Submitted image.JAMESTOWN – Trinity Biotech, a company located just outside of Jamestown, says it has seen an increase in production during the COVID-19 crisis. “We have seen a huge increase in demand to help support the COVID-19 testing,” said Dennis Lefler, operations manager for the Jamestown facility.Trinity Biotech produces plastic media transport tubes, which is a container used to store infectious disease test swabs for processing.In order to address the rapidly increasing need for test kits, Lefler explained the facility needed to upgrade some machinery. “We normally only have one filling line for this product as it requires an old dispensing unit that was custom built for us many years ago and the backup unit was not functioning.”With amplified pressure to increase production of tubes, Lefler turned to his neighbor, Tim Piazza, a self-proclaimed geek and problem solver when it comes to machinery and all things manufacturing.Lefler added, “I knew Tim had a lot of experience with this stuff, was really smart and knew a lot of people, and was perhaps someone who could help us.”Coincidentally and unbeknownst to Lefler, Piazza works for the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST), a local resource for manufacturers that includes workforce development and advocacy. MAST is also helping local manufacturers weather the COVID-19 storm. Piazza took a look, made some alterations, and got the unit functioning. He also put Lefler in touch with a local fabricator who was able to make some necessary parts for the machinery.“MAST exists to assist local manufacturing. I’m thrilled we were able to help Trinity expand their capacity quickly,” said Piazza. “It may be cliché, but we can do so much more together, and you never know when help is literally just around the corner.”Along with a national hood supplier who sent a new laminar flow hood, with Trinity Biotech was able to get a second filling line running in order to double their manufacturing capacity.Trinity’s Jamestown facility is also close to completing the development of an ELISA test in response to COVID-19. Also known as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, ELISA detects antibodies specific to a particular antigen, in this case the novel coronavirus. The company will follow-up with a Rapid antibody test soon thereafter. While a timeframe for final approval is unknown, the tests are being expedited due to the national emergency and will be launched in all of Trinity’s major markets as soon as possible. Such a test, which is fast, has high sensitivity, and specificity is crucial to understanding and controlling the spread of COVID-19.In reference to living and working in Chautauqua County, Lefler said, “We’re a company that has been here for more than 25 years and we are like a family. We have a stable workforce and long-term employees who easily pull together in a crisis. We take care of each other.”Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and Chief Executive Officer of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency said, “This is just another example of a company that is pivoting to address the needs created by the COVID-19 crisis. I want to commend the Trinity Biotech Team along with Tim Piazza from MAST for making this happen.”Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel said, “While my main priority is dealing with this health crisis, I am also very concerned for the short and long-term sustainability of our businesses. Trinity, along with a multitude of other companies, is alive and well and I commend them for doing their part to deal with this crisis while remaining economically viable.” Share:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
Share:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window) Stock image by Pexels.LITTLE VALLEY – The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new phone scam.Deputies say scam artists call from (833) 928-2152 stating they work for a Microsoft Computer Security Company.The group requests residents turn on their computer and log in so they can refund payments because they are going out of business.Deputies say not to follow their instructions or release any personal information. If such a call is received, residents are encouraged to call their local police agency.
ZUMA / MGNWASHINGTON (AP) — A police officer has died from injuries sustained as President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol, a violent siege that is forcing hard questions about the defeated president’s remaining days in office and the ability of the Capitol Police to secure the area.The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement that Officer Brian D. Sicknick was injured “while physically engaging with protesters” during the Wednesday riot. He is the fifth person to die because of the melee.The rampage that has shocked the world and left the country on edge forced the resignations of three top Capitol security officials over the failure to stop the breach. It led lawmakers to demand a review of operations and an FBI briefing over what they called a “terrorist attack.” And it is prompting a broader reckoning over Trump’s tenure in office and what comes next for a torn nation.Protesters were urged by Trump during a rally near the White House earlier Wednesday to head to Capitol Hill, where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Biden’s presidential victory. The mob swiftly broke through police barriers, smashed windows and paraded through the halls, sending lawmakers into hiding. One protester, a white woman, was shot to death by Capitol Police, and there were dozens of arrests. Three other people died after “medical emergencies” related to the breach.Despite Trump’s repeated claims of voter fraud, election officials and his own former attorney general have said there were no problems on a scale that would change the outcome. All the states have certified their results as fair and accurate, by Republican and Democratic officials alike.Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., said news of the police officer’s death was “gut-wrenching.”“None of this should have happened,” Sasse said in a statement. “Lord, have mercy.”Sicknick had returned to his division office after the incident and collapsed, the statement said. He was taken to a local hospital where he died on Thursday.RELATED | Congressman Reed Condemns Mob That Stormed Capital, Calls For UnityTwo House Democrats on committees overseeing the Capitol police budgets said those responsible need to be held to answer for the “senseless” death.“We must ensure that the mob who attacked the People’s House and those who instigated them are held fully accountable,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Ct., and Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio. in a statement.Earlier Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said any remaining day with the president in power could be “a horror show for America.” Likewise, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the attack on the Capitol was “an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president,” and Trump must not stay in office “one day” longer.Pelosi and Schumer called for invoking the 25th Amendment to the Constitution to force Trump from office before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20. Schumer said he and Pelosi tried to call Vice President Mike Pence early Thursday to discuss that option but were unable to connect with him.Wearing a gas masks, Rep. MADELEINE DEAN (D-PA) and other members take cover as protesters disrupt the joint session of Congress during certification the Electoral College vote. Image by ZUMA / MGN.At least one Republican lawmaker joined the effort. The procedure allows for the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the president unfit for office. The vice president then becomes acting president.Pelosi said if the president’s Cabinet does not swiftly act, the House may proceed to impeach Trump.Trump, who had repeatedly refused to concede the election, did so in a late Thursday video from the White House vowing a “seamless transition of power.”Two Republicans who led efforts to challenge the election results, Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri, faced angry peers in the Senate. Cruz defended his objection to the election results as “the right thing to do” as he tried unsuccessfully to have Congress launch an investigation.nIn the House, Republican leaders Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California and Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana joined in the failed effort to overturn Biden’s win by objecting to the Electoral College results.With tensions high, the Capitol shuttered and lawmakers not scheduled to return until the inauguration, an uneasy feeling of stalemate settled over a main seat of national power as Trump remained holed up at the White House.The social media giant Facebook banned the president from its platform and Instagram for the duration of Trump’s final days in office, if not indefinitely, citing his intent to stoke unrest. Twitter had silenced him the day before.Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said “the shocking events” make it clear Trump “intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power.”U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, under pressure from Schumer, Pelosi and other congressional leaders, was forced to resign. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asked for and received the resignation of the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, Michael Stenger, effective immediately. Paul Irving, the longtime Sergeant at Arms of the House, also resigned.Sund had defended his department’s response to the storming of the Capitol, saying officers had “acted valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in violent riotous actions.”Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called the police response “a failure.”Lawmakers from both parties pledged to investigate and questioned whether a lack of preparedness allowed a mob to occupy and vandalize the building. The Pentagon and Justice Department had been rebuffed when they offered assistance.ZUMA / MGNBlack lawmakers, in particular, noted the way the mostly white Trump supporters were treated.Newly elected Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., said if “we, as Black people did the same things that happened … the reaction would have been different, we would have been laid out on the ground.”The protesters ransacked the place, taking over the House area and Senate chamber and waving Trump, American and Confederate flags. Outside, they scaled the walls and balconies.Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., a former police chief, said it was “painfully obvious” that Capitol police “were not prepared.”Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Zeke Miller, Alan Fram, Padmananda Rama and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report. Share:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
Brooks has two hit musicals to his name—The Producers and Young Frankenstein, both stage adaptations of his classic films. He won three Tony Awards in 2001 for the former. Though few details have been released regarding the performance, audiences can expect anecdotes from Brooks’ life and career in TV, movies and musicals. “What Mel wanted to do,” said producer Kevin Salter, “was to have a platform to tell some of these great stories that he has in an intimate fashion.” Regarding the show’s late announcement (the performance being just days away,) Salter explained to the Los Angeles Times, “Mel works in that live TV way where everything happens quickly.” We’ve seen his work on stage and on screen, but now legendary funnyman Mel Brooks himself will take to the spotlight for one-night-only! The Los Angeles Times reports that the EGOT-er will appear in a one-man autobiographical show at the Geffen Playhouse in L.A. Mel Brooks: Live at the Geffen will play the venue’s Gil Cates Theatre on April 28.
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dviozgnk on Bathsheba Doran’s The Mystery of Love & Sex Will Receive World Premiere at Lincoln Center
Two new plays are coming to Lincoln Center during its 2014-15 season. Bathsheba Doran’s The Mystery of Love and Sex will begin performances on February 5, 2015 and open on March 2 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater. The LCT3 production of Verité by Nick Jones will start on January 31 and run through March 15 at the Claire Tow Theater. Opening night is set for February 18. Doran’s plays include Kin, Parent’s Evening, Ben and the Magic Paintbrush, Living Room in Africa, Nest and Until Morning. She is currently a writer and producer for the Showtime series Masters of Sex. Jones returns to LCT3 after presenting his play The Coward in 2010. His additional plays include Trevor, Salome of the Moon, The Wundeisteipen and Little Building. He serves as a writer and co-producer of the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. Directed by Sam Gold, The Mystery of Love and Sex follows Charlotte and Jonny, two college students who have been long-time friends since the age of nine. As their relationship turns romantic over Charlotte’s parents’ objections, an onslaught of truths about their past is unleashed, threatening not only their relationship with each other but with their families as well. The play will feature set design by Andrew Lieberman, costumes by Kaye Voyce, lighting design by Jane Cox and original music and sound by Daniel Kluger. In Verité, stay-at-home mom and struggling writer Josephine is offered an unusual deal for her memoir: she has to make her life exciting enough to publish. As mysterious and sinister events begin to unfold around her, she must question how far she is willing to go to make her life into art, and if someone is determined to make sure her memoir is a best-seller—at any cost. Verité, which will be directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, will have sets by Andrew Boyce, costumes by Melissa Schlachtmeyer and lighting design by Matthew Richards.
View Comments Casting for both shows will be announced at a later date. The two plays join an LCT lineup that also includes the previously announced The Oldest Boy and brownsville song (b-side for tray).
Show Closed This production ended its run on Jan. 1, 2017 Matilda It’s back-to-school time, and Broadway.com is rolling out a series of tips for incoming maggots from esteemed Headmistress Agatha Trunchbull (Christopher Sieber) of Broadway’s Matilda. Learn how to get good grades and stay out of Chokey! Related Shows
View Comments Watch rule #4 to get a handle on how to behave in the classroom and check here for more of Miss Trunchbull’s rules!
Related Shows Furstenberg’s screen credits include The Loneliest Planet, Yossi & Jagger and Campfire. She will be joining Alan Cumming, Emma Stone, Linda Emond, Bill Heck and Aaron Krohn in the production. Cabaret Cabaret marks the return of director Sam Mendes and co-director/choreographer Rob Marshall, who have recreated their Tony Award-nominated direction and choreography of the 1998 production. Studio 54 is transformed into the Kit Kat Klub, a seedy 1930s Berlin nightclub where a young English cabaret performer (Stone) encounters an American writer (Heck), under the watchful eye of a zealous Master of Ceremonies (Cumming). The John Kander and Fred Ebb musical features such iconic tunes as “Willkommen,” “Don’t Tell Mama,” “Maybe This Time,” and “Cabaret.” View Comments Show Closed This production ended its run on March 29, 2015 Hani Furstenberg is coming to the Cabaret! She will make her Broadway debut on December 22 in the role of Fraulein Kost, replacing Gayle Rankin. Rankin will play her final performance in the Roundabout revival on December 21. The musical will play through March 29, 2015.
Star Files View Comments Laura Benanti
We’ve heard all about Linda and Sal, Laura Benanti’s parents. Now, here they are in all their Yuletide glory. Take a look as the funny lady (and her folks) star in their short film Santa Baby. It has everything you could ever want for Christmas: Laura Benanti singing Alanis Morissette, Laura Benanti in a red onesie and Laura Benanti eating noodles with butter. With her hands. Being home for the holidays is tough—even when you have a Tony Award. Happy Christmas to the Benantis, and to the Benantis a good night!
It may be perpetually wet and gross out, but we know a place where it’s dry, warm and the drinks keep flowing. Oh, and there’s always some serious talent on their stage. From swoon-worthy Broadway hunks to Tony-winning legends and from brand new acts to returning favorites, here are just some of the newly-announced sets ready to wow audiences at 54 Below. PATTI LUPONE “The Lady with the Torch” – 4/1-4, 6-11, 13-14 at 7PM LuPone has established herself as a true Broadway legend, but with her multi-year deal at 54 Below, she’s also the queen of the nightclub (remember Les Mouches?). Light a candle and join her for her signature mix of classic torch songs. GET TICKETS MAUREEN McGOVERN “Sing, My Sisters, Sing!” – 3/10 & 12-14 at 7PM Talk about girl power! The Broadway alum returns to 54 Below for a new show celebrating her upcoming album, which features numbers penned by iconic female singer/songwriters. Expects works by the likes of Annie Lennox, Janis Ian, Carole King and more. So yes, you could say it’s a Little Women star singing “Natural Woman.” GET TICKETS ROBIN DE JESUS “#TheStruggleIsReal” – 5/4 at 9:30PM Following “Crush to Crushed,” the two-time Tony nominee is back to tell us how all of those magical things about turning 30, including growing up and just becoming a better person, just, well, sucks. And while becoming a functioning adult human isn’t fun, singing about it is. The Wicked star promises an eclectic set list of Broadway hits, ‘90s pop and more. GET TICKETS EUAN MORTON “I ❤ The Carpenters” – 6/1 & 15 at 7PM, 6/8 at 9:30PM He may be known on stage for belting Boy George or crooning Sondheim, but for his second show at the midtown hotspot, he’s showing off some new takes on a familiar jazz duo. Morton will pay tribute to Karen and Richard Carpenter, the brother-and-sister group he credits as one that paved the way for his acclaimed career. GET TICKETS BEN VEREEN “Steppin’ Out” – 3/17-21 at 7PM The beloved song-and-dance man is back with more songs and stories than ever. The Tony winner reprises his 2012 one-man concert with old favorites and some new material. GET TICKETS LESLI MARGHERITA “All Hail the Queen” – 4/25 at 11:30PM & 4/26 at 9:30PM Bow down, bitches! The Olivier-winning Matilda star is back, and more regal than ever (take that, Dame Helen Mirren). In her hit cabaret, Margherita serves up a sultry Britney cover and more unexpected twists. GET TICKETS JEREMY JORDAN 6/22-24, 26-27, 29-7/3 at 7PM, 6/27 & 7/3 at 9:30PM Last year, the Broadway.com Audience Choice Award Winner wowed us with his solo show “Breaking Character.” Since then, he’s starred on screen opposite Anna Kendrick in The Last Five Years and on stage in Parade at Avery Fisher Hall. Here’s your chance to get intimate (ooooh) with the easy-to-swoon-over Tony nominee once again. GET TICKETS RETURNING ACTS The New York supper club also has some audience favorites returning to reprise their successful acts. Here are just a few: BROADWAY LOVES SAM SMITH With Jeremy Jordan, Ben Platt & More – 4/5 at 7 & 9:30PM Surely, we’re not the only ones who’ve been waiting for Jeremy Jordan & co. to lay us down with some Sam Smith lovin’. Get ready to stay with some of Broadway’s fiercest belters as they pay tribute to the recent four-time Grammy winner. Jordan and Platt will be joined by the likes of Carrie Manolakos, Zak Resnick and Natalie Weiss. GET TICKETS JAMES MONROE IGLEHART “How the Heck Did I Get Here?” – 5/4 at 7PM The toe-tapping, McDonald’s-hawking Tony winner makes his 54 Below this spring! The Aladdin charmer will share tales and a whole lot of tunes, ranging from R&B to Gospel to—of course—Broadway. He might even throw in some country, and if we can have anything to do with it, a certain song from The Lego Movie. GET TICKETS TONY YAZBECK “The Floor Above Me” – 3/16 & 23 at 7PM The On the Town star takes a break from charming the sailor whites off of audiences at the Lyric Theatre for his triumphant return to the 54 Below stage. Get ready for more Golden Age classics, and, of course, plenty of tapping. GET TICKETS View Comments
Related Shows Broadway alum Jason Dirden and more have been tapped to appear in Dominique Morisseau’s Skeleton Crew. Helmed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, the previously announced Atlantic Theater production will begin previews on January 6, 2016 and officially open on January 19. The limited engagement is scheduled to play off-Broadway though February 14 at Atlantic Stage 2.Along with Dirden (A Raisin in the Sun, Fences) as Dez, the production will star Wendell B. Franklin (Speak Truth to Power) as Reggie, Lynda Gravatt (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) as Faye and Nikiya Mathis (Milk Like Sugar) as Shanita. Adesola Osakalumi (Fela!) takes on double duty as performer and choreographer.In Morisseau’s third play in her Detroit trilogy, a makeshift family of workers at the last exporting auto plant in the city navigate the possibility of foreclosure. Power dynamics shift and they are pushed to the limits of survival. When the line between blue collar and white collar gets blurred, how far over the lines are they willing to step?The production will feature scenic design by Michael Carnahan, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Rui Rita, along with original music and sound design by Rob Kaplowitz. Skeleton Crew Show Closed This production ended its run on June 19, 2016 View Comments