PROFESSIONAL ACTORS HEADLINE 'THE WHO'S TOMMY' SUMMER MUSICAL AT MEDIA THEATRE

The Media Theatre's Broadway Series starts up again in September, but until then several professional actors who have appeared on its stage will headline the classic rock and roll musical "The Who's Tommy" in July and August.

Pete Townshend's Tony winning musical about the deaf, blind, and mute boy who becomes a famous Pinball Wizard will not only highlight a dozen talented teen performers, it will put the spotlight on several of the area's professional actors who will bring their years of experience to the stage.

Garrison Carpenter, who will play the role of Tommy

Garrison Carpenter, recently seen in The Media Theatre's popular "Ghost: The Musical", will add his pop tenor to the role of Tommy. Carpenter recieved his masters degree in opera performance from Florida State University. Recent roles include Tony in West Side Story and Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.  

Adam Hoyak is Captain Walker in July and August

Adam Hoyak, who worked alongside Andrea McArdle in the critically acclaimed "Hello Dolly", will play the role of Captain Walker. A Georgia native, Adam has worked regionally with The Eagle Theatre, 11^th Hour Theatre Company, and  Bristol Riverside Theatre, among others. Recent credits: New Rochelle Ensemble in Ragtime (Bristol Riverside)  Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can and Gabe in  Next to Normal (The Eagle Theatre), Eddie Birdlace in Dogfight and Matthew in Altar Boyz (11^th Hour), and Terpsicore in Xanadu (Mazeppa). He holds a BFA from the University of the Arts.  

"These special guest actors will not only add a dimension of professionalism to the production, they will set quite an example for the young aspiring actors in the show," said Artistic Director Jesse Cline. "It's entertainment for the audience as well as a unique educational opportunity for the youth cast who truly have a passion for music theatre."

Roger Ricker, a Media Theatre veteran who has appeared in over 85 productions including "Annie", "Jesus Christ Superstar", and "Hairspray" will portray Uncle Ernie. He is currently the evil Jafar in "Aladdin Jr.".

The Ensemble will feature adult performers Tim Haney, Terry Stein, and Denzel Thomas, all who are also appearing in "Aladdin Jr." this summer.

The youth cast will be announced June 15, made up of ages 11 to 18. They will portray all other roles in "The Who's Tommy", which will have a live orchestra conducted by resident music director Christopher Ertelt.

For tickets to "The Who's Tommy", which runs Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm July 10 to August 9, call 610-891-0100. Tickets will be available online soon. Be sure to call for the best seats available.