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If you would like to unsubscribe The BAVPA Beacon newsletter, please contact RON MANGUM ( [email protected] ) or RUSSELL LINK at ([email protected]). This letter is a great way to keep everyone informed about what’s happening in our lives; please help us to keep it going.
LATEST BAVPA ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES
Actor and Director DANIEL CROIX HENDERSON (2013) appears on the BET Network Tyler Perry's White House political drama, The Oval. The rebroadcast of the episode, The United Front airs January 17at 9PM:https://www.bet.com/shows/tyler-perrys-the-oval.html. Henderson’s
official website: https://www.danielcroix.com/work. The GRACE STUMBERG ( 2007) Band performs at Thin Man Brewery, 492 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo January 17. For late January and
February concert dates, go to https://gracestumberg.com/.
Educator, Saxophonist and Composer JAMES BRANDON LEWIS (2001) performs at The Rauschenberg Residency in Captiva, FL April 6.
http://www.jblewis.com/.
Lewis’ CD, An Unruly Manifesto ( https://jamesbrandonlewis.bandcamp.com/releases ), is available for purchase and was nominated for the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards’ ( https://worldwidefm.net) album of the year.
Celebrity Make Up Artist SIR JOHN BARNETT (2000) created the Luminess Cosmetics Limited Edition /Disney’s The Lion King Make Up Collection:https://www.luminessbeauty.com/disney/Home.
InsidetheMagic.com/The Lion King related article, Disney’s 2020 Oscar Nominations: “The Lion King”, “Avengers: Endgame”, and more
( https://insidethemagic.net/2020/01/2020-disney-oscar-nominations-kc1/), Lion King was nominated for Best Visual Effects and the Oscars ( https://abc.com/shows/oscars ) airs February 9 on ABC.
InsidetheMagic.com/The Lion King related article, Disney’s live-action “The Lion King” finally gets official Disney+ release date ( https://insidethemagic.net/2019/12/disney-live-action-the-lion-king-disney-plus-kc1/), the will be available on Disney+ January 28.
VICTORIA PEREZ (1997) is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Raices Theatre Company (www.raicestheatrecompany.com), SMIRNA MERCEDES-PEREZ (1992) and LISETTE DEJESUS are RTC members; the theatre ensemble is celebrating its sixth anniversary.
SCOTT “GUS” POITRAS (1992) is the advanced carpenter in the San Francisco, CA staging of J.K. Rowling’s stage play, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child at Curran Theatre in San Francisco, CA:https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/san-francisco/.
Poitras was the advance flyman on Sara Bareilles’ penned musical Waitress ( https://waitressthemusical.com/) on Broadway at Brooks Atkinson Theater. Waitress will end its run January 5 after 1544 performances.
BroadwayWorld.com article, VIDEO: WAITRESS Takes Its Final Broadway Bow:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-WAITRESS-Takes-Its-Final-Broadway-Bow-20200105.
Playbill.com article, Go Inside the Final Performance of Waitress on Broadway: http://www.playbill.com/article/go-inside-the-final-performance-of-waitress-on-broadway.
Playbill.com article, Everything Changes: Examining the Legacy of Broadway’s Waitress With 7 Jennas: http://www.playbill.com/article/everything-changes-examining-the-legacy-of-broadways-waitress-with-7-jennas.
BroadwayWorld.com article, Sara Bareilles and Gavin Creel Will Lead WAITRESS in the West End, UK January 27 to March 7: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sara-Bareilles-and-Gavin-Creel-Will-Lead-WAITRESS-in-the-West-End-20191104.
Poitras was production carpenter in the Broadway musical comedy The Prom ( https://theprommusical.com/ ) closed August 18.
ETONline.com article, Nicole Kidman Opens Up About Reuniting With Meryl Streep on 'The Prom' Movie Musical (Exclusive): https://www.etonline.com/nicole-kidman-opens-up-about-reuniting-with-meryl-streep-on-the-prom-movie-musical-exclusive-139358.
Metro.co.UK/The Prom related article, James Corden transforms into the ultimate senior citizen while filming for new Netflix movie The Prom: https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/12/james-corden-transforms-ultimate-senior-citizen-filming-new-netflix-movie-prom-11801748/.
Poitras was the Head Carpenter of the Broadway musical The Band’s Visit ( https://thebandsvisitmusical.com/ ) at Ethel Barrymore Theatre, the production completed its run April 7, 2019.
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.
JTA.org article, Tony Shalhoub grew up in a Lebanese family in Wisconsin. He draws on that to play his Jewish ‘Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’
character. https://www.jta.org/2019/12/04/culture/tony-shalhoub-grew-up-in-a-lebanese-family-in-wisconsin-he-draws-on-that-to-play-his-jewish-marvelous-mrs-maisel-character.
JON CESAR (1989) appears in the African American Cultural Center’s Paul Robeson Theatre production, Jump January 17-February 9. For tickets, call 716-884-2013 or go online:www.aaccbuffalo.org.
Cesar portrayed Pastor Harris in the TV pilot series, Salvation. Check out the show’s the scenes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N-SW8DhtiM.
Cesar, GABRIEL ROBERE (2005), MARGO DAVIS and PAULETTE HARRIS appeared in the Alec Baldwin produced police crime drama, Crown Vic now available on DVD and Blu-ray. BoxOfficeBuzz.com/Crown Vic article, Box Office Buz: DVD and Blu-ray releases for January 7,
2020:https://boxofficebuz.com/article/box-office-buz-dvd-and-blu-ray-releases-for-january-7-2020.
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. WGRZ-TV Channel 2’s 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 Marisa Tomei and Patch Dorragh.
PopCultureTimes.com article, The Purge 5 Release Date, Cast, Plot, Expectations, Future Of Purge Franchise, Latest Updates And More ( https://popculturetimes.com/2019/12/18/the-purge-5-release-date-cast-plot-expectations-future-of-purge-franchise-latest-updates-and-more/),
The Purge 5 will be released on July 10.
Composer, Musician, Educator and Mostly Modern Music member ROBERT PATERSON (1988) are accepting applications for the Mostly Modern Festival June 7-27: https://robertpaterson.com/.
MMF’s application ( https://mostlymodernfestival.org/?fbclid=IwAR1xTpkoTGf4_mz1VDkdpfXlFbcsXFg23CmF3RVLoypM87Ix0c6no3WrAYY)
February 1 deadlines for composers; February 1 and March 1 for instrumentalists, vocalists and conductors. Robert Paterson: The Four Seasons at Carnegie Hall concert ( hosted by AME), April 7 at 8PM. For tickets, go to
https://www.americanmodernrecordings.com/robert-paterson-and-american-modern-ensemble-the-four-seasons. LISA VITRANO to direct Road Less Traveled Productions (https://www.roadlesstraveledproductions.org/ ) 10-Minute play, Across the
Galaxies (or Last Year's Wookie), Vitrano’s play along with several or shorts to be staged May 4 at 730. BroadwayWorld.com article: https://www.broadwayworld.com/buffalo/article/RLTP-Announces-Winning-Plays-Of-Its-10-Minute-Play-Fest-20200108.
Singer, Multi-instrumentalist, Poet, Songwriter, Activist and Businesswoman ANI DIFRANCO (1987), performs at Riverwalk Center in
Breckenridge, CO February 7. For more late January and February concert dates, go to https://www.righteousbabe.com/. DfiFranco along with America’s best bakers, activists, and outspoken women are featured in the new cookbook, Rage Baking:The
Transformative Power of Flour, Fury, and Women's Voices written by Katherine Alford and Kathy Gunst; the cookbook will be available for purchase February 4: https://www.simonandschuster.com.
DiFranco’s memoir, No Walls and the Recurring Dream and audio recording are available for purchase: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/558143/no-walls-and-the-recurring-dream-by-ani-difranco/9780735225176/.
DifFranco portrayed the character of Persephone on the Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown concept album ( available now on Righteous Babe’s record label:https://www.righteousbabe.com/.
The Broadway musical Hadestown ( https://www.hadestown.com/ ) is onstage at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Hadestown is the first Broadway
musical to feature a book, music, and lyrics by a sole female writer since Elizabeth Swados’ 1978 Runaways. GrubStreet.com article, Hadestown Creator Anaïs Mitchell Gets Down With Fancy Jams “I was so excited to try this small-batch pear-
rosemary compote.” https://www.grubstreet.com/2020/01/anais-mitchell-grub-street-diet.html Playbill.com article, Listen to Hadestown Star Amber Gray Duet With Darling Grenadine’s Daniel Zaitchik: http://www.playbill.com/article/listen-to-hadestown-star-amber-gray-duet-with-darling-grenadines-daniel-zaitchik.
JESSE L. MARTIN (1987) portrays Central City Police Department’s Captain Joe West on the CW-TV ( http://www.cwtv.com/) superhero
series, The Flash
THE FLASH, RENT, SMASH/BOMBSHELL, THE LETTER CARRIER AND LAW & ORDER NEWS
CBR.com article, Flash Remains the Arrowverse's Highest Rated Show, Batwoman Takes #2 Slot:https://www.cbr.com/flash-batwoman-
arrowverse-show-top-rankings/. ComicBook.com article, THE FLASH, SUPERGIRL, BATWOMAN, BLACK LIGHTNING & More Renewed For New Seasons By The
CW:https://www.comicbookmovie.com/tv/dc/the-flash-supergirl-batwoman-black-lightning-more-renewed-for-new-seasons-by-the-cw-a172566.
SunriseRead.com article, Flash Boss Teases Chester P. Runk Plan, Shares Funny Story About Arrowverse’s Dueling Black Gap Storylines… https://sunriseread.com/flash-boss-teases-chester-p-runk-plan-shares-funny-story-about-arrowverses-dueling-black-gap-storylines/22885/.
Whats-onNetflix.com/Arrowverse related news, ‘Arrowverse’ Series Coming to Netflix in 2020: https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/coming-soon/arrowverse-series-coming-to-netflix-in-2020/.
CosmicBook.news article, POST-CRISIS TRAILERS: ARROW, FLASH, BATWOMAN, SUPERGIRL, LEGENDS, BLACK LIGHTNING, STARGIRL:https://cosmicbook.news/post-crisis-trailres-arrow-flash-batwoman.
CBR.com article, The Flash Teaser Introduces Earth's First Major Post-Crisis Threat:https://www.cbr.com/flash-post-crisis-threat-teaser/. The Flash returns from its midseason hiatus in the February 4 episode, Marathon. IBTimes.com article, https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/flash-
season-6-midseason-premiere-delayed-when-will-it-return-after-crisis-infinite-earths-1672948. TVLine.com article, The Flash After Crisis: Has Intrepid Iris Found Trouble? — 2020 First Look:https://tvline.com/2019/12/13/the-flash-season-
6-episode-10-photo-iris-injured-after-crisis/ Deadline.com article, ‘Arrow’ Spinoff: New Details For CW’s Backdoor Pilot Revealed (https://deadline.com/2020/01/arrow-spinoff-new-details-
backdoor-pilot-the-cw-1202819901/ ) the name of the new Arrow spinoff series, Green Arrow and the Canaries. Arrow/The Flash related article, With Arrow Gone, What's in Store for CW’s Universe? ScreenRant.com article, https://screenrant.com/arrowverse-future-after-arrow/. TheMediaHQ.com article, Plot synopsis for Final ‘Arrow’ Series ‘Stephen’ released ( https://themediahq.com/plotsynopsis-for-final-arrow-
series-stephen-released-2/), the celebratory special episode tilted, Arrow: Hitting The Bullseye airs January 28. Arrow will end its 8-year run January 28, 2020. SyFy.com article, ARROW SERIES FINALE TITLE ‘FADEOUT’ REVEALED, FINAL SCRIPT
PAGE:https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/arrow-series-finale-title-fadeout-revealed-final-script-page-teased. FilmDaily.com article, Does ‘The Flash’ TV Show Follow the Comic?https://filmdaily.co/news/does-the-flash-tv-show-follow-the-comic/.
BamSmackPow.com article, The Flash: Robbie Amell reveals if he’ll return – why Firestorm should come back: https://bamsmackpow.com/2019/12/23/the-flash-why-robbie-amell-firestorm-return/.
Collider.com/The Flash & DC Extended Universe article, Watch: ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ Tied the DC Universe Together with an Ezra Miller Cameo:https://collider.com/crisis-on-infinite-earths-ezra-miller-flash-cameo/.
Law & Order series franchise branches out with crime fiction podcast, Hunted:https://www.forbes.com/sites/anneeaston/2019/12/22/the-law--order-team-branches-out-with-crime-fiction-podcast-hunted/#5d2d7c613c9a.
Broadway.com article, How Andy Señor Jr. Went from Producing Rent in Cuba to Making a Documentary: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/197521/how-andy-senor-jr-went-from-producing-rent-in-cuba-to-making-a-documentary/.
Broadway.com #LiveatFive with Andy Señor Jr. of REVOLUTION RENT interview:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kNPA3XI_N4.
NY1.com/Rent related article, Idina Menzel On Her New Album, “Rent,” “Frozen 2” and More:https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/on-stage/2019/12/14/idina-menzel-on-her-new-album---rent----frozen-2--and-more#
BAVPA ALUMNI (GRADUATION YEARS UNKNOWN) and MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
APRIL BASKIN was unanimously re-elected as chairwoman of the Erie County Legislature January 2. BuffaloNews.com article: https://buffalonews.com/2020/
01/02/erie-county-legislature-reappoints-baskin-as-chairwoman-names-new-majority- leader/.
Author A.A. LEWIS wrote the Buffalo-Based 90’s urban novels,The 716 Back to Business, The 716 Love & Consequences and The 716 Ladies First are available for purchase: https://dspublishing.net/.
KEN C. SAYRES is the author of the marriage publication, Love is Not Enough But with God:https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-is-not-enough-6.
Pure Ink Poetry Founder ( http://www.pureinkpoetry.com/home-1.html ) Slam Poet BRANDON WILLIAMSON hosts The Write Thing reading series ( https://www.medaille.edu/write-thing-reading-series-2019-20-brandon-williamson )at Medaille College’s Main Building, 4th Floor March 26 at 7PM, free admission and open to the public.
BuffaloRising.com/BAVPA related article, New World Man – Rush and Buffalo have a Long History Intertwined ( https://www.buffalorising.com/2020/01/new-world-man-rush-and-buffalo-have-a-long-history-intertwined/) written by BAVPA alumni and antique dealer, STEVEN APPLER.
Blues Musician LUCKY PETERSON attended BAVPA 1978-1979. Peterson will be in concert at Le Sans Reserve in Perigueux, FR January 20
at 9PM:https://luckypeterson.com.
The Concerned Citizens Following The Dream Committee presents their Annual Martin Luther King Celebration Program at Kleinhans Music Hall January 19 at 7PM free admission; the theme of the event, A Journey Traveled By Many, A Dream Living in All.
The African American Cultural Center's Dancers & Drummers, Miss Barbara School of Dance, Buffalo and WNY talent performs; the event also includes several recipients of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award and all youths under the age of 25 to be honored onstage.
The Buffalo African American Museum (BAAM) Committee presents an exhibit, The Making of a Monument detailing the creation process for
the bust that commemorates the famous civil rights leader. There will be a re-dedication ceremony at Cavalry Baptist Church, 184 Genesee Street, Buffalo January 18 at 9AM featuring performances by
BAVPA musicians, The Colored Musicians Club, and Sirgorney Cook, video presentations of Dr. King, and statements from speakers who were intimately involved with the Monument project 35 years ago. This will be followed by a processional to the site of the bust in MLK Park.
StepOutBuffalo.com article, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Rededication:https://stepoutbuffalo.com/events/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-memorial-rededication/.
The New York State Summer School of the Arts ( aka NYSSSA), entered its 50th year as a leading summer training program for young artists,
actors, and musicians. This highly competitive program features seven different schools: ballet, choral and vocal studies, media arts, visual arts, theater, modern dance, and orchestral studies.
Any New York State full-time, permanent resident student enrolled in grades 8-12 can apply. Tuition assistance is available to any student who qualifies, though tuition is already kept low due to NYS Education Department funding. Information regarding dates and locations for each summer session, in-person auditions, and online submissions of materials are now available at http://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa/.
For your convenience, I’ve listed the audition dates and locations below that would best suit students at your school. All music and art students are encouraged to submit their audition and portfolio materials online. Online audition materials can be submitted via email to
NYSSSA’s AUDITION DATES and SITES
Orchestral Studies and Choral Studies at BAVPA, January 25.
Theater Studies at SUNY Brockport, Brockport NY February 1. Ballet & Modern Dance at SUNY Brockport, Brockport NY February 1.
Media Arts & Visual Arts: Portfolios can be emailed to [email protected].
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The National Endowment for the Arts and the American Theatre Wing are pleased to announce that the 2020 Musical Theater Songwriting
Challenge is open to receive applications from any high school student with 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 third national competition.
The 2020 application porta ( https://songwritingchallenge.secure-platform.com) is open until April 6 at midnight ET.
BAVPA FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS
KELLY BEUTH is a BAVPA Theatre teacher and Subversive Theatre Collective’s (www.subversivetheatre.org ) co-artistic director. STC presents. Beuth’s also a member of the Brazened Faced Varlets Theatre Company.
Subversive presents Two Afternoons at Kelly's ( MARGO DAVIS appears in the production ), May 16-June 5 and Mercury Fur January 17-February 8. For tickets and show time, go to link.
BFVTC ( http://www.varlets.org/ ) presents The Anastasia Trials in the Court of Women January 17-February 2, 2020; BAVPA alumna JENNIFER ARROYO is in the production. For tickets and show times, go to link.
Actor, Director and Acting Instructor JOSIE DIVINCENZO ( http://www.josiedivincenzo.com/ ) conducts Film and TV acting classes. For more
information, see poster or go to link. SAUL ELKIN is founder of the Jewish Repertory Theatre of WNY (http://jewishrepertorytheatre.com/) and Shakespeare in Delaware Park:
http://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/. SDP presents As You Like It June 17-July 12 and A Midsummer Night’s Dream July 23-August 26, free admission.
Past BuffaloNews.com article, Going backstage - and on stage - at Shakespeare in Delaware Park:https://buffalonews.com/2019/07/09/going-backstage-and-on-stage-at-shakespeare-in-delaware-park/.
JRT presents What I Thought I Knew featuring JOSIE DIVINCENZO February 6-March 1. StepOutBuffalo.com articles about the OMG
( https://stepoutbuffalo.com/events/oh-my-god/ ) and What I Thought productions:https://stepoutbuffalo.com/events/what-i-thought-i-knew/.
The 2020 JOANN FALLETTA International Guitar Concerto Competition to be held June 3-6; to enter and for more information, go to http://bpo.org/guitar-competition/.
Application deadline for the guitar competition must be completed and received digitally to the competition coordinator April 1, 2020 at 5PM. Falletta orchestrated the 2005 Virginia Arts Festival (https://www.vafest.org/ ) Midsummer Night’s Dream in conjunction with Ohio State University and the BPO; RON MANGUM (1988), portrayed one of the Rude Mechanicals in the production; directed by Lesley Ferris.
Falletta was mentioned in the Buffalo News article, WNY's year in arts and entertainment: Albright-Knox expansion and more:https://buffalonews.com/2019/12/30/wnys-year-in-arts-culture-and-entertainment-albright-knox-expansion-begins- and-more/.
STEPHEN MCKINLEY HENDERSON portrays Stewart in the upcoming FX ( https://www.fxnetworks.com/ ) science fiction limited series, Devs.
TrendingNewsBuzz.com article, Devs: Latest Update On The new Hulu Series Which Dabbles Into The World Of Tech Conspiracies! Release Date And Cast! https://trendingnewsbuzz.com/2019/12/20/devs-latest-update-on-the-new-hulu-series-which-dabbles-into-the-world-of-tech-
conspiracies-release-date-and-cast/. Devs premieres March, 2020.
LORNA C. HILL's Ujima Theatre (https://www.ujimacoinc.org/ ) presents The Gospel at Colonus, April 17-May 10, 2020; BAVPA Music Teacher KAREN SAXON, Music Director.
SANDRA LEE FOLEY-HITCHCOCK is the creator of The BAVPA Beacon’s newsletter header, BAVPA Class of 2016 logo who also designs graphics and websites. Hitchcock designed the BAVPA 41 Years strong logo honoring the past and present school colors; for more information about Hitchcock’s work, go to www.warandra- productions.com/Website_ Hosting_and_Design.html.
Irish Classical Theatre’s ( https://irishclassical.com ) Producing Director FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI ( in conjunction with the BPO, JOANN
FALLETTA, conductor), presents Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night Dream; the production runs January 17-January 19. For tickets, go to https://bpo.org/event/a-midsummer-nights-dream-in-collaboration-with- irish-classical-theatre/2020-01-17/.
BuffaloRising.com article, To the multiple marriages in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM marry the genius of Mendelssohn to Shakespeare and the BPO to the ICTC:https://www.buffalorising.com/2020/01/to-the-multiple-marriages-in-a-midsummer-nights-dream-marry-the-genius-of-mendelssohn-to-shakespeare-and-the-bpo-to-the-ictc/?fbclid=IwAR1GzIzOl00OnVb8klPm_Lywz3faE-tbbZCv8Or3bnlu6l3k_lDLjKdQ3rk.
BuffaloSpree.com article, Classically Speaking / A Midsummer Night in January:http://www.buffalospree.com/Buffalo-Spree/January-
2020/Classically-Speaking-A-Midsummer-Night-in-January/?fbclid=IwAR1efkGHHq3lRskZd5DX2efSe_LCmf8IvlQp8f9CeAtOjL0xBo27XKyiOoA. BuffaloTheatreGuide.com article, BPO, ICTC, the Bard, and Mendelssohn…Oh My! https://buffalotheatreguide.com/2020/01/07/bpo-ictc-the-
bard-and-mendelssohn-oh-my/. According to Bachtrack.com, Falletta is the world’s busiest female conductor (https://bachtrack.com/classical-music-statistics-
2019?fbclid=IwAR01fk5Wd5zYVXkzOwV9EYBJiDyN9hifLJzyKkzartPs0PsI_0GpKEQdtHI ) who ranked 21st overall as the world’s top conductor, the highest ranking for any female.
BuffaloNews.com/BAVPA related article, Looking back at a tumultuous decade for
Buffalo's music scene written by JEFF MIERS:https://buffalonews.com/2020/01/05/ a-look-back-at-a-tumultuous-decade-on-the-buffalo-music-scene/0.
BAVPA Art Teacher SEAN WITUCKI and other artists' works are part of the In a Nutshell exhibition at Meibohm Fine Arts, ( https://www.meibohmfinearts.com/exhibitions/exhibition/111?fbclid=IwAR1U7s_ RXD-WS0BpBNbitYWO8MhtWlh1-9Vgdl9Xz2UVLFjdTdLU822r2oU ) in East Aurora, NY through January 25.
WBFO.org/Witucki related article, Wider views found in exhibition of small works:https://news.wbfo.org/post/wider-views-found-exhibition-small-works.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED BuffaloNews.com article, Buffalo teachers go to court over students' missing out on music and arts:
https://buffalonews.com/2019/12/26/buffalo-teachers-go-to-court-over-students-missing-out-on-music-and-arts/. WBFO,org/BAVPA related article, Parents, teachers sue Buffalo school district for 'not equitably' offering music, art education: https://news.wbfo.org/post/parents-teachers-sue-buffalo-school-district-not-equitably-offering-music-art-education. WIVB.com/BAVPA related news report, Some school zone speed cameras in Buffalo will be activated Monday January
6:https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/buffalo/some-school-zone-speed-cameras-in-buffalo-will-be-activated-monday/. RANDI LANGDON (2013), GABRIEL ROBERE (2005) TILKE HILL (1996) RON MANGUM (1988) and MARGO DAVIS appeared in the Comedy
drama film, Cold Brook ( https://trilight.ca/ ) directed by Buffalo native, actor William Fichtner; the film is available on V.O.D ( Video on Demand), digital and multiple video platforms.
KAMERON WOOD (2011) was a production assistant for the BET-TV comedy series Twenties: https://www.bet.com/shows/twenties.html. MadameNoire.com article, Watch The New Trailer For Lena Waithe’s BET Series “Twenties”:https://madamenoire.com/1118384/lena-waithe-
twenties-trailer/
Actor LASHAWN BANKS (1994) appeared in the FX Network’s Snowfall ( https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/snowfall , the Lifetime TV movie Stressed to Death ( https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/stressed-to-death ) and the HBO political comedy show, Veep: https://www.hbo.com/veep.
BAVPA MUSICAL FLASHBACKS & FUTURE MAJOR MEDIA PRODUCTION NEWS
BAVPA staged the Kenny Award winning musical West Side Story in 2016; the original BAVPA production performed at the former Pfeifer Theatre in Buffalo’s Theatre District in 1999. BAVPA MATTHEW WILSON (who portrayed Jean Valjean in Les Misérables), represented WNY at the 2019 Jimmy Awards held in NYC.
BAVPA staged West Side Story at the Pfeifer Theatre in 1999.
Legendary Broadway theatre producer and director Harold Prince who co-produced the original Damn Yankees and West Side Story musicals, passed away July 31 at age 91. Prince’s exhibit is on display at the NYPL (New York Public Library) ( https://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/company-harold-prince-broadway-producer-director-collaborator ) now through March
31. CheatSheet.com article, 'West Side Story' Director Steven Spielberg Gave Rita Moreno This Heartwarming Gift:
https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/west-side-story-director-steven-spielberg-gave-rita-moreno-this- heartwarming-gift.html/.
AbovetheLaw.com article, Something’s Coming … Something Good: The Revival Of ‘West Side Story’ Gets Gang Life Right: https://abovethelaw.com/2019/12/somethings-coming-something-good-the-revival-of-west-side-story-gets-gang-life-right/.
NYTimes.com article, Six Stars of the New ‘West Side Story’ Discuss Its Enduring Relevance: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/18/t-magazine/west-side-story-broadway.html.
Broadway.com article, Play It Cool, Boy: Film Jet Russ Tamblyn Visits West Side Story to Meet New Broadway Cast: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/197999/play-it-cool-boy-film-jet-russ-tamblyn-visits-west-side-story-to-meet-new-broadway-cast/.
Broadway.com article, Ivo van Hove-Directed West Side Story Delays Opening (https://www.broadway.com/buzz/197989/ivo-van-hove-directed-west-side-story-delays-opening/?fbclid=IwAR1lpPHXw5kVFON39U9q9g7H5RzqFQLJ_Q3du21eT1UcJrB8-B0Cp0bQJD8), production opens February 20.
NYTimes.com article, ‘West Side Story’: How We Covered the Classic N.Y.C. Musical:https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/theater/west-side-story-confidential.html.
BroadwayWorld.com article, BROADWAY'S Best Eats for Theatergoers – Just in Time for NYC Broadway Week: https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/BROADWAYS-Best-Eats-for-Theatergoers-Just-in-Time- for-NYC-Broadway-Week-20200108?fbclid=IwAR11E1gthbltQ97EIixI8cTBmAIkrbC23a3s2O2HvQ7iMoYXmFnajJE17U8.
Playbill.com article, 2-For-1 Tickets to Ain't Too Proud, Beetlejuice, West Side Story, and More Now On Sale for Broadway Week: http://www.playbill.com/article/2-for-1-tickets-to-aint-too-proud-beetlejuice-west-side-story-and-more-now-on-sale-for-broadway-week.
BAVPA and Upstage New York co-produced Damn Yankees for the Artpark stage May 20-24,1987 in Lewiston, NY. The show was directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI and featured BAVPA students and faculty that included STEVEN GLASSMAN, EDSON GIFFORD III, RUSSELL LINK,
CLAUDIA MARSCHALL, and the late ALLENE BUCKLEY. One of the lead roles; Mr. Applegate, was played by JESSE L. MARTIN, (1987.)
Damn Yankees’ Gwen Verdon/Lola
in a Gigli publicity shot.
West Side Story and Damn Yankees photographer and fashion photojournalist Ormond Gigli passed away December 12.
Gigli related articles Girls in the Windows: Looking out over high society (https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/art/girls-windows-looking-out-over-high-society) and biography, https://www.peterfetterman.com/artists/93-ormond-gigli/biography/.
Runaways musical directed and composer ELIZABETH SWADOS and Paul Schmidt created the 1984 musical, The Beautiful Lady, the musical will be staged at NYC’s La MaMa ( http://lamama.org/ ) April-May, 2020. Swados won an Obie Award for Best Director. Wikipedia.org
Runaways page:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaways_(musical).
A Buffalo production of Runaways, directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI, featured BAVPA alumni. The production was performed at Center Theatre (now Town Ballroom in downtown Buffalo in 1982; ELIZABETH SWADOS ( who created the musical), attended one of the performances.) Runaways was staged again at Artpark in Lewiston, NY in 1983; Swados passed away January 5, 2016.
RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON related article, Jonathan Majors Admits Even the Yale School of Drama Didn’t Teach Him All He Needs as an Actor:https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/jonathan-majors-acting-advice-69740/.
UPCOMING BAVPA EVENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL REUNION NEWS
BAVPA YEARBOOK SALE
BAVPA yearbooks are on sale for the following years while supplies last. 1984, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Yearbooks are $20.00 each or three for $50.00 and may be picked up at the school. For more information, contact Sheila at [email protected].
Call (716) 816-4220 or go to ( http://www.buffaloartsacademy.org/ ) for more information.
BAVPA ALUMNI EDUCATORS
STEVE APPLER (1981), Visual Art Teacher, Amherst High School
KAREN TOMZAK (1981), Program Director of Dance at Western University, Cullowhee, North Carolina DEBORAH LIPA-CIOTTA (1982), Tapestry Charter School, K-4 Dance Teacher
ARLENE SHORT (1982), Patient Health Navigator, Buffalo
OMAR CARTER (1984), Arts Teacher, Philadelphia, PA
CAITLIN BAUMLER-COLEMAN (1984), Tapestry Charter School, K-8, Grade ½ Teacher
TRACEY HOLT-COFIELD (1984), Principal, Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
DONNA KERR (1984),City Honors Music, Buffalo
MICHAEL STARZYNSKI (1984), Waterfront School, 1st Grade Teacher
ARTHUR PERRY (1984), Crossing Guard, Volunteer Librarian Aid, Clear Creek Elementary School, Kileen/Temple, TX
TINA “CHRISTINA” WALKER-BYKOWICZ (1985), Nursery School and Elementary School Educator
JOSEPH MICHAEL MAHFOUD (1985), 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, LMT (1997) HEAT Center ( http://www.heat.center/ ) Founder, Massage Therapist; Reiki, Energy & Spirit Work Educator/Mentor
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
CONNOR GRAHAM (2011), Graduate Teaching Assistant/Graduate Student at Ohio State University’s Department of Theatre
LIZ BAILEY (Unknown), Todd County Middle School, Elkton, KY
LISA BAINES-DANIELS (Unknown), BPS Adult Education Division
MICHELE DEVANS, 1st Grade Teacher at Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo DARREN BROWN (Unknown), BPS Chief of Staff, Buffalo
GINA DORMER (Unknown) Music, School #81, Buffalo
YOLANDA FIELDS (Unknown), Buffalo Garden Walk Chairperson RONDA GORDON (Unknown), President of the Forsyth County Association of Educators, GA
MARIA INTORRE (Unknown), BPS System
JAMES.KREATE (Unknown), Furniture and Arts and Crafts Store DAVE RIFFLE (Unknown), BAVPA Media Communication Arts Teacher
DR. TARYN SPENCER, M.D. (Unknown), UB Medical Instructor, Internal Medicine/Preventive Medicine
ELIZABETH YOUNG (Unknown), President/Creative Director at Studio LLC
OTHER BAVPA ALUMNI VOCATIONS AMY (CROOKS) SCANLON (1981), Senior Lead Professional Development Trainer, MAXIMUS, Inc.
ANDY MCCLAIN (1981), Owner of Treats Unleashed, Amherst, NY
PETE GALLIVAN (1983), WGRZ-TV Channel 2 Daybreak Co-Anchor
NANCY WILLAMS-NETTLES (1984), Crisis Counselor at the YWCA of Nashville and Middle TN
UMAR ADEYOLA (1988), President and CEO, H.E.A.R.T. Foundation, Buffalo KRISTIN CRAGE (1988), West African Ivory Coast Drum accompanist, Alvin Ailey School of Dance
PASTOR GARNEY DAVIS, JR. (1988), Founder of Impacting Love Global Ministries and CEO of Impacting Love, Inc.
CLAUDINE EWING (1988), WGRZ-TV Channel 2 Reporter/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
RYAN APONTE (Unknown) owner of Energy Art LLC, Buffalo
APRIL BASKIN (Unknown), Erie County Legislature Majority Leader
CHARLOTTE CARWELL (Unknown) Founder, P.O.C.E. Dance & Art Institute, Buffalo
LAKEISHA CARTER (Unknown), Dance Choreographer Dance Incorporated Center for the Fine & Performing Arts, Sickerfield, NJ
STEPHANIE CALHOUN (Unknown), Assistant Attorney General, NYS Office of the Attorney General
DANIELLE CATONE (Unknown), Danielle’s Dance and Fitness School
JESSIE FISHER (Unknown), Executive Director, Preservation Buffalo Niagara
TAMMY GAVIDIN (Unknown), Dance Instructor Tonawanda Dance Arts Faculty, Tonawanda
KRIS HOLLIE (Unknown), Personal Physical Fitness Trainer for Impact Training 716 and Ascend to Greatness
KIMMY JANE (Unknown), Kimmy Jane Tattoo & Artwork, Buffalo
AQUIL JONES (Unknown), Videographer, Krump Dancer and Founder of Legacy Visions Production MELODY JONES (Unknown), Audio Technician
CHANON JUDSON, Associate Artistic Director, Urban Bush Women Dance Company
GINA MARTINEZ (Unknown), Dance Instructor at Broadway Dancesations, Lutz, FL EBONY PACE, Against Destruction Theatrically Founder
DAVID RIFFEL (Unknown), Niagara Arts & Cultural Center’s documentarian and arts collaborator, Niagara Falls, NY KAT WHITEFIELD (Unknown), Photography Assistant at Locust Street Art, Buffalo
ELIZABETH YOUNG (Unknown), President/Creative Director at Buffalo Studio Labs, Buffalo
Please visit BAVPA Memories, a photo website devoted to BAVPA’s past, present, and future. To follow site postings, make suggestions, or if
you have questions, go to the site link (www.bavpamemories.com) and check out the BAVPA Memories PDF. “To follow site postings, make suggestions, or if you have questions, go to the site link and check out the BAVPA Memories posting
(below).”
