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Fall/Winter 2008For those who love and support theater at Niagara University

Friends of Niagara University Theatre

45th NU Theatre AnniversaryReunion Weekend a Hit!By Ann Heuer, ’78

For the nearly 125 NU alumniand friends who attended NiagaraUniversity Theatre’s 45th Anniver-sary Reunion, Columbus Day weekendthis year was all about rediscoveringold friends and hearing about theexciting renovations on the horizonat Niagara University Theatre.Alumnus Joe Perrotta, ’92, said aboutthe weekend, “it was so wonderful onso many levels, truly like seeingfamily.”

The three-day reunion wasplanned and coordinated over thepast year by co-chairs Maureen T.Stevens, associate professor of theaterand fine arts, and Marilyn Deighton,assistant professor of theater and finearts, who were assisted during theevent itself by a crew of theaterstudies students and by severaltheater staff members. The theaterreunion was part of the university’sannual Alumni Reunion Weekend,coordinated by the alumni relationsstaff in the Office of InstitutionalAdvancement.

Attendees came from as far away asSwitzerland and France and from asclose to Monteagle Ridge as Buffaloand Niagara Falls, N.Y. The weekendbegan with a high-energy cabaretevening in the Leary Theatre, followedby a welcome back party in “TheRat” sponsored by The Friends ofNiagara University Theatre.

NU alumnus Armand “Army”Schultz, ’81, was ideally suited forthe role of master of ceremonies for

the cabaretevening. Relatingnostalgic andhumorousmemories, hereconnected withhis fellow alumniwith such quipsas, “How many ofyou were in‘Joseph and theAmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat’ atNU? We did it53 times oncampus. That’s what paid for all theoffice furniture and some of Sharon’soutfits!” Schultz also noted, “Forthose of us who started our careershere, we owe Sharon (Watkinson),Bro (Brother Augustine Towey,C.M.), Tim (Tim Ward) and all thefaculty our thanks. And let’s be sureto preserve that back wall in therenovated theater. That wall has castsignatures dating from what, 1972?But I’m not that old!”

The cabaret evening spotlightedthe talents of Maryanne Kelly, ’84,Alison Nusbaum, ’03, Mary Beth(Drmacich) Romo, ’84, PatrickRiviere, ’88, Kim Schwenzer, ’98,Michelle Shrimpton-Hidalgo, ’89,Natalie Slipko, ’93, Tony Sperry, ’88,Michael Vargovich, ’07, and ZakWard, ’04. Special guest performerwas Elizabeth Ann Clune, a memberof the Friends of Niagara University

Theatre. Elizabeth beamed as theaudience gave her a standing ovationfor her song from “Hairspray.” Theperformers were accompanied by NUadjunct voice professor Elenora Seiband retired NU Theatre musicaldirector Donald Shrimpton. Theevening was directed by DougZschiegner, associate director ofNiagara University Theatre, who wasassisted by several theater studiesstudents.

A beautifully produced “slideshow” DVD presentation of vintageproduction photos interspersed withbrief interviews with NU Theatre co-founders Brother Augustine Towey,C.M, director emeritus, and Dr.Sharon Watkinson, chair of thedepartment of theater and fine arts,was also a highlight of the cabaret

At the reunion’s cocktail and cake reception, all the alumni enjoyed reminiscingwith one another and the theater’s co-founders, faculty and staff. Front row:Tracey Kent, ’84. Back row, from left, Brother Augustine Towey, C.M.; MaryanneKelly, ’84; Dr. Sharon Watkinson; Mary Furlong, the first president of the Friendsof Niagara University Theatre; Mary Beth (Drmacich) Romo, ’84; Linda Saffire,’84; and Diane Presutti Cody, ’84.

See Anniversary, page 3

Friends of Niagara University Theatre2

By the editor-in-chief, Gregory FletcherWhat’s New at NU:

First, let meexpress how muchI enjoyed meetingso many of you at

our recent alumni reunion weekend.What a meaningful celebration ofNiagara University Theatre and its 45years of theater training. And whatbetter way to celebrate than to publiclyannounce the renovation dates of theLeary Theatre. Construction will beginMay 20 and as soon as the official re-opening date is announced, you’ll bethe first to know.

Best wishes to Eric Appleton, whohas moved onto the next chapter inhis life — Madison, Wis., to be exact.Eric was part of our design/tech facultysince the fall of 2005, teaching setand lighting design, stage-managementand fundamentals of production. Hedesigned the lights for everythingbetween “Gypsy” (’05) and “OurTown” (’07) and he designed the setsfor everything between “Gypsy” (’05)and “Cabaret” (’08). In August, Ericand his partner, Rick, moved toMadison where Eric began as assistantprofessor of set design at the Universityof Wisconsin at Whitewater. Eric lovesbeing closer to his family as well as thebike riding that is commonly practicedin that area. Moreover, he loves howgreen the area is — not only in colorbut also in ecology. Happily surprisedthat his car insurance was cut in half,Eric laughs one beat at a time — histrademark laugh that we all know andlove. Eric, thank you for all that youhave given Niagara University Theatre— both on and off stage. And P.S.,thanks for the cheese catalog!

Please help me welcome TroyHourie, our new set designer anddesign/tech faculty member, as wellas Glenn Bernardis, our new adjunctdesign/tech faculty member teachingsound design. As the design/techprogram continues to grow and as

the renovation of the Leary Theatrebecomes a reality, it couldn’t bebetter timing to welcome thesetalented theater artists to our team.

Starting with this season, we haveimplemented a new box office system.Tickets may now be purchased directlyfrom our Web site [www.niagara.edu/theatre]. From the internal linkPRODUCTION, go to BOX OFFICEand organize your tickets for individualand multi productions. Not only canyou purchase tickets but also you canchoose your seat locations and printyour tickets. No longer are there highticketing fees — most are the nominalfee of only $1.50.

Please help me spread the word thatwe have lowered our ticket prices acrossthe board, as well as implementednew discounts for Friends, alumni,seniors, NU faculty and staff, and ayouth ticket for as little as $7. We evenhave a new repeat viewing discount forreturning family members of the castand crew in a particular production.Check your new NU Arts Calendar,which all members of the Friendshave received as a small token of ourthanks for your continued support,and we look forward to seeing you inthe audience as often as possible.

I am very touched to hear that somany of you have expressed a desireto do more for the department butare limited due to the reality offinancial times. As much as we areprofoundly grateful to those of youwho donate your hard earned income,let me remind the rest of you that thereare many ways to give of yourselfwithout dipping into your bankaccount. First, help us keep our namein the public eye. For all of you withbios in theater playbills across thecountry, please mention that you area proud theater graduate of NiagaraUniversity. Mention NU Theatre inyour Web site, recommend our

productions to your circle of friends,add potential patrons to our mailinglist and we’ll send them seasonbrochures. Finally, join Friends ofNU Theatre. We offer a new lowerpriced membership of $25 forstruggling artists under 30 years ofage. Or you could give of yourself asNeil Casey gave in December, whenhe performed the one-man play“This Wonderful Life.” Not only didall the ticket sales benefit the newtheater 100 percent but also Neil wasable to get all the royalties waived.Perhaps we can continue to highlightother alumni performing theaterfundraisers once or twice a year?Please do not hesitate to contact mewith any ideas or suggestions youmay have.

Niagara University Theatre hasaccomplished so much during itsfirst 45 years for which there is somuch to be grateful. May wecontinue to prosper, grow and servein the next 45 years.

Above: An updated architectural rendering of theexterior of the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center forTheatre in Clet Hall. Renovation on NU’s theater isscheduled to begin in May of 2009.

Below: This new architectural rendering shows thetheater’s lobby which will provide easy access to therenovated theater and offices via a stairway and elevator.

Friends of Niagara University Theatre 3

evening. The reunion itinerary alsoincluded a Saturday matinee of thedramedy “The Cripple ofInishmaan,” a cocktail and cakereception, and a Mass.

The reunion’s success is testamentto the enduring friendships enjoyedby those who experienced NU’stheater program in its youth. To viewphotos from the weekend, visitwww.niagara.edu/theatre and followthe link to “NU Family” and the“Alumni” page.

Anniversary, cont.

Before the curtain rose on the cabaret evening, thesealumni shared memories and laughter. Front rowfrom left: an expectant Michele Marie Roberts(Benzin)’99, and Mindy Ferraraccio,‘98. Back rowfrom left: Karen Colville, ‘98, KimberlySchwenzer,’98, Andrea (Campagna) Mango, ’98,and Cindy (Argona) Burnett, ‘98.

Niagara University Theatre Names First Recipient ofthe Julie Burdick Memorial Scholarship

Dr. SharonWatkinson,chair ofNiagaraUniversity’sdepartmentof theater andfine arts,announced inOctober thattheaterstudies seniorPreston Cueris the firstrecipient ofthe JulieBurdickMemorialScholarship,named afteralumna JulieBurdick, ’03.

Burdickpassed awayunexpectedly

on Jan. 27, 2007, and her parents,Dr. James Burdick and Mrs. SharonBurdick of East Amherst, N.Y.,established the scholarship as a resultof thousands of dollars of contributions

made to Niagara University Theatrein honor of their daughter. TheBurdick family has requested thatone sophomore, junior or senior who isan outstanding theater performancemajor be chosen by the administratorsand faculty of the theater program toreceive the scholarship, which willlast for the duration of the student’sundergraduate years at NiagaraUniversity. Once the student hasgraduated from NU, new recipientsfor the scholarship will be selectedand announced.

Any student selected for this honormust not only excel on stage and in theclassroom, but also they must model aVincentian-like interest in caring forand helping others.

“We are delighted to select PrestonCuer as our first recipient of the JulieBurdick Memorial Scholarship,”noted Dr. Watkinson. “When wethought about how extraordinaryJulie Burdick was as a ‘triple threat’performer, as a student who loved tolearn, and as an extraordinarilygenerous and caring human being,we thought of Preston Cuer. Verysimply, Preston excels not only in

theater but also in all of his academicstudies. And, like Julie, Preston ishumble, genuine, sincere — hallmarksof an authentic human being.”

A resident of Alexander, N.Y.,Cuer has a double major in theaterperformance and computerinformation sciences.

Cuer has played roles in “Chicago,”“Fiddler on the Roof,” “Company,”“Cabaret,” “Night Train to FoggyBottom” and every short play festivalthe department has held during thepast four years. After participating inthe department’s study-abroadprogram at Schiller InternationalUniversity in London last summer,he volunteered to teach math in amountain village of Romania with ateam of volunteers from his parish,the West Middlebury BaptistChurch. With the assistance oftranslators, Cuer and four other mathinstructors spent two weeks teachingstudents who “are normally ignoredin schools due to ethnic differences.”He noted that the mission experiencewas a “wonderful opportunity” that hewould gladly volunteer for again.

Niagara University theaterstudies student Preston Cuer,’09, of Alexander, N.Y., wasawarded the first JulieBurdick MemorialScholarship, established bythe Burdick family of EastAmherst, N.Y., in honor oftheir daughter, alumna JulieBurdick, ‘03. Here, Cuer iscongratulated by Dr. SharonWatkinson, chair of theuniversity’s department oftheater and fine arts. Thenewly established scholarshipwill be given to a theaterperformance major whoexcels on stage andacademically and who showsextraordinary care andconcern for others, includingthe less fortunate.

Department of theater and fine arts administrativeassistant Brother Martin Schneider, C.M., right,enjoyed catching up with Patrick Riviere, ’88, left,Steve Hasley, ’87, second from left, and Tony Sperry,’88, third from left.


Neil A. Casey Plays 32 Roles in HolidayClassic at Leary TheatreBy Ann Heuer, ’78

Out of his mind. That’s exactlywhat NU Theatre alumnus Neil A.Casey, ’91, thought he would be ifhe turned down the opportunity toplay every man, woman and child in“This Wonderful Life” at Boston’sLyric Stage Company last December.The production is playwright SteveMurray’s faithful retelling of thebeloved Frank Capra film, “It’s AWonderful Life” (1946). For Casey,the chance to play George Bailey(portrayed in the film by JimmyStewart), Mary Hatch Bailey (DonnaReed), Old Man Potter (LionelBarrymore) and the 29 other charactersfrom the classic movie — plus anarrator — was irresistible. To top itoff, the Boston critics and audiencesloved him.

This December, Niagara UniversityTheatre audiences had the opportunityto experience this holiday treat sinceCasey graciously offered to perform“This Wonderful Life” as a fundraiserfor a new theater on campus on Dec.8 and 9. “It’s my way of giving backand getting to see everybody at NU,”Casey recently said during a phoneinterview.

“This Wonderful Life” is a slightlyabbreviated retelling of “It’s aWonderful Life” which playwrightMurray describes as “a beautifullywritten movie that goes to darkplaces and earns its happy ending.”When The Lyric Stage Co. decided topresent “This Wonderful Life,”producing artistic director SpiroVeloudos thought of casting Neil A.Casey and no one else. Directed byJack Neary, last year’s New Englandpremiere of “This Wonderful Life”was critically acclaimed by TheBoston Globe, the Boston Herald,and Boston’s NPR news radiostation, WBUR 90.9 FM.

“I’d never done a one-man showbefore,” Casey said, “and when Spirocalled me to ask if I’d be interested, Ithought I’d be crazy not to do it.” Toprepare, Neil had to memorize a 60-page script and he watched the movieabout 200 times so he could getevery scene, voice and mannerismexactly right. “Jack Neary and Iagreed we needed to re-create themovie as closely as we could,” Neilexplained. “If a character was lookingin a certain direction in the film,we’d stage it the same way. We knewpeople would notice if the scenelooked completely different.”

A native of Waltham, Mass., Caseystarted his college career at Framing-ham State. A year later he transferredto Niagara University’s theaterdepartment at the recommendationof a friend, NU alumnus PatrickRiviere, ’88, whom Casey hadworked with while doing summerstock in Maine. From his sophomorethrough senior year, Casey was castin 18 productions at NU Theatre.His time at NU, he said, wastransforming. “I learned disciplineand technique from BrotherAugustine Towey, C.M., Tim Ward,Renee Baillargeon, Steve Vaughan,Miss Bev (Beverly Fletcher), MildredPaella and all the faculty and adjuncts,”he said, adding, “I could always sortof do it — but I learned how to act atNU, and learned about myself andhow to be an adult.”

During high school, Casey wasn’t“a sports guy or a bookworm” but heknew “how to get a laugh” and heenjoyed the theater. His parentstaught him, though, that in order topursue a career in theater, a personneeded to be “gifted.” Since his Momwas battling cancer throughoutCasey’s grade school and high school

years, she was unable to attend anumber of his performances, including“A Glass Menagerie” during hissenior year of high school. However,his Dad and one of his brothers cameto see that production on openingnight. No words were exchanged aboutthe show during the drive home, butthe first thing Casey’s Dad exuberantlyexclaimed to his wife as he and hissons walked through the door was,“He’s gifted!” Two simple, life-alteringwords. At that moment, Casey knewhe had his parents’ blessing, and itmade all the difference. Sadly, though,his Mom passed away shortly afterhis high school graduation, but herlove, courage and wonderful sense ofhumor still inspire him, his Dad andhis brothers and sister.

Following his graduation fromNU’s theater department in 1991,Casey spent five years in New YorkCity and then he returned to Bostonto work with the Reagle Players andthe Publick Theatre. He later honedhis comedic timing as a companymember of “Shear Madness” inWashington, D.C., Boston, andPittsburgh — a production he hasnow been involved in for eight years.


The 24th annual Friends of NiagaraUniversity Theatre Gala will be heldon Saturday, April 25, 2009. Thisbusiness-casual event begins with a 4p.m. matinee of Kurt Weill’s andBertolt Brecht’s musical, “TheThreepenny Opera,” at the LearyTheatre on NU’s campus. Guests willthen proceed to the Castellani ArtMuseum on campus for a cocktailhour, silent auction, elegant dinner,live auction and a visit from the castand crew of the musical. Auctionitems include travel packages,paintings, entertainment and sportsmemorabilia, gift baskets, gift certificates and more.

This year’s gala co-chairs are Patricia Orzetti and Arthur and Barbara Traver,while auction co-chairs are Pamela LeCuyer, Lori Presti and Adair Saviola.Funds raised benefit the theater program and its students, from needed theaterequipment and supplies to workshops provided by guest artists.

For tickets and information, or to donate gift baskets, certificates, paintings,antiques or collectibles valued at $100 or more, contact gala coordinators PegLacki at (716) 286-8483 or Ann Heuer at (716) 286-8480.

He has also worked in numerousother productions throughout thenortheast, from “Take Me Out” to“Love’s Labour’s Lost,” “EnchantedApril” to his current role in “TheMystery of Irma Vep” at Boston’sLyric Stage Co. from Nov. 28 – Dec.21, 2008.

Throughout his career, he hasdevoted over four years to teachingacting classes at the University ofMassachusetts at Boston, which hehopes to do again next spring. Healso taught acting as an interimprofessor at Niagara UniversityTheatre during academic year 2006-2007. “I love teaching,” Casey said,“it’s a great feeling to impartknowledge to students and you cansee the light bulb go off when they’vegot it — it’s fun.”

“Acting is just something I have todo, I don’t know why,” Casey added.His advice for NU’s theater studentsis this: “Keep plugging away, don’tgive up, continue your studies afteryou graduate, see as much theater asyou can, talk to people in the industry,and don’t burn bridges.”

Having talent and a superb workethic has enabled Casey to soar in acompetitive industry, but so, too, hashis warm Irish Catholic upbringing.“Our family is very close and weshare a wacky sense of humor,” hesaid. “We understand that life isshort and we believe in the goldenrule: ‘Do unto others as you wouldhave them do unto you.’”

No wonder Casey is perfect in“This Wonderful Life.” He knowswhat matters most.

Save the Date forGala 2009

The co-chairs of the 24th Annual Friends of NiagaraUniversity Theatre Gala include Patricia Orzetti,left, Barbara Traver, third from left, and ArthurTraver, back row. Co-chairs of the gala’s live andsilent auction include Pamela LeCuyer, second fromleft, Lori Presti, right, and Adair Saviola, who wasunavailable for the photo.

Jonathan Klatt, ’08, who played the Master of Ceremonies in “Cabaret,” congratulates his friend ElizabethAnn Clune at the Friends of Niagara University Theatre Gala in April. Miss Clune and her parents, Robertand JoAnn Clune, are longtime supporters and fans of Niagara University Theatre. Pictured here behindKlatt and Clune are preliminary architectural drawings of the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre whichwill encompass the Leary Theatre, lobby, box office, theater offices, classrooms, costume shop and scenery shop.

Lost and Foundat Leary TheatreDid you lose a ring at the Leary

Theatre over the past year or two?If so, please contact Peg Lacki at

(716) 286-8483. Thanks!


Ragusa’s star rising on BroadwayMix of patience, humor lands ‘Frankenstein’ role

Editor’s note: The following is anexcerpt reprinted with the permission ofThe Buffalo News. To read the entirearticle, please visit the following websiteand type “Ragusa’s star rising onBroadway” in the “search” box at thetop of the homepage:www.buffalonews.com.

Speaking by phone from her NewJersey home, the effervescent MicheleRagusa said she’s “had my eye onthis role (Elizabeth Benning in theMel Brooks Broadway show, “YoungFrankenstein”) right from thebeginning.” But when it was originallycast before the play opened inNovember 2007, she heard throughthe Broadway grapevine that theplay’s producers wanted a celebrityfor the role. “I wanted to be seen forthis initially, so badly,” she said. “Butbelieve it or not, after 19 years ofbeing in this city and working, Icould not get an audition.”

When she heard that (Megan)Mullally had gotten the role, Ragusasaid she thought ahead to the daywhen Mullally might want to leaveto pursue other interests, “because somany people have said to me, ‘Youremind me of Megan Mullally!’”

Ragusa kept working, mostrecently in New Jersey’s Paper MillPlayhouse production of “Kiss MeKate.” In the spring, she and herhusband Thomas Richter, who metwhen they were doing “Guys andDolls” in Dallas, assembled a flierwith photos of Ragusa and someupdated reviews from that role.

“I think it just happened to landon the casting director’s desk at theperfect moment,” said Ragusa. Butshe still had a few challenges — theaudition was in “basically a day and a

By Anne Neville, News Staff Reporter(Copyright 2008 The Buffalo News, from Sept. 24, 2008)

half, and I had two songs to learnthat I didn’t know.”

With the help of a quick iTunesdownload and her conductor from“Kiss Me Kate,” Ragusa prepared forthe audition — which turned out to bebefore “oh, about 20 people, with MelBrooks in the center seat at the table.”

She started with “Deep Love,” thetune a starry-eyed Elizabeth singsafter her romantic encounter withthe monster. The song opens withthe famous spoken line slyly lispedby Madeline Kahn in the movie:“Penny for your thoughts!”

“I said the line, and the entiretable started screaming withlaughter,” said Ragusa. “There’snothing better than that! I keptgoing and the conductor was playingthe piano and laughing, we finishedand they applauded — it was really,really something. I found out laterthat Mel Brooks just flipped out,‘Where has she been?’ It was one ofthose great perfect things.” Needlessto say, she got the job.

Ragusa had barely becomecomfortable in the role when she wassidelined by a freak accident — acollision with a coffee table in themiddle of the night left her with abroken toe on her right foot. After aweek of rest, she returned to thestage and has made every show sincethen.

“There was a change of shoes,obviously,” she said, “and certainchanges of choreography where I hadto turn on my right foot. ThatTuesday night, when I returned, Ithought, ‘I’m never going to make itthrough the weekend,’ but I did — Ikept icing it, and I’m doing prettygood, though I’m still not back inmy 3-inch heels.”

But even in scaled-down heels,Ragusa is loving every minute in theBroadway spotlight, a place she’sbeen shooting for since Holy Angels.After high school, she enrolled atErie Community College to studybusiness, thinking she could neverhave “a real life” as an actor.

At ECC, she auditioned for a part ina production of “Godspell,” directedby English teacher Jack Saviola, withthe assistance of musical directorJimmy Sapienza. Ragusa now creditsboth Saviola and Sapienza for recog-nizing her talent and encouraging herto pursue acting as a career.

Saviola pulled Ragusa aside andrecommended she apply to NiagaraUniversity’s rigorous and highlyrespected theater program under thedirection of Brother AugustineTowey. Saviola called Towey andrecommended his star actor.

When Ragusa met Towey andstepped into the small campustheater, she said, “I just knew this iswhere I had to be. I thought, ‘I’mhome.’ I think I had three classes leftto get my (ECC) degree, and I left! Ibasically went (to Niagara) and gotmy BFA (Bachelor of Fine Artsdegree) and it was one of the bestdecisions I ever made!”

Alumna Michele Ragusa, ’87, in the Broadway roleshe always wanted: Elizabeth Benning in Mel Brooks’“Young Frankenstein.” Photo courtesy of Paul Kolnik.


courtesy of the Paper Mill Playhouse.

I hate the sound of my heartbeat. Some people find itcomforting. Not me. I hate it because it reminds me that I am going to die.This past summer at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, it was confirmed that Iam going to die someday and that the beating of my heart is not just theinsignificance of my life. I could win countless awards, be a lead on Broadwayor even, by some miracle, become insanely rich. But I’ll still die. I’ll barely bea moment in the history of the universe. This may sound strange or evendepressing but let me put it into perspective. As a student, I was enrolled in10 classes at the Summer Conservatory including scene study, two differentmovement classes, character study and others. My typical days started at 8a.m. and ended around 1 a.m. and were full of classes, memorization, partnerwork and script analysis. I seldom had time to do or even think of anythingother than acting. I was constantly trying to keep up with all of theassignments, maneuvering my way around New York City, and excited abouttraining at the school where Marlon Brando studied his craft.

Before the conservatory, I had no idea how much I thought I was terrible. Inmy own mind I thought I was just being humble. In reality, I was just tryingto squeak safely by without a sound and whenever I felt I did well, I mentallygave myself a gold star. I constantly checked myself and my progress with acorrelating grade on how talented I was. However, this didn’t work very longbecause all my work was for my own grading system, and the teachers caughtthat. One day my Shakespeare instructor simply asked me what the line wasmy scene partner had right before mine. With a blank face I told her I didn’tknow. I had never really heard anything he had said in the scene. I was toowrapped up in my own scene to worry about my partner, let alone theplaywright. I hadn’t listened.

Patrick Quagliano, the modern equivalent of Stella Adler and my teacher ofthe Adler technique class, demanded that all actors “Turn their work intoservice of the work.” He taught that actors shouldn’t be in it for their ownfame and fortune, they should be there to serve the playwright and their fellowhuman beings. I was more concerned about playing the character “right.” I wasfailing to serve others. I learned that great actors don’t “become” someone else,they simply tap into the humanity that we all share. They can step out of theirown selfish needs and truly see what others need, including what theircharacters need. In the end, we all want something and do things to get it.

Now, I am learning to embrace the human experiences we all share and to pushagainst myself into the courageous unknown where I don’t know where to go,where I might fail. Patrick reminded us all that we live too briefly to not be brave. Iam human as well as an actor; I must be bold, brash, confused, vulnerable,courageous and fearless. I must go where my acting characters ask me to go.

How did I spend my summer vacation? I learned to lift my head up, openmy body and my heart and be brave though I don’t know what to do. Now Iknow my courage comes from victory in the face of fear, not fear being absentaltogether, and the sound of my beating heart reminds me that I am alive. AndI am beginning to like this sound.

Touched by the Spirit of StellaAdler or How I Spent MySummer VacationBy Nicholas Cocchetto, ’09

Editor-in-Chief:Gregory Fletcher

Director, Niagara University Theatre

Managing Editor:Ann Heuer

Secretary, Department ofTheater & Fine Arts

Media Coordinator, Friends ofNiagara University Theatre

Editorial Consultants:Dr. Sharon WatkinsonChair, Department ofTheater & Fine Arts

Brother Augustine Towey, C.M.Director Emeritus

Peg LackiTheater Secretary/

Box Office Supervisor

Contributing Writers:Nicholas Cocchetto

Ralph F. Donatelli IIIGregory Fletcher

Ann HeuerKelly KoneckoAnne Neville

Photographers:Mallory AllenPreston CuerAnn HeuerFred Heuer

Assistant Vice President forMarketing

Carl Modica of Eyes For YouSelectus, Inc.

Editing and DesignLisa McMahon

Associate Director for Publications

Please e-mail story ideas toGregory Fletcher at

[email protected] to Ann Heuer [email protected].

Deadline for submissions for thespring/summer issue is

March 15, 2009.

Friends of NiagaraUniversity Theatre

Newsletter


Let’s Get Physical(Theater, That Is)By Kelly Konecko, ’09

For several years the NU theaterdepartment has required courses inphysical theater and mime as part ofthe performance curriculum, but hasnever presented a full-length physicaltheater production on the NU stage.However, that all changed thisSeptember when NU kicked off its45th season with “Night Train toFoggy Bottom,” a physical theaterpiece written and directed by NUadjunct professors Robin Pattersonand Terry Judd.

As with most physical theater,“Night Train to Foggy Bottom” reliedon nontraditional storytelling methodsas opposed to conventional dialogueto bring its tale to life. Through thehomogenous mixture of masks, shadowand hand-held puppets, music andmultimedia, audiences were guidedon a journey into the subconscious ofan artist who searches through hisdreams and memories for the sourceof his artistic inspiration.

The play was originally presentedin 1990 by Patterson and Judd’scompany, Theatre Beyond Words, incollaboration with Coad CanadaPuppets, and it has undergone severalrevisions since. Patterson reflected onthe show’s journey: “‘Night Train toFoggy Bottom’ was conceived overdinner with Harro Maskow and Arlynand Luman Coad in 1988 as areaction to our mutual frustrationwith the general North Americanperception that puppets and physicaltheater were only for children. So theshow was devised as a complex dream,a visual narrative told with surrealimages and adult humor. The play wasrevised and condensed to showcase thework of NU students and to continuethe struggle to change the public’sperception of the art forms.”

“Night Train to Foggy Bottom”

offered a broad and varied opportunityfor both students and the theater-going public. The show served as anoutlet for students to put skillslearned in the classroom into practiceon stage and challenged audiences toactively engage in the artistic process.“Night Train to Foggy Bottom” was

Above: As the character of Delaney the sculptor, NU theater studies student Preston Cuer, ’09, seated at right,imagines artistic inspiration in his dreams during “Night Train to Foggy Bottom.” Here, his muse, played byRachel Baron, ’10, far right, and his sculpture, left, played by Jessica Bill, ’10, enchant him and hissubconscious, played by Will Hicks, ’11, seated at left.

Below: “Night Train to Foggy Bottom” gave NU theater students the opportunity to hone their physical theater andpuppetry skills. In the foreground, Devan Corcoran, ’11 (the sculptor’s mother dressed as an old-fashioned girl), left,interacts with Candace Hall, ’11 (kiddie clay/blue moan art critic). Back row from left, Kurt Erb, ’09 (father), andMary Boatman, ’12 (grandmother), share a dream sequence with Carolyn Wendel, ’09 (geezer clay/green buddy artcritic), Maria Nicole Held, ’11 (beastly clay/pink snit art critic), and Jessica Bill, ’10 (sculpture).

presented in the Leary Theatre andfeatured 14 cast members andpuppeteers, including Preston Cueras the sculptor. Student design work,including puppets, was by KellyKonecko; multimedia was by JaredHoyt; and additional sound editingwas by Steven E. Sitzman.


When I was little, I sat for endlesshours in front of my TV, mesmerizedby the puppets on “Sesame Street.”Little did I know that 15 years laterthat fascination would be far fromextinguished, and I’d be embarkingon a career in puppetry.

After my first few puppet endeavors,I started devising a way to study abroadand learn more about puppets. Thissent me to the University of Hawaiiat Manoa last fall with performancemajor Carolyn Wendel as part of itsSemester Almost Abroad program. InHawaii, I enrolled in puppetry andAsian theater classes and both Carolynand I were lucky enough to be cast inthe world premiere of a new children’stheater play called “Kraken Ka: theKomodo Dragon,” which featuredshadow and mouth puppets. I also

A Puppet JourneyBy Kelly Konecko, ’09

Kelly Konecko, ’09, studied at the Jim Henson Workshop in New York Citylast summer. Here she poses with one of several versions of the “Sesame Street”icon, Grover.

worked onthe show asthe assistantpuppetdesigner,whichprovided me

with my first experience designingand making shadow puppets.

Then in January, thanks to ourpersistent costume technologistMarilyn Deighton, I got to tour theJim Henson Workshop while on ourtheater tech trip to New York City andpass off my portfolio. This contactresulted in my getting called back foran interview and eventually landing asummer internship. I performedvarious tasks at the workshop such asmaking accessories and performingrepairs on several “Sesame Street”

This summer the Friends of NUTheatre presented the perfect answerto children’s entertainment needs —a charming fun twist on the story of“Goldilocks and the Three Bears”entitled “Goldilocks, The True Tales.”From June 27 until Aug. 10, theworld premiere of this children’s playwas presented at the Church inLewiston with five performancesevery weekend. The play was written,directed, and choreographed by TerriFilips, associate professor of theaterand fine arts, and one of 17 distin-guished professors who were awardedsummer research grants from the NUResearch Council. Terri received thegrant to write a children’s play.

It’s not often that a new play getsa full-scale production so quicklyafter completion; however, with thehelp of the Friends of NU Theatre,the play was swiftly put on its feet.

Goldilocks, The True Tales: A Children’s Summer DelightBy Ralph F. Donatelli III, ’09

The production was performed byN.U.R.T., a group of NU’s theaterstudies students who touredchildren’s stories around the areaTuesdays through Thursdays andthen performed Terri’s play Fridaysthrough Sundays.

The story follows Jimmy as hesearches for a finale to the EnchantedWoods Elementary School talent show.He tries to bring together the dancerGoldilocks and the Bear Necessities, alocal band made up of the three bears.Unfortunately, the bears refuse to workwith Goldilocks, who they call a“home-wrecker,” “ruffian,” “burglar,”and many other names. Jimmy tries toreconcile their differences by lettingeach side explain what happened onthat infamous day. Needless to say, theplay delivers a happy ending and a bigmusical finish.

The cast and crew of “Goldilocks, The True Tales,”left to right, front row: Cait Holland, ’10, JennaBethStockman, ’09, and the Goldilocks Puppet and itscreator, Kelly Konecko, ’09. Back row from left: MattKindley, ’10, Ralph F. Donatelli III, ’09, and NickLama, ’10.

After seeing the show, children ofall ages left the theater with smilesacross their faces. Many of them wereexperiencing theater for the very firsttime and were excited about theopportunity to meet the cast and askfor autographs.

characters like Grover, Big Bird andAbby Cadabby. It was absolutelyamazing to experience hands on all ofthe laborious work that is involved withthe maintenance of these icons frommy childhood.

Returning home, I have beenworking on puppets nonstop for NU’ssummer children’s theater production“Goldilocks, The True Tales” and thisfall’s “Night Train to Foggy Bottom.”

When asked what I plan to dowhen I leave NU, I don’t have a verygood answer other than, “Somethingwith puppets.” It’s hard to knowwhat lies ahead when I could havenever predicted years ago that I wouldbe studying in Hawaii or working atJim Henson’s. I guess I’m just ascurious as everyone else as to what’snext on my puppet journey.


A Summer Showcase of Niagara University TalentBy Ralph F. Donatelli III, ’09

From July 24 until Aug. 17,Buffalo’s Shakespeare in DelawarePark put on one of Shakespeare’slesser-known works, “The MerryWives of Windsor.” Directed by NUTheatre’s artist-in-residence, SteveVaughan, the comedic play followsFalstaff as he attempts to seduce twomarried women, ending with a hilari-ous resolution.

The talent of NU actors both pastand present was most definitely ondisplay. Theater alumni Paul Todaro,’87 (Ford), Zak Ward, ’04 (Fenton),Susan Drozd, ’02 (Mistress Ford), andChrissy McDonald, ’82 (MistressQuickly), all played roles in theproduction. Also, associate director ofNU Theatre Doug Zschiegner had amajor role in the show as Page, andtheater student William Vaughan, ’10,played Simple, a charming characterwho delighted all audiences. StevePetersen, a philosophy professor at NU,also held a major role as Slender.Acting alongside these talented per-formers as Nym, a follower of Falstaff,was such a phenomenal experience

Theater alumnus PaulTodaro, ’87, right(Ford, a gentleman ofWindsor) interacts withassociate director of NUTheatre, DougZschiegner (Page, agentleman of Windsor)in “The Merry Wivesof Windsor.”

for me.Since this was

an outsideproduction, therewere manyuncontrollablevariables thatfactored into everyshow. On top ofthe pressure ofperforming andsharing a smalltrailer as a dressingroom and thepublic porta-potties, therewere someextremely humidnights that led toan exuberantamount of sweat.Also, out of the 22scheduled performances, six werecancelled due to the rain (includingopening night!). Considering thatmore than one-fourth of theperformances were rained out, theperformances that withstood the

Theater alumnus Paul Todaro, ’87, right (Ford, a gentleman of Windsor),interacts with associate director of NU Theatre, Doug Zschiegner (Page, agentleman of Windsor), in “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”

unpredictable summer weather reallythrilled the audiences.

In the end, this summer was a tasteof a professional career in performancethat truly showcased the talent ofNiagara University. I am truly proudto have been a part of this experiencethat entertained audiences ofWestern New York.

Theater studies student Ralph F. Donatelli III, ’09,center, enjoyed his role as Nym in “The Merry Wivesof Windsor” at Buffalo’s Shakespeare in DelawarePark. Here, he shares a plan with fellow actor PeterD’Angelo (Pisto), while Norman Sham (Sir JohnFalstaff ) listens.


Updates!Editorial Note: In each issue of theFriends of NU Theatre newsletter, wewill feature current news from alumni,faculty and staff in this column.

Chris Arnau, ’06, wrote “SharpEnough,” a one-act play that was per-formed at the Manhattan RepertoryTheatre Summerfest in June. Hedirected Disney’s “Hercules” atCamp Taconic in Hinsdale, Mass.,and was in the National Theatre forArts and Education national tour for“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.”Earlier, he was in the cast of theNightmare Haunted House in NewYork City. He can be reached [email protected].

David Autovino, ’03, played LordFancourt Babberly in Buffalo’s IrishClassical Theatre Co.’s “Charley’sAunt” this spring.

James Becton, ’97, was in a showentitled “Thoroughly Stupid Things”in the New York Fringe Festival thissummer. For more information, visitwww.fringenyc.org.

Rebecca Berowski,’06, of New York City,has made several com-mercials, including onefor VH1, and she wasrecently in “Peter and

Vandy,” a film starring Jason Ritterand Jessie Martin. She was also incommercials this spring formyfuturespouse.com and Raymourand Flanigan, as well as the TVshows “Gossip Girl” and “Law andOrder: Criminal Intent.” She willplay a basketball player this fall inthe film “Winning Season” andrecently booked another day on thesoap, “One Life to Live.” Her Website is www.rebeccaberowski.com.

Sara Caliva, ’06, is director of theSt. Clare Theater in Syracuse, N.Y.She has also started a communitytheater company, the SynergeticPlayers, whose members will perform

in the theater and work in productionand business aspects of the theater.Anyone interested in learning moreabout the theater can contact Sara [email protected].

Derek Campbell, adjunct actingprofessor, directed “Miss FozzardFinds Her Feet” and “Nights in theGardens of Spain” for Buffalo’s IrishClassical Theatre Co. this summer.For Buffalo’s Shakespeare in DelawarePark, he directed “King Lear,” whileartist-in-residence/stage combatinstructor Steve Vaughan directed“The Merry Wives of Windsor.” NUTheatre alumni who played roles in“King Lear” included Joseph Wiens,’04, and Paschal Frisina III, ’00.Also, former NU Theatre studentsTom Zindle and Adam Rath were inthe production. Alumni SusanDrozd, ’02, Paul Todaro, ’87, andZak Ward, ’04, were in the cast of“The Merry Wives of Windsor,” alongwith Doug Zschiegner, associatedirector of NU Theatre and theaterstudents Will Vaughan, ’09, andRalph F. Donatelli III, ’09.

Brendan Cataldo, ’08, has beenperforming at The Roxy RegionalTheatre in Clarksville, Tenn., in “AllShook Up,” “The RobberBridegroom,” “The Crucible,” and“A Christmas Carol.”

Anise Celano, ’12, Kara Connors,’12, Erin Daley, ’11, Joanna Farrell,’09, Cait Holland, ’10, and CarolynWendel, ’09, were in Opera Sacra’sproduction of “Suor Angelica” thisfall at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Churchof Buffalo. This Puccini opera wasdirected by Brother Augustine Towey,C.M. Celano and Candice Kogut,’08, were recently in Buffalo’s AltTheatre production of “LIT401: ASchool Shooting in One Act.”

Matthew Chavez, ’08, is attendingDrexel University Law School inPhiladelphia for a law degree.

Louis Colaiacovo, ’99, starred in

Buffalo’s MusicalFare Theatre’sproduction of “Mid-Life, The CrisisMusical!” this summer.

Devan Corcoran, ’11, JoannaFarrell, ’09, Susan Laxton, ’08,Steven Sitzman, ’10, JennaBethStockman, ’09, and CourtneyWeather, ’10, were in the cast of“42nd Street” for the Niagara FineArts Program, Inc., in Niagara Fallsthis summer. The production wasdirected by alumna MaureenPusateri, ’00, and choreographed byGracie Schupp.

Kevin Craig, ’08, has been workingwith Mill Mountain Theatre ofRoanoke, Va., and the Lake TahoeShakespeare Festival.

Marilyn Deighton, assistant pro-fessor of theater and fine arts, costumetechnology and design, attended theUnited States Institute for TheaterTechnology Conference in Houstonin March. She was one of 30presenters in the Costume Designand Technology Commission’s postersession with a presentation on“Adjustable Petticoats.” Her displayincluded patterns and examples ofpetticoats made by NU’s theaterstudies students. She distributed ahandout with instructions on how toassemble petticoats to the more than400 attendees at the session.

Bryan Eckenrode, adjunct musicprofessor, was named Educator of theYear in Chautauqua County for hiswork with the Chautauqua RegionalYouth Orchestra.

Paschal Frisina III, ’00, is a dramainstructor at St. Joseph’s CollegiateInstitute in Buffalo. He recentlyplayed Richie Valens in “Buddy: TheBuddy Holly Story” at Buffalo’sMusicalFare Theatre and theBookseller and Cheese Grater inArtpark’s production of “Beauty andthe Beast.” He will play George in“Sunday in the Park with George” atMusicalFare from March 4 – April 5.


Cassie Gorniewicz, ’08, was inWestern New York this fall for therole of Nuala in Buffalo’s Irish ClassicalTheatre production of “The Caval-caders,” directed by Derek Campbell.

Cristen Gregory, adjunct voiceprofessor, is now executive directorof the Lancaster Opera House inLancaster, N.Y.

Candice Kogut, ’08, directed“Godspell” for the West SenecaYouth Theatre in West Seneca, N.Y.in May. The production was choreo-graphed by Holly Lowden, ’08.

Sara Kovacsi, ’06, Nick Lama, ’10,and Emily Pici, ’08, appeared in themusical revue/fundraiser “Broadwayin the Mist” for Lewiston’s Theatre inthe Mist in June.

Lona Geiser LaChiusa, ’93,starred in the musical revue “I LoveYou, You’re Perfect, Now Change”presented by Buffalo’s KaleidoscopeTheatre Productions this summer atCanisius College.

Mary Beth Lacki, ’09, spent thesummer working as an acting assistantto choreographer Gracie Schupp andalumna Maureen Pusateri, ’00, withNiagara Fine Arts Productions inNiagara Falls, N.Y.

Sarielys Matos,’04, performed inBuffalo’s Theatre of Youth productionof “If You Give a Pig a Party” thissummer.

Brian Mysliwy, ’96, received theprestigious Artie Award from Buffalo’stheater community in June in thecategory of “Outstanding Actor in aPlay” for “Servant of Two Masters.”

Elizabeth Oddy, ’03, is in hersecond year of service with the PeaceCorps as a senior-level educator,training future teachers in Uganda.A fascinating diary of her experiencecan be found on her Web site, http://elizabethoddy.blogspot.com.

Denise Payne, ’99, is in the nationaltour of “Jersey Boys,” which recentlyplayed in Toronto from Augustthrough early October.

Emily Pici, ’08, worked with thetouring dinner theater companyEnchante Cabaret of Bradford, Pa.,this summer and relocated for a newjob in Albany, N.Y., this fall.

Brendan Powers, ’96, directed “SixDance Lessons in Six Weeks” andperformed in “Meet Me in St. Louis”for Flat Rock Playhouse in NorthCarolina. He returned to FloridaRepertory Theatre in Fort Myers,Fla., in September and will be therethrough February performing in “TheGlass Menagerie,” “Born Yesterday,”and “Dancing at Lughnasa.”

Patrick Riviere, ’88, recentlydirected “The Wizard of Oz” for KJKProductions and gave seminars onapplying for theater schools at TheNew Jersey State Drama Festival. InMarch, he promoted his poetry booksat the Buffalo Small Press Book Fairand in May he performed in the pre-Broadway reading of “The Really BigPirate Show” in New York City. Forinformation on his books, visitwww.lulu.com/parplaywright.

Michele Marie Roberts (Benzin),’99, played the role of the youngJudy Garland in Buffalo’s MusicalFareTheatre’s springtime production of“Beyond the Rainbow.” NU alumnus

Marc Sacco, ’00, was also in themusical. Sacco received the prestigiousArtie Award from Buffalo’s theatercommunity in June in the category of“Outstanding Supporting Actor in aMusical” for “Altar Boyz.” He willstar in Buffalo’s Kavinoky Theatreproduction of the musical revue, “Hot’n Cole: A Cole Porter Celebration”from March 6 – April 5.

Derek Roland, ’00, performed inand co-choreographed a show, “Cut tothe Chase,” which has been nominatedfor a Drama Desk Award in the cate-gory of “unique theatrical experience.”Derek and his physical theatercompany, Parallel Exit, are thrilledfor the exposure and are working on anew tap show, “Time Step.” Herecently completed a choreographyobservancy with Randy Skinner onCity Center Encores’ production of“No, No, Nannette” starring SandyDuncan, Beth Leavel and RosieO’Donnell. He also filmed severalinstructional videos for Dance TeacherMagazine, available at www.dancemedia.com.

David Ryan, ’07, works for theThin Air Theatre Co. in CrippleCreek, Colo., where he recentlyperformed in a melodrama andworked as the understudy and as partof the ensemble for “Oklahoma.”

Lauren Sale, ’06, was recently in“Cut to the Quick” at The SideProject in Chicago. She also has done

At the College of Arts and Sciences Recognition Day inMay, Cassie Gorniewicz, ’08, center, was awarded thePlayers’ Award by NU Theatre administrators andfaculty. Here she is congratulated by Dr. SharonWatkinson and Doug Zschiegner. Gorniewicz receivedthe annual award for academic excellence, leadership,exemplary work ethic inside and outside of the classroom,and Vincentian-like interest in always helping others. Inaddition, outstanding theater student awards were givento the following seniors, now alumni: Matthew Chavez,Charlotte Colby, Kevin Craig, Lindsay DiBartolomeo,Gorniewicz, Candice Kogut, Margaret Lane, LisaLeCuyer, Emily Pici, Jessica Stahr, Lia Sumerano andElizabeth Warden.

Lisa LeCuyer, ’08, and the “Jr. Asparagus” puppet atDollywood in Tennessee where she played the leadperformer in“VeggieTales”this summer.She is nowplaying therole ofM a r t h aCratchit inthe nationaltour of “AC h r i s t m a sCarol” withthe NebraskaT h e a t r eCaravan.


several readings, including “LastDaughter of Oedipus” with Babesand Blades and “Orestes/West” withGreasy Joan & Co.

Nicholas Santasier, ’04, performedrecently in Phare Play’s springtimeone act plays, a 24-hour project, and“Arcadia.” He is writing a playentitled “Notches.”

Jennifer Schoch, ’04, appears inseveral videos for Toshiba onbuytv.com.

Michelle Shrimpton-Hidalgo, ’89,was recently nominated for “Teacherof the Year” for the second year in arow in the Commack School Districtof Commack, N.Y. Hidalgo is a sixth-grade math teacher and formerreading language arts teacher whoalso directs theatrical productions forher school. Many of her studentshave performed in commercials, onTV, and in community theater, andtwo were chosen for roles in “TheGrinch” on Broadway.

Kristen Smiley, ’07, spent thesummer leading performance work-shops at the Lexington Children’sTheatre in Lexington, Ky. This fall,she is company manager/actor for atour that includes “Legend of SleepyHollow” and “Katerina the Clever.”In the spring, she will star in LCT’s

productions of “Jack and the Wonder-beans” and “Keeping Mr. Lincoln.”

Lawrence Gregory Smith, adjunctacting professor, spent the summer per-forming at the Michigan ShakespeareFestival. He played Parolles in “All’sWell That Ends Well” and severalroles in “Julius Caesar.” This fall, astaged reading of his play, “You Can’tDo This to Me, I’m an American!” waspresented at the Road Less TraveledTheatre in Buffalo in October. SusanDrozd, ’02, was one of the nineactors who presented the reading.

Dawn Smith-DeLuca, ’96, andher husband Scott DeLuca wereblessed with a baby girl, AinsleighLane DeLuca, born on May 5.

Katie Sorice, ’03, writes forBuffalo Rising, a news and entertain-ment guide, and she acted in severalproductions in the Buffalo Infringe-ment Festival this summer. She isalso in a television commercial for“My Health Counts,” a Western NewYork health-care campaign.

Jessica Stahr, ’08, is working as anactor with Hampstead Stage in CenterBarnstead, NH through next June.

Lia Sumerano, ’08, worked thissummer with the company “The LostColony” in Roanoke, N.C. Shereturned to Western New York thisfall and was in the musical “Buddy”at Buffalo’s MusicalFare Theatre.Future plans include a move to NewYork City to further her acting career.

Brother Augustine Towey, C.M.,director emeritus, has authored sixvolumes of poetry and now, aseventh, his complete poems, “ThePoem You Asked For and OtherPoems” was just published by ArthurMcAllister Publishers of Harpswell,Maine. This contains almost theentire body of his previous work,plus several new poems. The bookmay be ordered by [email protected] and writing“Towey” in the subject line.Instructions will be emailed to thosewho place an order.

Charles Wahl, ’08, is working withGreat Plains Theatre in Abilene, Kan.and Abingdon, Va.’s Barter Theatre.

Courtney Weather, ’10, StevenSitzman, ’10 and Devan Corcoran,’11, all worked as singers/dancers atDarien Lake Theme Park and Resortin Darien, N.Y., this summer. Sitzmanwas the lead male vocalist in thetheme park’s “Rhythmicity” show.

Nina Angela Williams, ’12, playedJane Marie Vega in the television show,“Jr. Lab Ratz,” a humorous pilot abouthigh-achieving high school students.The show will air on WCNY-TV 24on Jan. 25, 2009.

Jessica Young, ’07, dropped bythe Friends of NU Theatre Gala inApril while home for a vacationbefore returning to her job as anactress with Disney Magic CruiseLines. Alumna Cassie Gorniewicz, ’08,booked a cruise this spring so she couldsee Jessica portray Cinderella.

Stacy Zawadzki-Janusz, adjunctdance professor, and members of StacyZawadzki’s Performing Arts Centerpresented a theatrical production,“Follow Your Dreams,” in Amherst,N.Y., this summer. The show includeddance, acrobatics, acting and voice.

Doug Zschiegner, associate directorof NU Theatre, directed a reading of“Murder Squared” by Gary Earl Rossfor Buffalo’s Road Less TraveledProductions in October. The readingincluded alumni Candice Kogut, ’08,Lisa LeCuyer, ’08, and Zak Ward, ’04,among other actors.

Alumni Lia Sumerano, ’08, and Joe Wiens, ‘04, inBuffalo’s MusicalFare Theatre’s recent production of“Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story.”

P a t r i c kMoyer, ’07,was inThe OldC r e a m e r yT h e a t r eCo.’s pro-duction of “AChri s tmasCarol” lastDecember inA m a n a ,I o w a .Patrick is aco-directorfor Camp

Creamery, a theatrical workshop for children aged 7– 14, for the Old Creamery Theatre Co. in Iowa.He and his colleagues teach the students aboutperformance techniques, stage production,memorizing, and about “responsibility and stickingto commitments.”


In the Spotlight

Left: Kander and Ebb’s hit Broadway musical “Cabaret,” directed by BrotherAugustine Towey, C.M., director emeritus, ended the Niagara University Theatre2007-2008 season. From left, several of Berlin’s pre-World War II Kit Kat Klubentertainers welcome patrons to the cabaret with song, dance and innuendo.From left, Lia Sumerano, ’08, Mary Beth Lacki, ’09, Nicholas Cocchetto, ’09,JennaBeth Stockman, ’09, and Jonathan Klatt, ’08.

Left: Paige Allison Mingus, ’09 (Angel), left, and Courtney Weather, ’10 (Anna),portrayed daughter and mother in Kander and Ebb’s bittersweet musical, “TheRink,” directed by Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., director emeritus, at theLeary Theatre in November. Composer John Kander, a good friend of the theaterprogram at Niagara, attended the preview of the production. He graciouslyprovided a talk back session for the university’s theater students about working inthe entertainment industry.

Right: The Kander and Ebb song, “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” sung by many ofthe cast members of “Cabaret” eerily foreshadowed the coming Nazi regime inGermany. Front row from left, Greta Bowers, ’09, and Kurt Erb, ’09. Back row,clockwise from left, NU student Geoffrey Redick, ’11, Sara Ball, ’10, TrevorHibbard, ‘09, Ross Donatelli, ’11, Jared Hoyt, ’09, Nicholas Gnacinski, ’11,and Nicholas Cocchetto, ’09.


In the Spotlight

Right: The dramedy “The Cripple of Inishmaan” by Martin McDonagh, waspresented at the Church in Lewiston in October. Directed by Gregory Fletcher,director of NU Theatre, the bittersweet tale examines the hopes and dreams ofBilly Claven when Hollywood comes calling in 1934. From left, Mallory Allen,’09 (Eileen Osbourne), Mary Beth Lacki, ’09 (Kate Osbourne), Justin Krall, ’11(Dr. McSharry) and Dino Petrera, ’12 (Cripple Billy Claven).

Right: Set in an aging roller rink that’s about to be demolished in 1977, Kanderand Ebb’s musical, “The Rink,” featured lively song, dance and roller skatingwith flashbacks dating back to 1945. Here, several cast members perform askating number filled with high energy twists and turns. From left, GeoffreyRedick, ’11 (Wrecker Lucky), Joseph N. Liolos, ’11 (Wrecker Buddy), NicholasLama, ’10 (Wrecker Ben), Ross Donatelli, ’11 (Wrecker Tony), Steven E. Sitzman,’10 (Wrecker Lino), and Nicholas Cocchetto, ’09 (Wrecker Guy).

Left: There was plenty of comic relief in “The Cripple of Inishmaan” to lighten itsdarker moments. Here, Justin Krall, ’11, as Dr. McSharry, prescribes abstinenceto whiskey-loving Mammy O’Dougal, played by Emily Clare Boudreau, ’09.

of NiagaraUniversity

Theatre

Niagara University Theater DepartmentP.O. Box 1913Niagara University, NY 14109

Nonprofit Org.U.S. POSTAGE PAIDNiagara University,

NY 14109PERMIT NO. 1

Right: NU theater studies students who participate in the department’s study-abroad program atSchiller International University in London have the golden opportunity to enjoy a variety oftheatrical productions and to sightsee. Pictured here at Mary Arden’s farm in Stratford-Upon-Avon are a group of theater studies students and a nonmajor who participated in last summer’sprogram. From left: Noelle Wright, ’09, Kurt Erb, ’09, Mallory Allen, ’09, Amber DawnHohman, ’09, Jared Hoyt, ’09, Emily Clare Boudreau, ’09, psychology major Rachel Ward,’10, and Greta Bowers, ’09.

Left: In May, Noelle Wright, ’09, right, was awarded the Tara Laurie MemorialScholarship, open to NU’s theater studies students who participate in the university’sstudy-abroad program at Schiller International University in London. Noelle, whohas a double major in theater studies and English, enjoyed her study-abroad coursesthis summer as well as the chance to see such beautiful landmarks as EdinburghCastle, Edinburgh, Scotland, pictured here. Noelle poses with her friend and fellowNU theater studies student Emily Clare Boudreau, ’09. The Laurie family establishedthe Tara Laurie Memorial Scholarship in 2005 in memory of their daughter, Tara, atheater studies/hospitality student who passed away unexpectedly in 2004, severalmonths after participating in the study-abroad program. The Laurie family said,“‘The Tara Laurie Memorial Scholarship’ is our way of keeping our daughter’s songalive and her spirit of joy and love soaring.”

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