ROGER RICKER AND FRIENDS CONCERT IS AUGUST 13...THE FUN-RAISER IS 'UP!'

August 13 at 7:30pm is the night for Roger Ricker’s annual summer concert at The Media Theatre. A fundraising event for Media Music Theatre Company which produces the Broadway Series, Children’s Series, and all educational programming at the venue, this year’s concert is titled “Roger Ricker & Friends In Concert: UP!”

“UP!” will feature several of the theatre’s youth performing along with Ricker plus several special guest adults in the party-style cabaret. Ricker will perform classic pop and Broadway songs including “Xanadu”, “More Than I Can Say”, “Upside Down” and more. 

Here's youtube video from last summer's Ricker concert:

WATCH RICKER SING 'STAND BY ME'

“The theme is ‘focus on the future’”, Ricker said. “All eyes are looking “UP!” to a great 2014-15 season here, and a continued focus on our acting classes and New School. It’s a celebration we enjoy having toward the end of each summer. It’s rehearsed, but also it’s time to just let loose and have some fun so you never know what may happen. We invite audiences to join our party.”

The youth performers, all a part of the theatre's educational programs through classes, camps, New School, or summer singing competition, include Rhiannon Charney, Lexi Gwynn, Brianna and Jolie Jaffe, Owen Mannion, Gianni Palmarini, Anna Rosenthal, and Molly Sorensen.

Ricker has been with the theatre since it opened its doors in 1994 as a professional music theatre. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Artistic Director Jesse Cline and Executive Director Patrick Ward since that time,” he said. “Changes have taken place over the years, with the core mission remaining intact—to highlight music theatre through performance and education, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural impact to the youth and offering opportunities for all ages.”

He has appeared this summer as the Wicked Stepmother in Disney's "Cinderella", the Rabbi in "Fiddler On The Roof", and performed The National Anthem at Media's 2014 Five-Mile Race. He's been in over 85 productions at The Media Theatre since 1994. 

The show August 13 will feature several surprises, with a focus on 'providing an important message through some humor and songs made famous by Leo Sayer, Diana Ross, and others' Ricker said.

The State Street Miracles will make their annual appearance. The Miracles are the theatre’s performance troupe of adults with developmental disabilities. They are heading into their seventh year as a group and provide much inspiration as ambassadors for Media Music Theatre Company. “If you have not seen them perform live on stage you will have the opportunity on August 13,” Ricker said. “They bring the house down!”

For tickets to “UP!” on August 13, call 610-891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org. Hot dogs and popcorn will be sold in the lobby during the event. The concession stand and bar will be open as well. 

IRON WORKERS BANK SPONSORS MEDIA THEATRE'S 'VOCALIST' CONTEST

Iron Workers Bank sponsors The Media Theatre's "Vocalist" contest again this summer, working with the professional music theatre company to highlight aspiring young singers in the annual event. 

Iron Workers Bank President John Whitig with The Media Theatre's Director of Development Austin Connors

John Whitig, the President of Iron Workers Bank, said, "We enjoy being able to support these young singers each summer. It's our privilege to assist The Media Theatre with this important part of its educational and entertainment programming."

Iron Workers Bank has been the title sponsor for the singing contest, previously titled "Delco Idol", for the past 6 years. 

Young singers are preparing to wow audiences this summer at The Media Theatre with Broadway songs, pop hits, country classics, and youth favorites. They’re the 2014 “Vocalist” and “Vocalist Junior” contestants, culled from recent auditions held by Media Music Theatre Company, which produces the event each summer. 

"The Vocalist" begins Wednesday night July 9 at 7pm, continuing for five weeks until a winner is announced live onstage. The event, emceed by FOX-TV's "Good Day Philadelphia" personality Sue Serio, is an entertaining weekly concert as well as a competition. The "Junior" version of the "Vocalist" starts up Sunday night July 13, also continuing for five weeks, and is emceed by Bill Vargus.

The public may purchase tickets or vote online for their favorite contestant at mediatheatre.org. Call 610-891-0100 for information.

Iron Workers Bank has locations in Aston, Chadds Ford, and Media. Visit www.iwsb.com to learn more. 

NEW! INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE CLASS FOR AGES 4, 5 & 6

This fall, a new INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE CLASS will become a part of the educational opportunities available at The Media Theatre. This venture into the first steps of becoming an actor will be designed for ages 4, 5, and 6.

Beginning Tuesday September 9 at 3pm, the INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE CLASS will meet weekly for 10 weeks. The one hour sessions are designed as a fun first look at what it takes to be on stage and will include lessons on following instruction, learning simple stage directions, and acting out roles relevant to the young age group.

Suited perfectly for ages 4, 5, and 6, we will tell a story each week and then 'Act It Out'. The story may be different each time we meet, plus instill within the very young that being themselves is very important.  The children will, for example, 'be their favorite zoo animal', 'walk in the rain or snow', 'be Cinderella or Prince Charming' and 'create rainbows' as we learn that working together is also important for proper stage craft. 

Following instructions will be one of the main focus points as we venture into creating with 'unique personality'. Developing and focusing on each student's personality is a vital ingredient of the class, as this will assist each child during this important growth process with whatever it is they are doing on the stage or off. 

There will be no actual 'scenes' developed but working together will be a large part of the class. Participants will, for example, be asked to do simple stage activities such as 'jumping rope' or 'search for your favorite stuffed animal'. As they perform these roles, they'll be reminded consistently that each of them has their own way of doing these activities and that they do not need to imitate how the person next to them does the exact same activity. It will instill in them that being yourself is the most important step of all.

Registrations are now being accepted for the INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE CLASS at The Media Theatre. You may visit www.mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. Media Music Theatre Company produces all youth programs at The Media Theatre. 

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF CAST ANNOUNCED--Celebrate the Musical's 50th Anniversary This Summer!

A young cast, appearing on stage with several well known local adult actors, will bring the legendary Tony winning musical “Fiddler On The Roof” to life on The Media Theatre stage July 11-August 10. 

Produced by Media Music Theatre Company, “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. He's got has five daughters, which is a lot to deal with as they become more mature. He's also attempting to maintain his familial and Jewish traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. The show reaches all ages with its heartfelt story and universal message of hope and endurance amidst turmoil and changing times.

"Fiddler" is celebrating its 50th 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.

The youth cast will work with professional adults to bring the story to life. Susan Wefel, a popular local actress, will portray the pivotal role of Golde, Tevye's wife. She's joined on stage by Tim Haney, one of Media Theatre's camp instructors, in the role of Tevye. 

Haney will share the role of Tevye with young student Jacob Bowman, who appeared in Media's summer production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" two summers ago as Pilate. Haney and Bowman will also share the role of Lazar Wolf this summer in "Fiddler On The Roof".

Roger Ricker, a veteran of over 80 productions at Media, will play the role of The Rabbi, with Temple University student Patrick Murray as his son Mendel.

The adults will work alongside the youth cast, with the entire production being directed by Jesse Cline. "Working with professional adults gives this entire youth project musical a solid educational atmosphere," Cline explained. "It's also fun for audiences. What better way to celebrate a show's 50th anniversary than to combine ages in creating a unique interpretation of a legendary musical?"

The "Fiddler On The Roof" cast:

(* means role is Double Cast. When not playing role listed, actor is in ensemble)

Note: All roles except Tevye, Golde, Yente, Lazar Wolf may also be in the ensemble.

TEVYE*….TIM HANEY/ JACOB BOWMAN

GOLDE…SUSAN WEFEL

YENTE…MADISON YANNATELLI

LAZAR WOLF*….JACOB BOWMAN/ TIM HANEY

TZEITEL*….ALYSSA RIVERA/ MARIAH SELTZER

MOTEL….OWEN MANNION

PERCHIK*….MARCO NEWSOME/ GIANNI PALMARINI

HODEL*….HANNA MURPHY/ EMILY KINKA

CHAVA…BRIANNA JAFFE

FYEDKA…EVAN VANDENBRUL

SPRINTZE*…KATHERYN COOPER/ RACHAEL MCVEY

BIELKE…JOLIE JAFFE

CONSTABLE…TED HARRIS

RABBI….ROGER RICKER

MENDEL…PATRICK MURRAY

MORDCHA…COREY KATONA

AVRAM…BEN PEDERSEN

GRANDMA TZEITEL…MIRANDA LIEBERMAN

FRUMA SARA…AMBER DUNCAN

NAHUM…JACK CELUCCI

YUSSEL…SUNNY TAGHAVI

SHAINDEL…JILLIAN DONOHUE

SASHA….GIANNI PALMARINI/ MARCO NEWSOME

THE FIDDLER…ROYA WOLCOTT

VILLAGERS: 

MARNIE CLARK, SHANA DIETZ, Plus all other members of the cast when not playing role listed above

UNDERSTUDIES: (Those who prepare a role in the event of having to go on)

GOLDE…AMBER DUNCAN

MOTEL…PATRICK MURRAY

CONSTABLE…PATRICK MURRAY

YENTE…MIRANDA LIEBERMAN

FRUMA SARA…JILLIAN DONAHUE

CHAVA…KATHERYN COOPER

SPRINTZE..MARNIE CLARK

BIELKE….SHANA DIETZ

AVRAM/ NAHUM/ YUSSEL…COREY KATONA

Tickets are now on sale for "Fiddler On The Roof", which has performances Fridays at 7pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm; and Sundays at 3pm July 11 to August 10. Call 610-891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org

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. 

ANOTHER MEDIA THEATRE STUDENT HITS THE BIG TIME WITH NEW SPIELBERG SERIES

The past 12 months have been a banner year for students of The Media Theatre's New School and acting classes. One student appeared in a Broadway show while her brother toured the East Coast in a National Tour, while at the same time another had a supporting role in a Walnut Street Theatre production. Still another was the reason for a successful run of "13" to transfer from Wilmington, DE, to The Media Theatre recently. And that's only four of them!

Now, Andrew Moretti, a Media Theatre New School student who started out in its children's acting classes hits the big time in a new TNT television series airing this fall. He's working with Oscar winner Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List), who produces the drama series, and Sundance Film Festival award winning actor/ writer/ director Ed Burns (The Brothers McMullen). 

Andrew Moretti at his trailer during filming of TNT's "Public Morals"

Moretti, 13, is playing the role of Conner on TNT's new show "Public Morals". It's written by and starring Ed Burns with Steven Spielberg as the Executive Producer. The series is about policemen in the '60's in NYC focusing on the fine moral line that is drawn and which side a person chooses to be on. Moretti portrays the leading man's son's best friend and is set to film 10 episodes.

"This is another fine example of the type of talent we have here at The Media Theatre," said Artistic Director Jesse Cline. "Andrew Moretti exemplifies the best in a young actor. He is focused, he works hard, and we could not be happier for him."

A Delaware County resident, Moretti appeared as The Cowardly Lion this past fall in Media's production of "The Wizard of OZ". He has also been seen in several other youth series productions including "Willy Wonka" and "Sleeping Beauty". His Broadway Series productions at The Media Theatre include "Oklahoma!" and "Annie".

To be a part of the youth programs at The Media Theatre, including its New School which is a conservatory-style music theatre education program for ages 8 and up, visit www.mediatheatre.org. Registrations are now being accepted for Camp Media Theatre as well and the Fall Acting Classes. Call 610-891-0100 for information. 

PHOTOS FROM DISNEY'S 'CINDERELLA' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE!

Summer is a great time to revisit a Disney classic and this time it's "Cinderella", based on the classic animated film from 1950. One of the most popular animated renditions of a legendary fairy tale, it's onstage with a youthful cast (mostly) Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon now through mid-August.

Cinderella wants to go The Ball to meet the handsome Prince, but is stuck doing chores for her Wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters. Will the Mice be able to get her ready to go? When a Fairy Godmother steps in, all seems like it will end happily ever after...but will it?

This musical is perfect for ages 4 and up, with humor for all ages and songs like "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" and "Bibbidee Bobbidee Boo". The show also has time for audience participation in which youngsters have the chance to dance at The Ball!

Check out the photos and get tickets at www.mediatheatre.org or 610-891-0100. There are group rates and also "Slipper" Parties available for groups (Slipper Parties include show tickets, pizza, punch, cupcakes, and more!) Individual tickets are also available for each performance.

Cinderella (Emily Kinka) with The Mice: Jaq (Carter Weiss), Luke (Alex Pollard), Perla (Alexsa McKeown), and Gus Gus (Sean O' Neill)

The Prince (Owen Mannion) and Cinderella (Emily Kinka)

The Wicked Stepmother (Roger Ricker)

The Wicked Stepsisters (Danielle Lachall and Amber Duncan) with Cinderella (Emily Kinka) and Cat (Lily Sfida)

TICKETS are available at 610-891-0100 or www.mediatheatre.org. DISNEY'S CINDERELLA is approximately 50 minutes in length. 

DISNEY'S 'CINDERELLA' IS AT THE MEDIA THEATRE WEEKENDS THIS SUMMER

Disney and fairy tales have become synonymous over the decades due to the animated cinematic treatments given to classics such as “Cinderella”. Disney’s “Cinderella” may be seen live onstage at The Media Theatre weekends in June, July, and August beginning June 7.

Released by Walt Disney Studios in 1950, the film is one of their most successful adaptations. The story of “Cinderella” has always been one that many relate to, so when Disney added its brand of humor and song to tell the tale of the young lady who dreams of meeting a handsome Prince the legendary story took on new life. Ever since, when “Cinderella” is mentioned it is Disney’s version that first comes to mind.

The Media Theatre has Disney’s “Cinderella” on stage Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon. It’s referred to as the “KIDS” version due to its shortened length and a cast which features young actors in many roles. The stage adaptation includes the beloved songs such as “Bibbidee Bobbidee Boo” and “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” and is approximately one hour in length.

Emily Kinka, a West Chester resident and Media Theatre New School student, plays Cinderella. She was previously seen on Media Theatre’s stage in “Rumpelstiltskin” and “The Wizard of Oz” and just finished playing Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s version at her school, St. Maximillian Kolbe.   She is an 8^th grade student there where she serves as student council Vice President, plays soccer and is involved in track. The young actress is also a two-time finalist in Sea Isle City’s Got Talent and has performed at the World Café Live, The Note and Sigma Sound. 
On certain dates, the role of Cinderella is played by cast member Madilyn Gibbs

Humor plays a large part in this version, with plenty of opportunities for young audiences to laugh and have fun while feeling sympathy for Cinderella’s predicament. There are, of course, those silly stepsisters and the cute mice as well as audience participation when Cinderella dances at The Ball!

Adding to the humor of the show, the Wicked Stepmother is played by Roger Ricker, a veteran of over 85 productions at The Media Theatre. He was seen most recently as Otto, the world’s oldest living tree, in “Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark”. The stepsisters are played by Danielle Lachall and Amber Duncan.

The Prince is double cast, with two Media Theatre students sharing the role: Owen Mannion and Gianni Palmarini. Both have been involved at the theatre for seven years, appearing in several youth series productions, teen camp musicals, and Broadway Series shows. The two started out in acting classes and Camp Media Theatre and have been friends since sharing their experiences at The Media Theatre. Mannion was last seen in the critically acclaimed production of “Diary of Anne Frank” with Palmarini recently playing the lead in “13, The Musical”.

Two adult performers, seen regularly in the youth series, are Shiron Denise as The Fairy Godmother and Tim Haney as The King. Students Josh Atkinson, Holly Deluca, Madelyn Gibbs, and Lauren Poltrock play the Grand Duke, Duchess, and the Heralds.

Disney’s live stage adaptation features Narrators who assist in moving the fast-paced musical along. In Media’s production, they are Scott Bradbury, Katheryn Cooper, Veronica Garrubbo, Rachel McCabe, and Rachael McVey.

The very important mice, who are friends to Cinderella, are played by Alexsa McKeown, Sean O’ Neill, Alex Pollard, and Carter Weiss. Hannah Brady and Lily Sfida share the role of The Cat.

The ensemble, who portray various Town Criers and mice in the show, are Aidan Crane, Caileigh Crane, Samuel Cooper, Bridget Henry, and Grace Tooze.

The Media Theatre is also offering, for groups of 12 or more, Slipper Parties following the show. The Parties include a ticket to the show, pizza, punch, cupcakes, and gift bags. They take place in the theatre’s second level Crystal Room, where the party-goers get to meet the cast for photos and autographs.

For tickets to Disney’s “Cinderella” at The Media Theatre call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. All Broadway Series and Youth Series productions are produced by Media Music Theatre Company.

MORE PICS FROM MEDIA THEATRE'S 'SUNSET BOULEVARD'

The Media Theatre's Philadelphia regional professional premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony winning musical "Sunset Boulevard", based on the legendary 1950 film, is on stage through May 18. Take a look at the photos below to see what is causing audiences to give the show standing ovations. Photos by Mark Jordan. 

Directed by Jesse Cline, the production features Broadway's Ann Crumb as silent screen star Norma Desmond who is hoping for a return to the big screen. Sean Thompson plays the role of Joe Gillis, the young screenwriter who Norma believes is her conduit to a return to glory.

Ann Crumb as Norma Desmond

Ann Crumb with Sean Thompson as Joe 

Sean Thompson

Ann Crumb with Sean Thompson 

To see Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Sunset Boulevard" in its Philly premiere at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

MEDIA THEATRE'S CLINE AND WARD RECEIVE AWARD FROM VETERAN'S MUSEUM

Jesse Cline and Patrick Ward, the Artistic Director and Executive Director of The Media Theatre, received a special acknowledgement during Veteran’s Night for the current production of “Sunset Boulevard”. 

The Outstanding Partnership Award was presented to them by Ed Buffman of The Pennsylvania Veterans Museum, honoring their 12 years of working together with Veteran’s Night presentations at the theatre during which veterans receive a special reception and are recognized for their great service to the country.

Pictured: Media Theatre Artistic Director Jesse Cline and Executive Director Patrick Ward receive a special honor from the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum from Museum Co-Chair Ed Buffman

In accepting the special plaque which will be placed in the theatre’s lobby, Patrick Ward said, “Actually it is we who feel honored to have a partnership with the veterans. Your presence here is a special thing which we look forward to.”

At each Veteran’s Night one combat veteran is placed in the spotlight for his or her service prior to the evening’s musical production. The tradition has been taking place for the past 12 years several times per year during The Media Theatre’s Broadway Series.

 “During our production of “South Pacific” in 2001 it was Patrick and I who had an idea for a special museum in our Crystal Room upstairs which would salute the veterans,” Cline said. “That was the beginning of what is now the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum down the street here in Media. In working with Mayor Bob McMahon, Ed Buffman, and Bud Hendrick we were able to accomplish something special.”

Ed Buffman, in presenting the plaque, said “The veterans must remember that Jesse Cline and Patrick Ward never forgot us. They always remember the veterans.”

The next Veterans Night at The Media Theatre will take place during the run of the comedy musical “The Addams Family”. Veterans and their families are given a special price for a reception and show on a Saturday night when one of the service men or women will be recognized for their service to the country.

“Sunset Boulevard”, the current musical, plays through May 18. For tickets or information call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

SUNSET BOULEVARD RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS FROM PHILLY CRITICS

The current production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Sunset Boulevard", directed by Jesse Cline and featuring Tony nominee Ann Crumb as Norma Desmond, is receiving critical acclaim from Philadelphia theatre critics.

The show, based on Billy Wilder's classic film noir, is all about a silent screen star desperate for a return to film glory. She believes a young screenwriter, Joe Gillis (Sean Thompson) is her ticket to recapturing her glory days. The score includes several show-stopping numbers including Norma's "With One Look" and "It's As If We Never Said Goodbye".

Neal Zoren, a theatre critic in the Philadelphia region who travels to Broadway and abroad frequently to London's West End, said "Ann Crumb's Norma Desmond is one of the finest and most exhilarating performances you will ever see--It's a work of art."
Of Cline's direction, he says the production highlight's Cline's "deftness as a director of the complex". 
You may read his entire review here: READ NEAL ZOREN'S REVIEW HERE

Dante Bevilacqua, of TICKET Magazine, says the show is a "masterstroke of artistic creativity". READ TICKET REVIEW HERE

Pati Buehler, critic for Broadway World Philadelphia, stated that "Crumb attacks the stage with attention-grabbing authority" and praises the director, orchestra, and set design as well. READ BROADWAY WORLD REVIEW HERE

Christina Perryman, of the DelcoNewsNetwork, says "Ann Crumb is riveting." She goes onto say that "Sean Thompson is charismatic as Joe". READ DELCONEWS REVIEW HERE

Henrik Eger, freelance theatre critic, posted his review here: READ ON PHINDIE

SUNSET BOULEVARD is at The Media Theatre through May 18. Call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org