MEDIA THEATRE'S 2019-20 SEASON HAS FAMILY FUN, A FIRST LADY, AND ABBA

The Media Theatre is heading into its 26th Broadway Series Season with two contemporary family musicals, a rarely seen show about Eleanor Roosevelt, a classic dealing with pregnancy, and ABBA. It's one of the theater's most eclectic seasons, promising entertaining productions that will ultimately inspire audiences.

First on the boards is the Roald Dahl story of the little girl who could make a difference. It's "Matilda: The Musical" and it's on October 2-27. With a book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, the show has won 47 international awards. Matilda is a little girl with intelligence and psychokinetic powers who is unloved by her cruel parents but whose schoolteacher finds her impressive. But the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and dreams up new punishments for them. Matilda finds a clever and courageous way to possibly become the school's saving grace. With high-energy and songs such as "Naughty", "Revolting Children", and "Quiet", Matilda offers a thrilling time at the theater. Jesse Cline directs, with Christian Ryan doing choreography.

For the holiday season, November 13 to January 12, "Elf: The Musical" will delight families and audiences of all ages. Based on the classic Will Ferrell comedy film, the show invites everyone to embrace their inner elf. A young orphan named Buddy crawls into Santa's bag and suddenly finds himself at the North Pole where he is raised as an elf. Songs include "Never Fall In Love With An Elf" and "World's Greatest Dad". Christian Ryan directs and choreographs, with Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow overseeing the music and orchestra pit.

January 29 to February 23 is reserved for a musical that will be new to many as it is rarely produced. It's "Eleanor: An American Love Story" and it chronicles the story of Eleanor Roosevelt, the shy young aristocrat who became one of the most legendary First Ladies of all time. With warmth, humor, and insight audiences will see the story of her relationship with Franklin and the courage that led to her emergence as a catalyst for social change. Thomas Tierny and John Forster wrote the music and lyrics, with a book by Jonathon Bolt. Songs include "How The Other Half Lives", "Our Beautiful Daughters", and "The New Century Walk".

The start of Spring is the perfect time for a musical entitled "Baby". It's on the historic stage March 11-29. From the acclaimed duo of Richard Maltby and David Shire, it explores how parents-to-be experience emotional stresses and triumphs, as well as the lows and somewhat comedic highs that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby. Songs include "Fatherhood Blues", "We Start Today", and "I Want It All".

One of Broadway's longest-running shows arrives at Delaware County's only professional music theatre. It's "Mamma Mia!" (April 15-June 15). Filled with the greatest hits of ABBA, it's a light-hearted romp on a Greek island paradise. A young woman searches for her birth father when three men from her mother's past pay a visit. The timeless and incredibly popular songs propel the story forward which also features memorable dance numbers. The score includes "Dancing Queen", "The Winner Takes It All", and the legendary title song.

Subscriptions are now available, as well as individual tickets for all shows. Visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100 for more information. 

The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization that has been operating as the only professional theatre in Delaware County since the year 2000. Located in downtown Media on beautiful State St., The Media Theatre was originally constructed in 1927 as a vaudeville house also featuring “talkies”. The ornate physical structure of the Media Theatre certainly represents the historic presence and unique value of downtown Media. In 1993, Walter Strine Sr. purchased the theatre and undertook a massive renovation of over $1 million which restored the theatre to its former aesthetic glory. Throughout the 90s, the theatre was run as a for-profit business under the management of Rockwell Productions. However, there was a small wing of theatre lovers that formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called the Society for the Performing Arts of the Media Theatre.

In 2000 when Rockwell Productions abandoned the theatre and its production of live entertainment, the Society stepped in, took over management, and established The Media Theatre as it is today. Producing five musicals each year, the current Broadway Series provides opportunities to gain new audiences and strengthen the support of current patrons and old friends.