MEDIA THEATRE WINTER SEMESTER OF ACTING CLASSES STARTS UP IN JANUARY

The Media Theatre's Winter Semester of Acting Classes begin the weekend of January 6, 2018. Along with the popular Children’s and Teen Acting Classes, a new “Tween” class will join the curriculum. The Adult Class will continue, and the Dance Machine will return.

Each semester brings a fun educational atmosphere as students develop by working together and creating within a group setting.

Students perform on The Media Theatre stage

Classes are under the supervision of Broadway World Award winning Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who studied with the renowned Sanford Meisner. All classes at The Media Theatre follow the Sanford Meisner Technique which basically states that 'acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance'. This means that all actors should create without copying anyone else's performance or trying to be who they are not. It's a confidence booster while raising self-awareness.

The Acting Classes focus solely on acting skills and stage presence while also featuring improvisational theatre exercises for each age group.

Students from the acting classes are given performance opportunities throughout the year at The Media Theatre, playing roles in the Children's Series such as the upcoming "Princess And The Pea" and, when applicable, the Broadway Series.

Roger Ricker, who has been in over 100 productions at The Media Theatre and has worked with Artistic Director Jesse Cline since 1991, will continue instructing the Level One Children's Class on Saturday mornings at 9am for ages 4-8, and the Level Two Children's Class on Tuesday afternoons at 4:30 for ages up to 11. He'll also instruct the Teen Acting Class on Sunday evenings at 6pm, as well as the new Tween Class on Wednesday afternoons.

Here, by start date, are the classes for the Winter Semester:

The Level One Children's Class starts Saturday January 6 at 9am, continuing for a total of ten weeks. The weekly hour long class is perfect for ages 4 to 8, with a focus on basic stage skills, working with other children, theatre games, and developing good diction and interaction dynamics.

The Teen Class, Sundays from 6-7:30pm, begins the new semester on January 7. The eight week course features group improvisation, as the young actors create scenes together, learning to react without over-analyzing and discovering how they would react to certain situations relevant to their age group.

Tuesday, January 9, is the start date for the Second Level Children’s Class which takes place from 4:30-5:30pm. For ages 8-10 (or for those a bit younger with more stage experience) the class features skill building within fun group theatre exercises. It’s a ten-week semester, an hour each week.

The Adult Acting Class also starts up Tuesday January 9, meeting from 7:30-9pm each week for an eight-week semester. Scene study is a big part of the class.

The new Tween Class, for ages 11-12 (and specific 10 year olds with stage experience) starts Wednesday January 10 for one hour each week. The ten-week course is strictly for youth who are no longer little children but are not quite teenagers. The class will focus on improvisation and building self-awareness as well as stage presence.

The "Media Theatre Dance Machine" starts up again Sunday January 21 meeting from 10am to 11:30am each week through April 8 (no class on Easter Sunday). The instructors are popular Philadelphia performers Ronnie Keller and Kimberly Maxson, both who frequently appear on The Media Theatre stage. The class is suitable for ages 9 and up.

Ronnie Keller and Kim Maxson, Dance Machine instructors

Ronnie Keller says, "We are thrilled to be working together as a team to create a fun, safe, and informative environment where students will learn while having a great time."

"The dance class will focus on learning the importance of strength, rhythm, musicality, and acting through dance," Kimberly Maxson added. "We will focus on body strengthening through proper warm-ups, while introducing students to core ballet techniques, expanding their musical theatre dance repertoire, and learning to sing as an ensemble while retaining this new information."

To register for the Acting Classes or "Dance Machine" call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. All Media Theatre classes are $400 for the Winter Semester.

MORE PHOTOS FROM DISNEY'S 'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE

More photos from professional photographer Greg Carroccio, whose son Charlie happens to be playing the role of Chip in The Media Theatre's production of Disney's hit musical "Beauty And The Beast", when he had a rare night off from his regular gigs and popped by the theatre to take photos of the production as it was being performed in front of an appreciative live audience.

The musical is on stage now through January 14, 2018, and is just perfect for the holidays. The story is familiar to all by now: Belle meets up with a Prince who is under a witch's spell and may only be broken by true love. The Prince, now a Beast, resides in a castle with inanimate objects who were once his servants. It's fun, funny, and a great time for all ages. 

The show is directed and choreographed by Dann Dunn, with music direction by Ben Kapilow. For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org

Belle (Alanna J. Smith) with Maurice (Nicholas Saverine)

Belle (Alanna J. Smith)

Belle and The Beast (Jarrett Jay Yoder)

Lumiere (JP Dunphy) with Belle and Babette (Julianna Babb)

Gaston (Bob Stineman) and Lefou (Stephen Fala)

The Beast

Cogsworth (Kelly Briggs) 

PROSPECT PARK POLICEMAN IS SANTA CLAUS IN THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 'JACK FROST'

Henry O' Neill is a busy man. Not only does he regularly work his beat as a Prospect Park Policeman in Delaware County, but he also finds time on occasion to perform in productions at The Media Theatre.

This holiday season, he is Santa Claus in "Jack Frost Saves Christmas". The hour long children's show is on stage Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon through December 31. 

Prospect Park policeman Henry O' Neill with The Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline

"I love working with the kids," O' Neill said. "This is a role I played before and it's a lot of fun. The show is a great way to put a smile on your face."

"Jack Frost Saves Christmas" has a Book and Lyrics by Matt Wallace & Tina Jo Wallace, with Music by Scott Bradley (who was once the Media Theatre's resident Music Director). In the show, a boy is formed on a magic mountain at the North Pole. Everything he touches turns to ice, but he learns to accept his uniqueness just as everyone in Christmas Town does the same in order for the holiday to continue. It's a perfect introduction to theatre for ages 4 and up, even including audience participation to help with the story.

Henry O' Neill is no stranger to The Media Theatre stage, having appeared in the Broadway Series productions "To Kill A Mockingbird" and "West Side Story", as well as several other children's shows. His son, Sean, is a New School student at The Media Theatre and has been in several productions as well.

"This is a great way to enjoy the holidays," O' Neill said. "I get to be Santa, sing a few songs, and make people happy."

For tickets to "Jack Frost Saves Christmas" at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: DISNEY'S 'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE

Professional photographer Greg Carroccio, whose son Charlie happens to be playing the role of Chip in The Media Theatre's production of Disney's hit musical "Beauty And The Beast", had a rare night off from his regular gigs and popped by the theatre to take photos of the production as it was being performed in front of an appreciative live audience.

The musical is on stage now through January 14, 2018, and is just perfect for the holidays. The story is familiar to all by now: Belle meets up with a Prince who is under a witch's spell and may only be broken by true love. The Prince, now a Beast, resides in a castle with inanimate objects who were once his servants. It's fun, funny, and a great time for all ages. 

The show is directed and choreographed by Dann Dunn, with music direction by Ben Kapilow. For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org

Bob Stineman as Gaston

JP Dunphy as Lumiere, Kelly Briggs as Cogsworth, and Nicholas Saverine as Maurice

Alanna J. Smith as Belle

Alanna J. Smith as Belle with Nicholas Saverine as Maurice

Jarrett Jay Yoder as The Beast with Alanna J. Smith as Belle

Hillary Parker as Mrs. Potts with Charlie Carroccio as Chip and Nicholas Saverine as Maurice

Jarrett Jay Yoder as The Beast

Belle (Alanna J. Smith)

THE MEDIA THEATRE'S EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM ENLIGHTENS WITH EDUCATION THROUGH THE ARTS

The Media Theatre Empowerment Program has been operational since 1994. Since its inception, and with the support of multiple grants and corporate funding, the Empowerment Program has served over 20,000 students by encouraging arts-rich education and serving the needs of children in surrounding areas who are at an economic disadvantage.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW....

The objective of the Media Theatre Empowerment Program is to encourage an arts-rich education, serving the needs of the children in surrounding areas such as Chester and Delaware Counties, especially those who are economically disadvantaged. Students of all backgrounds and demographics are provided a unique educational opportunity through the Empowerment Program without any financial burden. Due to its success thus far, The Media Theatre is expanding the Empowerment Program, offering scholarship opportunities to students attending Media Theatre’s Acting Classes and summer music theatre Camps.

The Media Theatre Empowerment Program is an outreach program that provides funded tickets for students in grades K-12 to see a live theatrical Broadway-style production. This provides theatre tickets to students attending area public schools. In addition, participating schools are offered the opportunity to attend a post-show theatre workshop. Workshops are held in the Media Theatre’s Crystal Room, integrating the audience and actors. Students may bring their lunches to the theatre and enjoy meeting the professional actors and crew, learning about what goes on behind the scenes when producing a show. Media Theatre would also offer schools participating in the Empowerment Program the option to have an onsite visit from a theatre professional prior to the show date.

The Media Theatre Empowerment Program allows us to develop strong relationships with more schools of need in our surrounding communities. Through free programming, we can continue this initiative to promote unique educational opportunities among the youth in our communities. The Media Theatre believes that musical theatre education can be used as a tool, teaching young people the importance of responsibility, teamwork and imagination.

If you would like to donate to support this important Program which will enlighten the lives of many children and teens in the region, please use this donation page

If you are an educator or a parent who knows of a young actor who would enjoy learning and exploring within our acting classes, please contact Roger Ricker at rer764@gmail.com or Jesse Cline at jlcline100@comcast.net. For information, call 610-891-0100. 

The Media Theatre Announces Cast for "Jack Frost Saves Christmas" Holiday Family Show 2017

The Media Theatre’s children’s show for the holiday season is coming up soon. “Jack Frost Saves Christmas” is on Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon November 26 through December 31.

This one hour upbeat and heartfelt show for youth of all ages is 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" was written 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". The show begins at The North Pole where Jack Frost is in the company of four humorous animals who make jokes and sing before he disappears and mistakenly enters a small town's holiday musical.

The production features a cast of the theatre's professionally trained acting, dance, and New School students along with three special guest adult actors.

Austy Hicks

Austy Hicks, recently seen at The Media Theatre as Jesus in “Godspell” and as Enoch Snow Jr. in the Broadway Series production of “Carousel”, plays the lead role of Jack Frost. He was also seen as Jack (a different one!) in “Into The Woods” and was a brother in “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. He’s also been in The Limelight Theatre of West Chester’s “The Wizard of Oz”.

Roger Ricker directs the show and reprises his role as Mr. Holly, the town's Elton John-esque eccentric theatre director. Local actor Henry O' Neill ("West Side Story", "Aladdin", "Annie Jr.") returns as Santa Claus.

This is the third time The Media Theatre brings “Jack Frost Saves Christmas” to its historic stage. It is the only theatre in the Philadelphia region where audiences of all ages are able to enjoy the one hour musical comedy.

Music Direction is by Justin Adams. The colorful costumes are by Carol Sorensen. The show includes audience participation and an opportunity for children to be on stage during the "Rompin' Reindeer" dance.

The show plays Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at November 26 through December 31. To purchase tickets call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. It's just $12 for children and $15 for adults to enjoy this special holiday themed treat.

The complete cast for “Jack Frost Saves Christmas” is:

Jack Frost.......Austy Hicks

Elizabeth.........Hannah Brady / Ilena Mita
Elizabeth's Mom....Isabelle Butera/ Hanna Murphy

Rabbit............Elizabeth Brown/ Lily Lexer

Penguin.........Aiden Fox/ Lily Jo Shelkin
Raccoon........Greyson Heneks / Olivia Stroup
Polar Bear.....Shannon Clark/ Noelle Longenberger

Mr. Holly.......Roger Ricker

Anna, the dancer.............Bridget Henry
Michael, the singer.........Zachary Amos/ Charles Lamonaca

Father Winter and Santa.....Henry O' Neill

Story Tellers.......Alyssa Carlow, Savanna Galloway, Zoe Nesbitt, Lauren Saddic

News Vendors....Brooklyn Bonner, Leo Koncos, Drew Murphy, David Potts, 
                             Audrey Siu, Madison Vassilakopoulos

Townspeople....All actors when not playing double cast role listed
                          (Also News Vendors are always Townspeople as well)

Understudies:
Jack Frost......Leo Koncos
Mr. Holly/ Santa.........Tim Haney

                          

The Media Theatre Announces All-Star Cast For "Next To Normal" (Jan. 31 to Feb. 25)

The Media Theatre has “Next To Normal” this season, January 31 through February 25, and it’s the region’s only production which features an entire cast that is made up of members of Actors Equity Association. The all-star cast is well known to theatregoers from Philadelphia to West Chester, as well as from Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.

“Next To Normal”, with a book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, deals with one suburban household’s ability to cope with crisis and mental illness. The musical won three Tony Awards in 2009, including Best Score, as well as the Pulitzer Prize in 2010.

The musical is deeply moving and was chosen as ‘one of the year’s ten best shows’ by major critics including from The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post.

In “Next To Normal”, a mother who has been battling manic depression for 16 years must learn to deal with major crisis within the family. An intense and heartfelt pop-rock musical, the show was hailed as being ‘Brave and breathtaking’ by The New York Times.

Krissy Fraelich will play the role of Diane, the mother of the household. Fraelich appeared on The Media Theatre stage previously in the power-house role of Mama Rose in “Gypsy”, and had supporting roles in Media’s “A Christmas Story: The Musical” as well as “The Addams Family”. She previously played the role of Diane at The Arden Theatre, and among her other credits was in the National Tour of “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. Fraelich had the honor of performing under the music direction of Jason Robert Brown in his musical “Songs For A New World” at Symphony Space in NYC. She also was a member of the Broadway Gospel Choir and performed at Carnegie Hall.

Ben Dibble, a Barrymore Award winning actor, will play her husband, Dan. He was John Adams in Media’s “1776” two seasons ago, and most recently was seen at The Walnut Street Theatre in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”. Dibble has appeared on every major theatre in the Philadelphia region, in dozens of productions ranging from “A Year With Frog And Toad” to “Arsenic and Old Lace”.

The role of Natalie, the daughter, will be played by Molly Sorensen. She was seen in The Media Theatre’s regional professional premiere of “The Bridges of Madison County: The Musical” in 2016. A past winner of the theatre’s prestigious “Vocalist Junior” summer singing competition, the Malvern resident is now 16 years old.

Ronnie Keller will play the integral role of the brother, Gabe. Keller has been seen on The Media Theatre stage in Disney's "Beauty And The Beast" as well as “Side Show” and “West Side Story”. He was recently seen in The Walnut Street Theatre’s “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”, and has appeared on several regional stages.

Christopher Infantino, of Media, will play the role of Henry. He is thrilled to return home to The Media Theatre, where he studied as a child and teenager, after receiving a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee back in May 2017. Christopher has performed in Joseph...Dreamcoat (Reagle Music Theatre, Reuben), ZM (Goodspeed Opera House). You can find him teaching Flywheel in Bryn Mawr and Center City when not performing.

Doctor Fine/ Doctor Madden will be played by Patrick Ludt, who has been in over a dozen shows at The Media Theatre including “Jekyll And Hyde: The Musical”, “My Fair Lady”, “Side Show”, and “A Christmas Story: The Musical”. He has also appeared in several productions at Bucks County Playhouse and other regional theatres.

“Next To Normal” contains strong language and deals with mature subject matter. It is not recommended for children. The musical is on stage at The Media Theatre January 31 through February 25. Geoffrey Goldberg directs, with music direction by Ben Kapilow. Tickets are on sale now at www.mediatheatre.org or by calling 610-891-0100.

THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 'CAROUSEL'....FIRST LOOK PHOTOS!

The Media Theatre has Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical “Carousel” as the opener for its 2017-18 Broadway Series season. The beloved show plays through October 22.

The musical takes place between 1873 and 1888 in a small New England fishing village. The tale revolves around a love affair between Billy Bigelow, a travelling carnival man, and Julie Jordan, a local factory worker. Billy loses his life during an attempted robbery but is allowed to return to earth for a short time to seek out his daughter. 

The 1945 musical reunited the creative team that had brought Oklahoma! to the stage two years earlier. The New York Daily Mirror wrote: "Carousel is beautiful, bountiful, beguiling...it is the product of taste, imagination and skill." In 1999, TIME Magazine voted Carousel "Best Musical of the Century!"

“Carousel” has a memorable score, featuring songs such as “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

The Media Theatre’s cast features Broadway’s Joseph Spieldenner in the role of Billy Bigelow. Spieldenner was recently seen in the revival of “Les Miserables”. Prior to his Broadway career, he was in The Media Theatre’s production of “Oklahoma!” as Curly.

The Media Theatre’s production is directed by its Artistic Director Jesse Cline, with music direction by Ben Kapilow. Dann Dunn choreographs. "Carousel" is on stage through October 22. GET TICKETS or call 610-891-0100. 

Here are First Look Photos of the production, by photographer Greg Carroccio.

Joseph Spieldenner as Billy Bigelow, with Maxwell Porterfield as Julie Jordan

Carl Nathaniel Smith as Jigger

George Slotin as Mr. Snow

Beada Briglia as Billy's daughter, Louise

Elisa Matthews as Nettie Fowler

Billy Bigelow (Joseph Spieldenner) and Julie Jordan (Maxwell Porterfield) 

A New Musical "Snow White" Is At The Media Theatre Sundays At Noon Oct. 1 Thru Nov. 5

"Snow White" is a favorite fairy tale for youngsters who become enchanted by the story of the beautiful young girl who meets up with seven little people in the forest. The Media Theatre has a new musical version of the story playing every Sunday at Noon from October 1 through November 5.

The show, perfect for audiences of 'little people' ages 4 through 8, features a script by Tim Haney with new music by Ben Kapilow, the theatre's Resident Music Director.

Maya Maloskey, 13, of Malvern, plays Snow White. She was in the theatre's summer singing competition "The Vocalist" in which she won third place. This is her first time in a Media production. The Little People are played by Media Theatre students Brooklyn Bonner, Aiden Fox, Greyson Heneks, Preston Newton, Lily Jo Shelkin, and Olivia Stroup. The leader of the Little People is double cast with two students: Hannah Brady and David Potts.

Kaitlyn Hanrahan, who was in the summer production of "Into The Woods", is the Wicked Queen who transforms herself into a Beggar Girl (Alexsa McKeown and Madison Vassilakopoulos share that role) and an Old Woman (Shannon Clark and Lauren Saddic) to trick Snow White.

The sassy Magic Mirror is Bridget Henry, and Leo Koncos takes on the two roles of The Huntsman and The Prince. Amelia Welch is a busy-body Blue Bird, and The Narrators are Elizabeth Brown, Aidan Crane, Caileigh Crane, and Charlotte Taylor. 

"Snow White" tickets are $12 for children and $15 for adults. It's on every Sunday at Noon at The Media Theatre. Visit www.mediatheatre.org for tickets or call 610-891-0100. 

Watch: "Carousel" Rehearsal Footage at The Media Theatre

Broadway's Joseph Spieldenner is Billy Bigelow
Maxwell Porterfield is Julie Jordan
"Carousel" is on at The Media Theatre Sept. 20 through Oct. 22
Directed by Jesse Cline
Music Direction: Ben Kapilow
Choreographer: Dann Dunn
Get tickets at mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100

THE MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST FOR DISNEY'S 'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST'

Disney's smash hit Broadway musical "Beauty And The Beast" is on The Media Theatre stage for the upcoming holiday season. It plays November 15, 2017 through January 14, 2018.

Tickets are now on sale for the extremely popular show, which is based on the Oscar nominated animated film. A live action movie based on the Broadway musical was released this past year, becoming 2017's biggest box office sensation.

The stage version features all of the songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with a few new songs created specifically for the stage version. The original Broadway production of "Beauty And The Beast" ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The story focuses on Belle, a young woman, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. The Beast must learn to love and be loved so that the curse will end. With time running out, if the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for eternity.

Disney's "tale as old as time" is a treat for the eyes as well as the ears, with one of the most romantic storylines of all time as well as much humor and adventure. Love truly does conquer all, as all ages appreciate the message of "Beauty And The Beast". 

The show at Media is directed and choreographed by Dann Dunn, with music direction by Ben Kapilow (Delaware County's only professional music theatre features a live orchestra). 

For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or GET TICKETS HERE

The cast of Disney's "Beauty And The Beast" at The Media Theatre is:

Belle.......................Alanna J. Smith*
The Beast..............Jarret Jay Yoder*

Gaston...................Bob Stineman*
Lefou.....................Stephen Fala

Maurice..................Nicholas Saverine*

Lumiere.................JP Dunphy*
Cogsworth.............Kelly Briggs*
Mrs. Potts..............Hillary Parker*
Chip.......................Charlie Carroccio/ Adrian Henry
LaGrande..............Molly Tower
Babette..................Julianna Babb

*Member of Actors Equity Association

Ensemble:
Dante Brattelli, Ronnie Keller, Kimberly Maxson, Megan McDevitt, Niklaus Miller, Dana Orange, Maddy Pelesh, Christian Ryan, Jacob Schrimpf, Kristin Smith, Cara Treacy, Erika Wasko

MEDIA THEATRE'S NEW SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ASKS 'WHO IS THE ACTOR?'---REGISTRATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2017-18

The Media Theatre's New School is accepting registrations now for its 2017-18 season. A prestigious 'by invitation or audition only' theatre study program for two age groups, The New School focuses on the truth of performance: Who is the actor and how does the actor approach the scene, monologue, or song? 

Based within the Sanford Meisner technique, which is defined with the statement "Acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance", The New School focuses on two aspects of music theatre (Acting and Vocal Music) for the younger age group (ages 7-10) on Mondays during the 4:30-6:30pm class beginning September 25, while the older age group (ages 11-16) meets on Thursdays during the same hours beginning September 28.

Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who instructs and leads The New School, a conservatory-style approach to theatre education which is completely separate from the theatre's Acting Classes. 

The New School is a two semester educational program in which students learn advanced elements of acting and vocal music.

This season, all New School students will be also be able to take part in the MEDIA THEATRE DANCE MACHINE Class, which takes place on Sundays at 10am at our Dance Studio (28 West State Street in Media).  

Two frequent performers on our stage, Ronnie Keller and Kim Maxson, 

will instruct the Dance Class.

If one were to synthesize the fundamental premise of the training

it would be that ‘the truth is everything’.This premise is essential and shouldmaintain itself in everything that takes place on stage. 

Each student finds the truth within himself or herself and that particular truth means they are individual and special.

New School students are given priority when it comes to casting shows at 

The Media Theatre which have roles for young actors. 

JESSE CLINE, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR teaches and directs the New School.

He has been at the helm of The Media Theatre since 1994 even as it transitioned to a non-profit in 2000. Has led the theatre to award-winning status and national recognition working with such Tony  nominated actors as Philip Boykin, Ann Crumb, Andy Karl, and Andrea McArdle. He has directed over 100  productions and created the  theatre’s educational programs. He is the winner of two “Best Director” honors from Broadway World.

BEN KAPILOW, RESIDENT MUSIC DIRECTOR, instructs the Vocal Music portion.

He received an M.M. in Composition from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in music and      psychology from Swarthmore College.  He is active as a composer of music for children, as his children's chorus pieces have received over 40 performances, and he composed the score to four musicals for the Media Theatre's Children's Series. He has taught at the Meridee Winters School of Music, Darlington Arts Center, Nelly Berman School of Music, Mother of Providence Regional Catholic School, and St. Pius X School.

There is still space available! Email Roger at rer764@gmail.com to set up an audition or interview with Jesse Cline. (Previous New School students may not have to audition or interview) 

BROADWAY'S JOSEPH SPIELDENNER LEADS CAST OF MEDIA THEATRE'S 'CAROUSEL' SEPT. 20-OCT. 22

The Media Theatre has Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical “Carousel” as the opener for its 2017-18 Broadway Series season. The beloved show plays September 20 to October 22.

The musical takes place between 1873 and 1888 in a small New England fishing village. The tale revolves around a love affair between Billy Bigelow, a travelling carnival man, and Julie Jordan, a local factory worker. Desperate for money after learning that he is soon to become a father, Billy is killed during an attempted robbery. Several years later, when he is allowed to return to earth for a short time, he seeks out the daughter of his union with Julie.

“Carousel” was adapted from Ferenc Molnár's 1909 play “Liliom”, transplanting its Budapest setting to the Maine coastline, although the ending was changed. The 1945 musical reunited the creative team that had brought Oklahoma! to the stage two years earlier, was a success. The New York Daily Mirror wrote: "Carousel is beautiful, bountiful, beguiling...it is the product of taste, imagination and skill."

Broadway actor Joseph Spieldenner, who will play the role of Billy Bigelow

The production ran for 890 performances and went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for "Best Musical" of 1945 and 8 Donaldson Awards including Best Musical, Book, Lyrics and Score. The 1994 Broadway revival won its share of awards as well, boasting 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, and in 1999, TIME Magazine voted Carousel "Best Musical of the Century!"

“Carousel” has a memorable score, featuring songs such as “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

The Media Theatre’s cast features Broadway’s Joseph Spieldenner in the role of Billy Bigelow. Spieldenner was recently seen in the revival of “Les Miserables”. Prior to his Broadway career, he was in The Media Theatre’s production of “Oklahoma!” as Curly.

Originally from Albion, Maine, Spieldenner was in the recent Broadway revival of "Les Miserables" as Grantaire. He was also seen in the National Tour of the 25th Anniversary of "Les Miserables", as well as in the tour of "South Pacific". He has performed at North Shore Music Theatre, North Carolina Theater, Paper Mill Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus and on other stages. His TV credits include "Redrum" on InvDiscovery, as well as the Netflix series "Iron Fist". 

The Media Theatre’s production will be directed by its Artistic Director Jesse Cline, with music direction by Ben Kapilow. Dann Dunn choreographs. "Carousel" is on stage September 20 through October 22. GET TICKETS or call 610-891-0100. 

The cast is:

Billy Bigelow…..Joseph Spieldenner

Julie Jordan…..Maxwell Porterfield

Carrie……………..Madalyn St. John

Jigger………………Carl Smith

Mrs. Mullins……Susan Mattson

Nettie Fowler…..Elisa Matthews

Mr. Snow………….George Slotin

Enoch Snow Jr/ Ensemble….Austy Hicks

Starkeeper……….Jim Conte

Louise………………..Beada Briglia

Mr. Bascomb…….Kelly Briggs

Carnival Boy….Willem Guenther

The Ensemble: Todd Berkich, Dante Brattelli, Madalaina D’Angelo, Sarah Jane Knoblich, Sam Nagel, Dana Orange, Maddy Pelesh, Kristin Smith, Liam Snead, Erika Wasko, and Tasha Waters.

Snow Children……..Group One: Charlie Carroccio, Zachary Divito, Savanna Galloway, Mary Katherine Schwartz, Amanda Treston.    Group Two: Sutton Gold, Adrian Henry, Lauren McAlee, Drew Murphy, Brynn Washbourne

Subscriptions are available! Along with "Carousel", The Media Theatre's 2017-18 Broadway Series includes Disney's "Beauty And The Beast" (Nov. 15-Jan. 14), "Next To Normal" (Jan. 31-Feb. 25), "IF/ THEN" (March 14-April 1), and Disney's "Newsies" (April 18-June 10).