Chris J Handley, Executive Artistic Director

presents

BABUSHKA

TODD BENZIN           DON GERVASI

WITH

RICK MATTHEWS

The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production, and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author’s rights, and actionable under United States Copyright Law.

TODD BENZIN is a Buffalo born and bred actor and improviser. 

Alleyway Credits: THE NATURAL HORSE, WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT

In 2018, Todd was awarded the first-ever Artie for Outstanding Character Performance as Franz Liebkind in the Kavinoky Theatre’s THE PRODUCERS. He has also appeared at Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Shea’s 710 Main, the Irish Classical Theatre, Road Less Traveled Productions, the New Phoenix, the Ujima Theatre, Subversive Theatre, Theatre of Youth, and MusicalFare, where he was nominated for two Arties for Supporting Actor in a Musical. 

He has also appeared on film in The American Side and as a voiceover artist in several video games. Todd is a Conservatory graduate from Toronto’s prestigious Second City and a member of improv duo BABUSHKA.

DON GERVASI

A graduate of Toronto’s Second City Conservatory Program, Don has been acting and improvising for over 25 years. 

Alleyway Credits: WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT

He can be seen in the films Marshall, starring Chadwick Boseman and Josh Gad; and Queen City starring Vivica A. Fox and Peter Jason. He has performed on many Buffalo stages including Kavinoky Theatre, MusicalFare Theatre, Road Less Traveled Productions, and Jewish Repertory Theatre of WNY.  

He is a proud member of three unions: IATSE, SAG-AFTRA, and AEA where he has served as Equity Liaison for the Buffalo-Rochester Area since 2010. 

As an improviser, he has trained under Susan Messing, Moira Dunphy, Jerry Schaefer, and the late Frank McAnulty. He is a founding member of Buffalo’s own Eclectic Improv Company and long-form duo Babushka!, and has improvised with the likes of Jason Alexander, Phil Lamarr, Dan Castellaneta, and Catherine O'Hara. 

You may also recognize Don from recent AAA and Seneca Allegany Casino commercials. He also co-hosts the comedy podcast The Discount Deejays.

producers circle
New York State Council on the Arts
Erie County
City of Buffalo
Cullen Foundation
The Shubert Foundation
Arts Services, Inc. of WNY

playwrights circle
Richard Lambert and the New Phoenix Theatre on the Park
M&T Bank

superstars
Anonymous

headliners
Anonymous
Dr. Samuel Goodloe, Jr.
Tom & Marilyn Handley
Maria Pendolino
David & Lora Sambora
Tom & Lee Ann Vogt

stars
Gail R. Arthurs
Dorie Drago
Jamey Quiram
Margaret & Bob Zak

troupers
Anonymous ( 8 )
Jeana Anastasi
Mary Rappl Bellanti
Drew Blum
Alissa Bornstein
Amy Burgmaier
Mary Charbonnet
Chris & Kristy Chilano
Steve & Kelly Copps
Diane &Tina DiBlasio
Jordan Feit
Alan Feller
Evalynn Ferraro
Janine Filippone
Abs Mac & Ian Fish
Fran & Tom
James & Cathy Gorlewski
Peter Hall & M.E. O’Leary
Chris J Handley
Mark Horowitz & Tom Staebell
Sue & Jerry Keppel
Paul Kochmanski
Theresa Quinn & Randall Kramer
Caitlin Littlefield
Issa Lopez
David Lundy
‍Natasha Marchewka
Jessica Marinelli
Sharon Martin
Robert Mazierski
Shazad Mustapha Mohammed
Kate Powers
Jennifer Read & Craig Colder
Brigid Reale
Tara Reimer
Pearl Rhein
David Roach
Maria & Alexander Rowan
Michael Russo
Sam Russo
Joey Schaljo
Charles Slisz
Deborah L. Spencer
Michael Starzynski
Lori Stilwell & Bob Anderson
Suzi Takahashi
Nikki Thomas
Isabella Tugman
Erikka J Veney
Tom Wilson
Edward & Michele Wright
Daniel Zak