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LATEST BAVPA ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES
Gospel Singer/Entertainer ALEXIS SPIGHT (2011) was mentioned in the Getuprica.com article, Where Are They Now: Sunday Best Contestants ( https://getuperica.com/110072/sunday-best-contestants/) article. Spight’s official website:http://www.alexisspight.com/.
Folk Singer/Musician/Activist GRACE STUMBERG (2007) performs at The Tralf (http://tralfmusichall.com ) in Buffalo January 5 at 7PM:https://gracestumberg.com/.
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Educator, Saxophonist and Composer JAMES BRANDON LEWIS ( 2001) performs Sons D'Hiver Festival in Le Kremlin-bicêtre, FR February 1:http://www.jblewis.com/.
Listen to Lewis single, Haden is Beautiful (https://jamesbrandonlewis.bandcamp.com/track/haden-is-beauty ) from his latest album, An Unruly Manifesto; the album will be released February.
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 April 19-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.
WBFO.org article about Raices Theatre’s previous production, Barceló on the Rocks:http://news.wbfo.org/post/latino-theater-company- portrays-generational-difficulties?fbclid=IwAR0FJfbnsitmHxoXZDPYJ28W0v1SWxcjkPAN-AHRmNjDNRpuoHsPxRGA5dA.
The Alvin Ailey Dance Company ( based in NYC), celebrates its 60th anniversary season with the return of Jessica Lang's luminous 2018 premiere EN ( https://www.alvinailey.org/performances/repertory/en ) with performances December 19, 20 and 26 at 7:30PM. Lang's 100th ballet and her Ailey choreographic debut, EN a celebratory ensemble work set to original music by composer Jakub Ciupinski, with costumes by BRADON MCDONALD (1993).
McDonald to create costumes for the Utah Opera (http://www.utahopera.org/ ) Vincenzo Bellini’s opera, Norma to be semi-staged at Abravanel Hall in May 2019 while the Capitol Theatre undergoes renovations.
SCOTT “GUS” POITRAS (1992) is a production carpenter in the new Broadway musical comedy, The Prom: https://theprommusical.com/.
The Prom musical related news, register for the 2019 Broadway Teachers Workshop ( http://www.broadwayteachinggroup.com/ ) for more information, go to link. BroadwayWorld.com article:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Broadway-Opens-Its-Doors-To-Theatre-Teachers- At-The-2019-Broadway-Teachers-Workshop-20181202.
The Prom original Broadway cast is available for purchase. BroadwayWorld.com article:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/THE-PROM- Original-Broadway-Cast-Recording-Available-1214-Hear-the-First-Single-Now-20181213.
Papermag.com/The Prom star Kate Marilley related article, This Understudy Went On Stage a Nobody and Came Back a Star: http://www.papermag.com/kate-marilley-the-prom-2623219578.html.
Poitras is the Head Carpenter of the Broadway musical, The Band’s Visit on stage now at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Official website: http://thebandsvisitmusical.com.
The Band’s Visit related article, Save on Broadway shows and restaurants with NYC winter deals: LATimes.com article: https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-deal-new-york-city-winter-savings-20181219-story.html .
The Band’s Visit was nominated for the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album category (http://www.playbill.com/article/jesus- christ-superstar-live-in-concert-the-bands-visit-and-more-cast-albums-receive-2019-grammy-award-nominations), the Grammys will air
DCMetroTheatreArts.com/The Band’s Visit related article, An Interview with Tony Award-Winning Playwright Itamar Moses: https://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2018/11/26/an-interview-with-tony-award-winning-playwright-itamar-moses/.
TheatreJones.com article about The Band’s Visit musical being adapted from film script to stage: http://www.theaterjones.com/ntx/features/20181213171627/2018-12-13/Pages-from-the-Arts-December-2018.
Poitras is the Advance Flyman on Sara Bareilles’ penned musical Waitress (https://waitressthemusical.com ) on Broadway at Brooks Atkinson Theater.
The producers of the Broadway hit Waitress have announced that original cast member Stephanie Torns will put on the apron in the role of Jenna ( https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Not-a-Bad-Idea-Stephanie-Torns-to-Play-Jenna-in-WAITRESS-Through-Jan-6-20181211 ) December 11-January 6;Bareilles returns to Broadway January 7-February 3, with Gavin Creel as Dr. Pomatter! Broadway.com article. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-Sara-Bareilles-Will-Return-to-WAITRESS-on-Broadway-in-January-with-Gavin-Creel-as-Dr- Pomatter-20181207.
Playbill.com article, Watch Waitress Sara Bareilles Sing Her Newest Song Armor:http://www.playbill.com/article/watch-waitress-sara-bareilles- sing-her-newest-song-armor.
Playbill.com/Waitress related article, The Top 10 Musical Fandoms of 2018 on Tumblr:http://www.playbill.com/article/the-top-10-musical- fandoms-of-2018-on-tumblr.
Playbill.com article, Why Sara Bareilles, Diane Paulus, and Jessie Nelson Changed Waitress’ Old Joe to Josie:http://www.playbill.com/article/why-sara-bareilles-diane-paulus-and-jessie-nelson-changed-waitress-old-joe-to-josie.
Smash alum Katharine McPhee to make her West End debut in Waitress February 8-March 7. Playbill.com article, http://www.playbill.com/article/katharine-mcphee-to-star-in-west-end-waitress.
Playbill.com article, David Hunter, Marisha Wallace & More to Join Katharine McPhee in London Premiere of Waitress: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/194249/david-hunter-marisha-wallace-more-to-join-katharine-mcphee-in-london-premiere-of-waitress/.
BroadwayWorld.com article, VIDEO: Katharine McPhee Gears Up For Her Shift in WAITRESS in London https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Katharine-McPhee-Gears-Up-For-Her-Shift-in-WAITRESS. -in-London-20181124.
London’s West End Waitress cast to host album karaoke sessions February 19 and March 18. Playbill.com article: http://www.playbill.com/article/west-end-waitress-will-host-cast-album-karaoke-sessions.
Poitras is on the production staff of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (https://beautifulonbroadway.com ) running on Broadway at Sondheim Theatre.
Chilina Kennedy returns to Beautiful: The Carole Musical January 3. Broadway.com article: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/194253/some- kind-of-wonderful-chilina-kennedy-will-return-to-beautiful-the-carole-king-musical/.
5 questions with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical star, Abby Mueller. TheatreMania.com article https://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/5-questions-with-beautiful-the-carole-king-musical_87065.html.
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.barnesandnoble.com/w/woman-to-woman-the-conversation- part-i-kristin -a-crage/1129802402?ean=9780692164617&fbclid=IwAR3SgwOnU0aIrVkVDJMqMH-jD5 y1K66DzNfpaKTsyEpHlkQz11NX5mkmrpw.
______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.
Composer/Musician and Educator ROBERT PATERSON’S (1988) Three Way opera collaboration with David Cote and Nashville Opera, conducted by Dean Williamson and originally directed by John Hoomes, received an Original Cast Recording Grammy nomination for producer Blanton Alspaugh in the Classical music ( https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2019-grammy-awards-complete-nominations- list?fbclid=IwAR3NZEuxoDEFF3D7n0x2wNxs1IaNp-nHAh8zYkjgHwQ-b-Vf15cZ8mOPyto#27 ) category.
Paterson and Mostly Modern Festival are accepting applications for their annual music festival, June 9-June 29 in Saratoga,FL. Submission deadlines and fees January 15, $95.00 February 1, $125.00; notification of acceptance February 15:https://mostlymodernfestival.org/apply- composers?fbclid=IwAR1mVr8TLzIds qjYsluT2BT0ZpSy_Q1OgteqMUhQ2ocLv861izRvYD_dnE.
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
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, go to https://roadlesstraveledproductions.org/. BroadwayWord.com article about the reading. https://www.broadwayworld.com/buffalo/article/RLTP-Announces-Screenplay-Reading-Fundraiser-in-2019-20181030.
Vitrano performed in the Buffalo 48 Hour Film Festival (http://www.48hourfilm.com/buffalo-ny ), science fiction drama short, Summer Lost; the film won 6 awards. Summer Lost will represent Buffalo against other 48 Hour national and international film winners at Filmapalooza in Florida March, 2019.
Singer, Multi-instrumentalist, Poet, Songwriter, Activist and Businesswoman ANI DIFRANCO’s (1987), Mitski, Julien Baker and MUNA to be featured on Bleachers' ( https://store.bleachersmusic.com ) Terrible Thrills, Vol. 3 album. Billboard.com article about the album (https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8486407/bleachers-cover-album-mitski-julien-baker ), the album will be released early 2019.
DiFranco’s memoir, No Walls and the Recurring Dream (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/558143/no-walls-and-the-recurring- dream-by-ani- difranco/?ref=PRH7485D7E9F1&aid=randohouseinc3484-20&linkid=PRH7485D7E9F1 will be available for purchase May 7: https://www.righteousbabe.com/.
Prince/DiFranco related news, three Prince vinyl reissues Musicology,3121” and Planet Earth coming to be released February 8. TwinCities.com article:https://www.twincities.com/2018/12/14/3-more-prince-reissues-coming-and-available-on-purple-vinyl/.
DifFranco performed on the Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown concept album (available now on Righteous Babe’s record label). The musical will be in previews at National's Olivier Theatre in London, UK. Hadestown is scheduled to begin performances March 22 and open April 17. NewYorkTimes.com article about the production:https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/27/theater/hadestown-anais-mitchell-broadway.html.
Listen to DiFranco sing Hadestown’s Our Lady of the Underground ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MOUIFx6xPI&list=PLGuw- FejGllmOObIyd6RN8cENuspSwK0q&index=10 ) and the rest of the musical’s song list.
JESSE L. MARTIN (1987) portrays Detective Joe West on the CW-TV (http://www.cwtv.com/) superhero series, The Flash. Check out other Martin related news below.
THE FLASH, RENT, SMASH/BOMBSHELL, THE LETTER CARRIER, SEXUAL HEALING FILM AND LAW & ORDER NEWS
ComicBook.com article about X-Men: First Class writer Zack Stentz returning to The Flash:https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/11/29/zack-stentz- returning-to-the-flash/.
ComicBook.com article, John Welsey Shipp Teases More '90s The Flash:https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/12/19/john-wesley-shipp-teases- flash-90-return/.
Inverse.com article, 5 Crisis on Infinite Earths Questions That Could Change the Arrowverse:https://www.inverse.com/article/51709-crisis-on- infinite-earths-5-questions-that-could-change-the-arrowverse.
Next year’s CW/DC Universe crossover event, Crisis on Infinite Earths will air in 2019. Air date, TBD. Collider.com article: http://collider.com/crisis-on-infinite-earths-explained/.
The Flash and the Furious episode promo trailer (https://www.superherohype.com/news/429947-the-flash-episode-5-10-promo-the-flash-the- furious ), the series will return January 15.
EW.com article, The 15 best episodes of The Flash, ranked:https://ew.com/tv/the-flash-15-best-episodes-ranking/.
ComicBook.com article, The Flash Costume Almost Had a Radical Redesign:https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/12/06/the-flash-tv-show- costume-season-4-design-concept-art-alternate/.
Kiersey Clemons, Valentina, Tinashe, Mario, Keala Settle, Brandon Victor Dixon, Vanessa Hudgens, Keala Settle, Hannahleu Cabanilla and Jordan Fisher cast in Fox's Rent Live! Air date, January 27, 2019: https://www.fox.com/rent/.
Playbill.com article, See the Cast of Fox's Rent: Live Give a Sneak Peek of the Show:http://www.playbill.com/article/see-the-cast-of-foxs-rent- live-give-a-sneak-peek-of-the-show.
BoadwayWorld.com article, Photo Flash: See Vanessa Hudgens, Jordan Fisher During Rehearsals for RENT LIVE:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-See-Vanessa-Hudgens-Jordan-Fisher-During-Rehearsals- for-RENT-LIVE-20181217.
Billboard.com article, Why Rent Is Still Relevant: Vanessa Hudgens, Valentina & Tinashe Preview the Live Musical: https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/women-in-music/8488977/rent-live-cast-vanessa-hudgens-valentina-interview.
Inquisitr.com article, Rent Live Drops First Official Cast Photos For World AIDS Day:https://www.inquisitr.com/5193437/rent-live-drops-first- official-cast-photos-for-world-aids-day/.
People.com article, Vanessa Hudgens and Jordan Fisher Give Us Perfectly '90s Vibes in This RENT First Look: https://people.com/tv/rent-live- photo-vanessa-hudgens-jordan-fisher/.
BroadwayWorld.com/Rent related article, Video: The Cast of RENT LIVE! Assembles for Their First Photo Shoot! https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Video-The-Cast-of-RENT-LIVE-Assembles-for-Their-First-Photo-Shoot-20181121.
Rent related news, In The Heights and Hamilton Lin-Manuel Miranda to direct Jonathan Larson’s ( Rent’s musical creator) Tick, Tick…Boom! film. VanityFair.com/Tick, Tick…Boom/In the Heights related article, Cover Story:The Supercalifragilistic Lin-Manuel Miranda:https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/11/cover-story-the-supercalifragilistic-lin-manuel-miranda.
Rent national tour rolls into Shea’s Performing Arts Theatre (https://www.sheas.org/ ) March 26-31, 2019. For tickets and show times, go to link.
Miranda received a star at the Hollywood’s Walk of Fame ceremony in LA November 30; parody song composer Weird Al Yankovic received a star. Playbill.com article/video of the HWF ceremony http://www.playbill.com/article/watch-lin-manuel-miranda-receive-his-star-on-the- hollywood-walk-of-fame.
Smash/Bombshell musical related article, How Do You Become the Head of a Major Television Network? http://www.playbill.com/article/how- do-you-become-the-head-of-a-major-television-network.
Law & Order series article, Law & Order Coming to Katz Networks' Escape: https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/law-order-coming-to- katz-networks-escape?fbclid=IwAR0Q0WvWSpGfk1CpWKFYUGzr-pomTWPoLmRWLKeaQK2fN3g2yg1bze_7mo0.
The Marvin Gaye biopic, Sexual Healing related story; Jodie Turner-Smith (who portrays Grace Jones in the film), stars in the SYFY Network’s series, NightFlyers. Dispatch.com article:https://www.dispatch.com/entertainmentlife/20181129/george-rr-martin-creator-of-game-of-thrones- explores-space-in-syfys-nightflyers.
Sexual Healing film related film, 2016 interview featuring Roy Williams about his play about Marvin Gaye, Soul. TheGuardian.com article: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/nov/30/roy-williams-play-marvin-gaye-soul-royal-derngate?CMP=share_btn_fb.
Marvin Gaye/Sexual Healing film fashion news, Supreme clothing line launches Marvin Gaye Capsule Collection. HotNewHipHop.com article: https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/supreme-launches-marvin-gaye-capsule-collection-news.66722.html.
Marvin Gaye and Tap Dance icon Gregory Hines were honored with USPS. BestClassicBands.com article about the Black Legends stamp series:https://bestclassicbands.com/marvin-gaye-stamp-11-21-18/.
CHRISTINA BYKOWICZ (1985) teaches English as a second language online in Beijing, a kindergarten- 6th grade teacher, a high school drama instructor and a privately tutor. Bykcowicz is in the process of opening an early education school based on the principles of Reggio Emilia- enquiry based learning, Pikler- respective care and a forest school.
MIKE STARZYNSKI (1984) appears in O’Connell & Company’s ( http://oconnellandcompany.com/site/ ) Nuncrackers through December 23; for tickets and show times, go to link. BuffaloTheatreGuide.com review:https://buffalotheatreguide.com/2018/12/03/theatre-review- nuncrackers-the-nunsense-christmas-musical-at-oconnell-company/?fbclid=IwAR37x6U- vdoUo6W8MEahn3QqPZxj5PBZJKmJSZn6KBgKXHAZLXVQMJBp6Mo
Author, Musician and Children’s Book Illustrator SHANE W. EVANS attended BAVPA from the 5th-9th grade. Evans illustrated pictures for the African American holiday picture book, Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa written by Donna L. Washington. EagleNewsOnline.com article about the book: https://www.eaglenewsonline.com/news/opinion/point-of-view/2018/12/04/the-ffl-buzz-holiday-reads-picture-books/.
Blues Musician LUCKY PETERSON attended BAVPA 1978-1979. Peterson ( celebrating 50 years of performing concerts worldwide), will be in concert at La Carène, Brest, FR March 13:http://www.luckypeterson.com.
EuropeJazz.net article about Peterson’s 50-year career:http://www.europejazz.net/news/lucky-peterson-tour-europe-2019.
BAVPA ALUMNI (GRADUATION YEARS UNKNOWN) and MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
The Golf Channel’s 27 Years: The Exoneration of VALENTINO DIXON ( https://www.golfchannel.com/video/27-years-exoneration-valentino- dixon-trailer ), a documentary film about the wrongly imprisoned artist whose vindication started with his sketch of Augusta’s ( The Masters golf tournament’s famed 12th hole), will rebroadcast on NBC December 23 at 7PM.
CHANON JUDSON is a member of the social justice-focused dance company, Urban Bush Women:https://www.urbanbushwomen.org/.
Author AA LEWIS wrote the Buffalo-Based 90’s urban novel, The 716 Love & Consequences:https://dspublishing.net/.
CRISANTA MELENDEZ was the VFX Coordinator for the Netflix superhero series, Raising Dion:https://www.netflix.com/title/80117803. LIZ YOUNG’S StudioLabs ranked #79 in Fortune magazine’s ( http://fortune.com/inner-city-100/studiolabs-79/ ) Top 100 inner city businesses.
The AACC PAUL ROBESON THEATRE ( http://www.aaccbuffalo.org/ ), is holding its 2nd annual August Wilson Monologue (Buffalo) competition at Buffalo State’s Rockwell Hall ( https://buffalostatepac.org/ ) February 9. The competition is open to BPS, charter schools and private school students. For information, go to https://thechallengernews.com/2018/10/2nd-annual-august-wilson-monologue competition/?fbclid=IwAR3A_7MqFj5Bo0UqaGUw7bniqGaq_N39Nh0WcIb_1WBCF1yBsziaqXAeaqE.
Road Less Traveled Productions ( https://roadlesstraveledproductions.org/ ) presents Miss Bennett Christmas at Pemberley ( at Shea’s 710 Theatre) through December 22. For tickets and show times, go to link. BuffaloRising.com review:https://www.buffalorising.com/2018/12 /miss-bennet-christmas-at-pemberley-is-just-right-for-date-night-a-delightful-rom-com-using-characters-from-jane-austens-pride-and prejudice/?fbclid=IwAR3b6w7mGqp4PvvK_nEMRnXsgY0EI047Lfs4YwE32yPBumJsgL78q1HG4lo.
WBFO.org article (http://news.wbfo.org/post/local-theaters-new-home-found-along-road-less-traveled ) about the theatre’s new home. BAVPA alumna VICTORIA PEREZ (1996), LISA VITRANO (1988) and other BAVPA alumni has performed or directed past RLTP’s shows. he theatre company had its red ribbon opening, October 26.
BAVPA FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS
KELLY BEUTH is a Theatre instructor at BAVPA and Subversive Theatre’s (www.subversivetheatre.org ) Co-Artistic Director. Subversive presents Tales of the Driven January 25-February 16. For tickets and show times, go to link.
Beuth’s also a member of the Brazened Faced Varlets Theatre Company (http://www.varlets.org/home.html ) Brazened Faced presents For tickets and information, go to link.
Opera singer/activist JULIA BULLOCK performed in John Adams’s opera, Doctor Atomic ( https://www.metopera.org/user- information/synopses-archive/doctor-atomic ), the production received a Grammy nomination for Best Opera. OperaNews.com article,https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2018/12/News/61_Grammy_Anthony_Roth_Costanzo,_Doctor_Atomic, _The_(R)evolution_of_Steve_Jobs.html.
Actor, Director and Acting Instructor JOSIE DIVINCENZO ( http://www.josiedivincenzo.com/ ) is conducting Film and TV acting classes. For information, see flyer.
SAUL ELKIN is an actor, director and founder of the Jewish Repertory Theatre of WNY (http://jewishrepertorytheatre.com/) and Shakespeare in Delaware Park, http://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/. JRT presents Talley’s Alley February 4-March 3, 2019.
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 long logo honoring the past and present school colors; for more information about Hitchcock’s work, go to www.warandra- productions.com/Website_ Hosting_and_Design.html.
RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON related article, New Podcast Series From Met Opera, WQXR, Hosted By Rhiannon Giddens, Explores Most Legendary Arias:https://www.forbes.com/sites/janelevere/2018/11/30/new-podcast-series-from-met-opera-wqxr-hosted-by-rhiannon-giddens- explores-most-legendary-arias/#37a5378378bc.
RUSSELL LINK and RON MANGUM (1988) appeared in the 2014 independent film, The David Dance (http://www.thedaviddance.com/ ), the movie is available on Vimeo:https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thedaviddance/244773830.
Retired BAVPA Art Teacher SANDRA LUDWIG opened a new restaurant Betty's located at 370 Virginia Street, Buffalo. Ludwig's latest project, Pastel, Pencil & Paint is on display at the eatery through January 20.
FRANK SCINTA’S concert titled, A Verismo Winter with Frank Scinta to be performed at Buffalo State College’s Rockwell Hall, Room 124 Recital Hall at 10:30AM; free admission and there will be a Q&A after the performance.
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WHAT HAS HAPPENED
WBPO.org article about Citi Bank’s Youth Workforce Fund, a three-year, $100-million global Pathways to Progress initiative; BAVPA alumni Jean Michel, Jr. was mentioned in the story:http://news.wbfo.org/post/say-yes-scholars-get-career-boost-through-interning.
RANDI LANGDON (2013), TILKE HILL (1996) RON MANGUM (1988), MARIAN MORENO, GABRIEL ROBERE ( graduation years, unknown) and MARGO DAVIS appeared in the film Cold Brook directed by Buffalo native, actor William Fichtner. The film will be screened; for tickets and show times, go to link; the film was screened at North Park Theatre in Buffalo December 9. WIVB-TV Channel 4 news report: (https://www.wivb.com/entertainment/wny-native-bill-fichtner-comes-home-for-screening-of-his-new-movie/1650076574 ) official website website:https://trilight.ca/.
KAMERON D. WOOD (2011) was as a production assistant for the Starz TV series, Now Apocalypse ( https://www.screendaily.com/news/nick- hornby-gregg-araki-among-sundance-2019-indie-episodic-special-events-roster/5134953.article ), Untitled Danny Boyle/Richard Curtis Project ( https://deadline.com/2018/09/danny-boyle-richard-curtis-comedy-eyes-sept-2019-release-two-months-before-james-bond- 1202365674/ ) and Overthinking with Kat & June. Bleeding Cool article,https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/06/26/kat-june-think-stuff-youtube- series/.
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, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. 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 through Ticketmaster. For more information and the nominee list, go to link. Congratulations! BuffaloTheatreGuide.com article: https://buffalotheatreguide.com/2018/10/23/2019-kenny-awards-finalists- announced/?fbclid=IwAR0fzcvghXC3mBh1fc5nv9C_rXjw3cm9KjLSvnEToUcrS6uf_JTVB8CTBKY. \
TONY AWARDS 2019 THEATRE EDUCATION AWARD
Nominate a current BAVPA Theatre teacher present for the prestigious Tony & Carnegie Mellon University's Excellence in Theatre Education Award. Deadline for all application materials including letters of recommendation is February 15, 2019 at 11:59 EST. For more information, go to https://www.broadway.com/buzz/194372/nominate-your-teacher-for-the-tonys-2019-theatre-education-award/.
Shea’s Education link:https://www.sheas.org/2018/12/17/send-your-theatre-teacher-to-the-tony.
Former Buffalo Bills and NFL Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas called for bail system reforms before the Erie County Legislature December 13; the resolution called for eliminating cash bail for those charged with nonviolent, misdemeanor offenses; Democratic Majority Leader APRL BASKIN who also chairs the Public Safety Committee, said she would follow up with answers to legislators' questions.
The resolution of support is expected to move to the Erie County Legislature for a vote. Baskin noted that there have been four committee discussions on the issue since March, involving community experts and low-income misdemeanor offenders. The resolution of support has been amended three times and is ready for approval. BuffaloNews.com article: https://buffalonews.com/2018/12/13/thurman-thomas-wants- inherently-biased-bail-system-reformed/.
Visual Artist JULIAN MONTAGUE’s (1991) and other artists’ works were featured at the Artist Gallery Exhibit December 1. BuffaloRising.com article:https://www.buffalorising.com/2018/11/argus-gallery-new-works-in-black-white/.
MIKE STARZYNSKI (1984) appeared in the Aurora Players’ of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery play, And Then There Were None. The production was named BuffaloTheatreGuide.com’s ( https://buffalotheatreguide.com/2018/12/18/top-10- shows-of-2018/?fbclid=IwAR01d0uxbYe0ZSRBgBzcZQUR6icNzBzrHN_Ik7IupscswK7WqB_e0Xy9ekA) Top 10 Shows of 2018.
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s ( https://bpo.org/ ) music director and principal conductor JOANN FALETTA and producer Tim Handley are nominated for Best Classical Compendium for the recording of Fuchs: Piano Concerto Spiritualist, Poems Of Life, Glacier and Rush; Faletta’s a winner of two Grammy awards.
BizJournals.com article about Faletta’s 11th nomination:https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2018/12/11/joann-falletta-nominated-for- grammy-award.html.
Retired BAVPA Theatre and English Teacher STEVEN GLASSMAN was featured in the South Florida Gay News article, Steve Glassman From Retirement To New Gay Commissioner ( http://southfloridagaynews.com/Local/steve-glassman-from -retirement- to-new-gay-commissioner.html.
Glassman elected to the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors. SwimmingWorld.com article: https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/steven-glassman-appointed-to-international- swimming-board-of-directors/.
STEPHEN MCKINLEY-HENDERSON was mentioned in the Los Angeles Times article, These are the black authors Barry Jenkins, Terry McMillan and others say Hollywood shouldn’t ignore:https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-black-writers-hollywood- adaptations-wish-list-20181124-story.html.
BAVPA MUSICAL FLASHBACKS & MAJOR MEDIA PRODUCTION NEWS
CHICAGO BROADWAY MUSICAL CASTING CALL, JANUARY 2019
Broadway.com magazine and the Tony Award winning Broadway musical Chicago ( https://chicagothemusical.com ), announced a national casting call to find the next Roxie Hart to headline the Broadway revival.
The Search for Roxie! casting call launching in January 2019, will invite contestants to submit their audition tapes online to enter the casting call, auditions will be screened by the Chicago casting directors, producers and former stars. The top three contestants will fly out to NYC for in-person auditions with Chicago's casting directors and production. More information about the audition will be announced later.
Playbill.com article, Cuba Gooding Jr. Will Return to Broadway's Chicago January 7-February 10:http://www.playbill.com/article/cuba- gooding-jr-will-return-to-broadways-chicago.
Buy one ticket to see Chicago, get a second for $22.00. BroadwayWorld.com article: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Buy-One-Ticket- to-See-CHICAGO-on-Broadway-Get-a-Second-for-Just-22-20181126.
Chicago ranked #12 on AFI’s Greatest Musicals of All Time list. AFI.com article:https://www.afi.com/100Years/musicals.aspx.
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.
Broadway.com article, Rita Moreno Returns To West Side Story: EGOT Winner To Play The Role Of Valentina In Steven Spielberg’s Remake: https://deadline.com/2018/11/rita-moreno-returns-to-west-side-story-egot-winner-to-play-the-role-of-valentina-in-steven-spielbergs-remake- 1202509734/.
West Side Story ranked #2 on AFI’s Greatest Musicals of All Time list. AFI.com article:https://www.afi.com/100Years/musicals.aspx.
TribLive/West Side Story classic film related article, The 31 best dance scenes in movies (https://triblive.com/aande/adminpage/14292371- 74/the-31-best-dance-scenes-in-movies), WSS’s America dance number ranked #9.
TheatreJones.com article featuring West Side Story’s choreographer Jerome Robbins biography titled, Jerome Robbins: A Life in Dance: http://www.theaterjones.com/ntx/features/20181213171627/2018-12-13/Pages-from-the-Arts-December-2018.
OprahMag.com/West Side Story article, A West Side Story Remake Is Happening, so We Picked Our Dream Cast:https://www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a25460775/west-side-story-remake-dream-cast/.
BAVPA collaborated with Upstage New York to produce Damn Yankees for the Artpark stage May 20-24, 1987 in Lewiston, NY. The show , directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI featured BAVPA faculty in the production. Faculty members participating 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).
TribLive/Damn Yankees classic film related article, The 31 best dance scenes in movies (https://triblive.com/aande/adminpage/14292371- 74/the-31-best-dance-scenes-in-movies), Yankee’s Whatever Lola Wants dance number ranked #17.
Mahfoud 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), pictured above, played Albert Peterson ( Conrad’s record company president and informally his agent); GINA DORMER (1986) played Rosie, Peterson’s secretary (and girlfriend); JAMES WALKER (1987) portrayed Mr.McAfee; DENA MURRAY played Mrs. McAfee; CRYSTAL SYMS (1985) played Kim McAfee, JAY INGERSON (1987) played Randolph McAffee; the late KENNETH DOYLE (1987) played Hugo ( Kims’ boyfriend) and numerous BAVPA alumni; Singer, Dancer and Actor Jennifer Lopez (Co- Producer and Director), brings Bye Bye Birdie Live! to NBC December, 2019.
Rent Live/Bye Bye Birdie classic film related article, The 31 best dance scenes in movies ( https://triblive.com/aande/adminpage/14292371- 74/the-31-best-dance-scenes-in-movies), BBB’s Got A Lot of Living to Do dance number ranked #25.
Lin Manuel Miranda talks about Dick Van Dyke’s roles in the Bye Bye Birdie and Mary Poppins films. Parade.com article: https://parade.com/720443/maramovies/dick-van-dyke-lin-manuel-miranda-on-the-magic-of-making-mary-poppins-returns/.
Bye Bye Birdie musical related story about Clueless musical creator Amy Heckerling’s dream to direct a black version of Bye Bye Birdie with Richard Pryor, Prince and a very young Will Smith. NewYorkTimes.com article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/05/theater/clueless-the- musical-amy-heckerling.html.
Vanguard Theater Company ( http://vanguardtheater.org/) presents ELIZABETH SWADOS’ Runaways January 18-20. For tickets and show times go to link. BroadwayWorld.com article: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Vanguard-Theater-Company-To-Present-RUNAWAYS- By-Elizabeth-Swados-20181211.
Swados created of the original 1978 Tony-nominated Broadway musical Runaways that was directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI whose cast had numerous BAVPA alumni; the musical was performed at Buffalo Center Theatre in 1982 and Artpark in Lewiston NY in 1983; Swados passed away January 5, 2016.
UPCOMING BAVPA EVENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL REUNION NEWS
BPO/BAVPA Side by Side Concert May 8 ( Time, TBD)
Les Mise’rables (School Edition) March 27, 9:50AM March 28, 9:50AM and 7PM March 29 at 7PM March 30 at 2PM
BAVPA Black History Presentation, A Study of W.E.B. Dubois February 5, 9:50AM and 7PM
SH Instrumental, Choir Quartet, and Vocal Jazz Auditions at BAVPA January 26
BAVPA hosts Buffalo’s Love, Make it Happen Kwanzaa 2018, December 26 and December 27, 7PM-9PM
BAVPA Music Winterfest Concerts Strings-December 20, 7PM performance
BAVPA Chorus to perform at the Buffalo’s Central Bus Terminal December 20 at 12PM and December 21 at 12PM as part of NFTA’s Our Sounds of the Season event to benefit the Food Bank of Western New York and the Matt Urban Hope Center.
The choir will provide holiday entertainment for travelers and the public is asked to bring cans of soup or other non-perishable items and new socks to the bus terminal. WBFO.org article about the chorus’ December 14 performance:http://news.wbfo.org/post/sound-season- collections-those-need.
BAVPA Yearbook Sale Arts Academy yearbooks are on sale for the following years while supplies last.1984,1985, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013,2014 and 2015. Yearbooks are $20.00 each or three for $50.00 and may be picked up at the school. For more information, contact Sheila at [email protected].
Call (716) 816-4220 or go to (http://www.buffaloartsacademy.org/ ) for more information.
The mission of the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts Foundation (BAVPA Foundation) is to enhance and to enrich student learning opportunities by providing additional financial support to the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts High School. Its singular goal is to facilitate the successful transition of Arts Academy students from high school to college. The BAVPA Foundation Board of Directors meets regularly to plan and to implement programs designed to realize this goal. BAVPA Foundation is a 501© 3 not-for-profit organization incorporated in February 2010 and it solicits contributions from the public, individuals, alumni and the business community to fund programs at the Arts Academy. These student academic opportunities and expanding performance opportunities for artistically gifted students are designed to give students better opportunities to pursue their music and art studies in college. For further information about the BAVPA Foundation, please e-mail questions or comments to [email protected]. The official link to the foundation is http://www.bavpa.org/. The BAVPA Foundation is creating a home address mailing list for BAVPA alumni. Please email your home addresses to KATE SULLIVAN at [email protected]. They’re trying to expand their database to inform more people about their accomplishments and upcoming events.
BAVPA ALUMNI EDUCATORS
STEVE APPLER (1981), Visual Art Teacher, Amherst High School
KAREN TOMZAK (1981), Program Director of Dance at Western University, Cullowhee, North Carolina
DEBORAH LIPA-CIOTTA (1982), Tapestry Charter School, K-4 Dance Teacher
ARLENE SHORT (1982), Patient Health Navigator, Buffalo
OMAR CARTER (1984), Arts Teacher, Philadelphia, PA
CAITLIN BAUMLER-COLEMAN (1984), Tapestry Charter School, K-8, Grade ½ Teacher
TRACEY HOLT-COFIELD (1984), Principal, Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
DONNA KERR (1984),City Honors Music, Buffalo
MICHAEL STARZYNSKI (1984), Waterfront School, 1st Grade Teacher
ARTHUR PERRY (1984),Crossing Guard, 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
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, 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 Medici
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
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).”