AUDIENCES HAVE MUCH TO ENJOY AT THE MEDIA THEATRE THIS SUMMER WITH TRADITION AND CLASSICS

The summer months are the perfect time for The Media Theatre to focus on its youth programs and productions, as school is out and families seek entertainment after spending time in the pool or participating in a favorite activity. 

Audiences have much to enjoy at The Media Theatre now through August. 

The young actors and performers at Media Music Theatre Company will be involved in their favorite activity all summer long highlighting talents in Camp Media Theatre, Disney’s classic “Cinderella”, the legendary “Fiddler On The Roof”, and the annual singing competition “The Vocalist”. Several of them will also be featured in Roger Ricker’s annual concert, titled “UP!” Tickets are available for all performances.

It all begins with Camp Media Theatre, happening now through August 22. The day camp, with five two-week sessions annually, meets Monday through Friday each week from 9:30am to 3:30pm. The campers are separated into appropriate age groups as they have daily class rehearsals in vocal music, movement for the stage, and acting instruction. Each class is designed as rehearsal toward their special once-in-a-lifetime performance which takes place the final Friday of each camp during the early evening. Family and friends are able to see the great work taking place as it is performed on Delaware County’s only professional music theatre stage. The Camp is sponsored by Front Street Fountain of Media.

“Camp Media Theatre features what are truly ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ performances,” explained Artistic Director Jesse Cline. “We do not produce familiar scripts during the day camp. We allow the campers to create and write their own scene work, so no two camps are ever the same as the distinct personalities cannot be duplicated. We add Broadway songs and a bit of dance to create a music theatre piece that is unlike any other. It’s a revue-style show which truly represents the personality of each camper and each camp session.”

A young cast will bring the legendary Tony winning musical “Fiddler On The Roof” to life on Media’s stage as well. Featuring a few adult performers as well, “Fiddler” is steeped in “Tradition” which is one of its most well-known songs. It continues the tradition of a popular summer musical performed by youth at The Media Theatre while it reminds audiences of its moving and powerful story of Tevye, who has five daughters, attempting to maintain his familial and Jewish traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. The show is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary this year and, unlike many legendary musicals, has never lost its unique relationship with its audiences. Songs include “Sunrise, Sunset” and “If I Were A Rich Man”. The show is performed Friday nights, twice on Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons July 11 to August 10.

Another classic, Disney’s humorous and tune-filled version of “Cinderella” plays each weekend through August 17. With performances on Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon, the show offers another opportunity to see Media Music Theatre Company’s talented youth working with several professional adults on stage. For ages 4 and up, who are welcome to come dressed in their own “Cinderella” costume, the musical has audience participation and songs like “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Bibbidee-Bobbidee-Boo”. It’s based on Disney’s animated film from 1950 and is almost one hour in length.

The popular showcase for those seeking a career as a singer either in theatre or as a recording artist returns once again. “The Vocalist”, emceed by FOX-TV Philadelphia’s morning weather personality Sue Serio, delights audiences Wednesday nights for five weeks starting July 9. The vocalists, aged 14-24, choose their favorite songs and perform as they are judged by Artistic Director Cline and several special guests. Eliminations take place after the first three weeks until only one becomes “The Vocalist 2014”, receiving a cash prize, an appearance on “Good Day Philadelphia” and much recognition to enhance their career. The “Junior” version of the contest, in which ages 7-13 entertain audiences, takes place on Sunday nights for five weeks beginning July 13. Iron Workers Bank of Aston and Media sponsors the event.

As a summer celebratory wrap-up event and fundraiser for Media Music Theatre Company, Roger Ricker has his annual concert on Wednesday night August 13. This year’s title is “UP!” The show will feature upbeat numbers with positive messages, youth performers, and plenty of fun. Ricker has been seen in over 80 productions at The Media Theatre, with this being his ninth summer concert fundraising event.

For tickets to “Fiddler On The Roof”, “Disney’s Cinderella”, “The Vocalist”, or “Ricker & Friends: UP!”,visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. Camp Media Theatre is also still accepting registrations.