. ITOWNY’s Winter Edition 2018-2019
Author: Marilyn Erentsen-Scott
Wife, mother of one, dog mom, artist, writer, former RN, student, crafter, someone who questions everything and accepts people as they are.
Five Days and Counting….
It seemed as if opening day was so far off when we started this Shakespearean adventure, but alas, we are a mere FIVE days from our Thursday soft opening. We are offering our dress rehearsal as a ‘pay what you can’ night for those who are adventurous enough to play the role of audience at Thursday evening’s performance.
Because we are an inclusive theater company we offer extended rehearsals so those cast members who have the talent but need that extended time to get comfortable in their roles can have that. And so we have been rehearsing since June.
Our cast members who don’t require as much rehearsal time have generously and magnanimously rehearsed right alongside their peers with a level of enthusiasm that has demonstrated to us both their love of theatre and their support of our mission. Truly, this is an exceptional group of human beings and we have relished every single minute of our time with them.
These photos taken during recent rehearsals give you just a hint of the powerful performances you will experience during this show. It is a comedy, however, and this cast takes that aspect to the absolute limit. As the temperatures have risen, so has the need for comic relief and we’ve incorporated some of that into the play.
SO, if you think you’ve seen “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” before, well…you haven’t seen this one!
Where: The Foundry 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo When: July 25-28 All performances at 7pm. For tickets click here.
Cast Spotlight: Cory McLean
We are so blessed to have Cory McLean cast in the role of Lysander. He was born in the Southern Tier but lived in Detroit during his teens. He tells us he has only recently become involved with the theater but we never would have guessed! He’s performed as Willum Cubbert in The Nerd and in various interactive dinner shows. Cory is a versatile and creative actor who truly embodies his character, rarely breaking out of character during rehearsals. He also has a fantastic sense of humor. When reading for a female cast member who had to miss a rehearsal, he did so in falsetto, to the great surprise and amusement of us all. Later he ramped up the camp by donning a yellow yarn wig. Cory remarks in his playbill bio that he “is excited for the opportunity to perform Shakespeare on stage for the first time”, but it seems to us he’s been doing it his whole life! He is very talented and keeps adding new dimensions to his portrayal of Lysander.
When: July 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th at 7pm Where: The Foundry, 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY
For tickets: Brown Paper Tickets
Cast Spotlight: Russell Holt
This is Russell’s first play with Inclusive Theater of WNY, Russell, who plays Theseus, is an actor from Lackawanna, NY. He graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2014. In May 2018 he performed in Lit401: A School Shooting in One Act (C) at the Shea’s Smith Theatre which was his first professional level show in Buffalo. Later in his first musical The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble) with Rocking Horse Productions at the Lancaster Opera House in October 2018, followed by his first lead role in the film Hate Crime (Malcolm McLeod) a SkoVu Tv original in November 2018. He appeared in A.R.T of WNY’s production of Our Town (George Gibbs) in January 2019. In May 2019 Russell appeared on stage at the Kenan Center in the play ART (Marc). Russell volunteers for the theatre department (W.O.B Players) at his high school LHS and has participated in some productions since graduating. Russell is a talented actor who plays Theseus with a regal, commanding demeanor. From Russell’s playbill bio: “Special Thanks goes to God for the ability to perform in this production. Also thanks to Inclusive Theatre for considering me for this opportunity and the support from my family and friends.”
When: July 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th at 7pm Where: The Foundry, 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY
For tickets: Brown Paper Tickets
Cast Spotlight: Jennelle Torrey
We are so happy to have Jennelle in the role of Moth. Jennelle played several roles in ITOWNY’s Festival of Shorts last April and we are thrilled she auditioned for a role in our current production. Jennelle has a great sense of humor and is just fun to be around.
She is a wife, mother, virtual assistant, curriculum developer, technology trainer, actor, and accessibility advocate. To Jennelle, Inclusive means that everyone no matter who you are has access to be included in all areas of life, there should be no exceptions. And we agree wholeheartedly!
When: July 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th at 7pm Where: The Foundry, 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY
For tickets: Brown Paper Tickets
Cast Spotlight: Rev. Christopher Wylie
We first met Rev. Christopher Wylie in October 2019 when he attended a performance of Inclusive Theater of WNY’s inaugural play And Where Will You Put the Things You Save? at the Alleyway Theatre in Buffalo. Chris was so moved by the play, and especially by Steve Brachmann’s portrayal of a man who becomes a wheelchair user after a serious car accident, that he stayed after to speak with Steve. The two have become friends, and has become a friend of ours too. Last March Chris showed up for auditions and won roles in our Spring production (A Festival of Shorts), and again in this production, in which he plays the role of “Peaseblossom”.
As edgy as he is hilarious, Chris is a father, husband, United Methodist pastor, writer, poet, blogger, musician, artist, actor, and disability advocate. He tells us that more than anything he wants people to know Inclusive means one is loved no matter the body in which one lives.
When: July 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th at 7pm Where: The Foundry, 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY
For tickets: Brown Paper Tickets
Cast Spotlight: Avery Gill
This is Avery’s first play with Inclusive Theater of WNY. He brings a whole new dimension to the role of Mustardseed. An accomplished rap artist who has released his first album “The Legend”, his next album will be called “September 8th” and his EP album will be called “The Virgo.” Avery is more than a rapper – he is also a songwriter, a music producer, a colored pencil artist and owner and founder of the record label “Awesomesauce Records.” Avery wishes to thank his family for their support (both sides), his friends including Aimee and Jessica Levesque and the rest of the cast and crew of Shakespeare in the Parking lot presented by Inclusive Theater of WNY.
When: July 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th at 7pm Where: The Foundry, 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY
For tickets: Brown Paper Tickets
Inclusive Theater of WNY (ITOWNY) 
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