Sitcom writer, NBC’s ‘The Voice’ singer to visit Opera House
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SUNY Fredonia graduate Lucas West will be returning to Fredonia on Aug. 28. He is pictured performing with John Legend on NBC's The Voice, which he placed third.
Producer Mark Brazill will be at the Fredonia Opera House Aug. 1, where he will discuss "That '70s Show," which he based on Dunkirk, NY.
The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is excited to announce two blockbuster summer events.
"Dunkirk, NY Point Place, WI: A Conversation with That '70s Show Co-Creator, Producer, Writer (and Dunkirk Native) Mark Brazill" will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1 and "An Evening with The Voice's Lucas West" will be held on Friday, Aug. 28. Both events are at 7:30 p.m.
MARK BRAZILL
One of the most popular television sitcoms of the late '90s and early 2000s was "That '70s Show." It ran for eight seasons from 1998 to 2006, and was nominated for 16 Primetime Emmy Awards. The series focuses on the lives of a group of six teenage friends living in the 1970s in the fictional town of Point Place, WI.
But what many may not know is that Point Place was a setting that served as a stand-in for Dunkirk, NY! Written and created by Dunkirk native Mark Brazill, the show was based on and inspired by actual people, places and events in Brazill's life growing up in Dunkirk.
This special evening exploring Dunkirk's influence on the show will feature show clips, trivia, guest appearances, and the story of how Brazill developed his concept for a show that ultimately became one of America's most watched series. Comedian Ritch Shydner will host and interview Brazill. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the evening, as well.
Brazill started his career doing stand-up comedy, and headlined clubs across America. He was a regular at The Improv and The Comedy Store. After opening for Dennis Miller, he was recruited to write for The Dennis Miller Show. That began a comedy writing career that eventually led to the creation of "That 70's Show." Brazill also has been credited with writing for and producing "3rd Rock from the Sun," and writing for "In Living Color." Additionally, he co-created and wrote many episodes of "Mr. Rhodes."
LUCAS WEST
Rochester-based vocalist, instrumentalist, and songwriter Lucas West is thought by many to be a strong force of the next generation of popular music. The 21-year-old makes it his mission to pull from a variety of genres including rock, pop, jazz, soul, and R&B, and bring it back to the mainstream.
West placed third on Season 29 of The Voice: Battle of Champions, and was John Legend's finalist. He has performed in front of the likes of Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.
West also is known throughout Rochester, Buffalo, and New York State for his powerful rendition of the national anthem, which he has performed at two Buffalo Bills home games.
He is a 2026 graduate of SUNY Fredonia's School of Music with a BA in music and concentration in Jazz Studies. His journey on The Voice began in Fredonia's Mason Hall, where he recorded and submitted an audition video that ultimately led to his selection for the show. During the competition, he worked closely with celebrity coaches Legend, Levine, and Clarkson, gaining insight into the professional music industry.
General Admission tickets to both shows are on sale now. They can be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, 12-4:30 p.m. They can be purchased online anytime at www.fredopera.org.
The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to "present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region ... providing access to artistic diversity ... and high-quality programming at an affordable price." It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.