MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'WINTER WONDERLAND' CONCERT SUNDAY DECEMBER 11

Sleigh bells ring! Are you listenin'? In the lane snow is glistenin'--well, maybe. While the weather is unpredictable, one thing is certain-Sunday night December 11 a great time will be had by all when The Media Theatre presents its annual holiday themed concert "Winter Wonderland" at 7pm.

Roger Ricker will sing and emcee, with special guests from the cast of "A Christmas Story: The Musical" and students of The Media Theatre's New School and classes entertaining with song and dance in this special two act concert performance. Tickets are $20 each with all proceeds benefiting The Media Theatre.

Ben Pedersen, seen here as Ralphie opening his present in "A Christmas Story",
is one of the featured performers during The Media Theatre's annual "Winter Wonderland" concert
Sunday December 11 at 7pm. 

Ben Pedersen, who plays Ralphie in "A Christmas Story" will sing "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town". He's been a Media Theatre New School student for three years, studying acting with the thetare's Artistic Director Jesse Cline. He will be joined by adults and youth actors from the cast of "A Christmas Story" who will entertain in this special holiday fundraiser.

Several other young performers who take classes at The Media Theatre will sing, and two young actors will dance their own choreographed routines. "Santa For A Day", "Sleigh Ride", and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and other memorable songs will be featured during the "Winter Wonderland" concert as well as a Billy Squire holiday song that is rarely heard and "The Grinch" will make an appearance. 

The Media Theatre, home to Media Music Theatre Company which produces the Broadway Series, Children's Shows, and educational programs at the historic venue, is Delaware County's only professional music theatre. 

It's a beautiful sight! You'll get into the holiday mood on the night of Sunday December 11 at the "Winter Wonderland" concert at The Media Theatre. Get tickets by calling 610-891-0100 

or GET TICKETS HERE

FIRST LOOK PICS...'A CHRISTMAS STORY' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE

"A Christmas Story: The Musical" is at The Media Theatre now through January 8. The New York Times says the show has a 'likable, perky score' by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. It received Tony Award nominations for Best Score and Best Musical in 2013, as well as for Best Book of A Musical for Joseph Robinette, which is based on the classic holiday film.

"A Christmas Story" is all about Ralphie who wants a Red Ryder BB Gun and his Old Man who wins that ugly leg lamp. The show takes place in Indiana in the 1940's, with everyone learning through the humorous chaos that the holiday season is all about who you have around you rather than the material things you long for. 

The show is directed and choreographed by Dann Dunn, with music direction by Christopher Ertelt. There are matinee and evening performances each week now through January 8. 

Take a look at Maura McConnell's photos from the production and GET TICKETS HERE 

or call 610-891-0100. 

Ralphie (Ben Pedersen) opens his Christmas gift while little brother Randy (Aidan Crane) watches.
The two roles are shared with Tim Woodward and Jacob Shapiro.

The Old Man (Patrick Ludt) enjoys his "Major Award" with the Ensemble 

The cast of "A Christmas Story" at The Media Theatre

MEDIA THEATRE RECEIVES 49 'BEST OF PHILLY THEATRE 2016' BROADWAY WORLD AWARD NOMINATIONS

After winning a total of 56 Broadway World Awards the past four years combined, including Best Theatre Company of Philadelphia three years in a row, The Media Theatre has received 49 nominations for "Best of Philadelphia Theatre 2016". This is the highest amount of nominations Delaware County's only professional music theatre has ever received in one single year. The nomination process is for shows which opened from October 2015 through September of 2016.

The Media Theatre has a total of four shows nominated for Best Musical ("Billy Elliot", "Bridges of Madison County", "Dogfight", and "1776") as well as a Best Play nomination ("To Kill A Mockingbird"). Even it's non-professional summer camp production was given notice, with the youth production of "13" receiving receiving a nomination for Best Non-Professional Production and two of its lead actors (students Lexi Gwynn and JD Triolo) receiving mention for their performances for the educational experience.

Bob Stineman as Atticus Finch in a scene from "To Kill A Mockingbird", which was nominated for 12 Broadway World Awards for Best of Philly Theatre 2016. Stineman was also nominated for his work in "Bridges of Madison County"

Those who visit the Broadway World Philadelphia site may now vote for their favorites in each category, somewhat like a People's Choice Award, which is why the process is of particular importance to The Media Theatre. "This is a recognition by the public which is highly valuable. These are not theatre critics or journalists who choose what they feel is best, but rather the theatre-goers, theatre community, and general public who allow their voices to be heard," said Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who is nominated for directing both "Bridges of Madison County" and "To Kill A Mockingbird". 

The voting is open to the theater community locally, nationally, and internationally as well as to the general public. To vote, visit broadwayworld.com/philadelphia. Voting takes place through Dec. 31, with winners announced in January by Broadway World.

Nominations have been announced worldwide by the esteemed online theatrical media outlet Broadway World, which gives an up-to-date daily journal of the latest theatrical productions, happenings, and events from Broadway to London’s West End.

The Media Theatre is nominated alongside other theaters in the region, including The Walnut Street, Bristol Riverside, and more.

Two concerts were nominated in the Best Special Events category: "Jason Robert Brown in Concert" and "Kelly Briggs: Broadway and Beyond". And, for the first time, The Media Theatre was nominated in the Best New Work category for its hit youth production from February of 2016, "Peter Pan And Wendy: A New Musical" with music from composer Ben Kapilow.

In an ironic outcome, since The Media Theatre is known for producing musicals, its annual production of a classic play ("To Kill A Mockingbird") received the most nominations with 12. "Billy Elliot" walked away with 10, while "Bridges of Madison County", "Dogfight", and "1776" each received 7. 

Four actors received two nominations each for their work at Media: Lexi Gwynn, Bob Stineman, JD Triolo, and Susan Wefel.

The nominations received by The Media Theatre for "Best of Philly Theatre 2016" are:

Best Musical: "Billy Elliot", "Bridges of Madison County", "Dogfight", and "1776"

Best Play: "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best New Work: "Peter Pan And Wendy: A New Musical"

Best Special Event: "Kelly Briggs: Broadway and Beyond" and "Jason Robert Brown In Concert"

Best Non-Professional Production: "13"

Best Director of A Musical: Jesse Cline, "Bridges of Madison County"; Jennie Eisenhower, "1776"; and Geoffrey Goldberg, "Billy Elliot"

Best Director of A Play: Jesse Cline, "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best Actor in A Musical: Derek Basthemer, "Bridges of Madison County" ; Gunar Daniels, "Billy Elliot"; Ben Dibble, "1776"; Zack Krajnyak, "Dogfight"; JD Triolo, "13" (non-professional)

Best Actress in A Musical: Lexi Gwynn, "13" (non-professional); Elisa Matthews, "Bridges of Madison County"; Victoria Mayo, "Dogfight"

Best Actor in A Play: Bob Stineman, "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best Actress in A Play: Lexi Gwynn, "To Kill A Mockingbird"; Jolie Jaffe, "To Kill A Mockingbird". (Both played the role of Scout)

Supporting Actor in A Musical: Garrison Carpenter, "Billy Elliot"; John Morrison, "1776"; Bob Stineman, "Bridges Of Madison County"; JD Triolo, "Billy Elliot"

Supporting Actress in A Musical: Susan Wefel, "Billy Elliot"; Faith Yesner, "Bridges of Madison County"

Supporting Actor in A Play: Travis Keith Battle, "To Kill A Mockingbird"; Kelly Briggs, "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Supporting Actress in A Play: Megan Rucidlo, "To Kill A Mockingbird"; Susan Wefel, "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best Ensemble of A Musical: "1776", "Billy Elliot"

Best Ensemble of A Play: "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best Music Direction: Christopher Ertelt, "Bridges of Madison County"

Best Choreography: Dann Dunn, "Dogfight"; Jennie Eisenhower, "1776"; Geoffrey Goldberg, "Billy Elliot"

Best Costumes: Four nominations for Katie Yamaguchi, "1776", "Billy Elliot", "Dogfight", and "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Best Set Design: Matthew Miller, "Dogfight"

Best Sound: Carl Park, "Dogfight"

Best Lighting Design: Troy Martin O' Shia, "Billy Elliot"; Troy Martin O' Shia, "To Kill A Mockingbird"