New player vies for space in Buffalo theater

Business First of Buffalo - September 7, 2007

by Tracey Drury

Matthew LaChiusa has plans to take Buffalo's theater community on a new and exciting ride.

LaChiusa, artistic director for the new American Repertory Theater of Western New York, says the old way of doing business -- herding theatergoers in, collecting their money, then herding them out after two hours or so -- has just lost its appeal. He hopes to bring something different to the local theater scene.

"That's why we call ourselves a 21st century theater company," he says. "We are an innovative, new theater company that roots itself in the 21st century, one who thinks outside the box, who presents material that challenges a modern audience."

But first, the nine-month-old theater company will do something conventional by participating in the Curtain Up! celebration Sept. 14, the annual launch to Buffalo's live theater season. In addition to performances at 12 area theaters, a launch party/fundraiser for ART is among over half a dozen associated events scheduled.

The event, featuring music, masquerade and revelry, will take place at the Town Ballroom beginning at 6:30 p.m. -- two hours ahead of curtain time for the traditional theater performances. The Sept. 14 event includes special presentations of the original one-act play, "Superhero Blues," which features favorite superheros sitting around in a bar, drinking and complaining about their lives.

ART, which does not have a permanent home or performance space yet, is rehearsing at the former Hippodrome on Main Street and seeking nontraditional sites for its productions. Staging "Superhero Blues" at the bar at the Town Ballroom fits perfectly.

"It's one of the things about Buffalo I love -- and get so frustrated about: the lack of space," LaChiusa says. He's also staged performances at such sites as Rust Belt Books and area galleries. "You make do and if you really have the drive and passion, you find a way. We're looking for a space, but for now we'll maximize what the city offers."

With initial funding from private donations and a $ 5,000 grant through Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, ART got its nonprofit 501(c)(3) designation in May. The organization's mission is to produce both classic and contemporary theatrical works while supporting a new generation of playwrights; as well as serve as a catalyst for community dialogue and action resulting in sustained economic growth and increased collaboration.