Twin Tiers Theater Festival Brings
Broadway Summer Stock to WNY
By Eva B. Potter
OLEAN, N.Y. – For an inexpensive getaway weekend with a sophisticated metropolitan feel, visit Olean, N.Y., this summer as the Twin Tiers Theater Festival (TTTF) launches its inaugural season of Broadway summer stock theater.
New York City organizers Amy Kyzer, an actress and small theater company owner, and Rohit Kapoor, a professional production and set designer, scoped out the area last year. After conversations with Leslie and Nick Patrone, owners of the Olean Theatre Workshop (Washington Street Theatre), and former Olean Mayor David Carucci, the pair took the concept of a summer stock festival back to New York City.
For many of their show business friends, who had spent summers performing in and producing shows at other summer stock festivals like Williamstown and the Berkshires, the idea of escaping to Olean’s welcoming grass- and tree-filled landscape provided instant appeal. All agreed a theater festival in Olean would be a perfect fit.
Kyzer, bubbling with enthusiasm, said, “In a time of recession in this country, where arts programs are the first to go and a Broadway ticket can cost you $200, we have been given this amazing opportunity to bring the magic of New York City to Olean, N.Y.”
This summer’s lineup of eight crowd-pleasing shows serves up a heaping plate of exciting live performances including high drama, gut-splitting comedy, a nail-biting suspense thriller, intoxicating musical theater, an adventurous children’s play, and one original play to debut annually at TTTF (to be announced). It’s a variety sure to please every palate.
The festival will run six performances of each show on a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule, with two shows on Thursdays and Saturdays. Single-event tickets range from $20 to $28 and can be purchased on TTTF’s website. Money-saving season passes are also available.
Most performances will take place inside the newly-remodeled Washington Street Theatre in the city’s historic district. The musical, accompanied by the Southern Tier Symphony, will be presented at nearby Oak Hill Park’s outdoor venue.
“We’re actually building a stage and a whole lighting truss in Oak Hill Park, so it’s going to be a whole outdoor performance venue for the summers,” said Kyzer.
Renovations to modernize the space were completed by company members, community volunteers and area students. The result is an off-Broadway-quality house, which will be used for TTTF’s performances, as well as the Olean Theatre Workshop and community groups for the remainder of the year.
“The idea of beautifying the neighborhood and getting the community involved in the revitalization of the theater—and making it a destination spot much like Niagara-on-the-Lake and places like that—has really gotten everyone on board very quickly,” said Kapoor. “Olean has a great infrastructure to handle this type of festival.”
Kyser said, “The beauty of the area and the unbelievable support from local patrons and sponsors has been overwhelming.”
“I just think that it’s great timing and I think Olean is ready for it,” commented current Olean Mayor Linda Witte. “I wholeheartedly support it.”
Performers from Los Angeles, New York City, the United Kingdom, and the Southern Tier region will fill the theater stage, while professional set and costume designers, producers and directors from New York City work behind the scenes.
London actress Hannah Scott, who plays Little Red Riding Hood in “Into the Woods,” has extended her visa in order to remain in the U.S. to perform for TTTF.
“I think we will be unapologetically entertaining. I don’t think you will fall asleep watching,” said Kapoor.
The Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC) is assisting TTTF’s start-up efforts. Anne Conroy-Baiter, executive director of CCAC said, “Bringing a summer theater festival to this area, which celebrates summer so wonderfully, seemed like a no-brainer for the arts council. Visitors coming in to see the shows will find numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions to round out their experience.”
Within a short driving radius of Olean, you and your family can take a nature-filled field trip to Allegany State Park, make a stop at the Seneca-Allegany Casino (not for children), or hike among the super-sized boulders at Rock City Park, just to mention a few. After a fun-filled day of exploration, satisfy your hunger with a meal at one of the area’s varied restaurants before heading to the theater.
You won’t regret setting aside some time on your weekend calendar to take in one of TTTF’s incredible performances.
OLEAN, N.Y. – For an inexpensive getaway weekend with a sophisticated metropolitan feel, visit Olean, N.Y., this summer as the Twin Tiers Theater Festival (TTTF) launches its inaugural season of Broadway summer stock theater.
New York City organizers Amy Kyzer, an actress and small theater company owner, and Rohit Kapoor, a professional production and set designer, scoped out the area last year. After conversations with Leslie and Nick Patrone, owners of the Olean Theatre Workshop (Washington Street Theatre), and former Olean Mayor David Carucci, the pair took the concept of a summer stock festival back to New York City. For many of their show business friends, who had spent summers performing in and producing shows at other summer stock festivals like Williamstown and the Berkshires, the idea of escaping to Olean’s welcoming grass- and tree-filled landscape provided instant appeal. All agreed a theater festival in Olean would be a perfect fit.
Kyzer, bubbling with enthusiasm, said, “In a time of recession in this country, where arts programs are the first to go and a Broadway ticket can cost you $200, we have been given this amazing opportunity to bring the magic of New York City to Olean, N.Y.”
This summer’s lineup of eight crowd-pleasing shows serves up a heaping plate of exciting live performances including high drama, gut-splitting comedy, a nail-biting suspense thriller, intoxicating musical theater, an adventurous children’s play, and one original play to debut annually at TTTF (to be announced). It’s a variety sure to please every palate.
The festival will run six performances of each show on a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule, with two shows on Thursdays and Saturdays. Single-event tickets range from $20 to $28 and can be purchased on TTTF’s website. Money-saving season passes are also available.
Most performances will take place inside the newly-remodeled Washington Street Theatre in the city’s historic district. The musical, accompanied by the Southern Tier Symphony, will be presented at nearby Oak Hill Park’s outdoor venue.
“We’re actually building a stage and a whole lighting truss in Oak Hill Park, so it’s going to be a whole outdoor performance venue for the summers,” said Kyzer. Renovations to modernize the space were completed by company members, community volunteers and area students. The result is an off-Broadway-quality house, which will be used for TTTF’s performances, as well as the Olean Theatre Workshop and community groups for the remainder of the year.
“The idea of beautifying the neighborhood and getting the community involved in the revitalization of the theater—and making it a destination spot much like Niagara-on-the-Lake and places like that—has really gotten everyone on board very quickly,” said Kapoor. “Olean has a great infrastructure to handle this type of festival.”
Kyser said, “The beauty of the area and the unbelievable support from local patrons and sponsors has been overwhelming.”
“I just think that it’s great timing and I think Olean is ready for it,” commented current Olean Mayor Linda Witte. “I wholeheartedly support it.”
Performers from Los Angeles, New York City, the United Kingdom, and the Southern Tier region will fill the theater stage, while professional set and costume designers, producers and directors from New York City work behind the scenes.
London actress Hannah Scott, who plays Little Red Riding Hood in “Into the Woods,” has extended her visa in order to remain in the U.S. to perform for TTTF.
“I think we will be unapologetically entertaining. I don’t think you will fall asleep watching,” said Kapoor.
The Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC) is assisting TTTF’s start-up efforts. Anne Conroy-Baiter, executive director of CCAC said, “Bringing a summer theater festival to this area, which celebrates summer so wonderfully, seemed like a no-brainer for the arts council. Visitors coming in to see the shows will find numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions to round out their experience.”
Within a short driving radius of Olean, you and your family can take a nature-filled field trip to Allegany State Park, make a stop at the Seneca-Allegany Casino (not for children), or hike among the super-sized boulders at Rock City Park, just to mention a few. After a fun-filled day of exploration, satisfy your hunger with a meal at one of the area’s varied restaurants before heading to the theater.
You won’t regret setting aside some time on your weekend calendar to take in one of TTTF’s incredible performances.
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