"The Wolves:" Interview with Director Lana Sugarman

“The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe is the first production of our 2025-26 season and runs October 3-5 in the UB Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre! Tickets are $10-$25: https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=The+Wolves+Black+Box+Theatre

Directed by Assistant Teaching Professor Lana Sugarman, the play centers around an all-female suburban high school soccer team over six weeks as they prepare for games, discussing and joking about intimate and trivial topics, boys, and world politics, among other subjects. DeLappe’s debut is a triumph of insight and energy into what it takes for young women to come of age. We interviewed Professor Sugarman during rehearsals last week.

Sugarman is an actor, director, intimacy director, and educator with roots in Western Canada. Over the past twenty years she has acted on stages across Canada and the US including Dobama Theatre, Rubber City Theatre, Shakespeare at the Castle, Seat of the Pants, among others. She is a core member of Seat of the Pants, an ensemble-based, process-driven theatre company in Cleveland, Ohio. Lana is part of Canadian Actor's Equity Association, and ACTRA, and has worked in TV, commercials, and voiceover. She has directed a number of new works.

Q: Why did you choose to direct "The Wolves” and what are some of the major topics and themes?

I love working on theatre that allows for the building of an ensemble, a 'team' of artists coming together to play and connect. Sarah DeLappe's play focuses on girlhood, the dynamics and alliances that form in groups, as well as the joy and challenges of young women coming of age in modern day America. We get to witness both their ferocity and vulnerability.

Q: First produced in 2016, how does “The Wolves” speak to life and adolescence for high school-aged girls in 2025? Has much changed since then from your point of view? 

While we are setting our version of the play in 2015, I would say that SO much has happened in the last decade: the pandemic, the MeToo movement, the Black Lives Matter movement, our second term with President Trump. The girls in this play aren't on Tiktok (which was established in 2016). In fact, they are rarely on or connected to their devices in this play - the gift of sports. That being said, many things are ongoing: menstruation, navigating sexuality and identity, grappling with global issues, how we are affected by loss.

Q: What’s been the most rewarding aspect of the rehearsals? What have you learned about our students and / or yourself through the process?

A: The enthusiasm of the students and their love for this play is thrilling. They show up ready to dive in and work. Also, a few of our cast members grew up playing soccer and have been teaching us more about the game, leading drills and warm-ups. Last week we were able to attend a UB Women's Soccer game together. We have the opportunity to attend one of their practices this Tuesday.

I've been surprised at my own interest and excitement at the art of soccer and was VERY proud of myself for learning and teaching them a passing drill that we are using in the show. 

Q: You also had a busy summer as an actor. Where might audiences have seen you and how were the shows?

This summer I had the honor and privilege of being a part of the 50th Anniversary Season of Shakespeare in Delaware Park. I played Queen Elizabeth in Richard III, directed by Greg Stuhr. Being new to Buffalo (this is my second year), this was my first show here in town and a wonderful introduction to the local theatre community! It was a very significant year to be performing on the hill, honoring and celebrating Saul Elkin's legacy. 

Q: What else might audiences be interested to know about the creation of “The Wolves” and why they should consider attending?

Faculty member Dr. Lindsay Brandon Hunter is part of the cast, playing 'Soccer Mom'! We also have some innovative design from our student designer team, including the set, sound, lighting, and costumes.