BTE Opens Season with World Premiere of "Stove Toucher" Nov. 26

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE), the professional Equity company in residence at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC), opens its 2021-2022 season with the world premiere of “Stove Toucher,” written and performed by BTE Ensemble Member Kurt Naebig and directed by BTE Managing Artistic Director Connie Canaday Howard. Naebig’s autobiographical work poses the question, “What happens when you achieve the high-rolling lifestyle you always dreamed of…at 13 years old?” The show opens 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 26. Performances run through Dec. 19.

“Stove Toucher” is an extraordinary and funny coming-of-age story set in Cicero during the 1970s skateboard boom about a shy kid who falls in love with skateboarding, opens a wildly successful skateboard shop, is dubbed “the teenage tycoon” by Charlie Rose, and becomes a national story - all before the age of 13. A little bit “Doogie Howser,” a little bit “Basketball Diaries,” “Stove Toucher” is a high-adrenaline, hilarious, heartfelt story about tough love and determination, pushing the edge, and the universal experience of ignoring sound advice - And the truth that sometimes we need to learn the hardest lessons for ourselves.

“‘Stove Toucher’ is the first play I’ve ever written and it all started when I related a comical anecdote to an acquaintance about getting back on a skateboard in middle age,” says Naebig. “Now eight months later, thanks to the incredible encouragement and support from friends who guided me through the process and provided important feedback along the way, I look forward to performing this before a live theater audience. My hope is that ‘Stove Toucher’ will make you laugh, gasp and maybe even tear up, but ultimately, walk away with the encouragement to embrace who you are and, if life has knocked you down, think about getting back on that horse (or skateboard) again.”

“I’ve known Kurt for nearly 32 years and I value the opportunity both as a Managing Artistic Director of BTE and Kurt’s friend to work as director on this play,” says Canaday Howard. “BTE has always sought to ‘give stories life.’ For this season we are especially interested in presenting plays that provide heartwarming looks, sometimes touching and sometimes hysterical, at people on the brink of great change and ‘Stove Toucher’ fits this perfectly.”

Naebig (Playwright/Performer) has worked professionally in theater, film, television and radio for more than 30 years, and has been teaching and coaching actors since 1992. A Juilliard graduate, he has also studied at the Moscow School of the Arts in Russia. Naebig's acting credits include Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Portland Stage, Milwaukee's Pabst Theatre, National Jewish Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. He also appeared in such films as “Public Enemies,” “The Express,” “Witless Protection,” “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer,” “The Relic,” “Dillinger,” “Howard Beach: Making the Case for Murder” and has been in seen in the television shows, “Fargo,” “A League of Their Own,” “Empire,” “APB,” “Sense8,” “Chicago Code,” “Detroit 1-8-7” and multiple episodes of “Chicago PD,” “Chicago Fire,” “ER” and “Prison Break.” Naebig recently directed another season of “VC – The Webseries.” His BTE directing credits include “Defiance,” “The 39 Steps,” “Don't Dress For Dinner,” “The Drawer Boy,” “Trumbo: Red White and Blacklisted” and “Leading Ladies.” Naebig will also be directing BTE’s upcoming production of Mat Smart’s “Naperville” (Jan. 27 – Feb. 27, 2022).

BTE presents “Stove Toucher” written and performed by Kurt Naebig, directed by Connie Canaday Howard, Nov. 26 – Dec. 19. Press opening is Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $42. Tickets and additional information is available at AtTheMAC.org or calling 630.942.4000.

Please note: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble values the safety and health of the audience, staff and artists, and are practicing safety guidelines set forth by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Illinois and the League of Chicago Theatres. Policies include: Proof of vaccination and masks that cover both the nose and mouth are required for everyone. For more information visit AtTheMAC.org.