MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'FIVE LITTLE PUMPKINS' SUNDAYS SEPT. 30 TO OCT. 28

The Media Theatre has a brand new hour long musical for children ages 4 and up just in time for the Halloween season.

"Five Little Pumpkins" is on stage every Sunday at Noon September 30 through October 28. Based on the nursery rhyme, the new show was conceived and written by Roger Ricker with music and lyrics by Ben Kapilow. GET TICKETS

"It started with the little rhyme known by many pre-school, kindergarten, and elementary students," Ricker said. "We added much more to it, however. So it's all about the Five Pumpkins who are on the gate...but why are they there? How did they get there? We also added characters who do not exist in the poem. That's the fun of the show."

In "Five Little Pumpkins: The Musical" Private Detective Investigator Marshall Law The Third looks into the situation, only to find that Winona Witch had a lot to do with it. There are also Henry and Harriet, two of the Neighborhood Children, who are heavily involved.

"You may wonder how a show can be exciting with five pumpkins sitting on a gate," Ricker stated. "What we do in the concept is have each pumpkin get off of the gate as they tell their side of the story, which allows the show to breathe. Each pumpkin has a solo, and there is also a lot of interaction between the Private Detective, the Witch, and the Neighborhood Children. There are also times when the audience is involved to assist in finding out the truth of the situation." 

Ben Kapilow, the Media Theatre's Resident Music Director, wrote the music and lyrics. Song titles include "Trick Or Treat", "Witches In The Air", "Why We Did It", and "I Wanna Run". 

The show also has life lessons about being yourself, being honest, and being kind. 

"Five Little Pumpkins" features a Costume Pageant at the end of each show. "It's actually built into the story," Ricker said. "Children in the audience are asked to come to the show in their favorite Halloween costume. During the final scene of the show we'll have them come up on stage, and every child will leave with a treat to start their Halloween fun."

For tickets to "Five Little Pumpkins: The Musical" call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. The show is on Sundays at Noon Sept. 30 to Oct. 28, with one Saturday morning show at 11am Halloween Weekend Oct. 27.

The cast for "Five Little Pumpkins" is:

THE PUMPKINS—(Double cast; when not playing a Pumpkin they are Neighborhood Children)

PETUNIA: Sydney Amos and Lily Jo Shelkin

PETER: Preston Newton and Tyler Pugh

PERCIVAL: Charlie Carroccio and Greyson Heneks 

PEPPY: Zoe Nesbitt and Kiki Troilo 

PARKER: Rachel Durham and Kevin Olive

PRIVATE DETECTIVE INVESTIGATOR: Roger Ricker

WITCH: Lauren Saddic

HENRY: Zachary Amos

HARRIET: Natalie Amos

NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN ENSEMBLE:

Lucy Amos

Savanna Galloway

Sutton Gold

Sean Grogan

Darcy McGee

Audrey Siu

Amelia Welch

THE MEDIA THEATRE'S FALL SEMESTER OF ACTING CLASSES STARTS UP SEPTEMBER 8

The Media Theatre's Fall 2018 Semester of Acting Classes begin the weekend of September 8. The new "Tween" class continues, with the popular Teen and Adult classes returning. There are two levels of Children's Classes. Each semester brings a fun educational atmosphere as students develop by working together and creating within a group setting. REGISTER HERE

MEDIA THEATRE STUDENTS LEO KONCOS AND CASSIDY ELSE PERFORM A SCENE 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.

The Children, Tween, and Teen 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 "Five Little Pumpkins" and in working with professional actors in "The Wizard of OZ".

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 5pm 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 at 5pm.

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

The Level One Children's Class starts Saturday September 8 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 September 9. 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. Improv scenes are both humorous and dramatic.

Tuesday, September 11, is the start date for the Second Level Children’s Class which takes place from 5-6pm. 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 September 11, 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 September 12 from 5-6pm. 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 Fall Semester. 

REGE MCADEN IS THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 2018 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR HONOREE

The Media Theatre’s 2018 Volunteer of The Year is Regenia ‘Rege’ McAden, a music educator with over forty years of experience.

She is receiving the honor at Roger Ricker’s “Rocket Man” concert on Saturday September 15 for her dedication to consistently promoting The Media Theatre’s mission and programming. She has, in the past six years, organized large group outings to the theatre’s productions. With her theatre partnership, she has provided opportunities for students in the wider community to attend performances.

THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 2018 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR HONOREE,
REGE MCADEN

“I enjoy hosting the pizza lunches after the Children’s Show performances,” she said. “We get so many smiles from the young people, and the cast of each production comes out to say hello.”

She loves to host students from inner-city schools in Philadelphia where sources are limited for studying the Arts. She established a group of friends who regularly join Media Theatre performances, and over the course of the theatre’s season, she has over 200 youth and adults who see shows under her leadership.

Rege McAden is also a ‘theater angel’ of sorts, as she dutifully and annually seeks out a talented student who is awarded a Camp Media Theatre Scholarship. “Without the scholarship they may not be able to attend camp,” she said. “When I spot the talent, I call the theater and they’ve been very accommodating. Things like that can change a young person’s life.”

A native of Philadelphia, Rege attended public schools and studied music at Germantown High School, where she played the clarinet in the band, cello in the orchestra, sang in the concert choir, and performed with the All City Orchestra and Choir. She then entered Temple University’s College of Music and received a degree in music education with a minor in piano and voice.

Over the years, she has instructed students in classroom music, choral music, theatrical performance, and directed a summer Fine Arts Camp. She also has done private vocal coaching and piano instruction, and recruits and tutors cadets and candidates for the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale. She was recently honored in “Reprise”, the PBCC alumni newsletter that celebrated the Choir’s 50^th anniversary.

She is currently a teacher at West Chester Friends School, where she also finds the time to develop and nurture theatre groups who attend The Media Theatre. “I started getting involved with The Media Theatre when one of my students—Lexi Gwynn—was involved there. After I started the involvement, it just never stopped. The Media Theatre is a gem for the surrounding region, with their professional Broadway Series and Children’s Shows,” she explained. “Their mission of education is also very important, so it needs to be supported. It’s why I do what I do. To bring fulfillment to the lives of the young people who may not otherwise have such great opportunities.”

For tickets to Roger Ricker's fundraising concert "Rocket Man", call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Sponsorships for the event are also available.

DREXEL HILL'S CASSIDY ELSE WINS 'VOCALIST JUNIOR 2018' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE

Wayne, PA, has a rising star in Cassidy Else. The 13 year old, who sings as if she is already a veteran of the Broadway stage, won the “Vocalist Junior 2018” title at The Media Theatre on Sunday night August 5.

During the five week Junior competition, she chose songs from well known---and some not so well known---Broadway musicals. She showcased her vocal range from ‘belting’ to ‘smooth’, winning over both the audience and the judges.

She will be attending Radnor High School as a ninth grader this year. “Now that I have won, I hope to continue to perform in more shows,” she said. “Maybe here at Media or at other theaters in the area.”

Cassidy Else wins the Vocalist Junior 2018 contest, as runner-up Mary Kate Vink applauds.

Cassidy has performed at The Media Theatre in the past, most recently as Veronica in “Heathers, The Musical: High School Edition” this summer, and as the lead role in “The Princess And The Pea” this past winter. She has also enjoyed performing on the Swarthmore Players Club stage in “The Little Mermaid”.

During her school years, she was in middle school chorus, the girls’ ensemble, and also performed in the school plays. She hopes to have the same involvement now that she is moving into high school. “I realized I was made for the stage when I was seven years old,” she explained. “Being on stage allows you to really express yourself and it is a great feeling to do what you love to do.”

The summer singing contest was created by The Media Theatre’s Artistic Director Jesse Cline ten years ago to highlight the importance of music education and theatre training. For five weeks, the contestants had the opportunity to perform in front of large audiences on the professional theatre stage while they were being adjudicated by a rotating panel of judges from week to week, with Cline being the one constant judge throughout the competition.

The 2018 runner-up was Mary Kate Vink of West Chester. Charlie Carroccio, of Newtown Square, gained third place. 

Educational opportunities continue at The Media Theatre this fall with Acting Classes for children, tweens, teens, and adults. For more information, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

MEDIA THEATRE HAS ROGER RICKER CONCERT 'ROCKET MAN' SEPTEMBER 15

The Media Theatre's Roger Ricker has his annual fundraising concert on Saturday September 15. "Rocket Man" will feature Ricker singing classic hits of the '70's as well as special guests and a youth ensemble, who will sing a medley of songs from Broadway's "The Lion King". 

"The theme this year is moving forward like a rocket," Ricker explained. "Working together, we are able to have a bright future."

"This annual concert has become a tradition," Ricker said. "The difference this time is that it is happening later in the calendar year on a Saturday, as opposed to a Wednesday night in the summertime. We are opening our entire season a bit later than usual, starting with "Sweeney Todd" in October, so it seemed logical to have this fundraiser closer to the start of the 2018-19 season."

"We have been doing these Ricker shows every year for the past dozen years," Ricker explained. "They are not just fundraisers, they are FUN-RAISERS! It's like a giant party on the stage and in the audience. It's casual, fun, and full of spontaneity. If you love The Media Theatre, this is your night to be there."

A large part of the Ricker concert experience is its 'off-the-cuff' improvisational style. "We plan and rehearse the songs," he said. "But beyond that, it's not scripted at all. You never know what can happen."

Last year's Roger Ricker & Friends concert "The Together Show" was the recipient of the Broadway World Award for Best Special Event in the Philadelphia region. "It was so nice to be honored by Broadway World," Ricker stated. "Everyone involved in the concert last year was thrilled."

Ben Kapilow, The Media Theatre's Resident Music Director, will accompany Ricker and his guests on the keyboard, which is the only accompaniment used in the show. "It's simple. It's just us, the audience, a keyboard, and Ben. That's all you need." 

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 concert without them," Ricker said.

The Volunteer of The Year Award will be given to West Chester's Rege McAden during the concert. She's been volunteering her time for a several years, coordinating large groups which attend the theatre's Broadway Series and Children's Shows. She also, with her connection to West Chester Friends School, seeks out a Scholarship student each year for the summer camp, and assists in other ways such as being a volunteer judge for the "Vocalist" contest. 

For tickets to "Rocket Man" featuring Roger Ricker and Friends, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. The concert is on the main stage Saturday September 15 at 7pm. "Rocket Man" is sponsored by Destination Delco, and family sponsors The Golds, The Newtons, The Shelkins, and John Whitig.

DOWNINGTOWN'S JOHN VIGGIANO WINS 'THE VOCALIST 2018' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE

18 year old John Viggiano, of Downingtown, took the honor as being the best of the best at “The Vocalist” 2018 Contest. The annual competition, produced at The Media Theatre, was held for three weeks on Wednesday nights in July. It has been sponsored by Iron Workers Bank for the past decade.

Viggiano wowed the judges and the crowd during the finals, after making it to the Top Five, with his rendition of “Words Fail” from the Tony Award winning musical Dear Evan Hanson. The young singer performed songs from various musicals throughout the competition and will be attending Ryder University in the Fall, studying Theater.

He walked away with the top prize of $750 in cash, plus a $250 gift certificate to The Media Theatre.

Downingtown's John Viggiano upon hearing his name called as the winner of
"The Vocalist 2018" at The Media Theatre on Wednesday July 25. Standing with him is second place winner Ben Mergott, 17, of Swarthmore.

Second place, and a cash prize of $250, went to Swarthmore’s 17 year old Ben Mergott, who performed a mix of classic pop tunes and musical theatre pieces during the three week event.

In third place was Philadelphia’s Julia deGruchy, 22, with Glenolden’s 17 year old Lauren Faulkner taking fourth place. 18 year old Brooke Falls, also of Glenolden, rounded out the Top Five.

The winners were chosen from a pool of judges who ranked them on a scale of 1 to 10 each week in the categories of Vocals, Stage Presence, and Song Choice. The Media Theatre’s Artistic Director Jesse Cline was the one constant judge who had an extra category for Individualism. Cline is on stage throughout the contest, as he chats with the contestants each week following their performances.

The 2018 Vocalist Winner's Circle. At left is fourth place winner Lauren Faulkner, with third place Julia deGruchy. Second place winner Ben Mergott stands next to Iron Worker's Bank President John Whittig, the "Vocalist" sponsor.
Winner John Viggiano is next, with fifth place Vocalist Brooke Falls.
Seated are emcee Kelly Briggs and The Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline.

Assisting in the tabulations was the Online & Public Voting, during which the general public and “Vocalist” audiences were able to place votes for their favorite contestants either online or at the theatre.

The judges’ scores account for the highest percentage of the final outcome. Additional points are added to those who receive the highest Online & Public Voting amounts. The scores were accumulated throughout the three week contest, with no judges’ scores or votes eliminated.  

"We created this contest eleven years ago," Cline said. "It furthers our mission of music theatre education, allowing young people an opportunity each week to actually perform songs they love in front of a live audience. They are all winners, as they are finding ways to express themselves doing what it is they love to do. Audiences enjoy it, and we thank Iron Workers Bank for continuing to support this important program each summer."

Cline continued, "As a professional music theatre company that produces a five show Broadway Series season every year from September through June, it's very important that we include educational opportunities for young people. We have had nationally recognized names on our stage, and they set a great example for these young performers to follow."

"We have "Sweeney Todd" coming up in the fall," Cline said. "The cast is made up of professional actors from auditions we held in New York and here in Media for the Philadelphia region. Our 2018-19 Broadway Series is exceptional, so go online and visit our web page for dates and times."

"The Vocalist 2018" was emceed each week by Kelly Briggs, who appeared on Broadway in "Cats" and several other musicals.  The contestants were accompanied by the theatre's Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow.

For more information regarding acting classes, voice lessons, dance class, or The New School at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Subscriptions are available for the entire Broadway Series season which includes "Sweeney Todd", “The Wizard of OZ”, "Julius Caesar", "Beehive” , and “Saturday Night Fever”.

THE MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST FOR 'SWEENEY TODD' OCT. 3-28

The Media Theatre, located at 104 East State Street in the beautiful suburb of Media, PA, has "Sweeney Todd" as its 2018-19 Broadway Series Season opener October 3-28. Directed by the theater's Artistic Director Jesse Cline, the show features a cast of professional actors from New York City, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region. Ben Kapilow music directs.

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" is the show's actual title, and its quite fitting for a musical that has become a thrilling theatrical treat around the world. GET TICKETS

The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the show opened on Broadway in 1979. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, it is based on a 1973 play by Christopher Bond.

"Sweeney Todd" is an unjustly exiled barber, who returns to nineteenth century London to seek revenge upon the judge who had him framed. He meets Mrs. Lovett, the proprietress of a failing pie shop and opens new barber shop above her establishment. Her pies suddenly begin to sell after she begins working with Todd to add an interesting ingredient into her meat pies. The New York Times calls the show "Extraordinary".

The show includes the songs "Not While I'm Around", "Johanna", and "Pretty Women". It was adapted into a major motion picture in 2007 starring Johnny Depp.

The Media Theatre's production features Douglas Ladnier as Sweeney Todd. Ladnier appeared on Broadway in "Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical", and was in the National Tours of "Into The Woods" and "A Christmas Carol". He has performed at The Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Music Theatre of Wichita, The Geffen Playhouse, and Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. He has been in productions of "Sweeney Todd", "Gigi", "Dracula", "Phantom", "Chess", "The Sound of Music", and "The Desert Song" as well as other well known titles. He had a recurring role in "All My Children" on ABC.

Mrs. Lovett will be played by Jenny Lee Stern. She recently appeared at The Media Theatre as Patsy Cline in "Always, Patsy Cline". Her Broadway credits include the original cast of "Rocky: The Musical" and "A Christmas Story". She played the role of Mary Delgado in the National Tour of "Jersey Boys". Off-Broadway she appeared in "Forbidden Broadway: Alive & Kicking" garnering critical acclaim for her portrayals of Judy Garland, Patti Lupone, Bernadette Peters, and Sutton Foster. She frequently cameos as Guest Diva in Forbidden Broadway's latest installment "Spamilton". She has been seen at The Walnut Street Theatre and The Montgomery Theatre.

For tickets to the production, or subscriptions to the entire season, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

The entire "Sweeney Todd" cast at The Media Theatre October 3 through October 28 is:

Sweeney Todd............................Douglas Ladnier 
Mrs. Lovett..................................Jenny Lee Stern
Anthony Hope.............................Alex G. Kunz
Johanna.........................................Molly Sorensen
Tobias..........................................Christian Ryan
Judge Turpin...............................Jason Switzer
Beadle..........................................Nicholas Saverine
Beggar Woman...........................Jennie Eisenhower
Pirelli............................................JP Dunphy
Jonas Fogg..................................Roger Ricker
Ensemble Players.......................Lauren Bristow, Nicholas Castillo, Matt Flocco, Kyle Lape, Clayton Matthews, James Ofalt, Amanda Shaffern, Rachel Sigman, Amanda Spivak

THE MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST OF 'HEATHERS, THE MUSICAL: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION"

The Media Theatre has "Heathers, The Musical: High School Edition" on stage this summer, every weekend in July.

With a cast of teens directed by Artistic Director Jesse Cline, the show is on Fridays at 7pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm; and Sundays at 3pm July 6-29. GET TICKETS

"Heathers, The Musical: High School Edition" is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously handsome new kid J.D. When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet… but J.D. has another plan for that bullet. 

The High School Edition of this musical has edited out much profanity, sexual material and innuendos, and the song “Blue” has been replaced by the new song “You’re Welcome”.

The cast list is:

VERONICA SAWYER......CASSIDY ELSE/ CATHERINE HEBERT

JD .....................................LEO KONCOS 

HEATHER CHANDLER......NATALIE DODDS/ GRACE DEL PIZZO

HEATHER MCNAMARA......HANNA MURPHY/ LAUREN CAHOONE

HEATHER DUKE.................ANNA POTSON/ KAITLYN HANRAHAN

MARTHA DUNNSTOCK........ELLA BELLACE/ JOSIE INTHAM

RAM SWEENEY..........JOSH ATKINSON/ NORMAN WEST AS UNDERSTUDY

                            Norman West performs this role on Friday 7/6,  Friday 7/13, Saturday 7/14. 

KURT KELLY.........JACKSON SWEENEY/ NORMAN WEST AS UNDERSTUDY

KURT'S DAD/ COACH RIPPER......CHRIS KOVAKS

BIG BUD DEAN.............................EVAN BRAMLAGE

MS. FLEMING.............................ILENA MITA/ KAITLYN GROSE

VERONICA'S MOM....................SHANNON CLARK/ ALAINA GUO

POLICE WOMEN/ ENSEMBLE............MAYA HSWE,  LAUREN SADDIC 

RAM'S DAD/ VERONICA'S DAD/ PRINCIPAL GOWAN........ROGER RICKER

The following roles are not double cast, but are always in every production:

GEEKS......NORMAN WEST, EVAN BRAMLAGE

PREPPY GIRLS......EMMA BURKE, GWEN GOETZ, MIA GALLAGHER

HIPSTER DORKS.....AMELIA CUSANNO, PAIGE MATTSON, EMILY LLEWELLYN

NEW WAVER........ ...ROYA WOLCOTT

STONER CHICKS......ELLIE SCHREIBER, SARAH BLONAROWYZ

YOUNG REPUBLICANETTES.....MAYA MALOSKEY, NORAH MARTIN

**When not playing role listed with double cast roles, actors appear in the Ensemble**

***Everyone is always in every production***

THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 'VOCALIST' CONTEST ANNOUNCES CONTESTANTS AGES 14-24

You don’t have to go to NYC to find talented young up-and-coming performers. The Media Theatre’s summer contest “The Vocalist” allows local young singers to shine on stage Wednesday nights at 7pm (July 11, 18, and 25). 

The singers are in the age range of 14-24, so the annual competition is very entertaining for audiences, much like the popular national singing contests on television. Produced by Media Music Theatre Co., the weekly showcases provide ample opportunity for the contestants, allowing them a chance to perform for large audiences while honing their skills on Delaware County’s only professional music theater stage.

The contestants have been culled from recent auditions. A winner is eventually announced at the end of the three week competition.

“Audiences will actually get to see each contestant grow,” said Media Music Theatre Co. Artistic Director Jesse Cline. “We also look at this as an educational experience. So, rather than singing one song and leaving the competition, each vocalist has the opportunity to learn a bit more about what it takes to perform in front of an audience on a professional stage.”

Cline, as the one constant judge, is a part of an important process in the competition. He will have an extra category on his ballot that will not appear on the guest judges’ tally sheets. His added category is Individualism, which reflects his connection to the singers each week and his rapport with them following their performances.

Cline said. “There may be a week in which a young singer falters a bit, but I will know what they are capable of and who they are. The Individualism category speaks to the fact that each contestant is unique. Their interests and what is best for them should come first. Each has their own story to tell in their own way.”

The guest judges will mark their ballots in three categories:  Song Choice, Vocal Ability, and Stage Presence. Cline will have those three, plus his extra category. All categories will utilize a 1-10 ranking system, with 1 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest.

Online voting will take place again this year. As with the judges’ scoring, the online voting will also be accumulated. 

“We value our first-time Media Theatre performers as well as those returning,” Cline said. “To have so many aspiring young vocalists from Delaware County and the Philadelphia region interested in our programs here is a big stamp of approval.”

The top five receive cash prizes. "Vocalist" is sponsored by Iron Workers Bank. For tickets call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

The 2018 "Vocalist" Contestants are:

Alicia Bartosik, 16, Garnet Valley; Joseph Colasante, 15, Brookhaven; Julia deGruchy, 23, Philadelphia; Shaelyn Rayne Fabik, 18, Drexel Hill; Brooke Falls, 18, Glenolden; Lauren Faulkner, 17, Glenolden; Gigi Furlan, 17, Media; Paul Mariani III, 18, Malvern; Ben Mergott, 17, Swarthmore; Danny Murphy, 19, Havertown; Nicole Salerno, 18, Downingtown; Breanne Sensenig, 21, Mountville; Zagara Sims, 14, Coatesville; Matt Tierney, Delco, 17; John Viggiano, 18, Downingtown; Paul Vink, 16, West Chester; Julia Zane, 16, Glenolden

MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2018 'VOCALIST JUNIOR' CONTESTANTS

You don’t have to go to NYC to find talented young up-and-coming performers. The Media Theatre’s summer contest “Vocalist Junior” allows local young singers to shine on stage each Sunday night at 7pm July 8 through August 5.

The singers are in the age range of 7-13, so the annual competition is very entertaining for audiences, much like the popular national singing contests on television. Produced by Media Music Theatre Co., the weekly showcases provide ample opportunity for the contestants, allowing them a chance to perform for large audiences while honing their skills on Delaware County’s only professional music theater stage.

Previous contestant Brynne Washbourne

The contestants have been culled from recent auditions. Even though a winner is eventually announced at the end of the five week competition, no one is eliminated until after week four, when the Top 15 are announced. The Top 15 will then perform during the Finals. 

“Audiences will actually get to see each contestants grow,” said Media Music Theatre Co. Artistic Director Jesse Cline. “We also look at this as an educational experience. So, rather than singing one song and leaving the competition, each vocalist has the opportunity to learn a bit more about what it takes to perform in front of an audience on a professional stage.”

Cline, as the one constant judge, is a part of an important process in the competition. He will have an extra category on his ballot that will not appear on the guest judges’ tally sheets. His added category is Individualism, which reflects his connection to the singers each week and his rapport with them following their performances.

Cline said. “There may be a week in which a young singer falters a bit, but I will know what they are capable of and who they are. The Individualism category speaks to the fact that each contestant is unique. Their interests and what is best for them should come first. Each has their own story to tell in their own way.”

The guest judges will mark their ballots in three categories:  Song Choice, Vocal Ability, and Stage Presence. Cline will have those three, plus his extra category. All categories will utilize a 1-10 ranking system, with 1 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest.

Online voting will take place again this year. As with the judges’ scoring, the online voting will also be accumulated. 

“We value our first-time Media Theatre performers as well as those returning,” Cline said. “To have so many aspiring young vocalists from Delaware County and the Philadelphia region interested in our programs here is a big stamp of approval.”

The top five receive cash prizes. "Vocalist Junior" is sponsored by Iron Workers Bank. For tickets call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org


The 2017 “Vocalist Junior” contestants are Zaina Alam, 11, of Wallingford; Savi Bell, 11, Lafayette Hill; Avery Staley-Bischoff, 12, Wallingford; Charlie Carroccio, 7, Newtown Square; Cassidy Else, 13, Drexel Hill; Katie Foca, 12, Wallingford; Alex Hamel, 11, Phoenixville; Julia Irizarry, 13, Magnolia, DE; Josie Intham, 12, Media; Krista Jackson, 10, Crum Lynne; Margaux Leicht, 9, Devon; Anne Mesiriak, 12, Pottstown; Ryan Ming, 8, Garnett Valley; Zoe Nesbitt, 8, Drexel Hill; John Paul Ragazonne, 12, Havertown; Caleb Rosenfeld, 9, Wynnewood; Kai Sherman, 12, Wynnewood; Charlotte Taylor, 9, Delco; Amaia Truong, 8, Wayne; Madison Van Horn, 11, Media; Mary Kate Vink, 12, West Chester. 

THE MEDIA THEATRE PRESENTS THEATRE EXILE'S 'TOMMY AND ME' BY RAY DIDINGER AUGUST 8-26

The Media Theatre presents Theatre Exile’s “Tommy and Me” by Ray Didinger. 
The show, directed by Joe Canuso, is on stage August 8-26.

“Tommy and Me” was hailed as “unabashedly sentimental and sincere” by theatre critic Mark Cofta during its premiere at Theatre Exile. The play is an autobiographical account of a seminal time in Didinger’s life as he assists his life-long hero, Tommy McDonald, reach the goal of being accepted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Didinger said, “I heard from many people who did not get to see the play they hoped they would have another chance. Now they do! What is really gratifying, though, is hearing people say they saw the play and want to see it again. And that they are bringing a friend, their Dad, or someone along with them. Even non-sports fans have been touched by the show. It’s a story that makes people feel good and that’s a beautiful thing.”

“Tommy and Me” had its first public reading in May 2015 by Theatre Exile of Philadelphia. The World Premiere was also produced by Theatre Exile under Deborah Block, Producing Artistic Director in 2016. The Media Theatre’s presentation, August 8-26, will be the first time it has appeared in Delaware County.

The play’s writer, Ray Didinger, was a sports columnist for the Philadelphia Bulletin and Philadelphia Daily News for three decades. He was named Pennsylvania Sportswriter of the Year five times. He was the first print journalist inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. He won six Emmy Awards as a writer and producer at NFL Films. His documentary on the 1960 Eagles championship season won a Telly Award in 2011. He was the 1995 recipient of the Dick McCann Award for long and distinguished reporting on pro football. He is a 2017 inductee to the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. Ray is a graduate of Temple University and a member of the School of Communications Hall of Fame. He has authored 11 books. He is a talk show host on WIP radio and a football analyst on the Comcast Sports Network.  

The show is all about Tommy McDonald, who was born in Roy, New Mexico. He was a wide receiver who was a third-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1957. An All-America choice at Oklahoma, he won the Maxwell Award in 1956 as college football’s player of the year. A six-time Pro Bowl selection (1959-1963 and 1966), McDonald played seven seasons with the Eagles (1957-1963), one with the Dallas Cowboys (1964), two with the Los Angeles Rams (1965-1966), and one each with the Atlanta Falcons (1967) and the Cleveland Browns (1968).  Now 82, McDonald currently lives in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

The director of the show is Joe Canuso, the Founding Artistic Director of Theatre Exile who has directed many of their shows including Ideation, Lost Girls, Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?, Annapurna, A Behanding in Spokane, That Pretty Pretty, Mr. Marmalade, Red Light Winter, The Gin Game, Burkie, and Belmont Avenue Social Club, as well as the world premieres of RIZZO, Last Call, Amputation Nation, Cryptome, Big Blonde, Live at the Apollo Diner, The Frankenharry Plays, and Tommy and Me by Ray Didinger. He was nominated by the Barrymore Awards for Outstanding Direction of a Play three times and was named Best Director in 2009 by The Philadelphia Weekly for Blackbird. He was nominated as Best Director for a Phindie Award for The North Plan in 2013 and won in 2015 for Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? He was part of Exile’s Barrymore Award winning ensemble for Glengarry Glen Ross in 2007. And he has performed internationally in London, Prague and throughout Italy.

Bruce Graham was the script consultant for the show. Graham began his career as a playwright at the Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays (PFT) in 1984 with Burkie. Graham became playwright-in-residence at PFT and later served two years as Artistic Director. He has received grants from the Pew Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and was a past winner of the Princess Grace Foundation Statuette. He won the Rosenthal Prize for Coyote On A Fence. He has won consecutive Barrymore Awards for Best New Play (Something Intangible and Any Given Monday) and Chicago’s Jefferson Award for The Outgoing Tide. He is the first American playwright to be invited two years in a row to the Galway Arts Festival, which produced The Outgoing Tide and Stella and Lou. Graham is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  He teaches playwriting and film courses at Drexel University. In the past he has taught graduate level playwriting at University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, and Rutgers. He has conducted playwriting workshops in high schools and colleges across the country.

The cast features Simon Kiley as Young Ray, Matt Pfeiffer as Ray, Frank Nardi Jr. as Young Tommy, and Tom Teti as Tommy.

The artistic team includes Set Designer and Lighting Designer Thom Weaver, Costumer Designer Katherine Fritz, Sound Designer and Original Music Michael Kiley,  Props Master Flora Vassar, Video/Projection Designer Michael Long, and Script Consultant Bruce Graham.

Tickets are $30-40 and are available at mediatheatre.org or by calling The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100. “Tommy and Me” is scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm, as well as a Saturday matinee at 2pm, and Sunday matinees at 1pm and 5pm each week August 8-26.

There are special guests hosting a talk-back with the audience at each performance:

Aug. 8 — Dick Vermeil, former Eagles head coach, also head coach of Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams.

Friday, Aug. 10 — Chris Stigall, WPHT talk show host.

Aug. 11 (2 pm) — Gene Collier, author and playwright of The Chief, the play about Steelers owner Art Rooney.

Aug. 11 (7:30) — Jack McCaffrey, Delaware County Daily Times sports columnist, will host.

Aug. 12 (1 pm) — Bill Bergey, former Eagles linebacker.

Sunday, Aug. 12 (5 pm) — Dave Spadaro, Eagles Insider.

Aug. 15 — Phil Martelli, St. Joseph’s University basketball coach.

Aug. 17 — Glen Macnow, 94 WIP Sports Radio Host

Aug. 18 (2 pm)  — Bill Marimow, editor, Philadelphia Inquirer.

Aug. 18 (7:30)  — Phil Heron, editor, Delaware County Daily Times.  Seth Joyner, the former Eagles linebacker, now Eagles Post-Game analyst, will co-host.

Aug. 19 (1 pm) Mark Dianno and Mark Wolpert of the Maxwell Football Club. Tommy was the 1957 Maxwell Club Award winner.  

Aug. 19 (5pm) Chris McDonald, Tommy McDonald’s son.

Aug. 22 — Mike Mayock, NFL Network analyst.

Aug. 24 — Ron Jaworski, former Eagles quarterback and TV Analyst

Aug. 25 (2 pm) Terry Taylor, former Associated Press sports editor. Vai Sikahema, Channel 10 news anchor and former Eagle, will cohost.

Saturday, Aug. 25 (7:30) — Paul Domowitch, columnist and Pro Football Hall of Fame voter.

Sunday, Aug. 26 (1pm) — David Boardman, dean, Klein School of Communications, Temple University.


Sunday, Aug. 26 (5 pm) — Joe DeCamera and Jon Ritchie, WIP sports radio midday hosts.

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