The
mission of the American Repertory Theater is two fold. First, the mandate of The
American Repertory Theater is to produce both classic and contemporary theatrical
works and support a new generation of playwrights. These productions are purposefully
created through the innovative exploration of these selected works, thereby enhancing
the cultural and intellectual experience of the theatergoer. Second, the American
Repertory Theater will serve as a catalyst for community dialogue and action that
will result in sustained economic growth and increase the collaboration within
all sectors of our community. The
newly formed not-for-profit theater company is committed to present several theatrical
performances and at minimum, two community dialogue programs before the end of
the traditional theatrical season in June.
Matthew LaChiusa, ART Artistic Director, has spent the last ten years "processing
and developing" the theater company. The
theater company will be unique in the delivery of performances and production
values. There is a conscious effort to express the work in a way that is suitable
for the 21st Century theatergoer, more interactive and engaging. Guests
will be able to have additional resources available to them during their visit.
For example, an expert from the library or other resources might be available
to discuss an issue related to the play after the curtain call. There
is a second and equally important component to ART, the Community Dialogue Series.
Artistic Director, Matthew LaChiusa has always believed that a theater is the
perferct vehicle to bring people together. "ART is my way of giving back to the
community in the sense that our Dialogue Programs won't have someone standing
in front of a room talking to a group of people. We will have community leaders,
both public and private, engaging our guests in conversation using a more informal
approach. Historically, going back to the the time of ancient Greece, theater
has always been a focal point for people to gather for entertainment and to gain
information and news." 2008-2009
Season: The
Man Who Came to Dinner
Written by George S. Kaufman & Moss Hart
November 29th through December 20th
Theaterloft
545 Elmwood Avenue Directed
by Jeanne Cairns
Featuring: Chris Standart, Lisa Ludwig Kramer, Kelly Ferguson
Moore, Doug Crane, Jeffery Coyle, Alaina Miller, Darleen Pickering Hummert, Jennifer
Fitzery, Dan Greer, Kathleen Betsko Yale, Jim Maloy, Ed Tormay, Tim Voit and Ronald
Leonardi
 Join ART this
holiday season for the presentation of Kaufman & Harts's classic comedy, "The
Man Who Came to Dinner". Directed by Buffalo's talented Jeanne Cairns and featuring
an all-star cast. This
timeless classic is a perfect complement to eggnog, mistletoe, repackaged gifts
and holiday parties. Set in Mesalia, Ohio in the weeks leading to Christmas Day,
this classic comedic play features New York City socialite and famed radio personality,
Sheridan
Whiteside (modeled after the famed Alexander Woolcott). Whiteside is invited to
dine with wealthy factory owner Ernest Stanley and his family. However, before
he enters the home, he slips on a patch of ice and injures himself. The result
is a prolonged stay that becomes increasingly zany as time progresses. Many
famous names of the 1930's are mentioned in "The Man Who Came to Dinner" and several
characters featured in the play are based on celebrities of the time. For example,
Beverly Carlton (friend of Whiteside) is based on Noel Coward while Harriet Stanley
(family member of Ernest) is based on axe-murderer, Lizzie Borden. Enriched
by numerous cultural idols of the 1930's and complex fictional characters, "The
Man Who Came to Dinner" is classic piece of American theater that must be enjoyed.
For more information on "The Man Who Came to Dinner" please visit www.artofwny.org
or contact 884-4858. 
| 
