A Splendiferous Future: Building a More Inclusive Buffalo Stage

The curtains have recently closed on Theatre of Youth’s (TOY) production of Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas, The Musical, but the impact of the show is still vibrating through the Buffalo community. While the glitter and tiaras of the “splendiferous” Christmas story delighted audiences, the real magic happened in the intentionality of its casting and direction-proving that 21st-century theater for young audiences is finally starting to look like the world we live in.

A World That Reflects Our Neighborhoods

For Director Alexandria Watts, bringing Fancy Nancy to life wasn’t just about the holiday spirit; it was about representation. Watts, a director, actor, and teaching artist, is clear about her mission: the stage should be a “melting pot.”

“I’ve always wanted people who look like me to be seen on stage,” Watts shared. “I want children to see a blended family, because that’s what life is. I work with many children who have never seen live theater, so to see a director or an actor who looks like them isn’t always the norm. I want to make it the norm.”

Watts approached the production with the philosophy that “theater is for everyone,” casting the show with a focus on character truth rather than traditional racial tropes. The result was what cast member Jetaun Louie, (who you saw play Shug in Ujima Theater’s production of Color Purple) called a “mixed 21st-century version of Little House on the Prairie,” where the family on stage reflected the beautiful diversity of Buffalo’s own streets.

From the Classroom to the Spotlight: Amaya Sonubi

The production was anchored by Buffalo native Amaya Sonubi, a senior at the University at Buffalo. For Sonubi, playing the lead role of Nancy was a full-circle moment. In 2012, as a student at Olmsted 64, she attended her very first professional play, Pinkalicious, right there at the Allendale Theatre.

“On a school field trip, I loved it so much,” Sonubi recalled. “In 6th grade, I started doing theater in school.”

Now a Music Theater major with a minor in Criminology, Sonubi sees theater as more than just entertainment-she sees it as a tool for social change. “I feel the criminal justice system and theater can collaborate to help take people off the streets… helping promote more productive activities.”

Breaking the Mold: Jetaun Louie

Theatre artist Jetaun Louie -who recently performed at the Kennedy Center-brought a unique depth to the production. Often cast in “sexy” or stereotypical roles, Louie found a refreshing challenge in playing dual characters Miss Devine and Grandpa.

“I have enjoyed not playing a stereotypical Black person,” Louie said. “I liked being cast because I was talented enough for the project… everyone can see themselves in any character, and I think that’s what theater is all about.”

Louie noted the special energy of performing for children, who often wear their hearts on their sleeves. “It’s cool to see the kids’ faces. Usually, they can’t keep their emotions to themselves-you can hear it happening.”

As I sat in the audience children reacted with joyful glee laughing and enjoying Jetaun giving them a memorable Grandpa character comedy performance! The strong vocals of the incredibly beautiful actress Tamiyah Love, as Mrs Clancy, (last seen in MusicalFare’s Newsies and Ujima’s Godspell) further realized this visually diverse performance of family.

The Power of the “School Day”

For many children in Buffalo, a TOY field trip is their first exposure to the arts. Research from Theatre for Young Audiences USA notes that while parents often introduce children to theater between ages 1 and 4, school programs are vital for accessibility, particularly for students in low-income areas.

Seeing rows of young girls in “glitter shoes, sequin tops, and tiaras” isn’t just a cute sight; it’s a sign of connection. When these children see a Black Nancy or a diverse family unit, the “suspension of disbelief” isn’t necessary-they are seeing their own reality honored as something worth celebrating.

A Growing Future

As the Buffalo theater arts scene moves forward, Alexandria Watts insists there is no room for a “scarcity mindset.

“I never had a Black woman teacher.” and as a theater teacher and practitioner, Alexandria represents an important figure for her students to connect within their lives. “It’s so important to let people know and see that we are here, we exist, and we have something to say.”

The message from this production is clear for the next generation of Buffalo artists: if you are dreaming of the stage, just jump in. The water is fine, the community is building, and the future of Buffalo theater is looking more “splendiferous” than ever.

Contact: Theaterofyouth.org or call 716–884–4400 for more information about upcoming shows and children’s theater workshops.

“What was the first play you ever saw as a child here in Buffalo?

Whether it was a school field trip to the Allendale Theatre or a local church production, we want to hear your favorite early theater memories! Tell us in the comments what show made you fall in love with the arts.”

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

At the Challenger Community News, we believe the arts are the heartbeat of our community. Did you or your family attend the production of Fancy Nancy at Theatre of Youth? How do you feel about the push for more diverse representation in Buffalo’s local theaters?

Share your thoughts, memories, or words of encouragement for our local artists like Amaya, Jetaun, Tamiyah, and Alexandria. Your letter could be featured in a future edition!

How to submit:

Email: ChallengerArtsEditor@gmail.com Subject Line: “Children’s Theater in Buffalo”

Originally published at https://www.buffchallnews.com on December 26, 2025.