Author Archives: Carol Kassie

MNM Theatre Company Announces the Cast of MAN OF LA MANCHA – Tickets on Sale June 21st

13 Thursday Jun 2019

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MNM Theatre Company
Announces the Cast of
Man of La Mancha
Tickets on Sale June 21st

 

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

June 13, 2019

WEST PALM BEACH, FL:  MNM Theatre Company is pleased to announce that casting has been completed for their upcoming production of the award-winning musical Man of La Mancha, which will run from September 13 – September 29 in the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this cast, and this crew,” MNM’s Executive Producer/Artistic Director Marcie Gorman said recently. “We at MNM are committed to hiring locally – there is such a depth of talent and ability in South Florida – and our La Mancha actors, musicians, and entire creative team are proof of that.”

Bruce Linser, winner of the 2018 Carbonell Award for Best Direction of a Musical for his work on Woody Guthrie’s American Song, will direct Man of La Mancha:
“As an actor myself, I love working with actors during the audition and rehearsal process,” Linser says.  “They’re so hungry to get inside these characters and this story, and it’s exciting to help them personalize their work, and to watch them come alive within it.   I always look for an essence of the character within the actor at auditions, and I think this is going to be a particularly powerful retelling of this beautiful story with this particular cast of actors.”

Linser has cast Michael McKenzie* as Don Quixote, 2018 Carbonell Award-winner Anna Lise Jensen* as Aldonza, and Mark Kirschenbaum* as Sancho. (Brief biographies can be found below) Other cast members include Matthew Korinko, Johnbarry Green, Gaby Tortoledo, Ellie Pattison, Rebecca Diaz, Joey Swift, Manny Zaldivar, Jonathan Eisele, Frank Francisco, Joshua Graham, Milton Mendez, Shanna Woods, Rio Peterson, and Ben Prayz.

Paul Reekie will serve as Man of La Mancha’s Musical Director, and Christine Kellogg will choreograph the production.

Man of La Mancha will run from September 13 – September 29. The production will take place in the Raymond Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ Rinker Playhouse.   Tickets are $65 and will be on sale on June 21st.  For tickets and information 561-832-7469; on line: www.kravis.org or mnmtheatre.org.  For group rates and sales call 561-651-4438.

MNM Theatre Company attained not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status in 2018. They are an award- winning theatre company based in the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Donations can be sent to MNM Theatre Company, 318 S. Lake Drive, Lantana, FL 3362.  For more information, please visit mnmtheatre.org.

For more information about MNM Theatre Company and/or Marcie Gorman, please visit mnmtheatre.org or contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.

*Appearing through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

~

Man of La Mancha
September 13 – 29
Written by Dale Wasserman
Music by Mitch Leigh
Lyrics by Joe Darion
For tickets: www.kravis.org / 561-832-7469
Tickets:  $65
Performances:
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 pm
All performances at
The Rinker Playhouse at
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
mnmtheatre.org
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Michael McKenzie (Cervantes/Don Quixote) lives in both NYC and Boynton Beach and has appeared locally in Sweeney Todd (Palm Beach Dramaworks), We Will Not Be Silent (Theatre Lab at FAU), Dangerous, Déjà Vu (Caldwell Theatre), and Dinner With Friends (Cuillo Centre). On Broadway he appeared in Waiting in the Wings, The Man Who Came to Dinner, and Eastern Standard. His Off-Broadway credits include Kari Floren’s If Wishes Were Horses, A Late Supper, and Voices of Swords. Michael has toured nationally in Much Ado about Nothing, As You Like It, Orchards (John Houseman’s The Acting Company), and regionally (Baltimore Center Stage, Denver Center, Pittsburgh Public, Pioneer Theatre, Triad Stage, Capital Rep, Arkansas Rep, and many others). Some of his television and film credits include House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Younger, Blacklist, Law & Order, All My Children, and many episodes of Babylon 5.

Anna Lise Jensen (Aldonza) received a Silver Palm Award for her performance in MNM Theatre Company’s 2018 production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. She received both a Silver Palm Award and a ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ Carbonell Award for her performance in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s The Bridges of Madison County. Anna Lise has also received Silver Palm Awards for her work as Reza in Once (Actors’ Playhouse) and Alison in Fun Home (Zoetic Stage). Other South Florida theatre credits include Indecent (Palm Beach Dramaworks), Finding Mona Lisa, (Actors’ Playhouse), Sunday in the Park With George, and Passion (Zoetic Stage). Next season she will appear in the Florida premiere of Villainous Company (Primal Forces) and as Mother in Ragtime (Slow Burn Theatre Company).

Mark Kirschenbaum (Manservant/Sancho) is making his MNM Theatre Company debut with Man of La Mancha. He has been seen all over the world as an actor, educator, and director.  Some of Mark’s recent credits include Sam Posner in Crossing Delancey, Mal Beineke in Addams Family: The Musical, Peter in Company, Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, and Man 1 in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.  He had the opportunity to join the Brooklyn cast of Man of La Mancha in 2007, where his portrayal of the Padre received critical acclaim from the New York Times.

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Entr’Acte Theatrix presents MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT – June 20 – 30

21 Tuesday May 2019

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Entr’Acte Theatrix
presents
Monty Python’s Spamalot

June 20 – 30

We eat ham, and jam and Spam a lot…

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie

May 21, 2019:

DELRAY BEACH, FL: Entr’Acte Theatrix will revisit one of the silliest places on earth when their encore production of Monty Python’s Spamalot opens at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square in Delray Beach.   The show will run from June 20th through the 30th. The award-winning musical is “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, with a book by Python Eric Idle, and a score by Idle and John Du Prez. Like the film, Spamalot is a totally irreverent and typically Pythonesque parody of the Arthurian saga:

The legendary King Arthur, accompanied by his faithful servant, Patsy, travels through his kingdom, collecting members for his Knights of the Round Table.  Some of his recruits include Sir Robin, a collector of plague victims, and Lance a ‘large, handsome, and incredibly violent man’, who agree to join him – Lance ‘for the fighting’, and Robin for ‘the singing and dancing’.  The Lady of the Lake (and her Laker Girls), Sir Bedevere, and Sir Dennis Galahad eventually join Arthur in his search for The Holy Grail. The show also features a bevy of beautiful girls (of course), not to mention ‘cows, killer rabbits, and French people’.  As The Sunday Times observed, Monty Python’s Spamalot ‘raises silliness to an art form’.

Entr’Acte Theatrix has assembled a talented cast to populate the surreal World of Python.  The suitably kingly Troy Stanley will take on the role of Arthur, and Greg Halmos will play his faithful Patsy.  Kalli Courakos will play The Lady of the Lake and Rosseroni Parris will don Sir Galahad’s armor. Also cast are Christian Ortega as Brave Sir Robin, Dallas Erwin as Sir Lancelot, and Chris Cimorelli as Sir Bedevere. Other cast members include Ennalls Berl, Drew Brown, Briana Earhart, Savanna Marino, Nysia Matos, Andy Morejon, Sarah Rayburn, Hannah Rosenberg, Carlo Rufino-Sabusap, Ben Shaevitz, and Nicole Stav.

“We consider this production of Spamalot a celebration of our 10 years as Entr’acte Theatrix,” the company’s Founder/Producer Vicki Halmos says.  We’ve captured a few of our original cast members from our 2013 production to reprise their roles.

“Spamalot did, and will again, allow our very talented cast to hone their comedic skills and to bring this tribute to the iconic Monty Python troupe,” she continues. “In preparation, particularly with new cast members, we had a workshop before we began rehearsals to encourage these cast members to hone their comedy chops, and I think the audiences will be delighted in what we have created. In addition, we have a couple of Palm Beach Principle Players/Entr’acte Theatrix alums in various positions – including our director, JR Coley, and our Choreographer, Jamie Mattocks. Both of these talented thespians were cast members together in our production of Oklahoma many years ago when they were still in high school and college. That particular early production set the standard of excellence for us having since turned out two Tony winners, and gave that cast the chance to work with a world class choreographer from the NY dance world. Our standard of excellence continues in providing performance and production training opportunities for young actors on the brink of their careers, and also allowing them to remain in Palm Beach County to begin building their resumes.”

Monty Python’s Spamalot will run for 12 performances only, from June 20th to 30th, at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square in Delray Beach.  The theatre is located at 51 North Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, 33444.  Tickets are on sale now and are available online at  https://oldschoolsquare.org/ or by calling 561-243-7922. Tickets are $35 – $45; $25 for groups of 10 or more. $15 Student Rush tickets will be available ½ hour before curtain only, with valid ID.

For more information about Entr’Acte Theatrix or Monty Python’s Spamalot visit www.entractetheatrix.com, or contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com /561-445-9244.

~

Monty Python’s Spamalot
June 20 – 30, 2019
Book:  Eric Idle
Score:  Eric Idle and John Du Prez
Tickets:  $35-45
Groups of 10 or more: $25
Student Rush – ½ hour before curtain: $15 – with valid ID
Click HERE to purchase tickets, or call 561-243-7922
Performances:
Thursday, June 20th @ 8pm
Friday, June 21th @ 8pm
Saturday, June 22nd @ 2pm and 8pm
Sunday, June 23rd @ 2pm and 7pm
Wednesday, June 26th @ 8pm
Thursday, June 27th @ 8pm
Friday, June 28th @ 8pm
Saturday June 29th @ 2pm and 8pm
Sunday June 30th @ 2pm

Crest Theatre at Old School Square,
51 N. Swinton Ave.
Delray Beach 33444
Box Office: 561-243-7922, ext. 1
https://oldschoolsquare.org
www.entractetheatrix.com
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Kevin Black presents AN EVENING WITH MIMI J at The Township Center for the Performing Arts – June 25th

13 Monday May 2019

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Kevin Black and Mimi J
Team Up Once Again to Create
An Evening With Mimi J
At the Township Performing Arts Center
June 25th Only

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
Carol@CarolKassie.com  / 561-445-9244

May 14, 2019

COCONUT CREEK, FL:  Kevin Black, one of South Florida’s best-known producer/director/choreographers, is once again collaborating with award-winning vocalist Mimi J to create a concert program that will appeal to audiences of all ages. The two have worked together several times developing shows that achieved great success – most notably On the Radio: Sounds of the 70s, which debuted at Stage Door Theatre in 2014, and eventually morphed into I Will Survive.  That show went on to play several other area venues.

An Evening with Mimi J will debut on Tuesday, June 25th at 8 pm at The Township Center for the Performing Arts.

“This will be a ‘one time only’ concert – at least for now,” Black said recently. “We’re still in the tweaking stages, but we really wanted to see how audiences respond to our program, and we decided the best way to do that was to… yes… perform for a live audience! So… we’re only charging $10 per ticket!

“We’ve divided the program into two sections – On the Radio – A 70s Celebration and Color My Soul, and devised playlists appropriate for each title,” Black continued. And we’ve hired some of South Florida’s very best musicians for the evening.”

Just a few of the songs Mimi will perform during the Color my Soul portion of the program are Tina Turner’s “River Deep”, Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman”, Gladys Knight’s “Midnight Train to Georgia”, and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk”. Color My Soul will also feature a tribute to Aretha Franklin.  On the Radio numbers will include an ABBA medley, Queen’s “We Will Rock You”, Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock & Roll”, Freda Payne’s “Band of Gold”, and a Donna Summer medley.

Caryl Fantel will serve as conductor/pianist for the evening; the band includes Wes Anthony on Sax, Doug Michels on trumpet, Greg Minnick on guitar, Rupert Ziawinski on bass, and Roy Fantel on drums.”

Mimi J

Mimi J. was born and raised in Miami. She is a professional singer currently performing in the South Florida tri-county area and has been the recipient of numerous awards in vocal performance.  She received her degrees in Musical Theater from the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theater in Orlando, where she attended on the Walt Disney Scholarship. Mimi has been a member of the gospel recording group, Revelation S.E.E.D. founded and led by Margaret Reynolds of KC and the Sunshine Band, and has sung background for a number of award-winning artists including Gloria Estefan, Bobby McFerrin, Betty Wright, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill of the R&B group New Edition, and Quan Howell of the gospel group Sounds of Blackness. Some of her regional theatre and Broadway National and International Tour credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’, Smokey Joe’s Café, Fame, Nunsense, and Rent. Mimi was the first woman to play Teen Angel in the classic 70’s hit, Grease during the show’s Pan-Asian tour.  Mimi recently starred in WaistWatchers the Musical at Actor’s Playhouse in Coral Gables.

Kevin Black

Kevin Black is the owner and artistic director of Kevin Black Productions. His expertise, experience, and creativity in directing and choreography, as well as in set, costume, and lighting design have built him a solid reputation as one of the top ‘go-to guys’ in South Florida.  Just a few of his directing credits include including La Cage Aux Folles, The Jazz Singer, Smokey Joe’s Café, Funny Girl, Victor/Victoria, Cabaret, Dreamgirls, Spamalot, Tommy, and The Rocky Horror Show.  Corporate clients of Kevin Black Productions include HP, Motorola, Muvico & Giorgio Armani; tours include original works – Cirque style shows, as well as musical theater productions. And for the past two years Kevin has been the producer/director of the Carbonell Awards, the South Florida equivalent of Broadway’s Tony Awards.

Tickets for An Evening with Mimi J are $10 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Township Center for the Performing Arts at 954-970-0606.

For more information about An Evening with Mimi J and/or Mimi J and Kevin Black, please contact Carol Kassie (Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244).

~

An Evening with Mimi J
Tuesday, June 25th at 8 pm
Co-conceived and written by Kevin Black and Mimi J.
Tickets: $10
For tickets: 954-970-0606
The Township Center for the Performing Arts
2452 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, FL  33063

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AVERY SOMMERS To Conduct Classes in The Art of Song Performance at Actor’s Rep

30 Tuesday Apr 2019

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Renowned Musical Artist
Avery Sommers
To Conduct Classes in
The Art of Song Performance
at
Actor’s Rep
June-July 2019

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244

April 30, 2019:

WEST PALM BEACH, FL:  Award-winning actress, singer, and director Avery Sommers will add teacher to her already impressive resumé this summer; the powerhouse performer will conduct two eight-week master classes at Actor’s Rep in West Palm Beach.

Called The Art of Song Performance, the courses will be offered to teens ages 15 to 19 (June 1 – July 27), and to adults ages 20 and up (June 3 – July 29). 

Sommers, who has been universally lauded for her heartfelt interpretations of jazz, pop, and Broadway music, will instruct her students on ‘the art of bringing a song to life’.  Choice of material, song presentation and blocking, acting the song (motivation), dressing the part, and vocal training will all be covered in both courses.   Each class will be capped at 10 students.

“I love to teach and to direct.” Sommers says.  “I love seeing the excitement when my students understand what I have said. It’s very satisfying when I see them ‘get it’!

Avery Sommers

“When I started in this business everyone talked about their training and who they studied with. But not now,” she continues. “I feel that training your instrument – which is your body – will give you the confidence you will need to walk into any audition or onto any stage.”

Avery Sommers has appeared on Broadway in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Show Boat, and Chicago. She delighted audiences in the national tour of Chicago with Chita Rivera and Joel Grey, and her portrayal of Matron Momma Morton garnered her the L.A. Ovation Award for that production. She also performed the role of Jewel in the first national tour of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with Ann-Margret.

In 2016, Avery sold out two performances of her one-woman show, You’re Gonna Hear from Me, in Dreyfoos Hall, and in 2018 she sold out her new show For Sentimental Reasons in Persson Hall, both at the Kravis Center. Avery also performed For Sentimental Reasons and her cabaret show Love…It’s Magic to sold-out houses at Arts Garage in Delray Beach.

Avery has been nominated multiple times for South Florida’s prestigious Carbonell Award; she won the award for her one-woman show But Not For Me at The Caldwell Theatre. She was also nominated for her portrayal of Bessie Smith in The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith at Arts Garage, Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray at Actors’ Playhouse, and Sheila in Jimmy Buffett’s Don’t Stop the Carnival at Coconut Grove Playhouse. Avery showcases her unique vocal artistry on her highly acclaimed album, You’re Gonna Hear from Me.

Actor’s Rep (Bob Carter’s Actor’s Workshop and Repertory Company), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is well known for its strong training programs for actors of all ages, and its productions of daring, avant-garde, and seldom-seen classic plays. The company offers classes for children, teens, and adults in beginning and advanced acting and improvisation.

For more information about Actors Rep and/or The Art of Song Performance with Avery Sommers, please visit https://www.actorsrep.org.  For more information about Avery Sommers, please contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.

Registration information can be found on the Actor’s Rep website at: https://www.actorsrep.org, or by calling 561-833-7529.

~

The Art of Song Performance with Avery Sommers
For Adults – ages 20 and up
June 3 – July 29, 2019 (8 weeks – No class the week of July 4)
Mondays – 6:30 pm – 9 pm
Tuition: $245
All classes will take place at
Actor’s Rep
1000 N. Dixie Highway,
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

The Art of Song Performance with Avery Sommers
For Teens – age 15-19
June 1 – July 27, 2019 (8 weeks – No class the week of July 4)
Saturdays – 12 pm – 3 pm
Tuition: $295
All classes will take place at
Actor’s Rep
1000 N. Dixie Highway,
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

              Avery Sommers with Students Tess LaBella and Joshua Houchins

 

 

MNM THEATRE COMPANY to present Two Iconic Musicals in 2019

11 Monday Mar 2019

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MNM Theatre Company
Will Present Two Iconic Musicals in 2019

Man of La Mancha
and
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

March 8, 2019

WEST PALM BEACH, FL:  The award-winning MNM Theatre Company, under the direction of Executive Producer and Artistic Director Marcie Gorman, will mount two of Broadway’s most beloved and successful musicals in 2019.  Man of La Mancha will run from September 13th through September 29th, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will run from November 22nd through December 8th.  Both shows will be performed in the Raymond F. Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse, and Forum will be a co-presentation with the Kravis Center.

Marcie Gorman

“We chose these two shows after much deliberation,” Gorman explains. “And it was a truly collaborative decision.  Our team sat down together right after Grease closed and looked at every aspect of our season.  We were thrilled with the audience response to our shows – two sell-outs in one season! (Grease and Avenue Q).  And since our patrons were so supportive, we decided to include them in the process – Grease audiences were surveyed as to what they would like to see for our next season.  Man of La Mancha was the top pick by far, with Forum coming in a strong second.  We’re thrilled, since these two shows are both Broadway classics, but totally different from one another.

“We pride ourselves on the fact that MNM uses local talent almost exclusively in our productions,” Gorman continues, “and these two shows will allow us to continue to showcase the incredible abilities of our own community.”

Dominick Ruggiero will direct the witty, irreverent, and deliberately and hilariously politically incorrect A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Bruce Linser will helm Man of La Mancha.

Bruce Linser & Paul Reekie

Linser is a 2018 Carbonell nominee for his recent direction of Palm Beach Dramaworks production of Woody Guthrie’s American Song: “Man of La Mancha has been on my bucket list for years,” Linser said recently.  “Set in a Seville prison during the Spanish Inquisition, the musical theatricalizes the adventures of epic literary character, Don Quixote, as performed through the eyes of his creator, author Miguel de Cervantes. It is one of the most beloved musicals of all time, and is a testament to the power of art, hope, and love to enrich and transform our lives.”

Paul Reekie, who has worked with MNM since their first production (A Chorus Line, 2014) will serve as the musical director for both Man of La Mancha and A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum: “While both shows are “period pieces” (in their own ways), the orchestration in Forum has a contemporary yet classical musical theatre sound, while La Mancha strives for an organic, natural tone (no piano!),” he says.  “Both shows were written within five years of each other, and both have a trumpet in them, but contrast a “musical theatre” trumpet sound from the modern age (Forum) with a renaissance trumpet sound (La Mancha), and there you will hear the vastly different effect one instrument can have on the mood of the show.”

Man of La Mancha will run from September 13 – September 29, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will run from November 22 – December 8.  Both productions will take place in the Raymond Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ Rinker Playhouse.   Ticket prices and details will be coming soon.

MNM Theatre Company attained not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status in 2018. They are an award- winning theatre company that performs at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in the Rinker Playhouse. Donations can be sent to MNM Theatre Company, 318 S. Lake Drive, Lantana, FL 33462.  For more information, please visit mnmtheatre.org.

For more information about MNM Theatre Company and/or Marcie Gorman, please visit mnmtheatre.org or contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.

Photo credit: Jacek Photo

~

Man of La Mancha
September 13 – 29
Written by Dale Wasserman
Music by Mitch Leigh
Lyrics by Joe Darion
Performances:
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 pm
All performances at
The Rinker Playhouse at
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
mnmtheatre.org
Like Us on Facebook!

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
November 22 – December 8
Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Performances:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm (no Thanksgiving night performance)
Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 pm
All performances in
The Rinker Playhouse at
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
mnmtheatre.org
Like Us on Facebook!

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MY ONE AND ONLY – THE GERSHWIN MUSICAL – Opens at Stage Door Theatre on March 8th

25 Monday Feb 2019

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Stage Door Theatre
presents
My One and Only
The Gershwin Musical

March 8 – 24

“My One and Only is a Crazy Big, Tap-Happy Musical…”
Gail M. Burns and Larry Murray – Berkshire on Stage

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244


February 25, 2019:

LAUDERHILL, FL:   The timeless music of George and Ira Gershwin plus an aviator, a Channel swimmer, exuberant dance numbers, sparkling costumes, romance, comedy, and America in 1927 equals My One and Only, Stage Door Theatre’s upcoming production at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC). The show will open on March 8th and run through March 24th.

Created to showcase the Gershwins’ marvelous music, My One and Only ran for two years on Broadway and won 6 Tony Awards and 3 Drama Desk Awards.

The plot is classic musical comedy:  Captain Billy Buck Chandler, a barnstorming aviator, falls for Edythe Herbert, a former English Channel swimmer and the star of Prince Nicolai Erraclyovitch Tchatchavadze’s International Aquacade. Billy, who plans to be the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, hopes to win Edythe’s hand by taking a crash course in sophistication at Mr. Magix’ Tonsorial and Sartorial Emporial. Billy’s wisecracking female mechanic, Mickey, adds a bit of sass as a series of escapades and misadventures keep the potential lovers from finding happiness.

Jonathan Van Dyke

Jonathan Van Dyke will direct the production: “My One and Only is the all singing, all dancing, all hilarity Gershwin musical comedy and it’s such a thrill to be able to present it with Broward Stage Door Theatre,” he says.  It was a giant hit in the early 1980’s with Tommy Tune and Twiggy and we have assembled a spectacular cast and creative team to tap this gem into the Lauderhill PAC. The song list is a treasure, and this feel good musical will have everyone “Kicking’ The Clouds Away”!”

Along with “Kicking the Clouds Away”, My One and Only features such Gershwin classics as “I Can’t Be Bothered Now”, “’S Wonderful”, “Strike Up the Band”, “Funny Face”, “Nice Work If You Can Get It”, and of course, “My One and Only”.

Van Dyke’s cast includes Derek Seay, who will play Billy Buck Chandler and Caiti Marlowe, who will ‘channel’ Edythe Herbert. Also cast are Larry Buzzeo as Prince Nikke, Colleen Pagano as Mickey, Michael Small as Reverend Montgomery, and Ben Bagby as Mr. Magix.  Bagby was in the original Broadway production of My One and Only.

Ben Bagby

“The year was 1983 and I had just gotten my Actors Equity card from a contract with DreamGirls,” Bagby reminisced recently. “I began going to Equity auditions for Cats, My One and Only, and other shows running on Broadway at the time. The night before I opened in My One and Only, I was offered a spot in the Broadway cast of Cats. Of course, I declined but it was nice to be asked.

“I went into the My One and Only cast in August ’83 as a replacement. This means I didn’t get to appear on the Tony Awards, but I did get to record the Original Cast Album (thus my Original Cast status).

“In 2013, I was invited and attended the 30 year MOAO Cast Reunion in NYC (on my birthday) where I was able to catch up with cast members I had not seen or spoken to in 30 years.

“This will be my first time performing in any production of My One and Only since performing in it on Broadway 36 years ago,” He continued. “I’ve always wanted to play Mr. Magix so I’m absolutely thrilled I will have the chance to with the Broward Stage Door at the LPAC. Charles “Honi” Coles, the Original Mr. Magix, was my friend and has forever influenced the way I tap dance. I’m happy to be presenting his original timeless choreography in this role.”

Other cast members are Raymond Bennett, Kaitlyn Casanova, Amanda Eisele, Alexandra Garcia, Luis Gomez, Melissa Jones, Aaron Kenisberg, Ellen Kilgo, T.J. Lamando, Dequan Mitchell, Samantha O’Donnell, Sarah Rose, Ashley Rubin, and Nicholas Winterowd.

David Taustine will serve as the production’s Musical Director and Danny Durr is My One and Only’s Choreographer. Set Design is by Johnny Blessed, Sound Design is by King Raymonvil, and Costume Design is by Lenora Nikitin.  The production’s Stage Manager is Nancy Clay.

My One and Only will run from March 8 – 24 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC). The theatre is located at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill (33311), in the Central Broward Regional Park on the North East corner of Sunrise Boulevard and 441 (State Road 7).

Tickets for My One and Only range from $48 to $58. (LPAC charges a $5 service fee per ticket, however if a package of four Stage Door shows is purchased the service fees will be waived.) Group rates are available, as are student prices (with valid ID). Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 954-344-7765 or 954-777-2055 (LPAC) or on line at www.stagedoorfl.org or on the LPAC website at https://lpacfl.com.

For more information about My One and Only and/or Stage Door Theatre, please visit www.stagedoorfl.org, or contact Derelle Bunn Executive Producer/Artistic Director, at DerelleBunn@yahoo.com / 954-344-7765 or Carol Kassie (carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244).

~

My One and Only
March 8 – 24, 2019
Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Book by Peter Stone and Timothy S. Mayer
Tickets:  $48 – $58
Tickets:  954-344-7765 / www.stagedoorfl.org
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm,
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
All performances take place at
The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
3800 NW 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL 33311

www.stagedoorfl.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stagedoorfla/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/stagedoortheatre/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/stagedoorfla

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Grammy-Nominated CELTIC WOMAN to bring their new tour ANCIENT LAND To the Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines Tuesday, March 5th

15 Friday Feb 2019

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Grammy-Nominated
Celtic Woman
To bring their new tour
 Ancient Land
To the Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines
Tuesday, March 5th 

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

February 15, 2019

PEMBROKE PINES, FL: Celtic Woman (www.celticwoman.com) the Grammy®-nominated, multi-platinum international music group returns to North America with a brand-new live show, Ancient Land. The tour comes on the heels of the release of the group’s 13th studio album of the same name. Celtic Woman will visit nearly 70 North American cities in 2019 including one performance at The Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines on Tuesday, March 5th at 7:30 pm.

Ancient Land is the next chapter of Celtic Woman’s extraordinary musical journey, as the group continues to touch the hearts of a huge global audience with the centuries-old Irish tradition of telling stories through song: stories of the land, stories of love and stories of dancing — songs that will bring a piece of Ireland to audiences everywhere.   An exciting new concert spectacular will air on PBS stations this fall (check local listings for airdates).  Filmed against the backdrop of the historic Johnstown Castle in County Wexford, Ireland, the outdoor concert special features brand new music from Ancient Land, timeless Irish favorites and unexpected cover songs.

Continuing the remarkable legacy of introducing some of Ireland’s most talented singers and musicians onto the world stage, Celtic Woman features the angelic voices of Megan Walsh, Mairéad Carlin, Éabha McMahon and the breathtaking Celtic violinist Tara McNeill, accompanied by a full ensemble of musicians and dancers. Celtic Woman celebrates Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage and combines the finest musical talent with epic stage productions to present a unique, inspiring live experience.

Tickets for Celtic Woman Ancient Land range in price from $39.50-$115.00 and are on sale now. Advance ticket sales are available only through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at Ticketmaster outlets. On the day of the show, tickets are available at the Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines box office 90 minutes before the show.

There is no charge for self-parking. Valet service is available for most performances on the west side of the main entrance for $17.00.

The Charles F. Dodge City City Center Pembroke Pines is located 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025. For more information visit www.charlesfdodgecitycenter.com.

In the attached photo, from left to right: Tara McNeill, Mairéad Carlin, Éabha McMahon, Megan Walsh.

For more information about Celtic Woman Ancient Land, please visit www.celticwoman.com or contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.

~

Celtic Woman Ancient Land
Tuesday, March 5 at 7:30 pm
For tickets:  www.ticketmaster.com / 1-800-745-3000
Tickets:  $39.50 – $115.00
Performance Venue:
Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines
601 City Center Way
Pembroke Pines, FL 33025

About the Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines
The mission of the Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines is to serve the community by offering a state-of-the-art facility with professional management and by hosting local events, conventions, trade shows, meetings and concerts generating significant economic impact for the City of Pembroke Pines as well as promoting education, entertainment and community pride in a fiscally responsible manner. In addition, the PPCC will support and encourage actions and programs that enhance the desirability and attractiveness of Pembroke Pines to neighboring communities. The Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines is located 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025. For more information visit www.charlesfdodgecitycenter.com.

Tara McNeill, Mairéad Carlin, Éabha McMahon, Megan Walsh

 Tara McNeill, Mairéad Carlin, Megan Walsh, and Éabha McMahon

 

 

Romance, Comedy & Crosswords! Pigs Do Fly Productions Presents 2 ACROSS – March 7 – 24

12 Tuesday Feb 2019

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Pigs Do Fly Productions
presents
2 Across

March 7 – 24

“A charming, character driven comedy” ~ Los Angeles Times”

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

February 12, 2019

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL:   Rehearsals have begun for 2 Across, Pigs Do Fly Productions’ upcoming production of Jerry Mayer’s ‘comedy of crosswords and romance’. The show will run from March 7th through March 24th at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale.

2 Across finds two strangers, a man and a woman, on board a San Francisco BART train at 4:30 a.m. Alone in the car, the only thing they have in common is that they are both doing the New York Times crossword puzzle.  Soon the puzzles they unravel are more intriguing than any crossword puzzle could ever be.

Ellen Wacher

“This is our first play that focuses on a relationship between two people,” says Pigs Do Fly Productions’ founder and Executive Producer Ellen Wacher. “It also totally meets with our company’s mission – to show people over the age of 50 living interesting and active and real lives. I was captivated by these characters’ development, and I believe our audience will be too.”

Deborah Kondelik

Deborah Kondelik, who starred in both of Pigs Do Fly’s recent successful productions of The Ladies Foursome, will direct 2 Across: “It has been said that opposites attract,” Kondelik said recently.  “Whether or not that rings true remains to be seen in Jerry Mayer’s hilarious yet poignant, romantic comedy.  One thing that is guaranteed though, is a delightful very early morning romp by two strangers on San Francisco’s BART train.  The tie that binds is that both of them are hard at work on the Saturday New York Times crossword puzzle.  Although they tackle the puzzle with very different approaches, they soon discover commonalities that cannot be ignored. The stumbling block is that both are married . . . to someone else.”

Barbara Sloan and David R. Gordon will star in 2 Across, and both are excited at the prospect of exploring their diametrically opposite characters: Sloan’s Janet is a responsible, honest, rule-abiding psychologist, and Gordon’s Josh is part-free spirit, part executive, part dreamer, and part Peter Pan.

Playwright Jerry Mayer has written scripts for All in the Family, M*A*S*H*, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and the Bob Newhart Show (where he served as story editor).  His first play, Almost Perfect ran for a year and a half at the Santa Monica Playhouse.  Other plays include the musical You Haven’t Changed a Bit, and Other Lies and Dietrich and Chevalier, The Musical.

Tickets for 2 Across are $39 and are available on line at www.pigsdoflyproductions.com  or by calling 866-811-4111.  Performances are on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 pm, and on Sunday at 5 pm. All performances will take place at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

For more information about Pigs Do Fly Productions, please visit www.pigsdoflyproductions.com.   For more information about Ellen Wacher, please visit www.ellenwacher.com.  To arrange for interviews, or for photos, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

~*~

2 Across
By Jerry Mayer
Directed by Deborah Kondelik
March 7 – 24
Performances:
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 8 pm
Sunday at 5 pm
Tickets:  $39
For tickets:  www.pigsdoflyproductions.com / 866-811-4111
All performances will take place at
Empire Stage
1140 N. Flagler Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
www.pigsdoflyproductions.com
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The Cultural Theatre Art Series at B’nai Torah Produced by Cantor Udi Spielman and Directed by Shari Upbin presents MIKVEH By Hadar Galron

04 Monday Feb 2019

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The Cultural Theatre Art Series at B’nai Torah
Produced by Cantor Udi Spielman and Directed by Shari Upbin
presents
Mikveh
By Hadar Galron
February 20, 2019

“Mikveh imagines a #MeToo moment in an Orthodox Jewish Community”
~ The Toronto Globe and Mail

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244


February 4, 2019

BOCA RATON, FL: Hadar Galron’s powerful play, Mikveh, offers a glimpse into the secretive world of the Jewish ritual bath. The intimate stories of seven women unfold in this revealing story of religious observance and evolving feminist consciousness. With humor, sincerity and tragedy, this provocative play explores the evolving position of women in this religious society. Nominated for six Israeli National Theatre Awards and winning two, including Play of the Year for 2005, Mikveh will be performed at 2 pm and 7:30 pm at Boca Raton’s B’nai Torah Congregation on February 20th, 2019 in the Weiner Auditorium.

Mikveh focuses on two mikveh attendants: Shoshona an older one who believes in respecting the privacy of the women who come for their ritual immersions; and Shira a younger one from an outside community who believes the all-female space should be a place to find solidarity and share information. The two clash early and often over what to do and say regarding, among others, Chedva, a client whose naked body reveals she is clearly being physically abused by her husband, a powerful politician; and Tehila, another, just 18 years old and terrified of her wedding night with a groom she will only meet earlier in the day. (J. Kelly Nestruck, The Toronto Globe and Mail)

Shari Upbin

Shari Upbin, one of the driving forces behind B’nai Torah’s Theatre Arts Series, will direct Mikveh.   The production will feature Rene Barrett, Jennifer Coe, Kai Alivia Koren, Peggy Linker, Ellen Murray, Lory Reyes, Erika Scotti, and Yafi Yair.

“The beauty of purification under the laws of Judaism, immersed with the courage and empowerment of women that has indeed led to many changes in both women and men have driven me throughout this project,” Upbin says. “The #MeToo Movement, which women have privately felt for centuries, and the awareness of recognizing the signs of depression and actually stepping up to do something are paramount in this compelling piece by Hadar Galron. I thank her for the play… and I thank my mother for giving me the most beautiful Jewish upbringing.”

Sound design for Mikveh is by Carbonell Award-winner Matt Corey and lighting design is by Sean Cutler, Producing Director of Ft. Lauderdale Children’s Theatre and two-time winner of BroadwayWorld.com’s Best Director of a Musical award.  Set design is by Ardean Landhuis, costume design is by Carole Barou Mootoo, and the production’s stage manager is Jerry Jensen. Musicians Mario Zelaya (Violin) and Leanna Ginsberg (flute) will accompany the production.

Mikveh will run for two performances only – on Wednesday, February 20th, 2019, at 2 pm and 7:30 pm at B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th Street, in Boca Raton (33433).  Tickets are $36 ($25 for congregational members) and may be purchased by calling 561-392-8566 or on line at https://btcboca.org. Group rates are available.

For more information about Mikveh or Shari Upbin, please contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.

Mikveh
February 20, 2019
2 pm & 7:30 pm
By Hadar Galron
Tickets: $36 / $25 congregational members (group rates)
Tickets:  561-392-8566 / https://btcboca.org/event/mikveh/
Performances take place at
B’nai Torah Congregation
6261 SW 18th Street
Boca Raton, FL 33433
https://btcboca.org

Shari Upbin (Producer/Director) became a member of Actors Equity when she was just 13. She is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers; she was the president of the League of Professional Theatre Women/New York for seven years and is currently President of the National Society of Arts and Letters, Florida East Coast Chapter.   Shari has produced and directed over 50 productions in New York and around the country and was one of the original producers of the hit Off Broadway Grammy nominated show One Mo Time.  Some of Shari’s Florida directing credits include Women’s Minyan, Broadway Live! and Hollywood Live!, Confessions Of A Jewish Shiksa…Dancing On Hitler’s Grave at the Kravis Center, Dames In Divaland, From Door to Door, In the Voice of Our Mothers (at the Posner JCC), and Bridge & Tunnel and the recent sold out production of To Life at the Willow Theatre in Boca Raton.  

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Stage Door Theatre presents THE PRODUCERS – A MEL BROOKS MUSICAL – January 18 – February 10

08 Tuesday Jan 2019

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Stage Door Theatre
presents
The Producers
A Mel Brooks Musical 

January 18 – February 10

“[The Producers] is to put it simply, the real thing: a big Broadway book musical that is so ecstatically drunk on its powers to entertain that it leaves you delirious.”
~ Ben Brantley, The New York Times

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244

January 8, 2019:

LAUDERHILL, FL:    Mel Brooks’ musical comedy The Producers won a record-setting 12 Tonys in 2001, including Best Musical – the most in the awards’ history.  It also set the standard for outrageous, in-your-face, politically incorrect humor. Stage Door Theatre will present what Variety’s Charles Isherwood called ‘a rip-roaring, gut-busting, rib-tickling, knee-slapping, aisle-rolling … good time’ musical at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC). The show will open on January 18th and run through February 10th.

The plot is simple: Failed producer Max Bialystock and his reluctant accountant, Leo Bloom, cook up a plot to convince a group of elderly women to invest two million dollars in a horrendously offensive Third Reich-themed musical, which they know will be a sure-fire flop. This, they conclude, will leave them with the money, which they plan to use to retire to Rio.  But against all odds show is a hit, and Bialystock and Bloom have to deal with their success.

“The Producers takes an absurd and politically incorrect look at a horrible time in history. It also takes a hysterical look at the “art of the deal” in theatre itself,” the show’s director, Clayton Phillips says.  “These days I feel we just have to laugh, or we just might go crazy.  The Producers will make you laugh, for sure.  Laugh at the absurdities of life.” 

“This is a bucket list role for me,” says South Florida’s Ken Clement, who will play Max Bialystock in the production. “When Clayton offered me the role, I didn’t hesitate for even one moment… I said ‘yes’ without a second thought!”

Phillips has also cast T.J. Lamando as Leo Bloom, Melissa Jones as Ulla, Larry Buzzeo as Roger de Bris, and Frank Vomero as Garmen Ghia. Other cast members include Michael Biggs, Allison Blanchard, Marty Craft, Versee Damien, Alexandra Nicole Garcia, Luis Gomez, Stephen Hohendorf, Caiti Marlow, Christopher Morucci, Cat Pagano, Vincent Pelligrino, Jacob Rice, Sarah Ros, Laura Titus, Dyllan Vallier, Alexandra Van Hasselt, and Shanna Woods.

David Nagy will serve as the production’s Musical Director and Danny Durr is The Producers’ Choreographer. Scenic Design is by Randall Parsons, Lighting Design is by Guy Haubrich, and Costume Design is by Lenora Nikitin.  The production’s Stage Manager is Nancy Clay.

The Producers will run from January 18 – February 10 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC). The theatre is located at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill (33311), in the Central Broward Regional Park on the North East corner of Sunrise Boulevard and 441 (State Road 7).

Tickets for The Producers range from $48 to $58. (LPAC charges a $5 service fee per ticket, however if a package of four Stage Door shows is purchased the service fees will be waived.) Group rates are available, as are student prices (with valid ID). Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 954-344-7765 or 954-777-2055 (LPAC) or on line at www.stagedoorfl.org or on the LPAC website at https://lpacfl.com.

For more information about The Producers and/or Stage Door Theatre, please visit www.stagedoorfl.org, or contact Derelle Bunn Executive Producer/Artistic Director, at DerelleBunn@yahoo.com / 954-344-7765 or Carol Kassie (carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244).

~

The Producers
January 18 –  February 10, 2019
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Tickets:  $48 – $58
Tickets:  954-344-7765 / www.stagedoorfl.org
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm,
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
All performances take place at
The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
3800 NW 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL 33311
www.stagedoorfl.org/

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