Category Archives: Uncategorized

Norman Shabel’s ‘Dysfunctional Comedy’ MARTY’S BACK IN TOWN! in Aventura and Boca Raton in March

07 Tuesday Feb 2023

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Ebenezer’s Entertainment
to present
Norman Shabel’s ‘Dysfunctional Comedy’
Marty’s Back in Town
In Two South Florida Venues

Shake many a family tree and you’ll likely find the same nuts!

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

February 7, 2023

AVENTURA & BOCA RATON, FL:  Marty’s Back in Town!, Playwright Norman Shabel’s comedic drama about the ups and downs of a dysfunctional family and their relationships with each other and with the “black sheep” who is returning home after 10 years, will run at the Alan and Diane Lieberman Theatre at the Michael-Ann Russel JCC in Miami from March 9 – 19, and at The Studio at Mizner Park in Boca Raton from March 24 – April 2nd.

Shabel, whose well-received courtroom drama A Class Act had a successful run in Boca Raton in 2022, admits to drawing on his own “true life’ experiences to fashion this story:

Norman Shabel

“Marty’s really done things the family didn’t like over the years,” Shabel explains.  And now he thinks he’s dying so he arrives ‘home’ with his wife… and it’s how the family reacts.  That’s the fire under this play – his return.

“Those things could have happened over many, many years, or many, many months, or many, many days,” Shabel continues.  “And what I’ve done is, I’ve compressed these characters – their actions and their issues, their attributes, their good things, their bad things, their hatreds, their fears – into an hour and a half or two hours, so the playgoer will know, this is the character, this is what he’s all about, this isTh his life.  And the difficult part, of course, is putting a lifetime into an hour and a half or two hours.  And I think that’s what I’ve done in Marty’s Back in Town!

Shabel has tasked Seth Trucks with directing the production, and Trucks has convened a stellar cast to bring Marty and his family to life:

James A. Skiba will play Marty, Ben Prayz will play his brother Ronald, Francine Silvers will play his sister, Susan, and Christine Chavers will play the family matriarch.  Also cast are Leslie Kandel, Blaine DeBerry, Emma Mcavoy, and Peter Galman who will play the family patriarch, Sam.  Galman will also take on the role of Assistant Director for the Production, along with Chris Cooper.  Harold Petion is the production’s Stage Manager.

Brooklyn-born, successful New Jersey class-action attorney turned author Norman Shabel has been driven to write ever since he can remember. By the time he was in his twenties he had written several novels that ended up stuffed in drawers as he launched his legal career, married and had a family. To date Shabel has written 7 plays and 8 novels, some written in long-hand, hunched over his desk while waiting for a jury verdict to come in, and all dealing with either crime, relatable family dynamics or both.  Three of his plays have been produced Off-Broadway in New York, Philadelphia, and in several theaters in South Florida.

Marty’s Back in Town! will run at the Michael-Ann Russell JCC from March 9 – March 19, and at the Studio at Mizner Park from March 24 – April 2. Ticket prices range from $25 to $45.

The Alan and Diane Lieberman Theatre at the Michael-Ann Russel JCC is located at 18900 NE 25th Street in Miami (33180). The Studio at Mizner Park is located at 201 Plaza Real, in Boca Raton (33432).

For more information about Marty’s Back in Town!, or to arrange to see the production, pleasecontact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

~

Marty’s Back in Town!
By Norman Shabel
March 9 – 19
Performances:
Thursday, March 9 & 16 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 11 & 18 at 8 pm
Sunday, March 12 & 19 at 5 pm
For tickets: https://www.ticketplate.com/martysbackintown
Performances at:
The Alan and Diane Lieberman Theatre at the Michael-Ann Russel JCC
18900 NE 25th Street
Miami, FL 33180

March 24 – April 2
Performances:Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Sunday at 3:00 pm
For tickets: https://tinyurl.com/28as53yp
Performances at:
The Studio at Mizner Park
201 Plaza Real, 2nd Floor
Boca Raton, FL 33432

  • Norman Shabel
  • Seth Trucks
  • Ben Prayz, Christine Chavers, Francine Birns, Christian Cooper, Leslie Kandel
  • Ben Prayz, Emma McAvoy
  • Ben Prayz, James Skiba & Cast
  • James Skiba


TO LIFE 3: STORIES & MUSIC CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JEWISH COMPOSERS TO THE GREAT HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS – January 20 – February 5 at the Willow Theatre

29 Tuesday Nov 2022

Posted by in Clients, Hy Juter, Shari Upbin, Uncategorized

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January 20 – February 5, 2023

“Music doesn’t argue, discuss, or quarrel. It just breathes the air of freedom.”
~ Harold Arlen

“Hooray for Hollywood!” ~ Johnny Mercer

“You ain’t heard nothing yet, folks!” ~ Al Jolson

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

November 29, 2022

BOCA RATON, FL:  George Gershwin.  Irving Berlin. Johnny Mercer. Harold Arlen. Sheldon Harnick.  Jerry Herman. These composers and many more will be highlighted in To Life 3: Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to the Great Hollywood Musicals.  The production will run from January 20th through February 5th at The Willow Theatre in Boca Raton’s Sugar Sand Park. To Life 3 is a follow-up to two previous To Life productions – both of which sold out at the Willow Theatre in 2019 and 2020. 

Featuring amusing anecdotes and fascinating historical facts, along with tributes to some of the greatest Jewish performers in Hollywood history, including Eddie Cantor, Danny Kaye, and Barbara Streisand, To Life 3 will be performed by five of South Florida’s award-winning musical theatre artists:  Julie Kleiner, Bruno Faria, Michael Materdomini, Amy Tanner, and Shari Upbin.

Hy Juter

Hy Juter (Jupiter Theater Company, LLC) will produce the show: “We’re extremely excited about this iteration of our To Life series,” he says.  “This time we’re focusing on Hollywood and the outstanding talents that contributed to those great musicals we all remember. We have an amazing cast – their talent is extraordinary! Our director, Shari Upbin, has also written the show this year.  Her background in theatre and her extensive knowledge of the Hollywood musical made her a natural choice to continue our tradition of presenting audiences with a unique combination of history, music, and fun!”

Shari Upbin

Upbin will also direct the production, and Bobby Peaco will serve as music director and pianist.

“To Life 1 and 2 featured the Jewish composers of Broadway,” Upbin says. “But what most people don’t realize is first of all, how many of them transitioned to Hollywood, and secondly, that there were numerous Jewish composers who wrote primarily for ‘the movies’.  I had an amazing time writing the script for the show,” she continues. “I learned so much – there are so many fascinating stories involving these amazingly talented individuals I can’t wait to share with our audiences. And of course,  I couldn’t leave out some of the greatest Jewish stars who left their indelible marks – Eddie Cantor, Danny Kaye, Barbra Streisand… so many and so memorable.”

To Life 3 will run from January 20 through February 5 at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park.  Tickets are $43; group rates (6 or more tickets purchased in one transaction) are $38.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.sugarsandpark.org/life-3 or by phone at 561-347-3948.  The Willow Theatre is located at 300 South Military Trail, in Boca Raton’s Sugar Sand Park (33486).      

For more information about To Life 3: Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to the Great Hollywood Musicals please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.    

~

Hy Juter (Jupiter Theater Company, LLC) presents
To Life 3: Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to the Great Hollywood Musicals
January 20 – February 5, 2023
Written and Directed by Shari Upbin 
Tickets: $43 / $38 for groups of 6 or more tickets purchased in one transaction
For tickets:  561-347-3948 or
https://www.sugarsandpark.org/life-3
Showtimes:
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm
All performances take place in
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 South Military Trail,
Boca Raton, FL 33486

About The Willow Theatre:
The Willow Theatre, opened in 1998, is a beautiful 155-seat proscenium theater, located inside Sugar Sand Park Community Center and allows for a unique experience for theatre patrons. Before or after a show, you may wander the nature trails, visit the Children’s Science Explorium, look at the art exhibit on display, or picnic at one of our pavilions.

  • Shari Upbin
  • Bobby Peaco
  • Julie Kleiner
  • Michael Materdomini
  • Bruno Faria
  • Amy Tanner
  • Hy Juter

Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at the Willow Theatre – October 21 – 30

17 Monday Oct 2022

Posted by in Entr'Acte Theatrix, Uncategorized

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Entr’Acte Theatrix
Gives Back with
Mel Brooks’
Young Frankenstein

A Halloween treat:  Tickets for the award-winning musical are only $20!

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

October 17, 2022

BOCA RATON, FL:  Along with their commitment to provide opportunities for young and up and coming talent, Entr’Acte Theatrix has a longstanding tradition of giving back to their community.  They have often donated tickets and profits to local and national not-for-profit organizations, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, Compass LGBTQ Community Center, Red Nose Day – Comic Relief, and earthquake victims in Haiti.  They are continuing this tradition in a different way with their upcoming production of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, which will open on October 21st, and run through October 30th at the Willow Theatre in Boca Raton.

“We have set our ticket prices at $20 for this production,” says Entr’Acte Theatrix producer and founder Vicki Halmos.  “We believe this very low price for a fully produced musical comedy will encourage people who have been hesitant to venture back into a theatre until now will find this an incentive to do so.  And that it will perhaps encourage those who have never seen live theatre to come to the Willow Theatre to see what it’s all about! 

“In addition, for this show we are holding an on-line auction to benefit Hurricane Ian relief efforts and offering a chance for an audience member to join the cast on stage in a scene during the show,” she adds.

“We have a wonderfully talented cast, they’re doing a marvelous job, and it’s such a fun show,” she continues, “And we want to share the fun with as many people as we can!” 

A wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend, Mel Brooks’ comedy masterpiece follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Fronkensteen!) as he attempts to complete his grandfather’s masterwork and bring a corpse to life. Together with his oddly shaped and endearing helper Igor (that’s Eye-gor), his curvaceous lab assistant Inga, and in spite of his incredibly self-involved madcap fiancé Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster — but not without scary and quite often hilarious complications

Tickets for Young Frankenstein – The Mel Brooks Musical are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.sugarsandpark.org/young-frankenstein or by phone at 561-347-3948.  Tickets are $20.  Group rates (10 or more tickets purchased in one transaction) are $15.

For more information about Entr’Acte Theatrix and/or Young Frankenstein, please contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.
~
Young Frankenstein – The Mel Brooks Musical
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
October 21 – 30, 2022
Tickets: $20 (Group Rates available)
For Tickets:  https://www.sugarsandpark.org/young-frankenstein  / 561-347-3948
Performance Schedule:
Friday and Saturday at 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm
All performances at
The Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park
300 S. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33486

Entr’acte Theatrix is a not-for-profit, semi-professional, showcase company providing opportunities for emerging theatre artists, both on-stage and backstage. The company puts students of college or post-graduate programs on a professional trajectory with a goal of working in the profession a chance to gain experience in their area of training or interest.  Entr’acte, as the name suggests, is the “next step,” from classroom to career, and provides the young theatre artist with one of his or her all-important first professional resume-building credits. 

About The Willow Theatre:

The Willow Theatre, opened in 1998, is a beautiful 155-seat proscenium theater, located inside Sugar Sand Park Community Center and allows for a unique experience for theatre patrons. Before or after a show, you may wander the nature trails, visit the Children’s Science Explorium, look at the art exhibit on display, or picnic at one of our pavilions.

  • Greg Halmos & Kevin Cruz

Entr’Acte Theatrix Presents Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN – October 21 – 30

06 Tuesday Sep 2022

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October 20 – 31, 2022

The Tony Award-winning musical will run at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park
just in time for Halloween!

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

September 6, 2022

BOCA RATON, FL:  Entr’Acte Theatrix, whose previous productions such as Into the Woods, Avenue Q, Spamalot, and The Rocky Horror Show have proven to be consistently popular with young and older audiences alike, will present Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein – The Mel Brooks Musical from October 21st through October 30th at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park. This will be the company’s first production at the popular Boca Raton venue.

A wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend, Mel Brooks’ comedy masterpiece follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Fronkensteen!) as he attempts to complete his grandfather’s masterwork and bring a corpse to life. Together with his oddly shaped and endearing helper Igor (that’s Eye-gor), his curvaceous lab assistant Inga, and in spite of his incredibly self-involved madcap fiancé Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster — but not without scary and quite often hilarious complications.

“We have not produced a show since 2019 because of the pandemic, and I was not prepared to do so until the audience was ready to return,” says Entr’Acte Theatrix producer and founder Vicki Halmos. “Fortunately, I have seen strong evidence of that in the last few months. We will be in a new venue The Willow Theatre, in Boca Raton, which is very exciting. We are fortunate to have Jeremy Quinn as our director, who has expertise in the Mel Brooks comedic style and he will be joined by our long-standing music director, Roger Blankenship. In addition, we will be adding Andy Morejon, from our Entr’Acte ranks, to choreograph.

“Entr’Acte Theatrix has a tradition of promoting young artists to director positions who have honed their skills working in Entr’Acte productions specifically,” Halmos explains. “At Entr’Acte, our practice is to engage local emerging talent, and give them continuing support and opportunities to polish and enhance their skills. Several of our Young Frankenstein 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 experience Entr’acte provides.  Our young cast is enthusiastically gearing up to be a part of what promises to be one of the outstanding productions of the coming season!  We hope our South Florida audience will continue to support local theater in developing a world class body of actors, and creative teams,” she concludes.

“I’m delighted to be returning to Entr’Acte for my fourth show, directing Young Frankenstein,” says director Jeremy Quinn. “This is my first opportunity to direct a large-scale musical (in-person) after the pandemic, so I’m incredibly grateful to Vicki Halmos and Entr’Acte for inviting me back to the table. I’ve been wanting to sink my teeth into something like this for quite some time, needless to say.

Jeremy Quinn

“Comedy has always been a strong suit in my 40+ year career in theatre, so the opportunity to tackle one of the greatest comedic properties of all time is nothing short of thrilling!” he continues. “After directing the national tour of Old Jews Telling Jokes (before the pandemic), I realize how much more I’ve added to my comedic canon from working with several masters of comedy in that production…and what a fitting segue to this project! Obviously, I’m a long-time fan of Mel Brooks and his unapologetic comedic style, so all the good stuff audiences remember from his movies will be on display here; including all the funny bits, nuances and innuendos.

“I can’t wait to share my joy of comedy with the Young Frankenstein cast and strengthen their knowledge/experience of what comprises good comedic timing. It’s actually somewhat mathematical and scientific when you break it down. Like I always say (even when directing a drama)…Find The Funny! It’s always there, you just have to look for it… and right now, audiences are desperately needing it.” 

Young Frankenstein’s cast includes Kevin Cruz as Frederick Frankenstein, Chase Stante as the Monster, Greg Halmos as Igor, Nicole Roach as Inga, Ashley Gravlin as Frau Blucher, Kalli Courakos as Elizabeth, and Carlo Sabusap as the Constable and the Hermit.  Also cast are Chris Calhoun, Christian Cooper, Briana Earhart, Tyler Fitch, Victoria Hocton, Nysia Matos, Andy Morejon, TJ Pursley, Sarah Rayburn, and Hannah Rosenberg.

Entr’acte Theatrix is a not-for-profit, semi-professional, showcase company providing opportunities for emerging theatre artists, both on-stage and backstage. The company puts students of college or post-graduate programs on a professional trajectory with a goal of working in the profession a chance to gain experience in their area of training or interest.  Entr’acte, as the name suggests, is the “next step,” from classroom to career, and provides the young theatre artist with one of his or her all-important first professional resume-building credits. 

Tickets for Young Frankenstein – The Mel Brooks Musical are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.sugarsandpark.org/young-frankenstein or by phone at 561-347-3948.  Tickets are $20.  Group rates (10 or more tickets purchased in one transaction) are $15.

For more information about Entr’Acte Theatrix and/or Young Frankenstein, please contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.

Young Frankenstein – The Mel Brooks Musical
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
October 21 – 30, 2022
Tickets: $20 (Group Rates available)
For Tickets:  https://www.sugarsandpark.org/young-frankenstein / 561-347-3948
Performance Schedule:
Friday and Saturday at 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm
All performances at
The Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park
300 S. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33486

About The Willow Theatre:

The Willow Theatre, opened in 1998, is a beautiful 155-seat proscenium theater, located inside Sugar Sand Park Community Center and allows for a unique experience for theatre patrons. Before or after a show, you may wander the nature trails, visit the Children’s Science Explorium, look at the art exhibit on display, or picnic at one of our pavilions.

  • Jeremy Quinn
  • Roger Blankenship
  • Kevin Cruz
  • Chase Stante
  • Greg Halmos
  • Nicole Roach
  • Ashley Gravlin
  • Kalli Courakos
  • Carlo Sabusap
  • Chris Calhoun
  • Christian Cooper
  • Briana Earhart
  • Hannah Rosenbeg
  • Victoria Hocton
  • Nysia Matos
  • Andy Morejon
  • TJ Pursley
  • Sarah Raburn

GUYS AND DOLLS Opens at LPAC on April 1st!

09 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in Clients, Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, MNM Theatre Company, Uncategorized

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MNM Theatre Company
The City of Lauderhill and
North End Theater Company

present

April 1 – April 16, 2022

“If you have ever searched Times Square to find that vanished Broadway of lovable gangsters, wisecracking dolls and neon-splashed dawns, you must not miss … Guys and Dolls.”
~ Frank Rich, The New York Times

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

March 10, 2022

LAUDERHILL, FL:  Sky Masterson, Nathan Detroit, Sarah Brown, and of course Miss Adelaide… these names are often familiar to Broadway aficionados of all ages.  Guys and Dolls, the third joint production to be presented by MNM Theatre Company, the City of Lauderhill, and North End Theater Company will bring these iconic characters (along with Nicely Nicely Johnson, Harry the Horse, Angie the Ox, and others) to life on the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) stage from April 1st through April 16th. 

Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, and considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys and Dolls has won multiple Tony, Drama Desk, Olivier, and Critics’ Circle awards since it debuted at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre). With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Most Happy Fella) and the book by acclaimed humorist Abe Burrows and award-winning writer Jo Swerling, the show received unanimous rave reviews when it opened on November 24th, 1950.

“There is only one defect – but a serious one – about the musical, Guys and Dolls, which opened at the 46th St. Theatre last evening,” John Chappman of the New York Daily News wrote on November 25, 1950. “And I might as well report it now and get on to happier things: The big trouble with Guys and Dolls is that a performance of it lasts only one evening, when it ought to last about a week.”

The story focuses on gambler Nathan Detroit as he tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck. Meanwhile his girlfriend, nightclub performer Miss Adelaide, laments that they have been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the strait-laced missionary Sarah Brown as a result. Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually, everyone ends up right where they belong. 

Marcie Gorman

“This show has been on my bucket list for a long time,” says MNM Theatre Company’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO Marcie Gorman. “The music, the characters, the book, Runyon’s New York – Guys and Dolls is ‘theatrical Nirvana’.  And I’m so thrilled we can present it to a brand-new audience at LPAC.”

Jonathan Van Dyke

“Guys and Dolls for me is the quintessential NY theatrical experience,” says the production’s director, Jonathan Van Dyke. “The score and characters are so vibrant, and I have really been looking forward to putting this together with MNM.”

Van Dyke’s talented South Florida-based cast includes Sean Davis as Sky Masterson, Caiti Marlowe as Sarah Brown, Leah Sessa as Miss Adelaide, Larry Buzzeo as Nathan Detroit, Tommy Paduano as Nicely, Nicely, Geoffrey Mergele as Benny Southstreet, Alexandria Thomas as Rusty Charlie, Michael Kreutz as Arvide Abernathy, James Skiba as Lt. Branigan, Norita Bandel as General Cartwright, Kat Gold as Agatha, Michael Materdomini as Harry the Horse, Manny Zaldivar as Angie the Ox, Randall Swinton as Joey Biltmore, and Colleen Pagano as Big Jule.

Rounding out the Guys and Dolls cast are Ashley Rubin, Amanda Eisele, Alex Van Hasselt, Alison Podolsky, and Michael Harper.

Bobby Peaco is the production’s Music Director, and Jonathan Van Dyke and Jonathan Eisele are the show’s Choreographers.  Scenic Designer and Scenic Artist is Cindi Blank Taylor, Lighting Designer is Guy Haubrich, Sound Designer is Justin Thompson, Costume Designer is Penny Williams, Props are by Jamie Brothman, and Wigs are by Justin Lore.  Guys and Dolls’ Technical Director is JB Green, Production Manager is Jordon Armstrong, Stage Manager is Amber Mandic, and the Assistant Stage Manager is Andrea Guardo.

Guys and Dolls will run from April 1st through April 16th, 2022.  Tickets are $45 to $65 and are available online at www.lpacfl.com or by calling 954-777-2055.

Lauderhill Performing Arts Center recommends that masks be worn in the building.

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 MNM Theatre Company (www.mnmtheatre.org/) and North End Theater Company and/or the Broadway at  LPAC series, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

~

Guys and Dolls
April 1 – 16, 2022
Book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Based on the Idyll of Sarah Brown and characters by Damon Runyon
Tickets: $45-$65
For tickets:  www.lpacfl.com or www.mnmtheatre.org or
Call 954-777-2055
Performances:
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm
All performances at
The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
3800 NW 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL  33311

  • Sean William Davis, Caiti Marlowe
  • Leah Sessa, Larry Buzzeo
  • Tommy Paduano, Alexandria Thomas, Geoffrey Mergele
  • Geoffrey Mergele, Larry Buzzeo, Tommy Paduano
  • Sean William Davis, Caiti Marlowe
  • Tommy Paduano
  • Leah Sessa, Caiti Marlowe



  • Jonathan Van Dyke
  • Marcie Gorman
  • Larry Buzzeo
  • Colleen Pagano
  • Geoffrey Mergele
  • Ashley Rubin
  • Michael Materdomini
  • Allison Podolsky
  • Tommy Paduano
  • Alexandra Van Hasselt
  • Caiti Marlowe
  • James A. Skiba
  • Manny Zaldivar
  • Michael Kreutz
  • Norita Bandel
  • Leah Sessa
  • Michael Harper
  • Amanda Eisele
  • Randall Swinton
  • Alexandria Thomas
  • Sean William Davis
  • Jessie Dez

MARCIE GORMAN to Direct THE VICTORY DOLLS 2021-2022 Season

26 Tuesday Oct 2021

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“When smart, talented women work together for the greater good, nothing can stop them.”
~ Excerpt from The Victory Dolls Mission Statement

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

October 26, 2021

BOCA RATON, FL:  In addition to continuing to serve as MNM Theatre Company’s Producing Artistic Director, Marcie Gorman will take on another role this season – that of Director for the popular 1940s era singing group The Victory Dolls. 

The Victory Dolls is a company of enormously talented and award-winning local singer/actresses whose nostalgic style is reminiscent of the sophisticated vocals and precise harmonies of the Andrews Sisters. Their vintage look, tight choreography, and lively original musical arrangements combine to create a dazzling All-American show that appeals to audiences of all ages. 

The Victory Dolls have added a number of new faces to their roster this year.  Ann Marie Olson, Mallory Newbrough, Elizabeth Sackett, Jessie Dez, Laura Yanez, and Molly Anne Ross will join Shelley Keelor, Sabrina Lynn Gore, Leah Marie Sessa, Jeanine Levy, Aaron Bower, and Jinon Deeb to make up an even ‘Dozen Dolls’.

Carbonell and two-time Silver Palm Award-winning music director, piano accompanist and vocal coach Caryl Fantel will serve as the group’s music director.  Musical arrangements are by Phil Hinton.

Marcie Gorman has had extensive directing experience – she produced and/or helmed numerous musical productions at A.W. Dreyfoos School for the Arts during her years as a volunteer/instructor there.  Prior to founding MNM, Gormanwas an educator, successful entrepreneur, and philanthropist.  Under her leadership and guidance, the award-winning MNM Theatre Company has been delighting audiences with their productions of beloved American musicals since its debut in 2014.  The company will produce three musicals in the coming season at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) and one at the Mizner Park Cultural Center.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be working with this wonderful group of women on such a worthwhile project – paying tribute to our veterans – who have taken such great care of our country, and countries all over the world,” Gorman says.  “I have worked with almost every one of these talented ladies before at MNM Theatre Company, and I know we are going to produce a show that will honor, inspire, and entertain everyone who sees it.”

“We are very excited to bring on such a unique talent as Marcie Gorman as our Director,” says Kevin Barrett, the Founder and CEO of The Victory Dolls. “We have brought together some of the top names in the South Florida theater community to grow The Victory Dolls brand over the next few years. Our mission is to honor Veterans all over the South Florida community, city by city, and keep the music from the 1940s alive for all to enjoy with our incredible production and our unique harmonies and arrangements.” 

For booking information, contact Kevin Barrett at (954)234-5982 or email at kevinbarrettgm@gmail.com.

For more information about The Victory Dolls (https://thevictorydolls.com) and/or Marcie Gorman please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

The Victory Dolls – 2021-2022
  • Shelley Keelor
  • Sabrina Lynn Gore
  • Molly Anne Ross
  • Mallory Newbrough
  • Leah Marie Sessa
  • Laura Yanez
  • Jinon Deeb
  • Jessie Dez
  • Jeanine Levy
  • Elizabeth Sackett
  • Ann Marie Olson
  • Aaron Bower
  • Marcie Gorman
  • Caryl Fantel

Tovah Feldshuh Returns to Mizner Park in TOVAH IS LEONA!

13 Monday Sep 2021

Posted by in Clients, Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center, Uncategorized

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Back by Popular Demand!

Tovah Feldshuh
Returns to the
Mizner Park Cultural Center
in
Tovah is LEONA!

Three Performances Only:
Saturday & Sunday October 16th & 17th   

“Dead 14 years, and I can still nail a middle C!”
Tovah Feldshuh as Leona Helmsley

“This Is A Do-Not-Miss!! Tovah Embodies This New York Name With Every Fiber Of Her Being”
—Times Square Chronicles

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

September 13, 2021

BOCA RATON, FL:  Six-time Tony and Emmy nominee Tovah Feldshuh will return to Boca Raton’s Mizner Park Cultural Center on Saturday October 16th and Sunday October 17th for three performances of her acclaimed one woman show Tovah is LEONA! The show, in which Feldshuh assumes the persona of real estate mogul and hotelier Leona Helmsley, played to sold-out houses in January 2019.  

As Helmsley, the disgraced doyenne comments and sings about anything and everything – from her meteoric rise from office temp to trophy wife, from wheeler-dealer to hotel magnate, to her relationship with real estate rival Donald Trump.

Created by Feldshuh, Director Jeff Harnar, and Musical Director James Bassi (and based on the New York Times best-seller by Randell Pierson), Leona Helmsley is given one hour up from Purgatory to SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT!!… and sing a few show tunes. She fulfills her dream to star in her own cabaret show as she sings for her innocence in a long-awaited RE-trial with the audience as her jury. So “HARRY on Down!” for an evening of fun, frolic & foreclosure! If you’re indicted, you’re invited!!

“Dear Ones, I am overjoyed to be returning to South Florida with Tovah is LEONA!, home of such fabulous audiences.” Feldshuh enthuses. “Needless to say Leona will want everything “Helmsley perfect,” and as such, she insists “No Vaccination, No Entry.” So please, let’s avoid her wrath and abide by this request.  Hell hath no fury like Leona scorned!”

Tovah is LEONA! features original music by Ron Passaro, lyrics by David Lee, and a book by Alex Lippard and David Lee.  The show is directed by Jeff Harnar, and Musical Director James Bassi provided the musical arrangements and additional lyrics.  

Tovah Feldshuh is a six-time Emmy & Tony nominee and has been awarded three honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters. Additionally, for her theatre work, she has won four Drama Desks, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, three Dramalogues, the Obie, the Theatre World, and the Helen Hayes and Lucille Lortel Awards for Best Actress. 

Tovah Feldshuh

Feldshuh has appeared on Broadway (Yentl, Cyrano, Rodgers & Hart, Dreyfus in Rehearsal, Sarava!, Lend Me a Tenor, Golda’s Balcony, Irena’s Vow, and as the show stopping trapeze-swinging Berthe in Pippin), Off-Broadway, and in dozens of productions around the country. Her numerous television roles include Deanna Monroeon “The Walking Dead”, Danielle Melnickon “Law & Order”, POTUS Pauline Mackenzie on “Salvation”, and Naomi Bunch, on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” where Feldshuh can be seen singing the dignified showstopper: “Where’s the Bathroom!?”  Her film credits include Kissing Jessica Stein, (Golden Satellite Award), A Walk on the Moon, Brewster’s Millions, Just My Luck, Daniel, The Idolmaker, and Paramount’s soon-to-be released Clifford. Recently Ms. Feldshuh’s award-winning performance as Prime Minister Golda Meir in Golda’s Balcony was made into a film entitled Golda’s Balcony The Film which won 20 out of 20 Audience Choice Awards. She is about to star as Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer in Becoming Dr. Ruth by Mark St. Germain, opening December 4th in New York City at the state-of-the-art Safra Hall in the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Her first memoir, LILYVILLE: Mother, Daughter, and Other Roles I’ve Played, has been chosen as a “Must Read” by Good Morning America and was immediately ranked the Number One New Release in Parent and Adult Child Relationships on Amazon. Follow Tovah’s travels around the world on Instagram @tovahfeld and her future engagements on her website: www.tovahfeldshuh.com.

Tickets for Tovah is LEONA! are on sale now and range in price from $39 – $59. Tickets can be purchased online at http://miznerparkculturalcenter.com or by phone at 844-672-2849.  The Mizner Park Cultural Center is located at 201 Plaza Real in Boca Raton (33432).

Masks must be worn in order to attend.
All patrons must be vaccinated.

For more information about Tovah is LEONA!, to arrange for tickets, or to speak with someone involved in the production, please contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.

“Tovah Is a Life Force!” Theater Pizazz

“Fast, funny and vastly entertaining.” Cabaret Scenes

~

Tovah is LEONA!
Saturday, October 16 at 3 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, October 17 at 2 pm
Created by: Tovah Feldshuh, James Bassi, & Jeff Harnar
Directed by Jeff Harnar
Musical Director:  James Bassi
Music by Ron Passaro
Lyrics by David Lee & Alex Lippard
Tickets: $39 – $59
For tickets:  http://miznerparkculturalcenter.com  844-672-2849
All performances take place at
The Mizner Park Cultural Center
201 Plaza Real, 2nd Floor
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Like us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MiznerParkCulturalCenter

Stars to Sing in Concert: A MILLION DREAMS Will Feature Broadway’s Derek Klena, Christy Altomare, and Samantha Pauly

01 Tuesday Jun 2021

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Broadway Stars to Sing in Concert:
A Million Dreams
Featuring Broadway’s
Derek Klena, Christy Altomare, and Samantha Pauly
Will Showcase the Students of
Making It On Broadway

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jodie Langel, CEO Making It on Broadway
jodie@makingitonbroadway.net / 310-497-5964
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

June 1, 2021

LAUDERHILL, FL:  Making It On Broadway, an educational musical theater training program, will host a summer concert entitled A Million Dreams, featuring Broadway notables Derek Klena (Jagged Little Pill), Christy Altomare (Anastasia), and Samantha Pauly (Six) and the students of Making It On Broadway at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, July 11th at 7:30 pm. 

A Million Dreams will feature songs from Broadway productions such as Mean Girls, Carrie, The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen, and Jagged Little Pill. Klena, Altomare, and Pauly will perform alongside students from the Making It On Broadway program who they will have been mentoring and teaching all week. (Mrs. Doubtfire star Rob McClure will also be one of that week’s mentors.)

Making It On Broadway is an acclaimed musical theatre program, founded by Broadway actress, teacher and author Jodie Langel, wherein students learn the realities of what it means to be a modern Broadway professional.  Participating in classes taught by Broadway professionals, students take acting, singing, and dancing classes every day, and are also given the opportunity to work with, learn from, and perform for professionals from every aspect of ‘the business’, including directors, music directors, producers, and Tony Award winners.  Past notable Making It On Broadway master class instructors include Sutton Foster, Kristin Chenoweth, Jeremy Jordan, Megan Hilty, Norm Lewis, and Jason Alexander.

Derek Klena originated the role of Eddie Birdlace in the stage adaptation of Dogfight and the role of Dmitry in Anastasia on Broadway.  He received a 2020 Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Nick Healy in Jagged Little Pill.

Christy Altomare played Wendla in the first national tour of Spring Awakening and Sue Snell in the Off-Broadway revival of Carrie.  She made her Broadway debut as Sophie in Mamma Mia and originated the titular role in the Broadway premiere of Anastasia.

Samatha Pauly originated the role of Katherine Howard in Six the Musical on Broadway.  She played Eva Peron in the critically acclaimed West End revival of Evita at Regent Parks Open Air Theatre.

Derek Klena, Christy Altomare, and Samantha Pauly
Jodie Langel

Jodie Langel’s many Broadway and touring credits include Les Miserables (Cosette), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Cats (Grizabella), and the pre-Broadway production of Martin Guerre (Bertrande). Her New York credits also include Bernstein’s Mass at Carnegie Hall/Kennedy Center, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at the Westside Theatre. Jodie won “Best Actress” in I Come For Love at the NYMF Festival in New York City and was a part of the New York Workshop of The First Wives’ Club (understudy to Ana Gastayer). Locally she has received numerous Carbonell Award nominations and a Silver Palm Award.  Jodie also co-authored the book ‘Making It On Broadway: Actors’ Tales of Climbing to the Top’, which has become required reading at leading conservatories around the country.

Tickets for A Million Dreams range in price from $50 to $80 and can be purchased online at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pesptpm/10735597/1080236.

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 Making It On Broadway and Jodie Langel, visit https://www.makingitonbroadway.net or contact Jodie Langel at Jodie@makingitonbroadway.net / 310-497-5964.

MNM Theatre Company and North End Theater Company Partner to Produce Broadway at LPAC at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in 2022

01 Tuesday Jun 2021

Posted by in MNM Theatre Company, Uncategorized

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MNM Theatre Company and
North End Theater Company
Partner to Produce
Broadway at LPAC
at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in 2022

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

June 1, 2021

BOCA RATON, FL:  MNM Theatre Company will partner with North End Theater Company, the production division of Arts Center Management (ACM), a multi-platform theatre management company, to produce the Broadway at LPAC series at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. ACM recently signed a long-term contract to produce the series for the City of Lauderhill.  The three-show 2022 season will feature the hit musicals Grease, Sister Act, and Guys and Dolls.

MNM Theatre Company is an award-winning not-for-profit 501(c)(3) theatre company whose mission is to produce high quality professional live theatre that inspires audiences and enriches the cultural life of the community while creating Florida based jobs in the Arts. 

Since the company’s debut production of A Chorus Line in 2014, Marcie Gorman, MNM’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO has been committed to providing job opportunities for Floridians, and as of January 2021 MNM Theatre Company has created over 800 theatrical employment opportunities both in front of and behind the curtain.

MNM has produced large scale musicals (including Spamalot, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Hair, La Cage Aux Folles, Little Shop of Horrors) as well as smaller, intimate productions (Side By Side By Sondheim, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, My Way, A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra), garnering critical and audience acclaim, numerous prestigious South Florida Carbonell Award nominations – and a win, and multiple Silver Palm Awards. Their recent innovative online production of Closer Than Ever received rave reviews from audiences and critics throughout the United States, and kudos from the show’s creators, Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire.

Marcie Gorman

“We are extremely excited to begin working with the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center and North End Theater Company,” Gorman says, “And to bring MNM Theatre Company and musical theatre to Lauderhill and Broward County!”

The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center has hosted numerous 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.

“The City of Lauderhill is pleased to be working with our new partners, MNM Theatre Company and Arts Center Management, to present our upcoming Broadway series,” says Lauderhill City Manager Desorae Giles-Smith.  “After a year of being dark due to COVID-19, we are thrilled to bring light and life back to the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center!”

Arts Center Management is a multi-faceted theatre management, consulting, and production company whose main focus is to help theatres and theatre companies improve their programming and operations.  The company was founded by ACM President Kevin Barrett in 2014. Barrett began working with the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in 2014 and was instrumental in bringing the successful Broadway in Lauderhill series to LPAC. 

“It’s an honor to work with Marcie Gorman and her award-winning MNM Theatre Company,” says Barrett. “During the last year, we have been working behind the scenes, formulating our plans, and there’s no one I would want leading this exciting new venture more than Marcie. She is one of the most respected regional theater producers in Florida.”

Grease will run from January 14th – January 30th, 2022; Sister Act from February 18th – March 6th; and Guys and Dolls from April 1st – April 17th.  Grease and Guys and Dolls will be directed by Jonathan Van Dyke, and Sister Act will be helmed by Michael Ursua. 

Tickets and subscriptions to Broadway at LPAC will be on sale soon, and various subscription packages will be available.

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 MNM Theatre Company (www.mnmtheatre.org/), ACM and North End Theater Company and/or the Broadway at  LPAC series, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

Opening January 10: TO LIFE 2: MORE STORIES & MUSIC CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JEWISH COMPOSERS TO THE GOLDEN AGE OF BROADWAY

23 Monday Dec 2019

Posted by in Clients, Shari Upbin, Uncategorized

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Hy Juter
PresentsTo Life 2:  More Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to The Golden Age of Broadway
At the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park
January 10 – February 2, 2020

“My whole thing is not just to play music for people, but to make them part of the evening.”~ Marvin Hamlisch

“I guess I think of a musical as something in which the music is sort of like the engine of the piece – whether it is in the theatre or in film.” ~ John Kander

“A song must move the story ahead. A song must take the place of dialogue. If a song halts the show, pushes it back, stalls it, the audience won’t buy it; they’ll be unhappy.” ~ Dorothy Fields

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

December 23, 2019

BOCA RATON, FL:  A sold-out run in January 2019, and consistent “when will you do this again?” questions have led to the creation of To Life 2: More Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to the Golden Age of Broadway.  This second iteration of last year’s audience favorite will pick up where the previous show left off, with more songs, anecdotes, and stories, and will highlight the works of Marvin Hamlisch, Kander & Ebb, Dorothy Fields, George & Ira Gershwin, Jerry Herman, and many more. To Life 2 will run in the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park from January 10th through February 2nd.

Hy Juter (Jupiter Theater Company, LLC) will produce the show: “This is the first Willow Theatre production I have taken on myself since my partner Jerry Seltzer suddenly passed away this summer,” Juter says.  “We produced three wonderfully successful shows together (The Jazz Singer, Danny Kaye and Sylvia, and To Life) and we were working on To Life 2 literally until the day he died.   Jerry was a friend, a mensch, and one of the most decent people I have ever worked with, and we are dedicating this production to him.”

To Life 2: More Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to The Golden Age of Broadway will be performed by five of South Florida’s award-winning musical theatre artists:  Jeffrey Bruce, Wayne LeGette, Michael McKenzie, Amy Miller Brennan, and Mallory Newbrough.

Shari Upbin will once again helm the production, and Paul Reekie will be music director and pianist.

 

Shari Upbin

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to direct Part 2 of To Life,” Upbin says. “These Jewish composers and stars of Broadway have shaped the form of Musical Theatre from the outset. Our audiences will be thrilled to hear South Florida’s best performing some of Broadway’s most popular songs live on stage.

“Jewish contribution to the Broadway musical has been phenomenal,” Upbin continues. “In fact, Jewish composers and lyricists created the Broadway musical. Children of immigrants, called outsiders – people who struggled for acceptance in mainstream society – created the greatest American shows in history. Show Boat, West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Gypsy… and scores (pun intended!) more!”

To Life 2: More Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to The Golden Age of Broadway was once again created and written by Scott Siegel.  Siegel is a well-known pop culture critic who covers film, theatre, and cabaret with his wife, Barbara, writing “The Siegel Column” for TheatreMania.com, and “The Two of Clubs” column for Talkin’Broadway.com. He has created more than 400 major concerts that have been performed worldwide, written/produced/directed concerts for Michael Feinstein, and has created scores of nightclub acts that have played at major clubs around the globe. He is well known for being the creator/writer/director/host of New York City’s Town Hall Theatre’s signature series, Broadway by the Year® and Broadway Unplugged.

To Life 2 will run from January 10 through February 2 at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park.  Tickets are $40; group rates (6 or more tickets purchased in one transaction) are $35.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.sugarsandpark.org/life-2  or by phone at 561-347-3948.  The Willow Theatre is located at 300 South Military Trail, in Boca Raton’s Sugar Sand Park (33486).

For more information about To Life 2: More Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to The Golden Age of Broadway please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

~

Hy Juter (Jupiter Theater Company, LLC) presents
To Life 2:  More Stories & Music Celebrating the
Contributions of Jewish Composers to The Golden Age of Broadway
January 10 – February 2, 2020
Created and Written by Scott Siegel
Directed by Shari Upbin
Tickets: $40 / $35 for groups of 6 or more
For tickets:  561-347-3948 or https://sugarsandpark.org/life-2
Showtimes:
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm
All performances take place in
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 South Military Trail,
Boca Raton, FL 33486
https://sugarsandpark.org/life-2

About The Willow Theatre:
The Willow Theatre, opened in 1998, is a beautiful 155-seat proscenium theater, located inside Sugar Sand Park Community Center and allows for a unique experience for theatre patrons. Before or after a show, you may wander the nature trails, visit the Children’s Science Explorium, look at the art exhibit on display, or picnic at one of our pavilions.

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