Tag Archives: musical comedy

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM Opens November 23rd in the Rinker Playhouse

11 Monday Nov 2019

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MNM Theatre Company and the Kravis Center
co-present
A Funny Thing Happened
on the Way to the Forum
Opening November 23rd in the Rinker Playhouse
“Something familiar… Something peculiar…
Something for everyone:  A comedy tonight!”

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

November 12, 2019

WEST PALM BEACH, FL:  The cast and crew of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum are deep into rehearsals and preparation for the show’s November 23rd opening.  Forum, an MNM Theatre Company co-presentation with the Kravis Center, will run in the venue’s Rinker Playhouse through December 8th.

Light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent, and completely politically incorrect, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is one of the funniest musicals ever written. Based on the works of the Roman playwright Plautus (254 – 184 BCE), whose comedies are the earliest Latin literary works to have survived in their entirety, the show focuses on Pseudolus, a crafty slave who struggles to win the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan named Philia for his young master Hero in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns and is filled with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors, and a showgirl or two. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum allows MNM’s terrific ensemble of comedic actors to shine.

Jonathan Van Dyke

The production’s director, Jonathan Van Dyke is extremely enthusiastic about the show: “I am so enjoying taking this riotous trip to the Forum with MNM and I know this cast would make Titus Maccius Plautus proud!” he says.  “They’re all welcoming this material with open arms and are going to supply our audiences their denarius worth of hilarity!”

“This is the first musical for which Stephen Sondheim wrote both the music and the lyrics,” Paul Reekie, Forum’s musical director explains.  “Some people find Sondheim’s later works more difficult to enjoy because they are musically dissonant,  but Forum has traditional harmonies and many of the songs are eminently hummable! MNM is again proud to have an amazing six-piece band for the show.”

Johnbarry Green

“It’s a farce, effortlessly shifting the audience from humor to biting social commentary on a dime all while throwing lyrics and lines as speedily as it can,” says Johnbarry Green, who plays A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’s Pseudolus  “It’s the reason I love the piece and why it’s so challenging.  Every moment has to be carefully constructed to walk that delicate edge, otherwise they can fail contextually.  That’s why it’s such a crowning achievement when it works.”

Along with Green as Pseudolus, the Forum cast includes Michael Scott Ross* as Hysterium, Aaron Bower as Domina, J Savage* as Hero, Terry Hardcastle* as Marcus Lycus, Troy Stanley as Senex, Sean William Davis as Miles Gloriosus, Paul Thompson as Erronius, and Meg Frost as Philia.  Other cast members include Victoria Joleen Anderson, Lauren Cluett, Alexandra Dow, Stephen Eisenwasser, Frank Francisco, Elijah Pearson-Martinez, Meredith Pughe, Ashley Rubin, and Alexandra Van Hasselt.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will run from November 23 – December 8. (There will be a preview performance on November 22nd.) The production will take place in the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center.   Tickets are $39 – $55 and are on sale now.  For tickets and information call 561-832-7469; online: kravis.org or mnmtheatre.org.  For group rates and sales call 561-651-4438.

MNM Theatre Company attained not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status in 2018. They are an award- winning theatre company based in the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. For more information about MNM Theatre Company please visit mnmtheatre.org or contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.

*Appearing through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
November 23 – December 8
(Preview performance November 22 at 7:30)
Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
For Tickets: mnmtheatre.org / kravis.org / 561-832-7469
Performances:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm (no Thanksgiving night performance)
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 pm
Tickets:  $39 – $55
All performances in
Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center
701 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
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About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts:        
The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality, by offering comprehensive arts education programs – serving approximately 2.5 million schoolchildren since its inception; by providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations to showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. To enhance and elevate the customer experience, the Center has embarked upon a $50 million capital campaign to support a campus redesign and facility expansion that will create a more accessible, comfortable and pedestrian-friendly venue for the community. Aptly named Kravis 2020: The Future is Now, this campaign is at the heart of the Kravis Center’s vision for the future. For information, please visit kravis.org or call the Box Office at 561.832.7469.

 

Sol Children Theatre presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS October 4 – 20

16 Monday Sep 2019

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Sol Children Theatre
presents

Little Shop of Horrors

 

October 4 – 20

 “I’m a mean green mother from outer space and I’m BAD!!”
Audrey II – Little Shop of Horrors

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

September 16, 2019

BOCA RATON, FL:  A deviously delicious Broadway horror comedy rock sci-fi musical, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre-goers for over 30 years.  Sol Children Theatre will present this beloved cult classic, created by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin), from October 4th through October 20th at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton.  The production will feature a roster of talented young actors and Sol Troupe members.

Meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it…blood. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

Sarah Elizabeth Grant

“Halloween is right around the corner, and whether it be evil clowns or alien plants, we’re all secretly craving a story that has us checking to see what is lodging in the darkness,” says Sol Producer Sara Elizabeth Grant.  “This iconic musical gives us that perfect dose of horror.  Too scary?  Don’t worry!  It’s paired with fun and unforgettable songs, giant puppets, and some remarkable comic relief!  Little Shop of Horrors is a timeless piece of theatre – enjoyable for everyone.  This wonderful cast of young theatre artists is not only bringing this show to life, but they are embracing every aspect of it.  We are also so fortunate to have Murphy Hayes voice the role of Audrey II… So between the Direction of Courtney Poston, performances from the phenomenal students of Sol Children Theatre and Murphy Hayes, plus some awesome puppets, this is one show you certainly don’t want to miss!”

Courtney Poston

“Little Shop of Horrors is a heart-warming musical comedy parody of all those wonderful 1960s B-horror films,” says Director Courtney Poston. “It follows the harried lives of the residents down on Skid Row, and the lengths they’ll go to make a better life for themselves. Who hasn’t been there, am I right? Oh, and there’s a talking, man-eating plant from an alien planet! Just in time for the Halloween season, come get a little scared, laugh it off, “but whatever you do don’t feed the plants”!”

Poston’s Little Shop of Horrors cast includes Niko Zontini as Seymour, Mia Salerno as Audrey, Murphy Hayes as Audrey II, Luke Nappe as Orin, and Celia Roberts as Mrs. Mushnick.  Other cast members include Ava Cavasos, Jaclyn Cohen, Ella Rose Giner, Kylie Lawrence, Maureen Tracy, Eden Wexler, Kimmy Wilkinson, and Sofia Zontini,

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

Tickets for Little Shop of Horrors 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. Group rates are 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. To speak with someone involved in the production, or to arrange to attend a performance, please contact contact Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / carol@carolkassie.com

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Little Shop of Horrors
October 4 – 20
Book by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith
For tickets: www.solchildren.org / 561-447-8829
Direct ticketing link:  https://tinyurl.com/yalf43yt
Tickets:  $20 /$15 for juniors (11 & under)
Performances:
Friday at 7 & Saturday at 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
All performances will take place at
Sol Theatre
3333 N Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33431
www.solchildren.org
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Entr’Acte Theatrix presents MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT – June 20 – 30

21 Tuesday May 2019

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Entr’Acte Theatrix
presents
Monty Python’s Spamalot

June 20 – 30

We eat ham, and jam and Spam a lot…

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie

May 21, 2019:

DELRAY BEACH, FL: Entr’Acte Theatrix will revisit one of the silliest places on earth when their encore production of Monty Python’s Spamalot opens at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square in Delray Beach.   The show will run from June 20th through the 30th. The award-winning musical is “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, with a book by Python Eric Idle, and a score by Idle and John Du Prez. Like the film, Spamalot is a totally irreverent and typically Pythonesque parody of the Arthurian saga:

The legendary King Arthur, accompanied by his faithful servant, Patsy, travels through his kingdom, collecting members for his Knights of the Round Table.  Some of his recruits include Sir Robin, a collector of plague victims, and Lance a ‘large, handsome, and incredibly violent man’, who agree to join him – Lance ‘for the fighting’, and Robin for ‘the singing and dancing’.  The Lady of the Lake (and her Laker Girls), Sir Bedevere, and Sir Dennis Galahad eventually join Arthur in his search for The Holy Grail. The show also features a bevy of beautiful girls (of course), not to mention ‘cows, killer rabbits, and French people’.  As The Sunday Times observed, Monty Python’s Spamalot ‘raises silliness to an art form’.

Entr’Acte Theatrix has assembled a talented cast to populate the surreal World of Python.  The suitably kingly Troy Stanley will take on the role of Arthur, and Greg Halmos will play his faithful Patsy.  Kalli Courakos will play The Lady of the Lake and Rosseroni Parris will don Sir Galahad’s armor. Also cast are Christian Ortega as Brave Sir Robin, Dallas Erwin as Sir Lancelot, and Chris Cimorelli as Sir Bedevere. Other cast members include Ennalls Berl, Drew Brown, Briana Earhart, Savanna Marino, Nysia Matos, Andy Morejon, Sarah Rayburn, Hannah Rosenberg, Carlo Rufino-Sabusap, Ben Shaevitz, and Nicole Stav.

“We consider this production of Spamalot a celebration of our 10 years as Entr’acte Theatrix,” the company’s Founder/Producer Vicki Halmos says.  We’ve captured a few of our original cast members from our 2013 production to reprise their roles.

“Spamalot did, and will again, allow our very talented cast to hone their comedic skills and to bring this tribute to the iconic Monty Python troupe,” she continues. “In preparation, particularly with new cast members, we had a workshop before we began rehearsals to encourage these cast members to hone their comedy chops, and I think the audiences will be delighted in what we have created. In addition, we have a couple of Palm Beach Principle Players/Entr’acte Theatrix alums in various positions – including our director, JR Coley, and our Choreographer, Jamie Mattocks. Both of these talented thespians were cast members together in our production of Oklahoma many years ago when they were still in high school and college. That particular early production set the standard of excellence for us having since turned out two Tony winners, and gave that cast the chance to work with a world class choreographer from the NY dance world. Our standard of excellence continues in providing performance and production training opportunities for young actors on the brink of their careers, and also allowing them to remain in Palm Beach County to begin building their resumes.”

Monty Python’s Spamalot will run for 12 performances only, from June 20th to 30th, at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square in Delray Beach.  The theatre is located at 51 North Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, 33444.  Tickets are on sale now and are available online at  https://oldschoolsquare.org/ or by calling 561-243-7922. Tickets are $35 – $45; $25 for groups of 10 or more. $15 Student Rush tickets will be available ½ hour before curtain only, with valid ID.

For more information about Entr’Acte Theatrix or Monty Python’s Spamalot visit www.entractetheatrix.com, or contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com /561-445-9244.

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Monty Python’s Spamalot
June 20 – 30, 2019
Book:  Eric Idle
Score:  Eric Idle and John Du Prez
Tickets:  $35-45
Groups of 10 or more: $25
Student Rush – ½ hour before curtain: $15 – with valid ID
Click HERE to purchase tickets, or call 561-243-7922
Performances:
Thursday, June 20th @ 8pm
Friday, June 21th @ 8pm
Saturday, June 22nd @ 2pm and 8pm
Sunday, June 23rd @ 2pm and 7pm
Wednesday, June 26th @ 8pm
Thursday, June 27th @ 8pm
Friday, June 28th @ 8pm
Saturday June 29th @ 2pm and 8pm
Sunday June 30th @ 2pm

Crest Theatre at Old School Square,
51 N. Swinton Ave.
Delray Beach 33444
Box Office: 561-243-7922, ext. 1
https://oldschoolsquare.org
www.entractetheatrix.com
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OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center January 9 – February 10, 2019

18 Tuesday Dec 2018

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Old Jews Telling Jokes
at
The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center
January 9 – February 10, 2019

…a priest, a rabbi and a frog walk into a bar….

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

December 19, 2018

BOCA RATON, FL:  Philip Roger Roy and Playhouse Productions, Inc. will present the Off-Broadway hit, Old Jews Telling Jokes at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center beginning January 9, 2019. The show will run through February 10.

When Eric Spiegelman and his partner Tim Williams asked film and television producer Sam Hoffman if he had any ideas for an internet website, he pitched the concept of Old Jews Telling Jokes.  Millions of views, shares, and guffaws later, Hoffman – in collaboration with Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent, brought his Old Jews to New York for an extremely successful run at the Westside Theatre.

Old Jews Telling Jokes, which has been called a “pickle-barrel full of giggles”, showcases five actors in a revue-type production that pays tribute to and reinvents classic jokes of the past and present.  It celebrates the rich tradition of Jewish humor “and all the rabbis, complaining wives, fed-up husbands, patience-challenged physicians, gossiping ladies and competitive men” populating it. The humor can be suggestive (sometimes even bawdy – the show has been suggested as being appropriate for audiences age 21 and up!) as the ‘Old Jews’ make fun of themselves as well as followers of every other religion.  “Think Catskills comedy – with jokes, songs, stories, skits, and routines,” says Old Jews producer Philip Roger Roy. “The humor is reminiscent of the great Jewish comedians from Buddy Hackett and Alan King to Tom Lehrer and more. This show makes it obvious that Jewish humor is Universal – it’s American humor!”

“I attribute [Old Jews Telling Jokes’] success to a number of factors,” Sam Hoffman has said.  “It’s funny. We launched …in [2009] the year when the recession was nearly at its worst and I think people really liked having something fun to download…. it celebrates older people with no irony, and I think that’s a fairly unusual commodity in popular entertainment.”

Jeremy Quinn will direct the production, which will feature Robyn Eli Brenner, Emily Freeman, Janna Morrison, David Samuel, Michael H. Small.  Freeman and Small both recently received rave reviews when they were featured in Stage Door Theatre’s production of Nice Work if You Can Get It.

Michael H. Small

Small, who will be reprising the role he played four years ago in the show’s regional premiere, is looking forward to the production: “I relish the opportunity to play this material in South Florida again,” Small says, “It’s a wonderful show for the area – the humor is timeless and South Florida audiences love to laugh. There are a lot of funny people down here. I got lost in Boca on Tuesday and couldn’t find my way back to the highway. I saw a man walking on the sidewalk, so I pulled over and put down my window. I hollered, ‘how do you get to 95?’ He looked at me and said, ‘Don’t eat meat!’”

Jeremy Quinn

“Old Jews Telling Jokes is one of the funniest scripts I’ve read in a very long time…simply because of the number of laughs – one right after another,” the show’s director Jeremy Quinn says. “When I first read it, I found myself laughing out loud…loudly. I’m sure they heard me in Cleveland. You certainly don’t have to be Jewish to appreciate and relate to the humor or the funny stories; but the style of the writing absolutely lends itself to the Catskills comedy shows of yesteryear. And with the addition of projections and musical numbers, this show is NOT just “stand-up”. It’s also quite touching from time to time – a perfect balance.

“I’m quite fortunate to be working with a cast who inherently gets the timing and delivery necessary for this script,” he continues. “That is a HUGE advantage and not something easily taught. Two out of five actors have done the show before, so we’re blessed to have their performance experience alongside us during the rehearsal process.

“Throughout my 38-year career in theatre (as both an actor and director), the one thing that is consistently the most rewarding, is the sound of laughter when a joke is perfectly delivered and lands with open arms around the entire audience. For me,” Quinn says, “applause is secondary to the sound of even one person laughing…it’s the gauge of a job well done. But put 200 or more people laughing together, experiencing the same relatable, LIVE experience for 90 minutes; and it’s an unforgettable symphony of pleasure for everyone involved. Who could ask for anything more? Ok, yes…maybe whirled peas.”

Old Jews Telling Jokes will open on January 9, 2019 at The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center in Boca Raton. The theatre is located at 201 Plaza Real (2nd Floor), in Boca Raton (33432)

Tickets for Old Jews Telling Jokes range from $45–$65, and may be purchased online at  http://playhouseinfo.com/miznerpark or by calling 844-672-2849.  Group rates are also available and can be arranged by calling 888-264-1788.

For more information about Old Jews Telling Jokes and/or Playhouse Productions, please visit http://playhouseinfo.com, or contact Carol Kassie (carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244).

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Old Jews Telling Jokes
January 9 – February 10, 2019
Created by Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent
Based on the website:  www.oldjewstellingjokes.com
Tickets:  $45 – $65
For Tickets:  844-672-2849 / http://playhouseinfo.com/miznerpark
Group Sales: 888-264-1788
Performances:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 pm
Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 3 pm
All performances will take place at
Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center
201 Plaza Real (2nd Floor)
Boca Raton, FL 33432
http://playhouseinfo.com/miznerpark

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WAISTWATCHERS THE MUSICAL! Jogs into the Miracle Theatre for a 4 Week Run! (December 14 – January 13)

12 Monday Nov 2018

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Dana Matthow
presents
WaistWatchers The Musical!
December 14, 2018 – January 13, 2019

The High-Energy Musical Comedy about Food, Friendship, Fun, and the Universal Journey to Positive Self-image Heads to Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Mile

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

November 12, 2018

CORAL GABLES, FL:  The show that has had audience members “burning off pounds just laughing,” according to the Los Angeles Times, WaistWatchers The Musical! will spend five fun-filled weeks at Miracle Theatre.  Produced by Dana Matthow and starring four talented local actresses, including award-winning performer Mimi J, who wowed audiences recently in I Will Survive, the musical takes a lighthearted and hilarious look at women dealing with their relationship to food, diets, body image, and fitness, while celebrating the transformative power of female friendship on the journey to self-acceptance. Capturing audiences of all ages from start to finish, the production will run from December 14th through January13th at the popular Coral Gables theatre.

“Women have described WaistWatchers The Musical! as an empowering vehicle – one that defines happiness as confidence, laughter and love,” says the show’s producer Dana Matthow. “WaistWatchers The Musical! encourages women to reject the social pressures of achieving the mirage of so-called perfection and to simply embrace themselves for who they are.”

Boasting successful tours across the country in over 20 cities, including an upcoming international tour across Australia and New Zealand, WaistWatchers The Musical! is full of high-powered energy. The production is 90 minutes of non-stop exercise, song, and dance, featuring three women and their exuberant younger trainer, as they all tackle the universal issues of dieting, exercise, plastic surgery, sex, and self-love.

Krissy Johnson, will direct and choreograph the production, taking over from the show’s original director Matt Silva. Johnson has been part of the WaistWatchers family for over 3 years, performing in the show’s national tour first as Cheryl, and then as Carla.

The show’s original choreographer Dani Tucci-Juraga describes it best – “WaistWatchers The Musical is about strong, sensitive, passionate and evolving women who function best with humor, grit, and good friends by their side.  As choreographer, getting to work with the cast is much like the plot. We are there to support each other and above all, laugh.”

WaistWatcher’s musical director is the show’s composer, Vince DiMura, who has provided original music to accompany creator Alan Jacobson’s clever lyrics.

Along with Mimi J, who will play Cheryl, the WaistWatchers cast includes Jordana Forest as Cindy, Sara Elizabeth Grant as Carla, and Angela Thomas as Connie.   Nicole Stav will pull double duty as the show’s MC and Stage Manager.

WaistWatchers The Musical! will run from December 14, 2018 – January 13, 2019 at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. The theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile, in Coral Gables (33314).  Tickets for WaistWatchers The Musical! are $49-$59. Group rates (12 or more) are also available. Tickets may be purchased on line at waistwatchersthemusical.com or www.actorsplayhouse.org/ or by phone at 305-444-9293.  For group rates call 305-504-5020.

For more information about Waist Watchers The Musical please visit waistwatchersthemusical.com , or contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com  / 561-445-9244.
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Waist Watchers The Musical!
December 14, 2018 – January 13, 2019
Creator, Book and Lyrics by Alan Jacobson
Music by Vince Di Mura
Tickets: $49 – $59
Phone: 305-444-9293
On line: wwww.waistwatchersthemusical.com / www.actorsplayhouse.org/
Group Sales (12 or more):305-504-5020
Show Times:
Wednesday at 2 pm & 7 pm
Thursday at 7 pm
Friday at 8 pm
Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm
Sunday 3 pm
All performances will take place at
The Miracle Mile
280 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33314
www.waistwatchersthemusical.com
www.actorsplayhouse.org/
Like Us on Facebook!  

ABOUT:

Alan Jacobson

ALAN JACOBSON (Creator, Author & Lyrist) Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, Alan is a true renaissance man. He is a former clothing manufacturer, world-class track and field athlete and actor. He has had his own theatre and entertainment company for many years, including many years in Palm Beach County, and has produced more than 80 productions around the country, with two, If You Ever Leave Me I’m Going With You and Down the Garden Paths, reaching Broadway and Off Broadway. Not only does he fill the roles of producer, actor, director and coach, but with the hit production WaistWatchers The Musical!, he adds the title of playwright. The production (which was originally titled “Food Fight”) premiered in 2007 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, ran for 6 months at The Plaza Theatre in Palm Beach County, 3 months at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, and has continued to tour nationally. Alan produced WaistWatchers The Musical! for several years until turning it over to Dana Matthow in late 2015. Alan lives in Jupiter with his wife, Melissa. Their sons, Noah and Eli, go to UCF and the University of Miami.

VINCE Di MURA (Musical Director, Music Composer) Vince is an award-winning composer, arranger, jazz pianist and musical director. He has appeared on concert stages and theatres throughout North America, Canada, Europe and Latin America. He currently serves as the Resident Composer and Musical Director for the Lewis Center of the Arts at Princeton University. Vince is best known for his arrangements of “My Way: A Tribute to the Music of Frank Sinatra,” I Left My Heart: A Tribute to Tony Bennett,” and “Simply Simone.” Vince is also the author and curator of “A Conversation with the Blues,” a 14-part web instructional series on improvisation through the blues. Produced by Soundfly Inc., Vince has five CDs on the market, including the 2000 release, “Imperfect Balance,” the 2007 release, “A Darker Shade of Romance,” 2008 release, “For Lost Words,” in collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Yusef Komunyakaa, the 2010 release, “California Sage:” (with James Leary on Bass and Fritz Wise on drums) and the 2012 release, “Love Was,” a second collaboration with poet Yusef Komunyakaa.

DANA MATTHOW (Producer) is a Long Island-born native New Yorker whose theatrical career spans 35 plus years of producing, general management, theatre management, advertising, and promotions.  His credits include Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Touring Productions:  Kingdoms starring Roy Dotrice, Armand Assante, and Maria Tucci, A Jew Grows in Brooklyn, Carnival Knowledge, a behind the scenes look at the astounding and disappearing world of the American Sideshow, Magic Hands Freddy starring Michael Rispoli and Ralph Macchio, Underneath the Lintel, Maybe Baby It’s You, Grandma Sylvia’s Funeral (a/k/a the longest running funeral in history), Hysterical Blindness starring Leslie Jordan, My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy!, You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up!, RESPECT – A Musical Celebration of Women, My Son the Waiter – A Jewish Tragedy, The Calamari Sisters, and his first show, Sea Marks by Adventures in Paradise star Gardner McKay. For 10 years Mr. Matthow owned and operated the Soho Playhouse in New York City.  For the screen he produced the feature film Silent Prey.  He is also the founder and original publisher of City Guide Magazine, New York’s #1 visitor and entertainment guide.

 

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Entr’Acte Theatrix Presents THE ADDAMS FAMILY – A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY – October 25 – November 4

01 Monday Oct 2018

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Entr’Acte Theatrix
presents
The Addams Family – A New Musical Comedy
October 25 – November 4

They’re creepy… and they’re kooky…and they’re back!
Charles Addams’ weird and wonderful family comes to life in this award-winning musical comedy.     

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

October 1, 2018
DELRAY BEACH, FL: Entr’Acte Theatrix audiences are in for a fiendishly delightful treat beginning October 25th when Delray Beach’s Crest Theatre @ Old School Square will host Charles Addams’ wonderfully bizarre cast of characters known as The Addams Family – just in time for Halloween! The award-winning musical will run through November 4th. 

Charles Addams’ ghoulishly clever and devilishly satirical Addams Family cartoons first began appearing in the New Yorker magazine in 1938, and his characters captured the hearts and the humor of the American public almost immediately.  A close knit, loving family, with a few odd quirks – and a definite affinity for the bizarre and macabre – the Addams Family has appeared in a number of film and television adaptations since their debut, however The Addams Family – A New Musical Comedy is based on Addams’ cartoons, rather than any of the characters as they were portrayed in film or on television.

Addams Family patrons are being encouraged to come dressed in Halloween costumes, and several appropriately garbed audience members will be invited to join the cast on stage during the last scene of the show!

Jeremy Quinn, who directed Entr’Acte’s most recent production of The Rocky Horror show will helm the production:

“The Addams Family has been around for a little over 80 years, whether in cartoon form, on television, in film or on Broadway,” he says. “This family has endured the test of time because they are, above all else, a family. Even though they have a zombie for a butler, a cousin covered in hair, and a dismembered hand in a box named “Thing”, they are actually quite relatable. If we look closely enough at our own families…we’ve got at least one “Addams” somewhere along the line! 

“But we love the Addams Family because they embrace their strangeness, which we should all do, within the most “normal” of circumstances,” he continues. “There’s nothing “wrong” here…just different. Let’s be real – unique authenticity is an increasingly valued trait. With 7.7 billion people on Earth, a little diversity provides an abundance of beautiful color!

“I am inspired by the book writer’s quote,” he says: “The unknown may be frightening, the darkness overwhelming, but if we don’t run from it, we may see our mysterious, miraculous lives finally illuminated. If we move toward the darkness, we might find love and acceptance. For when it is dark enough, we can see the stars.” – Rick Elice, book writer for The Addams Family.”

Entr’Acte’s Addams Family members include Ashley Gravlin as Morticia Addams, Carlo Sabusap as Gomez Addams, Mary Grace Tesoriero as Wednesday Addams, Greg Halmos as Pugsley Addams, John Costanzo as Fester Addams, Rosseroni Parris as Grandma Addams, Gustavo Garcia as Lurch, Robyn Eli Brenner as Lucas Beineke, Nicole Stav as Alice Beineke, and Mark Kirschenbaum as Malcolm Beineke. Also cast – as Addams Ancestors – are Irma Gloria, Emma Sue Harris, Nysia Matos, Mackenzie Anderson, Elana Vital, Jonathan Thoresen, Ben Shaevitz, Andy Morejon, and Trevohnn Garner.

Portrait-20

Entr’Acte Theatrix’ The Addams Family – A New Musical Comedy will run from October 25 – November 4 at The Crest Theatre @ Old School Square in Delray Beach.  Tickets are $45 (premium seating) or $35 (regular seating). Student and group rates are also available. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Crest Theatre box office at 561-243-7922 or on line at www.entractetheatrix.com.  The Crest Theatre @ Old School Square is located at 51 North Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach (33444).

For more information about Entr’Acte Theatrix contact Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / carol@carolkassie.com.

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The Addams Family – A New Musical Comedy
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams
October 25 – November 4
For tickets:  561-243-7922 / www.entractetheatrix.com
Performances:
Thursday, October 25th at 8 PM
Friday, October 26th at 8 PM
Saturday, October 27th at 2 PM and 8 PM
Sunday, October 28th at 2 PM and 7 PM
Wednesday, October 31st at 8 PM
Thursday, November 1st at 8 PM
Friday, November 2nd at 8 PM
Saturday, November 3rd at 2 PM and 8 PM
Sunday, November 4th at 2 PM
All performances at
The Crest Theatre @ Old School Square
51 North Swinton Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33444
http://oldschoolsquare.org/about/crest-theatre/
www.entractetheatrix.com
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“Gomez and Pugsley are enthusiastic. Morticia is even in disposition, muted, witty, sometimes deadly. Grandma Frump is foolishly good-natured. Wednesday is her mother’s daughter. A closely knit family, the real head being Morticia—although each of the others is a definite character—except for Grandma, who is easily led. Many of the troubles they have as a family are due to Grandma’s fumbling, weak character. The house is a wreck, of course, but this is a house-proud family just the same and every trap door is in good repair. Money is no problem…”  Charles Addams

 

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MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Announces Aventura Cast! Limited Engagement – October 23 – 28 at The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

26 Wednesday Sep 2018

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Menopause The Musical®
Announces the Aventura Cast
For the Show’s Limited Engagement 
October 23 – 28
at
The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

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

September 26, 2018:

AVENTURA, FL: – GFour Productions has completed casting for Menopause The Musical’s limited run at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center. The production will run from October 23rd through October 28th only.

Linda Boston will play ‘Professional Woman, South Florida native Ingrid Cole will take on the role of ‘Earth Mother’, Terri Dixon will play the ‘Iowa Housewife’, and Kathy St. George has been cast as the ‘Soap Star’.  Three of the four women have performed in the musical previously, however the Aventura run will be Terri Dixon’s first time in the production.

Although the Menopause The Musical debuted over seventeen years ago in Orlando, Florida, the show is as relevant today as it was in 2001.  Not only does it entertainingly deal with the issues all women inevitably face as they navigate ‘the change’ – hot flashes, body changes, and short term memory loss just to to name a few – it addresses the larger meaning of what it means to be a woman, and delivers an empowering message to women of all ages:   Take charge of your life, celebrate the now, and look to the future.

Chock full of clever wit and humor, great songs and exhilarating dance numbers, the laughter filled production consistently inspires its audiences – both men and women – to jump out of their seats and sing along to the catchy parodies of classic pop songs of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

Menopause The Musical® is recognized as the longest-running scripted production in Las Vegas and continues to entertain nightly at Harrah’s Las Vegas. The show recently celebrated its 5000th performance there.  The much-loved musical has entertained audiences across the country in more than 450 U.S. cities, nearly 300 international cities, and a total of 15 countries.

Menopause The Musical® will run from October 23 – October 28 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.  Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on line at http://menopausethemusical.com/ or   https://www.aventuracenter.org/ or by calling 877-311-7469.  Tickets are $46.50 – $66.50. For group sales (10 or more) call 954-660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 NE 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180.

For more information about Menopause The Musical®  visit www.MenopauseTheMusical.com or contact Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / carol@carolkassie.com.

~~~

Menopause The Musical®
October 23 – October 28
Tickets:  $46.50 – $66.50
For Tickets:  http://menopausethemusical.com/ / https://www.aventuracenter.org/  or
877-311-7469
For Group Sales (10 or more) call:  954-660-6307
Performances:
Tuesday, October 23 – 8 pm
Wednesday, October 24 – 8 pm
Thursday, October 25 – 8 pm
Friday, October 26 – 8 pm
Saturday October 27 – 2 pm
Saturday, October 27 – 8 pm
Sunday, October 28 – 2 pm
Sunday, October 28 – 6 pm
All performances will take place at
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
3385 NE 188th Street
Aventura, FL 33180
http://menopausethemusical.com/
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~

Linda Boston (Professional Woman) – has decades of performing, literary and teaching arts experience.  Her collaborations include Randy Scott, Mary Wilson (Supremes), Wendell Harrison, Whitney Houston, Anthony Mackie, Pearl Cleage, Tavis Smiley, Michael Eric Dyson, Dick Gregory, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson & MORE… including requested opening vocalist for Detroit’s 2006 Mayoral Inauguration, President William Clinton, the LINKS National Convention, several Detroit Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Dinners, and a host of weddings & home-goings. Return for the one woman show Moms Mabley: The Naked Truth remains ongoing. Visit www.imdb.com for film, series and other credits, With almost a decade of MTM performances, she says, “Change manifests when we embrace intuitive thought to see our similarities…not our differences. Remember, YOU ARE the CHANGE you seek.”

Terri Dixon (Iowa Housewife) is originally from the Maryland suburbs of Washington DC. She is so excited to be joining the Menopause The Musical family. Credits include Smokey Joe’s Café on Broadway, the national tours of My One and Only and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with Ann Margret and Gary Sandy. Regional credits include Godspell at the Muny in St. Louis, Smokey Joe’s Café at Maine State Musical Theatre, Always…..Patsy Cline at the New Harmony Theatre. Terri was in the world premiere of Frank Wildhorn’s Waiting for the Moon. She has performed extensively as a cabaret performer with her tribute to Patsy Cline, and has performed on cruise ships for many years, first as lead singer/dancer, then as lead vocalist.

Ingrid Cole (Earth Mother) is a critically acclaimed actor/singer based in Atlanta, GA. In 2010 and 2012, she was honored with a Suzi Bass Awards for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for A Catered Affair at the Aurora Theatre, and for her portrayal of Rose in Gypsy with the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. She has toured the US extensively with Menopause The Musical. Other regional credits include Matron Mama Morton in Chicago, See What I Want To See (Suzi Bass Award for Best Ensemble and Atlanta Theatre Fan Winner Best Actress in a Musical) Music Man, Grand Night For Singing (Curtain Up Award Best Actress in a musical) The Medium, Into The Woods, Fiddler On The Roof, Call Me Madam, Ragtime, Pirates Of Penzace, Iolanthe, The Mikado, Cinderella, A Funny Thing Happened…Forum, And Nunsense.  www.IngridCole.

Kathy St. George (Soap Star), first appeared in Menopause The Musical in 2004 in Boston, MA.  She played two roles in the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival Of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF starring Topol and directed by Jerome Robbins.  Off-Broadway: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and six national tours. Some regional credits include Gypsy, Respect, Peter Pan, Mame, Dear Miss Garland, Showboat, Violet, Significant Other, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Pete ‘N Keely, 42ndStreet, Shear Madness, 9 To 5, Follies, and Ruthless! Kathy has received the Elliot Norton Award and two IRNE Awards.  B.S., M.Ed. Salem State College. www.kathystgeorge.com

About GFOUR PRODUCTIONS: Proud producers of Menopause The Musical, now in its seventeenth year as the longest-running musical in Las Vegas history and can be seen nightly at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas strip. Menopause is also on tour around the U.S., as well as playing in Spain, Australia, Mexico City, and the U.K. Other recent productions include The Play That Goes Wrong on Broadway, winner of London’s Olivier Award for Best Comedy, and starting its U.S. tour this fall; their acclaimed production of Dreamgirls, currently selling out on London’s West End; Groundhog Day The Musical, nominated for 7 Tony Awards including Best Musical; and their Tony Award-nominated production of Fiddler On The Roof, also launching its national tour this fall. Other selected highlights include winning the 2013 Tony Award for their 50th anniversary production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf; Co-financing the 5 time Tony Award, 5 time Drama Desk Award, and 7 time Olivier Award winner for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical; and producing the popular 9 To 5 The Musical with music by Dolly Parton, and Ring Of Fire the Johnny Cash Musical Show. They began producing in 1981 with Nine, winning the Tony Award that year for Best Musical. Among their favorite past Broadway productions are My One And Only starring Tommy Tune, Zorba The Greek starring Anthony Quinn, The Rink starring Liza Minnelli, Baby, Grand Hotel, Grind, Big, True West, the original and the revival of La Cage Aux Folles which won them Tony Awards for Best Musical in 1983 and Best Revival in 2004. Their combined shows have been nominated for 121 Tony Awards, winning 44 and 110 Drama Desk Awards, winning 56. For more information, please visit GFourProductions.com.

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.        

~

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/
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Stage Door Theatre presents DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at LPAC – October 12 – November 4

24 Monday Sep 2018

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Stage Door Theatre
presents
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
October 12 – November 4
at their new venue
Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)

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

September 25, 2018:

LAUDERHILL, FL:  Stage Door Theatre’s move to the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) has proved to be the right one, according to the company’s Executive Producer, Derelle Bunn.  “Our patrons’ responses have been totally positive,” she says.  “They love the venue, the ambiance, and the conveniences LPAC offers them.  They’ve all promised they’ll be back, and that they’ll be bringing their friends!”

Stage Door’s second production in their new state-of-the-art home should definitely entice their audiences –returning and new:  Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is an award-winning musical comedy based on the hit movie of the same name.  It will open at on October 12th and run through November 4th. 

Lawrence Jameson makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money.  Freddy Benson more humbly swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother’s failing health.  After meeting on a train, they attempt to work together, only to find that their small town isn’t big enough for both of them. They agree on a settlement – the first one to extract $50,000 from their mutual target, young heiress Christine Colgate, wins, and the other must leave town.

Sophisticated, suave, and with a good dash of mischief, this thoroughly entertaining musical features a delightfully jazzy score and was nominated for eleven Tony Awards.  The music is by David Yazbek (The Full Monty, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, and this year’s Tony Award winner for Best musical, The Band’s Visit).  The show’s book is by Jeffrey Lane (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown).

Clayton Phillips

The production will be directed by Clayton Phillips: “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a perfect example of an escapist piece of musical theatre,” he explains.  “It does not take itself too seriously, and it has a wonderfully jazzy score.  I guess if there is a message in it at all, it is that greed does not pay (or does it?). The show is full of twists and turns and is a real comedy from start to finish.  I love this musical because it is smart and funny and entertaining,” he says.  “And what more could we want these days?!”

Cast in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels are Michael Cartwright as Lawrence Jameson, Matthew Kurzyniec as Freddy Benson, and Sabrina Lynn Gore as Christine Colgate. Also in the cast are Aaron Bower, Austin Carrol, Marty Craft, Alexandra Nicole Garcia, Sebastian Goldberg, Chris Hendricks, Michael Kruetz, Cat Pagano, Vincent Pelligrino, Sarah Rose, Laura Titus, and Alexandra Van Hasselt.

David Nagy will serve as the production’s Musical Director, Choreography is by Danny Durr, Scenic Design is by Daimien Matherson, Lighting Design is by Ardean Landhuis, and Costumes are by Jerry Sturdevant.  The production’s Stage Manager is Nancy Clay.  

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will run from October 12 – November 4 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC). The theatre is located at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill (33311), in the Central Broward Regional Park on the North East corner of Sunrise Boulevard and 441 (State Road 7).  

Tickets for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and for all Stage Door productions remain at $48. (LPAC charges a $5 service fee per ticket, however if a package of four Stage Door shows is purchased the service fees will be waived.) Group rates are available, as are student prices (with valid ID). Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoorfl.org or on the LPAC website at https://lpacfl.com.

For more information about Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and/or Stage Door Theatre, please visit www.stagedoorfl.org, or contact Derelle Bunn Executive Producer/Artistic Director, at DerelleBunn@yahoo.com / 954-344-7765 or Carol Kassie (carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244).

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
October 12 – November 4, 2018
Book by Jeffrey Lane
Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek
Tickets:  $48
Tickets:  954-344-7765 / www.stagedoorfl.org
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm,
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
All performances take place at
The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
3800 NW 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL 33311
www.stagedoorfl.org
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LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Stage Door Theatre – August 31 – September 23

06 Monday Aug 2018

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Stage Door Theatre
presents
La Cage Aux Folles
August 31 – September 23
at their new venue
Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)

“We are what we are, and what we are is an illusion.”
La Cage Aux Folles

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


August 7, 2018:

LAUDERHILL, FL:  Stage Door Theatre’s first production at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC), their brand new, state-of-the-art home, will be the multiple Tony Award-winning La Cage Aux Folles.   The production will open on August 31st and run through September 23rd.   (The theatre will celebrate the move to their new home at a Gala Party on September 1st – details to be announced.)

After twenty years of un-wedded bliss, Georges and Albin, two men partnered for better-or-worse experience a bit of both when Georges’ son (fathered during a one-night fling) announces his impending marriage to the daughter of a bigoted, right-wing politician.  Further complicating the situation is the ‘family business’: Albin and Georges run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez, where Albin is the ‘star’ performer, ZaZa.

The musical, based on the French play by Jean Poiret, was adapted for the stage by Broadway royalty – Harvey Fierstein wrote the book, and Jerry Herman provided the music and lyrics.  The original production received nine Tony nominations, and won six, including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book.  It is the first musical to win the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical twice.

Carbonell nominee (as both actor and director) Bruce Linser will direct the production: “I see this show as somewhat of a period piece,” Linser explains. “It is set in the 70s, a time when gay people and drag queens were still fighting to come out of the shadows. This story of a young straight man forcing his parents to change themselves and their lives so drastically – or these two gay men being willing to suffer that humiliation so willingly – would seem ridiculous or even downright hateful today. Not that gay people aren’t still marginalized. With lawsuits around gay wedding cakes and “religious freedom” laws, there is definitely a culture of fear and hatred for the LGBT community, and there are looming signs of it being allowed to grow under the current administration in Washington DC. So in a way this production of this show at this time is a bit of a warning. “Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it”, as they say. We need to remember where we’ve been, so we can prevent ourselves from going there again in the future. And that’s for all of us – gay and straight alike. What we need right now is empathy and understanding for each other, and what better way to explore that than through the joy and thoughtfulness that is musical theatre?

“To that end, we are following much more of the style of the most recent revival of the show,” he continues.  “Harvey Fierstein, who wrote the book to La Cage, has said that the original production, while glamorous and beautiful, wasn’t really “right” for the world of the play. It was glitzed and glittered up for Broadway, in large part to make it palatable and acceptable for the Broadway audience at the time. And it worked – it’s a beloved, Tony-winning show, gay relationships now enjoy widespread support and acceptance, and drag queens have their own TV shows! Which is why we can now take that shiny veneer off of the show, at least a little bit, so we can explore more of the darker truth that the original movie and show were revealing. Don’t get me wrong – there will still be gorgeous costumes and fabulous dance numbers. It’s a musical, after all! But we’re also looking for the heart and soul underneath all of that … the fear and love that drives these people to be who they are and do what they do. The humanity of these characters and their relationships. That, to me, makes for interesting, powerful, and entertaining theatre.”

Linser has assembled a top-notch cast to populate the Riviera town of St. Tropez:  Larry Buzzeo will play Albin/ZaZa, and Jamie Parnell will play Georges.  2017 Carbonell Award-winner Elijah Word will play Jacob, and Connor Delves will play Jean-Michel.  Dalia Aleman and James Skiba, who recently starred in Stage Door’s production of Victor/Victoria will also be featured. Other cast members include 2017 Carbonell nominee Kat Gold, Alexandra Van Hasselt, JR Coley, Rebeca Diaz, Sean Davis, Nicole Kinzel, Kevin Lozano, Courtney Poston, Dyllan Vallier, Stephen Hohendorf, Korey Harlow, Jonathan Eisele, Johanna Moise, and Cat Pagano.

Paul Reekie will serve as the production’s Musical Director; Choreography is by Danny Durr, and the show’s Assistant Choreographer is Jenny Hegarty.  Scenic Design is by Michael McLain; Lighting Design is by Ardean Landhuis; Sound Design is by King Raymonvil; and Costumes are by Jerry Sturdevant.  The production’s Stage Manager is Nancy Clay.

La Cage Aux Folles will run from August 31 to September 24 at Stage Door Theatre’s new location, the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC). The theatre is located at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill (33311), in the Central Broward Regional Park on the North East corner of Sunrise Boulevard and 441 (State Road 7).

Tickets for La Cage Aux Folles (and for all Stage Door productions) will remain at $48. (LPAC will charge $5 service fee per ticket, however if a package of four Stage Door shows is purchased the service fees will be waived.) Group rates are available, as are student prices (with valid ID). Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoorfl.org or on the LPAC website at https://lpacfl.com.

For more information about La Cage Aux Folles and/or Stage Door Theatre, please visit www.stagedoorfl.org, or contact Derelle Bunn Executive Producer/Artistic Director, at DerelleBunn@yahoo.com / 954-344-7765 or Carol Kassie (carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244).

La Cage Aux Folles
August 31 – September 23, 2018
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Based on the play by Jean Poiret
Tickets:  $48 ($53 with s/c)
Tickets:  954-344-7765 / www.stagedoorfl.org
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm,
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
All performances take place at
The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
3800 NW 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL 33311
(Central Broward Regional Park – NE corner of Sunrise Blvd. and 441)
www.stagedoorfl.org
Like Us on Facebook!

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