Nichols School To Sponsor Baldwin in Buffalo Event

Film, TV, and theatre star Alec Baldwin's January return to Western New York (WNY), in support of programming at local non-profit theatre company Road Less Traveled Productions (RLTP), will be sponsored in part by Nichols School, a nationally recognized co-educational college preparatory school in Buffalo, NY.

Mr. Baldwin, a dedicated advocate for the arts, is scheduled to appear on stage in a benefit for RLTP at the University at Buffalo (UB) Center for The Arts (CFA) on Friday, January 27th, 2012. The evening, deemed The Return of Alec Baldwin , features Baldwin in a professionally directed reading of the Clifford Odets' play The Big Knife . A large ensemble cast of prominent WNY theatre actors will join Baldwin on stage. WBFO radio personality Bert Gambini will be Master of Ceremonies.

January will mark the third time Baldwin has appeared in Buffalo in support of RLTP efforts. It will be the first time Nichols School has supported RLTP in a benefit. In its ninth operational year, RLTP manages a combination of strategically linked programs, including its Buffalo Young Writers contest, its New Play Workshop , and its American Theatre Masters series. All programming is geared at collaborative development of WNY writers and theatre artists.

"Engagement in the arts is integral to a complete education at Nichols," said Head of School Rick Bryan. "Our extensive arts program includes experiences with theatre, dance, instrumental and vocal music, and visual arts, through a robust curriculum and extracurricular activities. Our students compose music, write plays, choreograph dances, make their own films, and curate their own art openings," he continued.

"RLTP programs have many educational and community benefits...they help students become enthusiastic about the arts, and enhance literary and performing arts opportunities in the area." Bryan said Nichols is proud to support RLTP "because these stimulating experiences with the arts leave a positive, lasting impression on students and all of us."

Bryan also mentioned that the school is "thrilled to support Kristen Tripp Kelley, Arts Department Chair and theatre teacher, who will be performing in the play" with Baldwin. Kelley will portray Patty Benedict, the Louella Parsons-esque gossip columnist who doggedly pursues dirt on Baldwin's character, the play's protagonist, movie star Charlie Castle. "Our dedicated arts faculty members are working artists in their fields," stated Bryan, and "share their real life experiences with students."

RLTP Managing Director Gina Gandolfo expressed the theatre company's gratitude to Nichols School and praised Nichols and Rick Bryan for their "vision in recognizing RLTP's shared commitment to the development of young artists and young patrons of the arts." "A visit to WNY by one of America's most popular modern screen actors – appearing in a play and in support of a local theatre company – is a priceless opportunity to inspire young audiences to go outside their usual areas of interest and discover the magic of live theatre," opined Gandolfo.

Gandolfo hopes other local organizations interested in connecting education, professional development, community, and the arts will follow the school's lead in supporting RLTP's groundbreaking January benefit event. "This event showcases what is best about Buffalo: our depth of talent, our level of community involvement, our ability to collaborate, and our wide network of support. We are truly grateful for all."

Tickets for the 8:00PM reading (doors open at 7:30PM) are $75 and $60, depending on seating locale. VIP tickets – which include cocktails, dinner, and priority seating in the first five rows for the reading – are $250; VIP seating is limited . Tickets are available through Ticketmaster by phone at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com , and at ticketing o utlets, including at FYE Stores in the McKinley Mall and Chautauqua Mall, Shea's Performing Arts Center, and Wal-Mart locations in Buffalo and Rochester. Tickets also are available at the UB CFA Box Office, Monday-Friday, 10:00AM-6:00PM and one hour prior to the performance. For ticket inquiries, please contact the UB CFA Box Office at (716) 645-ARTS (2787) . The UB CFA Box Office accepts cash, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and UB Campus Cash. The CFA is located on UB's North Campus at 103 Center for the Arts, Buffalo, NY 14260.

About Nichols School

Nichols School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school serving grades 5 through 12. Located in Buffalo, NY, Nichols is non-denominational, with 582 students from across Western New York and Southern Ontario, as well as several international students. The dedicated faculty is focused on preparing students to thrive in the global community of the 21st century. Nichols provides access to challenging academic programs, and extensive athletic, art and cultural exchange programs. Through leadership opportunities and community service projects, students develop strong work ethic, integrity of character and personal responsibility. Founded in 1892, Nichols is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools. Visit www.nicholsschool.org .

About Road Less Traveled Productions

Road Less Traveled Productions (RLTP) is a professional, not-for-profit theatre company founded in 2002 by Scott Behrend with Jon Elston. RLTP is dedicated to the development and production of new theatrical works by Western New York playwrights as well as presentations of esteemed modern dramas of outstanding literary merit. The Road Less Traveled Theater is located at 639 Main Street, within the Market Arcade Film & Arts Centre, in the Downtown Buffalo, NY Theatre District. Secure parking is available in the M&T Bank parking lot on Washington Street. Valid parking stubs will be refunded at the concession stand. For subscription and ticketing information, please visit www.roadlesstraveledproductions.org or call to make a reservation with the RLTP Box Office at (716) 629-3069. RLTP's work is made possible through public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.

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