MEDIA THEATRE GALA MARCH 28 FEATURES KEVIN REILLY, RAY DIDINGER, ENTERTAINMENT, AND MORE

Eagles tackle-turned-inspirational speaker will emcee
Media Theatre’s star-studded Gala March 28!

Auction items feature ‘Dinner with Playwright Ray Didinger,”
chance to witness a New York audition, and tickets to Jimmy Fallon show.

Stroll down Media’s State Street on any day and you will notice – and hear -- a building that literally sings! The music, wafting out from the marquee, makes people smile, puts a spring in their step and a song in their heart.

Yes, the historic Media Theatre literally sings inside and out. Within the theater, people of all ages are taught to sing, performers sing on stage and audiences sing in their seats.

“Theatre That Sings” is the theme of the 2020 Media Theatre Gala, a star-studded night of food, fellowship, music and an exciting auction. The Gala is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28 and everyone is invited to the party – to sing! 

Funds raised help sustain the historic theatre, continuing the music for another 25 years. Members of the community are invited to attend.

Media Theatre is a landmark in Delaware County, yet keeping the doors open at any
cultural institution is a challenge. The mission of the annual Gala is to supplement ticket sales in order to offer not only Broadway musicals, but acting classes, children’s theatre, special events and concerts, and a performance troupe of individuals with special needs. By attending, people will help keep this building singing for years to come.

                              Kevin Reilly is Emcee

This year’s Gala, chaired by Mike Van Horn, features a list of luminaries starting with
the emcee, Kevin Reilly. Reilly is a former Eagles football player who, in 1976, lost his left arm and shoulder to cancer, inspiring him to become a motivational author, speaker and mentor to others who have lost their limbs. A native of Wilmington, Del., he shares his story with audiences in hopes of inspiring people to overcome their challenges, including victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, recuperating soldier and special needs students. As Gala emcee, he will no doubt get the Gala crowd enthused and engaged.

                           Win Dinner with Didinger

One of the auction items at the Gala is dinner with local playwright Ray Didinger and
Artistic Director Jesse Cline. Didinger is an author, radio/TV broadcaster, filmmaker and journalist. A Delco native, he started his newspaper career with a stint at the Delaware County Daily Times in 1968. He wrote the beloved play, “Tommy and Me,” about Didinger’s lifelong friendship with his boyhood idol, Eagles receiver Tommy McDonald. His play was embraced by Eagles fans when it was staged at the Media Theatre. With his wide array of talents and encyclopedic knowledge of all things Delco, Dinner with Didinger will be a night to remember. BID ON THIS AUCTION ITEM NOW AND GET MORE INFO HERE

                        Taping of Jimmy Fallon Show

Another exciting auction item features a trip to New York to see a taping of “The Jimmy Fallon Show” at Rockefeller Center, along with dinner and an overnight stay at the Edison Hotel. Fallon is an award-winning comedian who started out with “Saturday Night Live” in 1998 and rose to acclaim for his witty, insightful and hilarious takes on modern pop culture.

                     What Happens at an Audition?

You hear celebrities – even the legendary ones – talk about how nerve-wracking an
audition is. One lucky Media Theatre auction winner will get to experience the audition process with Artistic Director Jesse Cline when he goes to Manhattan to audition actors for upcoming shows at the theatre. This is a fascinating process and the guests will also have dinner at Carmine’s with the Media Theatre staff.

                                    Gala Honorees

As part of the Gala, the Media Theatre board and staff will present the Walter M. Strine
Advocate of The Media Theatre Award to NBC10 for its excellent coverage of the theatre, along with all arts and culture in the community. Award-winning anchor Rosemary Connors along with Philly Live host Aunyea Lachelle have consistently highlighted the Broadway-style productions on the Media stage.

The Community Partnership Award will be presented to the Boys and Girls Club of

Chester. Through a grant from Exelon Generation, the Media Theatre collaborated with the Boys and Girls Club to involve youth in an acting workshop that resulted in an introspective play, “Choices.” The show focused on the challenges faced by at-risk youth growing up in Chester.

                               Gala Entertainment

Of course the “Theatre That Sings” will present performances by Media favorites such as Patrick Ludt (pictured above), who played Franklin Roosevelt in “Eleanor,” plus Ashley Sweetman, who stars as one of the expectant mothers in the current show “Baby,” John Smitherman, also in “Baby,” members of the theatre's student Youth Ensemble and the State Street Miracles.

The Media Theatre, Delco’s only professional theatre, brings the excitement of live,
Broadway-style musicals to local residents. The theatre, built in 1927 as a movie theatre, included dressing rooms with the thought that movies were a fad. The Media theatre is the second largest employer in Media after Delaware County government. For “Gala” information, call 610-891-0100 or visit the website at www.mediatheatre.org.

THE MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE CAST OF 'BABY' (March 11-29)

Is there anything more exciting, frightening and utterly transformational than impending parenthood? 

"BABY", the musical from the acclaimed duo Richard Maltby, Jr., and David Shire, examines how parents-to-be experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, as well as the desperate lows and the comic highs that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby.

Three couples on a university campus deal with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny consequences of the universal experience of pregnancy and upcoming parenthood. There are the college students, barely at the beginning of their adult lives; the thirty-somethings, having trouble conceiving but determined to try; and the middle-aged parents, looking forward to seeing their last child graduate from college… when a night of unexpected passion lands them back where they started.

Jesse Cline will direct the musical at The Media Theatre, which is on stage          March 11-29. Christian Ryan assists Cline and choreographs, with Ben Kapilow as Music Director.

Tickets are available at mediatheatre.org or by calling 610-891-0100

The cast of BABY is:

Lizzie....Katie Emery

Danny...Gregory Power

Pam...Ashley Sweetman

Nick...Evan Ross Brody

Arlene...Pam Jorgensen

Alan....John D. Smitherman

The Ensemble consists of Sara Braslow, Patrick Ludt, Kimberly Maxson, Wyatt McManus, Leah Senseney, Grant Struble, Ryane Nicole Studivant, and Tiara Whaley

MEDIA THEATRE'S GALA IS MARCH 28, 2020! Here Is A Bit Of The Theatre's History

The Media Theatre: 
26 Years of Professional Music Theatre!
"Theatre That Sings" Gala Event March 28, 2020

The interior of The Media Theatre, as it appeared 26 years ago prior to the opening night of "My Fair Lady"

It was 26 years ago that the marquee was illuminated with the first ever professional musical production in Media, “My Fair Lady”. A sold out crowd of Delaware County and Philadelphia’s most prominent personalities, politicians, and influential names attended the opening night. Before the majestic red curtain opened for the legendary musical’s first scene, Tony nominated Broadway actress Ann Crumb introduced “Philadelphia’s newest professional musical stage” to roaring applause.

Rockwell Productions, with Artistic Director Jesse Cline, was a for-profit entity at the time. Walter Strine, Sr. of Media Real Estate, had the vision to renovate the old movie house as a live performing arts center, and chose “My Fair Lady” as the first production in honor of his loving wife, Elizabeth.

As time passed, more legendary musicals were brought to the stage by Cline: “Carousel”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Annie”, “South Pacific”, and famed operettas “The New Moon”, “Rose Marie”, and “The Student Prince” to name a few. Each season, within a 12 month period, six professional musicals were staged. Two of the most popular during the for-profit’s 7 years of productions were “Meet Me In St. Louis” and “42^nd Street”, which brought in huge audiences of over 12,000 each. The musicals, prior to appearing at The Media Theatre, had shorter runs in Milton, PA, where the productions began.

During this time period, from 1994 forward, there was also a not-for-profit entity – The Society For the Performing Arts of The Media Theatre. The Society, through fundraising, produced The Media Theatre’s Children’s Series, Concerts, and Special Events.

In December of 2000, Rockwell Productions produced its final musical. Artistic Director Jesse Cline remained as the head of the non-profit entity (The Society for The Performing Arts). He and his life partner, Executive Director Patrick Ward, began producing professional musicals with the assistance of Walter Strine, Sr., so that The Media Theatre would continue to operate as a full-fledged Broadway style house for classic and new musicals.

The exterior of The Media Theatre in a recent photo

Since that time, every production produced by Cline and his staff has been under the auspices of the non-profit Society. It was Cline, Ward, and Strine’s wish that the marquee would continue to light up State Street as one of Philadelphia’s most popular music theatres.

As time went by, in 2003, Mr. Strine sold the historic Media Theatre with a combination of State and local grants to the Borough of Media. Mayor Bob McMahon became a conduit to the borough during this time period, working with Cline and Ward, in establishing a 30 year lease with the borough through the non-profit Society so that the award-winning musicals would continue to have a home.

As a non-profit professional music theatre company and with Jesse Cline as its visionary, The Media Theatre has become nationally recognized. Performers in its musicals have included Emmy Winner Wanda Sykes, who appeared as Miss Hannigan in 2010’s “Annie” (which is, to date, the theatre company’s most successful production ever). Other marquee names have included Tony nominee Ann Crumb (“Master Class”, “Wings”, “Souvenir”, “Sunset Boulevard”), American Idol’s Justin Guarini (“Chicago”), and the legendary Andrea McArdle (“Mame”, “Hello Dolly”).

There have also been Tony winners of note who have performed at the theatre’s annual Gala and benefit concerts: Betty Buckley, Judy Kaye, Il Divo’s David Miller, and Alice Ripley. Even Tony nominee Josh Young, a Delaware County native, entertained audiences on State Street.

A photo from "Mame" starring Broadway's legendary Andrea McArdle, which was on The Media Theatre stage in 2013.

Cline has led The Media Theatre to award-winning status with “Best Of” honors from The Philadelphia Inquirer, Delaware County Daily Times, Main Line Times, and Broadway World. On a national level, The New York Daily News referred to The Media Theatre as an ‘iconic cornerstone of Delaware County’.

The music theatre company has also been honored by The US Congress and The PA House of Representatives for its work with The State Street Miracles, a performance troupe of adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities that was created by Cline and Delco’s Patricia Cofiell in 2006. The Miracles are often referred to as “Great Ambassadors for Music Theatre and The Media Theatre” due to their moving performances.

An integral part of Cline’s vision and mission is the educational component of The Media Theatre. In the year 2000, as the company became a non-profit, he created and established Camp Media Theatre, a summer day camp learning experience for ages 5-14. Initially a four week camp, the summer event grew in popularity each year, and now offers ten weeks of camp (five two-week sessions).

From The Media Theatre's Teen Camp Musical three years ago, "School Of Rock", which also featured an ensemble of younger performers who portrayed 'the students'.

Camp Media Theatre expanded in 2002 to a Teen Broadway Camp in which camp participants rehearse and perform an entire two-act musical working with professional directors and designers. The first Teen Camp production, “West Side Story”, performed for only one weekend after a two-week rehearsal process. The productions sold out at the time, and since then the Teen Camp grew to a three-week rehearsal process and an entire month of weekend performances (four per weekend).

During the non-summer months, Cline created and still oversees The Media Theatre’s School of the Theatre. Acting Classes are offered for young children, as well as an intermediate level, a Tween Class, a Teen Class, and an Adult Class. There are Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions of Acting Class with each having over 60 students regularly.

Noticing that there was a need for a more exclusive type of learning experience for youth who had expressed a possible interest in the theatre as a career, Cline created the conservatory-style New School several years ago. Only up to 30 students are accepted into the New School each year, where they learn in a Master Class environment. Cline instructs the acting component of The New School, and Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow instructs the vocal music portion.

One of the most unique attributes of The Media Theatre’s educational programs is that the students involved are invited, several times a year, to participate in the theatre’s Children’s Series. There, they become involved in a rehearsal process as they begin to bring titles such as “Cinderella”, “Jack Frost”, and others to life on the stage utilizing their personalities within the context of the script. The Children’s Series shows are performed by the students, with one or two special guest adult actors, each weekend in front of general public audiences.

With all of these ingredients of a professional music theatre, The Media Theatre certainly adds more than a bright marquee to the borough of Media. It is the second largest employer in the borough, after the Court House, with its ever-changing cast of actors for each show, musical theatre orchestra pit performers, directors, designers, and box office staff. Audiences who attend the musicals and children’s shows often visit the local restaurants for lunch or dinner and browse the local shops. This includes the groups that are ‘bussed in’ to attend weekday matinees throughout the year. The audiences have been a major asset to the local economy.

The Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline

All of the previously mentioned components of The Media Theatre have been happening now for 26 years! At the annual Gala benefit on March 28, 2020, which includes a reception prior to the evening’s entertainment, these programs will be highlighted and celebrated. Special guests will speak, and honorees will assist The Media Theatre in looking forward to the future. The night's honorees are NBC 10 (Arts Advocate Award) and The Boys and Girls Club of Chester (Community Partnership Award).

So, when you purchase your ticket to the March 28^th benefit or sponsor the event, you are a large part of The Media Theatre’s integral and appreciated family. For, without your support, local youth with a passion for music theatre would not have their ‘beacon of light’ on State Street, and professional actors, designers, directors, and musicians would have one less marquee inviting them ‘home’.

Most importantly, with your support, you are assisting to provide much needed updated microphones for the professional actors in the Broadway Series. For what is "Theatre That Sings" unless you are able to hear the song in all of its clarity and beauty? This means you will have many more days and evenings of entertainment coming up for audiences of all ages. 

To join The Media Theatre at its 26^th Anniversary Benefit Gala Event on March 28, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Tickets are $150 per person, which includes the reception, an entertaining and moving one-night-only concert event, and much more. 

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE MARY GAY SCANLON WILL SPEAK AT THE MEDIA THEATRE AT FEB. 9 PERFORMANCE OF 'ELEANOR'

U.S. Rep. Scanlon reflects on “Eleanor’s” legacy at Media Theatre

“Talk Back” with Congresswoman to follow Feb. 9 matinee of “Eleanor” musical

Weeks after joining thousands of women 

at the Jan. 18 Women’s March in Philadelphia,

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon will meet with constituents 

in a more intimate setting -- 

The Media Theatre.

Rep. Scanlon will reflect on the remarkable legacy of 

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt

during a Talk Back session 

following the Feb. 9 matinee of “Eleanor, An American Love Story,”

the history-based musical playing at the Media Theatre Jan. 29 to Feb. 23.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE MARY GAY SCANLON,
WHO WILL SPEAK AFTER THE FEB. 9 PERFORMANCE OF 'ELEANOR' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE

“Eleanor” is based on the early lives of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, 

from their passionate courtship, 

through their complicated marriage with a domineering mother-in-law, 

to Eleanor’s emerging role as a catalyst for social change in America. 

Patrons of the play will learn that 

Eleanor’s courage, compassion and advocacy for human rights 

are as relevant today as they were in the 1920s.

As one of the first elected U.S. Congresswomen 

to represent the Commonwealth, 

Rep. Scanlon also advocates for social change. 

Sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives 

on Nov. 13, 2018, she represents Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District.

Rep. Scanlon is an education and human rights activist. 

Her priorities in Congress include voting rights, education, 

common sense gun safety legislation and protecting the rights of

children, families, veterans and senior citizens.

Like Eleanor Roosevelt, she works tirelessly 

'for equality, justice and opportunity for all Americans, 

while also being dedicated to her family in Swarthmore.

In addressing the Philadelphia Women’s March, 

Scanlon said: “Three years ago, women right here in the birthplace of our nation 

and everywhere around the country…took to the streets

to demand equality, opportunity, justice and to be heard. 

'We march forward because we refuse to go back.”

Congresswoman Scanlon serves as Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, 

the House Rules Committee and the House Select Committee 

on the Modernization of Congress.

She previously served as national pro bono counsel 

at a major U.S. law firm where she directed lawyers 

who provided pro bono legal services to low-income clients. 

Under her leadership, the pro bono program 

worked on issues such as voting rights, child advocacy,

immigration, fair housing, public benefits, 

criminal justice reform and freedom of the press.

A graduate of Colgate University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, 

she and her husband Mark have three children.

The Talk Back will take place after the 3 p.m. matinee of “Eleanor” 

at the Media Theatre.

Only those attending the matinee will be invited to remain 

after the show for the Talk Back.

Ticket information:

“Eleanor, An American Love Story” 

runs Jan. 29 to Feb. 23 at the Media Theatre, 

104 E. State St., Media. 

For show times and ticket information visit the website at

www.mediatheatre.org or call the Media Theatre, 610-891-0100.

THE MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST OF 'ELEANOR, AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY'

A rarely produced musical that chronicles the story of the shy young aristocrat who was destined to become our First Lady, "Eleanor, An American Love Story", will be at The Media Theatre January 29 through February 23.

Warmth, humor, and insight propel the story of the evolving relationship between Eleanor and Franklin including their passionate courtship, tumultuous marriage, and the courage that eventually led to Eleanor’s emergence as a catalyst for social change.

Music by Thomas Tierney; Lyrics by John Forster; Book by Jonathon Bolt

Songs include “How The Other Half Lives”, “Our Beautiful Daughters” and “The New Century Walk”

The Washington City Paper says the show is “A snappy throwback to the era when Broadway musicals knew what they were about and how to entertain.”

It's an especially relevant musical for today's times, as it highlights a champion for women's rights.

Directed by Jesse Cline, with Ben Kapilow as Music Director, "Eleanor, An American Love Story" has a cast of professional actors and features a live orchestra, as do all of The Media Theatre's Broadway Series musicals. TICKETS HERE

The cast of "Eleanor" is:

Eleanor Roosevelt.............Maxwell Porterfield

Franklin Delano Roosevelt............Patrick Ludt*

Sara Roosevelt..............................Susan Wefel

Louis Howe...................................Roger Ricker*

Alice Roosevelt.............................Hannah Parke*

Teddy Roosevelt...........................Kelly Briggs*

Lucy Mercer..................................Chelsea Aubert

Ensemble: Sara Braslow*, Chris Fitting, Rusty Flounders*, Leah Senseney, Grant Struble, JJ Vavrik, Marissa Wolner*

YOUTH CAST:

Young Eleanor.....Lila Bea Hannon/ Lily Jo Shelkin

Young James.......Elliott Boldin/ Preston Newton

Teen James..........Zachary Amos/ Tyler Matthewz

Teen Anna............Grace Conroy/ Madison Van Horn

Maria.....................Lulu Spinelli/ Chloe Tomaszewski

Spike.....................Reese Masiello/ Sutton Gold

Pepini....................Charlie Carroccio/ Zoe Nesbitt

*Member Actors Equity Association

THE MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO 'THE VOCALIST' 2020

Even though it's the holiday season, talent never rests! So The Media Theatre is announcing changes to its summer singing contest "The Vocalist".

Well, actually, this summer it's just "The Vocalist Junior" for ages 7-13. There will not be a "Vocalist" for ages 14-24 in 2020. 

THE 2019 VOCALIST JUNIOR WINNER, ELLIOTT BOLDIN.
HE IS CURRENTLY PERFORMING IN 'JACK FROST SAVES CHRISTMAS'
AT THE MEDIA THEATRE
SUNDAYS AT NOON

"We are re-organizing the contest," said Artistic Director Jesse Cline. "Times are changing, and the interests of older youth are changing with the times. We decided it best to focus on the younger age group this summer, as the Junior version of the contest has overtaken the original version in popularity."

"The Vocalist Junior" will be moving to Wednesday nights in July, leaving Sunday evenings free for families to return from the shore or to relax at home. For the Junior contestants, rehearsals will take place each Tuesday at 4:30pm prior to the Wednesday night performance at 7pm.

The contest itself will remain as it was: an opportunity for young performers to hone their craft while performing in front of a live audience. As they sing on the stage of Delaware County's only professional music theatre, they will learn valuable lessons on stage presence. After the four-week Wednesday night run, a "Junior" winner will be announced.

So, even though the holidays are upon us, it's not too early to start thinking about the summer's popular "Vocalist Junior" event, especially if you are planning a vacation.
The contest will take place on July 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 7pm.

Auditions will take place in May. Anyone interested may email Roger Ricker at rer764@gmail.com for information until then.

THE MEDIA THEATRE RECEIVES 39 'BEST OF PHILLY THEATRE 2019' BROADWAY WORLD NOMINATIONS

The Media Theatre received 39 nominations for the Broadway World 2019 "Best of Philadelphia Theatre" Awards, sponsored by TodayTix.

The nominations were made by the theatre community, and voting will take place through the end of December online at the Broadway World Philadelphia site. Voting is open to the theatre community and members of the general public. To vote, follow this link: https://www.broadwayworld.com/philadelphia/voteregion.cfm

Broadway World is an online theatrical media magazine, which gives an up-to-date daily journal of the latest theatrical news from Broadway to London's West End.

Shows produced between October 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019 were eligible.

MELISSA RAPALJE AND JESSE CORBIN IN 'SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER'.
BOTH ARE NOMINATED FOR BROADWAY WORLD AWARDS FOR THEIR PERFORMANCES IN DIRECTOR JESSE CLINE'S PRODUCTION FROM LAST SPRING.
THE MUSICAL RECEIVED 9 NOMINATIONS.

Last spring's "Saturday Night Fever" received 9 nominations, the most of any of The Media Theatre's productions eligible. It was directed by Jesse Cline, who received a nomination for his work on that show as well as a second nomination for directing "Sweeney Todd".

The Media Theatre has, in recent years, received 92 "Best of Philadelphia Theatre" Awards from Broadway World. Its nominations this year include:

BEST PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL: "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER", "THE WIZARD OF OZ" 

BEST PRODUCTION OF A PLAY: "JULIUS CAESAR" 

BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL: JESSE CLINE, "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"; JESSE CLINE, "SWEENEY TODD"

BEST DIRECTOR OF A PLAY: BILL VAN HORN, "JULIUS CAESAR"

BEST ENSEMBLE OF A MUSICAL: "BEEHIVE"; "FOREVER PLAID"; "THE WIZARD OF OZ"

BEST ENSEMBLE OF A PLAY: "JULIUS CAESAR"

BEST NEW WORK: "THE SNOW QUEEN" (Book and Lyrics: Roger Ricker/ Music: Pat D'Amato)

BEST SPECIAL EVENT: "THE SNOW QUEEN", "ROGER RICKER AND FRIENDS: WE ARE FAMILY"

BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: JESSE CORBIN, "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"; DOUGLAS LADNIER, "SWEENEY TODD"; CARL NATHANIEL SMITH, "FOREVER PLAID"

BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY: DAMON BONETTI, "JULIUS CAESAR"

BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: MELISSA RAPALJE, "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"; ANNA ROSENTHAL, "THE WIZARD OF OZ"; JENNY LEE STERN, "SWEENEY TODD"

BEST ACTRESS IN A PLAY: JENNIE EISENHOWER, "JULIUS CAESAR"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: KELLY BRIGGS, "THE WIZARD OF OZ"; RONNIE KELLER, "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"; ROGER RICKER, "THE WIZARD OF OZ"; NICHOLAS SAVERINE, "SWEENEY TODD"; BOB STINEMAN, "THE WIZARD OF OZ" 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: TAMARA DELLA ANDERSON, "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"; JENNIE EISENHOWER, "SWEENEY TODD"; ANNA FERRIGNO, "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"; RYANE NICOLE STUDIVANT, "BEEHIVE"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY: LISA VILLAMIL, "JULIUS CAESAR"

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: MARC ANDREW NUNEZ, "THE WIZARD OF OZ"; CHRISTIAN RYAN, "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"

BEST MUSIC DIRECTION: BEN KAPILOW, "SWEENEY TODD"

BEST SOUND DESIGN: CARL PARK, "SWEENEY TODD"

BEST COSTUMES: RYN SMITH, "BEEHIVE"

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN: STEVEN SPERA, "SWEENEY TODD"

BEST SET DESIGN: MATTHEW MILLER, "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"

BEST IN A LOCAL NON-AEA PRODUCTION: OWEN MANNION, "PIPPIN"

THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'JACK FROST' RETURNING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

It's time for the holidays which means "Jack Frost Saves Christmas" is on stage at The Media Theatre. This one hour upbeat and heartfelt show for youth of all ages is becoming an annual tradition at The Media Theatre. It's all about the boy who can't seem to do anything right because everything he touches turns to ice! Soon, however, friendship and the art of giving get everyone in on the act for a wonderful holiday.

"Jack Frost Saves Christmas" is by Matt and Tina Jo Wallace with music by Scott Bradley, a previous resident music director for The Media Theatre. Songs include "Countdown to Christmas", "Frost", and "Gifts Are For Giving". It's on Sundays at Noon through December 22, and a December 29 performance at 11am. GET TICKETS

Springfield's Greyson Heneks who plays the title role in "Jack Frost Saves Christmas"

The production this year features Media Theatre student Greyson Heneks as Jack Frost. He is 9 years old and resides in Springfield, PA. He has performed in many Media Theater children’s productions such as Snow White, The Snow Queen and Five Little Pumpkins. Greyson also performed in Media Theater’s main stage production of The Wizard of Oz, and was recently seen as Bruce in Matilda: The Musical. When not performing, he enjoys dancing, telling jokes and art.

The show features audience participation, particularly when the entire audience is asked to assist Jack Frost. The Rompin' Reindeer dance is also always an audience favorite as several volunteers from the audience are asked to participate. 

Ben Kapilow music directs, with Roger Ricker directing the fast-paced show for children ages 3 and up. Carol Sorensen costume designs with vibrant colors. For tickets call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: The Media Theatre's ELF: THE MUSICAL

The Media Theatre has "Elf: The Musical" this holiday season, through January 12.

Directed and choreographed by Christian Ryan, the production features Chicago's Josh Houghton as Buddy, the Elf in the musical based on the classic 2003 movie.

Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity.

Songs include "Christmastown", "Never Fall In Love With An Elf", and "SparkleJollyTwinkleJingley". Ben Kapilow music directs the two-hour-and-fifteen minute show.

Photos are by Maura McConnell. Tickets are available by calling 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org