Media Theatre News!

The Media Theatre is hosting a special evening Saturday March 3 entitled “There’s No Place Like Home”, with a one-night-only concert performance from two Broadway performers: Jenny Lee Stern and Nicholas Saverine. The night includes a reception in the theatre's elegant Crystal Room, a silent auction, and the presentation of the Community Achievement Award to Dr. Raymond J. and Mrs. Teresa J. Vivacqua.

The evening is both a fundraiser and a celebration for Delaware County’s only professional music theatre. Jenny Lee Stern and Nicholas Saverine will performing on the stage that has, over the years, become ‘home’ to them as well as many other performers and patrons. Several Media Theatre students will also perform during the benefit, along with JP Dunphy and Jenna Pastuszek. Kelly Briggs emcees the one-night-only event.

Jenny Lee Stern

Jenny Lee Stern was seen on Broadway in “Rocky” and “A Christmas Story: The Musical” (Madison Square Garden). She toured the country as Mary Delgado in “Jersey Boys”, originating the role in the Chicago and Toronto companies. Off-Broadway, Ms. Stern garnered critical acclaim for her portrayals of Judy Garland, Patti Lupone, Bernadette Peters, Sutton Foster (and more!) in “Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking”. Regionally, she has found her niche playing “Patsy Cline” in “Always, Patsy Cline”, which is returning to The Media Theatre this spring following a successful summer run. Philadelphia credits include: “West Side Story”, “Godspell”, “Lobby Hero”, “42nd Street”, “High Society” (Walnut Street Theatre); “Seussical”, “Cats” (Media Theatre), “The Great American Trailer Park Xmas Musical” (Montgomery Theatre).

Nicholas Saverine

Nicholas F. Saverine is delighted to be back at the award-winning Media Theatre where he was recently seen as Maurice in Disney’s “Beauty And The Beast”. He’s also been at Media in “1776” and as the Hospital Ghost in “Ghost”, Mr. Bumble in “Oliver!”, Max von Mayerling in “Sunset Boulevard”, Fester in “The Addams Family”, and Mr. Anagnos in “The Miracle Worker”. Locally he’s been on stage at The Walnut Street Theater, Prince, Arden and Peopleʼs Light. His Broadway credits include “Les Miserables”, “The Phantom of the Opera”. International credits include “Dance of the Vampires”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Les Miserables”.

The 7 p.m. event highlights the professional award-winning music theater’s contributions to the cultural landscape of the region and beyond. The entire evening enhances and solidifies the Media Music Theatre Company’s (MMTC) status as the area’s only year-round professional music theater. Media Music Theatre Company is the nonprofit organization that produces the entire Broadway Series, Children’s Series, and educational opportunities, including Camp Media Theatre.

Not simply a beautiful structure steeped in history, the Media Theatre is now known worldwide as the home of the Media Music Theatre Company, created by the visionary artistic direction of Jesse Cline. Cline and his staff of creative designers, actors, and directors have been awarded more than 20 “Best Of” honors from prestigious media outlets such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, Delaware County Daily Times, Broadway World, the New York Daily News, Main Line Today Magazine and DelcoNewsNetwork, as well as 86 Broadway World Awards for “The Best of Philadelphia Theatre” in such categories as Best Director, Best Actor and Actress, Best Play, and Best Musical from 2012-2017.

Tickets are just $150 each, which include the entire memorable evening. Sponsorships are also available. Call 610-891-0100 for more information, or CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Broadway actor Sean Thompson, Philly native, Temple graduate, and 2016 Barrymore Award nominee, is honored to return home to The Media Theatre for a special one-night-only concert. The Friday evening March 9 event is titled “Coming Home”, and will feature Thompson performing favorites from productions he has always admired.

He is currently on tour playing Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway bound Phantom Of The Opera follow-up, Love Never Dies.

SEAN THOMPSON

On Broadway, he starred opposite Glenn Close last year in the revival of Webber’s Sunset Boulevard (as the understudy to Joe Gillis). He was also proud to appear in the ensemble of that production.

Sean Thompson played Joe opposite Ann Crumb right here at the Media Theatre in 2015 under the keen eye of Mr. Jesse Cline. Sunset has been Sean and Jesse’s favorite collaboration to date. Their others include Oliver! (Bill Sykes), Ghost (Carl Bruner), Les Miserables (Enjolras), and several Media Theatre galas and concerts. He wishes to thank the Media Theatre for ten years of continued artistic partnership and support, which is his purpose behind the “Coming Home” benefit concert.

Tickets for Sean Thompson in “Coming Home” Friday March 9 at 7:30 are $30 each and may be purchased at mediatheatre.org or by calling 610-891-0100.

The Media Theatre’s annual benefit March 10, postponed a week due to snow, offered a welcoming atmosphere, pleasant company, and familiar songs performed by Broadway entertainers. This was very fitting, since the event title was “There’s No Place Like Home”, and home is where the heart is.

A beloved local Medical Director for the Crozer Regional Cancer Center, Dr. Ray Vivacqua, was in the spotlight to honor his lovely wife, Teresa J. Vivacqua. They were both listed as the night’s Community Partnership awardees for their philanthropy and great works which have assisted many in Delaware County and the surrounding region. Several of The Media Theatre’s New School students, with an introduction by 7 year old Charlie Carroccio, dedicated the song “Over The Rainbow” to Teresa. The song was given a new arrangement by the theatre’s Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow, specifically for the event.

The Media Theatre's Executive Director and Artistic Director (Patrick Ward and Jesse Cline) with Community Partnership Honoree Dr. Ray Vivacqua, Theatre Board Chair Ree Dunphy, and New School student Charlie Carroccio.

Teresa J. Vivacqua trained as a medical technician, working in that capacity for several years and also as a medical assistant in internal medical offices. She married Ray Vivacqua on June 11, 1960. She and Ray had three children, one daughter and two sons, from 1963 to 1968. Later in Teresa and Ray's married life, she worked in her husband's Hematology/ Medical Oncology office as a Medical Assistant and secretary. She spent several years as a volunteer patient advocate at Crozer Chester Medical Center. In approximately 2002, she developed symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia. Teresa always enjoyed sailing, tennis, ice skating, camping, traveling, oil and water color painting, cooking, and going to the theater.

Dr. Ray Vivacqua graduated Jefferson University Medical College (Philadelphia) in 1960 and completed a fellowship in Hematology/ Medical Oncology at the Cardeza Foundation, Jefferson University, in 1966. He is currently the Medical Director of The Crozer Regional Cancer Center, Director of Hematology/ Oncology Division at Crozer Chester Medical Center.

Dr. Vivacqua, upon accepting the Community Partnership award, kept the focus on his wife throughout his acceptance speech. He said that, upon entering The Media Theatre and seeing a large photo of his wife in the lobby, he ‘fell in love all over again’. It was a heartfelt and memorable moment.

Broadway’s Jenny Lee Stern and Nicholas Saverine were the headline performers for the event, treating the enthusiastic audience to legendary songs from “Cabaret” and “Phantom of The Opera” among their program. Three local teenagers (Veronica Garrubbo, Gianni Palmarini, and Molly Sorensen) also performed, representing the theatre’s School of Theatre and New School.

Artistic Director Jesse Cline introduced the evening, along with Executive Director Patrick Ward, Board Chair Ree Dunphy, and Gala Chair Sandra McKeown. Patrons and sponsors took part in a live campaign to raise funds for the theatre’s new stage. Donations are still being accepted for the Stage Campaign by calling Kathleen Moran at 610-891-0100.

Emcee Kelly Briggs, seen frequently on The Media Theatre stage, kept the night moving along at a brisk pace with his welcoming presence. He also announced The Media Theatre’s 2018-19 Broadway Series season which is “Sweeney Todd”, “The Wizard of OZ”, “Julius Caesar”, “Beehive”, and “Saturday Night Fever”.

Disney’s hit musical “Newsies” finishes the current season April 18 to June 10. For tickets or information, visit mediatheatre.org. You, too, will find that there truly is ‘No Place Like Home’ as a Media Theatre patron, supporter, or subscriber.

After a successful run this past summer, "Always, Patsy Cline" returns to The Media Theatre March 15 to April 1. Featuring Broadway's Jenny Lee Stern as the legendary country singer, the hit show has performances on Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm.

"Always…Patsy Cline" has enjoyed great success all over the United States, including a successful run off-Broadway. It has been one of the most produced musicals in America according to American Theatre Magazine. “Always…Patsy Cline” has also been enjoyed internationally by audiences in Canada, the UK and Australia.

“Always…Patsy Cline” is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.

The musical play, complete with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’ unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight…27 songs in all. The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which were consistently signed “Love ALWAYS… PatsyCline.”

Jenny Lee Stern is a Bucks County native and Broadway veteran. She was seen on Broadway in Rocky (Original Broadway Cast) and A Christmas Story (Madison Square Garden). She toured the country as "Mary Delgado" in Jersey Boys, originating the role in the Chicago and Toronto companies.

Off-Broadway, Ms. Stern garnered critical acclaim for her portrayals of Judy Garland, Patti Lupone, Bernadette Peters, Sutton Foster (and more!) in Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking. She frequently cameos as a "Guest Diva" in Forbidden Broadway's latest installment, Spamilton.

Ms. Stern has been seen frequently on the cabaret circuit in NYC, performing at Town Hall, Feinstein's, Birdland, Lincoln Center, and 54 Below, including her solo show Just A Girl. Regionally, she has found her niche playing "Patsy Cline" in Always, Patsy Cline. She recently played the role (for the 5th time!) at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

Jenny Lee's other Philadelphia credits include: West Side Story, Godspell, Lobby Hero, 42nd Street, High Society (Walnut Street Theatre); Seussical, Cats (Media Theatre), The Great American Trailer Park Xmas Musical (Montgomery Theatre). She has been seen on TV in The Sopranos and The Mysteries of Laura as well as annually in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Jenny studied acting at NYU and North Carolina School of the Arts. She is mother to two young daughters and lives happily in Doylestown, PA.

The role of Louise will be played by Deborah Lynn Meier. Deborah was last seen on the Media stage in Dogfight as Marcy. Her bio states that her other regional credits include Sex With Strangers (Olivia, Montgomery Theater) Taming of the Shrew (Bianca) & Quilters (Dana, Grand Canyon Shakespeare Company). Los Angeles: Gulf View Drive (Treva, World Premiere), Spitfire Grill (Percy), It’s A Wonderful Life: Live Radio Show (Violet et al), As It Is In Heaven (Polly), Into the Woods(Little Red), Titus Andronicus (Lavina). Film: Truly Unusual, Fourteenth Colony, Borders (Supporting).

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

Pictured: Broadway's Jenny Lee Stern as Patsy Cline

The Media Theatre's Spring Semester of Acting Classes begin the weekend of April 7, 2018. The new "Tween" class heads into its second session, with the popular Children's, Teen, and Adult classes returning. Each semester brings a fun educational atmosphere as students develop by working together and creating within a group setting.

Children from The Media Theatre Acting Class participate in a youth production 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.

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 "The Little Mermaid" and, when applicable, the Broadway Series.

Roger Ricker, who has been in over 100 productions at The Media Theatre and has worked with Artistic Director Jesse Cline since 1991, will continue instructing the Level One Children's Class on Saturday mornings at 9am for ages 5-8, and the Level Two Children's Class on Tuesday afternoons at 4:30 for ages up to 11. He'll also instruct the Teen Acting Class on Sunday evenings at 6pm, as well as the Tween Class on Wednesday afternoons.

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

The Level One Children's Class starts Saturday April 7 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 April 8. 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.

Tuesday, April 10, is the start date for the Second Level Children’s Class which takes place from 4:30-5:30pm. 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 April 10, 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 April 11 for one hour each week. 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 Spring Semester.

Disney’s "Newsies" has a Delaware County premiere on The Media Theatre stage April 18 through June 10. The Media Theatre (Jesse Cline, Artistic Director) is a professional music theatre located at 104 East State Street in Media, with free parking after 5pm every weekday and on weekends, and in close proximity to award winning restaurants.

Based on the 1992 motion picture, "Newsies" features a score by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy).

While on Broadway, "Newsies" received 23 major theatrical nominations – including eight Tony Award nods – and won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Score and Choreography. GET TICKETS

Set in New York City at the turn of the century, "Newsies" is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged 'newsies', who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right.

"Newsies" is inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers.

Timely and fresh, the fictionalized adaptation of "Newsies" addresses age-old themes of social injustice, exploitative labor practices and David-versus-Goliath struggles as the young learn to harness their power against a corrupt establishment. High-energy with non-stop thrills, the stage version introduces eight brand-new songs by the original team of Menken and Feldman while keeping many of the beloved songs from the film, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” “King of New York” and “Santa Fe.”

The show is directed and choreographed by Geoffrey Goldberg, who recently directed the critically acclaimed "Next To Normal" at The Media Theatre as well as "Billy Elliot" three seasons back. Ben Kapilow music directs, and also accompanies the live orchestra.

"Newsies" has Jeff Sundheim as Jack Kelly. Sundheim was seen off-Broadway in "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe", and has been in regional productions of "Dogfight", "Peter and the Starcatcher", "Tarzan", and "Evita". He makes his Media Theatre debut with "Newsies".

Jeff Sundheim, who plays Jack Kelly in The Media Theatre's "Newsies" April 18 to June 10

Others in the cast are Megan McDevitt as Katherine, Tony Clements as Davey, Christopher Infantino as Crutchie, Ryane Nicole Studivant as Medda, Julia DeGruchy as Hannah, and Kelly Briggs as Pulitzer. The role of Les is double cast and will be shared by two Media Theatre students: Zachary Amos and Aidan Crane.

The Newsies, who do triple duty as dancers, singers, and actors, are: Joshua Bellamy, Gunar Daniels, Zachary Debevec, Ronnie Keller, Ryan Lauer, Marc Andrew Nunez, Christian Ryan, Xavier Brian Townsend.

Five actors portray more than one role in the fast-paced production. They are JP Dunphy, Rusty Flounders, Chris Kovaks, Roger Ricker, and AJ Whittenberger.

The Delancey Brothers are played by Joe Canuso and Steve Chisholm. The Bowery Beauties are Lauren Bristow and Anna Ferrigno, who are also in the Ensemble.

For tickets to Disney's "Newsies" at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. It's on stage April 18 through June 10. Group rates available.

There are several 10am performances for school student groups. All evening performances (Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) are at 7pm for family audiences. Matinees are Wednesdays at 2pm, Saturdays at 2pm, and Sundays at 3pm.

The Media Theatre, an award-winning professional music theatre located at 104 East State Street in Media, Pa., continues entertaining and inspiring audiences during the 2018-19 season with titles that include Shakespeare, disco music, and one of Sondheim's classics. The productions are produced by Media Music Theatre Company, fulfilling the vision put forth by its Artistic Director Jesse Cline over two decades ago.

"We look forward to a great season," Cline said. "I've always wanted to produce "Sweeney Todd" and am looking forward to opening our season with the legendary musical."

"Sweeney Todd", the tale of a Victorian-era barber in London who seeks revenge on a corrupt judge who sentenced him to exile while gaining the assistance of a culinary accomplice, plays on The Media Theatre's stage October 3-28, 2018. The winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical upon its Broadway premiere in 1979, the thrilling show has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler. The show's subtitle, "The Demon Barber of Fleet Street", captures the dark wit of the lush, operatic musical.

For the holiday season, "The Wizard of OZ" will delight audiences of all ages November 14, 2018 to January 13, 2019. Dorothy and her friends travel The Yellow Brick Road in the legendary adventure, going "Over The Rainbow" to Munchkinland and beyond as she discovers there truly is no place like home.

Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar" is on stage January 30 to February 24, 2019. Conspirators plot the dictator's assassination in The Bard's masterpiece which features such legendary quotes as 'The evil that men do lives long after them' and 'Men at some time are the masters of their fates'. There are several 10am performances scheduled during the week of "Julius Caesar" for high school student groups.

The spring brings two musicals which feature number one pop hits of the '60's and the '70's.

"Beehive", in which six ladies take audiences back to the era of transistor radios, flower power, and miniskirts with songs like "Be My Baby", "My Boyfriend's Back", and "Son of A Preacher Man", is a testament to female empowerment. The ladies recall their first dance to the nation's challenges, all set to the beat of the 1960's. It's going to entertain March 13-31, 2019.

We leap from the '60's to the 1970's with the always popular "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical". Featuring many of the Bee Gees greatest hits, such as "Stayin' Alive", "Night Fever", and "Jive Talkin'", it's the story of a streetwise kid from Brooklyn who attempts to escape his dead-end life through dancing. The large ensemble cast will put on their Boogie Shoes April 17 through June 8, 2019.

Subscriptions are now on sale by calling 610-891-0100. Visit mediatheatre.org for further information.

There's a new musical version of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" at The Media Theatre every weekend through May 20.

Developed for children ages 4 and up, the 50 minute show features new songs, colorful costumes, and an opportunity for the little ones in the audience to join the show on stage. GET TICKETS

In this adaptation Doria is the youngest mermaid who wishes to live on land. She wants to be more like the humans above. Her father, the humorous Sea King, understands she is unable to fulfill her dream but wants her to figure things out on her own.

Mae Weaver as Doria The Mermaid, with Leo Koncos as The Prince.
They share the roles with Madison Van Horn and Zachary Amos
at The Media Theatre through May 20.

She finally gets her chance to go to The Rock above land and see what life is like above the water where she rescues a group of Sailors and one charming Prince.

Songs include "The World Above", "Mermaid's Song", "Beauty of The Sea" and more. The musical's message is all about accepting who you are as well as a reminder to appreciate the creatures of the ocean.

It's on Sundays at Noon through May 20 (no performance Easter Sunday; one Saturday morning show March 31 at 11am). For tickets, visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100.

This production has no scary villain and is a great introduction to live theatre for small children. Roger Ricker appears as the humorous Sea King.

Disney’s Newsieshas its Delaware County premiere at The Media Theatre, on stage now through June 10. Geoffrey Goldberg is the director and choreographer, with Ben Kapilow leading the live orchestra.

Based on the 1992 motion picture, the Broadway musical hit features a score by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy).

While on Broadway, Newsies received 23 major theatrical nominations – including eight Tony Award nods – and won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Score and Choreography. GET TICKETS

Set in New York City at the turn of the century, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged “newsies,” who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right.

Newsies is inspired by the real-life “Newsboy Strike of 1899,” when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers. Timely and fresh, the fictionalized adaptation of Newsies addresses age-old themes of social injustice, exploitative labor practices and David-versus-Goliath struggles as the young learn to harness their power against a corrupt establishment. High-energy with non-stop thrills, the stage version introduces eight brand-new songs by the original team of Menken and Feldman while keeping many of the beloved songs from the film, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” “King of New York” and “Santa Fe.”

Check out the photos by Maura McConnell and be sure to get tickets: mediatheatre.org/ 610-891-0100

JEFF SUNDHEIM AS JACK KELLY, SURROUNDED BY THE 'NEWSIES'

THE 'NEWSIES' STRIKE!

Dakota Miller, Christian Ryan, and Joshua Bellamy are "Newsies" flying high!

MEGAN MCDEVITT IS KATHERINE PLUMBER, HERE WITH THE 'NEWSIES'

THE 'NEWSIES' LISTEN TO JACK KELLY (Jeff Sundheim)

RYANE NICOLE STUDIVANT IS MEDDA LARKIN

KELLY BRIGGS (right) IS JOSEPH PULITZER, here with Jack Kelly (Jeff Sundheim)

JEFF SUNDHEIM IS JACK KELLY (center), with GUNAR DANIELS as Romeo, ZACHARY AMOS as Les, TONY CLEMENTS as Davey, and DAKOTA MILLER as Specs in "Newsies"

It’s time once again for “The Vocalist” competition at The Media Theatre. The region’s premier vocal contest kicks off with annual auditions May 7 at 6pm.

“The Vocalist” and “Vocalist Junior” are titles that are representative of the music theatre company’s mission of professional music theatre. The summer 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.

The contest has produced several performers who have gone on to appear in professional productions at The Media Theatre and at other regional theatres or on Broadway, including Ava Briglia who was a top five placer during “Vocalist Junior” and was in Broadway’s hit show “Matilda”, playing the title role. She is currently playing the role of Summer in Broadway's "School of Rock" musical. Jackie Verna, who is from West Chester, PA, was also a contestant a few years ago and is now doing well on NBC’s “The Voice”as a member of Adam Levine's team.

All ages may audition on the same night 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 weeks this summer on the following Wednesdays: JULY 11, JULY 18, JULY 25. All contestants will sing each week, with an elimination being made at intermission on July 25 before Act Two.

“Junior” will have a five week competition in 2018 on the following Sundays: JULY 8, JULY 15, JULY 22, JULY 29, AUGUST 5. All Junior contestants will sing the first three weeks prior to eliminations being made before July 29 for the Semi-Finals. After July 29, the Top 15 will return for the Finals on August 5.

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 at mediatheatre.org or by calling 610-891-0100. You may also register at the door the night of the auditions. No appointments; the auditions are held in order of ‘sign-up’. The contest is sponsored by Iron Workers Bank.

The multi-talented Christopher Infantino has an evening of song coming up at The Media Theatre on Monday May 21 at 7pm. GET TICKETS

Christopher is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, and had early training as an elementary student with The Media Theatre’s Children’s Acting Classes.

He is currently playing the role of Crutchie in The Media Theatre’s production of Disney’s “Newsies” through June 10, and was recently seen in the critically acclaimed “Next To Normal” as Henry.

He’s been seen at the Reagle Music Theatre and Goodspeed Opera House, and he instructs Flywheel in the region when not performing. He’s from Media and looks forward to performing at ‘home’ during his cabaret in the theatre’s elegant Crystal Room on May 21.

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

The Media Theatre's New School is accepting registrations now for its 2017-18 season. A prestigious 'by invitation or audition only' theatre study program for two age groups, The New School focuses on the truth of performance: Who is the actor and how does the actor approach the scene, monologue, or song?

Based within the Sanford Meisner technique, which is defined with the statement "Acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance", The New School focuses on two aspects of music theatre (Acting and Vocal Music) for the younger age group (ages 7-10) on Mondays during the 4:30-6:30pm class beginning September 25, while the older age group (ages 11-16) meets on Thursdays during the same hours beginning September 28.

Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who instructs and leads The New School, a conservatory-style approach to theatre education which is completely separate from the theatre's Acting Classes.

The New School is a two semester educational program in which students learn advanced elements of acting and vocal music.

This season, all New School students will be also be able to take part in the MEDIA THEATRE DANCE MACHINE Class, which takes place on Sundays at 10am at our Dance Studio (28 West State Street in Media).

Two frequent performers on our stage, Ronnie Keller and Kim Maxson,

will instruct the Dance Class.

If one were to synthesize the fundamental premise of the training

it would be that ‘the truth is everything’.This premise is essential and shouldmaintain itself in everything that takes place on stage.

Each student finds the truth within himself or herself and that particular truth means they are individual and special.

New School students are given priority when it comes to casting shows at

The Media Theatre which have roles for young actors.

JESSE CLINE, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR teaches and directs the New School.

He has been at the helm of The Media Theatre since 1994 even as it transitioned to a non-profit in 2000. Has led the theatre to award-winning status and national recognition working with such Tony nominated actors as Philip Boykin, Ann Crumb, Andy Karl, and Andrea McArdle. He has directed over 100 productions and created the theatre’s educational programs. He is the winner of two “Best Director” honors from Broadway World.

BEN KAPILOW, RESIDENT MUSIC DIRECTOR, instructs the Vocal Music portion.

He received an M.M. in Composition from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in music and psychology from Swarthmore College. He is active as a composer of music for children, as his children's chorus pieces have received over 40 performances, and he composed the score to four musicals for the Media Theatre's Children's Series. He has taught at the Meridee Winters School of Music, Darlington Arts Center, Nelly Berman School of Music, Mother of Providence Regional Catholic School, and St. Pius X School.

There is still space available! Email Roger at rer764@gmail.com to set up an audition or interview with Jesse Cline. (Previous New School students may not have to audition or interview)

The Media Theatre is having another round of "Vocalist" and "Vocalist Junior" auditions on Saturday morning, June 9, at 10:30am. If you were unable to attend the previous audition, now's your chance! Still seeking singers for "Vocalist" (ages 14-14) and "Junior" (ages 7-13).

“The Vocalist” and “Vocalist Junior” are titles that are representative of the music theatre company’s mission of professional music theatre. The summer 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.

Both age groups may audition Saturday June 9 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.

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.

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.

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 Laina Alam, 11, of Wallingford; Zachary Amos, 12, Aston; 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; Toby Intham, 12, Media; Krista Jackson, 10, Crum Lynne; Margo Leicht, 9, Delco; Anne Mesiriak, 12, Pottstown; Ryan Ming, 8, Garnett Valley; Zoe Nesbitt, 8, Drexel Hill; 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.

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. Even though a winner is eventually announced at the end of the five week competition, no one is eliminated until after week three's intermission when the Top Five will be announced.

“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.”

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

The 2018 "Vocalist" Contestants are:

Alicia Bartosik, 16, Garnet Valley; Kiera Bauer, 14, Delco; Joseph Colasante, 15, Brookhaven; Julia deGruchy, 23, Philadelphia; Shaelyn Rayne Fabik, 18, Drexel Hill; Brooke Falls, 18, Glenolden; Lauren Faulkner, 17, Glenolden; Paul Mariani III, 18, Malvern; Ben Mergott, 17, Swarthmore; Danny Murphy, 19, Havertown; Charlotte Petitdemang, 19, Salem, NJ; Breanne Sensenig, 21, Mountville; Zagara Sims, 14, Coatesville; Paul Vink, 16, West Chester; Julia Zane, 16, Glenolden

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, 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.

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
Joanna.........................................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, Rachel Sigman, Amanda Spivak, Faith Yesner

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'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.

MEDIA THEATRE HAS BROADWAY PERFORMERS HIGHLIGHTING ANNUAL BENEFIT MARCH 3

THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS BROADWAY'S SEAN THOMPSON IN CONCERT FRI. MARCH 9

MEDIA THEATRE'S MARCH 10 BENEFIT FULFILLED THE PROMISE OF HOME

'ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE' IS ON STAGE AT THE MEDIA THEATRE THRU APRIL 1

THE MEDIA THEATRE'S SPRING SEMESTER OF ACTING CLASSES BEGINS IN APRIL

THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS A GREAT CAST IN 'NEWSIES' APRIL 18 THRU JUNE 10

THE MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2018-19 SEASON

SAIL INTO A NEW 'LITTLE MERMAID' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE THRU MAY 20

THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 'NEWSIES'....FIRST LOOK PHOTOS!

THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'VOCALIST' AUDITIONS MONDAY MAY 7

CHRIS INFANTINO IN CONCERT AT MEDIA THEATRE MAY 21

MEDIA THEATRE'S NEW SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ASKS 'WHO IS THE ACTOR?'---REGISTRATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2017-18

THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS ANOTHER ROUND OF 'VOCALIST' AUDITIONS SATURDAY JUNE 9

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

MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2018 'VOCALIST JUNIOR' CONTESTANTS

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

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

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

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

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