Thursday, May 18, 2017

WILLIAMSON TRADE SCHOOL GOES 'HOME' TO ASSIST THE MEDIA THEATRE

Williamson Trade School, located just five minutes from The Media Theatre, had a busy crew at what has become known as Delaware County's only professional music theatre. This was during its second annual Community Service Week, May 15-19.

“For four days we provide a community service, giving back to the community by assisting local non-profits,” stated Renee Lallo, a volunteer with Williamson whose husband, Art, sits on their board. “The Media Theatre is a terrific place, providing educational opportunities for young students,” she continued, as her daughter Valerie helped with some painting in the theatre’s second floor Crystal Room. The Lallo’s daughters are previous students of The Media Theatre’s acting classes.

Michelle Martella, Williamson’s Director of The Annual Fund, was on hand as well, working with the Trade School’s young men who were busy throughout The Media Theatre from the front doors of the lobby to the backstage dressing rooms. “We are doing some needed touch-ups, restorations, and installing new fixtures here and there,” Michelle said.
A partial group of Williamson Trade School students who assisted at Media Theatre:
John Woodbridge, Eric Sheller, Jimmy Guilin, Tim Smith,
with Carpentry Shop Director Mike Neville.
Williamson’s Placement Director, Margaret Kingham, was supervising each aspect of the work being done at the theatre. “One of Williamson’s core values is service, to give back and to assist the community,” she explained. “Mr. Walter Strine, Sr, who renovated The Media Theatre back in the mid-90’s as a beautiful performing arts venue was a student of Williamson. He was a student of our Masonry program. He eventually, in his own way of giving back to the community, donated funds to Williamson to create our Strine Learning Center.”
Fixing Up The Doors! 

The Lallos Get Into The Act!

With Williamson’s Service Week at The Media Theatre, it was as if The Williamson family had come home and a circle was completed which started when Strine had been a student at Williamson. A few of the current students of 2017 put their own personal touch on the venue. The theatre has, since Strine’s complete renovation in the mid-90’s, become synonymous with award-winning professional music theatre.
The Williamson Trade School crew that assisted The Media Theatre

Surely Mr. Walter Strine, Sr,--had he been here to witness the service work being done this week-- would have been very proud of the 2017 students assisting in retaining the elegance of a building that was so near and dear to his heart. He is, most likely, looking down upon the young men who came to the aid of The Media Theatre and giving them plenty of applause.

The Media Theatre’s current musical is “Saturday Night Fever” through June 11. For children, “Alice In Wonderland” will be on stage each weekend through May 26. Summer camps begin June 17. The theatre's Artistic Director is Jesse Cline. For more information, visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100.

Williamson College of the Trades prepares qualified young men to be respected leaders and productive members of society. More info may be found at www.williamson.edu


Monday, May 8, 2017

The Media Theatre has "Always, Patsy Cline" June 15 to July 2



"Always, Patsy Cline" is the hit show with songs made famous by the legendary country singer. It's on stage at The Media Theatre June 15 to July 2, starring Broadway's Jenny Lee Stern.  Performaces are Thursday nights at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday nights 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… Patsy Cline.”
Jenny Lee Stern as Patsy Cline
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. 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.

There will be guest narrators at each performance to assist in telling the story. Week one (June 15-18) features WMGK Classic Rock Radio's Debbi Calton, Week Two (June 22-25) is FOX-TV's Sue Serio, with Week Three (June 30-July 2) being QVC's Jane Treacy. Local actress Susan Wefel is the narrator one night only, June 29. 

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

Friday, May 5, 2017

The Media Theatre Announces "Alice In Wonderland" Cast.....Show Is On Stage June 3 Thru Aug. 27

This summer, Alice will chase a rabbit, fall down a hole, and get smaller and larger while meeting all types of crazy characters. Will you follow her? It's time for a new musical version of "Alice In Wonderland" at The Media Theatre, based on Lewis Carroll's classic.

It's on Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon June 3 through August 21. Ben Kapilow (Broadway World Award winner) wrote the brand new score to Tim Haney's revised script. Roger Ricker directs, Kapilow music directs, and Carol Sorensen's bright costumes liven the hour long show for ages 4 and up. 

There's audience participation at the Croquet game, and plenty of humor as three parents of Media Theatre students join in the fun, playing roles in the show alongside their children. Eileen Wiley makes her Media Theatre debut as the Queen of Hearts with her daughter, Violet, playing Alice. Doug Henry and his daughter play Tweedledum and Tweedledee, sharing the role with Henry O' Neill and his son Sean. 

Tim Haney plays the Caterpillar and the King, Ricker is The Mad Hatter and a funky singing table, and no two performances will be the same as most roles are double cast.

Media Theatre's New School students and Acting Class participants portray everything from the White Rabbit to Hedgehogs and more in this lively, upbeat adventure. Tickets are just $12 for children and $15 for adults. Group rates are available. Call 610-891-0100 or GET TICKETS HERE


ALICE IN WONDERLAND CAST…..THE MEDIA THEATRE….2017

Alice: Mary Kate Vink/ Violet Wiley

Katherine/ Minstrel 1: Hannah Brady/ Grace Curry

Mad Hatter/ Table 1: Roger Ricker

March Hare/ Table 2:  Hanna Murphy/ Madison Vassilakopoulous

Queen: Cassidy Else/ Eileen Wiley

Rabbit: Aidan Fox/ Alex Pollard

Dormouse: Drew Murphy/ Camiel Warren-Taylor

Cheshire Cat: Alexsa McKeown/ Macy Devitt

Caterpillar/ King: Tim Haney

Knave of Hearts/ Minstrel 2: Adrian Henry/ Olivia Stroup

Tweedledee & Tweedledum: 
Bridget & Doug Henry 
Sean & Henry O' Neill

Duchess: Noelle Longenberger/ Shannon Clark

Duchess' Baby: Doug Henry/ Henry O' Neill

The Singing Flowers: 
Shannon Clark/ Noelle Longenberger
Savanna Galloway/ Bridget Henry
Sutton Gold/ Camiel Warren-Taylor
Lily Jo Shelkin/ Amelia Welch
Audrey Siu

The Two Hedgehogs
Drew Murphy/ Sean O' Neill 
Lily Jo Shelkin/ Amelia Welch


THE MEDIA THEATRE PRESENTS JENNA PASTUSZEK AND ASHLEY SWEETMAN "SIDE BY SIDE" CABARET MONDAY JULY 24

Jenna Pastuszek and Ashley Sweetman, the two extremely talented young ladies who performed the roles of Daisy and Violet Hilton, sisters who were joined at the hip in The Media Theatre's production of Side Show recently, are joining forces once again. Their special one-night-only cabaret is Monday July 24 at 7:30pm. It's entitled "Side By Side". 
With a song selection featuring some of their favorite Broadway show tunes, plus a reprise of "I Will Never Leave You" from Side Show, Jenna and Ashley will entertain in a cabaret style setting in the theatre's elegant Crystal Room. Seating is limited, so it's best to reserve seats now ($25 per person). 


Jenna Pastuszek is originally from Swarthmore. Recent credits include the critically acclaimed production of Side Show (The Media Theatre) as well as Diner (Delaware Theatre Company), Because Of Winn Dixie (DTC), Bad Jews (Walnut Street Theatre), Evita (Stage Door Theatre), Catch Me If You Can (Eagle Theatre), Single (NYMF), The Incredible Fox Sisters (New Ohio Theatre), Next Thing You Know (Sharon Playhouse), The Rocky Horror Show (Arundel Barn Playhouse). 
Ashley Sweetman is thrilled to be peforming (again) alongside her friend  and fellow NYU Steinhardt alum, Jenna, after appearing with her throughout the production of Side Show at The Media Theatre. Ashley has also been seen at the Media Theatre in Dogfight, Ghost: The Musical, and Les Misérables. Select regional credits include Shout! The Mod Musical (Yellow Girl), Smokey Joe’s Café  (Pattie), Next Thing You Know (Lisa), and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Doatsy Mae). 
For tickets to the Jenna and Ashley cabaret, call 610-891-0100 or VISIT MEDIA THEATRE WEBSITE CALENDAR HERE, CHOOSE JULY 24

Friday, March 31, 2017

THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'WEST SIDE STORY' APRIL 19-JUNE 11

The Media Theatre has the legendary musical “West Side Story” April 19 through June 11. With a book by Arthur Laurents and a sweeping score from Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, the musical is often referred to as one of the all-time greats in the Broadway canon.




 “West Side Story” transports Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to New York City in the 1950’s. The story takes place on the west side of Manhattan at a time when many Puerto Ricans moved to NYC. Two young lovers, Tony and Maria, find themselves in the middle of street gangs at war—the Jets and the Sharks. The musical captures the essence of struggling to survive amidst violence and prejudice which is one the main reasons it has remained relevant to this day after premiering on Broadway in 1957.

“West Side Story” highlights youthful performers with energetic choreography and songs such as “Tonight”, “Maria”, “Somewhere”, and “America”.

At The Media Theatre, “West Side Story” is directed and choreographed by Dann Dunn, with Jennie Eisenhower as Associate Director. Christopher Ertelt is the music director. GET TICKETS HERE

The cast for “West Side Story”:
GRANT STRUBLE is TONY


Tony……..Grant Stuble
Maria……..Patti Lee Meringo
Anita………Victoria Mayo

The Jets:
Riff.................Zachary Chiero
Diesel............Dallas Padoven
Big Deal........Neal Buckley
Snowboy.......Niklaus Miller
A-Rab............Ryan Lauer
Action............Ronnie Keller
Baby John.....Steve Fala
Anybodys......Emily Kaye Lynn
Velma.............Rachel Beiswenger
Graziella........Marissa Wolner
Minnie............Erika Wasko
Pauline..........Cara Treacy


The Sharks:
Bernardo.......Avery Sobczak
Chino.............Dante Brattelli
Pepe..............Aaron Bell
Indio..............Brandon Alberto
Luis................JD Triolo
Anxious.........Samuel Damare
Consuela.......Mary Guarneri
Francisca......Kendyll Young
Margarita......Brittany Monachino
Rosalia.........Marissa Barnathan
Clarita...........Veronica Garrubbo

Adults:
Doc...............P.Brendan Mulvey
Glad Hand....Roger Ricker
Krupke..........Henry O' Neill
Lt. Shrank.....Tim Woodward




Tuesday, March 21, 2017

SPRING SEMESTER OF ACTING CLASSES AT MEDIA THEATRE ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR CHILDREN, TEENS, AND ADULTS

It's now time to register for The Media Theatre's Spring Semester of Acting Classes which begin the weekend of April 8, 2017. 

The popular acclaimed Children and Teen Acting Classes will be returning, as well as the Adult Acting Class. Each semester brings a fun educational atmosphere as students develop by working together and creating within a group setting.

Classes are under the supervision of Broadway World Award winning Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who studied with the renowned Sanford Meisner. All classes and the New School 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 as they will as honestly as they are able, without copying anyone else's performance or trying to be who they are not. It's a confidence booster while raising self-awareness.
Media Theatre Students perform on stage

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


Students from the New School and acting classes are given performance opportunities throughout the year at The Media Theatre, playing roles in the Children's Series such as the upcoming "Alice In Wonderland" (the summer children's production) 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. 

The Level One Children's Class starts Saturday April 8, with the the Level Two Children's Class starting April 11. The Teen Class starts up again Sunday April 9.

Tim Haney, who has directed two mainstage productions at Media and has been with Media Music Theatre Company since 1998, instructs the continuing Adult Acting Class on Tuesdays at 7:30pm beginning April 11. 



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

Monday, March 13, 2017

MOVE IT TO 'MADAGASCAR JR' MUSICAL AT THE MEDIA THEATRE MARCH 25 THRU MAY 21

You like to ‘move it, move it’? Then be sure to see the musical “Madagascar Junior” at The Media Theatre. It’s on Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon March 25 through May 21.

“Madagascar Junior” is based on the animated film and features humorous characters, lots of adventure, and an upbeat energetic score including the hit song “I Like To Move It”.


Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and, of course, those hilarious plotting penguins in the musical adventure of a lifetime.  The hour long show follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.  

Tim Haney portrays the role of Alex the Lion, while Roger Ricker entertains as King Julien. Others in the cast are Media Theatre students, and one parent of two student actors (Doug Henry). All other roles are double cast, allowing audiences and students ample opportunity to enjoy the “Madagascar” antics.

See the entire cast list below, and be sure to get tickets by calling The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visiting mediatheatre.org

The "Madagascar Jr" cast is:

Alex, the Lion---------Tim Haney
Marty, the Zebra------Zach Divito, Alex Holleran
Gloria, the Hippo-----Alyssa Carlow, Shannon Clark
Mel, the Giraffe--------Hanna Murphy, Paul Vink
Mason, the Chimp----Preston Newton, Olivia Stroup

The Penguins:
Skipper…..Aidan Fox, Bridget Henry
Kowalski…. Caileigh Crane, Sutton Gold
Private…..Aidan Crane, Kiki Troilo
Rico…..Adrian Henry, Lily Jo Shelkin

The Lemurs:
King Julien……Roger Ricker
Maurice (Julien’s assistant)-----Charlie Carroccio, Maxwell Talbott
Mort-----Kyla Hilger, Audrey Siu
Lynn----Brooklyn Bonner, Olivia Rathnayaka


Zookeeper Zelda/ Animal Control Officer----Hanna Brady, Grace Curry 
Zookeeper Zeke/ Police Officer----Doug Henry, Sean O’ Neill 
Zookeeper Zoe/ Old Lady---Kaitlyn Grose, Maddie Lippa

Lioness/ Foosa…..Mary Catherine Schwartz 
Candy Hammernose/ Foosa….Yasmin Ahmed, Lauren Poltrock
Cameraman/ Passerby….Drew Murphy


Friday, March 10, 2017

MEDIA THEATRE FIRST LOOK PICS FROM 'SIDE SHOW' ON THRU MARCH 26

"Side Show", with a book and lyrics by Bill Russell and music by Henry Krieger, is based on the story of Daisy and Violet Hilton. It's on stage at The Media Theatre through March 26.

The Hilton sisters were conjoined twins who entertained on the carnival and burlesque circuit in the 1920's and '30's. Managed poorly, the sisters eventually meet a talent scout and his budding musician pal who make a deal to showcase the two women on the Orpheum Circuit. Bursting with hope regarding their newfound fame, the ladies hearts are still unfulfilled, as they cannot escape the reputation of being 'freaks'. 

The unique musical is on through March 26 at The Media Theatre. Audiences will sit 'under the big tent' during this show, which lends the atmosphere of being in an actual side show event. It's an up close and personal look at what makes us different while exposing the fact that we are all the same.

Photos by Maura McConnell. "Side Show" is directed by Jesse Cline. 

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

Terry (Bob Stineman) as Daisy and Violet Hilton perform in the tent.
The Hilton Sisters (Jenna Pastuszek and Ashley Sweetman) perform
The cast of attractions in the Side Show with The Hilton Sisters
The Hilton Sisters (Jenna Pastuszek, Ashley Sweetman)
Curiosity seekers with the The Hilton Sisters

Friday, March 3, 2017

MEDIA THEATRE 'STAR STRUCK' GALA FEBRUARY 25 WAS MOST SUCCESSFUL EVER!

The Media Theatre celebrated with Broadway stars, regional VIP’s, politicians, and dignitaries on Saturday February 25 for its most successful fundraising Gala ever. The 23rd annual Gala, “Star Struck”, featured a headlining performance by Tony winning actress Alice Ripley. Title sponsor was Alkemy X. 

The evening placed the spotlight on the many star contributors, volunteers, and performers who continue to guide and light the theater and its mission.  The 2017 Walter M. Strine Advocate of the Arts Award was presented to Delaware County Councilman David White for his exemplary generosity.  Iron Workers Bank, represented by its President Mr. John Whitig, received the 2017 Community Partnership Award for its longstanding commitment to The Vocalist and Vocalist Jr. vocal contests for youth.
The Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline celebrates with Broadway's Tony nominated Ann Crumb and Broadway and regional actress Krissy Fraelich at The Media Theatre Gala February 25. 

Alice Ripley joins other Broadway and regional stars who have appeared on The Media Theatre stage including Philip Boykin, Betty Buckley, Ann Crumb, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Judy Kaye, Andy Karl, and Andrea McArdle. Aside from those celebrity names, many who have performed on the Media Theatre stage have had their start at the theatre’s education programs or developed as artists through the theatre’s musical productions.

“At almost any given time, audiences on Broadway are being entertained by Media Theatre alumnae,” notes Artistic Director Jesse Cline. “These include young actress Ava Briglia, who studied here and just finished playing the lead role on Broadway’s Matilda; Sean Thompson, who is currently cast in the new Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard with Glenn Close after starring in The Media’s production of Sunset Boulevard two years ago; and Andy Karl who will be opening the new musical Groundhog Day this spring.”
Ree Dunphy, Media Theatre's Board of Directors Vice-Chairperson, with her son JP Dunphy, professional actor who has appeared several times on The Media Theatre stage.

Media Music Theatre Company is the professional music theatre organization which produces the Broadway Series, Children’s Series, and educational programs at The Media Theatre. Due to its regional and national impact, The Media Theatre has received 72 Broadway World Awards for “Best of Philadelphia Theatre” since 2012, as well as honors from the New York Daily News and over 24 “Best Of” honors from media outlets such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, Delco News, Delaware County Daily Times, and Main Line Times.

The current production, “Side Show”, is on stage now through March 26. “West Side Story” concludes the 2016-17 Broadway Series season April 19 through June 11. For information or tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.

About The Media Music Theatre Company:

The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating as the only award-winning professional theatre in Delaware County.  It produces a full season of musicals and one play, the Broadway Series, a Children's Series, and educational opportunities. The theatre’s mission is to promote and nurture the imagination, diversity and joy unique to music theatre is exemplified by the professional productions of new and classic works and by our work with young people to herald music theatre as an art form that is indigenous to their cultural heritage.

MEDIA THEATRE GALA MARCH 28 FEATURES KEVIN REILLY, RAY DIDINGER, ENTERTAINMENT, AND MORE

Eagles tackle-turned-inspirational speaker will emcee Media Theatre’s star-studded Gala March 28! Auction items feature ‘Dinner with Play...