Tag Archives: Murphy Hayes

World Premiere: EDUCATING ASHER Debuts at Empire Stage July 29 – August 14

18 Monday Jul 2022

Posted by in Clients, Empire Stage

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

A World Premiere at Empire Stage

Eytan Deray’s  
Educating Asher
Debuts July 29 – August 14, 2022

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

July 18, 2022

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL:  Multi-talented South Florida actor and cabaret artist Eytan Deray has added playwright to the list of his accomplishments.  His new play, Educating Asher, will have its world premiere at Empire Stage.  The production will open at July 29th and run through August 14th at the popular Fort Lauderdale venue.  

Eytan Deray

“I started writing Educating Asher 5 years ago as personal therapy after finding out about a beloved teacher’s passing,” Deray explains. “Now it’s a fully realized portrait of grief, friendships between generational gaps, and the importance of teachers/mentors in our life. This play is for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, and my hope is that audiences will leave the theatre not just moved, but ready to start a much-needed conversation.”

Hiding in the kitchen at a reception for a funeral, Asher is not quite sure how to process his grief over the loss of his former middle school teacher, Elliott Weiss, who he hasn’t spoken to or seen in five years. His boyfriend Mark tries to encourage him to talk to Mr. Weiss’s widower, Nick, but to no avail. Soon enough, Asher is forced to confront his grief when Elliott’s ghost appears in the kitchen with him. It’s only now that Elliott is gone that Asher can finally say everything he ever wanted to the teacher that changed his life.

Seth Trucks

“Eytan’s play is deeply personal, somewhat autobiographical, and he has brought in a team of his close friends to help him tell this story,” says Educating Asher’s director Seth Trucks. “It’s been a very powerful experience, the cast is amazing, are all working beautifully together, and I cannot wait to share his play with everyone.”

Trucks has cast Murphy Hayes as Elliott, Michael Harper as Mark, and Noah Levine as Nick.  Eytan Deray will play Asher.

Harold Petion will serve as the production’s Stage Manager.  Lighting Design is by Preston Bircher, Set Design is by Johnbarry Green and Jordon Armstrong, and Sound Design is by Seth Trucks.

Tickets for Educating Asher are $25 and are available online at www.empirestage.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.

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

Educating Asher
July 29 – August 14, 2022By Eytan Deray
Directed by Seth Trucks
Tickets: $25
For tickets:
www.empirestage.com / 954-678-1496
Performances:
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
Sunday at 5 pm
All performances take place at 
Empire Stage
1140 N. Flagler Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

  • Eytan Deray
  • Michael Harper
  • Murphy Hayes
  • Noah Levine
  • Seth Trucks
  • Murphy Hayes, Eytan Deray, Noah Levine
  • Murphy Hayes, Eytan Deray
  • Murphy Hayes, Eytan Deray
  • Michael Harper, Eytan Deray
  • Murphy Hayes, Eytan Deray
  • Eytan Deray
  • Murphy Hayes, Eytan Deray, Noah Levine

Lightning Bolt Productions presents YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN – THE MEL BROOKS MUSICAL – April 13 – 22

05 Thursday Apr 2018

Posted by in Clients, Lightning Bolt Productions

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lightning Bolt Productions
presents
Young Frankenstein – The Mel Brooks Musical
April 13 – 22

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

April 5, 2018

BOCA RATON, FL:  Lightning Bolt Productions’ Young Frankenstein – The Mel Brooks Musical will open at the West Boca Performing Arts Center at West Boca High School* on April 13th, and run through April 22nd.

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

Young Frankenstein was Mel Brooks’ follow-up to his hit musical The Producers, and audience reaction to the production was consistently positive, much to his delight: “I love what they do,” Brooks said in an interview shortly after the show opened. “The audience knows Young Frankenstein the movie; they didn’t know The Producers. They all neigh when anyone on stage says “Frau Blucher”. And they can’t wait for the Blind Hermit to spill the hot soup on the monster’s lap. It’s great to see the audience play ping-pong with the actors.”

Jessie Hoffman

Lightning Bolt founder, and the show’s director Jessie Hoffman has drawn upon a special piece of the film’s history to inspire and inform her directorial choices: “I think it’s safe to say that everyone has a special place in their heart for Gene Wilder,” she explains. “Throughout the filming process of Young Frankenstein he and Mel Brooks only had one disagreement, which would probably shock most fans of the movie. Mel Brooks strongly disliked Wilder’s idea to include a scene where Fredrick Frankenstein performed “Puttin’ On The Ritz” with the monster. Of course, once the scene was done, Brooks admitted that he’d been wrong and stated that it was the best thing in the movie.

“As a director, it’s my job to find the difficult balance of staying true to what the piece is meant to be, while making it my own,” she continues. “Because of this, Young Frankenstein might very well be the most difficult show I’ve ever directed, but also, the most rewarding. If I can learn anything from this production, it’s to trust my instincts, my ideas, and myself no matter what others say. To trust my humor and my creativity, because if Gene hadn’t trusted his, one of the most beloved, hilarious, and iconic moments of this film wouldn’t exist. It’s truly amazing how something that can bring such laughter, joy, and amusement to so many people can also teach such an important life lesson, and I’m truly grateful to Gene Wilder for helping me learn that.”

Nicole Stav

Lightning Bolt has enlisted Nicole Stav to help shepherd the fledgling theatre company’s show onto the stage – she will serve as the production’s Stage Manager, and has designed many aspects of the show including the Set, Lighting, Costume, and Props: “I’m truly excited to be able to blend my passion for theatre with my skills in business management,” she says. “It’s not very often that we get to do what we love, but when you do, it never really feels like work. Spearheading this new production company has been rewarding in so many ways, and the relationships we’re forming within the South Florida Theatre Industry are invaluable, to say the very least. Managing such a large cast while simultaneously taking care of props, costumes, lighting design, and set design has been challenging; however, I feel that the hard work we’ve put in will be so obvious once everyone sees the show!”

Young Frankenstein cast members include Max Miller (Frederick Frankenstein), Jonathan Cabrera (Igor), Jessie Hoffman (Inga), Josh Nelson (The Creature), Eileen Flanagan Parente (Frau Blucher), Taryn Bagdasarian (Elizabeth), Larry Bresslerr (Inspector Kemp), and Murphy Hayes (The Hermit, etc.).  Also cast are Michael Reizburg, Ravelle Miller, Victoria Kuhns, Angela Moormann-Davis, Valerie Bressler, Aaron Bravo, and Christian Matthiesen.

The show’s Musical Director is Angela Moormann-Davis; Choreography is by Taryn Bagdasarian.

Tickets for Young Frankenstein – The Mel Brooks Musical are on sale now and can be purchased on line at www.lbptheatre.com or by phone at 561-886-8286.  Tickets are $35.  Group rates (6 or more tickets purchased in one transaction) are $28, and student tickets ($20 with valid ID) are also available.

For more information about Jessie Hoffman, Lightning Bolt Productions, and/or Young Frankenstein, please contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.

~

Young Frankenstein – The Mel Brooks Musical
Book by Mel Brooks
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Book by Thomas Meehan
April 13 – 22
Tickets: $35 (Student & Group Rates available)
For Tickets:  www.lbptheatre.com / 561-886-8286
Performance Schedule:
Friday and Saturday at 7 pm
Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm

All performances at
West Boca Performing Arts Center at West Boca High School
12811 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL  33498
www.lbptheatre.com
Like Us on Facebook!

*Disclaimer: Lightning Bolt Productions (“LBP”) is not affiliated with or endorsed by the School Board of Palm Beach County or West Boca High School (“WBHS”) and the events/activities hosted by Lightning Bolt Productions on West Boca High School’s premises pursuant to a lease agreement shall not be construed as being conducted, funded, hosted, or sponsored by the School Board or West Boca High School on behalf of Lightning Bolt Productions.  The School Board and West Boca High School undertake no responsibility for supervising or monitoring Lightning Bolt Productions’ events/activities and will not be liable for any and all actions of Lightning Bolt Productions on West Boca High School’s premises.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Travel AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS at Boca Raton’s Sol Theatre – December 8 – 23

14 Tuesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Clients, Sol Children Theatre

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sol Children Theatre
Presents
Around the World in 80 Days
December 8 – 23

“It’s really useful to travel, if you want to see new things.”
~ Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days

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

November 14, 2017:
BOCA RATON, FL:  If theatre audiences are looking for travel and adventure this holiday season, they need venture no farther than to Sol Theatre in Boca Raton, where Sol Children Theatre will present a brand new musical adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic tale, Around the World in 80 Days.  From London to Bombay and Yokohama to San Francisco; through typhoons, out-of- control trains, and into the deepest reaches of the imagination, this family friendly adventure will delight audiences of all ages.  The production will run from December 8th through December 23rd in the popular ‘black box’ theatre.

Phileas Fogg has bet he can race around the world – from London and back to London – in a mere 80 days, but the pressure’s on and time is running out. At his side, a band of quirky adventurers. At their heels, a relentless Scotland Yard detective. At stake, surviving utterly fantastic adventures across India, China, Japan and America – beating the clock – and winning the bet.

The production will be directed by Rosalie Grant, Sol’s dynamic founder and artistic director:

Rosalie Grant

“When I discovered this version of Around the World in 80 Days I instantly knew two things:  Sol had to stage it, and I had to direct it!” says Grant.  “I’ve always loved the story, and this version is wonderfully funny, and the music is very catchy!  It is a perfect family theatre show with enough laughs for adults as well.  I am having the time of my life directing an amazing cast of young actors in addition to adults who are my colleagues and friends.” 

Around the World in 80 Days’ combination of adult and child actors include Murphy Hayes as Phileas Fogg, Christian Matthiesen (L’Ambiance – Virtual School) as Passepartout, Faith Alfieri (Spanish River Christian School) as Inspector Fix, and Renèe Elizabeth Turner as Aouda.

Murphy Hayes

“As soon as I heard the music from this show I knew I wanted to be part of it,” says Around the World’s Philias Fogg, Murphy Hayes. “The fact that it will kick off Sol Children Theatre’s Sweet 16 Season is even more exciting. The talent of the younger actors in this show and the amount of dedication they bring challenges us adult actors to bring our best to this amazing ensemble,” he continues.  “It’s a fun family show for everyone to enjoy together…I think people may even find themselves humming a tune or two on their way home!”

Renee Elizabeth Turner

Renèe Elizabeth Turner agrees: “I am beyond honored to be a part of this exciting production inspired by the beloved Jules Verne novel,” she enthuses. “This is a show about adventure, self-discovery, and having faith in what you can achieve even when the odds are against you. The role of Princess Aouda is one that continually proves to be far more than a traditional female romantic lead. She is a woman who is loyal, caring, well educated, and strong; even while living in a culture where the traditions of human sacrifice and arranged marriages are the social norm. Thus, these unfortunate circumstances force her into the confines of never knowing what it truly means to freely fall in love. It is an absolute joy to present the musical version of this timeless classic with this incredible cast.”

Other young cast members include Kylie Lawrence (Boca High), Ava Cavasos (Henderson School), Kate Finkelstein, sisters Megan and Samantha Mascaro (Paseos – Virtual School), Samantha Marchena (Morikami Park Elementary School), Megan Enriquez (Grandview Prep).  ‘Adult’ cast members include Jenna Wyatt, Jennipher Whitcomb, and Sara Elizabeth Grant.

Around the World in 80 Days’ Musical Director is Anthony Campisi, with choreography by Sara Elizabeth Grant. The show’s Scenic Designer is Kate McVay; Costume Designers are MJ Baum and Briana Earhart; Lighting Design and set construction is by Ardean Landhuis.  The production’s Stage Manager is Sean Smyth.

Boca Raton’s Sol Children Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre organization founded by veteran director and actor Rosalie Grant sixteen 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 Around the World in 80 Days 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.  Group rates are also available. 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 Rosalie Grant at 561-447-8829 / solchildtroupe@aol.com or Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / carol@carolkassie.com

Around the World in 80 Days
December 8 – 23, 2017
Book and Lyrics by Chris Blackwood
Music by Piers Chater Robinson
Based on the book by Jules Verne
Directed by Rosalie Grant
Tickets:  $20 / $15 juniors (11 and under)
Group rates are also available.
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).

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Evening Star Productions presents SEE ROCK CITY AND OTHER DESTINATIONS – January 12 – 29

21 Wednesday Dec 2016

Posted by in Clients

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Evening Star Productions
presents
The South Florida Premiere of
use_seerockcity_logo-strokeJanuary 13 – 29
(Preview Performance – January 12)

December 21, 2016

BOCA RATON, FL:  Evening Star Productions will present the South Florida premiere of Brad Alexander and Adam Mathias’ award-winning contemporary musical, See Rock City and Other Destinations, at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton, from January 13 – 29, 2017. (There will be a preview performance on January 12 at 8 pm.)

With a book full of humor and humanity, and a score that incorporates pop, rock, folk and more, each of the musical’s loosely linked stories builds on the last to create a vivid travelogue of Americans learning to overcome their fears and expectations in order to connect:

A wanderer believes his destiny is written on rooftops along the North Carolina Interstate; a young man yearns to connect with intelligent life in Roswell, New Mexico; a woman at the Alamo steps out of the shadow of her grandparents’ idealized romance to take a chance on love; three estranged sisters cruise to Glacier Bay to scatter their father’s ashes; two high school boys face unexpected fears in the Coney Island Spook House; and a terrified bride-to-be ponders taking the leap… over Niagara Falls.

See Rock City & Other Destinations won the 2011 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical and was nominated for Outstanding Lyrics, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Lighting, and Outstanding Musical. The musical also received the 2007 Jerry Bock Award and the 2008 Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre Writing.

Rosalie GrantEvening Star’s Artistic Director Rosalie Grant chose Geoffrey Short to direct the production: “While designing Evening Star’s 4th season I felt it was important to bring a variety of creativity to the table,” she explains. “I’d had several discussions with Geoffrey Short over the past year, and having witnessed his work as actor and director, I felt he would be a perfect fit to direct for Evening Star.  Geoffrey knew instantly he wanted to bring See Rock City to Sol Theatre and Evening Star … it felt like a perfect fit of cast size, instrumentation and story for Sol’s intimate setting.  And from what I’m hearing from the cast as they navigate these early rehearsals it truly is a perfect fit!”

geoff-short-headshot-3“I was immediately charmed by See Rock City and Other Destinations when I first saw it performed at Baldwin Wallace University in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio in 2010,” says director Short .  “It’s an award-winning show about journeys and destinations. Highways and pilgrimages. The heart and spirit of the show is that it’s an intimate musical driven by the theme of travelling to tell stories that speak to anyone who has loved, lost or searched for more meaning in their lives. Its themes are truly universal.  It’s funny and touching with an incredible contemporary score that I’m so excited to share in its South Florida regional premiere at Evening Star Productions. I’m sure audiences will be as charmed with See Rock City and this incredible cast of storytellers as I have been.”

See Rock City and Other Destinations will feature Yasmin Adli, Chris Alvarez, Chris D’Angelo, Robert Fritz, Jeanine Gangloff, Murphy Hayes, and Mariah Jimenez.

Anthony Campisi will serve as the production’s Musical Director; Scenic Art is by Katie McVay, Lighting Design is by Geoffrey Short, who co-designed the set with Ardean Landhuis.

See Rock City and Other Destinations will run from January 13 – 29 at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton. (There will be a preview performance on January 12 at 8 pm.) Tickets are $30 and $15 for students and seniors. Group rates are also available. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased  by calling 561-447-8829 or on line at www.eveningstarproductions.org.

For more information about Evening Star Productions visit www.eveningstarproductions.org or contact Rosalie Grant at 561-447-8829 /info@eveningstarproductions.com ; for more information about this production, contact Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 /carol@carolkassie.com.

This press release along with head shots and graphics can be viewed on line at:

See Rock City and Other Destinations
January 12 – 29, 2017
Music by Brad Alexander
Book & Lyrics by Adam Mathias
Directed by Geoffrey Short
Tickets:  $30 / $15 for students and seniors
Performances:
Thursday – Saturday: 8 pm
Sunday:  2 pm
For Tickets:  561-447-8829 / www.eveningstarproductions.org
3333 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL  33431
www.eveningstarproductions.org
Like Us on Facebook!

Please note:  See Rock City and Other Destinations contains adult language and is rated PG13.

Praise for See Rock City and Other Destinations:

“[See Rock City & Other Destinations] turns out to be an excellent and moving new musical… It’s also beautiful, it’s hopeful, and it’s – in the best sense of the word – sweet.” – The New York Observer

“The music by Brad Alexander with lyrics by Mathias is consistently lovely. The songs are polished and catchy displaying the composers’ gift for writing tunes that are both versatile and genuinely moving.” – NY-1

“The musical’s genuine heart and humor simply transports audiences.” – TheatreMania

“For anyone who loves musical theater, See Rock City & Other Destinations is relevant, entertaining, and worth going out of your way to see.” – Rural Intelligence

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Sol Children Theatre presents CHARLES DICKENS’ THE CHRISTMAS CAROL

10 Thursday Nov 2016

Posted by in Clients, Sol Children Theatre

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sol Children Theatre
 presents
thechristmascarol_plain-ckDecember 2 – 18

Perfect entertainment for the entire family…


November 10, 2016:

BOCA RATON, FL: The beloved tale of the penny-pinching miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the awakening of his long-forgotten festive spirit is a seasonal tradition for many. Sol Children Theatre will revisit Charles Dickens’ ghostly tale of the Past, Present, and Future when they present Brian Way’s faithful adaptation of Dickens’ timeless classic. The production will run from December 2nd through December 18th at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton.

First published on December 19th, 1843, Dickens’ novella immediately met with critical and popular acclaim, and has never been out of print. A Christmas Carol illustrates the author’s concerns about time, family, and society’s ills; however Dickens also used his own humiliating childhood experiences, along with his sympathy for the poor, and various fairy tales and seasonal stories to enhance his tale.

chris mitchellCharles Dickens’ The Christmas Carol will be directed by Christopher Mitchell, and will feature a cast composed of adults and children.

“With it paying homage to both a cherished story and treasured holiday, I’m thrilled to be directing this production,” Mitchell says.  “It’s eerie spooky undertones and touching story line have been great fun to play with. Everyone loves a good ghost story and a great Christmas story. And with this play, you get both!”

Director Mitchell’s adult cast includes Jim Gibbons as Ebenezer Scrooge;  Murphy Hayes as Jacob Marley and Joe;  Robert Fabano as Bob Cratchit. Other adult cast members include Sara Grant, Barry Katz, Fern Katz, Constance Moreau, Jenna Wyatt, Jeremy Wershoven, Amy Coker, John Maher, Neil Evangelista, Shafer Ross, and Melanie Leivers. Younger cast members include Eden Wexler as Tiny Tim, as well as Faith Alfieri, and Sabrina Lipp.

Boca Raton’s Sol Children Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre organization founded by veteran director and actor Rosalie Grant fifteen 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.  In this production of Charles Dickens’ The Christmas Carol, Sol students will have the opportunity to work with adult professional actors as well as with their contemporaries.

 brian-francis-wayBrian Way (1923 – 2006), a British teacher, director, and writer, is often credited with originating educational theater for children. He and Margaret Faulkes, in founding the Theatre Center in London, introduced the concept of informal theatrical performances in school, and the expansion of arts education. In his lifetime he wrote over 50 plays, including Pinocchio, The Mirrorman, and Sleeping Beauty, as well as the renowned text Audience Participation.

Tickets for Charles Dickens’ The Christmas Carol are on sale now and can be purchased on line at www.solchildren.org or by calling 561-447-8829.  Tickets are $20; $12 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, a complete list of upcoming productions, as well as the company’s popular summer camp program, visit www.solchildren.org, or contact Rosalie Grant at 561-447-8829 / solchildtroupe@aol.com or Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / carol@carolkassie.com

Charles Dickens The Christmas Carol
Adapted by Brian Way
December 2 – December 18, 2014
Tickets:  $20 ($12 for juniors 11 and under)
For tickets:  561-447-8829 / www.solchildren.org
Performances:
Friday & Saturday at 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
All performances at
Sol Theatre
3333 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33431
www.solchildren.org
Like Us on Facebook!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.