Buffalo State talent shines on and off stage with ‘DREAMGIRLS’ at Shea’s 710

On Friday night, a sold-out Curtain Up! audience was dazzled by DREAMGIRLS, a co-production between Shea's Performing Arts Center and AnsariSaxon Productions, founded by two Buffalo State faculty members: Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo, assistant professor of theater and Africana Studies; and Karen Saxon, '03, lecturer of music.

Inspired by Motown and R&B legends of the 1960s and 1970s, DREAMGIRLS follows the musical group the Dreamettes as they navigate ambition, betrayal, joy, and liberation. Audiences attending DREAMGIRLS are among the first to experience the reimagined Shea's 710 Theatre, which recently underwent a $5 million renovation.

Ansari Carbonell Catilo and Saxon co-directed and also served as choreographer and music director respectively. The duo assembled a top-notch team for the production, including multiple Buffalo State faculty and staff members, alumni, and community partners. They are:

• Preston Brown, former student (drums)
• Damario Burks, '19 (ensemble)
• Jacqueline Cherry, '17 (ensemble)
• Phylicia Robinson Dove, sponsor for Runway, Buffalo State's annual student-produced fashion show (hair and costume designer)
• Mark Filsinger, associate professor of music (trumpet)
• Rick Fleming, professor of music, director of bands, and chair of the Music Department at Buffalo State (trombone)
• Jonise Hall, '20, assistant director of Buffalo State's Anne Frank Project (ensemble)
• Diane Jones, production collaborator for the Theater Department (props)
• Taliyah Oaks, '24 (ensemble)
• Nahiem Paris, former student (ensemble)
• Zhanna Reed, '19 (Michelle)
• Justin Santos, current student (production photographer)
• Ron Schwartz, technical director and production manager for the Buffalo State Theater Department (technical director and scenic designer)
• Corey Talford, '18 (trumpet)
• Jayson Williams, current student (lead guitar)

"DREAMGIRLS is not only an iconic musical - it is an extremely demanding show, requiring nonstop focus, action, and artistry from beginning to end," Ansari Carbonell Catilo said. "Our faculty, staff, alum and students, rose to that challenge, showing how Buffalo State's training translates into excellence on stage."

"We are grateful to our Buffalo State community for supporting this journey," Saxon added, "and proud that so many people were able to witness the brilliance, resilience, and artistry that define Buffalo State."

DREAMGIRLS runs through September 28. Tickets are available at the Shea's Box Office (650 Main Street) and online on the Shea's website. The Wednesday, September 24 performance features Black Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, and there will be a talkback with the cast and creative team following the performance.

Photo by Justin Santos.