THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'JACK FROST' RETURNING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

It's time for the holidays which means "Jack Frost Saves Christmas" is on stage at The Media Theatre. This one hour upbeat and heartfelt show for youth of all ages is becoming an annual tradition at The Media Theatre. It's all about the boy who can't seem to do anything right because everything he touches turns to ice! Soon, however, friendship and the art of giving get everyone in on the act for a wonderful holiday.

"Jack Frost Saves Christmas" is by Matt and Tina Jo Wallace with music by Scott Bradley, a previous resident music director for The Media Theatre. Songs include "Countdown to Christmas", "Frost", and "Gifts Are For Giving". It's on Sundays at Noon through December 22, and a December 29 performance at 11am. GET TICKETS

Springfield's Greyson Heneks who plays the title role in "Jack Frost Saves Christmas"

The production this year features Media Theatre student Greyson Heneks as Jack Frost. He is 9 years old and resides in Springfield, PA. He has performed in many Media Theater children’s productions such as Snow White, The Snow Queen and Five Little Pumpkins. Greyson also performed in Media Theater’s main stage production of The Wizard of Oz, and was recently seen as Bruce in Matilda: The Musical. When not performing, he enjoys dancing, telling jokes and art.

The show features audience participation, particularly when the entire audience is asked to assist Jack Frost. The Rompin' Reindeer dance is also always an audience favorite as several volunteers from the audience are asked to participate. 

Ben Kapilow music directs, with Roger Ricker directing the fast-paced show for children ages 3 and up. Carol Sorensen costume designs with vibrant colors. For tickets call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: The Media Theatre's ELF: THE MUSICAL

The Media Theatre has "Elf: The Musical" this holiday season, through January 12.

Directed and choreographed by Christian Ryan, the production features Chicago's Josh Houghton as Buddy, the Elf in the musical based on the classic 2003 movie.

Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity.

Songs include "Christmastown", "Never Fall In Love With An Elf", and "SparkleJollyTwinkleJingley". Ben Kapilow music directs the two-hour-and-fifteen minute show.

Photos are by Maura McConnell. Tickets are available by calling 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

EXELON GENERATION SPONSORS COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE MEDIA THEATRE AND BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF CHESTER

Exelon Generation is pleased to announce its support of community theatrical arts by sponsoring the first-time ever collaboration between The Media Theatre and Chester Boys and Girls Club. 

“Choices,” is a provocative and introspective work that highlights the challenges and difficulties often faced by at-risk youth growing up in the city of Chester, PA. This original work was written and is being performed by six youth who recount their experiences and some of the choices they have made growing up in a historically underprivileged community.

“This is a performance about art, voice, crisis, diversity, triumph, humanism, and friendship," said The Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline. "We are incredibly proud of the boys and girls who have dedicated their time and energy for the last several months to rehearse. We are also very appreciative of Exelon Generation for their generous support of this program.”

“Through sponsorships and support of community-based programs, we help people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy and experience the arts throughout our region,” said John Barnes, president, Exelon Power. “The arts unify our communities regardless of age, race
and ethnicity and help us express our values, and build bridges between cultures – we are extremely proud to sponsor this important collaboration and the performance of “Choices.”

“Choices” is a one-time only performance scheduled for Sunday, September 29 at 2:00pm at the Media Theatre.
Call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org for info.

About Exelon Generation
Exelon Generation, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), is one of the largest, most efficient clean energy producers in the U.S., with a generating capacity of more than 32,000 megawatts.  Exelon Generation operates the largest U.S. fleet of carbon-free nuclear plants with more than 19,600 megawatts of capacity
from 22 reactors at 13 facilities in Illinois, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania.  Exelon Generation also operates a diverse mix of wind, solar, landfill gas, hydroelectric, natural gas and oil facilities in 19 states with more than 12,400 megawatts. Exelon Generation has an industry-leading safety record and is an active partner and economic engine in the communities it serves by providing jobs, charitable contributions and tax payments that help towns and regions grow. 
Follow Exelon Generation on Twitter @ExelonGen, view the Exelon
Generation YouTube channel, and visit http://www.exeloncorp.com/companies/exelon-generation.

MEDIA THEATRE HAS ROGER RICKER 'WE ARE FAMILY' CONCERT SEPT. 14

Roger Ricker has spent just about half of his lifetime at The Media Theatre. "Started in 1994, when I was 30 years old," he reminisced.

"Being involved in almost every aspect of the company has kept me  feeling young," he said. "There is no monotony here. Each day is a new chapter. And, sometimes, it's a new show."

The show on Saturday night, September 14 at 7pm, will be the annual Roger Ricker & Friends fundraiser for The Media Theatre. "I like to refer to them as fun-raisers, because we just have a party," Ricker explained. "We have lots of surprises and special guests, The State Street Miracles, and very talented youth performers to round out the show."

The Media Theatre's Roger Ricker
with one of his best friends (Link, The Media Theatre Boxer).

This year's theme is "We Are Family" and, somewhat fittingly, will be the first performance on The Media Theatre's brand new stage. "It won't be complete yet," he said. "But the foundation will be there. Should be a very exciting night!"

The annual Volunteer of The Year Award will be presented to Havertown's Carol Sorensen. She donates her talent up to four times per season as The Media Theatre's Children's Series Costume Designer. "Carol is a treasure," Ricker stated. "Her costume design work is impeccable. She adds such dimension to our Children's Series. Tellingly, she does it out of the kindness of her heart because she loves the theatre and the children. That's definitely worth an Award!"

Special guests this year include Delaware County icon Susan Wefel, who will make her first appearance in the two-time Broadway World Award-winning Ricker concerts. She has a connection to The Media Theatre, due to emceeing the annual summer singing contest "The Vocalist", and by having appeared in several musicals directed by the theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline.

Philadelphia's Tamara Anderson will also join the party by singing two duets with Ricker and performing one of her favorites. She was recently seen in "Saturday Night Fever" at Media and will be in the upcoming "Matilda: The Musical" as Miss Phelps.

One of Media's most popular performers, Broadway and Cabaret entertainer Kelly Briggs, will once again join Ricker on stage. He will be seen in two of Media's upcoming productions, "Matilda" and "Elf".

Both of the young actresses sharing the role of "Matilda" (Sydney Amos and Zoe Nesbitt) will perform a song from that show--together, for the first time. 

The Youth Ensemble will join professional performers in several numbers, and The State Street Miracles will once again prove they are 'adults with abilities' as the intellectually challenged group will sing some of their trademark numbers.

"I'll be doing upbeat pop songs for the most part," Ricker said. "Probably some songs the new generation doesn't even know, but hey--let's introduce them to a few oldies, right? It's all for the future of The Media Theatre."

For tickets, at $25 each, visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. Sponsorship packages are also available for the September 14 fundraiser. The accompanist for the evening is Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow.
Laura Thomas Dutton choreographs.

The theme, "We Are Family", speaks to a dedicated group of professionals, volunteers, families, and students who have a shared goal which is to strengthen The Media Theatre's mission of professional music theatre as it moves into the future. 

MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES 'ELF' CAST

Remember how that movie "Elf" starring Will Ferrell made you laugh? And how heartwarming it was? Well, "Elf" is also a Broadway musical, and it's coming to The Media Theatre this holiday season (November 13-January 12). Christian Ryan directs and choreographs. Ben Kapilow is Resident Music Director.

Elf The Musical is a must-see holiday treat . Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).

Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

At The Media Theatre, the role of Buddy The Elf will be played by Chicago's Josh Houghton. He resides in Chicago, but enjoys performing all over the States. This will be his Media debut.

One of Philadelphia's brightest stars, Krissy Fraelich, returns to Media's stage as Emily Hobbs. Another well known Philadelphia actor, Bob Stineman, plays her husband Walter. Media Theatre student Aidan Crane will share the role of their son Michael with Alex Hamel.

Kelly Briggs takes on the dual role of Santa and Mr. Greenway.

For show information, dates and times, etc., please visit mediatheatre.org. ELF is on November 13, 2019 to January 12, 2020.

GET TICKETS

The complete cast is:

Buddy- Josh Houghton*

Jovie- Megan McDevitt

Walter Hobbs - Bob Stineman*

Emily Hobbs - Krissy Fraelich*

Michael Hobbs - Aidan Crane/ Alex Hamel

Santa/ Greenway - Kelly Briggs*

Deb - Emily Derrick*

Store Manager - Ryane Nicole Studivant*

Fake Santa/ Ensemble - Roger Ricker*

The Ensemble, playing everything from Elves to Townspeople to Fake Santas, also consists of Alyssa Arcangeli, Dante Brattelli, Gabrielle Impriano, Hannah Mehl, Jacob Schrimpf, Angel Sigala, Andy Spinosi, and Grace Szczepkowski.

*Member of Actors Equity Association

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER TO BE HONORED DURING MEDIA THEATRE'S 'MATILDA'

During the run of The Media Theatre's production of Broadway's hit show "Matilda: The Musical" which is based on Roald Dahl's book, a teacher from the region will be honored each Wednesday night. All educators will be able to attend the show at 7pm each Wednesday for just $25.

The musical's narrative centers on Matilda, a precocious girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher to reclaim her life.

To nominate your favorite teacher from a Delaware County district, send in a 100 word or less testimonial, stating why your favorite teacher should become a Teacher Of The Week during the run of "Matilda: The Musical" (October 2-27).

Nominations will be accepted up through October 2. Please email submissions to Roger Ricker at rer764@gmail.com. Teachers will be honored each Wednesday before the 7pm show (Oct. 2, 9, 16, and 23).

THREE COMMUNITY LEADERS JOIN THE MEDIA THEATRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Talent Abounds On and Offstage 

as Community Leaders Join Media Theatre's Board

              

               The creative talent that abounds at the Media Theatre will soon be supported by the civic talents of three outstanding members of the Delaware County business community who are joining the theatre’s board of directors. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge from the tourism, government and business sectors of Delaware County to this cultural asset in Media.

Three Delaware County civic leaders who have joined the board of directors
of the Media Theatre for the Performing Arts are (from left):
Michael Van Horn, executive assistant to the president of Exelon Power;
Steve Byrne, executive director of Visit Delco, Pa.;
and Kevin Madden, Delaware County councilman and businessman.

             The board welcomes Steve Byrne, executive director of Visit Delco, Pa., Kevin Madden, Delaware County councilman and businessman, and Michael Van Horn, executive assistant to the president of Exelon Power.

            All three men have spent time at the theater, both as audience members and benefactors. They recently visited with young participants in the theatre’s summer camp program.

            Byrne’s tourism and visitor’s bureau collaborates with the theatre staff to attract people to the Media community where audiences also patronize shops and restaurants.

            Madden, an elected official who serves the 560,000 residents of the county, was a celebrity judge during the 2019 Vocalist competition, and he is a proponent of economic development across the county.

            Van Horn is a benefactor of theatre programs, especially those involving youth, and is a graduate of Williamson College of the Trades where theatre founder Walter Strine attended school.

            “We are thrilled that these men, who are pillars in the local community, will lend their time and talent to our theatre board,” said Artistic Director Jesse Cline. “As the theatre celebrates its 25^th anniversary, I look forward to hearing their ideas on how we can sustain our live theatre experience for the next 25 years. The staff here is grateful that these men are willing to volunteer their time and talent to support the creativity, educational experiences, cultural enrichment and economic development that takes place on and offstage at the theatre.”

            The Media Theatre, Delco’s only professional theatre, brings the excitement of live theater to local residents. Right now, patrons can stroll down memory lane with the staging of the musical, “Forever Plaid,” running through August 25.

            In October, people of ages will enjoy the precocious antics of “Matilda.”

            On Sept. 14, Roger Ricker will stage his annual fundraiser, “We are Family,” focusing on how the theatre is a family to young and old alike.

            The theatre, built in 1927 as a movie theatre, included dressing rooms with the thought that movies were a fad. The Media Theatre is the second largest employer in Media after Delaware County government.

            For more information about the Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit the website at www.mediatheatre.org.

             

VETERANS SUMMER CELEBRATION AT MEDIA THEATRE WITH 'FOREVER PLAID' AUG. 17

Area Veterans will have a special night at The Media Theatre on Saturday, August 17. The Veteran's Summer Celebration will begin with a reception at 6pm in the theatre's elegant Crystal Room, followed at 7pm by a performance of "Forever Plaid" on the historic stage. Tickets are just $30 each which includes the reception and show.

Ed Buffman, of the PA Veterans Museum, chats with guests at a previous Veteran's Night in The Media Theatre's Crystal Room.

Forever Plaid celebrates the delightfully goofy reincarnation of four male singers who were in a car crash on the way to their first big concert and now, miraculously, revived for a plaid-fabulous time. Singing in the closest of harmony, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations, the Plaids are guaranteed to smash with a series of well-loved songs and right-on patter that keep audiences laughing when they aren’t humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the ’50s. Songs include "Sixteen Tons", "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing", "Three Coins In The Fountain", and more.

The Pennsylvania Veterans Museum and The Media Theatre invite all area and regional Veterans to attend this Summer Celebration. 

The reception will feature complimentary wine, beer, and delicious pasta from Fellini Cafe of Media.

For tickets to the August 17 event at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 and mention Veterans Summer Celebration. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST OF 'MATILDA' FALL SEASON OPENER

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With a book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other's lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Songs include "Quiet", "Naughty", "My House", and "Revolting Children".

The Media Theatre's cast features two of its students as Matilda. Sydney Amos of Aston and Zoe Nesbitt of Drexel Hill will share the role.

The role of Miss Trunchbull will be inhabited by Kelly Briggs, a Broadway World Award-winning actor and cabaret performer. Briggs was seen on Broadway in Les Miserables and Cats.

ACTOR KELLY BRIGGS (LEFT) WILL PLAY MISS TRUNCHBULL. HE IS PICTURED HERE WITH ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JESSE CLINE, WHO DIRECTS 'MATILDA' THIS FALL.

Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood will be brought to life by JP Dunphy and Deborah Lynn Meier. Dunphy has appeared in several musicals at The Media Theatre in the past six years, while Meier was seen in Dogfight three seasons back. Megan Ruggles will appear for the first time on Media's stage as Miss Honey.

New York City's Jordan Dallam will make his Media debut as Rudolpho, and Tamara Anderson (recently seen in Saturday Night Fever) will be Mrs. Phelps.

The Ensemble consists of Rita Castagna, Topher Layton, Kim Senisi, Amanda Shaffern, Angel Sigala, and Roger Ricker.

But Matilda: The Musical is not a show without the cast of children and young actors who play Little and Big Kids. The Media Theatre and Artistic Director Jesse Cline (who is directing the show) have conjured up a strong group of Kids. Christian Ryan choreographs, with Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow overseeing the music and orchestra pit.

The Little Kids are:

Matilda.......Sydney Amos and Zoe Nesbitt

Bruce..........Greyson Heneks and Jacob Shapiro

Lavender....Natalie Amos and Rachel Durham 

Amanda......Lily Jo Shelkin and Reese Massiello

Nigel...........Aidan Crane and Elliott Boldin (winner of "Vocalist Junior 2019")

Hortensia...Lila Bea Hannon and Chloe Tomaszewski

Eric............Aidan Fox and Kevin Olive

Alice..........Madeline Garson and Amaia Truong

Tommy.......Charlie Carroccio and Preston Newton

Freya..........Lucy Amos and Sutton Gold

The Big Kids are:

Michael Wormwood....Zachary Amos and Nolan Murphy 

Ensemble: Zachary Amos, Elizabeth Brown, Caileigh Crane, Emma Fox, Josie Intham, Alexsa McKeown, Nolan Murphy, Madison Van Horn, Mae Weaver

Matilda: The Musical tickets are now on sale. 

The show plays October 2 to October 27.

610-891-0100

mediatheatre.org

DELAWARE COUNTY COUNCILMAN KEVIN MADDEN VISITS MEDIA THEATRE'S 'VOCALIST'

Eleven finalists in the Media Theatre's Vocalist contest discussed their theater aspirations with guest judge Kevin Madden, a Delaware County councilman, and Artistic Director Jesse Cline during the July 17th segment of the theater's annual summer singing competition.

The finale is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, when the contestants will vie for the title of "The Vocalist 2019".

Members of the public are invited to come out and cheer for their favorite performer, and vote online.

The contestants are Sophia Cotrotsios, Julia Degruchy, Brooke Falls, Samantha Hocker, Josie Intham, Paul Mariani, Teanna Rico, Zagara Sims, JJ Vavrik and Mary Kate Vink and Paul Vink.

For details call the theater at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org