SAIL INTO A NEW 'LITTLE MERMAID' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE THRU MAY 20

There's a new musical version of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" at The Media Theatre every weekend through May 20. 

Developed for children ages 4 and up, the 50 minute show features new songs, colorful costumes, and an opportunity for the little ones in the audience to join the show on stage. GET TICKETS

In this adaptation Doria is the youngest mermaid who wishes to live on land. She wants to be more like the humans above. Her father, the humorous Sea King, understands she is unable to fulfill her dream but wants her to figure things out on her own.

Mae Weaver as Doria The Mermaid, with Leo Koncos as The Prince.
They share the roles with Madison Van Horn and Zachary Amos
at The Media Theatre through May 20.

She finally gets her chance to go to The Rock above land and see what life is like above the water where she rescues a group of Sailors and one charming Prince. 

Songs include "The World Above", "Mermaid's Song", "Beauty of The Sea" and more. The musical's message is all about accepting who you are as well as a reminder to appreciate the creatures of the ocean. 

It's on Sundays at Noon through May 20 (no performance Easter Sunday; one Saturday morning show March 31 at 11am). For tickets, visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100.

This production has no scary villain and is a great introduction to live theatre for small children. Roger Ricker appears as the humorous Sea King. 

THE MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2018-19 SEASON

The Media Theatre, an award-winning professional music theatre located at 104 East State Street in Media, Pa., continues entertaining and inspiring audiences during the 2018-19 season with titles that include Shakespeare, disco music, and one of Sondheim's classics. The productions are produced by Media Music Theatre Company, fulfilling the vision put forth by its Artistic Director Jesse Cline over two decades ago. 

"We look forward to a great season," Cline said. "I've always wanted to produce "Sweeney Todd" and am looking forward to opening our season with the legendary musical."

"Sweeney Todd", the tale of a Victorian-era barber in London who seeks revenge on a corrupt judge who sentenced him to exile while gaining the assistance of a culinary accomplice, plays on The Media Theatre's stage October 3-28, 2018. The winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical upon its Broadway premiere in 1979, the thrilling show has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler. The show's subtitle, "The Demon Barber of Fleet Street", captures the dark wit of the lush, operatic musical. 

For the holiday season, "The Wizard of OZ" will delight audiences of all ages November 14, 2018 to January 13, 2019. Dorothy and her friends travel The Yellow Brick Road in the legendary adventure, going "Over The Rainbow" to Munchkinland and beyond as she discovers there truly is no place like home.

Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar" is on stage January 30 to February 24, 2019. Conspirators plot the dictator's assassination in The Bard's masterpiece which features such legendary quotes as 'The evil that men do lives long after them' and 'Men at some time are the masters of their fates'. There are several 10am performances scheduled during the week of "Julius Caesar" for high school student groups.

The spring brings two musicals which feature number one pop hits of the '60's and the '70's.

"Beehive", in which six ladies take audiences back to the era of transistor radios, flower power, and miniskirts with songs like "Be My Baby", "My Boyfriend's Back", and "Son of A Preacher Man", is a testament to female empowerment. The ladies recall their first dance to the nation's challenges, all set to the beat of the 1960's. It's going to entertain March 13-31, 2019.

We leap from the '60's to the 1970's with the always popular "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical". Featuring many of the Bee Gees greatest hits, such as "Stayin' Alive", "Night Fever", and "Jive Talkin'", it's the story of a streetwise kid from Brooklyn who attempts to escape his dead-end life through dancing. The large ensemble cast will put on their Boogie Shoes April 17 through June 8, 2019.

Subscriptions are now on sale by calling 610-891-0100. Visit mediatheatre.org for further information. 

THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS A GREAT CAST IN 'NEWSIES' APRIL 18 THRU JUNE 10

Disney’s "Newsies" has a Delaware County premiere on The Media Theatre stage April 18 through June 10. The Media Theatre (Jesse Cline, Artistic Director) is a professional music theatre located at 104 East State Street in Media, with free parking after 5pm every weekday and on weekends, and in close proximity to award winning restaurants. 

Based on the 1992 motion picture, "Newsies" features a score by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy). 

While on Broadway, "Newsies" received 23 major theatrical nominations – including eight Tony Award nods – and won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Score and Choreography. GET TICKETS

Set in New York City at the turn of the century, "Newsies" is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged 'newsies', who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right. 

"Newsies" is inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers. 

Timely and fresh, the fictionalized adaptation of "Newsies" addresses age-old themes of social injustice, exploitative labor practices and David-versus-Goliath struggles as the young learn to harness their power against a corrupt establishment. High-energy with non-stop thrills, the stage version introduces eight brand-new songs by the original team of Menken and Feldman while keeping many of the beloved songs from the film, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” “King of New York” and “Santa Fe.”

The show is directed and choreographed by Geoffrey Goldberg, who recently directed the critically acclaimed "Next To Normal" at The Media Theatre as well as "Billy Elliot" three seasons back. Ben Kapilow music directs, and also accompanies the live orchestra. 

"Newsies" has Jeff Sundheim as Jack Kelly. Sundheim was seen off-Broadway in "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe", and has been in regional productions of "Dogfight", "Peter and the Starcatcher", "Tarzan", and "Evita". He makes his Media Theatre debut with "Newsies".

Jeff Sundheim, who plays Jack Kelly in The Media Theatre's "Newsies" April 18 to June 10

Others in the cast are Megan McDevitt as Katherine, Tony Clements as Davey, Christopher Infantino as Crutchie, Ryane Nicole Studivant as Medda, Julia DeGruchy as Hannah, and Kelly Briggs as Pulitzer. The role of Les is double cast and will be shared by two Media Theatre students: Zachary Amos and Aidan Crane.

The Newsies, who do triple duty as dancers, singers, and actors, are: Joshua Bellamy, Gunar Daniels, Zachary Debevec, Ronnie Keller, Ryan Lauer, Dakota Mullins, Marc Andrew Nunez, Christian Ryan, Xavier Brian Townsend.

Five actors portray more than one role in the fast-paced production. They are JP Dunphy, Rusty Flounders, Chris Kovaks, Roger Ricker, and AJ Whittenberger. 

The Delancey Brothers are played by Steve Chisholm and Norman West. The Bowery Beauties are Lauren Bristow and Anna Ferrigno, who are also in the Ensemble.

For tickets to Disney's "Newsies" at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. It's on stage April 18 through June 10. Group rates available. 

There are several 10am performances for school student groups. All evening performances (Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) are at 7pm for family audiences. Matinees are Wednesdays at 2pm, Saturdays at 2pm, and Sundays at 3pm. 

THE MEDIA THEATRE'S SPRING SEMESTER OF ACTING CLASSES BEGINS IN APRIL

The Media Theatre's Spring Semester of Acting Classes begin the weekend of April 7, 2018. The new "Tween" class heads into its second session, with the popular Children's, Teen, and Adult classes returning. Each semester brings a fun educational atmosphere as students develop by working together and creating within a group setting. REGISTER HERE

Children from The Media Theatre Acting Class participate in a youth production on 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 "The Little Mermaid" 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 5-8, 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 Tween Class on Wednesday afternoons.

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

The Level One Children's Class starts Saturday April 7 at 9am, continuing for a total of ten weeks. The weekly hour long class is perfect for ages 5 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 April 8. 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, April 10, 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 April 10, meeting from 7:00-8:30pm each week for an eight-week semester. Scene study is a big part of the class. Artistic Director Jesse Cline instructs the class, with a strong emphasis on The Meisner Technique.

The Tween Class, for ages 11-12 (and specific 10 year olds with stage experience) starts Wednesday April 11 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.

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

'ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE' IS ON STAGE AT THE MEDIA THEATRE THRU APRIL 1

After a successful run this past summer, "Always, Patsy Cline" returns to The Media Theatre March 15 to April 1. Featuring Broadway's Jenny Lee Stern as the legendary country singer, the hit show has performances on Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm.

"Always…Patsy Cline" has enjoyed great success all over the United States, including a successful run off-Broadway. It has been one of the most produced musicals in America according to American Theatre Magazine. “Always…Patsy Cline” has also been enjoyed internationally by audiences in Canada, the UK and Australia.

“Always…Patsy Cline” is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.

The musical play, complete with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’ unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight…27 songs in all. The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which were consistently signed “Love ALWAYS… PatsyCline.”

Jenny Lee Stern is a Bucks County native and Broadway veteran. She was seen on Broadway in Rocky (Original Broadway Cast) and A Christmas Story (Madison Square Garden). She toured the country as "Mary Delgado" in Jersey Boys, originating the role in the Chicago and Toronto companies.

Off-Broadway, Ms. Stern garnered critical acclaim for her portrayals of Judy Garland, Patti Lupone, Bernadette Peters, Sutton Foster (and more!) in Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking. She frequently cameos as a "Guest Diva" in Forbidden Broadway's latest installment, Spamilton.

Ms. Stern has been seen frequently on the cabaret circuit in NYC, performing at Town Hall, Feinstein's, Birdland, Lincoln Center, and 54 Below, including her solo show Just A Girl. Regionally, she has found her niche playing "Patsy Cline" in Always, Patsy Cline. She recently played the role (for the 5th time!) at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

Jenny Lee's other Philadelphia credits include: West Side Story, Godspell, Lobby Hero, 42nd Street, High Society (Walnut Street Theatre); Seussical, Cats (Media Theatre), The Great American Trailer Park Xmas Musical (Montgomery Theatre). She has been seen on TV in The Sopranos and The Mysteries of Laura as well as annually in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Jenny studied acting at NYU and North Carolina School of the Arts. She is mother to two young daughters and lives happily in Doylestown, PA.

The role of Louise will be played by Deborah Lynn Meier.  Deborah was last seen on the Media stage in Dogfight as Marcy.  Her bio states that her other regional credits include Sex With Strangers (Olivia, Montgomery Theater) Taming of the Shrew (Bianca) & Quilters (Dana, Grand Canyon Shakespeare Company). Los Angeles: Gulf View Drive (Treva, World Premiere), Spitfire Grill (Percy), It’s A Wonderful Life: Live Radio Show (Violet et al), As It Is In Heaven (Polly), Into the Woods(Little Red), Titus Andronicus (Lavina). Film: Truly Unusual, Fourteenth Colony, Borders (Supporting).  

For tickets, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

Pictured: Broadway's Jenny Lee Stern as Patsy Cline

MEDIA THEATRE'S MARCH 10 BENEFIT FULFILLED THE PROMISE OF HOME

The Media Theatre’s annual benefit March 10, postponed a week due to snow, offered a welcoming atmosphere, pleasant company, and familiar songs performed by Broadway entertainers. This was very fitting, since the event title was “There’s No Place Like Home”, and home is where the heart is.

 A beloved local Medical Director for the Crozer Regional Cancer Center, Dr. Ray Vivacqua, was in the spotlight to honor his lovely wife, Teresa J. Vivacqua. They were both listed as the night’s Community Partnership awardees for their philanthropy and great works which have assisted many in Delaware County and the surrounding region. Several of The Media Theatre’s New School students, with an introduction by 7 year old Charlie Carroccio, dedicated the song “Over The Rainbow” to Teresa. The song was given a new arrangement by the theatre’s Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow, specifically for the event.

The Media Theatre's Executive Director and Artistic Director (Patrick Ward and Jesse Cline) with Community Partnership Honoree Dr. Ray Vivacqua, Theatre Board Chair Ree Dunphy, and New School student Charlie Carroccio.

Teresa J. Vivacqua trained as a medical technician, working in that capacity for several years and also as a medical assistant in internal medical offices. She married Ray Vivacqua on June 11, 1960. She and Ray had three children, one daughter and two sons, from 1963 to 1968.  Later in Teresa and Ray's married life, she worked in her husband's Hematology/ Medical Oncology office as a Medical Assistant and secretary. She spent several years as a volunteer patient advocate at Crozer Chester Medical Center. In approximately 2002, she developed symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia. Teresa always enjoyed sailing, tennis, ice skating, camping, traveling, oil and water color painting, cooking, and going to the theater.

Dr. Ray Vivacqua graduated Jefferson University Medical College (Philadelphia) in 1960 and completed a fellowship in Hematology/ Medical Oncology at the Cardeza Foundation, Jefferson University, in 1966. He is currently the Medical Director of The Crozer Regional Cancer Center, Director of Hematology/ Oncology Division at Crozer Chester Medical Center.

Dr. Vivacqua, upon accepting the Community Partnership award, kept the focus on his wife throughout his acceptance speech. He said that, upon entering The Media Theatre and seeing a large photo of his wife in the lobby, he ‘fell in love all over again’. It was a heartfelt and memorable moment.

Broadway’s Jenny Lee Stern and Nicholas Saverine were the headline performers for the event, treating the enthusiastic audience to legendary songs from “Cabaret” and “Phantom of The Opera” among their program. Three local teenagers (Veronica Garrubbo, Gianni Palmarini, and Molly Sorensen) also performed, representing the theatre’s School of Theatre and New School.

Artistic Director Jesse Cline introduced the evening, along with Executive Director Patrick Ward, Board Chair Ree Dunphy, and Gala Chair Sandra McKeown. Patrons and sponsors took part in a live campaign to raise funds for the theatre’s new stage. Donations are still being accepted for the Stage Campaign by calling Kathleen Moran at 610-891-0100.

Emcee Kelly Briggs, seen frequently on The Media Theatre stage, kept the night moving along at a brisk pace with his welcoming presence. He also announced The Media Theatre’s 2018-19 Broadway Series season which is “Sweeney Todd”, “The Wizard of OZ”, “Julius Caesar”, “Beehive”, and “Saturday Night Fever”.

Disney’s hit musical “Newsies” finishes the current season April 18 to June 10. For tickets or information, visit mediatheatre.org. You, too, will find that there truly is ‘No Place Like Home’ as a Media Theatre patron, supporter, or subscriber.