'DOGFIGHT' ACTORS GET MARINE CUTS AT HAIR KUTZ STUDIO IN MEDIA

The musical "Dogfight" is about young marines in 1963 who are getting ready to be deployed. To be a marine in this context, an actor must be able to portray a healthy, strapping, and exuberantly youthful guy who has no idea what his future holds. Well, he does know one thing...He'll have to get his hair cut 'high and tight'.

To that end, and to assist the actors and the production directed by Jesse Cline, Jackie Ferrell stepped in. She owns and operates Hair Kutz Studio in Media on State Street, just a few blocks away from The Media Theatre where the show is on stage March 9-27. She also does most of the cutting for her mostly male clientele.

Jackie Ferrell, of Hair Kutz Studio in Media, does a 'high and tight' for actor Kyle Segarra

Jackie Ferrell adores The Media Theatre, and said, "I am honored to be able to help out. The shows are terrific, the actors are so nice, and it makes me feel happy to be partnered with the theatre."

Lead actor Zack Krajnyak has mixed feelings about getting the Marine look but knows the value of doing what's needed for your art...and your girlfriend

So on Monday morning March 7, just two days prior to the show's opening, on a day Jackie would usually have as a day of rest from her busy hair cutting schedule, she pleasantly opened her studio for the seven young actors. One by one, with a smile on her face and the enthusiastic conversation one would expect from a professional hair stylist, she buzzed each actor's hair to give them the 'high and tight' look needed for the production.

Glenn Britton seems fine, don't you think?

Denzel Thomas actually ended up loving having almost no hair. 

And she did it all as a gift for the theatre. It took her just a bit over two hours, and she never tired or stopped to rest. In fact, she said, "I love this! This is what I live for, to do my job, to do it well, and to support the community when I am able."

The seven actors (Glenn Britton, Jake Glassman, Zack Krajnyak, Joe Pudetti, Kyle Segarra, Denzel Thomas, and Michael Wessells) kept her entertained while she clipped and buzzed one 'marine' after the other. With jokes flying right and left, talk of a contest to see who lost the most hair, and a bit of off-color humor befitting a troupe of dudes in their 20's, she was never bored. "They are like a group of guys who would be deployed together," Jackie said. "They've bonded and they'll forever be buddies now because of the show and their experiences together. It's a natural thing and it's what marines do, too."

Jake Glassman with one side down.

An almost finished Joe Pudetti.

Michael Wessels is diggin' it, as they would have said in 1963.

So if you weren't there, you'll never know exactly what transpired because, as the saying goes, 'only the hairdresser knows for sure'.

Seven handsome young men, with their 'high and tight' haircuts, ready for action in DOGFIGHT
From left to right is: C. J. Celeiro, Kyle Segarra, Jake Glassman, Zack Krajnyak, Michael Wessels, Glenn Britton, and Joe Pudetti with Denzel Thomas at center.

You can see the guys in action during the run of "Dogfight: The Musical" at The Media Theatre March 9-27. The show, by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul and a book by Peter Duchan is based on the 1991 film. The story follows the marines as they have a night of partying and play a cruel joke, which causes a young waitress to change one of their lives forever. It is a heartfelt and haunting musical. Call 610-891-0100 for tickets or visit mediatheatre.org. Note: "Dogfight" does have adult language.

Hair Kutz Studio is at 300 West State Street in Media, no appointment necessary but you may call 610-566-4820. Studio hours are Tues and Wednesday 7:30am-3pm, Thursday and Friday 7:30am-6pm, and Saturday 6:30am-3pm. Tell Jackie that the guys from "Dogfight" sent ya!

SPRING SEMESTER OF ACTING CLASSES BEGINS APRIL 2 AT MEDIA THEATRE--REGISTER TODAY!

Acting classes start up again the weekend of April 2 at The Media Theatre. The Spring semester presents a variety of classes for children, teens, and adults.  

The classes offer professional training for those just beginning or wishing to further their education. Instruction is based on The Meisner Technique which follows the basic structure that ‘Acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance.’ 

Within this curriculum there is no ‘character’ or pretense and actors are placed in an environment which allows them to be who they are, building self-awareness and self-esteem within their own unique personality. The idea of ‘copying’ someone else’s performance is pushed aside as actors create from within themselves to fulfill the required role they may be asked to portray.

A scene from Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs at The Media Theatre. All youth registered for acting classes are invited to appear in the children's shows on Media's stage.

The Media Theatre will continue to offer two separate levels for children. The popular Children’s Class, for ages 6 and up, will meet on Saturday mornings at 9am beginning April 2 and continuing for ten weeks. This one-hour weekly course is primarily for ages 5 to 8 who are just starting out or who have less stage experience than others in their age group. It features exercises for building basic speaking skills on stage (volume, diction), learning stage directions, and developing self-esteem. Fun improvisational style exercises are also utilized to build the concept that acting requires team work on occasion. Imagination is a major ingredient of this class.

Level Two for Children will meet Tuesdays at 4:30 beginning April 5. This 10-week one-hour course is appropriate for children ages 8 to 11, or for those who have some onstage experience. The focus is primarily on  group or scene work to strengthen acting skills. Theatre exercises are also implemented to enhance stage focus and discipline. 

Ben Pedersen, Jolie Jaffe, and Jacob Shapiro in a scene from the recent "To Kill A Mockingbird"

The Teen Acting Class will continue on Sundays at 6pm starting April 3. This eight-week 90-minute class is ideal for ages 12 and up. Each student is given one-on-one instruction within a group environment.  Focus is on stage skills, following direction, scripted scene work with partners, and monologues. Improvisational Scene Work is also explored, and becomes a major part of the focus as the weeks progress, enhancing the ability to 'react quickly as you would without over-analyzing'.

The Adult Class will meet Tuesdays at 7:30 starting April 5. This eight-week 90-minute class is designed for the adult (18 and up) who wishes to explore acting for the first time or who wants to strengthen their stage skills. Scene study with partners and monologues are the focus. The class also enhances those whose careers involve any type of public speaking.

For those who have been students in the classes, The Media Theatre reminds participants that each semester, while based on similar structure, is completely different as classes are built to reflect the personalities of each student within the group setting. Therefore, for example, if a child repeats the Saturday morning class or any of the classes offered, it is never exactly the same. Students are also dealt with and instructed within their own personal level. 

The Children's, Teen, and Adult Acting Classes require no audition or interview. Roger Ricker, a stage veteran of over 90 productions at The Media Theatre, instructs the Children and Teen Classes. Tim Haney, who has been with the theatre since 1997, instructs the Adult Class.

The Media Theatre also has several dance classes to choose from, which are ongoing. Purchase a Dance Card for $120 (good for 10 classes). Please call for information.

To register for the Acting Classes, please call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Email rer764@gmail.com with specific questions or request information.

DELCO GAL IS ROSE IN MEDIA'S 'DOGFIGHT' MUSICAL

A Delaware County gal who moved to NYC in order to achieve her goals of becoming a professional actress is back in Delco. Victoria Guiteras Mayo of Springfield is portraying the role of Rose in The Media Theatre's production of "Dogfight" March 9-27.

A Temple University grad, she was previously seen at Media as Tracy in "Hairspray", Millie in "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", and as Thea in "Spring Awakening". She has worked recently with Sally Struthers as Doralee in "Nine To Five" and in "Spamalot" for which she received a Broadway World Award as Best Actress in the DC region as The Lady of The Lake.

“Dogfight” takes place in 1963 focusing on three young marines on the eve of their deployment. During their final night of partying in the States Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress who he enlists to win a cruel bet with his buddies. But Rose turns the tables and brings the power of love and compassion to Eddie’s life. Inspiring with a score that is hauntingly beautiful, “Dogfight” is memorable with its charming soul.

Zack Krajnyak plays Eddie Birdlace in the show directed by Jesse Cline. For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

EVOLVE IP TO GET COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD AT MEDIA THEATRE GALA SAT. FEB. 20

Evolve IP will receive the Community Partnership Award at The Media Theatre Gala on Saturday February 20. The honor is given annually to a business, corporation, or individual which assists Media Music Theatre Company in achieving its goals annually through marketing, IT, or other valuable assets. 

Media Music Theatre Company is the professional music theatre housed at The Media Theatre. Evolve IP has donated, in the past 18 months, phone and internet services which have created a more efficient and productive box office plus marketing opportunities which extend to the Executive Staff as well. 

The liason from Evolve IP to the theatre is Scott Kinka of West Chester, who will be accepting the award on February 20.

Evolve IP, founded in 2008 in Philadelphia, is The Cloud Services Company™.     Evolve IP provides businesses with a unified option for cloud services. Evolve IP enables decision-makers to migrate all or select IT technologies to its award-winning cloud platform. Today, tens of thousands of customers across the globe depend daily on Evolve IP for cloud services like virtual servers, virtual desktops, disaster recovery, unified communications, contact centers, and more.

IN 2015 alone, Evolve IP has been awarded  Philly’s Coolest Places to Work from Philadelphia Magazine; Entrepreneur Magazine, Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America;  Inc 500 and Philadelphia Alliance of Capital and Technology, Emerging Technology Company of the Year.

But most important was awarded FirstTrust Bank’s – Business First Award which was designed to highlight the community involvement efforts of businesses in the Philadelphia Region.

Scott Kinka serves as Chief Technology and Product Development Officer for Evolve IP. He is also a founding partner of the company. An award-winning, 20-year technology veteran with expertise in virtualization, cloud security and telecommunications, Mr. Kinka designs the Evolve IP roadmap, leads Evolve IP’s project team and works closely with customers and partners. Scott was named one of Philadelphia’s 40 under 40 and selected as the region’s Top IT Innovator by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Mr. Kinka also is a nationally recognized technology expert having appeared on CBS News along with being quoted extensively in publications like USA Today, FOX News and CIO Magazine.

Mr. Kinka graduated from La Salle University with a B.A. in communications, and studied telecommunications at the graduate level at Temple University.   He currently lives in West Chester with his wife and three children.

After hours, Mr. Kinka coaches youth soccer and plays piano in local bars and pubs.

For information regarding The Media Theatre's annual Gala, "Fight For The Arts", call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

MEDIA THEATRE'S STATE STREET MIRACLES INSPIRE WITH SONG AS THEY PREPARE TO PERFORM AT STATE CAPITOL

Something truly magical takes place on Monday evenings at the Media Theatre.

While all of the theater’s musicals, concerts, classes and special events are all wonderfully creative and entertaining, the theater breaks down barriers for people with intellectual disabilities when they hold special rehearsals for a troupe of adults with intellectual disabilities.

The Media Theatre State Street Miracles, a performance troupe of 14 adults with intellectual disabilities, have a mission to spread the joy of music and dance while increasing awareness of the talents and abilities of people with disabilities.

The State Street Miracles, a performance troupe of adults with developmental disabilities

2016 marks their 10^th anniversary of performing and remarkable strides have been made in those 10 years. The troupe has grown from eight to 14 performers, they’ve learned the music, lyrics and choreography for 14 songs from classic musicals to pop and rock, and they’ve played to audiences from Harrisburg to Washington, D.C. They will be traveling to Harrisburg once again on March 16, 2016, to perform for the Pennsylvania Senate. 

The Miracles are ambassadors in song who use their vocal and dance talents to show that people with disabilities have many abilities. Their performances are professional, yet spontaneous as the Miracles introduce themselves and perform a repertoire of songs from show tunes to modern hits including the Journey song, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Wherever they perform, smiles instantly appear on people’s faces as they are inspired and entertained by their lively dancing and singing.

The Miracles are directed by Roger Ricker and trained and accompanied by Tim Heaney under the guidance of Media Theatre Director Jesse Cline.  Members of the State Street Miracles are: John Abrams of Swarthmore, Aaron Brooks of  Folsom,   Patrick Clark of Springfield, Peter Crumb of Upper Providence, Maryjo D’Allesandro of Divine Providence Village, Springfield, Nakisha Edwards of Media, Ted Harris of Rose Valley, Erin McGivney of Wayne, Brian Short, Jake Spencer, Kimiko Iizuka and Kim Watson, all of Middletown; Brittany Roberts of Edgmont; and Erin Perry.

The Miracles often perform at Delaware County's Naturalization Ceremonies

Since they were organized in September, 2006, the State Street Miracles have earned standing ovations for many performances, including concerts at the Rose Tree Summer Festival, the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Fall Festival at Villanova University. They’ve also traveled to Harrisburg where they were recognized by the state Senate and performed in the Rotunda, and to Washington, D.C., where they performed in the Senate Rotunda.

The troupe, which is sponsored by the Media Theatre, features 14 adults who have various developmental disabilities from autism to Down syndrome, but love to sing, dance and perform. The emphasis at Monday night rehearsals goes beyond performing. Since they joined the group, all members have experienced improved speech and articulation, better independence and decision-making, increased self-esteem, and most importantly, they’ve formed friendships with their fellow performers, the Media Theater staff, and members of the overall community. 

           

Their repertoire includes a rousing rendition of “God Bless America,” a meaningful version of “Getting to Know You,” their theme song, and a hip-shaking version of Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog.” The group enjoys singing “Lean On Me,” which communicates an inspiring message of support for each other.

            Their message is also embraced in “That’s What Friends are For,” “Sing A Song” and “We Are the World.”

The mission of the State Street Miracles is to provide people with disabilities an outlet to express their musical and artistic talent while raising awareness in the community of the creative abilities of people who have a developmental disability.

            While people with disabilities are more included today in the school and work environment, there are still many barriers preventing them from participating in the arts community. The Media Theatre, a professional music theater, provides a bridge to performance opportunities.

            The State Street Miracles are taught in weekly sessions that provide them with affordable access to performance classes, plus the opportunity to perform.

            During their introductions, the members tell a bit about themselves including their jobs and athletic accomplishments, and they stress that they are registered voters and they hold jobs.

The State Street Miracles are available to perform one or all of their songs at community functions. They are also available to open events with the national anthem or “God Bless America.” For information about the State Street Miracles, contact Trish Cofiell at 610-322-6806. 

If you would like to support or donate to The State Street Miracles, please email Roger at rer764@gmail.com. The Miracles program relies on donations to succeed. 

MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES 'SLEEPING BEAUTY' CAST

The Media Theatre is going to be humorously happy this spring with “Sleeping Beauty” on stage for children ages 4 and up. The somewhat ‘fractured fairy tale’ version of the classic tale is heavy on comedy but also has plenty of heart. It plays Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon March 12 through May 22.

Written by R. Eugene Jackson and Patsy Pollard, the show is one hour in length and features songs such as “Love Is”, “Merricore”, and “Spinning”.

Based on the tale of the young lady who pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and falls into a deep sleep until loves kiss comes along, this “Sleeping Beauty” promises to be fun for all. With roles such as a silly Prince, Tipsy the Gypsy, a Court Jester and a Magician who turns himself into a frog, it’s a fast-paced play with music.

The cast is made up of students from The Media Theatre’s New School and acting classes. Two adults join the fun: Roger Ricker as the Jester and Henry O’ Neill as the Royal Magician.

Most of the roles are double cast. Actors will alternate performances during the show’s run.

For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

The “Sleeping Beauty” cast list is:

KING…………………………….EVAN BRAMLAGE / OWEN MANNION

QUEEN…………………………NOELLE LONGENBERGER/HANNA MURPHY

THE PRINCESS……………….HAYLEY HUGHES/ RACHEL MCVEY

THE PRINCE………………….. JOSH ATKINSON/ ZACHARY DIVITO

CHESTER THE JESTER……..ROGER RICKER

TIPSY THE GYPSY……………HANNA BRADY/ VIOLET WILEY

ROYAL MAGICIAN………….....AIDAN CRANE/ HENRY O’ NEILL

THE FROG……………………...AIDEN FOX/ SEAN O’ NEILL

ROSEMARY, THE GOOD FAIRY…………. JILLIAN DONOHUE/ GIGI FURLAN

THORNBERRY, THE EVIL FAIRY………….CASSIDY ELSE/ CHLOE MILLET

3-HEADED DRAGON: 

           CAILEIGH CRANE & BRIDGET HENRY & BRYNNE WASHBOURNE

           SARAH SHOUMER & ALEXANDRA SHOUMER & YASMIN AHMED

SCENE STEALERS….ALEXSA MCKEOWN / EVE ROSENSTEIN/ MARY KATE VINK

                                                                   

Ensemble: Brooklyn Bonner, Scott Bradbury, Alyssa Carlow, Maddie Lippa, Abitha Madesh, Annabelle Shoumer, Samantha Sweeney

Understudies:

Queen….Alyssa Carlow

King/ Prince….Scott Bradbury

Princess…….

Rosemary …Maddie Lippa

Thornberry…

RAYMOND J. VIVACQUA, M.D., TO RECEIVE AWARD AT MEDIA THEATRE GALA FEB. 20

Raymond J. Vivacqua, M.D, is the 2016 recipient of the Walter M. Strine, Sr. Advocate of the Arts Award at The Media Theatre's annual gala on Saturday February 20.

The prestigious honor is named after Strine, the entrepreneur who renovated The Media Theatre and transformed it into a live performing arts center in 1994. Vivacqua joins previous honorees whose support has assisted in the theatre being able to make improvements, gain a wider audience, and continue to expand its educational opportunities.

Raymond J. Vivacqua, M.D, as he appeared on Good Day Health show

Raymond J. Vivacqua, M. D, is no stranger to assisting many with a good cause. He is the Chief of Hematology and Oncology at Crozer, Springfield, and Taylor hospitals. He works with each of his patients and their families to provide compassionate, technical care in order to give each one of them the best opportunity for the highest quality of life. 

His support of The Media Theatre assists in providing the finest opportunities for many youth in the region who have an interest in the performing arts. 

The annual gala, which has the aggressively fun title "Fight For The Arts" this year, is at once a fundraiser and a celebration. Entertainment will be provided by Tony nominee Josh Young accompanied by Brian Lowdermilk during a special one-night-only concert event.

Theatrical Trainers will add to the "Fight" theme with three boxing matches choreographed by Peter Andrew Danzig.

The entire evening will remind patrons that in order for Media Music Theatre Company to continue to produce its award winning and nationally recognized programming everyone must 'put up their dukes' and get into the ring to fight to succeed. 

Tickets which include the evening's two receptions and award presentation as well as the boxing matches are $150 per person. "Show Only" tickets for just the concert are $55 each. 

For more information or to get tickets, please call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST FOR 'DOGFIGHT' MARCH 9-27

The Media Theatre has “Dogfight: The Musical” March 9-27. With music and lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul and a book by Peter Duchan, it’s based on the 1991 film of the same name. It’s the winner of the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical.

“Dogfight” takes place in 1963 focusing on three young marines on the eve of their deployment. During their final night of partying in the States Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress who he enlists to win a cruel bet with his buddies. But Rose turns the tables and brings the power of love and compassion to Eddie’s life. Inspiring with a score that is hauntingly beautiful, “Dogfight” is memorable with its charming soul.

Zack Krajnyak, who played the lead role of Sam in “Ghost” at Media Theatre last season, returns to play Eddie Birdlace in this production directed by Jesse Cline. Victoria Mayo, who delighted audiences in “Hairspray”, takes on the role of Rose.

Zack Krajnyak who plays the role of Eddie Birdlace

Others in the cast include Kyle Segarra as Bernstein, Jake Glassman as Fector, Glenn Britton as Gibbs, Michael Wessels as Stevens, and Joe Pudetti as Boland. Deborah Lynn Meier is Marcy, with Sarah Gafgen as Ruth Two Bears and Kaitlin Davis as Mom. JP Dunphy takes on the role of The Lounge Singer, while CJ Celeiro, Krystina Hawkinson, Alyssa Orapallo, Andrew Ruggieri, Ashley Sweetman and Denzel Thomas make up the ensemble.

“Dogfight: The Musical” is at The Media Theatre March 9-27. There are matinees on Saturdays and Sundays, with evening performances on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. (One weekday matinee Thursday March 10.) For tickets call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

FIRST LOOK PICS: 'TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD' AT MEDIA THEATRE

"To Kill A Mockingbird" is at The Media Theatre through February 21. The legendary novel by Harper Lee is adapted by Christopher Sergel for the stage play. 

With a cast of professional actors featuring both youth and adults the show is directed by three-time Broadway World Award winner Jesse Cline. 

Focusing on the trial of a young black man falsely accused of physically harming a young white woman in 1930's Alabama, "To Kill A Mockingbird" presents a powerful examination of racial tensions and profiling which still exist today. 

The youth roles (Scout, Jem, and Dill) are double cast with two groups of talented young actors. Lexi Gwynn and Jolie Jaffe share the role of Scout, while Brayden Orpello-McCoy and Ben Pedersen bring life to the role of Jem. Jacob Shapiro and Tim Woodward are Dill. 

Tickets are available by calling 610-891-0100 or by visiting mediatheatre.org

Photos by Maura McConnell

Atticus Finch (Bob Stineman) speaks to the jury
as the bailiff (Henry O' Neill) and Judge Taylor (P.Brendan Mulvey) listen

Tom Robinson (Travis Keith Battle) tells his side of the story as the Judge listens

Reverend Sykes (Pastor Warren Mays of Media's Second Baptist Church) leads his congregation in song

Bob Ewell (Tim Woodward) points the finger at Tom during the trial.
Standing behind the table is Sheriff Tate (Kelly Briggs)

MEDIA THEATRE COLLABORATES WITH MEDIA'S SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH FOR 'TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD'

The Media Theatre's "To Kill A Mockingbird" features a professional cast of actors, young and old, bringing Harper Lee's classic story to life within the script adaptation by Chris Sergel. The show focuses on the trial of young Tom, an African American who lives in fictional Maycomb County, Alabama in the early 1930's who is accused of a crime against a young white woman. 

The production, unlike any other produced ever before, also features members of Media's Second Baptist Church who will assist in capturing the true essence of the play directed by Jesse Cline, the theatre's Artistic Director. It is on stage January 27 through February 21 at The Media Theatre. The show was initially expected to close a week earlier, but due to popular demand was extended an extra week.

Pastor Warren Mays of the Second Baptist Church of Media, PA

The Second Baptist Church's Pastor Warren Mays is venturing onto a professional stage by taking on the role of Reverend Sykes in the show. "I accepted this due to the challenge of performing in my first dramatic play as a role that reflects similar values during the oppressive and unjust Jim Crow era," he said. "This is my first show participating with professional actors. My experience has been limited to brief roles in church plays."

He'll share the experience with various members of his congregation who will perform in the show as well. They'll represent African Americans who reside in Alabama during the time of the play. The Second Baptist Church members will sing and perform to enhance the show's integrity and define its atmosphere.

"While Maycomb County is a fictional place, it represents the true definition of what was happening during the time period of the show," said director Cline. "It still, to this day, represents those things happening around us which tell us that 'the more things change, the more they remain the same' in some instances."

Pastor Mays believes strongly in this collaboration. "This has the potential to promote an ongoing educational, spiritual and cultural dialogue between the two groups."

When the Pastor was asked how he applied his status as the leader of Second Baptist Church's congregation to the role of Reverend Sykes, he explained "As a 21st century African American pastor, I had to learn to act subservient in my role in the show--a definite personal adjustment--while still demonstrating the same compassion and influential power of the Black Church, and confronting inequality."

"I envision the audience embracing a knowledge of the Jim Crow era formulated by distorted racial beliefs, laws, and actions," he continued. "However, I am optimistic the viewing public will gain more of an appreciation for those individuals who risked and sacrificed their lives in the struggle for justice. Hopefully, they'll be moved to participate in the eradication of injustice everywhere."

Pastor Mays, as one would expect, is more than happy to share information regarding the Second Baptist Church of Media. "Our church is celebrating 115 years as a beacon of light in the Media borough. The congregation is comprised of individuals and families from the Tri-State area. We promote racial and ethnic harmony through Jesus the Christ in the recognition of God's creatures and creation. Ministries are developed to meet the needs of the people and those in foreign countries through a biblical perspective."

Cline added, "With his type of belief system and faith background, there was no better choice to portray Reverend Sykes than Pastor Warren Mays of Media's Second Baptist Church. You can't bring that to the stage unless it is with you every step of the way. We are happy to have Pastor Mays and members of his congregation enhance our production of "To Kill A Mockingbird" at The Media Theatre."

Pastor Mays is thankful for his role in life. He says enthusiastically, "God has allowed me to pastor His caring church for 30 years with a lovely family--my wife, Lenora and my children LaTisha, Warren Jr., Isaiah and Ashley and my grandchildren. I am blessed to be able to offer Christian Counseling, Biblical Preaching and Teaching, Intercessory Prayer and to facilitate Seminars and Conferences."

He's also ready and willing to communicate further information regarding the Second Baptist Church of Media. "Just visit our website for information at www.secondbaptistmedia.com." 

For tickets and information regarding "To Kill A Mockingbird", call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. 

The Media Theatre is a non-profit professional theatre and neither promotes or condones one religious preference over another. Pastor Mays of Second Baptist Church is an actor in the show and, as with any feature about actors or those involved with a production, this article gives us insight as to who one individual is who is on stage.

     

MEDIA THEATRE WINS 20 'BEST OF PHILLY 2015' THEATRE AWARDS FROM BROADWAY WORLD

In an almost complete sweep of the 2015 Broadway World "Best of Philadelphia" Theatre Awards, The Media Theatre won 20 out of 23 categories including Best Musical, Best Play, and two honors for Best Director Jesse Cline who is the Artistic Director for Media Music Theatre Company. MMTC is the professional music theatre organization housed at The Media Theatre.

The nominations were announced back in November for productions which were produced between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015. The Media Theatre landed over 40 nominations all told, eventually receiving 20 "Best Of" honors from the esteemed online theatrical magazine. Broadway World has headquarters in NYC and regional offices throughout the USA, giving up to the minute reports on all that is Broadway, Off-Broadway, and for each major city's theatre district and community.

After nominations were announced, Broadway World opened the voting up in each region to public voting. Members of each theatre community cast their votes as well as theatre patrons. The awards are very similar to the nationally televised People's Choice Awards, as the public chooses the winner in each category.

With an astounding show of a practical sweep of the 2015 Broadway World Philadelphia Awards, The Media Theatre maintains its position as one of Philadelphia's most talked about and appreciated live theatre venues, as the heralded work of MMTC presented extremely popular and critically acclaimed productions last year such as "Les Miserables", "The Miracle Worker", and "Hello Dolly" starring winner Andrea McArdle.

The Media Theatre was nominated alongside other professional theatres in the Philadelphia/ Wilmington region including Walnut Street Theatre, Bristol Riverside Theatre, People's Light and Theatre Company, and The Arden Theatre.

Currently, The Media Theatre is set to open "To Kill A Mockingbird" January 27 which features several of the 2015 winners: Lexi Gwynn, Kelly Briggs, Hillary Parker, and director Cline.

Here is a complete list of The Media Theatre's 2015 Broadway World Philadelphia "Best of Philly" Theatre Awards:

BEST MUSICAL- "Les Miserables"

BEST PLAY- "The Miracle Worker"

BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL--Jesse Cline, "Les Miserables"

BEST DIRECTOR OF A PLAY--Jesse Cline, "The Miracle Worker"

BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL--Kelly Briggs as Herbie, "Gypsy"

BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL--Andrea McArdle as Dolly, "Hello Dolly!"

BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY--Andrew Criss as Captain Keller, "The Miracle Worker"

BEST ACTRESS IN A PLAY--Lexi Gwynn as Helen Keller, "The Miracle Worker"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL---Kelly Briggs as Horace, "Hello Dolly!"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL---Anna Giordano as Louise, "Gypsy"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY---Nicholas Saverine as Doc, "The Miracle Worker"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY---Hillary Parker as Mrs. Keller, "The Miracle Worker"

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY---Dann Dunn, "Hello Dolly!"

BEST COSTUME DESIGN---Katie Yamaguchi, "Hello Dolly!"

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN---Troy Martin O' Shia, "Gypsy"

BEST SET DESIGN---Matthew Miller, "The Miracle Worker"


BEST SOUND DESIGN---Carl Park, "Ghost: The Musical"

BEST ENSEMBLE, MUSICAL---"Les Miserables"

BEST ENSEMBLE, PLAY---"The Miracle Worker"

BEST SPECIAL EVENT----"The Summer Club-Swingin' Concert for Hope"

The three awards that were not won by The Media Theatre were Best Music Direction (Ryan Touhey, "Ragtime", Bristol Riverside Theatre) and Best New Work ("Moon Man Walk", Orbiter 3) plus Best Production by a Non-Equity Local Theater ("Merrily We Roll Along", Temple University).

Ironically, the production that won the most honors for The Media Theatre --known for its musicals--was "The Miracle Worker", which is a play. It walked away with 8 awards.

For information regarding The Media Theatre's upcoming schedule, acting classes, dance classes, summer camps and more call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.
MMTC would like to thank everyone who supports the work being done at The Media Theatre.