Tag Archives: Boca Raton Theatre

Tovah Feldshuh Returns to the Mizner Park Cultural Center in TOVAH IS LEONA March 28th & 29th

20 Monday Jan 2020

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Back by Popular Demand!

Tovah Feldshuh
Returns to the Mizner Park Cultural Center
in
Tovah is LEONA!
Saturday & Sunday,  March 28th & 29th

“Dead 12 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

January 20, 2020

BOCA RATON, FL:  Six-time Tony and Emmy nominee Tovah Feldshuh will return to the Mizner Park Cultural Center on March 28th and 29th for a limited engagement with her Broadway-bound musical 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 early January.

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 real estate rival Donald Trump.

Created by Feldshuh with Director Jeff Harnar and Musical Director James Bassi (and based on the New York Times best-seller by Ransdell 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.

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 Harner, and Musical Director James Bassi provided the musical arrangements and additional lyrics.

Tovah Feldshuh

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.

On Broadway: Yentl, Cyrano, Rodgers & Hart, Dreyfus in Rehearsal, Sarava!, Lend Me a Tenor, Golda’s Balcony Irena’s Vow, and the show stopping trapeze-swinging Berthe in Pippin. Off-Broadway and around the country: Dozens of productions playing everything from three queens of Henry VIII and Tallulah Bankhead to Yussel “The Muscle” Jacobs, nine Jews from birth to death in Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh! and most recently Holocaust Denier Brenda Goodsen opposite Ed Asner in The Soap Myth. This summer she starred in the world premiere of Wade Dooley’s The Prompter directed by Scott Schwartz, where she played Irene Young, a legendary diva making her Broadway comeback after a 40-year absence. Immediately on the heels of The Prompter, she filmed Clifford for Paramount Pictures, went to the Sing-Sing in New Guinea, and flew from there to Los Angeles to star as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the LA Premiere of Jonathan Shapiro’s Sisters-In-Law. She has just completed filming Edith Hagigi’s BLEECKER with Ben Stiller.

On TV: Deanna Monroe on “The Walking Dead”, Danielle Melnick on “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!” Films include: Kissing Jessica Stein, (Golden Satellite Award), A Walk on the Moon, Brewster’s Millions, Just My Luck, Daniel, The Idolmaker, and most recently, Ms. Feldshuh’s award-winning performance as Prime Minister Golda Meir in Golda’s Balcony has been made into a film entitled Golda’s Balcony The Film which has won 20 out of 20 Audience Choice Awards. Her one-woman show “Tovah is LEONA!” enjoyed sold-out engagements at 54 Below in New York and at Feinstein’s at the Nikko in San Francisco.  Feldshuh is thrilled to bring the infamous Leona Helmsley direct from Purgatory to sunny Florida where Leona was once a resident in Palm Beach. Follow Tovah’s travels around the world on Instagram @tovahfeld. 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.  Group rates are available.  The Mizner Park Cultural Center is located at 201 Plaza Real in Boca Raton (33432).

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, March 28 at 3 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, March 29 at 2 pm & 7 pm
Created by: Tovah Feldshuh, James Bassi, & Jeff Harner
Directed by Jeff Harner
Musical Director:  James Bassi
Music by Ron Passaro
Lyrics by David Lee & Alex Lippard
Tickets: $39 – $59
Group rates:  $10 off for groups of 12 or more.
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
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THE SECRET COMEDY OF WOMEN Opening January 15th at The Mizner Park Cultural Center

30 Monday Dec 2019

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THE SECRET COMEDY OF WOMEN®

Opens January 15th for a Limited Engagement at
Mizner Park Cultural Center

“If there is a mystique that defines the feminine and a gap that obstructs understanding between the sexes, Gehring and Klein have probed it with intelligence and sensitivity and loads of good-natured laughs.”
~ Herbert Paine, BroadwayWorld.com

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

December 30, 2019

BOCA RATON, FL: – Ladies! Gather your girlfriends and your fun-loving men! The Secret Comedy of Women® will open the Mizner Park Cultural Center on January 15th and run through February 23rd.

The Secret Comedy of Women celebrates the joys of the journey from girlhood to womanhood. An immersive theatrical experience that rejoices in the challenges of being a woman – from boys to bras and pantyhose to menopause – this two-woman show explores the universal female experience through a rollicking spectacle of sweetly-sharp comedy, songs, dances, stories, and spontaneous moments of discovery that all women share.

Inspired by authors Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein’s earnest and amusingly absurd writings in their girlhood diaries, The Secret Comedy of Women is a mix of sketch, improvisation, audience participation, witty songs and clever videos. The show reminds audiences of the very funny and very charming similarities between all women. “It’s really like a girlhood reunion,” says Klein. “Our show is something highly universal, made personal. It’s for women of all ages – and for the men who love them,” adds Gehring.

The Secret Comedy of Women actively engages its audience with its high spirited, good-natured style of humor. With reviewers calling the show “…truly brilliant.” (Denver Post) and “Laugh out loud comedy!” (Broadway World) it is no wonder that this “two hour celebration of bras, purses, showers, breastfeeding and menopause” (Pittsburgh Tribune) ran continuously for nearly two years at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and has played to over a quarter of a million women across North America.

Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein both began writing and performing comedy at an early age.  While young Barbara directed elaborate puppet shows in her secret fort thousands of miles away in Winnipeg, Canada, little Linda was producing extravagant backyard circuses in a tiny Colorado mountain town.  Neither could have foreseen how well these skills would blend together decades later when they wrote The Secret Comedy of Women.  Had they known each other all those years ago, The Secret Comedy of Women is exactly the type of show they would have created together and now as adults, it is exactly the kind of show in which they’ve always wanted to perform. Gehring and Klein have successful careers in the entertainment industry beyond comedy, and have rich expertise in the areas of training, writing, creative thinking, logistics, administration, marketing, and public relations. .

The Secret Comedy of Women will run from January 15 through February 23 at the Mizner Park Cultural Center.  Tickets range from $45 to $65; group rates are also available.  Tickets can be purchased online at http://playhouseinfo.com/miznerpark or http://miznerparkculturalcenter.com, or by phone at 844-672-2849. (For group sales call 888-264-1788).           

For more information about The Secret Comedy of Women please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244 or visit www.SecretComedyOfWomen.com

In the attached photos:
Barbara Gehring & Linda Klein in The Secret Comedy of Women.
Photo credit:  Tony Shapiro

~

The Secret Comedy of Women – Girls Only
By Barbara Gehring & Linda Klein
January 15 – February 23, 2020
Tickets:  $45 – $65
For Tickets:  844-672-2849 / http://playhouseinfo.com/miznerpark or
http://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/ 
Group Sales: 1-888-264-1788
Performances:
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 pm
All performances will take place at
Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center
201 Plaza Real (2nd Floor)
Boca Raton, FL 33432
MiznerParkCulturalCenter.com
www.girlsonlycomedy.com
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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

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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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December & January at MIZNER PARK CULTURAL CENTER

19 Thursday Dec 2019

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December and January at
Mizner Park Cultural Center:

Franco Corso & Murat Turan: A Night of Passion
Aces & Knaves: A Film About Bridge
Tovah is Leona
Jeff Norris
The Secret Comedy of Women 

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

December 19, 2019

BOCA RATON, FL:  Mizner Park Cultural Center is quickly becoming one of South Florida’s ‘go to’ spots for an exciting and eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy, and even film. The venue, well-located in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park, will play host a wide variety of entertainment in December and January, hosting Broadway’s Tovah Feldshuh in a brand new Broadway-bound musical, comedian Jeff Norris, a film about bridge, an evening of romantic music, and the delightful interactive Secret Comedy of Women.  Numerous other performances will take place as well.

On December 28th Italian tenor Franco Corso will team up with Gypsy Flamenco Guitarist Murat Turan to perform in A Night of Passion – From Bocelli to The Gypsy Kings, showcasing a fusion of Lakatos’ flamenco and Spanish guitar styles with Corso’s versatile voice that ranges from baritone to tenor.

Aces & Knaves – A Film About Bridge will be screened for one night only, on December 29th.  A fascinating documentary about the game of bridge, directed by Jackie Paré, the film zooms in on the players, the scandals, and the intense competition inside the world of bridge.  Featuring interviews with some of the world’s best players, including aspiring ace Bill Gates.

From January 8th – 10th, six-time Tony and Emmy nominated star Tovah Feldshuh will star in the South Florida premiere of Tovah is Leona, a musical production featuring highlights from the new Broadway-bound musical Queen of Mean, based on Piers Ransdell’s New York Times best-selling biography of Leona Helmsley.  (Please note, this show is completely sold out.)

Las Vegas and Atlantic City favorite, comedian Jeff Norris (January 24th) has been called one of the most quick-witted acts working today.  Hardly pausing for breath, he tears through his material – keeping audiences alert and in stitches from beginning to end.

The Secret Comedy of Women will run from January 15th through February 23rd.  A laugh-out-loud immersive theatrical celebration that exuberantly triumphs over the challenges of womanhood, this two-woman show liberates the female experience through a rollicking spectacle of sweetly sharp comedy, songs, dances, and stories.  From boys to bras, and pantyhose to menopause, The Secret Comedy of Women “inspires many laughs and ‘ahhs’ of recognition” (Charlotte Observer).

Tickets to each of these performances, as well as many other Mizner Park Cultural Center performances are on sale now and can be purchased online at http://miznerparkculturalcenter.com or by phone at 844-672-2849. Ticket details are below.

The Mizner Park Cultural Center is located at
201 Plaza Real,
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Website:  miznerparkculturalcenter.com
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For more information about the Mizner Park Cultural Center, and any of these shows, please contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.

Ticket prices and performance times are below.

Franco Corso & Murat Turan: A Night of Passion
Saturday, December 28, at 7:30 pm
Tickets:  $35

Aces & Knaves: A Film About Bridge
Sunday, December 29 at 7: pm
Tickets: $20

Tovah is Leona – January 8 – 10
Sold Out

Jeff Norris
Friday, January 24 at 7:30
Tickets:  $34 – $39

The Secret Comedy of Women – January 15 – February 23
January 15 – February 23
Tickets: $45-$65
(Group rates – 12 or more – are also available –  call 888-264-1788)
Performance Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2:30 pm
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 pm

For tickets to all shows, and more information:  http://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/

 

Sol Children Theatre presents PETER AND THE STARCATCHER & ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL

02 Tuesday Jul 2019

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Summertime Magic at Sol
Sol Children Theatre
presents
Peter and the Starcatcher &
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

“To enter a theatre for a performance is to be inducted into a magical space, to be ushered into the sacred arena of the imagination.”  Simon Callow

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

July 2, 2019
BOCA RATON, FL:  If you’re looking for magical, imaginative, family-friendly theatre this summer, look no farther than Boca Raton! Sol Children Theatre will present Peter and the Starcatcher and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical in repertory style from July 12th through August 4th.  Both productions will star the talented young actors who are participating in the company’s Summer Repertory Theatre program.

“It started out as an exciting notion, doing Summer Repertory, and then it developed into feasible programming,” Sol Producer Sara Elizabeth Grant explains. “Two shows sharing a black box theatre isn’t easy, but it certainly presents an incredible opportunity for theatre magic to take place. And what better shows than to choose ones that revolve around magic! We’re so fortunate to have the directing and production team that we have on board, not to mention our exceptional two casts of young theatre artists. Watching these shows evolve is truly magical.”

The Tony Award-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan).  From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair, and the bonds of duty, friendship, and love.

Starcatcher’s cast includes Andrew Salmore, Austin Stein, Ava Cavasos, Calvin Zanetti, Hartlynn Ackerman, Kayla Asuoty, Megan Mascaro, Samantha Mascaro, and Tyler Wartmann. The production will be directed by Seth Trucks.

“I am beyond thrilled to be returning to Sol Children as a director for the third time,” Trucks says.  “Given that we are presenting Peter and the Starcatcher I am especially excited to be working with such a talented and experienced cast of young actors. The open-ended nature of the stage directions in this play have allowed us to use their considerable imaginations to build the images and stage magic. The result is an original and authentic version of this beautiful play.”

Inspired by the genius of Roald Dahl, the multiple award-winning Matilda the Musical is a captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.

Angela Thomas will direct Angelique Petersen, Brayden Wartmann, Eden Wexler, Hadrian Schrag, Jailee Dejean, Kimmy Wilkinson, Kylie Lawrence, Maureen Tracy, Maleah Dejean, Mia Salerno, Nisa Guvenilir, Saheli Khan, Samantha Mascaro, and Sofia Soleil Zontini in Matilda.

“As a director I have always enjoyed bringing stories to life onstage,” Thomas says.  “And with Matilda The Musical – a story about children, their perception of the world and circumstances around them, and the power of imagination and kindness, I am presented with the beautiful opportunity to bring Roald Dahl’s book, turned movie, turned stage musical to life with the young performers of Sol Children Theatre.”

Boca Raton’s Sol Children Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre organization founded by veteran director and actor Rosalie Grant seventeen years ago.  The company’s mission is to provide children with a safe, secure, and highly professional theatre experience.  Those children in then in turn provide quality theatre experiences for audiences.

Tickets for both productions are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.solchildren.org or by calling 561-447-8829.  Tickets are $20; $15 for children aged 11 or younger. Sol Children Theatre is located at 3333 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton (33431).

For more information about Sol Children Theatre, visit www.solchildren.org, or contact Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / carol@carolkassie.com

~

Peter and the Starcatcher
July 12 – 14; July 26 – 28
By Rick Elice
Based on  the Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Music by Wayne Barker
Directed by Seth Trucks
Performances:
Fridays & Saturdays at 7 pm
Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm
For tickets: www.solchildren.org or call 561-447-8829
Tickets:  $20 (Adults) & $15 (Juniors – 11 and under)
All performances will take place at
Sol Theatre
3333 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
July 19 – 21; August 2 – 4
Book by Dennis Kelly
Based on the book by Roald Dahl
Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin
Directed by Angela Thomas
Performances:
Fridays & Saturdays at 7 pm
Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm
For tickets: www.solchildren.org or call 561-447-8829
Tickets:  $20 (Adults) & $15 (Juniors – 11 and under)
All performances will take place at
Sol Theatre
3333 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33431

www.solchildren.org
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BOCA BOUND: A NEW MUSICAL – Premieres at the Wick Theatre ~ September 19 – 22

18 Tuesday Jun 2019

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White Ibis Productions
presents
Boca Bound: A New Musical
September 19 – 22

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

June 18, 2019

BOCA RATON, FL:   The premiere performances of Boca Bound:  A New Musical will take place at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton from September 19 – 22.  The show, with a book by Bonnie Logan and music and lyrics by Richard Peshkin, both of whom are residents of Boca Raton, Florida, is being produced by White Ibis Productions.

Bonnie Logan was immobilized and recuperating from a bad fall when she was visited by her good friends Karen and Richard Peshkin. Richard, a retired physician with a deep musical background, suggested she needed ‘intellectual stimulation’, and proposed she write a story – “You decide what it’s going to be about. Here are a couple of songs I wrote, think of them as inspiration, I’ll be back in a few days,” she recalls him saying.

“Karen and I knew Bonnie as a friend,” Peshkin says, “And we were aware she has a great sense of humor. Little did we know that she has great writing skills and a strong ear for dialogue.”

“I wrote all the time,” Logan explains.  “For work, but never for the theatre.  And other than being the first person to tell a story, any story, about anything, I never thought writing for theatre, let alone musical theatre, was in my future… not even for a second!”

The result of this almost accidental collaboration is Boca Bound: A New Musical.

Both Logan and Peshkin learned that developing a musical takes work, work, and more work.  The show was workshopped, re-written, and re-imagined countless times:

“I found that many of the lessons I learned from athletics apply here,” Peshkin says.  “You must learn to be a team player, and very open at all times.  Musically, I learned that writing lyrics within the framework of a story is much easier than trying to start from scratch without a particular theme. Thus, I wrote each song’s lyrics first before adding the melody. In the past, it was random.”

“And I learned very quickly that I didn’t need 20 years of experience to write a meaningful and honest story,” Logan says. “You can learn the technical skills necessary if you’re passionate and not afraid to work hard (and we worked very hard!).  And special people can always be found to help you learn what you need.  What I discovered was what I really needed, I already had … a lifetime of stories to tell.”

Boca Bound tells the story of Nadine, a successful New York Attorney. But life has a way of throwing curve-balls, and when a significant change occurs in her well-ordered life, she must learn to adapt – and to reassess.   A trip to Boca Raton,  re-connections with friends and family, and the possibility of a future she had often dreamed of but never believed could happen lead Nadine on a journey of discovery – about the choices she has made and those she can still make in order to find fulfillment and happiness.

Michael J. Moritz, Jr, recent recipient of a 2019 Tony Award as a co-producer of Broadway’s Hadestown, will serve as the production’s Music Supervisor/Vocal Arranger, and Chad Larabee will direct the production.

Boca Bound will run from September 19 – 22 at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton.  Tickets are $50 – $55 and are available by phone at 561-995-2333 or online at www.bocaboundmusical.com or www.thewick.org.

A portion of the proceeds from Boca Bound ticket sales will be donated to The Pap Corps*.

For more information about Boca Bound please visit www.bocaboundmusical.com or contact Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / Carol@CarolKassie.com.

~

Boca Bound: A New Musical
September 19 – 22
Book by Bonnie Logan
Music and Lyrics by Richard Peshkin
Tickets: $50 – $55
Performances:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday at 7:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
To purchase tickets: www.thewick.org or www.bocaboundmusical.com
Or call 561-995-2333
All performances will take place at
The Wick Theatre
7901 North Federal Highway,
Boca Raton, FL  33487
www.bocaboundmusical.com
Like Us on Facebook!

~

*Since its founding in 1952, The Pap Corps has donated more than $110 million to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, including a historic $50 million pledge in 2016. The Pap Corps derives its name from Dr. George Papanicolaou, a pioneer in cytopathology and early cancer detection, who introduced the world to the revolutionary ‘Pap’ test. A small group of women began the organization to support his efforts, and over the decades it has grown into an organization of over 22,000 men and women, in over 50 chapters, who raise funds to support research for all types of cancers.

~

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The Cultural Theatre Art Series at B’nai Torah Produced by Cantor Udi Spielman and Directed by Shari Upbin presents MIKVEH By Hadar Galron

04 Monday Feb 2019

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

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

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


February 4, 2019

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

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

Shari Upbin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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TO LIFE: STORIES & MUSIC CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JEWISH COMPOSERS TO THE GOLDEN AGE OF BROADWAY – Jan 18 – Feb at the Willow Theatre

27 Thursday Dec 2018

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Black Box Booking & Hy Juter
Present

To Life: Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to The Golden Age of Broadway

January 18 – February 3, 2019

 “Musicals are plays, but the last collaborator is your audience, so you’ve got to wait ’til the last collaborator comes in before you can complete the collaboration.” 
~ Stephen Sondheim

“I think it is just as important to sing about beautiful mornings as it is to talk about slums. I just couldn’t write anything without hope in it.”
~ Oscar Hammerstein”

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

December 27, 2018
BOCA RATON, FL:  From Irving Berlin to Leonard Bernstein, and from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim, not to mention Fanny Brice, Zero Mostel, Jerry Orbach, and Barbra Streisand, Jewish composers and artists have contributed tremendously to Broadway.   Black Box Booking and Hy Juter will present To Life: Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to The Golden Age of Broadway at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park from January 18th through February 3rd.

To Life: Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to The Golden Age of Broadway is chock full of fascinating narrative and charming anecdotes about some of the greatest Broadway artists of the 20th and 21st century.  The production features five of South Florida’s top actor singers:  Jeffrey Bruce, Broadway’s Jodie Langel, two-time Carbonell Award-winner Wayne LeGette, Alix Paige, and Carbonell Award-winner Mark Sanders.

Producers Jerry Seltzer of Black Box Booking and Hy Juter have tapped Shari Upbin to direct the show, and Paul Reekie to handle To Life’s musical direction.

“Jewish contribution to the Broadway musical has been phenomenal,” Upbin says. “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!

“Growing up in a household where my mother was a singer and my dad a writer for Jack Benny, I learned musical theatre songs early, and created dances for my parents to enjoy,” she continues. “I was encouraged by their enthusiasm for a good song, a good joke. Yes, my parents spoke Yiddish when they did not want me to understand what they were saying… but I always felt the warmth of the light in their eyes. I dedicate all the Jewish one-liners and the amazing songs heard in this show to my parents and grandparents. Immigrants who found their place in America urging me to continue their legacy. Tradition!”

To Life: Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to The Golden Age of Broadway was 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 300 major concerts that have been performed worldwide, he has written/produced/directed concerts for Michael Feinstein, and has created scores of nightclub acts that have played at major clubs around the globe. However, he is perhaps best known as the creator/writer/director/host of New York City’s Town Hall Theatre’s signature series, Broadway by the Year® and Broadway Unplugged.

Nicole Stav is the production’s Stage Manager, and Jason Pierre will serve as Assistant Stage Manager.  Technical crew includes Laura Fulton (Lighting) and Andrés Alessandro Beuses Casasanta (Sound).

To Life will run from January 18 through February 3 at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park.  Tickets are $35; group rates (6 or more tickets purchased in one transaction) are $30.  Tickets can be purchased on line at www.willowtheatre.org 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: 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.  To learn more about Black Box Booking please visit www.blackboxbooking.com, and for more information about Hy Juter please contact jupitertheater@yahoo.com.

To Life:  Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers to The Golden Age of Broadway
January 18 – February 3, 2019
Created and Written by Scott Siegel
Directed by Shari Upbin
Tickets: $35 / $30 for groups of 6 or more
For tickets:  561-347-3948 or www.willowtheatre.org
Showtimes:
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm
All performances take place at
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 South Military Trail,
Boca Raton, FL 33486
www.willowtheatre.org

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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Sol Children Theatre Presents THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE – October 19 – November 4

25 Tuesday Sep 2018

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Sol Children Theatre
to present
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
October 19 – November 4

“…Hilariously F-U-N-N-Y (enjoyment, amusement or lighthearted pleasure) and delightfully Q-U-I-R-K-Y (characterized by peculiar or unexpected traits) night of theatre.”
Ilene Chalmers – DC Metro Theater Arts

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

September 25, 2018

BOCA RATON, FL:  Sol Children Theatre will present The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton from October 19th through November 4th.

Nominated for six Tony Awards, and winning 2, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee features an eclectic group of sixth graders who arrive at a fictional spelling bee set in the geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School to vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter – one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box! 

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be directed by Ryan McAtee.  McAtee is a Seattle based director, choreographer, actor and solo performance artist.  He is also Theatre/Movement Educator and teaches youths spanning pre-K to 12th Grade:

Ryan McAtee

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is one heck of a musical comedy, and truly one of my favorite shows” McAtee says. “This story revolves around a handful of 10-to-14-year-olds as they traverse the societal and familial pressures of what it means to be a competitive speller. While originally the roles are played by adults, implementing a cast of teens and preteens illuminates an honest and motivated outlook to the quirks and realities of these characters. Given this fresh perspective, I am beyond fortunate to be working with this cast: to present a story full of loveable and relatable humans with a passion for words and language. Even in a setting as organized as a Spelling Bee, we discover that life really can be P-A-N-D-E-M-O-N-I-U-M.”

Spelling Bee’s young cast consists of Mia Salerno as William Barfee, Kylie Lawrence as Olive Ostrovsky, Angeline Zylstra as Leaf Coneybear, Abigail Medvecky as Judy Blanch, Brayden Wartmann as Chip Tolentino, Kimmy Wilkinson as Marcy Park, Sofia Jorgensen as Logan Schwartzandgrubenierre, Celia Roberts as Rona Lisa Peretti, Melissa Garcon as Douglas Panch, Nisa Guvenilir as Mitch Mahoney, Tinsley Louv as Leaf’s Mom and Carl, and Maureen Tracy as Jesus and Leaf’s Sister.

Ryan McAtee will also serve as the production’s Musical Director, and Sara Elizabeth Grant is the show’s Assistant Director and Stage Manager.  Scenic Art is by Kate McVay, Set Construction and Lighting Design is by Ardean Landhuis, and Costume Design is by Briana Earhart.  Natalie Macadar is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Tickets for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are on sale now and can be purchased on line at www.solchildren.org, or by phone at 561-447-8829. Tickets are $20 and $15 for Juniors (11 and under).

For more information about Sol Children Theatre or The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, visit www.solchildren.org or contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.        

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

October 19 – November 4
Music & Lyrics:  William Finn
Book: Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by: Rebecca Feldman
Additional Material by: Jay Reiss
Performances:
Friday & Saturday at 7:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm
Tickets:  $20 / $15 juniors (11 and under)
Tickets:  561-447-8829 / www.solchildren.org/
Performances:
Friday & Saturday: 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 2 pm
Sol Theatre
3333 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL  33431
www.solchildren.org/
Like Us on Facebook! 

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Sol Children Theatre Presents YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN August 3 – 19

24 Tuesday Jul 2018

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Sol Children Theatre
Presents

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
August 3 – 19

“Happiness is singing together when day is through, and happiness is those who sing with you. Happiness is morning and evening, daytime and nighttime too…for happiness is anyone and anything at all that’s loved by you.”
~ Clark Gesner, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown

“Happiness is…pizza with sausage.”
~ Clark Gesner, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown

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


July 24, 2018:
BOCA RATON, FL:  Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip will come to life in Boca Raton when Sol Children Theatre presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.  The musical, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, will run from August 3 – 19 at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton. 

The whole gang will be there:  bossy Lucy, hopelessly in love with piano prodigy Schroeder; perfectionist Sally, harassing blanket-toting Linus; Snoopy, in (or on) his doghouse, and of course ‘Blockhead’ himself, Charlie Brown.  Brief vignettes span the months from Valentine’s Day to Beethoven Day, from wild optimism to utter despair.  But through it all, the sweet, joyful innocence of the Peanuts gang stays true.

Courtney Poston will direct the production: “It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to direct You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and to help keep Peanuts alive for this younger generation,” she says. “I grew up on the comics and TV show, as did my parents (and grandparents), and this musical has a special place in my heart as I played “Sally” in a production in Boca years ago. The musical is written to be performed by adults, but I think it is even more charming to have children portray these iconic characters. They deliver the lines with such honesty, and don’t even have to think about “the funny”, it just comes out naturally.

“Charlie Brown and the gang deal with such relatable topics to young people (and adults, for that matter) such as: fitting in, bullying, struggling in school, breaking bad habits, valuing your friends, etc.” she continues.  “In our table read, we discussed some of these situations, and to quote the kids: “Sometimes people are hard on you, sometimes you’re hard on yourself, but it’s important to find happiness in the little things and to remember your friends and family love you.” 

Poston’s young cast consists of Ava Callahan as Charlie Brown (Boca Raton Community Middle School), Nisa Guvenilir as Lucy (Omni Middle School), Piper Fine as Snoopy (Citrus Cove Elementary School), Tillie Pepos-Lebrun as Schroeder (Pine Crest School),  Maureen Tracy as Linus (Somerset Academy), and Eden Wexler as Sally (Del Prado Elementary School).

Sara Elizabeth Grant who is acting as both the show’s producer and choreographer has seen the show’s young cast come together and form a special bond: “An overall theme throughout You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown is that though times may be difficult, at least you’re surrounded by those who have your back,” she says.  “This is a remarkably fitting production for our cast, where on the first day of rehearsal not a one of them knew each other and were so nervous, to now where they have built a sweet energetic family unit both on and off stage.  It’s encouraging to watch this young group of actors tackling such difficult material with ease and confidence.  They have truly embraced what it is to be the “Peanuts” and are bringing this musical to life.”

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’s lighting design is by Ardean Landhuis. The show’s Scenic Artist is Kate McVay and Costume Design is by Briana Earhart.  The production’s Stage Manager is Ava Cavasos with Kimmy Wilkinson as Assistant Stage Manager.

Boca Raton’s Sol Children Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre organization founded by veteran director and actor Rosalie Grant.  The company’s mission is to provide children with a safe, secure, and highly professional theatre experience.  Those children in then in turn provide quality theatre experiences for audiences.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown will run from August 3 – 19 at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton.  Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on line at www.solchildren.org or by calling 561-447-8829.  Tickets are $20; $15 for children aged 11 or younger.  Call the theatre for group and industry discounted tickets.  Sol Theatre is located at 3333 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton (33431).

For more information about Sol Children Theatre, visit www.solchildren.org, or contact Sara Elizabeth Grant at 561-447-8829 / solchildtroupe@aol.com or Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / carol@carolkassie.com

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You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
August 3 – 19
Based on the Comic Strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Clark Gesner
Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer
Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Tickets:  $20 / $15 juniors (11 and under)
Tickets:  561-447-8829 / www.solchildren.org
Performances:
Friday & Saturday: 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 2 pm
Sol Theatre
3333 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL  33431
www.solchildren.org
Like Us on Facebook! 

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida” (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).

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