FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy! Steve Solomon’s award-winning one-person comedic tour-de-force will be back at the Broward Center for a limited 2-show engagement on April 20th and 21st.
Solomon’s humor is universal, and universally loved. Enhanced by his talent for impersonation and his mastery of different dialects – he does approximately 20 different characters and voices in his shows – his stories about his mixed heritage Italian/Jewish family resonate with everyone, no matter what their ethnicity, and have delighted and entertained audiences for thousands of performances. The show, which is constantly evolving, has been updated, and is, as audiences will attest “funnier than ever!” Uncle Willie, Stuttering Cousin Bob, Demented Cousin Kenny, Steve’s new therapist Cousin Sal (and Sal’s parole officer), and a myriad of other astounding characters will populate the Amaturo stage during his performances. The show is now one of the longest running one-man comedies in history!
The multi-faceted Solomon (from physics teacher, to school administrator, to entrepreneur, to comic, to award-winning playwright, to performer – who still performs) has now added author to his list of accomplishments. His new book, Comedian? Don’t Do It! They’ll Just Laugh at YOU!” Mom, has recently been published and is now available on Steve’s own website (www.stevesolomon.net). There is also a Kindle version available on Amazon.com.
“The book is packed with hilarious anecdotes and relatable humor,” Solomon said recently. “It’s a true “Rocky” story of my unbelievable adventures – going from Brooklyn to Broadway in ONLY 60 years!”
Tickets for My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy! range in price from $29 – $49 and are available at browardcenter.org or by calling 954-462-0222.
Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy! April 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm Ticket prices: $29-$49 For Tickets: browardcenter.org or Call 954-462-0222 All performances at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts 201 SW 5th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Praise for Steve Solomon:
“Steve Solomon is Alan King, Billy Crystal, a Smidgen of Don Rickles and George Carlin all thrown in.” ~ Variety
“Perfect comic timing.” ~ New York Post
“A raft of characters comes alive on stage!” ~ Backstage
“A funny look at family relationships. An entire family wrapped into a one-man show.” ~ WCBStv
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 20ththrough 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 Life3 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.
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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.
“…the perfect show for these times – many of us have faced uncertainty, loss, and the struggle of rediscovering who we are and who we want to be – difficulties the characters in this show face with much humor and grace.” Andrea Stephenson – Broadwayworld.com
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: Rehearsals will begin shortly for Pigs Do Fly Productions’ production of the Jones, Hope, Wooten comedy, The Savannah Sipping Society. The show will run from November 4th through November 20th at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale.
Filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures, and the occasional liquid refreshment, The Savannah Sipping Society focuses on four unique Southern women, initially strangers, as they successfully bond and find the confidence to jump-start their lives. Together they discover lasting friendships and a renewed determination to live in the moment – and most importantly, realize it’s never too late to make new old friends.
“This play is absolutely perfect for us,” says Pigs Do Fly’s Executive Producer Ellen Wacher. “It completely fulfills our mission to produce plays that highlight actors – and characters – over the age of fifty, who are doing interesting things with their lives. And these four women are certainly doing that! We have assembled an amazing cast, who will bring these four women to life with humor, grace… and perfect timing. And I can’t wait to see it!”
Ellen Wacher
Deborah Kondelik
“Everyone needs purpose, self-affirmation, and connection,” says the show’s director and Pigs Do Fly Productions’ Artistic Dirctor, Deborah Kondelik. “The Savannah Sipping Society is about four women of a certain age, being accepted for who they are and realizing that there is more to life than they can imagine. It is through friendships and influences that the women in the play relearn how to have fun, make discoveries, and flourish. After all, ‘girls just wanna have fun!’”
Kondelik has cast Dalia Alemán as Randa, Barbara Bonilla as Marlafaye, Janice Hamilton as Jinx, Carol Sussman as Dot,and Donna Pacheco de Castro as Cordelia.
The Savannah Sipping Society’s Stage Manager is Joseph Long; David Hart will do the Sound Design; Preston Bircher will create the Lighting Design; director Deborah Kondelik will provide Costumes and Props, and MNM Theatre Company’s Jordon Armstrong and Johnbarry Green will Design and Construct the Set. Jessica Kaschube is the Company Manager.
Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, collectively known as “Jones Hope Wooten”, enjoy the reputation of being three of the most popular and widely produced playwrights in the United States. They specialize in writing laugh-out-loud comedies and creating vivid strong roles for women. Between them, they’ve written classic television, hit movies, and Off-Broadway comedy.
Tickets for The Savannah Sipping Society are $39 and are available online at www.pigsdoflyproductions.com or by calling 954-678-1496. Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and on Sunday at 5 pm. All performances will take place at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
For more information about Pigs Do Fly Productions, please visit www.pigsdoflyproductions.com. For more information about Ellen Wacher, please visit www.ellenwacher.com. To arrange for interviews, or for photos, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
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The Savannah Sipping Society By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten (Jones, Hope, Wooten) November 4 – 20, 2022 Directed by Deborah Kondelik Performances: Friday & Saturday at 8 pm Sunday at 5 pm Tickets: $39 For tickets: www.pigsdoflyproductions.com / 954-678-1496 All performances will take place at Empire Stage 1140 N. Flagler Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 www.pigsdoflyproductions.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PigsDoFlyProductions/
Deborah Kondelik
Ellen Wacher
Barbara Bonilla
Carol Sussman
Janice Hamilton
Dalia Aleman
Dalia Aleman, Barbara Bonilla, Carol Sussman, Janice Hamilton, Donna Pacheco de Castro
Barbara Bonilla, Carol Sussman, Dalia Aleman, Janice Hamilton
Janice Hamilton, Barbara Bonilla, Dalia Aleman, Carol Sussman
Deborah Kondelik (Director) & Ellen Wacher (Executive Producer)
Dalia Aleman, Ellen Wacher, Barbara Bonilla, Carol Sussman, Joseph Long, Janice Hamilton, Deborah Kondelik, Donna Pacheco de Castro
“Fogel’s skill at sustaining the precariously balanced mix of comedy and drama is impressive!” ~ Entertainment Weekly
April 19, 2022 LAKE WORTH, FL: Maplewood Playhouse will present actor/comedian Peter Fogel’s multimedia solo show, ‘Til Death Do Us Part… You First, on Thursday, May 19th and Friday, May 20th at the Stage West Theatre in Lake Worth. Eternal Bachelor Peter Fogel has significant commitment issues as the love of his life has just broken up with him on Valentine’s Day. Sensing his own mortality, he is visited by a Special Guest who gets into Fogel’s head and acts as his Conscience (Chazz Palminteri in a voice-over). Throughout the story, Palminteri mentors Fogel on how he can end all his romantic disasters and reconnect with the one woman who can change his life!
Directed by Academy Award nominee and three-time Emmy Award-winner Chazz Palminteri (A Bronx Tale), Fogel employs his signature wit to bring to life such relatable characters as Russian Ex-Girlfriend Irina, Magician & Ex-Fiancé Jamie, High Maintenance Marla, his college roommate “Uncle” Harold, plus his Demented Father and Evil Step-Mom Eva. They all have one goal – to continue to stress him out about his unfilled love life! “The longest relationship I’ve had in my entire life is with Amazon’s Alexa!” Fogel laments.
Peter Fogel
“The Stage West Theatre is really intimate which will give me and the audience a greater comedic connection,” Fogel says. “And after being on a Post Pandemic tour around the U.S. it’ll be fun to be back in South Florida, which is where I originally workshopped the show – and where my director, Chazz Palminteri discovered me.”
Just as Robert DeNiro discovered Chazz Palminteri in his one-man show A Bronx Tale, director Palminteri discovered Peter’s one-man show during a South Florida run. Excited about the play’s potential – Palminteri immediately offered to direct it.
“Til Death is a show within a show,” Fogel explains. “and I get to be directed by Chazz – plus act with him on stage.
“The show is updated and funnier than ever. After a successful run up in the Villages, audiences want to get back to laughing and enjoying live theater,” he continues. “And the Maplewood Playhouse run might be the last time I do the show in South Florida before my Off-Broadway run in the fall.”
“A funny show about marriage and relationships. Go see it!” Ray Romano (“Everybody Loves Raymond”)
Tickets for Peter Fogel’s ‘Til Death Do Us Part…You First are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.maplewoodplayhouse.org/ or by phone at 561-657-6400. Tickets are $40. The Stage West Theater is located at 4200 Congress Avenue in Lake Worth, Florida (33461).
In the attached photo: Peter Fogel (Photo credit: Peter Fogel)
“Peter Fogel is the single’s man, single man who tells such hilarious stories about being single that one wants to go out and find him a suitable mate!” The New York Post
‘Til Death Do Us Part…You First! By Peter Fogel May 19 – 20, 2022 Directed by Chazz Palminteri Performances: Thursday at 7:30 pm Friday at 2 pm and 7:30 pm Tickets: $40 Direct link for tickets: www.maplewoodplayhouse.org/tildeathdouspartor Call 561-657-6400 All performances will take place at Maplewood Playhouse/Stage West Theater 4200 Congress Avenue Lake Worth, FL 33461 www.maplewoodplayhouse.org
Maplewood Playhouse is a nonprofit community theater, acting program, and young arts conservatory promoting inclusive and socially conscious programming that nurtures personal, professional, and social growth.
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
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
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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
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: Rehearsals will begin shortly for 2 Across, Pigs Do Fly Productions’ upcoming ‘reprise’ production of Jerry Mayer’s ‘comedy of crosswords and romance’. The show will run from March 4th through March 20th at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale.
2 Across finds two strangers, a man and a woman, on board a San Francisco BART train at 4:30 a.m. Alone in the car, the only thing they have in common is that they are both doing the New York Times crossword puzzle. Soon the puzzles they unravel are more intriguing than any crossword puzzle could ever be.
Ellen Wacher
“2 Across was extremely successful when we presented it in 2019, and I am often asked not if, but when we will be bringing it back,” says Pigs Do Fly Productions’ founder and Executive Producer Ellen Wacher. “Presenting it again is an exciting prospect – it’s a delightful two-person comedy that totally meets with our company’s mission – to show people over the age of 50 who are interesting and active and real. I was captivated by these characters’ development, and I believe our audiences will be too.”
Deboralih Kondelik
Deborah Kondelik, who directed 2 Across in 2019 and helmed Pigs Do Fly’s recent successful production of Helen on Wheels is looking forward to revisiting these characters: “It has been said that opposites attract,” Kondelik said recently. “Whether or not that rings true remains to be seen in Jerry Mayer’s hilarious yet poignant romantic comedy. One thing that is guaranteed though, is a delightful very early morning romp by two strangers on San Francisco’s BART train. The tie that binds is that both of them are hard at work on the Saturday New York Times crossword puzzle. Although they tackle the puzzle with very different approaches, they soon discover commonalities that cannot be ignored.”
Michele Verdi and David R. Gordon will star in 2 Across, and both are excited at the prospect of exploring their diametrically opposite characters: Verdi’s Janet is a responsible, honest, rule-abiding psychologist, and Gordon’s Josh is part-free spirit, part executive, part dreamer, and part Peter Pan.
Playwright Jerry Mayer has written scripts for All in the Family, M*A*S*H*, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and the Bob Newhart Show (where he served as story editor). His first play, Almost Perfect ran for a year and a half at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Other plays include the musical You Haven’t Changed a Bit, and Other Lies and Dietrich and Chevalier, The Musical.
Tickets for 2 Across are $39 and are available online at www.pigsdoflyproductions.com or by calling 954-678-1496. Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and on Sunday at 5 pm. All performances will take place Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
This press release along with actor head shots can be viewed online at: TBA
For more information about Pigs Do Fly Productions, please visit www.pigsdoflyproductions.com. For more information about Ellen Wacher, please visit www.ellenwacher.com. To arrange for interviews, or for photos, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
DELRAY BEACH, FL: The Delray Beach Playhouse will present actor/comedian Peter Fogel’s multi-media solo show, ‘Til Death Do Us Part… You First, for one performance only, on Wednesday, February 23 at 12:30 pm, as part of the theatre’s popular “Lunch & Laffs” Cabaret Series.
Fogel will also bring his show to the brand-new Charlotte J. Burrie Civic Center in Pompano Beach on Wednesday, March 2nd at 7:30 pm.
Peter Fogel
Eternal Bachelor Peter Fogel has significant commitment issues as the love of his life has just broken up with him on Valentine’s Day. Sensing his own mortality, he is visited by a Special Guest who mentors him on how he can end all his romantic disasters and reconnect with the one woman who can change his life!
Directed by Academy Award nominee and three-time Emmy Award-winner Chazz Palminteri (A Bronx Tale), Fogel employs his signature wit to bring to life such relatable characters as Iranian Ex-Girlfriend Elena, Magician & Ex-Fiancé Jamie, High Maintenance Marla, his college roommate “Uncle” Harold, plus his Demented Father and Evil Step-Mom Eva. They all have one goal – to continue to stress him out about his unfilled love life! “The longest relationship I’ve had in my entire life is with Amazon’s Alexa!” Fogel laments.
Just as Robert DeNiro discovered Chazz Palminteri in his one-man show A Bronx Tale, director Palminteri discovered Peter’s one-man show during a South Florida run. Excited about the play’s potential – Palminteri immediately offered to direct it.
“Now, more than ever, audiences want to get back to laughing and enjoying live theater…” Fogel says., “And ‘Til Death Do Us Part… is the perfect post-Valentine’s Day show for single, divorced, and devoted couples!”
“A funny show about marriage and relationships. Go see it!” Ray Romano (“Everybody Loves Raymond”)
Tickets for Peter Fogel’s ‘Til Death Do Us Part…You First are on sale now and can be purchased online at delraybeachplayhouse.com or by phone at 561-272-1281. Tickets are $44 and include lunch. Tickets for the Burrie Civic Center performance are also on sale and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/45fy7wzt or by calling 954-786-5566.
~ ‘Til Death Do Us Part…You First! Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 12:30 pm By Peter Fogel Directed by Chazz Palminteri Tickets: $44 (includes lunch) For tickets: delraybeachplayhouse.com or Call 561-272-1281, Ext.5 Direct ticketing link: https://tinyurl.com/ejhdpryd The performance will take place at The Delray Beach Playhouse 950 NW 9th Street Delray Beach, FL 33444
‘Til Death Do Us Part… You First! Wednesday March 2 at 7:30pm By Peter Fogel Directed by Chazz Palminteri Tickets: $15 For tickets: https://tinyurl.com/45fy7wzt or Call 954-786-5566 The performance will take place at Burrie Center 2669 N Federal Hwy Pompano Beach, FL 33064
BOCA RATON & DELRAY BEACH, FL: In Italian Bred – The Theatrical Comedy, actress/singer/storyteller Candice Guardino effortlessly slips in and out of multiple family characters as she reminisces about her childhood. The show, which has received rave reviews wherever it has played, will have its Florida premiere performances at the Mizner Park Cultural Center on February 24th, and at the Delray Beach Playhouse on February 25th and 26th.
Based on true life events and told through the eyes of a little girl growing up Italian on Staten Island – from learning to make meatballs to learning to drive – Guardino shares heartfelt and hilarious memories of her childhood with humor and skill. And from her matter-of-fact father to her outspoken, chain-smoking grandmother, she impersonates all the members of her sitcom-worthy family, while sharing the stage with virtual cameo appearances of Emmy Award-winner Steve Schirripa (“Blue Bloods”), Mario Cantone (“Sex & the City”), Leslie Jordan (“Will and Grace”), and Vic DiBitetto (“Mall Cop 2”).
Candice Guardino
Candice Guardino was born in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, was raised on Staten Island, and now splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City. She made a name for herself on the New York theatre scene with her outrageously revealing one-woman show, “S.O.S.” which ran at Stage 72 and The Laurie Beechman. Candice has also written several sitcoms, stage plays, screenplays, and shorts. She has studied with UCB, Second City, The Pit Improv and has a BA in Theatre. www.candiceguardino.com
Italian Bred will be at the Mizner Park Cultural Center on Thursday, February 24th and at the Delray Beach Playhouse on Friday, February 25thand Saturday, February 26th. Tickets for these performances range from $32.50 to $40, and can be purchased online at https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com and https://delraybeachplayhouse.com.
Masks covering the mouth, nose, and chin must be worn in order to attend.
The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center is located at 201 Plaza Real, in Boca Raton (33432). The Delray Beach Playhouse is located at 950 NW 9th Street, in Delray Beach (33444).
For more information about Candice Guardino and Italian Bred – A Theatrical Comedy contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
In the attached photo: Candice Guardino (Photo credit: Dirty Sugar Photography, NYC)
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Italian Bred – A Theatrical Comedy Show Thursday, February 24 at 7:30 pm Tickets: $32.50 – $40 For tickets: https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/events/italian-bred Or Call 844-672-2849 Mizner Park Cultural Center 201 Plaza Real, 2nd Floor Boca Raton, FL 33432
Pigs Do Fly Productions Soars Back With Helen and her gang… all ready to raise a ruckus!
“‘Helen on Wheels’ is a lovely play about real people, and its gentle humor provides the structure for a very funny lesson on living your life, and no one else’s, no matter how old you are.” ~ Mary Ann Johnson, MD Theatre Guide
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: Pigs Do Fly Productions’ Helen on Wheels managed just one performance before the pandemic forced the show to shutter in March 2020. However, Pigs’ founder and Executive Producer Ellen Wacher vowed Pigs Do Fly Productions and the show would be back when the time was right. Now, with Florida COVID numbers consistently dropping, and audiences starting to attend theatre, Wacher feels “It’s time to bring the gang back!” Helen on Wheels will run from December 3rd through December 19th at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale. There will be a preview performance on December 2nd.
“We were devastated when we had to close down,” Wacher says, “But of course it was the right and only thing to do. We’ve had to make a couple of changes due to scheduling issues – a new director and two new cast members, but I am more than confident our audiences will love this production of Helen on Wheels. It is totally enjoyable, far out, very funny, and fits our Pigs Do Fly mission – to show people over 50 doing interesting things with their lives – to a ‘tee’.”
Deborah Kondelik
“I am so pleased to be working with Ellen Wacher again and most happy to be directing another Cricket Daniel play,” says the show’s director Deborah Kondelik. “I loved directing The Lost Virginity Tour for Pigs Do Fly, and I am certain that Helen on Wheels will be just as entertaining and engaging. We theatre artists are all grateful to be back after such a long hiatus.”
A feisty, bingo-playing, gun-toting, ruckus raising, independent woman living in the small town of Crockett, Oklahoma. That’s Helen Wheeler, the title character in Cricket Daniel’s comedy Helen on Wheels. When Helen isn’t locked up in the local clink, she’s on her front porch shootin’ up critters and the local kids. Not even the local sheriff, who has already taken away all her ammo and her driver’s license, can manage to uphold the law when it comes to Helen, her sidekick Zona, and their daily “Thelma and Louise” antics.
Beverly Blanchette will return as Helen, as will Carol Sussman as her best friend and partner in crime Zona. Todd Bruno will reprise his role as Nelson, and Michael Gioia and Steven Chambers have joined ‘the gang’ as Elmer and Seth.
Helen on Wheels’ Scenic Designer is Dean Landhuis, David Hart is the show’s Sound Designer, Preston Bircher is the Lighting Designer, and Joseph Long is the production’s Stage Manager.
“I am thrilled to have Helen on Wheels produced by Pigs Do Fly Productions,” playwright Cricket Daniel said recently. “This play is very personal to me because it was inspired by my own mother, who loved two things… my Dad and Bingo! I had an absolute blast creating these characters. I think the heart of Helen on Wheels is the friendship between Helen and Zona. Everyone needs a best friend that will wipe your tears… and help you break out of jail. Everyone needs a Zona!”
Cricket Daniel holds a theater degree from UC Santa Barbara and studied Shakespeare in Cambridge, England. She has an extensive background in improv, stand-up and theater. Cricket was a member of the national improv troupe Comedy Sportz and has performed stand-up at The Ice House and The Improv and has performed regularly in local community theatre productions. Her short play Break Dreams has been staged in New York City, Miami, Colorado Springs, Eugene, Oregon, and in Austin, TX. Her full-length play Love, Laughter & Lucci took home Best Production, Best Actress and Best Actor awards at the 2012 Golden Gravel Awards. Her full-length play Helen On Wheels was a finalist in the 2015 New Play Development Workshop through Route 66 Theatre in Chicago. Cricket is a 2012 recipient of an Arts, Beautification, and Culture Award for her contribution to local theater and is a member of The Dramatist Guild of America. She lives in Bend, Oregon with her husband and daughter.
There will be a preview performance of Helen on Wheels on December 2nd; the production will open on December 3rd and run through December 19th. Tickets are $39 and are available online at www.pigsdoflyproductions.com. Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and on Sunday at 5 pm. All performances will take place Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
Masks covering nose, mouth, and chin must be worn in the building at all times in order to attend. There will be no refreshments available.
For more information about Pigs Do Fly Productions, please visit www.pigsdoflyproductions.com. For more information about Ellen Wacher, please visit www.ellenwacher.com. To arrange for interviews, or for photos, or to arrange to see the production, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
Helen on Wheels By Cricket DanielPreview Performance: Thursday, December 2 at 8 pm Runs from December 3 – 19, 2021 Tickets: $39 Tickets: www.pigsdoflyproductions.com Or call 954-678-1496 Performances: Friday, & Saturday: 8 pm Sunday: 5 pm All performances will take place at Empire Stage 1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 www.pigsdoflyproductions.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PigsDoFlyProductions/
Beverly Blanchette
Carol Sussman
Deborah Kondelik
Michael Gioia
Todd Bruno
Ellen Wacher
Todd Bruno, Deborah Kondelik, Michael Gioia, Steven A. Chambers, Beverly Blanchette, Carol Sussman, Joseph Long, Ellen Wacher
Todd Bruno, Michael Gioia, Steven A. Chambers, Beverly Blanchette, Carol Sussman
BOCA RATON/DELRAY BEACH, FL: Comedian/writer/raconteur Joe DeVito will bring his unique comedic talents to the Mizner Park Cultural Center on November 5th and the Delray Beach Playhouse on November 6th.
Whether taking on relationships, his Italian-American family, or current events, Joe DeVito’s dead-on timing, unexpected twists and sheer flights of lunacy make him a favorite at clubs and colleges throughout the United States, and at the top venues in New York City.
After spending a decade as a journalist and advertising writer, Joe gave into his coworker’s demands to try performing so he could find fame, while they finally got some work done! Since then, he has appeared on television more than 150 times, including Comedy Central, The Late
Late Show (CBS), Last Comic Standing (NBC), AXS-tv’s Gotham Comedy Live, Comics Unleashed, E! Network, CNN, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and more. He has been a regular panelist on FOX News Channel’s Red Eye and Kennedy discussing current events with a satirical bent. He has also appeared on FOX’s The Greg Gutfield where he serves as the show’s lead comedy writer.
As a writer, Joe has contributed to Maxim Magazine, MTV, and the award-winning film “Super Size Me”. In 2006, he was invited to the prestigious Just for Laughs Festival in Canada, where the Montreal Gazette rated his performance “9.5 out of 10.”
Joe’s debut album “First Date with Joe DeVito” is in regular rotation on Spotify and Sirius XM satellite radio.
Joe DeVito will perform at the Mizner Park Cultural Center on Friday, November 5th at 7:30 pm and at the Delray Beach Playhouse on Saturday, November 6th at 8 pm. Tickets for both performances range from $25 to $35, and can be purchased online at https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com and https://delraybeachplayhouse.com.
Masks must be worn in order to attend.
The Delray Beach Playhouse is located at 950 NW 9th Street, in Delray Beach (33444). The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center is located at 201 Plaza Real, in Boca Raton (33432)
For more information about Joe DeVito or to arrange an interview, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
Carol Kassie 