Author Archives: Carol Kassie

CELEBRATING ‘YOSL’: The Legacy of Joe Papp – A Musical Celebration – June 22nd at the West Boca Community Theatre

29 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in Clients, Yiddishkayt Initiative

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YI Love Jewish to Host “Celebrating ‘Yosl’” featuring a live concert event and celebrity video testimonials.

Theater icon Joseph Papp, aka Yosl Papirofsky, creator of the New York Shakespeare Festival and the Public Theater, to be remembered and honored virtually and live on his 103rd birthday.

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Sheri Smith
sheris@yilovejewish.org
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

May 29, 2024
BOCA RATON, FL: He revolutionized theater as we know it today, and now Joseph Papp, born ‘Yosl Papirofsky’, will be the subject of a memorial/tribute concert on June 22ndat 7 pm, on what would have been his 103rd birthday. Celebrating Yosl – The Legacy of Joe Papp – A Musical Celebration will be presented by YI Love Jewish (a division of Yiddishkayt Initiative) at the West Boca Community Theatre in Boca Raton.

Celebrating Yosl will be hosted by YI Founder and CEO, world renowned actor and Jewish cultural activist Avi Hoffman, who was mentored by Papp in the 1980’s. The concert event will feature live, virtual, and pre-recorded celebrity testimonials.

“Joe Papp did more to revolutionize the world of theater than any impresario in the world,” says Hoffman, himself an internationally recognized entertainer and founder of YI, a global provider of Jewish cultural programming. Hoffman and his mother, retired author, journalist and Columbia University Professor Miriam Hoffman, became friends and colleagues of Papp in NYC in the 1980s, when they launched the Joseph Papp Yiddish Theatre. 

Joseph Papp

After Papp’s death, they continued a close association with Joe’s widow, Gail Merrifield-Papp, and his daughter Susan Papp-Lippman, who serves on the YI Board of Directors. 

Papp’s vision led him in 1957 to establish Free Shakespeare in Central Park. Ten years later, he created The Public Theater in the building that was formerly the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), a haven for newly arrived refugees. The building was saved from demolition through Mr. Papp’s efforts after a long negotiation with the City of New York. It became the permanent home of the New York Shakespeare Festival/Joseph Papp Public Theatre (The Public) and is currently designated as a New York City Historical Landmark. 

At the Public, an innovative model was used for creating a new dynamic way of producing plays in a workshop-style manner that had never been tried before. The concept involved bringing writers, directors, designers, and actors together in one place to brainstorm and create the foundations for new and groundbreaking productions. Some of the iconic Broadway shows to evolve from these workshops include the original productions of Hair, A Chorus Line, and Runaways.

One of the signature events of Celebrating Yosl will feature Hoffman’s re-creation of Joe Papp at the Ballroom – a recounting, in Papp’s own words (based on transcripts, quotes, and material from the Papp Archives), of his Brooklyn Yiddish upbringing, his political struggles, and his reconceiving of the creative process. Hoffman will also share his own personal recollections of his relationship with Papp. 

Celebrating Yosl:  The Legacy of Joe Papp – A Musical Celebration will take place at 7 pm on June 22nd, 2024, at the West Boca Community Theatre, 12811 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33498.

Tickets are $36 for the Live event and $72 for VIP/Special Seating and Backstage Access. Click HERE to purchase tickets.

For more information about Celebrating Yosl, please contact Sheri Smith at sheris@yilovejewish.org / 561-254-5494 or Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.  Photos and graphics available on request.

To sponsor this event, please contact sheris@yilovejewish.org.

~

Celebrating Yosl:  The Legacy of Joe Papp – A Musical Celebration
June 22nd at 7 pm
Tickets: $36/$72 (VIP Special Seating/Backstage Access)
To purchase tickets: https://tinyurl.com/3ze4jw89
West Boca Community Theatre
12811 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL  33498
https://yilovejewish.org

About YI Love Jewish: YI Love Jewish is a division of Yiddishkayt Initiative (YI), a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization that builds Jewish engagement and forges multi-cultural connections through an immersive and varied range of programming for audiences around the globe. From performing arts, publishing and education to language, philosophy and literature, YI offers a global clearinghouse of Jewish culture and entertainment staffed by experts in subject matter and production. The organization works with a wide range of organizations, including the University of Miami’s Sue and Leonard Miller Center and the George Feldenkreis Program in Contemporary Judaic Studies and Federations, JCCs, synagogues, Hadassah chapters, Hillel chapters, men’s groups, women’s guilds, special interest clubs, youth groups, summer camp programs and educational institutions.

J

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the William G. Skaff Center June 14 – 30

23 Thursday May 2024

Posted by in Clients, Entr'Acte Theatrix

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

May 23, 2024

WEST PALM BEACH, FL:  Entr’Acte Theatrix in collaboration with Theatre of Collaborative Arts will present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the William G Skaff Center from June 14th through June 30th. 

Based on the beloved Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast is filled with magical moments, spectacular costumes, and of course, a classic love story.  The award-winning musical, which played for thirteen years on Broadway, can be described as the perfect family entertainment – and a marvelous introduction to theatre for children of all ages. 

This ‘tale as old as time’ tells the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out, and if the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

“I’m quite excited to be bringing this classic show to the stage in a new way,” say’s the production’s director Carlo Sabusap. “We’re hoping to present a modernized interpretation to the show in an intimate and immersive setting. The text, by Linda Woolverton and Alan Menken, will remain the same, but some of the context will be updated for today’s audiences while keeping the essential recognizable elements intact. I am very proud of our cast, they understand the importance of the story immensely, as any Disney fan would. Our audiences will leave with some fun memories, and we hope that they also take with them some of the Disney magic we present on the stage.”

“Entr’Acte Theatrix has a tradition of promoting young artists who have honed their skills working in Entr’Acte productions to director positions,” says Entr’Acte Theatrix founder and Executive Producer Vicki Halmos. “At Entr’Acte, our practice is to engage local emerging talent, and give them continuing support and opportunities to polish and enhance the skills they have learned in their various theatre training programs.”

Several Beauty and the Beast cast members were part of the Halmos’ Palm Beach Principal Players group several years ago, and are now back with freshly minted theatre degrees, and looking for the on stage and back stage experience Entr’acte provides.  

“We don’t only provide on stage experience,” Halmos continues, “We have expanded our focus to include tech opportunities as well. Anyone working on our production will also be engaged with Theatre of Collaborative Arts and be gaining off-stage theatre skills, such as stage managing and all aspects of the process of the creation of theatre. The participants in our cast also do lighting, video, sound, and work on the overall design of the show – mastering these tasks will hopefully open opportunities for them to use their skills in other productions in South Florida. We hope our South Florida audience will continue to support local theater and Entr’Acte Theatrix in developing a world class body of actors and creative teams.”

Beauty and the Beast will be choreographed by Sarah Kenny.  The show’s Musical Director is Ed Kolz.  Costumes are by Rosseroni Parris, and Props will be handled by Rose Foster.  Sound is by Keri Ngo, the production’s Technical Director and Lighting Designer is Elizabeth Southwell, and the Stage Manager is Nik Rosa.

Sabusap’s cast includes James Alex Gomez as the Beast, Rose Foster as Belle, Esqui as Gaston, Greg Halmos as Lumiere, John Douglas as Cogsworth, Jamie Mattox as Mrs. Potts, Kole Rosin as Le Fou, Lilly Gomez as Chip, Sebastian Rukes as Maurice, Mia Rubins as Babette, Sarah Kenny as Enchantress, Nik Rosa as Monsieur D’Arque, and Nicole Hernandez as Madame Le Grande Bouche//Ensemble.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will run from June 14 – 30. Ticket prices range from $15 – 35 and are available online HERE or by calling 877-849-5327.  Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, and Sunday at 2 pm.  All performances will take place at the William G Skaff Center, 500 Spencer Drive, in West Palm Beach (33409).

For more information about Entr’Acte Theatrix and/or Disney’s Beauty and the Beast please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

In the photo below:
The cast of Entr’Acte Theatrix’ Beauty and the Beast:
Back row from left to right:
Alex Gomez (Beast)
Rose Foster (Belle)
Esqui (Gaston)
Kole Rosin (Le Fou)
Sebastian Rukes (Maurice)
Middle row from left to right:
John Douglas (Cogsworth)
Greg Halmos (Lumiere)
Jamie Mattox (Mrs Potts)
Nicole Hernandez (Madame Le Grande Bouche)
Bottom row from left to right:
Sarah Kenny (Choreographer/Ensemble)
Nik Rosa (Ensemble)
Lilly Gomez (Chip)
Mia Rubens (Babette)

Photo credit:  Carlo Sabusap
~
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
June 14 – 30, 2024
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Performances:
Fridays, & Saturdays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm
Tickets: $35 (premium seating)
             $25 General Admission
             $15 Children 12 & under/Seniors/Groups of 10 or more
Direct ticketing link: 
https://entracte-theatrix.ticketleap.com/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/t/cassie
Phone:  877.849.5327
All performances will take place at
William G Skaff Center
500 Spencer Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33409



Arts Center Management Announces the 2025 BROADWAY AT LPAC Season Lineup

01 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in Arts Center Management, Broadway at LPAC, Clients, Lauderhill Performing Arts Center

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The popular Lauderhill Performing Arts Center Series kicks off its blockbuster
three-show season in January 2025

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Kevin Barrett
kevinbarrettgm@gmail.com / 954-234-5982
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

May 1, 2024

LAUDERHILL, FL:  ACM Theatricals, a division of Arts Center Management, will once again partner with the City of Lauderhill to produce the Broadway at LPAC Series at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.   The 2025 lineup will feature the musicals 9 to 5, Legally Blonde,and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Subscriptions are on sale beginning May 1. Single tickets will go on sale September 1.

“The 2024 Broadway at LPAC Season had the best attendance since the inception of the series,” says Lauderhill City Manager Desorae Giles-Smith. “A Chorus Line, Memphis and Hello Dolly! proved to be the perfect trifecta of shows for our audience. Lauderhill is looking forward to another spectacular season in 2025!”

The ACM Theatricals creative team for all three Broadway at LPAC musicals will once again include South Florida’s dynamic theatrical duo of Artistic Director Michael Ursua and Choreographer Alex Jorth.

Arts Center Management is a multi-faceted theatre management, consulting, and production company where the focus is to help theatres and theatre companies improve their programming and operations.  The company was founded by ACM President and CEO Kevin Barrett in 2014.

“It’s an honor to work with the City of Lauderhill and help them expand their arts and cultural programming,” says Barrett. “The city has big plans to make Lauderhill an arts and cultural destination and we are very happy to play a role and help them achieve that goal.”

The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center has hosted hundreds of theatrical events and productions since it opened its doors in January 2016 and has grown its audiences to include theatre patrons from not only Broward County, but from Miami/Dade and Palm Beach counties as well.

Subscriptions to the Broadway at LPAC Series are on sale now and various subscription packages are available for as low as $99 for all three shows. Patrons may contact the LPAC Box Office at (954) 777-2055 for more information.

The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center is located at 3800 NW 11th Place (33311), adjacent to Central Broward Park and Broward County Stadium on the northeast corner of Sunrise Boulevard and State Road 7.  For more information about LPAC visit https://www.lpacfl.com or call the box office at (954) 777-2055.

For more information about ACM Theatricals, Producer Kevin Barrett, or the Broadway at LPAC Series, please contact Kevin Barrett at kevinbarrettgm@gmail.com / 954-234-5982.

The 2025 Broadway at LPAC Series:

9 to 5
January 16 – February 2, 2025
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the Twentieth Century Fox Film

Legally Blonde
February 27 – March 16, 2025
Book by Heather Hach
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin
Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn Mayer motion picture

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific
April 10 – 27, 2025
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Jushua Logan
Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener

About Kevin Barrett:

ACM President and CEO Kevin Barrett has successfully managed many performing arts centers in his 32-year career, including Springfield Symphony Hall in Massachusetts (1995-1999), the Coral Springs Center for the Arts (1999-2016), Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center (2016-2022) and the Delray Beach Playhouse (2016-present). Barrett began working with the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in 2014 and was instrumental in bringing the successful Broadway at LPAC Series to the City.

About Michael Ursua:

As a director Michael Ursua has led multiple regional and local productions to success including Sister Act, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Peter Pan. For the past two seasons he has served as Director and Artistic Director of the Broadway at LPAC Series – helming A Chorus Line, Memphis, The Full Monty, 42nd Street, Always Patsy Cline!, and Hello, Dolly! He has also served as musical director and conductor for numerous national tours, and local and regional productions, and has worked with talents such as Lee Roy Reams, Sally Struthers, Andrea McArdle, and Leslie Uggams.
Ursua is also an actor with an extensive list of stage credits, including roles in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, La Cage aux Folles,and The Secret Garden. He is also the creator, producer, and host of the wildly popular “Florida Sings Showtunes”, an online entertainment program that was designed to support local musical theatre artists during the pandemic. He has received a Silver Palm Award for his contributions to the South Florida theatrical community and is the recipient of numerous Carbonell nominations.

About Alex Jorth:
Alex Jorth has spent nearly 20 years working as an actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer throughout the United States. Since earning his BFA and dance minor from Millikin University, the years have seen him bringing Christmas cheer alongside the world famous Rockettes, retelling American History with the Muppets, cutting loose in the national tour of Footloose, setting choreography for students and professionals alike, and so much more. As a resident of Florida, Alex has worked with such companies as Walt Disney World, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Asolo Rep, Palm Beach Dramaworks, Actors’ Playhouse, Slow Burn Theatre Company, The Wick Theatre, Free Fall Theatre Company, and others.

Kevin Barrett
Michael Ursua
Alex Jorth

ArtBuzz Theatrics to present FALSETTOS at Empire Stage

16 Tuesday Apr 2024

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ArtBuzz Theatrics
to present
Falsettos
at Empire Stage
April 26 – May 19

A hilarious and achingly poignant look at the infinite possibilities that make up a modern family… and a beautiful reminder that love can tell a million stories. 

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

April 16, 2024

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL:  ArtBuzz Theatrics, in cooperation with Empire Stage, will present the Tony Award-winning musical Falsettos. The production will run from April 26th through May 19th at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale.

A ‘sung through’ musical with a book by William Finn and James Lapine, and music and lyrics by William Finn, Falsettos revolves around the life of a charming, intelligent, neurotic gay man named Marvin, his wife, his lover, his about-to-be-Bar-Mitzvahed son, their psychiatrist, and the lesbians next door.

Falsettos is a pairing of March of the Falsettos (1981) and Falsettoland (1990), two Off-Broadway musicals written nearly a decade apart. An earlier chapter in the story of Marvin, In Trousers, premiered Off-Broadway in 1979.  Falsettos was nominated for seven Tony Awards and won two – for Best Book and Best Original Score.

“After seeing a touring production of Falsettos – I believe in the early 90s – starring Adrian Zmed, this show became an instant favorite,” says ArtBuzz Theatrics Producer and Founder Larry Buzzeo.  “The score is beautiful – ranging from energetic Sondheimish patter songs to beautiful and poignant ballads. And I have seen few stories that highlight and examine the human condition quite like this show does.

“There are no villains or heroes in Falsettos – and the show accurately presents with much humor,” he continues. “The reality is that people are very flawed, and yet we learn to still understand and love one another in the strangest and most unorthodox of situations. For me the through lines are: 1:  Adults at their core are still children, and 2: Love is the most beautiful thing in the world.”

Falsettos will be directed/music directed by Michael Ursua, whose acclaimed production of Hello, Dolly! is currently running at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.  The production will feature Larry Buzzeo as Marvin, Jodie Langel as Trina, Jackson Goddard as Jason, Steven Fuentes as Mendel, Seana Nicol as Dr. Charlotte, Christopher R. Dybash as Whizzer, and Casey Sacco as Cordelia.

Tickets for Falsettos are $40 and are available online at https://empirestage.com  or by calling 954-678-1496.  Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 5 pm. All performances will take place at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

For more information about ArtBuzz Theatrics, to arrange for interviews, or to see a performance, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

~

Falsettos
April 26 – May 19
Book by William Finn and James Lapine
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Tickets: $40
For tickets:  https://empirestage.com
Or call 954-678-1496
Performances: 
Friday and Saturday at 8 pm
Sunday at 5 pm
All performances will take place at 
Empire Stage1140 N Flagler Drive,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Larry Buzzeo
Michael Ursua
Jodie Langel
Christopher R. Dybash
Jackson Goddard
Seana Nicol
Casey Sacco
Steven Fuentes

Boca Stage Announces its 2024-2025 Season

10 Wednesday Apr 2024

Posted by in Boca Stage, Clients, Delray Beach Playhouse

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Four diverse productions ranging from drama to farce will be on stage at the
Delray Beach Playhouse.

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

April 10, 2024

DELRAY BEACH, FL:  Boca Stage has announced their production schedule for 2024-2025. The award-winning company will revert back to a four-show season, producing a diverse selection of plays ranging from topical and edgy to timeless classics and full out farce.

The 2024-2025 productions are Sidekicked by Kim Powers, The Last Night of Ballyhoo by Alfred Uhry, Living on Love by Joe DiPietro, and Dry Powder by Sarah Burgess. (Show descriptions/details below).  Boca Stage Founder and Executive Director Keith Garsson will share directing duties with his longtime theatrical collaborator Genie Croft.

“We are so pleased to have been invited back to the Delray Beach Playhouse after our first successful season here,” Garsson says.  “Our transition was seamless thanks to the royal treatment we received from the entire Playhouse team. 

“This will be our first season planned completely in conjunction with the Playhouse’ schedule,” he continues. We’re back to four shows, and we’ve chosen a great mix of drama, dramedies, and pure comedy.  Two of our four shows are South Florida premieres, and one is a fan favorite. 

“Our new space in the Cabaret Theater at the Playhouse has proven to be very popular with our audiences.  As an added bonus, our subscribers no longer need worry about being ‘transferred’ or face any other seating issues as they will now be booked directly into seats of their own choosing,” he says.

Subscriptions to the Boca Stage 2024-2025 season will be on sale beginning April 15. The individual ticket sales date is still to be announced.

The Delray Beach Playhouse is located at 950 NW 9th Street, in Delray Beach, 33444. (561-272-1281).  For more information about the Playhouse, visit delraybeachplayhouse.com.

For more information about Boca Stage, the Delray Beach Playhouse, and Keith Garsson, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244. 

~

Boca Stage 2024-2025 Productions at the Delray Beach Playhouse:

Sidekicked
by Kim Powers
September 18 – 29, 2024
It’s the last night on set filming I Love Lucy and America’s favorite housecoat-wearing sidekick, Ethel Mertz, played by Vivian Vance, has a lot to get off her chest.  In her dressing room she issues an SOS to her long-time analyst: “Help me understand who I am before I’m stuck being Ethel forever.”  And she relives it all:  The good, the bad, and the Lucy.
Directed by Genie Croft

The Last Night of BallyHoo
By Alfred Uhry
October 24 – November 3, 2024
Atlanta, Georgia, December 1939.  Gone with the Wind is having its world premiere and Hitler is invading Poland. But Adolph Freitag (owner of the Dixie Bedding Company), his sister Boo, and sister-in-law Reba, along with nieces Lala and Sunny – a highly assimilated Jewish family – are looking forward to Ballyhoo, a lavish cotillion ball sponsored by their restrictive country club. Comedy, romance, and revelations all combine as the family finally confronts their identity in this rapidly changing world.
Directed by Keith Garsson

Living on Love
By Joe DiPietro
Based on the play Peccadillo by Garson Kanin
January 16 -26, 2025
When a demanding diva discovers that her larger-than-life maestro husband has become enamored with the lovely young lady hired to ghostwrite his largely fictional autobiography, she hires a handsome young scribe of her own.  Sparks fly, silverware is thrown, and romance blossoms in the most unexpected ways in this delightful and hilarious romantic comedy.
Directed by Keith Garsson

Dry Powder
By Sarah Burgess
April 24 – May 4, 2025
The same week his private equity firm forced massive layoffs at a national grocery chain, Rick Hannel threw himself an extravagant engagement party, setting off a publicity nightmare.  Fortunately, Seth, one of Rick’s partners, has a dream of a deal to invest in – an American-made luggage company – that will rescue his boss from the PR disaster.  But Jenny, Rick’s other partner, has an entirely different plan: to maximize the returns, no matter the price of success and the real cost of getting the deal done.
Directed by Genie Croft

The Delray Beach Playhouse Announces its 2024-2025 Season

08 Monday Apr 2024

Posted by in Clients, Delray Beach Playhouse

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The Playhouse 2024-2025 Season will feature top-tier performers, classic musicals, comedy, and nostalgia.

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

April 8, 2024

DELRAY BEACH, FL: The Delray Beach Playhouse announced its lineup for the 2024-2025 season today, and once again the beloved venue will offer a wide variety of programming designed to please its long-time patrons, as well as to attract new and diverse audiences to what is often referred to as ‘the gem of a theatre on the shores of Lake Ida.’

“Our historic theater enters its 78th season with a jam-packed lineup of big-name musicals, mysteries and cabaret acts sure to please everyone,” says Playhouse Executive Director Kevin Barrett. “We will host over 250 performances next season in Delray Beach, making us the premier theater destination in this popular city to enjoy the best intimate live performances in music, theater, drama and comedy.”

This year’s Mainstage Play Series will begin in November with Mel Brooks’ multiple Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Producers.  It will be followed, in January, by Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville. Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is on track for March, and the season will conclude in May with the lushly romantic musical, The Bridges of Madison County.

The Best of Broadway Cabaret proved to be a popular addition to the Playhouse lineup last season; the series second season will begin in December with Bachelors of Broadway/Gentlemen of the Theatre. In January, Broadway/television/film star Tovah Feldshuh will return to the Playhouse with her one-person tour-de-force Tovah is Leona! This Could Be the Start, starring singer/actress Linda Purl is scheduled for February, John Lloyd Young, Broadway’s Jersey Boy will perform classic hits of the 50’s and 60’s in March, and in May South Florida’s own Michael Ursua will present an all-new musical revue, Sing Me a Showtune.

The nostalgic concert series Feelin’ Groovy will also return to the Playhouse next season. Starring Joan Friedenberg and Bill Bowen, who perform as The PinkSlip Duo, the series will pay tribute to folk icons Peter Paul & Mary, perform pop hits by Jewish artists, and celebrate women singer songwriters of the 60s and 70s.

After a highly successful debut season at the Playhouse Boca Stage will return with four diverse theatrical presentations in the Off Broadway Series; the popular Playhouse Presents lineup of 35 plus concerts, comedy shows, and special engagements will be announced later this summer.

Subscriptions for all series are on sale now. The individual ticket sales date is still to be announced. Ticket prices will vary, and group rates will be available.  More information about all these productions, including show descriptions and logos, is available on the theatre’s website: delraybeachplayhouse.com. 

The Delray Beach Playhouse is located at 950 NW 9th Street, in Delray Beach, 33444. (561-272-1281).

For more information about The Delray Beach Playhouse visit delraybeachplayhouse.com, or contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

~

Delray Beach Playhouse Mainstage Productions:

The Producers – A Mel Brooks Musical
November 22 – December 15, 2024
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks

Escape to Margaritaville
January 31 – February 23, 2025
Book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley
Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Buffett

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
March 21 – April 13, 2025
Adapted from the book by Agatha Christie by Ken Ludwig

The Bridges of Madison County
May 9 – May 25, 2025
Book by Marsha Norman
Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Adapted from the book by Robert James Waller

Best of Broadway Cabaret Series: 

Bachelors of Broadway/Gentlemen of the Theatre
December 16 – 18, 2024

Tovah is Leona! Starring Tovah Feldshuh
January 6 – 10, 2025

This Could Be the Start – Starring Linda Purl
February 10 – 13, 2025

Broadway’s Jersey Boy – Starring John Lloyd Young
March 24 – 27, 2025

Sing Me a Showtune – Created by Michael Ursua
May 12 – 15, 2025

Nostalgic Concert Series: Feelin’ Groovy:

The Story and Songs of Peter, Paul & Mary
December 3 & 4, 2024

Pop Hits by Jewish Artists
February 4 & 5, 2025Celebrating Women Singer-Songwriters of the 60s & 70s
April 1 & 2, 2025

AMERICA’S SEXIEST COUPLE at Boca Stage – April 18 – 27

28 Thursday Mar 2024

Posted by in Boca Stage, Clients

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America’s Sexiest Couple
at Boca Stage
April 18-27

“Levine’s plays are riotously funny, and with a depth of human awareness.” 
– Theatre in Chicago

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

March 28, 2024

DELRAY BEACH, FL: Boca Stage’s final production of their first season in their new home at the Delray Beach Playhouse is the South Florida premiere of Ken Levine’s America’s Sexiest Couple.  The comedy will run from April 18th – 27th. 

“The play is terrifically clever and sharp,” says Genie Croft, who will direct the production. “Ken Levine’s writing is, as always, brilliant and funny and satirical.  He really pokes fun at the TV celebrity culture. But,” she adds “The play has surprising poignancy and depth as well.”

Kim Ostrenko and Wayne LeGette will star as Craig and Susan who were the stars of a successful 90s sitcom, ‘Residents’, when Susan left the show without explanation. 25 years later, they are reunited at the funeral of one of their cast mates. As they prepare for the funeral, they are offered a reboot of ‘Residents’. Issues from the past resurface as they contemplate their present situations and the possibility of a future. Was the spark between them all those years ago merely the characters, or was it really them?  Forrest Stringfellow will also be featured in the production as ‘The Bellboy’. 

America’s Sexiest Couple playwright Ken Levine is an Emmy award-winning writer/director/producer/major league baseball announcer.  During a career that has spanned over 30 years, Levine has worked as a writer on M.A.S.H., Cheers, Frasier, The Simpsons, Wings, Everybody Loves Raymond, Becker, and Dharma & Greg, and has co-created 3 other television series.  He has also been the radio/TV play-by-play voice of the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres, and hosted Dodger Talk.  He is a contributing cartoonist to the New Yorker Magazine, and he hosts his own podcast, Hollywood & Levine.  His blog was named one of the 25 best blogs by Time Magazine.

The Stage Manager for America’s Sexiest Couple is Francesca Barioli, and Randall Swinton will serve as the Assistant Stage Manager.  Cindi Blank Taylor is the show’s Scenic Designer, David Hart will create the Sound, Stevie Bleich is the Lighting Designer, Alberto Arroyo is the Costume Designer, and Andre Lancaster will serve as the show’s Technical Director.

Tickets for America’s Sexiest Couple range in price from $39 to $69 and are available online at delraybeachplayhouse.com or by calling 561-272-1281. Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm, and on Sunday at 2 pm. There will also be performances on Thursday, April 18th at 8 pm and on Wednesday and Thursday April 24th and 25th at 12:30 pm. All performances will take place at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW 9th Street, Delray Beach (33444)

For more information about Boca Stage, to arrange for interviews, or for photos, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

Please note:  Ticket availability is limited – please contact me as soon as possible in order to arrange to see a performance.
~

America’s Sexiest Couple
April 18 – 27, 2024
By Ken Levine
Performances:
Thursday, April 18 at 8 pm
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm
Wednesday & Thursday, April 24 & 25 at 12:30 pm
Tickets: $39-$69
For tickets: delraybeachplayhouse.com /561-272-1281
All performances will take place at
The Delray Beach Playhouse
950 NW 9th Street
Delray Beach, FL  33444

America’s Sexiest Couple Photos by Amy Pasquantonio

Kim Ostrenko
Wayne LeGette
Forrest Stringfellow



Angie Radosh Stars in HELLO, DOLLY! at LPAC

18 Monday Mar 2024

Posted by in Arts Center Management, Clients, Lauderhill Performing Arts Center

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Award-Winning Actress
Angie Radosh to Star
in
Hello Dolly!
at LPAC
April 4 – 21

…a musical shot through with enchantment.”
Howard Taubman ~ The New York Times, January 17, 1964

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

March 18, 2024
LAUDERHILL, FL:  Hello Dolly! one of the most beloved musicals in Broadway history, will close out the 2024 Broadway at LPAC season.  The production, which will star three-time Carbonell Award-winning actress Angie Radosh as the irrepressible Dolly Gallagher Levi, will run from April 4th through April 21st at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.

“I am absolutely thrilled and humbled at the idea of doing this role…it has been on my bucket list for a long time,” Radosh says.  “Every actor has their bucket list and as the years go by, the list gets shorter and roles pass us by….when I first read The Matchmaker so many years ago, I fell in love with the character of Dolly Levi and then, seeing Carol Channing in Hello Dolly! …well, that really made me appreciate the character even more….and here I am getting ready to finally bring this wonderful woman to life!!”

Hello, Dolly! is based on Thornton Wilder’s 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers, which Wilder revised and retitled The Matchmaker in 1954.   The musical, with lyrics and music by Jerry Herman, and book by Michael Stewart, follows the romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher Levi, turn-of-the century matchmaker and ‘woman who arranges things’, as she travels to Yonkers, New York to find a match for the ‘well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire’ Horace Vandergelder.

Hello, Dolly! premiered on Broadway on January 16, 1964, at the St. James Theatre. Opening with Carol Channing in the title role, the show ultimately ran for 2,844 performances, making it – at the time – the longest-running Broadway musical in history.  Among its many awards, Dolly garnered 10 1964 Tonys (including Best Musical, Author, and Composer/Lyricist) and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

Michael Ursua will do double duty as the show’s Director and Music Director, and Alex Jorth will serve as the production’s choreographer.  Hello Dolly! is produced by Kevin Barrett and Arts Center Management.

“Hello Dolly! happens to be one of my all-time favorite musicals and its composer and lyricist, Jerry Herman, remains my favorite composer,” Ursua says. It is an absolute classic in musical theatre. The characters are loveable, and the audience can identify with their desire for romance and adventure. They bravely choose to step out of their comfort zones for love and yes, for money (which is really just a way to live generously of course). And Dolly helps each of them find their way and find each other. In the end it is community that is the prize. I am encouraged by these characters … encouraged to be brave, to love more, to be more generous and to dance whenever, however, with whomever I can.”

Ursua has assembled a stellar cast to populate Dolly’s 1898 New York setting – along with Radosh, Christopher Dreeson  will star as Horace Vandergelder, with Sam Joseph as Cornelius Hackl, Ally Rosenblum (Star of LPAC’s 2023 production of Always…Patsy Cline) as Irene Molloy, Kristi Rose Mills as Minnie Fay, Joel Hunt as Barnaby Tucker, Erica Kaylee as Ermengarde, Dru Loman as Ambrose Kemper, Britte Steele as Ernestina, and Lovell Rose as Rudolph.

Ensemble members are Bryce Bayer, Nia Bourne, Kalista Curbelo, Eytan Deray, Alexandra Dow, Desir Dumerjuste, Stephen Eisenwasser, Eli Flynn, Santiago Garza, Amanda Lopez, Michael Materdomini, Izaiah Scott, Caroline Slagle, Larry Toyter, Alexandra Van Hasselt, and Herbert Welch.

Tickets for Hello Dolly! are on sale now and can be purchased online at https://www.lpacfl.com, or by calling the LPAC box office at 954-777-2055.Tickets range in price from $45 to $65. 

The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center is located at 3800 NW 11th Place (33311), in the Central Broward Regional Park on the Northeast corner of Sunrise Boulevard and State Road 7.  For more information about LPAC visit https://www.lpacfl.com. 

For more information about Hello Dolly!, to speak with anyone involved in the production, or to arrange to see a performance, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
~ 
Hello Dolly!
April 4 – 21
Music & Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Book by Michael Stewart
Based on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder
Tickets:  $45-$65
For tickets:  https://www.lpacfl.com or
Call 954-777-2055
Performances:
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 pm
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm
All performances will take place at
The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
3800 NW 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL  33311

Hello, Dolly! photos by Morgan Sophia

Angie Radosh
Michael Ursua

Shakespeare Troupe’s HAMLET at Sol Theatre – March 15 – April 7

15 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by in Clients, Shakespeare Troupe of South Florida

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Hamlet
To Be the Inaugural Production
at Shakespeare Troupe’s New Home in Boca Raton

The 4 weekend-run begins March 15, 2024, at Sol Theatre
School Tour bookings available now

For Immediate Release
Contact: Peter Galman
anon@shakestroupe.org / 754-228-7228
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

March 15, 2024 (The Ides of March):

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA: Peter Galman, founder and president of Shakespeare Troupe, Inc. (STI), announced performances of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, beginning Friday, March 15, 2024, as the Shakespeare Troupe of South Florida’s inaugural production at the intimate Sol Theatre, 3333 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton.

The production is partially funded by several state, county, and town grants to perform Shakespeare in schools and to bring theatre to the underserved, all the while meeting the Troupe’s mission to train student interns to participate alongside professional actors, designers, and directors. 

The STI production of Hamlet will tour schools and other institutions in the region. “When I heard that Shakes Troupe could bring a free performance of Hamlet to my high schoolers, I jumped at the chance,” says André Gainey, Staff Administrator at Somerset Preparatory Academy Charter School at North Lauderdale, who has booked the Troupe for April 2nd.

“Shakes Troupe will do two school shows on April 2nd, to accommodate more than 300 students and maintain an intimacy,” said Galman, “And we’ll supply the teachers with a study guide to engage their students in preparation for the play, in accordance with the standards prescribed in the State of Florida’s CPalms.org website.”

And on March 20th, the Troupe will perform its adaptation of Hamlet for the residents and day visitors at the Jewish Association of Residential Care in Boca Raton (JARC). Ed Barbanell, a professional actor with a disability will play the role of Bernardo – the soldier who first sees Hamlet’s ghost – in front of one hundred or more persons with special needs who will attend the performance at JARC. Mr. Barbanell has taken a previous workshop with Shakespeare Troupe and continues his association with the only company in South Florida performing Shakespeare all the year long. 

In William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, a young prince acts mad to avoid assassination in a corrupted court while contemplating revenge for his father’s murder. Occurring in a time for elections, morality has acquiesced to the threat of violence, promising only a grave solution.

In less than 2 hours Shakespeare Troupe of South Florida examines the existential threat that the power of the state holds against the power of the imagination in the individual. Hamlet is stripped down to its essentials in the intimate jewel box of the Sol Theatre: a ghost appears with a dreaded message, there’s been a coup, power is being consolidated as witnesses are silenced, spies are everywhere, and traps are being set. “A mind-bending web of intrigue entices and ensnares all who marvel at this polished gem of dramatic literature,” Galman enthuses. 

Hamlet will play for four weekends at Sol Theatre, from March 15 through April 7, for a total of 12 public performances. Tickets for Hamlet are on sale now and can be purchased online at https://www.shakestroupe.org/eventlistings. Tickets range in price from $10 to $25.

For more information about Shakespeare Troupe, Inc. see below; visit the company’s website at https://www.shakestroupe.org, or contact Peter Galman at 754-228-7228 or by email at anon@ShakesTroupe.org.

About STI
Shakespeare Troupe, Inc. (STI) was founded in 2016 by veteran actor Peter Galman to bring Shakespeare’s works to theater audiences throughout South Florida in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. STI has also performed and conducted workshops for thousands of students in Central and South Florida.  Funding is provided in part by The State of Florida Cultural Affairs Department, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and the City of Boca Raton. STI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are 100% tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. ShakesTroupe.org

About Sol Theatre
The Sol Theatre has been in existence since 2016. It’s located on Federal Highway between Glades Road and Spanish River Boulevard. Comfortable seating is featured, with a capacity of 78 seats near to a 10′ by 20′ stage.
~

Hamlet
By William Shakespeare
March 15 – April 7, 2024
Tickets:  $10/$15/$20/$25
For tickets:  https://www.shakestroupe.org/eventlistings
Performances:
March 15, 2024, 7:30 PM
March 16, 2024, 2:30 PM
March 16, 2024, 7:30 PM
March 17, 2024, 2:30 P
March 23, 2024, 2:30 PM
March 24, 2024, 2:30 PM
March 29, 2024, 7:30 PM
March 30, 2024, 2:30 PM
March 31, 2024, 2:30 PM
April 5, 2024, 7:30 PM
April 6, 2024, 2:30 PM
April 7, 2024, 2:30 pm
All performances take place at
Sol Theatre
3333 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL33431

Thinking Cap Theater Presents THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

12 Tuesday Mar 2024

Posted by in Clients, Thinking Cap Theatre

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Thinking Cap Theatre
presents
The Taming of the Shrew
By William Shakespeare
Adapted and directed by Nicole Stodard

For Immediate Release
Contact: Bree-Anna Obst
breeanna@thinkingcaptheatre.org | 954-610-7263

March 12, 2024

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL:  Thinking Cap Theatre will officially kick off 2024 this March with a main stage production of The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare, adapted and directed by TCT’s Founding Artistic Director Nicole Stodard. The production will run from March 22nd through April 3rd at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.

TCT’s last Shakespearean revival, a reimagining of Shakespeare’s great tragedy King Lear, was named one of the top ten plays of 2018 by Boca Magazine.  With Shrew, TCT turns to one of Shakespeare’s most controversial works, a play that has left audiences divided on whether the playwright was a misogynist or a proto-feminist.  Made famous in a mid-twentieth century revival that starred real life sparring lovers Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, this comedy dramatizes the age-old battle of the sexes in the tumultuous courtship of the characters Katherina and Petruchio. 

Despite being one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, The Taming Of The Shrew epitomizes Shakespeare’s fascination with raising, but not ultimately answering, pressing social questions.  In Thinking Cap’s innovative new staging, performers and audiences alike will be able to experience and judge different casting and directorial choices in real time to explore our shifting perceptions of what’s playable, offensive, or funny.  “Shakespeare’s works play differently in every age.  This particular work presents a meaningful opportunity, in this moment, to ‘hold a mirror up to nature,’ in the words of Hamlet, and to demonstrate the perennial nature of some of our current debates,” says Stodard.

This main stage production is part of The People vs. Shakespeare’s Shrew, a multifaceted project that invites audiences to engage deeply with this problem play through complementary programming that includes the following: a staged reading of John Fletcher’s 1611 response play entitled The Woman’s Prize or the Tamer Tamed; Sunday Talkbacks with the cast and creative team; and Shakespeare Was Here, a 6-episode podcast series with Shakespeare practitioners and scholars from around the country.

The staged reading of The Woman’s Prize or the Tamer Tamed, will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Art Serve in Fort Lauderdale.  Doors open at 6:30pm; curtain at 7pm.  Tickets are $20 and include complimentary catered refreshments.  Art Serve’s address is 1350 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 
Staged reading ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-tamer-tamed-or-the-womens-prize-play-reading-tickets-816509641317?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Shakespeare Was Here: New Podcast Series:

TCT’s podcast, Thoughts on Theatre and Life, includes multiple ongoing series, the newest of which explores the living legacy of William Shakespeare.  Guests of The Taming of the Shrew can deepen their engagement with the production by tuning into Shakespeare Was Here for stimulating conversations with leading Shakespeare scholars and practitioners from coast to coast.  The podcast is available on Amazon, Apple, Google, and Spotify.  Podcast guests who will discuss The Taming Of The Shrew inlcude: Vernon Dickson, Ph.D. (Florida International University), Carla Della Gatta, Ph.D. (University of Maryland), Jemma Alix Levy (Washington & Lee University), Carmen Pelaez (playwright), Ian Smith, Ph.D. (University of Southern California, President of Shakespeare Association of America).

The Taming Of The Shrew  Performance Dates/Times:

Friday, March 22 | 7:30pm
Saturday, March 23 | 3:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, March 24 | 3:00pm
Thursday, March 28 | 7:30pm
Friday, March 29 | 7:30pm
Saturday, March 30 | 7:30pm
Sunday, March 31 | 3:00pm
Monday, April 1 | 7:30pm
Wednesday, April 3 | 11:00am & 7:30pm

Ticket Prices for TCT’s Main Stage Productions:
$45 General Admission
$20 Student Rush Tickets at the Door for 21 & Under w/ Valid Student ID

Theatre Company Website: http://thinkingcaptheatre.org
Thinking Cap Theatre Box Office Phone: 954-610-7263
Venue Address:
Broward Center for the Performing Arts,
201 Southwest 5th Avenue ,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Funding:
Support for this program has been provided by the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: John O. and Victoria C. Kirby Fund, Frederick W. Jaqua Fund, The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund.  THE TAMING OF THE SHREW is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts, Broward County Cultural Division and a grant from The Our Fund Foundation, an LGBTQ community foundation, with support from the Broward Center’s Arts Access Program.

About Thinking Cap Theatre (TCT):
Founded in 2010, TCT prides itself on theatrical experimentation, equality, and excellence.  To this end, the company has amassed a loyal fan base that appreciates the opportunity to see daring theatre locally that it could not otherwise see without traveling to New York, Chicago, or L.A.  “TCT thrives on experimentation, both in terms of the plays we select and how we rehearse and stage them. We challenge conventions and embrace playfulness.  This is how we work to keep the art form dynamic and evolving” says Stodard.  True to its mission, TCT also champions equity and diversity on- and off-stage.  As one example, TCT has upheld gender and sexual parity in play programming in every single season.  The proof is in the numbers: 18 male playwrights, 20 female playwrights, and 1 non-binary playwright. “Prioritizing diversity and inclusion is in the DNA of our organization’s mission. And for far too long, TCT was a lone voice in the region addressing these issues,” says Stodard.  Since its inception in 2010, TCT has also striven for excellence with a particular emphasis on steadily improving production values and increasing artist compensation.