes, that will transform our public spaces and inspire our local citizens. Artists are invited to submit their qualifications for consideration. Upon selection, artists will be given a stipend for the project and supplied the materials necessary to complete one mural each.
To be considered, artists are required to complete the application by the deadline of April 21, 2019 through the google form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe11FZ2eiQriCckseR6r3vAI1v4kvX53-pMzIrHZtXzaKKQLA/viewform?usp=send_form.
Kenmore East High School to host three WNY high school bands for a Music is Art event May 22 at 7PM.The concert will highlight the importance of music education.
BAVPA, Hutchinson Central Technical High School and Cheektowaga Central High School will take part, along with two nationally known composers and conductors – Randall Bayne and Jeff Gershman; a medical expert will also be in attendance to talk about how music effects on the brain. WBFO.org article: https://news.wbfo.org/post/music-education-alive-buffalo-urban-and-suburban-unite.
The National Endowment for the Arts and the American Theatre Wing are looking for emerging songwriting stars for the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge. This national competition is open to high school students who have a passion for writing songs that could be part of a musical theater production. Musical theater encompasses a wide range of musical styles including hip-hop, rock, R&B, country, jazz, and more. This year marks the second national competition with applications accepted now until April 30, 2019 at midnight ET.For more information, go to https://www.arts.gov/songwriting/2018-national-competition-webcast.
BAVPA FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS
KELLY BEUTH is a Theatre instructor at BAVPA and Subversive Theatre’s (www.subversivetheatre.org ) co-artistic director. Subversive presents After the Fall for tickets and show times, go to link.
Beuth’s also a member of the Brazened Faced Varlets Theatre Company, http://www.varlets.org/ . BFVTC presents, The Secretary March 29- April 4. For tickets and information, go to link. BuffaloTheatreGuide.com article,https://buffalotheatreguide.com/2019/03/06/the-brazen-faced- varlets-present-the-secretary-by-kyle-john-schimdt/?fbclid=IwAR1VltC59aJ6ccgoMkEjYjcbYhrme-MB2PI4Gzt19V-w1QcPA0rlBZsO544.
Actor, Director and Acting Instructor JOSIE DIVINCENZO ( http://www.josiedivincenzo.com/ ) conducts Film and TV acting classes. For more information, 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/. SDP presents The Tempest June 20-July 14 and Love Labour’s Lost July 25- August 18.
Jewish Repertory Theatre presents Looking Through Glass May 9-June 2. For tickets and show times, go to theatre’s link.
LORNA HILL is the founder and Artistic Director of Ujima Theatre. Ujima presents as part of their grand opening at their new location ( the former PS #77 ), Passing Strange April 26-May 19. For information, go to http://www.ujimacoinc.org/.
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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 thepast and present school colors; for more information about Hitchcock’s work, go to www.warandra- productions.com/Website_ Hosting_and_Design.html.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED
Several prominent Buffalo women was honored during the annual Women's History Month program, Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence at the Buffalo City Hall lobby, March 29. Among the recipients, Principal JODY COVINGTON (1988.) BuffaloNews.com article:https://buffalonews.com/2019/03/29/womens-history-month-program-honors-remarkable-women/.
BAVPA Boys and Girls Basketball team hosted a cancer awareness night in March at their school basketball games and raised $300.00 for the Roswell Park Cancer Research Institute.
Congratulations go out to BAVPA winning the Northland Workplace Training Center's 2019 WNY Student Region Student Video contest sponsored by WKBW-TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News.
WKBW-TV.com news report about the award:https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/northland-workforce-training-center-contest-shines- light-on-manufacturing.
BAVPA Senior Theatre Major KATARA WILLIS won 1st place in the WNY regional August Wilson Monologue competition; Willis will compete in the NYC national finals ( https://truecolorstheatre.org ) May 6. Free admission and for more information go to link.
The BAVPA musical Les Mise’rables received a Kenny Award nomination for Outstanding Musical Production. The Kenny Awards ceremony will be held at Shea’s Saturday, May 11 at 6PM. Tickets are $8.00 presale and $10.00 the day of beginning April 27; tickets may be purchased at Shea’s Ticket Office, 650 Main Street, or Ticketmaster. For more information and the nominee list, go to https://kennyawards.weebly.com/.
Kenny Awards nominees to be announced at Shea's at 7PM; the event will be streamed live via Facebook. WKBW-TV.com news report: https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/sheas-and-lipke-foundation-announce-nominees-for-2019-kenny- awards?fbclid=IwAR2Psn9Yh74wfZrByJfSHhiEy1S5_kLuJVlKr-c9I1zpvDjJErJMkXDy8uQ.
RANDI LANGDON (2013), GABRIEL ROBERE (2005 ) TILKE HILL (1996) RON MANGUM (1988) and MARGO DAVIS appeared in the film Cold Brook ( https://trilight.ca/ ), directed by Buffalo native, actor William Fichtner. The film received Best Narrative Feature award at the Gasparilla International Film Festival ( https://www.gasparillafilmfestival.com/ ) held in Tampa Bay, FL March 19-24.
ScreenAnarchy.com article about Cold Brook film: https://screenanarchy.com/2019/04/interview-cold-brook-director-william-fichtner-on-the- making-of-the-film-contrib.html?fbclid=IwAR1DBBMf3fdSkr3o6xc_ZFvtJm_vleTzA_ix0G9ThxQ9rN0-odGHUAkKQ_M.
KAMERON D. WOOD (2011) was a production assistant for The Beatles-based comedy drama film, Yesterday the film is slated for a May 4 screening at Tribeca Film Festival ( https://www.tribecafilm.com/ ) and a June 28 UK release: https://www.yesterdaymovie.com.
UDiscoverMusic.com article about Yesterday film:https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/beatles-songs-in-the-yesterday-film/.
SARIELYS MATOS (2000) performed in the New Phoenix Theatre production, The Life and Death of King John March 1-March 23. Buffalo News review: https://buffalonews.com/2019/03/02/new-phoenix-stages-a-rewarding-king-john/.
Graffiti street artists VINNY ALEJANDRO (1992), Mark Madden and Mic Excel created art work for the new Tappo Pizza @ Thin Man Brewery ( https://www.tappoitalian.com ) in Buffalo.
BuffaloRising.com article about the brewery’s artwork:https://www.buffalorising.com/2019/04/tappo-pizza-thin-man-brewery-on-chandler- street/.
The 2018 USA Network spinoff TV series based on motion picture The Purge ( https://www.usanetwork.com/thepurge ), was renewed for a second season; broadcast date September 2019. DigitalSpy.com article, The Purge season 2 might see a major cast overhaul: https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a870468/the-purge-season-2-cast-overhaul/.
Past Purge film news, CLAUDINE EWING (1988) and GABRIEL ROBERE’ (2005) appeared in the 2018 action/sci-fi horror film, The First Purge, ( https://www.uphe.com/movies/the-first-purge ) starring Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Oscar winner MarisaTomei and Patch Dorragh.
D’ANDRA BYRD ULMER's (1987) daughter Mikaila, is the founder and CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade Company. Mikaila was selected European CEO magazine's Top 5 CEOS:https://www.europeanceo.com/business-and- management/top-5-youngest-ceos/. Me and the Bees website link: https://www.meandthebees.com/
Pictured: ( Left to Right) PGA Golfer Brooks Koepka, Dixon and 2019 The Masters Champion, Tiger Woods.
CBN.com interview with Visual Artist, VALENTINO DIXON ( http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2019/april/the-masters-drawing-that-helped-free- a-man-from-prison?cpid=:ID:-33200-:DT:-2019-04-13-17:00:18-:US:-SW1-:CN:-CP1-:PO:-NC1-:ME:-SU1-:SO:-FB1-:SP:-NW1-:PF:-TX1-.
Buffalo News article about Dixon predicting Tiger Woods' historic win:https://buffalonews.com/2019/04/15/buffalos-valentino-dixon-at-the- masters-he-predicted-woods-win-right-to-tigers-face/ .
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s (https://bpo.org/ ) Lead Conductor JOANN FALETTA, was named Performance Today’s Classical Woman of the Year.
YourClassical.org/Performance Today article:https://www.yourclassical.org/story/2019/03/27/woman-of-the-year?fbclid=IwAR2sQBgT9URDA- hjUxaCuMrUFJaIcODPddCcdi0zHqBpqot-AqREUh9Yw38.
Faletta’s the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s ( https://virginiasymphony.org/ ) principal conductor who orchestrated the 2005 Virginia Arts Festival ( https://www.vafest.org/ )Midsummer Night’s Dream in conjunction with Ohio State University. RON MANGUM (1988), pictured second, portrayed one of the Rude Mechanicals in the production; directed by Lesley Ferris. STEPHEN MCKINLEY-HENDERSON to appear in the FX Network (https://www.fxnetworks.com/) thriller miniseries, Devs. Looper.com article https://www.looper.com/130359/devs-details-released-for-alex-garlands-sci-fi-limited-series/?fbclid=IwAR3KLJ1wBhb0JH95Nm8sz8uI- ekgiipBxxTaeI6pe1Tu7WVXOnpye3VjySY.
The Genesis Center ( https://www.thegenesiscenter.us/), received the Food Bank of WNY H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Partners Exceed) Summit Award for the category of combined food pantry/soup kitchen of the year! The Genesis Center was chosen from a group of 224 pantries and soup kitchens from Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. This honor was awarded because of the Centers advanced technology, outstanding customer service and involvement in the community. The Genesis Center is located on Seneca Street in South Buffalo and founded by St. Simon’s Episcopal Church with the financial backing of The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation and the Episcopal Diocese of Buffalo.
Pictured Above: (Left to Right) Michael T. Daloia, Agency Services Manager of Food Bank of WNY, Mark Southcott, Volunteer at The Genesis Center, TERESA MISSEL, The Genesis Center Administrator and Tara Ellis, President & CEO of Food Bank of WNY.
The Genesis Center received the Food Bank of WNY H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Partners Exceed) Summit Award for the category of combined food pantry/soup kitchen of the year! The Genesis Center was chosen from a group of 224 pantries and soup kitchens from Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. This honor was awarded because of the Centers advanced technology, outstanding customer service and involvement in the community. The Genesis Center is located on Seneca Street in South Buffalo and founded by St. Simon’s Episcopal Church with the financial backing of The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation and the Episcopal Diocese of Buffalo.
BAVPA MUSICAL FLASHBACKS & FUTURE MAJOR MEDIA PRODUCTION NEWS
BAVPA staged the 1999 production Guys and Dolls, directed by Meghan Rose Frank. The production featured GREG CHAFEE who portrayed Nathan Detroit, FRANK WATKINS as Sky Masterson, SARIELYS MATOS (2000), as Miss Adelaide, BETH SOBOCINSKI as Sarah Brown and numerous BAVPA students, crew and faculty.
Broadway.com article, Guys and Dolls Movie Remake in the Works:https://www.broadway.com/buzz/195282/guys-and-dolls-movie-remake-in- the-works/.
The 1955 Guys and Dolls American film adaptation starred Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, and Vivian Blaine; the original Broadway musical premiered in 1951 starred Robert Alda, Vivian Blaine, Sam Levene, Isabel Bigley, ran for 1,200 performances and won 5 Tony Awards.
BAVPA presented the Kenny Award-nominated musical West Side Story in 2016; the original BAVPA production performed at the former Pfeifer Theatre in Buffalo’s Theatre District in 1999.
The GWW.com article, STEVEN SPIELBERG’S ‘WEST SIDE STORY’ REMAKE WILL WRAP ON SEPTEMBER 24TH IN NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK: https://thegww.com/steven-spielbergs-west-side-story-remake-will-wrap-on-september-24th-in-new-jersey-and-new-york/.
BroadwayWorld.com article, Photo Flash: First Look at Corey Cott, Mikaela Bennett, and the Cast of WEST SIDE STORY: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-First-Look-at-Corey-Cott-Mikaela-Bennett-and-the-Cast-of-WEST-SIDE-STORY-20190416.
Deadline.com article, Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ Sets Sharks/Jets Chorus Including Riff & Rosalia: https://deadline.com/2019/04/steven-spielbergs-west-side-story-casting-sharks-jets-chorus-1202596540/.
BroadwayWorld.com/WSS related article, WEST SIDE STORY Casts Mike Faist as Riff; 40 Sharks and Jets Members Also Cast: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/WEST-SIDE-STORY-Casts-Mike-Faist-as-Riff-40-Sharks-and-Jets-Members-Also-Cast-20190416.
Official West Side Story musical web site featuring the original 1957 cast and crew:https://www.westsidestory.com/.
West Side Story musical to open in Japan in August with a rotating stage. Playbill.com article, http://www.playbill.com/article/new-west-side- story-with-a-rotating-auditorium-to-play-japan.
TheWrap.com article, Rita Moreno to Become ‘PEGOT’ Winner and Receive Peabody Award for Career Achievement Cipriani Wall Street in New York May 18:https://www.thewrap.com/rita-moreno-to-become-pegot-winner-and-receive-peabody-award-for-career-achievement/.
UPCOMING BAVPA EVENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL REUNION NEWS
BAVPA Springfest Concerts Vocal May 28 at 7PM Strings May 23 at 7PM Jazz & Band May 21 at 7PM
BAVPA Spring Dance Concert May 17 at 9:50AM May 18 at 2PM
BAVPA Visual Arts Show 11th Grade, May 17 at 6PM
BPO/BAVPA Side by Side Concert May 8 at 7PM For more information, go to https://bpo.org/event/bavpa-side-by-side-concert/.
BAVPA Middle School Play, Ruby Bridges
April 17 from 7PM - 8 PM April 18 from 9:50 AM-10:50 AM and 7PM-8 PM Admission: $3.00 - Students & Senior Citizens/$6.00-Adults.
Ruby Bridges was only 6 years old when the Civil Rights movement came hammering at her door, making her the first black child to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. On the heels of Brown v. Board of Education, schools were ordered to integrate with “all deliberate speed,” and in 1960, Ruby became one of six black children to integrate all-white schools in the city.
While Ruby integrated William Frantz Elementary School, the other five students went to other schools throughout the city, which left her to attend her school alone. When the white families learned of Ruby’s enrollment at William Frantz, they pulled their children from her class. This left Ruby and her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Henry, the only ones left in the classroom for the entire school year.
Undaunted, Mrs. Henry and Ruby formed a tight bond with each other while protestors jeered and threatened Ruby’s life outside the school every day that she attended it. Ruby’s integration placed undue pressure on her family—almost tearing them apart—as they watched helplessly while federal marshals escorted young Ruby to school. With songs inspired by The Shirelles, Sam Cooke and Smokey Robinson, this musical explores a little girl’s unbeatable courage in the face of adversity as she helped to lead the Civil Rights movement up the front steps and into the classrooms of an elementary school in New Orleans. By Christina M. Ham. Music by Gary Rue and directed by: KELLY BEUTH.
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
JOSEPH MICHAEL MAHFOUD (1985), Tapestry Charter High School, Music Teacher
GEORGE DAVIS (1986), BAVPA Arts Vocal and Music Teacher
ROMONA THOMAS-REYNOLDS (1986), Principal, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Multicultural Institute, Public School #39
JAY INGERSON (1987), BAVPA Arts Theatre Instructor
JODY COVINGTON (1988), BAVPA Principal
KU’WONNA MAHONE INGRAM (1988), University of Phoenix Adjunct Instructor and Principal at Lee County Youth Development Center, AL
LISA HANNA-MATHEWS (1988), Ethics and Project Management Professor, Georgetown University and University of Maryland
HOLLY QUICKSEY (1988), Ph.D. Assistant to the Dean & Assistant Director of MECHS Programs, SUNY Buffalo State College
MARC RUMMENIE (1988), The Gow School, South Wales, NY
LESLIEANNE BIRD (1990), Teaching with Orff Music and Movement Educator, North Olmstead, OH
ORNIECE HILL ( 1990), Assistant Principal, South Park High School, Buffalo
JOSEPH MOBERLY (1991), House Electrician at Shea's Buffalo Theatre
MICHAEL WEIDRICH (1991), Executive Director, Young Audiences of WNY
SEAN CLEMENTS (1992), Bronx, NY
DAVID PATERSON (1992), Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, P.S. #22, Queens, NY
MATTHEW HURLEY (1994), Middle School Teacher, Raleigh, NC
JESSE MANK (1994), Tapestry Charter High School, English Teacher
LIZ YOUNG (1995), Professor of Graphic Design and Illustration, Pace University, NY
PATRICIA ENFIELD (1996), Elementary Education
TAMMY GAGOLA (1996), Elementary Education
NICOLE JONES (1996), BAVPA Dance
ERNEST KEEN (1996), Physical Education, Rochester
LISA SANTIAGO (1996), Vocal Music
LUCY ALTIERI (1997), Visual Arts
MICHEL DEVANS (1997), Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
TANDY GREEN (1997), Elementary Education
EMILY BALL (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 of the 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 Medic
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 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/Fill-In Anchor
VINCENT MARASCHIELLO (1989), Systems Administrator, PureRED Integrated Marketing Atlanta, GA
STEVEN MARCHIONE (1989), Francesca’s Restaurant, Buffalo
REGINALD BURKE,SR. (1990), Founder of Bay Area Hoops, Tampa Bay, FL
CHAD JAKUBOWSKI (1991), Personal Trainer, Buffalo
STEFAN MYCHAJLIW (1991), Erie County Comptroller
JOSHUA P. SMITH, PHD (1996), Owner,Sato’s Japanese Restaurant, Buffalo
LUCILLE ALTIERI (1997), Presto Restaurant, Buffalo
KAMERON D. WOOD (2011), Director & Production Assistant
RICKY WHITCOMB (2004), Tour Manager, StarQuest International
CRAIG PRIDGEN (2002), Pastor and M&T Bank Analyst
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
CHANON JUDSON, Associate Artistic Director, Urban Bush Women Dance Company
GINA MARTINEZ (Unknown), Dance Instructor at Broadway Dancesations, Lutz, FL
EBONY PACE, Against Destruction Theatrically Founder
DAVID RIFFEL (Unknown), Niagara Arts & Cultural Center’s documentarian and arts collaborator, Niagara Falls, NY
KAT WHITEFIELD (Unknown), Photography Assistant at Locust Street Art, Buffalo
ELIZABETH YOUNG (Unknown), President/Creative Director at Buffalo Studio Labs, Buffalo
Please visit BAVPA Memories, a photo 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).”