EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 'SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER'

The Media Theatre has "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical" live on stage now through June 9. The show is based on the classic 1977 film that catapulted John Travolta into super-stardom and kept disco alive with huge (and still relevant) hits from The Bee Gees.

It focuses on Tony Manero, a Brooklyn youth whose weekend is spent at the local disco. There he luxuriates in the admiration of the crowd and a growing relationship with Stephanie Mangano, and can temporarily forget the realities of his life, including a dead-end job in a paint store and his gang of deadbeat friends. 

Take a look at these exclusive photos and join the audiences who are "Stayin' Alive" by getting tickets at mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. Group rates available. 

"Saturday Night Fever" is directed by Jesse Cline, with choreography by Christian Ryan, and music direction by Ben Kapilow. GET TICKETS

PHOTOS BY MAURA MCCONNELL

JESSE CORBIN IS TONY MANERO

JESSE CORBIN AS TONY, WITH MELISSA RAPELJE AS STEPHANIE

TONY (JESSE CORBIN) DANCES THE NIGHT AWAY

CANDY (TAMARA DELLA ANDERSON) PERFORMS AT THE DISCO

BOBBY (RONNIE KELLER) CONTEMPLATES HIS FUTURE

MORE DANCIN' FROM TONY (JESSE CORBIN) AND THE DISCO CROWD

TONY IS 'STAYIN' ALIVE' IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

TONY AND STEPHANIE FIND EACH OTHER ON THE DANCE FLOOR

MEDIA THEATRE 'MATILDA' YOUTH AUDITIONS APRIL 27

The Media Theatre is holding Youth Auditions for "Matilda: The Musical" on Saturday April 27 from 9am to 1pm.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Matilda: The Musical is the captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. 

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. 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!

The Media Theatre is holding upcoming auditions for youth roles and youth ensemble for their fall production of Matilda The Musical on Saturday, April 27 from 9am to 1pm.

(The Media Theatre will also seek a youth ensemble for "Elf: The Musical" at same auditions)

Those interested in should take a look at the breakdown below and prepare 16 to 32 bars of uptempo music (singing from the show is encouraged, but not required). Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key. There will be a movement/dance call, please bring clothes that are easy to move in.

The show performs October 2-27. Youth rehearsals will include two or three rehearsals in mid-to-late August, and regularly scheduled rehearsals will begin in September.

Seeking the following roles:

THE “LITTLE KIDS”

All  roles listed below must believably be able to play Ages 7 to 14 and have a strong understanding of solo vocal and dance technique. 

MATILDA (Female)(Can play Age 7-10): Preferably under 4’5”. A clever girl who is wise beyond her years. Very strong solo vocalist and clear acting ability. Major memorization required.  Ability to adapt dialect. Vocal range: A3 to D5.

BRUCE BOGTROTTER (Male)(Can play Age 7-14) Matilda‘s classmate. Preferably under 4’10”. Preferred unbroken voice. Strong vocal solo in “Revolting Children” song. Comedic acting.

Vocal range: C4 to E5.

LAVENDER (Female) (Can play Age 7-10) Matilda‘s classmate and friend. Preferably under 4’9”. Big personality. Strong dance.

HORTENSIA, ALICE & AMANDA (All Female) (Can play Age 7-14) Matilda‘s classmates. Preferably under 4’9”. Strong dance and vocal ability.

ERIC, NIGEL, & TOMMY (All Male)(Can play Age 7-14) Matilda‘s classmates. Preferably under 4’9”. Preferred unbroken voice. Strong dance and vocal ability.

THE “BIG KIDS”

All roles listed below must believably be able to play Ages 14-18. These teenagers must look visibly older than the “Little Kids”. These teenagers should already be trained in dance and voice and have a strong stage presence. 

MICHAEL WORMWOOD (Male)(Can play Age 10-16) Matilda‘s older brother. Not very bright. Age varies. Small spoken role. Limited dance and singing.

BIG KID ENSEMBLE (3 Male, 3 Female) (Must play Ages 14-18). Upperclassmen at school. Vocal solos. Trained singers and dancers.

Adult auditions to be posted a later time. Questions? Email Roger at rer764@gmail.com.

"Matilda" is directed by Jesse Cline; Music Director is Ben Kapilow; Choreography is by Christian Ryan.

2019-2020 BROADWAY SERIES AUDITIONS FOR ADULTS ARE MON/ TUES JUNE 3 AND JUNE 4

MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'VOCALIST' AUDITIONS MONDAY MAY 13

The Media Theatre is having “Vocalist” and “Vocalist Junior” auditions on Monday May 13 at 6pm. Seeking singers for “Vocalist” (ages 14-24) and “Junior” (ages 7-13). The contests are sponsored by Iron Workers Bank.

“The Vocalist” and “Vocalist Junior” are representative of the The Media Theatre’s mission of professional music theatre. The summer contest event sets the tone for The Media Theatre’s focus on musicals and music theatre education. It is produced by Media Music Theatre Company, the professional non-profit music theatre organization which has a full season each year with its Broadway Series and youth programming.

John Whitig, of Iron Workers Bank, at The Vocalist contest. Iron Workers Bank sponsors The Media Theatre's annual summer competition.

Auditions for “The Vocalist” and “Vocalist Junior” will be held Monday May 13 at 6pm. The competitions are held in front of large general public audiences for five weeks in July and August. The contest gives young performers in both age groups an opportunity to hone their skills by actually performing for live audiences, and then receiving feedback from Artistic Director Jesse Cline after performing.

Cline and guest judges, who appear on a rotation basis each week, judge each vocalist on a point system in the categories of Vocal Ability, Song Interpretation, and Stage Presence. Cline has an extra category, Individualism, which is based on each competitor’s overall unique ability.

The contest has produced several performers who have gone on to appear in professional productions at The Media Theatre and at other regional theatres, including Ava Briglia who was a top five placer during “Vocalist Junior” and was in Broadway’s hit show “Matilda”, playing the title role. Jamai, who is from Chester, PA, was also a contestant a few years ago and appeared on NBC’s “The Voice”.

Both age groups may audition on the same day and will be placed in the proper category according to their age. “The Vocalist” is for ages 14-24 while “Vocalist Junior” is for ages 7-13. The actual contests begin on stage in front of a live audience in July.

The winner of “The Vocalist” and “The Vocalist Junior” will receive a cash prize to assist in furthering their education or career. Iron Workers Bank sponsors the competition.

“The Vocalist” will take place for three-to-five weeks this summer starting July 10. (The length of the contest depends on how many contestants we have) 

“Junior” will have a competition starting on July 7. The contest will be either four or five weeks, dependent on how many contestants we have. 

There is a $25 registration fee for the auditions at The Media Theatre. All auditioning must bring sheet music for the pianist. Any audition song is acceptable for both age groups.

REGISTER HERE and use a credit card for the $25 fee, or register at the door the night of the auditions. No appointments; the auditions are held in order of ‘sign-up’. Please email Roger at rer764@gmail.com with questions, or call 610-891-0100.

THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS A MUSICAL 'ALICE IN WONDERLAND' SUNDAYS AT NOON THRU MAY

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

Ben Kapilow (Broadway World Award winner) wrote the brand new score to Tim Haney's revised script based on Lewis Carroll's tale.  Roger Ricker directs, and Carol Sorensen's bright costumes enliven the hour long show for all ages.

The show includes audience participation during the Croquet Game, and plenty of humor, plus a rap number from The Caterpillar (complete with an ensemble of bugs).

Media Theatre's New School students and Acting Class participants portray everything from the White Rabbit to Singing Flowers in this madcap adventure.

Tickets are $12 for children ages 12 and under; $15 for ages 12 to adults. Group rates available! 

Call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org for tickets. 

THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS YOUTH AUDITIONS FOR 'MATILDA' MUSICAL APRIL 27

The Media Theatre has Youth Auditions for MATILDA April 27 from 9am to 1pm.

YOUTH AUDITIONS FOR ‘MATILDA’

MATILDA the MUSICAL – YOUTH AUDITIONS
director: JESSE CLINE
musical direction: BEN KAPILOW
choreographer: CHRISTIAN RYAN

The Media Theatre is holding upcoming auditions for youth roles and youth ensemble for their fall production of Matilda The Musical on Saturday, April 27 from 9am to 1pm. 

Those interested in should take a look at the breakdown below and prepare 16 to 32 bars of uptempo music (singing from the show is encouraged, but not required). Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key. There will be a movement/dance call, please bring clothes that are easy to move in.

REHEARSALS: Begin mid-August for the Youth Cast, continue through Oct. 1.
PERFORMANCES: Oct. 2-27

THE “LITTLE KIDS”
All roles listed below must believably be able to play Ages 7 to 14 and have a strong understanding of solo vocal and dance technique.
MATILDA (Female)(Can play Age 7-10): Preferrably under 4’5”. Clever girl who is wise beyond her years. Very strong solo vocalist and clear acting ability. Major memorization required. Ability to adapt dialect. Vocal range: A3 to D5.
BRUCE BOGTROTTER (Male)(Can play Age 7-14) Matilda‘s classmate. Preferrably under 4’10”. Preferred unbroken voice. Strong vocal solo in “Revolting Children” song. Comedic acting.
Vocal range: C4 to E5.
LAVENDER (Female) (Can play Age 7-10) Matilda‘s classmate and friend. Preferrably under 4’9”. Big personality. Strong dance.
HORTENSIA, ALICE & AMANDA (All Female) (Can play Age 7-14) Matilda‘s classmates. Preferrably under 4’9”. Strong dance and vocal ability.
ERIC, NIGEL, & TOMMY (All Male)(Can play Age 7-14) Matilda‘s classmates. Preferrably under 4’9”. Preferred unbroken voice. Strong dance and vocal ability.

THE “BIG KIDS”
All roles listed below must believably be able to play Ages 14-18. These teenagers must look visibly older than the “Little Kids”. These teenagers should already be trained in dance and voice and have a strong stage presence.
MICHAEL WORMWOOD (Male)(Can play Age 10-16) Matilda‘s older brother. Not very bright. Age varies. Small spoken role. Limited dance and singing.
BIG KID ENSEMBLE (3 Male, 3 Female) (Must play Ages 14-18). Upper classmen at school. Vocal solos. Trained singers and dancers.

Questions? Email Roger at rer764@gmail.com.

2019-2020 BROADWAY SERIES AUDITIONS FOR ADULTS ARE MON/ TUES JUNE 3 AND JUNE 4

MEDIA THEATRE HONORED BY DELAWARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, The Media Theatre, were honored by Delaware County Council for our 25th Anniversary! The resolution was given on March 20 at the monthly Council meeting held at Delaware County Courthouse.

County Council, in their introduction to our special recognition, stated that 'The Media Theatre has become a great institution and cornerstone of Delaware County' and that 'It's so wonderful to see what it has become' having had celebrated performers such as Wanda Sykes, Ann Crumb, Andrea McArdle, and Justin Guarini on its professional music theatre stage.

Pictured: Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow, Actress Tasha Waters, Media Theatre's Roger Ricker, Councilman Kevin Madden, Media Theatre student Madison Van Horn, and Media Theatre Executive Director Patrick Ward with other Council members.

Artistic Director Jesse Cline was mentioned for 'leading the theatre to nationally recognized success', as well as Executive Director Patrick Ward and Roger Ricker.
Tasha Waters, who is currently in "Beehive", performed "You'll Never Walk Alone" from another show she was in at Media Theatre("Carousel"). She was accompanied by our Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow. Her performance received thunderous applause!

Patrick Ward mentioned that the song 'exemplifies getting through all of the ups and downs of maintaining a theatre company'.

Madison Van Horn, one of our talented New School students, performed the National Anthem to open the meeting. 

We thank The Delaware County Council for their recognition and support over the past 25 years, and look forward to a bright future! Visit our website at mediatheatre.org for upcoming performances of our Broadway Series, Children's Shows, and Camp Media Theatre information.

MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CASTS OF 'BEEHIVE' AND 'SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER'

The Media Theatre has two spring musicals which will have audiences singing along, clapping to the beat, and dancing in the aisles. One features great hits of the 1960's while the other takes us back to the disco era of the 1970's.

First up is "Beehive: The '60's Musical" March 13 to March 31. The show, created by Larry Gallagher, is a musical tribute to the women who made the music of the era so special – everyone from Lesley Gore to Janis Joplin, from the Shirelles to the Supremes, Aretha Franklin to Tina Turner, and every woman in between! With two dozen beloved hits, the show takes you on a journey through song, documenting the dramatic changes that America underwent during the ‘60s. GET TICKETS

"Beehive" features such iconic songs as "The Name Game", "River Deep, Mountain High", "Natural Woman", "My Boyfriend's Back", "One Fine Day", "It's My Party", "To Sir With Love", "Proud Mary", "Where The Boys Are", "Make Your Own Kind of Music" and more.

The cast features six talented vocalists: Alyssa Batsakis, Anne Bragg, Kimberly Maxson, Hannah Parke, Ryane Nicole Studivant, and Tasha Waters. Ben Kapilow music directs the live band, with Alec Hersh directing the show.

From the '60's, we take a leap forward into the '70's when "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical" brings disco fever to Media's stage April 17 to June 9. 

A Broadway, West End and US/UK tour favorite, this energetic musical is based on 1977's hit blockbuster film, featuring music by The Bee Gees.

The musical adaptation of "Saturday Night Fever" is the story of Tony Manero, a talented, streetwise kid from Brooklyn who attempts to escape a dead-end life through dancing. His weekends are spent at the local discotheque, where he enjoys the admiration of the crowd and a growing relationship with a young woman. 

The script has been adapted to be more 'family friendly', with several of the movie's sub-plots such as racial conflict and drug use having been eliminated. GET TICKETS

With the new focus of "Saturday Night Fever" on just Tony Manero and the energized disco hits, a few songs have been added such as The Bee Gee's iconic "Tragedy". Other songs in the musical are "Stayin' Alive", "Boogie Shoes", "Disco Inferno", "Night Fever", "Jive Talkin'", "Nights On Broadway", "More Than A Woman", "You Should Be Dancing", "If I Can't Have You" and more. Exciting choreography adds to the '70's atmosphere.

Jesse Cline directs "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical" at The Media Theatre, with Christian Ryan as choreographer and Ben Kapilow as music director. 

The "Saturday Night Fever" cast at The Media Theatre is:

Tony Manero...........Jesse Corbin

Stephanie.................Melissa Rapelje

Bobby.............Ronnie Keller

Double-J......Carl Smith

Joey................Luke Bradt

Gus.................Andy Spinosi

Annette.......Anna Ferrigno

Pauline.........Kelsey Hodgkiss

Candy.............Tamara Anderson

Monty............JP Dunphy

Frank Jr......Marshall Roy

Flo Manero.........Monica Crane/ Faith Yesner

Frank Sr.............Steven Ciapanno

Linda Manero....Caileigh Crane/ Mae Weaver

Ensemble:

Dante Brattelli, Eyakeno Ekpo, Matt Flocco, Zoe Hunchak,

Liberty Laferriere, Jarrett Martin, Anna Pennell, Olivia Whitehouse

Tickets are now on sale for both "Beehive: The '60's Musical" (March 13-31) and "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical" (April 17-June 9). Group rates available.

Visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: 'JULIUS CAESAR' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE

The Media Theatre has Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" on stage now through February 24. Directed by Bill Van Horn, the play has been done in various formats over the years. Here, it is in a post-apocalyptic era.

Featuring Delaware County's Zoran Kovcic as Julius Caesar, the cast is made up of some of the Philly region's most well-known and popular actors, including Jennie Eisenhower, Jake Blouch, Damon Bonetti, Nicholas Saverine, and Charlotte Northeast.

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

Photos by Maura McConnell.

Malik Abdul Khaaliq and Jake Blouch, with Zoran Kovcic (right) as Julius Caesar

Damon Bonetti as Brutus

Jennie Eisenhower as Marc Antony

DELCO'S JACK HOLEFELDER TO BE HONORED AT THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT

One of Delaware County's most prominent and influential citizens will receive the "Walter Strine, Sr. Advocate of The Arts Award" at The Media Theatre's Silver Anniversary Benefit on Saturday night, March 30. The honor was named after Walter Strine, Sr. who had the vision a quarter of a century ago to renovate State Street's historic movie theatre into a live performing arts venue. Holefelder will receive the award due to his consistent advocacy and support for The Media Theatre over the past 25 years in various capacities. He was the first Board Chair for the professional music theatre and has remained closely involved ever since.

Jack Holefelder is a graduate of St. James High School in Chester, PA, where he is on the School’s “Wall of Honor”. He went on to St. Joseph’s University where he earned a Business Administration Degree. He is a Certified Arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau. His Community Service includes having been or serving as The Chairman for the following: Neumann University’s Center for Leadership, Delaware County Fair, Chester Housing Authority Advisory Board, Red Cross, March of Dimes Fundraising, Aston Memorial Garden Foundation, Rotary District 7450 Rotaplast Committee, Goodwill Business Advisory Board, Southwest Delaware County Municipal Authority, and The Media Theatre’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Jack Holefelder

He has served on the Boards of the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum, the Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Foundation, the Delaware County Hero Scholarship Fund, Blue Cross Citizen Advisory Council, Southeastern Delco United Way, Rocky Run YMCA, and Delco Community College Education Foundation.

He has been the President of The Media Theatre for The Performing Arts, Aston Business Association, Glen Riddle Rotary, and the Penn-Delco School Board, as well as the Vice-Chair for the Aston Township Civil Service Commission and the Delaware County Flag Foundation.

Jack has also been the Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 7450, and has raised over $5,000,000 for local charities and projects.

Currently the Chairman of the Board for Iron Workers Bank, his professional service includes having been the President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the PA Chamber of Commerce Executives. His Board member experience extended to the Philadelphia Airport Advisory Council, Villanova University Small Business Advisory Council and more, as well as having been a PA State Delegate for the White House Conference on Small Business.

Jack Holefelder with Iron Workers Bank's John Whitig. Holefelder is the Board Chair for the bank.

Jack Holefelder’s influence has also been noted on the ‘airwaves’ as the Producer and Host of Suburban Cable’s “Delaware County Business Update” and as the co-host of “Dateline Delaware County” on KISS 100 Radio. He also co-emceed WQIQ Radio’s “Sports Talk” and Channel 17’s “Easter Seals Telethon”.

His awards include Neumann University's President's Award for Humanitarian Service, The Red Cross David Henderson Humanitarian Award, U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal for his service in the Air Force in Vietnam, Delaware County's Distinguished Community Service Award, March of Dimes Lifetime Achievement Awards, Rotaplast International Personal Service Award for Service to the Children of Peru, and more.

He is the CEO of Holefelder Brothers, Inc., now in its fifth generation, and is the Publisher of "Life in Delaware County" magazine and "Delaware County Today". As an author, his books include "Passing The Torch" and "What's In Your Toolbox".

As one of Delco's most 'involved' citizens, Jack Holefelder has been a great ambassador for The Media Theatre since its inception as a live performing arts venue 25 years ago. 

To join Jack Holefelder and other prominent citizens of Delaware County and beyond at The Media Theatre's Silver Anniversary Benefit on Saturday March 30, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org for tickets and information. The 25th Anniversary celebration will include a memorable one-night-only concert, a reception, silent and live auctions, and award ceremony for Mr. Holefelder. Sponsorship opportunities are available. 

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THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'SNOW QUEEN' SUNDAYS AT NOON THRU MARCH 3

"The Snow Queen" is the perfect winter tale for children ages 4 and up, and it's on The Media Theatre stage Sundays at Noon through March 3. GET TICKETS

In this new adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's story, a young boy is tricked by the evil queen into joining her at her Ice Palace so she can claim him as her own. With the help of his friend plus a humorous Raven and Reindeer, will he be able to escape the frozen nightmare of "The Snow Queen"?

Media's Patrick D'Amato is the composer of new songs such as "Bringin' Beauty Back", "Seeing For the First Time", and "We Love Snow". The Media Theatre's Roger Ricker wrote the lyrics and script.

Students from The Media Theatre's New School and Acting Classes portray the roles in the show, from Villagers to Evil Sprites who work for the Snow Queen. 

The show is one hour in length. Following the performance, children from the audience will be invited on to the stage to dance with The Reindeer and the cast as they sing "Bringin' Beauty Back". 

For tickets to "The Snow Queen" visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. It's on Sundays at Noon now through March 3. 

THE MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES 'JULIUS CAESAR' CAST FOR ITS WINTER PRODUCTION

Make Rome Great Again! 

The Media Theatre has a stellar cast for its upcoming production of "Julius Caesar", on stage January 30 through February 24, 2019.

Shakespeare’s political thriller tells the story of the conspiracy against Caesar, his assassination and the defeat of his conspirators. GET TICKETS

In the play, Caesar has returned to Rome, triumphant from the war against Pompey. The republic is prepared to give him new power, causing concern and dismay among senators who believe that too much power is held by one man. So Caius Cassius plots a conspiracy against Caesar, believing his death is necessary for the good of the republic.

The Media Theatre has gathered a gender-bending cast from the Philadelphia region to bring Shakespeare's legendary prose to life.

Zoran Kovcic plays the title role. Kovcic makes his Media Theatre debut after appearing at Delaware County's Hedgerow Theatre in dozens of productions.

Barrymore Award winner Jennie Eisenhower portrays Marc Antony with Charlotte Northeast taking on the role of Cassius.

Damon Bonetti is Brutus in director Bill Van Horn's production, and Catherine Purcell takes on Portia, Voluminus, and Strato.

Serena Vesper is Calpurnia, Messala, and Voluminious in her Media debut. Jack Blouch also appears at Media for the first time as Casca and Strato. 

Michael Fuchs, seen at Media in "1776" and "Romeo and Juliet" will be busy as Flavius, Cinna, Artemidorus, Publius, Titinius, and Lepidus.

A Media Theatre audience favorite, Broadway's Nicholas Saverine, appears as Marullus, Cicero, Ligarius, Popilus, Trebonious, Cinna, and Clitus.

Hannah Brannau returns after appearing in "Romeo and Juliet" to take on the Soothsayer, Artemidorus 1, and the Poet. 

Malik Abdul Khaaliq of Delaware County, makes his Media debut as Metellus, Pindaru, and Dardanius. And another Hedgerow veteran, Lisa Villamill, will appear as Casca and Varro.

Several of the actors will also fill in the roles of Citizens, Cobblers in director Van Horn's vision for Shakespeare's classic.

Be sure to visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100 for tickets. There are several 10am performances for school groups.