Media Theatre News!

"Side Show", with a book and lyrics by Bill Russell and music by Henry Krieger, is based on the story of Daisy and Violet Hilton. It's on stage at The Media Theatre through March 26.

The Hilton sisters were conjoined twins who entertained on the carnival and burlesque circuit in the 1920's and '30's. Managed poorly, the sisters eventually meet a talent scout and his budding musician pal who make a deal to showcase the two women on the Orpheum Circuit. Bursting with hope regarding their newfound fame, the ladies hearts are still unfulfilled, as they cannot escape the reputation of being 'freaks'.

The unique musical is on through March 26 at The Media Theatre. Audiences will sit 'under the big tent' during this show, which lends the atmosphere of being in an actual side show event. It's an up close and personal look at what makes us different while exposing the fact that we are all the same.

Photos by Maura McConnell. "Side Show" is directed by Jesse Cline.

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

Terry (Bob Stineman) as Daisy and Violet Hilton perform in the tent.

The Hilton Sisters (Jenna Pastuszek and Ashley Sweetman) perform

The cast of attractions in the Side Show with The Hilton Sisters

The Hilton Sisters (Jenna Pastuszek, Ashley Sweetman)

Curiosity seekers with the The Hilton Sisters

You like to ‘move it, move it’? Then be sure to see the musical “Madagascar Junior” at The Media Theatre. It’s on Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon March 25 through May 21.

“Madagascar Junior” is based on the animated film and features humorous characters, lots of adventure, and an upbeat energetic score including the hit song “I Like To Move It”.

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and, of course, those hilarious plotting penguins in the musical adventure of a lifetime. The hour long show follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

Tim Haney portrays the role of Alex the Lion, while Roger Ricker entertains as King Julien. Others in the cast are Media Theatre students, and one parent of two student actors (Doug Henry). All other roles are double cast, allowing audiences and students ample opportunity to enjoy the “Madagascar” antics.

See the entire cast list below, and be sure to get tickets by calling The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visiting mediatheatre.org

The "Madagascar Jr" cast is:

Alex, the Lion---------Tim Haney

Marty, the Zebra------Zach Divito, Alex Holleran

Gloria, the Hippo-----Alyssa Carlow, Shannon Clark

Mel, the Giraffe--------Hanna Murphy, Paul Vink

Mason, the Chimp----Preston Newton, Olivia Stroup

The Penguins:

Skipper…..Aidan Fox, Bridget Henry

Kowalski…. Caileigh Crane, Sutton Gold

Private…..Aidan Crane, Kiki Troilo

Rico…..Adrian Henry, Lily Jo Shelkin

The Lemurs:

King Julien……Roger Ricker

Maurice (Julien’s assistant)-----Charlie Carroccio, Maxwell Talbott

Mort-----Kyla Hilger, Audrey Siu

Lynn----Brooklyn Bonner, Olivia Rathnayaka

Zookeeper Zelda/ Animal Control Officer----Hanna Brady, Grace Curry

Zookeeper Zeke/ Police Officer----Doug Henry, Sean O’ Neill

Zookeeper Zoe/ Old Lady---Kaitlyn Grose, Maddie Lippa

Lioness/ Foosa…..Mary Catherine Schwartz

Candy Hammernose/ Foosa….Yasmin Ahmed, Lauren Poltrock

Cameraman/ Passerby….Drew Murphy, Isabelle Newell

It's now time to register for The Media Theatre's Spring Semester of Acting Classes which begin the weekend of April 8, 2017.

The popular acclaimed Children and Teen Acting Classes will be returning, as well as the Adult Acting Class. Each semester brings a fun educational atmosphere as students develop by working together and creating within a group setting.

Classes are under the supervision of Broadway World Award winning Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who studied with the renowned Sanford Meisner. All classes and the New School 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 as they will as honestly as they are able, without copying anyone else's performance or trying to be who they are not. It's a confidence booster while raising self-awareness.

Media Theatre Students perform on stage

The Acting Classes focus solely on acting skills and stage presence while also featuring improvisational theatre exercises for each age group.

Students from the New School and acting classes are given performance opportunities throughout the year at The Media Theatre, playing roles in the Children's Series such as the upcoming "Alice In Wonderland" (the summer children's production) 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.

The Level One Children's Class starts Saturday April 8, with the the Level Two Children's Class starting April 11. The Teen Class starts up again Sunday April 9.

Tim Haney, who has directed two mainstage productions at Media and has been with Media Music Theatre Company since 1998, instructs the continuing Adult Acting Class on Tuesdays at 7:30pm beginning April 11.

To register for the Acting Classes call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. All Media Theatre acting classes are $400 for the Spring Semester.

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 1 at 6pm.

"The Vocalist" and "Vocalist Junior" claim titles that are representative of the professional 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.

Auditions for “The Vocalist” will be held Monday May 1 from 6pm to 8:30pm. 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.

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.

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.

Call Roger at 610-891-0100 to register or visit mediatheatre.org. REGISTER HERE , or register at the door the night of the auditions. No appointments; the auditions are held in order of ‘sign-up’. Please email rer764@gmail.com with questions.

The Media Theatre has the legendary musical “West Side Story” April 19 through June 11. With a book by Arthur Laurents and a sweeping score from Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, the musical is often referred to as one of the all-time greats in the Broadway canon.

“West Side Story” transports Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to New York City in the 1950’s. The story takes place on the west side of Manhattan at a time when many Puerto Ricans moved to NYC. Two young lovers, Tony and Maria, find themselves in the middle of street gangs at war—the Jets and the Sharks. The musical captures the essence of struggling to survive amidst violence and prejudice which is one the main reasons it has remained relevant to this day after premiering on Broadway in 1957.

“West Side Story” highlights youthful performers with energetic choreography and songs such as “Tonight”, “Maria”, “Somewhere”, and “America”.

At The Media Theatre, “West Side Story” is directed and choreographed by Dann Dunn, with Jennie Eisenhower as Associate Director. Christopher Ertelt is the music director. For tickets visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100.

The cast for “West Side Story”:

Tony……..Grant Stuble

Maria……..Patti Lee Meringo

Anita………Victoria Mayo

The Jets:

Riff.................Zachary Chiero

Diesel............Dallas Padoven

Big Deal........Neal Buckley

Snowboy.......Niklaus Miller

A-Rab............Ryan Lauer

Action............Ronnie Keller

Baby John.....Steve Fala

Anybodys......Emily Kaye Lynn

Velma.............Rachel Beiswenger

Graziella........Marissa Wolner

Minnie............Erika Wasko

Pauline..........Cara Treacy

The Sharks:

Bernardo.......Avery Sobczak

Chino.............Dante Brattelli

Pepe..............Aaron Bell

Indio..............Brandon Alberto

Luis................JD Triolo

Anxious.........Samuel Damare

Consuela.......Mary Guarneri

Francisca......Kendyll Young

Margarita......Brittany Monachino

Rosalia.........Marissa Barnathan

Clarita...........Veronica Garrubbo

Adults:

Doc...............P.Brendan Mulvey

Glad Hand....Roger Ricker

Krupke..........Henry O' Neill

Lt. Shrank.....Tim Woodward

It’s time once again for “The Vocalist” competition at The Media Theatre. The region’s premier vocal contest will hold a second round of auditions on Saturday June 10 at 1:30pm for summer's singing contest. "The Vocalist" is for ages 14-24, with the top five winning a cash prize sponsored by Iron Workers Bank.

"Vocalist Junior" already has most of its contestants, although if anyone is age 6-13 and is interested, they should email Roger at rer764@gmail.com.

"The Vocalist" and "Vocalist Junior" claim titles that are representative of the professional 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.

Auditions for “The Vocalist” will be held Saturday June 10 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
The annual singing contest provides a platform on a professional stage for ages 14-24 to hone their craft while performing for enthusiastic audiences. The contest has produced several performers who have gone on to appear in professional productions at The Media Theatre and at other regional theatres.

"The Vocalist" performs on Wednesday nights for six weeks beginning the week after July Fourth. It's a great opportunity for high school and college students.

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.
Call Roger at 610-891-0100 to register or visit mediatheatre.org. REGISTER HERE , or register at the door the night of the auditions. No appointments; the auditions are held in order of ‘sign-up’. Please email rer764@gmail.com with questions.

Jenna Pastuszek and Ashley Sweetman, the two extremely talented young ladies who performed the roles of Daisy and Violet Hilton, sisters who were joined at the hip in The Media Theatre's production of Side Show recently, are joining forces once again. Their special one-night-only cabaret is Monday July 24 at 7:30pm.

With a song selection featuring some of their favorite Broadway show tunes, plus a reprise of "I Will Never Leave You" from Side Show, Jenna and Ashley will entertain in a cabaret style setting in the theatre's elegant Crystal Room. Seating is limited, so it's best to reserve seats now ($25 per person).

Jenna Pastuszek is originally from Swarthmore. Recent credits include the critically acclaimed production of Side Show (The Media Theatre) as well as Diner (Delaware Theatre Company), Because Of Winn Dixie (DTC), Bad Jews (Walnut Street Theatre), Evita (Stage Door Theatre), Catch Me If You Can (Eagle Theatre), Single (NYMF), The Incredible Fox Sisters (New Ohio Theatre), Next Thing You Know (Sharon Playhouse), The Rocky Horror Show (Arundel Barn Playhouse).

Ashley Sweetman is thrilled to be peforming (again) alongside her friend and fellow NYU Steinhardt alum, Jenna, after appearing with her throughout the production of Side Show at The Media Theatre. Ashley has also been seen at the Media Theatre in Dogfight, Ghost: The Musical, and Les Misérables. Select regional credits include Shout! The Mod Musical (Yellow Girl), Smokey Joe’s Café (Pattie), Next Thing You Know (Lisa), and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Doatsy Mae).

For tickets to the Jenna and Ashley cabaret, call 610-891-0100 or VISIT MEDIA THEATRE WEBSITE CALENDAR HERE, CHOOSE JULY 24

This summer, 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.

It's on Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon June 3 through August 21. Ben Kapilow (Broadway World Award winner) wrote the brand new score to Tim Haney's revised script. Roger Ricker directs, Kapilow music directs, and Carol Sorensen's bright costumes liven the hour long show for ages 4 and up.

There's audience participation at the Croquet game, and plenty of humor as three parents of Media Theatre students join in the fun, playing roles in the show alongside their children. Eileen Wiley makes her Media Theatre debut as the Queen of Hearts with her daughter, Violet, playing Alice. Doug Henry and his daughter play Tweedledum and Tweedledee, sharing the role with Henry O' Neill and his son Sean.

Tim Haney plays the Caterpillar and the King, Ricker is The Mad Hatter and a funky singing table, and no two performances will be the same as most roles are double cast.

Media Theatre's New School students and Acting Class participants portray everything from the White Rabbit to Hedgehogs and more in this lively, upbeat adventure. Tickets are just $12 for children and $15 for adults. Group rates are available. Call 610-891-0100 or GET TICKETS HERE

ALICE IN WONDERLAND CAST…..THE MEDIA THEATRE….2017

Alice: Mary Kate Vink/ Violet Wiley

Katherine/ Minstrel 1: Hannah Brady/ Grace Curry

Mad Hatter/ Table 1: Roger Ricker

March Hare/ Table 2: Hanna Murphy/ Madison Vassilakopoulous

Queen: Cassidy Else/ Eileen Wiley

Rabbit: Aidan Fox/ Alex Pollard

Dormouse: Drew Murphy/ Camiel Warren-Taylor

Cheshire Cat: Alexsa McKeown/ Macy Devitt

Caterpillar/ King: Tim Haney

Knave of Hearts/ Minstrel 2: Adrian Henry/ TBA

Tweedledee & Tweedledum:

Bridget & Doug Henry

Sean & Henry O' Neill

Duchess: Noelle Longenberger/ Shannon Clark

Duchess' Baby: Doug Henry/ Henry O' Neill

The Singing Flowers:

Shannon Clark/ Noelle Longenberger

Savanna Galloway/ Lucia Thompson

Sutton Gold/ Camiel Warren-Taylor

Lily Jo Shelkin/ Amelia Welch

Bridget Henry/ Camiel Warren-Taylor

Audrey Siu/ Olivia Stroup

The Two Hedgehogs:

Drew Murphy/ Sean O' Neill

Lily Jo Shelkin/ Amelia Welch

"Always, Patsy Cline" is the hit show with songs made famous by the legendary country singer. It's on stage at The Media Theatre June 15 to July 2, starring Broadway's Jenny Lee Stern. Performaces are Thursday nights at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday nights 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.

GO TO OUR CALENDAR, CHOOSE YOUR DATE, AND GET TICKETS NOW

“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… Patsy Cline.”

Jenny Lee Stern as Patsy Cline

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. 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.

Williamson Trade School, located just five minutes from The Media Theatre, had a busy crew at what has become known as Delaware County's only professional music theatre. This was during its second annual Community Service Week, May 15-19.

“For four days we provide a community service, giving back to the community by assisting local non-profits,” stated Renee Lallo, a volunteer with Williamson whose husband, Art, sits on their board. “The Media Theatre is a terrific place, providing educational opportunities for young students,” she continued, as her daughter Valerie helped with some painting in the theatre’s second floor Crystal Room. The Lallo’s daughters are previous students of The Media Theatre’s acting classes.

Michelle Martella, Williamson’s Director of The Annual Fund, was on hand as well, working with the Trade School’s young men who were busy throughout The Media Theatre from the front doors of the lobby to the backstage dressing rooms. “We are doing some needed touch-ups, restorations, and installing new fixtures here and there,” Michelle said.

A partial group of Williamson Trade School students who assisted at Media Theatre:
John Woodbridge, Eric Sheller, Jimmy Guilin, Tim Smith,
with Carpentry Shop Director Mike Neville.

Williamson’s Placement Director, Margaret Kingham, was supervising each aspect of the work being done at the theatre. “One of Williamson’s core values is service, to give back and to assist the community,” she explained. “Mr. Walter Strine, Sr, who renovated The Media Theatre back in the mid-90’s as a beautiful performing arts venue was a student of Williamson. He was a student of our Masonry program. He eventually, in his own way of giving back to the community, donated funds to Williamson to create our Strine Learning Center.”

Fixing Up The Doors!

The Lallos Get Into The Act!

With Williamson’s Service Week at The Media Theatre, it was as if The Williamson family had come home and a circle was completed which started when Strine had been a student at Williamson. A few of the current students of 2017 put their own personal touch on the venue. The theatre has, since Strine’s complete renovation in the mid-90’s, become synonymous with award-winning professional music theatre.

The Williamson Trade School crew that assisted The Media Theatre

Surely Mr. Walter Strine, Sr,--had he been here to witness the service work being done this week-- would have been very proud of the 2017 students assisting in retaining the elegance of a building that was so near and dear to his heart. He is, most likely, looking down upon the young men who came to the aid of The Media Theatre and giving them plenty of applause.

The Media Theatre’s current musical is “West Side Story” through June 11. For children, “Alice In Wonderland” will be on stage each weekend June 3 through August 27. Summer camps begin June 12. The theatre's Artistic Director is Jesse Cline. For more information, visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100.

Williamson College of the Trades prepares qualified young men to be respected leaders and productive members of society. More info may be found at www.williamson.edu

Each summer, The Media Theatre provides a unique and inspiring summer camp musical experience for teens and older youth. The 2017 summer camp musicals are "Into The Woods" for ages 12 and up, as well as the classic "Godspell" for ages 10 and up.

Each of the two musicals allow those registered the opportunity to take part in a show from 'the ground up', just as they would if in a professional production. The campers learn and perform the entire two act musicals, starting with music rehearsal and building up to staging, choreography, and professional direction on The Media Theatre stage.

Both "Into The Woods" and "Godspell" are then performed for general public audiences, who purchase tickets just as they would for the theatre's award winning Broadway Series. Campers work with a live orchestra, costume designer, and backstage crew all the way through final tech and dress rehearsals.

“Into the Woods” is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece… and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

“Into The Woods” rehearses 6-9pm June 19th to June 30th (Monday thru Friday each week) and also Mon. July 3, Wed July 5, and Thu. July 6.

"Into The Woods" performs Friday nights, Saturday matinee and evening, and Sunday matinees July 7 through July 30.

"Godspell" was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, “Day by Day,” Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All for the Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side.”

In "Godspell", a small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

“Godspell” rehearses Monday July 10 (6:30-9pm), Tuesday July 11 (6-9pm), Wed. July 12 (4-6pm), Thu. July 13 (5-9pm), following the same schedule Monday through Thu. each week through Aug. 3. The show performs Friday nights, Saturday matinee and evening, and Sunday matinees August 4-27.

"Into the Woods" is for campers who are 12 and up, while "Godspell" is for ages approximately 10 and up. Call 610-891-0100 for further information, or to register. You may also visit mediatheatre.org.

The Media Theatre, continuing its goal to fulfill its mission of music theatre education, has two professional actors joining its summer camp musical production of “Into The Woods” to assist as mentors to the cast.

Liam Snead, who holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College, will work with the cast and play the role of The Baker for two weekends. A 2017 graduate, he was seen at Ithaca in several productions including “Company” as Bobby and “Titanic” as Jim Farrell. He has also worked locally at The Walnut Street Theatre and People’s Light. At Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, he was in “Les Miserables”, “To Kill A Mockingbird”, and “The Winter’s Tale”.

Actor Liam Snead, who joins the cast of "Into The Woods"
this summer at The Media Theatre

Austy Hicks, a former “Vocalist” winner at The Media Theatre, joins the cast as well. He’ll play the role of Jack for two weekends. He’s from Wayne, PA, and has been seen on stage at West Chester’s Limelight Performing Arts Center. He showcased his talent previously at The Media Theatre in professional productions of “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “The Diary of Anne Frank”.

Austy Hicks

“Having these talented young men join the youth ensemble adds another avenue of education and experience,” said The Media Theatre’s Artistic Director Jesse Cline. “It’s a terrific way for the summer camp ensemble to learn more, first hand, about what it takes to be a professional.”

“Into The Woods” is on stage for four weekends, July 7 through July 30. Cline directs the show, with The Media Theatre’s Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow conducting. For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

“Into The Woods” Cast:

NARRATOR ……………………NORAH MARTIN/ JACKSON SWEENEY

CINDERELLA ………………….MARNIE CLARK/ VERONICA GARRUBBO

JACK………………………………JOSH ATKINSON/ AUSTY HICKS (special guest)

JACK’S MOTHER……………....GIGI FURLAN/ CHLOE MILLETT

BAKER…………………………..MATT SAYLOR/ LIAM SNEAD (special guest)

BAKER’S WIFE ……………….ANNA ROSENTHAL/ MOLLY SORENSEN

CINDERELLA’S STEPMOTHER…………..JILLIAN DONOHUE/ CASSIDY ELSE

FLORINDA, A STEPSISTER………………..GRACE CURRY/ MARY KATE VINK

LUCINDA, A STEPSISTER………….ALEXIA ALVAREZ-BUROCK/ KAITLYN KETCH

CINDERELLA’S FATHER …………….…….DAVID POTTS

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD………………CAILEIGH CRANE/ ROYA WOLCOTT

WITCH……………………………………………TONI HUEGEL/ HANNA MURPHY

CINDERELLA’S MOTHER/GRANNY…….SHANNON CLARK/ ALAINA GUO

CINDERELLA’S PRINCE/WOLF……………OWEN MANNION

RAPUNZEL………………………………….KAITLYN GROSE/ ILENA MITA

RAPUNZEL’S PRINCE………………………JOSH MYERS

MYSTERIOUS PERSON……………………..JOSIE INTHAM/ LEO KONCOS

STEWARDS……………………….MARIA DEENIS/ EMILY LLEWELLYN/ SKYLAR PARK

SLEEPING BEAUTY…………………………….ALEXSA MCKEOWN

SNOW WHITE……………………………………LAUREN SADDIC

Local actor Owen Mannion, 18, of Broomall, is headed to Manhattanville College this fall. But first, he's performing in "Into The Woods" at The Media Theatre each weekend in July as The Wolf and Cinderella's Prince.

"My major at Manhattanville will be theatre," Owen said. "My goal is to gain an understanding of professional theatre, while networking in New York."

Owen believes that studying at The Media Theatre truly prepared him for the future. "The professional acting lessons and classes I was a part of with Jesse Cline truly have prepared me," he said. "Also having a strict schedule of extra curricular activities in high school helped a lot, too."

Owen Mannion

He's been seen at The Media Theatre in over two dozen productions. "Actually, "Into The Woods" is my 25th show here! Seven of the shows were a part of the Broadway Series professional productions," he explained. "Last summer I had the opportunity to be Dewey in the regional premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "School Of Rock" musical."

Owen has strong feelings about "Into The Woods" and says, "It's an example of how fairy tales can be made completely different through an American lens. Sondheim took simple characters and plots, breathing new life and depth into them. It gives audiences a chance to see fairy-tales as a somewhat realistic state of emotion and interaction. It's got a sophisticated score, and raised the bar for Broadway upon its premiere, eventually winning the Tony Awards for Best Book plus Best Score."

"Into The Woods" is presented as a teen summer camp production at The Media Theatre. Owen Mannion, upon his final summer as a 'student camper', says "Audiences will be surprised with the level of professionalism on the stage."

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

The Media Theatre heads into its 2017-18 season with Ben Kapilow as its new Resident Music Director. The theatre’s Artistic Director Jesse Cline made the announcement recently when discussing the upcoming Broadway Series which includes the titles “Carousel”, Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast”, “Next To Normal”, “IF/ THEN”, and “Newsies”. All are musicals, as the theatre is not preparing a classic play for the first time in three years.

Cline said, “I look forward to working with Ben. He’s been a member of our team for the past two years, working on special projects and within our education program. He has an M.M. in composition from the Peabody Conservatory, where he also completed the Music Teacher Certification Program. He has a bit of a local connection also, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Swarthmore College with a B.A. in music and psychology. We have a great season lined up. He’ll be working with our professional actors for each show, as well as teaching private lessons and instructing our New School music theatre education program.”

The Media Theatre's new Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow

As a composer, Kapilow's classical pieces have been performed by Symphony Number One, the Great Noise Ensemble, Trio Ex Animo, the University of Scranton Singers, and at the Jack O'Lantern Blaze Festival in Hudson Valley, NY.

His children's pieces have been performed by over 40 choruses, and he has written the score for three children's musicals for the Media Theatre, including the current “Alice In Wonderland”, which is on stage through August. One of the three, "Peter Pan and Wendy," won the Broadway World “Best of Philadelphia Theatre” Award for Best New Work.

Kapilow is approaching his new position with a clear goal in mind. “My goal is to cater what I do as much as possible to the diverse needs of the theater,” he said. “My position involves everything from teaching 6-year olds how to sing Disney songs to music directing professionals who have been on Broadway, so I want to take every new task on its own terms and help the Media continue to attract as wide of a range of people as possible.”

Having been working with Camp Media Theatre for two summers, and currently involved once again as its music director, he said, “I love working at the Media Theatre because the programming here encompasses a wide variety of avenues for me to explore my own random hodgepodge of interests.”

Kapilow has a fondness for composing and says, “While focusing on composition is not common for music directors, I believe that this training has made all the difference for me. Whenever I encounter a piece of music, I think about it from a compositional standpoint, which allows me to really engage with it in an inside-and-out manner. This is incredibly helpful no matter what I do, whether I'm sight-reading a piece at an audition, working with a singer on interpreting the song, or even just listening to music for fun.”

“For me, composing is incredibly detailed work, and I will often spend hours working on just a few seconds of music,” he said of his work process. “I find it inspiring when vocalists bring the music to life, whether they're professionals or children. I've had this experience a lot at the Media Theatre, and it is incredibly uplifting and reminds me why I go through all the effort of composing in the first place.”

With all of his experience at a relatively young age, his approach adds a fresh perspective to what audiences will hear when attending the 2017-18 Broadway Series at The Media Theatre.

For tickets to any upcoming shows at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Subscriptions are available (VIP, Traditional, Preview, or Flex).

The Media Theatre's has Stephen Sondheim's Tony winning musical "Into The Woods" on stage this summer, July 7 through July 30. The show is being produced as a teen musical experience, in which a youth cast performs along two local (and slightly older) actors who have had professional or university experience.

Shannon Clark, 15, of Havertown, is a New School student at The Media Theatre pursuing her further education by appearing in "Into The Woods" this summer. "I am playing Little Red Riding Hood's Grandmother," she said. "I'm also playing Cinderella's mother and the voice of the Giant. I approach the roles by practicing my lines, and by really feeling the role. I become my role, and act and react how I would as the role."

Young actress Shannon Clark

She explained that "At The Media Theatre we learn that 'acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance', so it's a great way to approach roles. It's the Meisner Technique, which we study with Artistic Director Jesse Cline."

Shannon Clark enjoys the experience of acting. "It helps me to really be more self-aware, and helps me to know who I am," she said. "Performing also assists me with public speaking."

She has been seen on stage at The Media Theatre in "The Real Story of Little Red Riding Hood" as The Mother, in "Cinderella" as Stepsister Drizella, in "Madagascar: A Musical Adventure" as Gloria, and was seen as Owl in "Winnie The Pooh's Christmas Tail". Currently she is The Duchess and Matron Flower in "Alice In Wonderland".

At Archbishop Carroll, she was seen in "Miracle On 34th Street", and at Notre Dame Academy has been in "Beauty And The Beast Pantomime", "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten", "Check Please", and "Little Mermaid Junior".

Of "Into The Woods", Shannon said, "The show has added a different angle to fairy tales, which is very interesting. The music is also unique and memorable."

"Audiences should see this production because it's a truly amazing cast!" Shannon Clark concluded. "All the performers are good singers and actors. Audiences will feel as if they are right there, in the story, which is the beauty of live theatre."

For tickets to this summer's "Into The Woods" at The Media Theatre (July 7-30) call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Performances are Friday nights at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Most roles are double cast, so it's a different cast each weekend!

Marnie Clark, 14, of Newtown Square, plays the role of Cinderella. “This Cinderella starts out as being like your basic fairy tale image of her,” Marnie said. “In the beginning she is naïve and oblivious, and doesn’t understand that everything comes with a price. But towards the end she learns that everything actually does. She’s half giddy and bubbly, half logical and motherly. It’s cool to explore as an actress.”

Young Actress Marnie Clark

Marnie has been seen previously on The Media Theatre stage as Rabbit in “Winnie The Pooh Christmas Tail”, in the Ensemble of last summer’s “13”, and as a Villager in “Fiddler On The Roof”. She’s also been in school productions of “Light Up The Dark: A Musical Revue”, “Hello Dolly”, “Guys And Dolls”, and “Into The Gym: A Musical Revue”. Last season, she was a member of The Media Theatre’s New School, a conservatory style music theatre education program.

“Sondheim’s musical “Into The Woods” has really changed the landscape for American Broadway musicals,” she said. “It paved the way for huge hits like Wicked. The endings are not always happy, but the happy is now and there is much more to the story than we may realize.”

“Being an actress and being on stage have really helped me at public speaking,” Marnie was happy to add. “It’s also improved my writing skills and helped me gain much more confidence.”

She says everyone should come to see “Into The Woods” this summer at The Media Theatre because “The cast is awesome and Sondheim’s music is amazing!”

For tickets to this summer's "Into The Woods" at The Media Theatre (July 7-30) call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Performances are Friday nights at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Most roles are double cast, so it's a different cast each weekend!

The show also has a handful of pre-teens, including Caileigh Crane, 10, who plays the role of Little Red Riding Hood. “This is my ninth show at The Media Theatre,” she said. “I started out here when I was six years old in “101 Dalmatians”, and then did some other children’s shows like “Madagascar Junior” this past spring.”

CAILEIGH CRANE

Caileigh was also seen in the Broadway Series production “A Christmas Story: The Musical” at The Media Theatre. “That’s my favorite show so far,” she explained. “And I was in “School House Rock Junior” at St. Mary Magdalene School in Media, where I just finished fourth grade.”

“I’m playing Little Red Riding Hood in “Into The Woods”. I approach the role the way I would if I were in this situation in real life,” she said. “I also found inspiration watching the Broadway musical and the Disney movie.”

Caileigh believes the art of acting assists here in other ways, aside from being on stage and receiving applause. “Acting and performing helps me because it makes me more confident in almost everything, makes me less shy, and more willing to talk to people. No strangers, of course,” she said.

“Into The Woods” inspires her because “Sondheim has reimagined these fairy tales in a way that we would not have thought of. Everyone should come to see this show because there are a lot of talented young people in it, and we worked really hard. It’s going to be a great show!”

For tickets to this summer's "Into The Woods" at The Media Theatre (July 7-30) call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Performances are Friday nights at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Most roles are double cast, so it's a different cast each weekend!

The Media Theatre's Roger Ricker has his annual fundraising concert on Thursday August 17. "The Together Show" will feature Ricker singing songs focused on the theme of friendship and working together to do 'positive' things, a youth ensemble, The State Street Miracles, and special guests including Broadway performers.

Ava Briglia, recently seen on Broadway in the title role of "Matilda", will perform. Her older sister Beada, seen on The Great White Way in "Matilda" and "A Christmas Story: The Musical", will sing as well. Both are products of The Media Theatre's education program and, prior to their careers in NYC, were seen in the Children's Series.

Broadway veteran Kelly Briggs will join the concert as well, from which all proceeds benefit The Media Theatre's Broadway Series. Briggs has been seen on The Media Theatre stage frequently in the past few years in shows such as "Les Miserables", "Side Show", "To Kill A Mockingbird" and more.

"My annual concert has become a tradition, having happened every summer for the past decade," Ricker said. "It's a fun-raiser, as well as a fundraiser. It's like a giant party on the stage and in the audience. We've been known to throw beach balls and have audience participation. If you are looking for a good time---no, a great time---and you love The Media Theatre, this is your night."

Part of the Ricker concert experience is surprise, and this year promises to be no different. Ricker explained, "The Together Show will have moments that are completely unplanned and unrehearsed, believe me. You never know what will happen. Of course, there is a large amount of planning that takes place as well, including choosing the right songs, rehearsing, and all of that. But it's the spontaneity of the evening that really brings it home."

Ricker and his guests will be accompanied by the theatre's resident music director Ben Kapilow on the keyboard. "It's just us, the audience, and Ben on piano," Ricker said. "When you get right down to it, that's all you need. The message is in the music."

Another special guest is Eileen Wiley, who is playing the role of The Queen of Hearts this summer in Alice In Wonderland. She's the mother of Media Theatre student Violet Wiley. "Eileen sings with a local band, and has an awesome voice," Ricker said. "We'll be doing a couple of duets, and she's going to sing one of her favorites. Each year we try to have one of the parents involved as a way of saying we are all, truly, working together for the good of the theatre."

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 summer concert without them," Ricker said.

As for Roger Ricker's choice of songs, he says, "My selections are usually pop classics, which suit my vocal style. The songs, such as "You've Got A Friend" and "Peace Train", will suit the theme."

The Volunteer of The Year Award will be given to Media's Toni Nolek during the concert. She's been volunteering her time for a decade as an usher and friend to The Media Theatre.

For tickets to "The Together Show" featuring Roger Ricker and Friends, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. The concert is on the main stage Thursday August 17 at 7pm.

Mary Kate Vink plays the role of Florinda, one of Cinderella’s stepsisters. “I approach this role by reacting the way I would in the given circumstance on stage,” she explained. She is a student of The Media Theatre’s New School, studying the Meisner Technique.

MEDIA THEATRE STUDENT MARY KATE VINK

“Here at Media, I have been Wendy in “Peter Pan And Wendy”, Kaa in “The Jungle Book”, and Cinderella in Disney’s version of “Cinderella Kids,” she said. “Right now, I’m playing Alice in a new version of “Alice In Wonderland” here, through August.”

“A few years ago I was in my first main stage show, “The Miracle Worker”, in the youth ensemble,” she continued. “Also I have appeared in shows at my school, St. Maximilian Kolbe in West Chester, where I’m going to be entering the seventh grade. And last summer I played Wendy in a different production of “Peter Pan” at Missoula Children’s Theater.”

Of “Into The Woods” Mary Kate says, “It’s affected American culture in the aspect of literature because it brings a new perspective to fairytales taking classic stories and putting a twist on them. The show creates a thrilling adventure.”

“The cast is amazingly talented,” she said. “Jesse Cline is directing all of us, and he and Ben Kapilow, our music director, really bring the show to life. The theatre staff is very helpful.”

For tickets to this summer's "Into The Woods" at The Media Theatre (July 7-30) call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Performances are Friday nights at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Most roles are double cast, so it's a different cast each weekend!

Anna Grace Rosenthal plays the Baker’s Wife in this summer’s “Into The Woods”. She’ll be a high school sophomore this fall, and has been performing for at least five years. “At Media I have been honored to portray Debbie Wilkinson in “Billy Elliot” as well as Carolyn in “The Bridges of Madison County”, which were two professional Broadway Series musicals,” she said. “At other theatres I’ve been Baby June in “Gypsy”, Tootie in “Meet Me In St. Louis”, Brigitta in “The Sound of Music”, Jane Banks in “Mary Poppins”, and was in the Off-Broadway production of “Timmy The Great”. When I was younger, I was Annie.”

ANNA GRACE ROSENTHAL

She feels that “Into The Woods” is very unique. “Up until the ‘80’s, Broadway musicals stayed away from fairy tales,” she said. “At that time they were mostly the province of Disney cartoons. I believe Sondheim’s musical changed that. It’s not a simple tale. The musical intertwines so many unrelated stories, and so many deep- yet simple- emotions. Everything is tied into one coherent musical story, about a Baker and his wife and their wish to have a child. It’s clever, but not so much that it’s difficult to follow. Plus, it’s farcical and tragic at the same time. Sondheim re-imagined fairy tales, casting them in a new light, and making them relevant in a new way for generations to come.”

She continued, “What’s interesting about this production is that most of the cast are teenagers. The show’s director, Jesse Cline, gives us the ability to create our own take on the roles. We have been taught at Media to be instinctive and responsive to other actors on the stage. Seeing how we, the teens, perform this iconic musical will be interesting and surprising.”

As per The Baker’s Wife, Rosenthal says, “She and her husband want a child. This simple desire propels the entire story, as they get caught up in each and every one of the fairy tales. The Baker’s Wife, to me, is a contemporary woman with an everyday problem, who—due to circumstances beyond her control—is being called upon to overcome insurmountable obstacles to achieve her goal.”

“You know, acting is about making choices and so is life,” she explained. “Understanding the role I play helps me to understand how to deal with situations I encounter in my own life.”

She thinks back for a moment on her time in Cline’s production of “The Bridges of Madison County”. “I loved that show,” she said. “The production was wonderful, the music was beautiful, the cast was superb, and I still treasure the entire experience. Being a part of a professional production like that helped me to realize that this is, definitely, the career I seek.”

For tickets to this summer's "Into The Woods" at The Media Theatre (July 7-30) call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Performances are Friday nights at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Most roles are double cast, so it's a different cast each weekend!

MEDIA THEATRE FIRST LOOK PICS FROM 'SIDE SHOW' ON THRU MARCH 26

MOVE IT TO 'MADAGASCAR JR' MUSICAL AT THE MEDIA THEATRE MARCH 25 THRU MAY 21

SPRING SEMESTER OF ACTING CLASSES AT MEDIA THEATRE ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR CHILDREN, TEENS, AND ADULTS

2017 'VOCALIST' AND 'VOCALIST JR' AUDITIONS ARE MAY 1 AT 6PM

THE MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'WEST SIDE STORY' APRIL 19-JUNE 11; CAST ANNOUNCED

MEDIA THEATRE HAS SECOND ROUND OF 2017 'VOCALIST' AUDITIONS JUNE 10

THE MEDIA THEATRE PRESENTS JENNA PASTUSZEK AND ASHLEY SWEETMAN CABARET MONDAY JULY 24

The Media Theatre Announces "Alice In Wonderland" Cast.....Show Is On Stage June 3 Thru Aug. 28

The Media Theatre has "Always, Patsy Cline" June 15 to July 2

WILLIAMSON TRADE SCHOOL GOES 'HOME' TO ASSIST THE MEDIA THEATRE

MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'INTO THE WOODS' AND 'GODSPELL' SUMMER MUSIC THEATRE CAMPS

PROFESSIONAL ACTORS JOIN CAST OF THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 'INTO THE WOODS' THIS SUMMER

OWEN MANNION IS AT THE MEDIA THEATRE IN 'INTO THE WOODS' BEFORE HEADING TO MANHATTANVILLE

BEN KAPILOW IS THE MEDIA THEATRE'S NEW RESIDENT MUSIC DIRECTOR

SHANNON CLARK ENJOYS PERFORMING IN THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 'INTO THE WOODS' THIS SUMMER

MARNIE CLARK IS IN THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 'INTO THE WOODS' THIS SUMMER

CAILEIGH CRANE GOES 'INTO THE WOODS' THIS SUMMER AS RED RIDING HOOD

ROGER RICKER CONCERT 'THE TOGETHER SHOW' AUGUST 17 FEATURES BROADWAY PERFORMERS

MARY KATE VINK GOES 'INTO THE WOODS' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE THIS SUMMER

ANNA GRACE ROSENTHAL IS THE BAKER'S WIFE THIS SUMMER IN MEDIA'S 'INTO THE WOODS'