November 8, 2001-Vol33n10: Q&A

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 10

THURSDAY, November 8, 2001


	KURDZIEL-FORMATO

Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, heads the department's Music Theatre Program. She serves as director and choreographer of the department's production of "Children of Eden," which will open tonight and run through Nov. 18.

As an active member of the Western New York arts community, how do you think the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have affected the arts in Buffalo?
I think all artists have become keenly aware of just what an important outlet the arts are for society. They can be a catharsis or an escape, and become even more necesssary during such troubled times. On a practical level, I know that some "promised" funding for the arts has been diverted to relief funds, so some groups will be shorted financially. Also, due to the tragedy, some functions—performances, galas and special events—were cancelled.

How have the attacks affected performing arts students at UB?
Students were in shock, of course; some have family and friends in New York City and were desperate to make contact, which was difficult. When returning to class on Sept. 12, members of the advanced jazz class requested to attend the vigil in the Student Union, rather than dance in class. It just seemed the right thing to do. Cast members of "Assassins" were not sure they should perform their controversial show—our first weekend was indeed cancelled, but the show went on the next weekend and received warm audience response. Now that things are "back to normal," I believe that everyone is more solicitous of each other and very grateful we have our respective forums of artistic and personal expression.

Can you briefly describe the plot of "Children of Eden" and why you feel it is important for UB students to be working on this musical?
"Children of Eden" is based on Middle Eastern creation myths common to many religions. So Act One deals with Adam and Eve, Act Two with Noah and his family, all created by and descended from Father, who is the only character that "travels" through the whole piece. Its themes deal with generational conflict, free will, forgiveness, unconditional love and hope for the future. There are many whimsical, humorous and anachronistic moments, as well as touching and dramatic scenes. For students, it has a wonderful vocal challenge—the score is beautiful and rich. It also has a large cast, with opportunities for many onstage performers who must act and dance, as well as create a myriad of characters, including animals. Design students also are being challenged in many areas since it is a large production with unique needs. The message of the play—that the future is in our hands and we can choose to "drop the knife and stop the hating"—is thought-provoking and salient in our present time.

In recent years, you have directed and choreographed "Godspell," "Pippen" and now "Children of Eden," all written by Stephen Schwartz. What draws you to his material?
I believe his material is very "friendly" to the educational theater. His music is accessible and attractive to young people, his scripts all require some sort of improvisation and creation in the ensemble of individual characters, and the numbers (meaning cast size) are malleable and lend themselves well to expansion or reduction.

How do you go about choosing a musical for the students?
I try to expose them to different types of shows over their four-year tenure here. I try to find challenges in each piece—sometimes it may be in the music or dance, sometimes in the text. I look for pieces that will get numerous students up on the stage to practice their craft.

The BFA in musical theatre is a relatively new degree. How is the program progressing?
We are graduating our first official class this year. That first class has seven majors, and we now are at 40 music theatre majors—quite an expansion for four years. Last year, we auditioned approximately 65 students for 12 slots. The students are extremely gifted, hard-working and enthusiastic. Last season's productions of "Nine" and "Assassins" were well-received by the university community, as well as members of Buffalo's professional theater community. Many new courses specific to musical theater have been developed over the past four years. We are, of course, constantly seeking the resources necessary to maintain a quality program and service our students.

You recently were honored by the Zodiaque Dance Company as part of "Wine, Women and Dance." What was that experience like?
I was, of course, extremely flattered to be included in such a stellar group of artists and women. The work of the dancers and the choreographers was spectacular. Since I have this forum, I especially would like to thank Tom Ralabate (assistant professor of theatre and dance) for his remarkable work in conceiving and planning this event. All of the honorees were truly "blown away" by the experience.