An Evening with Stephen McKinley Henderson
Curtain Up! 2008
Download official press release and order form
On September 19 and 20, 2008, Studio Arena Theatre will bring to the stage one of its most celebrated Alumni: Buffalo's own Stephen McKinley Henderson. On two evenings, Mr. Henderson will entertain and charm audiences with scenes from some favorite works of the stage and his humorous and passionate conversation. He will share stories from his career and discuss his unique experiences working with the late, great American playwright, August Wilson. In a stirring conversation with Studio Arena Theatre's Artistic Director, Mr. Henderson will talk freely with community members in Buffalo. This promises to be an evening of laughter and insight that will be remembered for years.
Biography
Stephen McKinley Henderson is commonly known for his role as Arthur in the acclaimed HBO film, Everyday People. However, Stephen Henderson is known mostly for his stage work. At Studio Arena Theatre, Mr. Henderson has been seen in My Children! My Africa!, West Memphis Mojo, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Of Mice and Men, Jitney, Fences, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Master Harold… and the Boys, Caucasian Chalk Circle (with André de Shields), A Raisin in the Sun, Rhino Fat from Red Dog Notes: A Salute to Buffalo's Sesquicentennial, and A Lesson from Aloes. Recently, he appeared as Van Helsing in the Broadway production of Dracula, The Musical. On Broadway, he has also performed in Drowning Crow, as Sammy Bow, the revival of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom as Slow Drag, and King Hedley II, as Stool Pigeon.
Off-Broadway work includes creating the role of Turnbo in Jitney, for which he won a Drama Desk Award - Best Ensemble. In addition, he played Bobo in A Raisin in the Sun, and appeared in Zooman and the Sign. With the renowned LAByrinth Theatre Company, he performed in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, as none other than Pontius Pilate.
Other film credits include the role of Bobo in the 1989 version of A Raisin in the Sun, Cooper's husband in the 1985 movie Marie, and a role in the movie Keane, 2004. He will be seen in If You Could Say It In Words, due out in 2008. In addition to his films, Stephen has been cast as a recurring character Omar on the FOX series "New Amsterdam," which premiered in early 2008.
TV and Film Appearances
- The Good Heart (2008)
- If You Could Say It in Words (2008)
- "New Amsterdam" (8 episodes, 2008)
- "Working in the Theatre" (1 episode, 2007)
- August Wilson's Legacy (2007)
- "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (2 episodes, 2005-2006)
- "Conviction" .... Judge (2 episodes, 2006)
- "Law & Order" (5 episodes, 1995-2006)
- Keane (2004)
- Everyday People (2004)
- "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (1 episode, 2001)
- "Third Watch" .... Boudreaux (1 episode, 2000)
- "New York News" .... Sherman Wakes (1 episode, 1995)
- A Raisin in the Sun .... Bobo (1989)
- Marie (1985)
Curtain Up! 2008
We invite the community back to the Studio Arena Theatre stage to be a part of the revival of Studio Arena Theatre. To properly kick-off this revival, we are presenting what we hope to be the first in a series of "Distinguished Alumni," presentations. The goal for this particular event is to bring the theatre back on its feet by getting the doors open and letting the community see signs of life after the success of our 2008 Summer Theatre School. It is a planned first step in a possible series of events aimed at breathing new life into the theatre so that it can continue the rich theatrical history that we have provided for the people of Western New York for over 40 years.
On September 19 and 20, 2008, we will be welcoming back to our stage a veteran of twelve productions at Studio Arena Theatre and a star of the Stage, Screen, and Television: Buffalo's very own Mr. Stephen McKinley Henderson. He will offer his unique perspective on his career as well as the role and importance of professional regional theatre to this area. This discussion will be moderated by Studio Arena Theatre's Artistic Director, Kathleen Gaffney and will be followed by Mr. Henderson presenting scenes from some of his memorable performances on our stage.
Following both performances, there will be a "Flynn's" style celebration in our Stage Left Lounge. Studio Arena Theatre organized the first Curtain Up! Festivities in 1982 and looks forward to this special way to participate in this year's festivities. We hope to have in attendance members of the cast and crew of the other theatres celebrating Curtain Up! to reminisce and talk over the events of the past and the future. It's sure to be two very lively evenings in our Stage Left Lounge.
As one of the original founders and anchor of the Northern end of Buffalo's Theatre District, it is of the utmost importance that our stage be alive and our house full with theatre enthusiasts for this special Event.
In two nights, this event will be produced at a minimum cost with most of the work being done by a crew of dedicated and already identified group of volunteers. Tickets will be provided for this event through an arrangement with the Arts Council of Buffalo and Erie County providing support and credit card capability. A phone extension will be dedicated to take orders, United States postal mail and e-mail will also be used to take ticket orders. Seating will be on a first come, first serve basis to keep logistics as simple as possible.
The ticket cost will be set at $20.00 for all seats and there is also a plan to do a dress rehearsal on Thursday, September 18 for local students at the special price of $5.00. In addition to ticket revenue, Studio Arena Theatre also intends to operate its bar both before and after each performance.
The theatre will be staffed both evenings with former staff and other stakeholders that are concerned with Studio Arena Theatre's future. Marketing will be done by a combination of local events, University Marketing, and through a direct mailing postcard.
Event Summary
Title: "An Evening with Stephen McKinley Henderson"
Where: Studio Arena Theatre at 710 Main Street, Buffalo, NY
When: Dress rehearsal on September 18, 2008 at 7:30PM
Curtain Up! Performance at 8:00PM on September 19, 2008
Curtain Up! Celebration at the Stage Left Lounge 10pm-1am
Saturday evening Performance at 8:00PM on September 20, 2008