Wendie Malick, Dan Lauria star at Studio Arena

Niagara Frontier Publications, May 10, 2007

Wendie Malick, Buffalo native and star of TV’s popular “Just Shoot Me,” and Dan Lauria, best known as the dad in “The Wonder Years,” will star in “The Guys” for four performances only, Monday, May 14, through Wednesday, May 16, at Studio Arena Theatre.

In a unique demonstration of appreciation for three organizations that touch the lives of so many in the Buffalo Niagara region, Studio Arena will donate a portion of the proceeds to Mercy Flight, the WNY Stress Reduction Team and the Guardian Foundation.

Based on a true story, Anne Nelson’s play takes place just two weeks after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and New Yorkers are still in shock. Nick, a fire captain, has lost most of his men in the collapse of the World Trade Center and must now prepare their eulogies. For help, he turns to Joan, a journalist and editor. In a single long afternoon, as Nick recounts the fallen men’s virtues and foibles, the two fashion memorials of words. Making their way through the emotional landscape of grief, Nick and Joan draw on humor, tango, an appreciation of the craft of telling stories in all its forms – and the enduring bonds of humanity. In the process, they discover the possibilities of friendship and their shared love for the unconquerable spirit of the city.

Artistic Director and CEO Kathleen Gaffney says, “Studio Arena is honored to present these master actors in a truly important work. This is just the kind of community collaboration I had in mind when I came to Buffalo. The piece has personal significance for me since I was there in New York City that day”.

Malick, two-time Emmy and Golden Globe nominee, memorably portrayed outrageous ex-model and fashion editor Nina Van Horn in “Just Shoot Me.” She also joined the cast of “Frasier” in its final season. Most recently, Malick starred as the over-organized mother of the bride in the ABC comedy “Big Day,” and with John Stamos in the series “Jake in Progress.” She captured four CableACE awards for her portrayal of Judith Tupper Stone on HBO’s comedy series “Dream On,” and has countless other television, theatre and movie performances to her credit.

Lauria has guest starred in more than 70 television programs and has performed in, written or directed more than 50 professional productions in off-off and off-Broadway and regional theatres. His film credits include “Stakeout” and “Another Stakeout,” both with Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez, the commercial blockbuster “Independence Day” and, most recently, “Big Momma Two” with Martin Lawrence. He is most recognized as the dad on TV’s highly acclaimed Emmy-winning “The Wonder Years.”

Malick and Lauria have performed “The Guys” both in New York City and across the country.

Performance days and times for “The Guys” at Studio Arena Theatre are: Monday, May 14, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, May 15, 2 and 7 p.m., and Wednesday, May 16, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the theatre box office, 710 Main St., or by calling 856-5650 or 1-800-77STAGE.