WHO'S WHO IN 'THE WIZARD OF OZ' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE.....ELISA MATTHEWS IS GLINDA

The Media Theatre has everyone's favorite classic "The Wizard of OZ" this holiday season, as the award winning music theater company celebrates its 25th anniversary season. 

"OZ" is celebrating its 80th anniversary as one of the most beloved films of all time. The live musical presentation at The Media Theatre has an all-star Philly cast in the iconic roles. It's on November 14 through January 13. 

Elisa Matthews plays Glinda, The Good Witch, and Aunt Em. "This is my tenth year working with the Media Theatre!," she said.  "I have so many wonderful memories here and many of my closest friends are from this community.  I also love the town and historic building that we perform in."

She continued by recalling some of her past roles at Media. "Many of my fondest theatre experiences have been here at Media Theatre starting with playing Eliza in "My Fair Lady" to the recent role of Francesca in "The Bridges of Madison County".  I owe Jesse Cline (Artistic Director) and Patrick Ward (Executive Director) so much gratitude for all the wonderful opportunities and experiences I have had here."

Elisa was also seen at Media in "Oliver!", "Les Miserables", "The Sound of Music" and several other critically acclaimed productions. Philadelphia theatre critic Neal Zoren once said, "My dream is to see an entire season of musicals built around Elisa Matthews. She's that good."

Elisa reminisced about her early days on the stage. "I started in elementary school.  My first big role was the Wicked Queen in "Snow White" which was a lot of fun.  We also did fully-staged and costumed musicals in my backyard every summer and it was a big event for all the neighbor kids.  One year we did "The Wizard of Oz" and I played Dorothy.  I remember how fun it was coming up with ideas for the special effects of the show."

As far as her ultimate moment in 'deciding' to become an actress, she says she "never had a deciding moment actually.  I went to school for art and was planning on being an elementary art teacher but kept getting opportunities to sing and perform.  Eventually I changed course and went back to school to study music and drama."

She has played several of the roles that Julie Andrews made famous the world over. ""My Fair Lady" was a movie that I loved and I memorized every song on the record.  I was obsessed with Julie Andrews and wanted to play all the parts she played."

She's done Eliza Doolittle and Maria von Trapp at The Media Theatre so far. Will "Mary Poppins" be in her future? Only time will tell. 

For tickets to "The Wizard of OZ" November 14 through January 13, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.

Elisa Matthews would love to see you at the theatre!

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THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS AN ALL-STAR PHILLY CAST IN 'THE WIZARD OF OZ' THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

THE WIZARD OF OZ is the beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, that has been entertaining audiences for generations. The motion picture, released in 1939 and an annual treat for families every year on the small screen, comes to life in this stage musical version adapted from the MGM film. An all-star Philly cast brings the show to life at The Media Theatre Nov. 14 through Jan. 13. 

This two-act Broadway musical includes the songs "Over The Rainbow," "Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead)," "If I Only Had A Brain/A Heart/The Nerve," "We're Off To See The Wizard (Follow The Yellow Brick Road)," "The Jitterbug," and "The Merry Old Land of Oz" and "If I Were King Of The Forest."

The live orchestra which accompanies the cast will be conducted by The Media Theatre's Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow. Audiences will be able to see the musicians as well as hear them, as for this production the orchestra will be on a raised platform on stage throughout the show.

A cast of professional actors will bring OZ to life, including several of Philadelphia's award winning stars such as Jennie Eisenhower (Wicked Witch), Elisa Matthews (Glinda), Kelly Briggs (Cowardly Lion), Bob Stineman (Tin Man), and Carl Smith (Scarecrow). JP Dunphy is Uncle Henry and the Gatekeeper, and Media's own Roger Ricker is Professor Marvel and The Wizard.

Philadelphia's Anna Rosenthal portrays Dorothy. She was seen on The Media Theatre stage in "Billy Elliot" and "Bridges of Madison County". Other professional productions include "Meet Me In St. Louis", "Ragtime", "Mary Poppins", and the off-Broadway show "Timmy The Great".

The Ensemble consists of Anne Bragg, Dante Bratteli, Lauren Bristow, Julia deGruchy, Jarrett Martin, Christian Ryan, Amanda Shaffern, and Denzel Thomas.

The Munchkins are two separate casts of youngsters from The Media Theatre's School, spanning ages 6 to 13. With the two casts come two Mayors of Munchkinland (Charlie Carroccio and Aidan Crane). The Munchkins will also portray the Flying Monkeys and Poppies. 

The two Munchkins casts are: 

Emerald Cast

Aidan Crane (Mayor/Nikko)

Mae Weaver (Coroner)

Zoë Nesbitt (Barrister)

Lila Bea Hannon and Sadie Wynne (Teachers)

Journi Hamilton (Fiddler)

Natalie Amos (Lullaby League)

Sydney Amos (Lullaby League)

Lucy Amos (Lullaby League)

Adam Makke (Lollipop Guild)

Alex Palombo (Lollipop Guild)

Kai Quimbo (Lollipop Guild)

Ruby Red Cast

Charlie Carroccio (Mayor/Nikko)

Lily Jo Shelkin (Coroner)

Reese Masiello (Barrister)

Olivia Stroup and Kathryn Galka (Teachers)

Blake Jones (Fiddler)

Savanna Galloway (Lullaby League) 

Chloe Tomaszewski (Lullaby League)

Aneesa Hernandez (Lullaby League)

Ryan Zebley (Lullaby League)

Greyson Heneks (Lollipop Guild)

Kevin Olive (Lollipop Guild)

Drew Murphy (Lollipop Guild)

Marc Andrew Nunez directs and choreographs, bringing OZ to colorful and energetic life. Based in NYC, Nunez founded Gotham Dance Theater, and urban contemporary dance theatre company dedicated to creating art with social purpose, representing the diversity of NYC and beyond. He performed last season in The Media Theatre's "Newsies" as Finch and recently assisted Artistic Director Jesse Cline with the production of "Sweeney Todd" as choreographer. He's been a dancer with Rihanna at the Video Music Awards and has done various music videos and commercials for Disney and Nintendo. He's hoping to bring a bit of a contemporary edge to the classic "Wizard of OZ" at The Media Theatre this holiday season (Nov. 13-Jan. 14).

"The Wizard of OZ" is currently celebrating the 80th anniversary release of the 1939 film, which the stage musical is based on.

For tickets, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org (where you'll also see the entire show schedule). Group rates are available.

MEET MEDIA THEATRE NEW SCHOOL STUDENT LILY JO SHELKIN.....SHE'S IN 'FIVE LITTLE PUMPKINS'

The Media Theatre has a brand new children's show on right now through October 28, "Five Little Pumpkins". It's based on the children's nursery rhyme, and tells audiences why the Pumpkins are where they are. The fun show involves a crazy Witch, a bumbling Private Detective, and Neighborhood Children who sing "Trick Or Treat".

Not only that, but the children in the audience are asked to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costume because at the end of each show (Sundays at Noon through October, plus one Saturday morning show at 11am Oct. 27) there is a Costume Contest on stage.

The show features songs by the theatre's Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow, and a story by Roger Ricker.

Below, in her first blog entry on Media Theatre News, 8 year old Lily Jo Shelkin who is in the show talks about her experiences.

For tickets to "Five Little Pumpkins", call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

Lily Jo Shelkin in "Five Little Pumpkins" at The Media Theatre

"Hello.  My name is Lily Jo and I am 8 years old.  I have been doing theater classes with Roger Ricker since I was 4 years old.  He taught me this quote that you should always remember on stage --- “Acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance”.   He also taught me upstage and downstage and other important things to know on stage. 

Then, I noticed some of my friends were doing plays, and I wanted to do them too.  My first play at Media Theater was Madagascar Jr. and it was so much fun I wanted to do more.  In my picture you can see me and my friends doing our first performance of The Five Little Pumpkins.  I am Petunia, the first pumpkin on the gate.  I sing a song about umbrellas and keeping the neighborhood kids dry.  If you come to the show and don’t see me, it is because my part is double cast with Sydney Amos who is a great actress and my friend.  It is an awesome show by Ben Kapilow and Roger Ricker.  Come see it on Sundays at noon!

Also, this year I started New School at Media Theater.  We have class one day a week for 2 hours.  My teachers are Jesse Cline and Ben Kapilow.  Jesse is very helpful and kind.  Ben knows every piano song you ask him to play.  We have been practicing monologues and songs.   

I also spend my summer at camp Media Theater and it is super exciting.  My favorite song we performed at camp was “Stick It To The Man” from School of Rock. 

But, my favorite thing about the theater is making new friends and having the most fun I could ever have on stage!"

MEET MEDIA THEATRE STUDENT ZOE NESBITT.....SHE'S IN 'FIVE LITTLE PUMPKINS' THRU OCT. 28

The Media Theatre has a brand new children's show on right now through October 28, "Five Little Pumpkins". It's based on the children's nursery rhyme, and tells audiences why the Pumpkins are where they are. The fun show involves a crazy Witch, a bumbling Private Detective, and Neighborhood Children who sing "Trick Or Treat".

Not only that, but the children in the audience are asked to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costume because at the end of each show (Sundays at Noon through October, plus one Saturday morning show at 11am Oct. 27) there is a Costume Contest on stage.

The show features songs by the theatre's Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow, and a story by Roger Ricker.

Below, in her first blog entry on Media Theatre News, 8 year old Zoe Nesbitt who is in the show talks about her experiences.

For tickets to "Five Little Pumpkins", call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

MEDIA THEATRE NEW SCHOOL STUDENT ZOE NESBITT, 8 YEARS OLD

"Hi!  My name is Zoë and I’m 8 years old and in 3^rd grade.  I started taking theatre and music lessons when I was 5.  I love to sing, act, and dance.  What I want to do after school every day is run to Media Theatre.  Sadly, I can’t do that every day, but when I can, I hop in the car and go!  It’s amazing!  

I love my New School class and working with Jesse Cline and Ben Kapilow- it’s what I want to do all the time.  I love doing rehearsals and plays and I LOVE being with my friends.

Right now you can see me playing the role of Peppy Pumpkin in the Five Little Pumpkins.  It’s an amazing show and it’s the first time it’s ever been performed- you can’t find this play anywhere!  I don’t want to give you too many spoilers, but in this play, I like to run and run and RUN!  When I don’t play Peppy Pumpkin, you can watch my friend Kiki play Peppy and find me in the ensemble.

The show is playing every Sunday in October at noon and Saturday, October 27^th at 11 AM.  I hope to see you there!  Don’t forget to wear a costume and look out for the running Pumpkin!  Ruuuuuunnnnnn!"

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: 'SWEENEY TODD' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE

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" 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.

Here are First Look Photos from the production. Photos by Maura McConnell. 
For tickets: mediatheatre.org/ 610-891-0100

MRS. LOVETT (Jenny Lee Stern) with SWEENEY TODD (Douglas Ladnier) 

DOUGLAS LADNIER AS SWEENEY TODD, WITH THE ENSEMBLE

SWEENEY TODD (Douglas Ladnier), MRS. LOVETT (Jenny Lee Stern), and ANTHONY HOPE (Alex G. Kunz) 

SWEENEY TODD (Douglas Ladnier) admires his razor, with the JUDGE (Jason Switzer) in the chair

'SWEENEY TODD" ACTOR JASON SWITZER EXPLAINS WHY HE IS HAPPY TO BE AT MEDIA THEATRE

Jason Switzer plays the role of Judge Turpin in "Sweeney Todd" at The Media Theatre, on stage now through October 28. (Tickets available at 610-891-0100/ mediatheatre.org)

Here, he explains why he is happy to be in the production:

"Throughout my career, I have had the fortune to work in many of the greatest, most beautiful cities in the world.  It is, undoubtedly, one of the great perks of being a performing artist.  However, all the travel and living out of suitcases is not all it's cracked up to be.  Here are the sorts of things that have happened:

Very long travel days, like the time I took a red-eye flight, then another red eye, then an hour shuttle, then a 4-hour train, then a 2-hour train, then a 45-minute ferry, and finally was picked up by somebody in a car, driven straight to rehearsal.  I did not sing very well that day.

There was the time I finished a job in Bremen, Germany and was flying home from Hanover.  I didn't receive my wakeup call.  So instead of a nice relaxing train, I got in a taxi that drove me over 100 mph for 53 minutes where I barely made my flight.  I mention the 53 minutes because that's exactly how long the taxi driver said it would take to pull up to the gate.  It was thrilling.  The Autobahn is the best!!!

How about the time my luggage was lost in London, but I was going from city to city in Scotland and the airline was desperately trying to catch my luggage up to me, finally getting it to me when I returned back to London.  I will tell you that Scotland is very cold when you don't have your full slate of clothes with you.

Here's one of my favorites.  I had a flight canceled, so my hastily rescheduled connection had the city name right, but had me going to a different state.  Who knew there were so many Bloomingtons in this country?

Or how about the time I was in a very nice hotel when the fire alarm went off at 4 a.m. sending everybody out of the hotel.  And it was raining.  Why did it happen?  Somebody was smoking in their room and they had very sensitive smoke detectors in the hotel.

Which leads me to say how grateful I am that I am able to work so close to home, because life at home with two young girls isn't nearly as chaotic as being on the road in this crazy life."

Jason Switzer

(Judge Turpin)

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.