One of UB's professors had his own lullaby on Broadway this spring.
Stephen Henderson, an associate professor in Department of Theatre and Dance, took this semester off from teaching to star in the Broadway production of "Drowning Crows."
Regina Taylor's "Drowning Crows," an adaptation of Chekhov's "The Seagull," ran from Feb. 19 to April 4 at the Biltmore Theater. Henderson starred as Sammy Bow opposite Academy Award-nominated Alfre Woodard, who made her Broadway debut in "Drowning Crows" as Josephina.
Henderson said he gets some of his best inspiration from the experience that comes with being a member of the cast.
"It's great to be a part," he said. "I have more success being in an ensemble."
And when it comes to choosing a role in order to be part of that ensemble, Henderson said he is open to anything.
"Sometimes you have to play the dark roles to reveal the light. It's honorable work," said Henderson of the play, which in Taylor's adaptation takes place on Gullah Island off the coast of South Carolina.
Henderson's "honorable work," however, is not limited to the stage.
Recently, Henderson was in a movie entitled "Everyday People," a portrayal of New York City and its boroughs, directed by Jim McKay.
"'Everyday People' is a look at American society in the workplace of the New York area," said Henderson.
"Everyday People," which will air on HBO June 26, will premiere at a New York City screening June 23.
"It depicts the interrelatedness of cultures in an urban setting and what happens when their jobs are taken," said Henderson. "The film is very special. It's a project that (HBO) took their time on."
For Henderson's students in the theater and dance department, having a teacher with experience and accomplishments is valuable.
"It's important you have a teacher that's been there," said Nicole Dalton, a freshman dance major. "They bring back what's up-to-date."
Another freshman dance major, Logan Amaro, said she feels teachers need to keep up to date with what brought them to the university to begin with.
"A teacher who hasn't performed can lose touch," said Amaro.
Henderson has been teaching in the theater department since 1987, but didn't start alternating teaching with his acting career until 2001. Now he only teaches in the fall semester.
In addition to playing roles on the stage and in films, Henderson has a recurring role as Judge Krammer on NBC's "Law and Order."
In 1992, Henderson directed a play about Muhammad Ali, whose opening night Ali personally attended in London.
Henderson received his B.F.A. from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He has also studied at the Julliard Drama Division and Purdue University.
This fall, Henderson will be teaching two courses for theater majors and one beginner's acting class, which is open to all students.
