MEDIA THEATRE SUBSCRIBER PARTY HIGHLIGHTS TALENT, PATRONS, AND MORE

On Sunday June 14 at 3pm Media Theatre patrons and supporters mingled with the staff and talent from its stage. It was Media Music Theatre Company's 2015 Subscriber Party, which presented a re-cap of the past season and added a look toward the future with the upcoming 2015-16 Broadway Series season. The non-profit Company produces all Broadway Series, Children's Series, and Educational Programs at The Media Theatre.

Subscriber and Sponsor Gwendolyn Haines with Artistic Director Jesse Cline

Director of Development Marsha Peltz

Marsha Peltz, the company's Director of Development, presented a moving and memorable video presentation to start the afternoon's event. The video, created by her son Brandon, created the celebratory tone of the mini-gala. The screen was bright with mention of The Media Theatre's Broadway World wins and scenes from the past season's shows and youth programs. 

Artistic Director Jesse Cline spoke to the appreciation the theatre has for its patrons and supporters, also mentioning the new School and Dance Studio two blocks away from the theatre. "We cannot do this without you," he said. "You are what makes us successful and we are so very thankful."

Brandon Rannalli performs "Electricity" with resident music director Chris Ertelt

Board member Kate Jaffe 

Board Chair Perry Ecksel speaks to the invited guests

Board member Ree Dunphy

The Leones of West Chester

Brian Henry sings "Stars"

Featured singer Julia Seeley chats prior to her performance

Media Business Authority's Zubair Khan with assistant Jillian

Lauren Cupples performs from "Dogfight"

Actress Anna Rosenthal with her father Sam Rosenthal, a Board member. His wife Stacey Barish says hello to another Board member, K. Whitney Rogers

The invited guests were given a tour to see what most audiences never see--the dressing rooms, backstage area, and to actually walk up onto the enlarged stage's playing area. The tour was given by the theatre's Executive Director Patrick Ward and Development Associate Kim Bosshardt. Robert Towarnicki, Technical Director, provided insight as to the lighting and sound.

A terrifically talented group of five individual vocalists provided exquisite entertainment. Brandon Rannalli, of Media, performed a solid rendition of "Electricity" from the upcoming Billy Elliot: The Musical. The show is based on the hit film about the boy who has dreams of becoming a ballet dancer amidst a tumultuous time in a mining town. The Elton John score captures the innocence of the young Billy Elliot as well as the poignant relationship between he and his father, who wants him to be a boxer. It will be directed by Geoffrey Goldberg.

12 year old JD Triolo sings

Owen Mannion, a young actor in "The Who's Tommy" and also box office staff member

Lauren Cupples, who is frequently seen on The Media Theatre stage, performed a song from Dogfight which is another new musical coming up in the 2015-16 Broadway Series. The musical is all about three marines in the '60's who, on the eve of their deployment, try to find the 'homeliest' young lady to fall in love with one of them, placing bets on who will win. The tradition among the marines backfires when one young lady turns the tides. Artistic Director Jesse Cline directs the production.

Other shows coming up in 2015-16 are the Cline directed Gypsy and To Kill A Mockingbird, and 1776 which is directed by Jennie Eisenhower.

Young actors JD Triolo and Julia Seeley each performed at the event, with pristine vocals which created massive applause throughout the afternoon's crowd. Brian Henry closed the set, reminding everyone of the power of Les Miserables with his performance of "Stars". 

Janet Ecksel with her special guests

Lauren Cupples assists Brian Henry before he performs

Kimberly Bosshardt

Artistic Director Jesse Cline

And the Stars will keep shining on The Media Theatre stage, with Tony nominee appearing as Mama Rose this fall in "Gypsy" (Sept. 23-Nov. 1).

For information about becoming a subscriber or to find out more about upcoming events, visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. We'd love to see you at the Subscriber Party in 2016!