Plaza of Stars

A Buffalo native, Gurney became one of America’s most distinctive theatrical voices, crafting insightful examinations of WASP culture through plays like “Love Letters,” “The Dining Room,” “The Middle Ages,” and “Sylvia.” His work often drew from his Buffalo upbringing, creating a lasting chronicle of a particular American social milieu.

Born Beverly Louise Neill at Buffalo’s Millard Fillmore Hospital, Blake studied under Jane Keeler at the Studio Theatre School before launching her career. Though best known for her 19-year run as Miss Kitty on “Gunsmoke,” she began her journey as a performer in Buffalo’s theater community.

Anne Gayley has been a cornerstone of the Buffalo theatre community for over six decades. After moving to Buffalo in 1957 with her husband and three children, she quickly became one of the region’s most sought-after performers. Her extraordinary talent has graced nearly every major stage in Western New York, and her work as both an actress and director has extended to television, radio, and commercial platforms.

A vital voice in Buffalo theater for over three decades, Chase has shaped the cultural conversation as critic, educator, and advocate. The founder of the Artie Awards, Buffalo’s theater honors, he has been a familiar presence on WBFO’s Theater Talk and has influenced the arts community through his teaching at Buffalo State University and his criticism in various local media outlets.

A legendary dance teacher and choreographer, Fletcher influenced generations of dancers through her work at Niagara University and beyond. Her former students, including Michael Bennett and Sam Viverito, credit her teaching methods as foundational to their success, with some suggesting that the iconic opening sequence of “A Chorus Line” was inspired by her classes.

During her four-decade tenure as publicity director for Studio Arena Theatre, Cohan played a crucial role in building Buffalo’s theater audience and establishing the city’s theatrical reputation. Her promotional work helped position Buffalo as a significant theater city and contributed to the growth of its performing arts community.

Through his establishment and leadership of Niagara University’s theater program, Brother Augustine Towey influenced generations of theater artists. His passionate advocacy for theater education and direction of numerous productions left a lasting impact on Western New York’s performing arts community.

Raised in Buffalo, Baranski has achieved remarkable success in both theater and screen work. Her stellar stage career includes two Tony Awards, with acclaimed performances in Broadway productions of “The Real Thing” and “Rumors,” as well as on film and television, establishing her as one of America’s most versatile performers.

As founder of the Kavinoky Theatre at D’Youville University, Lamb left an indelible mark on Buffalo theater both as an administrator and performer. After Studio Theatre became an Equity Theatre, the Kavinoky began a small professional theater movement, in Buffalo, using local actors. As an actor, Lamb’s memorable portrayals included Garry Essendine in Noël Coward’s “Present Laughter” and the title role in “Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell.”

Buffalo-born Shire has achieved success in both theater and film as an Academy Award and Grammy-winning composer. His Broadway works include “Baby” and “Big,” while his film scores have enhanced numerous movies, establishing him as a versatile and accomplished composer.

A playwright, labor activist, and theater educator, Fried brought social consciousness to Buffalo’s theater scene. His plays, including “The Dodo Bird” and “Drop Hammer,” often focused on labor rights and social justice issues. As a professor at Buffalo State College, and through his popular playwriting workshop, he influenced countless students while maintaining an active career as a playwright and activist.

A pioneer of Buffalo theater, Keller helped establish several theater companies and venues in the city. His enthusiasm for teaching acting and dedication to bringing foreign cinema to Buffalo helped broaden the city’s cultural horizons.

A towering figure in American theater, George Abbott’s remarkable 107-year life span encompassed over nine decades of theatrical innovation. Born in Forestville and raised in Salamanca, this Hamburg High School graduate became one of Broadway’s most influential directors. Abbott’s legendary career included directing such landmark musicals as “Pal Joey,” “On the Town,” and “Damn Yankees,” helping to define the American musical theater form.

Buffalo native Harold Arlen, born Hyman Arluck, rose from his roots as the son of a Jewish cantor to become one of America’s most celebrated composers. His early career included performing with The Buffalodians before writing some of the most beloved songs in the American songbook, including “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Stormy Weather,” and “That Old Black Magic.” His Broadway contributions include scores for “Bloomer Girl,” “St. Louis Woman,” “House of Flowers,” “Jamaica,” and “Saratoga.”

Harold L. Cohen was Dean of the School of Architecture and Environmental Design at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He was Project Director for The Entertainment District Project, commissioned by the City of Buffalo in the late 1970s, which ultimately led to the creation of the Theatre District and Plaza of Stars as it stands today.

Launching his professional career at the Buffalo Studio Theater, Whitmore went on to earn Tony and Emmy awards and an Oscar nomination. He became particularly known for his powerful one-man shows, including the celebrated “Will Rogers’ U.S.A.”

As founder of the influential Studio Theatre School, Jane Keeler along with Lars Potter, shaped generations of successful performers. Her innovative teaching methods and dedication to theater education helped establish Buffalo’s vibrant theater scene and trained numerous successful actors, including Amanda Blake, Nancy Marchand, and A.R. Gurney. Others who came to study with or work for Miss Keeler include James Whitmore, Charles Durning, and Reta Shaw.

Javier Bustillos, the founder of Buffalo United Artists (BUA), has been a transformative force in Western New York’s theater scene since 1992. As BUA’s executive producer, Bustillos has championed LGBTQ+ theater, introducing Buffalo audiences to important contemporary playwrights and enriching the city’s theatrical landscape.

A cornerstone of Studio Arena Theatre’s original company, Heborn brought her Liverpool-bred talent to Buffalo stages as a consummate leading lady. Her distinguished career included originating the role of Sister Clarissa in Tom Dudzick’s Buffalo-set play “Over the Tavern,” embodying the city’s theatrical excellence.

Born into a family of actors in Buffalo, DeMunn was exposed to the world of theater from a young age. He developed into a distinguished stage and screen actor. His accomplishments include two Drama Desk awards and a Tony Award nomination for his 1983 Broadway performance in “K-2,” showcasing the strong foundation built in Buffalo’s theater community.

Known as “The First Lady of the American Theater,” Buffalo-raised Katharine Cornell became one of the 20th century’s most celebrated actresses. Her legendary portrayal of Elizabeth Barrett in “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” and memorable interpretations of classical roles like Juliet, Saint Joan, and Candida established her as a theatrical icon.

As founder and artistic director of Ujima Theatre Company, Hill dedicated her career to presenting works by and about people of color. Her leadership transformed Buffalo’s theater scene, creating opportunities for underrepresented artists and bringing diverse voices to Western New York audiences.

A distinguished choreographer, director, and educator, Formato has influenced Buffalo theater through her work at various local theaters and her contributions to theater education. Her expertise has extended globally through her work directing musicals for Disney around the world.

A pioneering force in Buffalo arts and culture, Marian de Forest was both a groundbreaking journalist and playwright. She founded Zonta International and established the Buffalo Musical Foundation. Her stage adaptation of “Little Women” achieved Broadway success and launched Katharine Cornell’s career in the role of Jo March.

Founder of O’Connell & Company, O’Connell has been a vital presence in Buffalo theater for decades. Known particularly for her musical performances, she has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for new artists while maintaining a high standard of theatrical production.

Prominent theatrical director, producer, and arts leader in Buffalo best known as a founding member and long term artistic director of Theatre of Youth (TOY). Under her leadership, TOY gained a reputation for high-quality, innovative productions that addressed child-centered themes.

Born Michael DiFiglia and educated at Buffalo’s Hutch Tech High School, Bennett revolutionized Broadway choreography and direction. His groundbreaking work on “A Chorus Line” and “Dreamgirls” transformed musical theater in the 1970s and 80s, introducing innovative staging techniques that influence theater makers to this day.

Beginning her distinguished career at Buffalo’s Studio Theatre School, Marchand became a celebrated stage and screen actress. Her theater work earned multiple Obie Awards before she gained wider recognition for television roles in “Lou Grant” and “The Sopranos.”

As founder and artistic director of Studio Arena Theatre from 1965 to 1983, Du Brock transformed Buffalo’s theater landscape by elevating a community theater into a respected professional regional theater. His tenure marked a golden age in Buffalo’s theatrical history.

As founder and artistic director of Alleyway Theatre, Radice has championed new plays and provided opportunities for countless theater practitioners. His leadership has made Alleyway a crucial incubator for new theatrical works in Western New York.

A foundational figure in Buffalo theater education, Cramer made lasting contributions as a longtime theater educator at Daemen University and as co-founder of Theatre of Youth. Her work as both actor and director helped shape countless careers in Western New York theater.

From her early work at Buffalo’s Paul Robeson Theater workshop, Ruff built an impressive career that took her to Broadway and Hollywood. Her notable roles include Berniece in August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” off-Broadway and appearances as Lady Capulet and Coretta Scott King on Broadway.

A cornerstone of Buffalo’s theater community, Saul began his career as a child actor in Yiddish theater in New York City. He would go on to found both Shakespeare in Delaware Park and Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York. His five-decade career includes leading the University at Buffalo’s theater department and bringing free Shakespeare performances to the community. His portrayal of Falstaff remains particularly celebrated.

Though born in Kansas City, has become a Buffalo institution through his faculty position at the University at Buffalo and his distinguished stage career. A definitive interpreter of August Wilson’s works, he received Tony nominations for “Fences” opposite Denzel Washington in 2010 and for “Between Riverside and Crazy” in 2023, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play written specifically for him. His versatile career spans Broadway, film, and television, with notable appearances in Oscar-nominated films like “Dune” and “Fences.” Henderson’s numerous accolades include Drama Desk and Obie Awards, and his 2024 induction into the Theater Hall of Fame caps a remarkable journey that has left an indelible mark on American theater.

Co-founder and artistic director of Irish Classical Theatre Company, O’Neill has enriched Buffalo’s cultural landscape by bringing Irish dramatic literature to Western New York audiences while maintaining high artistic standards and building a company with an international reputation.