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Stagefright

The fabulous Linda Lavin, most widely known for the TV comedy Alice, which was broadcast from 1976 to 1985, just turned 71 this week. Several years ago Lavin fell in love with Wilmington (North Carolina) and decided to move there, and in April 2007 she opened her own theater, the Red Barn Studio. The theater is currently presenting Rabbit Hole and Lavin plays Nat, the role originated on Broadway by Tyne Daly and played in the recent Alleyway production by Pamela Rose Mangus. Lavin’s last New York stage appearance was earlier this year at Lincoln Center in Paul Rudnick’s collection of short comedies The New Century.

Linda Lavin with author Javier

BUA’s second show of the season will actually be Rudnick’s The New Century, opening November 14 at Main Street Cabaret, and starring Caitlin Coleman, Kelli Bocock Natale, Jimmy Janowski, and Michael Seitz. Rudnick also wrote Jeffrey, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, and Valhalla, all produced by the company in the past.

Coming up November 5 at Musicalfare, Jamestown Gals: The Music of Lucille Ball and Peggy Lee, a new musical conceived, directed and choreographed by Michael Walline. The show stars Terrie George and Arin Lee Dandes (both capturing the essence of Lee), Kelly Jakiel and Kathy Weese (both capturing the essence of Ball), John Fredo, and Marc Sacco. Later in the season Walline will be back at TOY choreographing Madeline’s Christmas (December 12-20) and directing and choreographing Go, Dog, Go! (May-June), a children’s musical that features 80 whole minutes of dance.

Road Less Traveled new play readings continues this coming Monday October 20 at 7:30pm with Murder Squared by Gary Earl Ross. Directed by Doug Zchiegner, the reading will feature Dan Walker, Ellen Horst, Beverly Dove, Candice Kogut, Lisa LeCuyer, Zak Ward, and Steve Petersen. This time the performance will take place at Buffalo State College’s Flexible Theatre located in the Donald Savage Building. Admission is free.

Popular local personality Doug Smith will be playing the title role in Tuesdays with Morrie which runs October 24-November 1 at Cardinal O’Hara Performing Arts Center in Tonawanda. Presented by the Niagara Regional Theatre Guild, the production is directed by Les Bailey and also stars Timothy Voit. A veteran of more than 50 theatrical productions, Smith was last seen in You Can’t Take It With You for the Towne Players.

Christian Brandjes and Tom Makar have joined the cast of Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer, which opens November 13 at the New Phoenix. McPherson’s play, which closed in New York this past March, is one of the 2008-09 season’s top 10 most produced plays by members of Theater Communications Group nationwide. Other top 10 (in descending order) include Doubt (now playing at BUA through October 25), Rabbit Hole (recently presented by the Alleyway), Souvenir (soon to come to BUA), and Mauritius (recently presented by the Kavinoky).

Adam Zelasko, now appearing in the national touring production of Legally Blonde, and other members of the cast will be performing their favorite songs at a cabaret night on Friday, October 17 at 11pm at Shea’s Smith Theater. Doors to the Intermission Lounge will open at 10pm and tickets for the show will be $15, with all proceeds to benefit AIDS Community Services of WNY. Michael Hake will be at the piano.

Peter Davis (pictured below in character) will be playing Bette Davis once again in a staged reading of Me and Jezebel, which also stars Caitlin Coleman. The reading will take place on October 25 at 7:30pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church as part of the church’s conference Celebrating and Creating a Place for all God’s Children. Tickets are $15, available at the door.

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