ROGER RICKER CONCERT 'THE TOGETHER SHOW' AUGUST 17 FEATURES BROADWAY PERFORMERS

The Media Theatre's Roger Ricker has his annual fundraising concert on Thursday August 17. "The Together Show" will feature Ricker singing songs focused on the theme of friendship and working together to do 'positive' things, a youth ensemble, The State Street Miracles, and special guests including Broadway performers.

Ava Briglia, recently seen on Broadway in the title role of "Matilda", will perform. Her older sister Beada, seen on The Great White Way in "Matilda" and "A Christmas Story: The Musical", will sing as well. Both are products of The Media Theatre's education program and, prior to their careers in NYC, were seen in the Children's Series. 

Broadway veteran Kelly Briggs will join the concert as well, from which all proceeds benefit The Media Theatre's Broadway Series. Briggs has been seen on The Media Theatre stage frequently in the past few years in shows such as "Les Miserables", "Side Show", "To Kill A Mockingbird" and more. 

"My annual concert has become a tradition, having happened every summer for the past decade," Ricker said. "It's a fun-raiser, as well as a fundraiser. It's like a giant party on the stage and in the audience. We've been known to throw beach balls and have audience participation. If you are looking for a good time---no, a great time---and you love The Media Theatre, this is your night."

Part of the Ricker concert experience is surprise, and this year promises to be no different. Ricker explained, "The Together Show will have moments that are completely unplanned and unrehearsed, believe me. You never know what will happen. Of course, there is a large amount of planning that takes place as well, including choosing the right songs, rehearsing, and all of that. But it's the spontaneity of the evening that really brings it home."

Ricker and his guests will be accompanied by the theatre's resident music director Ben Kapilow on the keyboard. "It's just us, the audience, and Ben on piano," Ricker said. "When you get right down to it, that's all you need. The message is in the music."

Another special guest is Eileen Wiley, who is playing the role of The Queen of Hearts this summer in Alice In Wonderland. She's the mother of Media Theatre student Violet Wiley. "Eileen sings with a local band, and has an awesome voice," Ricker said. "We'll be doing a couple of duets, and she's going to sing one of her favorites. Each year we try to have one of the parents involved as a way of saying we are all, truly, working together for the good of the theatre." 

The State Street Miracles, the theatre's performance troupe of adults with developmental disabilities, are a part of The Media Theatre family and will be singing a medley of their 'greatest hits'. "It would not be a summer concert without them," Ricker said. 

As for Roger Ricker's choice of songs, he says, "My selections are usually pop classics, which suit my vocal style. The songs, such as "You've Got A Friend" and "Peace Train", will suit the theme."

The Volunteer of The Year Award will be given to Media's Toni Nolek during the concert. She's been volunteering her time for a decade as an usher and friend to The Media Theatre.

For tickets to "The Together Show" featuring Roger Ricker and Friends, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. The concert is on the main stage Thursday August 17 at 7pm.