Tag Archives: Leah Sessa

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

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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
  • 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

IRVING BERLIN SALUTES AMERICA at the PGA Arts Center – November 30 – December 24

01 Wednesday Nov 2017

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Irving Berlin Salutes America
at the PGA Arts Center
A Musical Tribute and Patriotic Celebration
November 30 – December 24

“Music is so important.  It changes thinking, it influences everybody, whether they know it or not. Music knows no boundary lines.” ~  Irving Berlin

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

November 1, 2017
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL:  No one’s music better exemplifies the culture, mood, history, and patriotism of America than Irving Berlin.  Long considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history, his works comprise a major part of the Great American Songbook.

Irving Berlin Salutes America, which will open at the PGA Arts Center on November 30th, is a compendium of Berlin’s most patriotic pieces – a musical tribute to Berlin, and to America itself.  The production will run through December 24th.

The show was written by Alan Jacobson, the creator of the popular WaistWatchers – The Musical, which has had several successful runs in South Florida, and is now on tour through the U.S.  Irving Berlin Salutes America debuted in 2002, but has been tweaked and updated to be as relevant today as it was fifteen years ago.

Alan Jacobson

“I revisited this show for three reasons,” Jacobson explains. “First and foremost is that we are living in difficult times, geopolitically and climate-wise, and our own country has seen politics overtake our lives and create tremendous polarization amongst our citizens, friends and family included. I wanted to use the power of the theatre, and live music, to take people’s minds off the daily stresses, and to remember that we must fight against the divisiveness and bring back a sense of unity and patriotism.

“Second was the music,” he continues. “Who better to look to for this kind of upbeat and moving music than Irving Berlin?! This show also exemplifies the tremendous contributions of immigrants; Mr. Berlin was one, and one who proudly served in the American armed services.

And the third reason? “I wanted a real feel good, patriotic show – something that will lift peoples’ spirits.  Irving Berlin Salutes America has all the ingredients of a show that makes us all proud to be Americans.”

Top South Florida cabaret performers Melissa Jacobson, John Lariviere, and Carbonell Award-winner Leah Sessa will star in Irving Berlin Salutes America, which will be directed by Jacobson with musical staging by Andy Fiacco.  Mark Galsky will provide the production’s musical direction.

 “Irving Berlin has no place in American music. He IS American music!”
~ Jerome Kern

Irving Berlin

One of the most prolific composers in American history, Irving Berlin’s music has entertained millions since his first song, “Marie from Sunny Italy” was published in 1907.  His first big hit was “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”, which was published in 1911. “His music served as a social barometer for much of the 20th century. It offered hope to a nation in bleak times, and rejoiced in the good things embodied in the American way of life. It also provided anthems for American culture, including such standards as “White Christmas”, “Easter Parade”, “God Bless America”, and “There’s No Business Like Show Business”. (From Broadway, The American Musical – PBS).

Berlin’s music has also served as inspiration to U.S. military personnel for generations; he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1918, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1919.  His musical revue, Yip Yip Yaphank, written while he served, produced the timeless classic, “Oh How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning”. Another classic, “This is the Army”, was written in 1942 for the film of the same name; proceeds from performances of that song totaled over 10 million dollars, and were donated to the Army Relief Fund.

The PGA Arts Center will honor Berlin’s dedication to the armed forces by offering specially priced tickets to Irving Berlin Salutes America to Veterans. (ID and roof of Veteran status must be provided in order to qualify for these tickets).

Among the songs included in Irving Berlin Salutes America are “This is a Great Country”, “Blue Skies”, “Cheek to Cheek”, “Always”, “Heat Wave”, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”, “There’s No Business Like Show Business”, Steppin’ Out With My Baby”, Puttin on the Ritz”, and of course “Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning”, and “This is the Army, Mr. Jones, and “God Bless America.”

Tickets for Irving Berlin Salutes America are on sale now and can be purchased on line at www.pgaartscenter.com or by calling 1-855-448-7469.  For group sales (10+), call 561-808-3446.

Ticket prices and performance times:
Thursday at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, and Saturday at 2 pm – $45 ($39 for groups of 10 or more) Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm – $48 ($42 for groups of 10 or more)
Special price for Veterans – $40 (must show ID and proof of Veteran status)

For more information about Irving Berlin Salutes America, or The PGA Arts Center please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

The PGA Arts Center is located at 4076 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. Ample parking is available within close proximity to the theatre.

~

Irving Berlin Salutes America
November 30 – December 24
Created and compiled by Alan Jacobson
Tickets:  $45 – $48
Tickets:  1-855-448-7469 / www.pgaartscenter.com
Group Sales:  561-808-3446
Performances:
Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 2 pm
Thursday: 7:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 8 pm
PGA Arts Center
4076 PGA Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL  33410
www.pgaartscenter.com
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From left to right: Melissa Jacobson, John Lariviere, & Leah Sessa

LIZZIE: THE MUSICAL – Opens Thinking Cap Theatre’s 2017-2018 Season – October 20th

09 Monday Oct 2017

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Thinking Cap Theatre at The Vanguard
presentsLizzie: The Musical

October 20 – November 4, 2017

“A gothic rock ritual with a ‘riotgirl’ attitude… an eerie hybrid of rock club and a turn-of-the-century New England parlor…. Deliciously watchable” ~ The New York Times

For Immediate Release
Contact: Nicole Stodard
nicole@thinkingcaptheatre.com /(813) 220-1546
Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

October 10, 2017
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL: On a sweltering summer morning in 1892, in Fall River Massachusetts, a prominent business man and his wife were brutally axed to death in their home. Their daughter, Lizzie Borden, was the prime suspect. Lizzie’s trial was a coast-to-coast media sensation, and her story has become an integral part of American criminal mythology.  Lizzie: The Musical – the vibrant, rollicking, rock musical telling of this legendary crime will open Thinking Cap Theatre at the Vanguard’s 2017-2018 season on October 20th.  The production will run through November 4th.

Lizzie: The Musical started out as a four-song theater/rock concert piece written by Tim Maner with songs by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, and later expanded into a full musical with more music and orchestrations by newly added collaborator Alan Stevens Hewitt.   It sprang from Maner and Cheslik-DeMeyer’s love of musicals, Americana, women-rockers, and late 80s queer politics.

Although the show’s music is primarily raucous, rock, and of the ‘Riot Girl’ genre, the play also offers a sensitive look at what could drive someone to (allegedly) commit such a heinous crime (Borden was acquitted of the murders after an all-male jury deliberated for just ninety minutes). It allows audiences to relate to the Borden sisters – Lizzie and Emma –  in a way they might not have considered before. This emotional connection wouldn’t be possible without the four incredible performers that make up the cast – Ann Marie Olson as Lizzie Borden, Sabrina Gore as Emma Borden, Leah Sessa as Alice Russell, and Hanna Richter as Bridget Sullivan.

Lizzie:  The Musical will be directed by Thinking Cap’s Nicole Stodard; the production’s musical direction is by Patrick Watkins.

Tickets for Lizzie are $40 ($20 for students with ID) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling 954-610-7263 or on line at www.thinkingcaptheatre.com .

The Vanguard Sanctuary for the Arts is located at 1501 S. Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 33301.  There is free street parking surrounding the building and a metered municipal lot just south of The Vanguard on Andrews Ave.

For more information about Thinking Cap Theatre at the Vanguard visit www.thinkingcaptheatre.com.  or contact Nicole Stodard at nicole@thinkingcaptheatre.com / 954-610-7263 or Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com /  561-445-9244.

Photos and graphics available on request.

Lizzie: The Musical
October 20 –  November 5
Music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt
Lyrics by Steven Cheslik-Demeyer and Tim Maner
Book by Tim Maner
Tickets:  $40
For Tickets: 813-220-1546
www.thinkingcaptheatre.com
Performances:
Friday, October 20 – 8 pm
Saturday, October 21 – 3 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, October 22 – 5 pm
Friday, October 27 – 8 pm
Saturday, October 28 – 3 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, October 29 – 5 pm
Tuesday, October 31 – 8 pm (Costume encouraged!)
Wednesday, November 1 – 8 pm
Friday, November 3 – 8 pm
Saturday, November 4 – 8 pm
The Vanguard
1501 S. Andrews Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
www.thinkingcaptheatre.com
Like Us on Facebook!  

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The Boca Raton Theatre Guild presents EVERYDAY RAPTURE – November 7th -23rd

13 Monday Oct 2014

Posted by in Boca Raton Theatre Guild, Clients

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The Boca Raton Theatre Guild
presents
Everyday Rapture
Rapture_WebsiteThe Broadway and Off-Broadway hit comes to Boca Raton!

“It easily qualifies as one of the year’s most extravagantly
entertaining new musicals…” Ben Brantley ~ The New York Times

October, 2014 – Boca Raton, FL:
The Boca Raton Theatre Guild was looking for something unique as a follow-up to the company’s recent successful productions of Pippin and Chicago: “Something modern – with music that would appeal to all generations,” says producer Keith Garsson. “And when Everyday Rapture opened on Broadway in 2010 to outstanding reviews and sold-out performances it just stuck in my mind. It’s funny, timely and unlike anything you’ve seen before.” Everyday Rapture will have its South Florida premiere when it previews at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park on November 7th and opens the following night. It will run through November 23rd.

The show, which has been called a ‘stage memoir disguised as fiction’, tells the story of a young woman’s psycho-spiritual-sexual journey down the rocky path that separates her mostly Mennonite past from her mostly Manhattan future – from the cornfields of Kansas to the clover fields of New York (with a disturbing detour through YouTube!). Everyday Rapture entwines spirituality and show biz.  It follows a young woman as she grows from a Mennonite to a Manhattanite, with many psychological and spiritual challenges on the way.  Gay men, Judy Garland and two preachers named Fred all form major parts of the tapestry woven into the play. Everyday Rapture features songs by numerous singers and songwriters including Johnny Mercer, David Byrne, George Harrison, Roberta Flack, Judy Garland, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, and even Mr. Rogers.

Genie's headshot“I’m delighted to be directing the Southeast premiere of this unique musical story,” says Genie Croft. “The lead character is an outsider from Topeka – raised as a Mennonite – who follows her dreams to New York, and creates a career as a Broadway actress.  The emotional, humorous, and spiritual arc of the musical is an exciting contrast of two journeys of discovery that cleverly show how divided personalities can lead to some of the most fascinating people out there.”

Musical director Caryl Fantel, who has credits from Off-Broadway to regional Caryl Fantel Color Head Shot 2014 Print Versiontheatres and concert halls throughout South Florida and around the United States is equally enthusiastic about the production:
“I’m excited to work on it because there’s truly something for everyone, running the gamut of musical styles from standards to musical theatre, funk, and rock. We have a top-notch ensemble of vocalists and a rocking band in place,” she continues, “And I can’t wait to share this unique and entertaining piece of theatre.”

jodie headshot 1 biggerSays lead actress Jodie Langel: “The heart of this show lies in the story of this incredible girl, her desire to be spiritually and morally correct – while dreaming of Broadway, and to do what she loves most – be center stage singing her heart out.”

Joining Langel on the Willow stage will be Ann Marie Olson, Leah Sessa, and Ben Solmor (who is also serving as the show’s choreographer.)

Tickets for Everyday Rapture are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 561-347-3948. Performances are on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are on sale now, and may be purchased at the Willow Theatre Box Office at 561-347-3948.  The Willow Theatre is located at 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton, 33486 (in the heart of Sugar Sand Park, just south of Palmetto Park Road).

For more information, production shots, head shots, or to set up interviews, please contact Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / ckassie@gmail.com or visit: www.brtg.org.

Everyday Rapture
By: Dick Scanlon & Sherie Rene Scott
Featuring Music by Judy Garland, Roberta Flack, David Byrne,
Harry Nilsson, & The Band
November 7 – November 23, 2014
(Previews, November 7 at 8 pm & November 8 at 2 pm)
Tickets: $35 (Groups of 10 or more and previews $28)
Phone: 561-347-3948
Performances:
Thursday – Saturday at 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 S Military Trail
Boca Raton FL 33486
http://www.brtg.org  

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