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The Kavinoky Theatre Announces Major Award
January 3, 2020
The Kavinoky Theatre Announces Major Award
Actors Perform Scene from Upcoming Production of The Bridges of Madison County
Today, Senator Timothy Kennedy joined actors from The Kavinoky Theatre to announce a $145,000 grant from the 2019 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Awards.
The grant will be used for a Broadway-style covered entryway (see rendering below), new theatre seats, and an updated projection system to expand productions.
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“This state investment will support the Kavinoky Theatre’s mission to foster creativity and offer Western New Yorkers immersive experiences into all genres of theatre,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “By supporting the Theatre’s efforts to preserve the Kavinoky’s charm, we’re ensuring that this City of Buffalo icon will continue to inspire future artists, actors, and writers for generations to come.”
Kennedy is a D’Youville alumnus and his cousin, Kevin Kennedy, recently portrayed Sheriff Heck Tate in the Kavinoky’s production of Aaron Sorkin’s To Kill a Mockingbird.
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"We are thrilled to receive this award," said Loraine O'Donnell, executive artistic director of The Kavinoky Theatre. "This grant will breathe new life into the theatre and provide our audience with an even more enjoyable experience. The awning will make our guests feel like they are taking in a show in New York City and the projection equipment will enhance future productions.”
The 2019-2020 season marks The Kavinoky Theatre’s 40th anniversary. Owned and sponsored by D’Youville, the theatre is located inside the Koessler Administration Building and housed in a 250-seat Victorian-style auditorium featuring rococo architecture, a balcony, and boxes, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere for all theatre-goers.
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“This grant from the Regional Economic Development Council will allow The Kavinoky Theatre to continue to play an essential role in Buffalo’s vibrant arts community, as it has for the past 40 years,” said Pamela Say, vice president of institutional advancement at D'Youville.
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The press conference concluded with actors Michele Marie Roberts and Steve Copps performing a scene from the upcoming production of the musical The Bridges of Madison County.
This past July, O’Donnell, actors Steve Copps and Michele Benzin, and photographer Brian Milbrand travelled to Winterset, Iowa to prepare for the production. Milbrand’s images from the trip will be projected during the performances; part of the REDC grant will be used to upgrade the Kavinoky’s projection system for future performances.
The Bridges of Madison County is based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller and it was a major motion picture production starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep in 1995. The musical runs from Friday, January 10 until Sunday, February 2 at The Kavinoky Theatre.
