Buffalo's struggling Studio Arena Theatre is gaining an unexpected supporter, Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman. The Australian-born actress was filming scene for a new movie in London when she made some remarks about the importance of saving regional theaters like Studio Arena.

The theater filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in June. Since then, theater officials have been working hard to raise money and awareness about the theater's plight. Tonight they say their efforts are starting to pay off.

The curtain went down last season after Studio Arena racked up nearly $3 million in debts. The future was, and still is, uncertain for the regionally famous theater. But with a few well-placed words, one actress is putting Studio Arena back in the spotlight. "To have Nicole Kidman, who has never appeared on our stage, take up our cause was just amazing and gratifying. We're so happy," said Studio Arena's Aristic Director, Kathleen Gaffney.

Speaking to reporters on the set of her latest film, the London Mirror writes that Kidman said, "I can't imagine Chicago without the Goodman and I couldn't imagine Houston without the Alley. And to let this theater of similar status in Buffalo fall to the wayside would be a crime. Six people need to step forward with checks for $50,000 and the problem is halfway done. It is such a tiny amount, really."

"This is someone who really has stature and has a tremendous amount of respect around the world as an actress who is saying that theater should be saved," said Audre Bunis, a member of the Theater's Board of Trustees. She has no idea how Kidman found out about the Buffalo theater but thinks her phone calls to actors who have performed at Studio Arena in the past may have had something to do with it. "Is it a coincidence? I spoke to Kelsey Grammar on Wednesday," said Bunis.

Now the theater is hoping that the publicity from this will build some donation momentum. "We need a multiplier effect to get in front of all of the people who have ever worked here and get them working on our behalf and talking about Studio Arena," said Gaffney.

In her remarks, Kidman had suggested that some of the affluent New York City theater patrons might step forward to pass the hat and that the "upper crust" of Buffalo should take a "hard look" at what they could be losing. Gaffney hopes heads will turn now that the Oscar-winner has offered her support. "This is just the boost we need."

Studio Arena officials hope that Nicole Kidman will donate something for the celebrity auction they will hold this fall or perhaps perform on stage. 7 News spoke to Kidman's publicist today and she said Nicole is currently in Australia and couldn't be reached for comment so the publicist had no idea how Kidman heard about Studio Arena's plight.

Studio Arena is accepting donations for next season. For more information, you can go to their website: