Tag Archives: Musical Theatre

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

13 Monday Oct 2014

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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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Entr’Acte Theatrix to present Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW October 16 – November 1

26 Friday Sep 2014

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Rocky - graphic 1 copyEntr’Acte Theatrix
to present
Richard O’Brien’s
The Rocky Horror Show
October 16 – November 1

Let’s Do the Time Warp Again!

September 26, 2014, Delray Beach, Florida:

Halloween is just around the corner, and who better to celebrate with than the denizens of Dr. Frank N. Furter’s home-sweet-castle in Richard O’Brien’s beloved cult classic, The Rocky Horror Show. And Entr’Acte Theatrix is inviting audiences to come do the Time Warp again… when they present ‘Rocky’ at the Crest Theatre at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts from October 16th through November 1st.

The Rocky Horror Show is an outrageous assemblage of – and humorous tribute to – the most stereotypical science fiction and horror movies, Marvel comics, Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello outings and rock ‘n’ roll of every vintage. The play (upon which the classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show is based) has grown from an experimental production originally produced in a small London theatre in June 1973, to a cult phenomenon with fans world-wide. The musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple who, when caught in a storm, find refuge in the home of a decidedly unusual scientist who is madly working towards unveiling his latest and greatest creation.

Rocky is also the quintessential audience participation show, and Entr’Acte will have what have come to be known as ‘survival kits’ available for purchase for those who want them.

This is the second time Entr’Acte Theatrix will present The Rocky Horror Show at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts’ Crest Theatre. Their 2012 production was so successful that when an encore presentation was suggested, it was a ‘no brainer’!

Kevin Black

Kevin Black

“When the discussion began to remount Rocky Horror with Entr’Acte Theatrix, I knew immediately I was onboard,” says director Kevin Black. “And thankfully (producer) Vicki Halmos asked me if I was interested…of course! Rocky is a show within its own class – not many out there like it,” he continues. “It’s one of those shows that, as a director, you can put your personal creative stamp on. To me, that’s the fun of it. So this time around we are producing Rocky Horror 2.0. Bigger. Bolder. Bawdier!”

Michaela Paige

Michaela Paige

Entr’Acte has scored several casting coups with this production. Michaela Paige, who was a top 12 finalist on the 2012 edition of NBC’s “The Voice” will play ‘The Usherette’. Paige’s bio is impressive. She has been performing since the age of 8, and since appearing on “The Voice” she has been featured in USA Today, Rolling Stone, Access Hollywood, and the iTunes Top 100 Chart. She is also the host of three radio shows on W4CY and W4WN Radio, currently ranked number one in South Florida and thirteenth in the world for internet radio.

Mike_Westrich

Mike Westrich

Mike Westrich who played Sir Galahad in Entr’Acte’s 2013 production of Spamalot, will play Dr. Frank N. Furter. The Silver Palm winner and two-time Carbonell Award nominee is currently garnering rave reviews and standing ovations for his performance in Broward Stage Door Theatre’s What’s New Pussycat? The Soundtrack of an Era. He is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan and has worked in numerous venues such as The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, The Duplex in NYC, and The Two River Theatre in NJ.

Gaby Tortoledo

Gaby Tortoledo

Gaby Tortoledo (Janet) will make her Entr’Acte Theatrix debut in The Rocky Horror Show. She received extensive training and background in classical ballet, street jazz, and Latin dance in her native Venezuela, and continued her studies at City Academy London in the UK. Among her past credits are Jo (Little Women), Sally (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown), and Fantine (Les Miserables).

Justin Schneyer HeadshotJustin Schneyer (Brad) is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance. He has worked with several theaters in South Florida, including Slowburn Theatre Company (Urinetown: The Musical, Into the Woods, Sideshow), Outre Theatre Company (Much Ado About Nothing), The Boca Raton Theatre Guild (Sweet Charity), and The Broward Center for the Performing Arts (Little House on the Ferry).

Seth Trucks

Seth Trucks

Seth Trucks (Narrator) studied experimental theatre at NYU and classical theatre at The British American Drama Academy and The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.  He performed with Fractured Atlas and Synaesthetic Theatre in New York, and spent five years as a writer/performer with the NY based physical comedy troupe, The Six Characters.  In Florida, Seth has performed with the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival and Eveningstar Productions. This is his third show with Entr’Acte Theatrix – he was Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q and improv/comedy coach for Spamalot.

Other cast members include Dan Thagard (Rocky), Jenna Paige Gagliardo (Magenta), Greg Halmos (Riff Raff), Brielle Lysaght (Columbia), and Carlo-Rufino Sabusap (Dr. Scott).

Entr’acte Theatrix, is a not-for-profit, semi-professional, showcase company for young actors, providing performance opportunities for emerging theatre artists. An off-shoot of the Palm Beach Principal Players, a twelve-year-old acting company for theater students of high school and college age, Entr’acte, as the name suggests, is the “next step,” from classroom to career, and provides the young actor his or her first professional, all-important, resume-building credit.

The Rocky Horror Show will run for 15 performances only, from October 16 – November 1, at the Crest Theatre at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts. The theatre is located at 51 North Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, 33444. Tickets are on sale now, and are available by calling 561-243-7922 or on line HERE.

Tickets are $25; $20 for groups of 15 or more; or $10 Student Rush – with I.D.

The Rocky Horror Show
By Richard O’Brien
October 16 – November 1, 2014
Tickets: $25
Groups of 15 or more: $15 (16th ticket is free)
Children 12 & Under: $10
Student Rush – ½ hour before curtain: $10 – with valid ID
Box Office: 561-243-7922
Performances:
(Schedule varies)
October 16 – 8pm (Thursday)
October 17 – 8pm (Friday)
October 18 – 11 pm (Saturday)
October 19 – 8 pm (Sunday)
October 22 – 8 pm (Wednesday)
October 23 – 8 pm (Thursday)
October 24 – 8 pm (Friday)
October 25 – 7 pm & 10 pm (Saturday)
October 26 – 8 pm (Sunday)
October 29 – 8pm (Wednesday)
October 30 – 8 pm (Thursday)
October 31 – 8 pm (Friday)
November 1 – 7 pm & 10 pm (Saturday)

Delray Beach Center for the Arts / Crest Theatre
51 N. Swinton Ave.
Delray Beach 33444
http://www.delraycenterforthearts.org
http://www.entractetheatrix.org
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Broward Stage Door Theatre presents WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT? THE SOUNDTACK OF AN ERA

12 Tuesday Aug 2014

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Broward Stage Door Theatre
presents
What’s New Pussycat? The Soundtrack of an Era
August 22 – September 28

Pussycat-Soundtrack-(Karen-These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ So let’s go Downtown taking The Long And Winding Road to A Bridge Over Troubled Waters.  Then I’ve Got Georgia On My Mind, so I’ll be Leavin’ On A Jet Plane with My Girl, My Guy and Eleanor Rigby.  But if you’re California Dreamin’, I’m feelin’ those Good Vibrations so just Walk Like A Man and let’s Hit The Road, Jack.  YOU Don’t Have To Say You Love Me ’cause Our Day Will Come and we’re gonna be Happy Together.
How do I know…? I Heard It Through The Grapevine!

August 12, 2014
Coral Springs, Florida

When Broward Stage Door Theatre’s artistic director Derelle Bunn mentioned to director Michael Leeds and choreographer Kevin Black that she had an open time slot for a show, and asked them if they’d be interested in ‘doing something’, they jumped at the chance. “Kevin and I have wanted to work together for a while, and this was a terrific opportunity,” says Leeds. “And then, of course, the question became – what should we do?!”

The result of their collaboration is What’s New Pussycat? The Soundtrack of an Era, which will open at the Broward Stage Door Theatre on August 22nd, and run through September 28th.

“What’s New, Pussycat was originally going to be a revue of just Burt Bacharach songs,” Leeds explains.  “But as Kevin and I started listening to Bacharach’s music, we kept being distracted by other great songs of the same era.  So we decided to expand the show to include The Mamas & The Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Etta James, Ray Charles, The Righteous Brothers, The Fifth Dimension and all those Motown greats like The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Ronettes, as well as incredible composers and writers like Henry Mancini, Michel LeGrand and of course, Burt Bacharach!

“Creating the piece took careful deliberation, Leeds continues: “From past experience, both Kevin and I have learned that though there are no “rules” to creating a musical revue, there are some guidelines.  First, of course, is what songs are the most popular; the songs the audience is coming to hear.”

Leeds and Black have tapped Carbonell Award-winner Eric Alsford as musical director/arranger for What’s New Pussycat?, and have assembled a top-notch cast for their production. Shane Tanner, Mike Westrich, Clay Cartland and Leah Sessa all have impressive South Florida resumes. Two additional performers from New York will round out the six-person ensemble.

Leeds head shot

Michael Leeds

Although he is primarily recognized as one of South Florida’s finest and busiest directors, Michael Leeds has also had great success as a playwright, screenwriter, and choreographer. He co-wrote and directed the Broadway musical Swinging on a Star which received a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical as well as a Drama Desk Award nomination and a Theatre World Award. Off-Broadway Leeds directed and choreographed Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah – The Songs of Allan Sherman, starring Tovah Feldshuh & Mary Testa, for which he was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Best Director and Best Choreographer.  His production of the European premiere of Arthur Miller’s Playing For Time won a Festival Fringe First Award. For film, he choreographed End of Summer, starring Jacqueline Bisset and Peter Weller and co-wrote The Simian Line starring William Hurt and Lynn Redgrave, and The Last Film Festival, starring Dennis Hopper and Jacqueline Bisset. Leeds’ plays include The First Step, Who Killed Joan Crawford, and The Gift.  His many South Florida productions include Mack and Mabel (Carbonell Award Best Musical), The Light In The Piazza, and A Little Night Music, (both nominated for Best Musical, and a Silver Palm Award for Direction for Night Music).  As Assoc. Artistic Director for Island City Stage, his production of The Timekeepers garnered six Carbonell Awards including Best Direction and Best Production of a Play. Michael also teaches a weekly adult acting class.  www.LeedsWorkshop.com

Kevin Black

Kevin Black

Kevin Black is the owner and artistic director of Kevin Black Productions. His expertise, experience, and creativity in directing and choreography, as well as in set, costume, and lighting design have built him a solid reputation as one of the top ‘go-to guys’ in South Florida. Kevin’s most recent work includes 8 Track, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Rags at The Plaza Theatre in Manalapan. He directed and choreographed Spamalot, Tommy, and The Rocky Horror Show for Entr’Acte Theatrix performing at The Crest Theatre in Delray Beach.  Kevin has also produced South Florida tours of La Cage Aux Folles, The Jazz Singer, Smokey Joe’s Café, Funny Girl, Victor/Victoria, Cabaret and Dreamgirls. And his most recent creation for Stage Door, On the Radio, was extremely successful. Kevin’s work can currently be seen at the Villa de Palmar Resorts in Cabo, Mexico; Kevin is also the Artistic Director for CAST (Career in the Arts, School of Talent) located in Miramar, Florida.

What’s New Pussycat? The Soundtrack of an Era will run from August 22nd – September 28th at The Broward Stage Door Theatre in Coral Springs. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, in Coral Springs.

Tickets for What’s New Pussycat? are $38 – $42; $16 student tickets are also available. Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at http://www.stagedoorfl.org.

What’s New Pussycat? The Soundtrack of an Era
Compiled by Michael Leeds & Kevin Black
Dates: August 22 – September 28
Tickets: $38 – $42 (Students $16)
For Tickets: 954-344-7765 / www.stagedoortheatre.com
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 pm,
Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm
Sunday at 7:00 pm
The Broward Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Coral Springs, Fl 33065

What’s New Pussycat? The Soundtrack of an Era
Song List:

A Day In The Life – The Beatles
A House Is Not A Home – Dionne Warwick
Aquarius – The Fifth Dimension
At Last – Etta James
Be My Baby – The Ronettes
Born Free – Matt Monro
Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel
California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas
Cherish – The Association
Dancin’ in the Streets – Gladys Knight and The Pips
Do You Know the Way to San Jose – Dionne Warwick
Do You Wanna Dance – Del Shannon / The Mamas & The Papas
Don’t Sleep in the Subway – Petula Clark
Downtown – Petula Clark
Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles
Eve of Destruction – Barry McGuire
Fixin’ To Die Rag – Country Joe & The Fish
Georgia on My Mind – Ray Charles
Georgy Girl – The Seekers
Get Ready – The Temptations
Goldfinger – Shirley Bassey
Happy Together – The Turtles
He’s So Fine – The Chiffons
Hey Jude – The Beatles
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones
I Got You Babe – Sonny & Cher
Land of 1000 Dances – Wilson Pickett
Last Train to Clarkesville – The Monkees
Leavin’ on a Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker
Locomotion – Little Eva
Mashed Potato Time – Dee Dee Sharp
Moon River – Andy Williams
Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel
My Guy – Mary Wells
My Girl – The Temptations
Never on a Sunday – Melina Mercouri
Same Old Song – The Four Tops
Shadow of Your Smile – Shirley Bassey
Shop Around – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Stop in the Name of Love – The Supremes
Talk to the Animals – Rex Harrison
The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles
The Peppermint Twist – Joey Dee and The Starliters
The Pink Panther Theme – Henry Mancini
These Boots Were Made for Walkin’ – Nancy Sinatra
To Sir, with Love – LuLu
Turn, Turn, Turn – The Byrds
Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers
Wedding Bell Blues – The Fifth Dimension
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life – Michael Dees
What’s New Pussycat? – Tom Jones
Yesterday – The Beatles
You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me – Dusty Springfield
You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling – The Righteous Brothers

Broward Stage Door Theatre presents ON THE RADIO: SOUNDS OF THE 70s

03 Tuesday Jun 2014

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openingpage-2-1Broward Stage Door Theatre
presents
On the Radio: Sounds of the 70s
On the Radio Poster 6
Grab your love beads and head on over for the
grooviest party in South Florida!

June 2, 2014
Coral Springs, Florida

When award-winning vocalist Mimi J. sought to develop a one-woman show about the women of soul who influenced her, she immediately turned to her good friend, Carbonell-nominated director/choreographer Kevin Black. They tossed around a number of ideas, but they kept coming back to the music of the 70s – music they both love. Together they came up with the concept, the title, and the song choices for On the Radio: Sounds of the 70s.

What had evolved was an evening of unforgettable songs from an unforgettable decade of music produced by an array of artists from ABBA to Carly Simon, to Gladys Knight, John Lennon, and Stevie Wonder. On the Radio: Sounds of the 70s is a trip down memory lane – back to the time of bell bottoms, mood rings, smiley faces, and memorable music. Among the songs that will be featured in the show are “Close to You”, “Car Wash”, “Dancing Queen”, “Let it Be”, “Nobody Does It Better”, “Proud Mary”, “Midnight Train to Georgia”, “Hopelessly Devoted”, and “I Will Survive”.

“We had about 45 minutes of material,” Mimi explains. “And we wanted to rent a theatre to make a DVD and a demo video, so we met with Derelle Bunn about renting the Stage Door Theatre.”

Bunn was intrigued by the premise of a show based on 70’s music and encouraged Mimi and Kevin to continue to develop the idea.

“The challenge,” Black says, “was to try to figure out how to keep it interesting. Because we didn’t want audiences to think the show is going to be two hours of Disco. It’s definitely not!”

“Kevin and I go to the theatre together a lot,” Mimi continues. “And I’ve never seen anything like what we’re planning with this show – we’re really excited about it. We also feel there’s a need to get another experience out there… to to diversify the community. This show introduces diversity and ethnicity! We’re using local talent, and creating a different look and vibe on the stage for our community. Audiences are going to feel that Soul Train vibe when they’re sitting in their seats!”

Joey Taylor and Luke Stockton have also been cast in the production.

Mimi J HeadshotMimi J. was born and raised in Miami. She is a professional singer currently performing in the South Florida tri-county area, and has been the recipient of numerous awards in vocal performance. She received her degrees in Musical Theater from the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theater in Orlando, where she attended on the Walt Disney Scholarship. Mimi has been a member of the gospel recording group, Revelation S.E.E.D. founded and led by Margaret Reynolds of KC and the Sunshine Band, and has sung background for a number of award-winning artists including Gloria Estefan, Bobby McFerrin, Betty Wright, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill of the R&B group New Edition, and Quan Howell of the gospel group Sounds of Blackness. Some of her regional theatre and Broadway National and International Tour credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’, Smokey Joe’s Café, Fame, Nunsense, and Rent. Mimi was the first woman of color to play Teen Angel in the classic 70’s hit, Grease during the show’s Pan-Asian tour.

Kevin Black is the owner and artistic director of Kevin Black Productions. His expertise, experience, and creativity inkevin_black directing and choreography, as well as in set, costume, and lighting design have built him a solid reputation as one of the top ‘go-to guys’ in South Florida.  Corporate clients of Kevin Black Productions include HP, Motorola, Muvico & Giorgio Armani; tours include original works – Cirque style shows, as well as musical theater productions including La Cage Aux Folles, The Jazz Singer, Smokey Joe’s Café, Funny Girl, Victor/Victoria, Cabaret and Dreamgirls. Kevin’s work can currently be seen on stage in the national tour of Waist Watchers and at the Villa de Palmar Resorts in Cabo, Mexico; he is currently the director and choreographer of Laffing Matterz at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Kevin’s most recent work includes 8 Track, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Rags at The Plaza Theatre in Manalapan. He also recently directed and choreographed Spamalot, Tommy, and The Rocky Horror Show for Entr’Acte Theatrix performing at The Crest Theatre in Delray Beach. Kevin is also the Artistic Director for CAST (Career in the Arts, School of Talent) located in Miramar, Florida.

On the Radio: Sounds of the 70s will run from June 6 – July 27 at The Broward Stage Door Theatre in Coral Springs. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, in Coral Springs.

Tickets for On the Radio: Sounds of the 70s are $38; $16 student tickets are also available. Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at http://www.stagedoorfl.org

On the Radio: Sounds of the 70s
Conceived and written by Kevin Black & Mimi J.
June 6 – July 27
Tickets: $38 (Students $16)
Phone: 954-344-7765
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 pm,
Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm
The Broward Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Coral Springs, Fl 33065
http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/

 

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Evening Star Productions presents Matt Conner’s NEVERMORE – A musical based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe May 9 – 18

28 Monday Apr 2014

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Logo-1

nevermore---web“The boundaries which divide Life from Death
are at best shadowy and vague.
Who shall say where one ends, and where the other begins?”
Edgar Allan Poe

Composer Matt Conner’s fascination with Edgar Allan Poe began when he picked up a $5.00 anthology of Poe’s work raven2at a second hand bookshop. Poe’s darkly gothic works have haunted, horrified, and fascinated readers since their publication in the mid nineteenth century. But as bizarre and macabre as his writing was, Poe’s life was equally strange, and Connor has crafted the story of poet’s often tortured and emotionally wrought life into a unique, powerful, and contemporary musical, Nevermore.

Evening Star Productions will present the South Florida premiere of Nevermore from May 9th through May 18th at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton.

“Nevermore is about the acceptance of self in the face of death,” Matt Conner said in a recent interview. “The show opens as Edgar Allan Poe has ‘collapsed’ (as he did in Baltimore on the eve of his death) We then take a ride along with him and five other women as his life flashes before his eyes.”

“Nevermore exemplifies the mission I envisioned for Evening Star,” explains the company’s producer/artistic director Rosalie Grant.  “I’ve directed a multitude of budding young talent since I opened Sol Children Theatre in 2002, and I’ve watched many of those young adults give up their performance dreams due to a variety of factors.  But the one factor that stood out to me the most is the dearth of challenging, diverse plays and musicals for young adults that aren’t overly done.  Evening Star Productions’ plan is to fill that void,” she continues. We will work with young people from the high school/college level to the hopeful professional-aged performer, and offer them the opportunity to learn and mature through classic, popular, and obscure works.  Nevermore fits the criteria perfectly with a cast ranging in age from 13 to 33, and ranging in talent and experience from ingénues to young adults to seasoned and award-winning performers.”

2013 Carbonell Award nominee Bruno Vida will star as Edgar Allan Poe in the production. Sara Grant, Denise Scholle, Alyssa Buelow, Devin Tupler, and Pippa Scroggins will also be featured as the women who haunt him.

Evening Star Productions’ Nevermore will run from May 9th through May 18th at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton. Tickets are $18 for adults, and $10 for students. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Sol Theatre box office at 561-447-8829.

For more information about Evening Star Productions, please contact Rosalie Grant at 561-447-8829 / info@eveningstarproductions.com or Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / ckassie@gmail.com .

~*~

Evening Star Productions presents
Nevermore
by Matt Conner
May 9-May 18
Fridays & Saturdays –  7 pm
Saturdays & Sundays – 2 pm
Tickets:  $18 ($10 students)
Phone: 561-447-8829
Sol Theatre
3333 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33431
http://www.eveningstarproductions.org/

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Wallenberg, A New Musical Drama at Lynn University’s Wold Center for the Performing Arts February 12th & 13th Only

10 Friday Jan 2014

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Wallenberg, A New Musical Drama
at Lynn University’s Wold Center for the Performing Arts
February 12th & 13th OnlyWALLENBERGLYNNUletter size122013A compelling musical recounting of the story of one of the great heroes of
the 20th Century.

 

In July 1944 Raoul Wallenberg, an ordinary business man from Stockholm, left the quiet of neutral Sweden and ventured into the heart war-torn, Nazi-occupied Hungary. By December, he had saved over 100,000 lives.

Raoul Wallenberg’s epic journey will be brought to life in a multi-media

The Wallenberg Team

The Wallenberg Team

staged reading of Wallenberg, A New Musical Drama.  The production will take place at Lynn University’s Wold Center for the Performing Arts on February 12th and 13th only. With book and lyrics by the 2006 Kleban Award-winning team of Laurence Holzman and Felicia Needleman, and music by Benjamin Rosenbluth, Wallenberg, A New Musical Drama recounts the fascinating and uplifting story of one of the greatest heroes of the twentieth century.

Lynn University’s Professor Harry Murphy (College of International Communication) will direct the production which will feature Jan McArt, Harry Murphy, John Pickering, and Adam Simpson.  Students and faculty of the Lynn University Conservatory of Music will also participate.

“Wallenberg is an opportunity for Lynn drama students to work with professionals from New York and South Florida in a workshop production of a new Broadway musical,” Murphy says. “And this project will benefit our drama program by raising money for a planned joint theatrical project between Lynn University and The American College of Dublin. It enables us to offer our students a unique theatrical experience and have some fun at the same time.”

Producer Douglas C. Evans says: “Wallenberg, A New Musical Drama reaffirms an important message to all of us as to what each one of us can do to make the world a better place; Raoul Wallenberg’s life and legacy is not only an inspiration to me but to anyone who cares about the world and people around us.” Evans’ theatrical experience includes serving as Chief Operating Officer of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, CEO of the Bushnell Center for the Arts, The Old Globe in San Diego and the Stamford Center for the Arts. He is also the Founding President of Classical South Florida 89.7FM and 90.7FM.

Wallenberg, A New Musical Drama had its premiere public presentation in March 2004 in the First Draft Musicals reading series at Symphony Space in NYC. In January 2005, another reading was presented at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Mr. Wallenberg’s mysterious disappearance. In September 2006, a staged reading played to full houses at New World Stages as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The show had its world premiere production at the White Plains Performing Arts Center in the fall of 2010. The Lynn University production will be Wallenberg’s South Florida premiere.

Wallenberg2Born in 1912 into one of Sweden’s most prominent and wealthiest banking families, Raoul Wallenberg was an architect (educated at the University of Michigan), diplomat, and humanitarian.  A Jewish businessman and colleague, Kalman Lauer recommended Wallenberg to the American War Refugee Board who were looking for a Swedish citizen to take on the mission of rescuing the Jews of Budapest in 1944.

Wallenberg’s bravery and ingenuity came into play immediately upon his arrival in Hungary.  He created Swedish protective papers, known as schutzpasses, which had no legal validity but which managed to fool the Nazis and Hungarian fascists and served to keep thousands of Jews protected from the deportations to Auschwitz; he kept hundreds of Jews sheltered in Swedish “safe houses” which he bought or rented with U.S. funds; and when the Nazis were about to bomb the Budapest Ghetto, home to the city’s remaining 70,000 Jews, it was Wallenberg who persuaded the general in charge to call off the attack.

In January 1945, the Soviets, who had just entered Budapest, abducted and imprisoned Wallenberg, probably because his mission had been funded entirely by the United States. He was never again seen in the free world.  In 1981 President Ronald Reagan made Raoul Wallenberg an honorary U.S. citizen.

Tickets for Wallenberg, A New Musical Drama are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 561-237-9000.  Performances are on Wednesday, February 12th, and Thursday, February 13th at 7:30 pm.  The Wold Performing Arts Center is located at 3601 North Military Trail on the Lynn University Campus

Wallenberg, A New Musical Drama
February 12th & 13th
Music: Benjamin Rosenbluth
Book & Lyrics:  Laurence Holzman and Felicia Needleman
Performance time:  7:30 pm
Tickets:  $12

The Wold Performing Arts Center
3601 North Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: 561-237-9000
www.wallenbergthemusical.com

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The Boca Raton Theatre Guild presents PIPPIN

07 Tuesday Jan 2014

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The Tony Award-winning Broadway hit comes to Boca Raton!
Pippin - BlackThe Boca Raton Theatre Guild’s production of Pippin will open on January 24th and run through February 9th at the Willow Theatre in Boca Raton’s Sugar Sand Park.

“Although it’s set in medieval times, Pippin is actually a joyous musical satire of the changing American culture in the early 1970s,” explains the show’s director, Keith Garsson.  “It’s another of Bob Fosse’s classic (yet intimate) shows that proves once again his style has never dated.”

According to musical theatre scholar Scott Miller in his 1996 book, From Assassins to West Side Story, “Pippin is a largely under-appreciated musical with a great deal more substance to it than many people realize…”

“The musical comedy highlights a young man (Mike Westrich recently of Tick, Tick… Boom!) who tries to ‘find himself’”, Garsson continues, “And reflects the baby boomers’ coming of age as they took longer to decide careers, life partners, and children. Guiding Pippin through his various peregrinations is the Leading Player (Cabonell Award-winner Reggie White – fresh from the national tour of Porgy and Bess) who opens the show with the classic number Magic To Do. Pippin features one of the most entertaining and vivacious scores in Broadway history by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked),” Garsson says. “And we’re thrilled to have Carbonell Award-winner Patti Gardner back after her terrific performance in our 2013 season’s production of Chicago, along with Leah Sessa as Katherine, Troy Stanley as King Charlemagne, Conor Walton and Randy Charleville.”

“Pippin was my very first professional show, and it almost did not happen,” says Reggie Whitehead.  I attended the South Eastern Theater Conferences many years ago, and almost missed seeing the director of that particular production.  He spotted me (from my 8×10!) in a hallway and said that he had been waiting to see me.  He had me come to his hotel suite, where I sang for him, a capella, and read for him.  Well, I got the job.

“I love playing the role of the Leading Player,” Whitehead continues, “Because I always find something new in the character and the show.  This is my third time doing this role, and now that I am a little older, with a different outlook on life in general, I suppose some of that life experience will help me shape this incarnation, at this stage of my life.”

Patti Gardner and Mike Westrich are equally excited to be a part of the Boca Raton Theatre Guild’s first 2014 production:

“I’m playing two roles: Fastrada and Berthe,” says Gardner. “Berthe is the role I’ve ALWAYS wanted to play ever since I saw the original production of Pippin in New York. Both women are diametrically opposed in every way…so it’ll be great fun to do that.”

“I’m thrilled to be playing such an amazing role, as I love the score to Pippin,” Westrich says. “I love the interpretive nature of the piece and I can’t wait to bring a new Pippin to the stage”

Tickets for Pippin are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 561-347-3948.  Performances are on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 pm, and Wednesday, Friday, 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).

Pippin
Music & Lyrics:  Stephen Schwartz with contributions by
Bob Fosse
Book:  Roger O. Hirson
January 24 – February 9
Tickets:  $35
   Previews:  (January 24 & 25) $30
Wednesday Evenings: $30
Wed-Sat 8pm
Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 2pm

The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 South Military Trail,
Boca Raton, FL 33486
Phone: 561-347-3948
www.brtg.org
BRTG on Facebook

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9 to 5: The Musical at the Broward Stage Door Theatre December 13 – January 19

02 Monday Dec 2013

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Broward Stage Door Theatre
presents
9 to 5: The Musical
December 13 – January 19
NINE-TourLogoA musical celebration of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era!

The Broward Stage Door Theatre will present the regional premiere of 9 to 5: The Musical from December 13th through January 19th.   Based on the 1980 hit movie starring Dolly Parton, the show features Parton’s original award-winning title song, as well as her Tony Award and Grammy-nominated score.  Outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is a story of friendship, revenge, teaming up, and taking care of business!

Set in the ‘boys club’ workplace jungle of the ‘Mad Men’ era, the musical tells the tale of three dynamic – and very different – women, who conspire together to take control of their company –  and their lives, and learn there’s absolutely nothing they can’t do – even in a so-called ‘man’s world’.

Dan Kelley is extremely pleased to have been selected to direct the show: “Like many people of a certain age I was obsessed with the movie 9 to 5,” he says. ”When it was turned into a Broadway musical  I went to see it expecting the worst and left the theatre actually loving it. It stays true to the movie and adds some great songs by Dolly Parton. And,” he adds, “It’s proving to be the biggest seller of Stage Door’s season so far.”

Kelley and Stage Door’s Executive Producer/Artistic Director Derelle Bunn have assembled an excellent team to bring 9 to 5: The Musical to the popular theatre’s stage.   Carbonell Award-winners Chrissi Ardito and David Nagy will choreograph and musical direct the show.  “We have some familiar faces, and some exciting newcomers,” says Kelley.   “Katie Angel will be playing Violet (the Lily Tomlin role), Jennifer Hope will play Judy (the Jane Fonda role) and Jessica Crilley will be filling some big…shoes…as Doralee (the Dolly Parton role). Local favorite and Carbonell nominated actor Shane Tanner will play the villainous boss Franklyn Hart, and we are also pleased to have Cindy Pearce, Shenise Nunez, Elizabeth Sackett, Courtney Blackmun , Kari Grunberg, Christopher Herr, Andrew Schultz, Clint Hromsco, Marcus Davis, Bobby Underwood and Evan Mayer in this wonderful cast.

9 to 5: The Musical will run from December 13th through January 19th at The Broward Stage Door Theatre in Coral Springs. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, in Coral Springs.

Tickets for 9 to 5: The Musical are $38; $16 student tickets are also available.  Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoortheatre.com

9 to 5: The Musical
Music and Lyrics by  Dolly Parton
Book by  Patricia Resnick
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture
December 13 – January 19
Tickets:  $38 (Students $16)
Phone:  954-344-7765
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 pm,
Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm
The Broward Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Coral Springs, Fl 33065
www.stagedoortheatre.com

The Boca Raton Theatre Guild and Peter J. Loewy present ‘Respect: A Musical Journey of Women’

30 Wednesday Oct 2013

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The Boca Raton Theatre Guild and Peter J. Loewy
present
Respect: A Musical Journey of Women
Respect Graphic copy
The Popular Hit Musical Returns to South Florida for a Limited Run

From Lily Langtree to Cyndi Lauper and Betty Boop to Tina Turner, or from Rosie the Riveter to Britney Spears, female singers and pop stars and their music provide a vivid reflection of how much has changed for women since the beginning of the 20th century.  RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women, which has evolved from a one-woman dissertation to an international hit musical revue since its debut, is an entertaining, exuberant, and exhilarating look at the lives of women as reflected in the popular music of the times.  RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women will run from December 5th through January 5th at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre in Boca Raton. DSCN1306a

This production, which is part of the BRTG’s newly extended season, is a return of the very first, wildly popular Florida incarnation of RESPECT and will be directed by the show’s original director, Peter J. Loewy. Featuring an ensemble cast of four and a live band, and combining excerpts of 60 songs including “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “I Will Survive,” “I Will Follow Him,” “These Boots are Made for Walking,” “What’s Love Got to Do with it,” and “Hero” with women’s own stories about finding dreams, lost love, relationship issues, entering the workforce, gaining independence, and more, RESPECT has resonated with audiences around the world. Men as well as women will have no trouble at all identifying with the messages of encouragement and empowerment that RESPECT portrays.

Loewy, who recently produced a successful revival of RESPECT in his own theatre in Metuchen, New Jersey, is excited to bring the show back to its ‘state of origin’.  “It’s a great show,” he explains.  “Everyone who sees it loves it.  It’s ‘up’, it’s fun, and yet it has a story to tell.  And I get as many positive comments about it from men, as I do from women!”

RESPECT definitely has a universal appeal. “What’s interesting – and exciting – to me about RESPECT is that it’s attractive to all audiences,” Loewy says.  “We get mothers with their daughters, and grandmothers with their granddaughters, not to mention their male counterparts!  When we played at the Cuillo Centre for the Arts and at the 26th Street Theatre in Wilton Manors, we would chat with people before and after the show.  Some of them had seen it 5 or more times!”

Sharyn PeoplesAlong with Sharyn Peoples, who recently received raveZiarra Washington reviews in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of Next to Normal, Carla Bordonada, Nicole Kinzel, and Ziarra Washington will make up the cast of RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women; the show’s original musical director, Phil Hinton is also on board. champagne-web

There will be two special New Year’s Eve ‘champagne performances’ of RESPECT (at 4 pm and 9 pm) on December 31st.

Carla BordonadaTickets for RESPECT are on sale now and can be Nicole Kinzel croppedpurchased on line at www.brtg.org, or by calling 866-811-4111. Tickets are $38, or $33 if purchased before November 15th, and $30 for groups of 15 or more.  (Call 561-948-2601 for group sales)

~*~

RESPECT:  A Musical Journey of Women
By Dorothy Marcic
December 5, 2013 – January 5, 2014
Previews:  December 5 & 6 at 8 pm (preview tickets $30)
Opening Night: December 7
Tickets: $38/ $33 if purchased before November 15
$30 for groups of 20 or more.
Thursday – Saturday 8 pm
Wednesday & Sunday 2 pm

The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center, Studio Theatre, 2nd Floor
201 Plaza Real
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Phone:  866-811-4111
Group Sales: 561-948-2601
On Line:  www.brtg.org

Praise for RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women:

Dorothy“I loved the show. It was the sound track of my life. Everyone should go see it!”  Patti LaBelle

“RESPECT is fun! Women love RESPECT. They Adore it!”  The Philadelphia Inquirer

“It’s  One Heck Of A Fun Ride, complete with some of your favorite songs of the 20th Century.  This is a Must See and Must Hear Musical that you will want to see more than once!” Broadwayworld.com

“ ‘Respect’ — and they ain’t lyin’! Musicals have been made from classic novels, campy movies and even comic strips, but it seems likely that RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women is the first show to come from a social history textbook.”  Hap Erstein, Palm Beach Post/PalmBeachArtsPaper

“RESPECT…. is an engaging and entertaining look at the evolving roles of women in the 20th century. Using popular Top 40 hits, music, video images, and costumes, Dr. Marcic illustrates how, in the early part of the century, song lyrics resonated with women’s dependency and submissiveness; echoed their rebellion in the late 1960s; and reflected their independence in the 1990s.” Williams, MA newspaper

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Entr’Acte Theatrix presents Tommy – October 17 – 27

11 Friday Oct 2013

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The Who’s ‘amazing journey’ begins at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts’ Crest Theatre on October 17th.

tommy ck copy
Rehearsal’s for Entr’Acte Theatrix upcoming production of The Who’s Tommy are well underway, but the cast recently took a ‘time out’ for a quick photo session.  All three Tommy’s were present, along with The Acid Queen, Captain and Mrs. Walker, Sally Simpson, Cousin Kevin, and Uncle Ernie.

The Who’s Tommy will run from October 17th through October 27th at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts’ Crest Theatre in Old School Square.

Entr’Acte’s recent production of Monty Python’s Spamalot was a near sell-out, and ticket sales indicate that Tommy will attract similar crowds.

Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff’s Tony Award-winning musical about a young boy who discovers a natural knack for pinball was one of the very first rock operas to play on Broadway, and opened the door to a new era of musical theatre.  Tommy is currently enjoying an extremely successful revival at the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.

Entr’Acte’s cast members include Alexander Zenoz as Tommy, Alexa Baray as Mrs. Walker, Sean Dorazio as Captain Walker, Ashley Gravelin as the Acid Queen, Greg Halmos as Cousin Kevin, and David Lamphier as Uncle Ernie.

All the photos below are available for download.

Entr’acte Theatrix, is a not-for-profit, semi-professional, showcase company for young actors, providing performance opportunities for emerging theatre artists.  An off-shoot of the Palm Beach Principal Players, an acting company for theater students of high school and college age, Entr’acte, as the name suggests, is the “next step,” from classroom to career, and provides the young actor his or her first professional, all-important, resume-building credit.

The Who’s Tommy will run from October 17th to October 27th only, at the Crest Theatre at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts at Old School Square.  The theatre is located at 51 North Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, 33444.  Tickets are on sale now, and are available by calling 561-243-7922. Tickets are $20; $15 for groups of 15 or more with the 16th ticket free; and $10 for children under 12; and are on sale now. $10 Student Rush tickets will be available ½ hour before curtain only, with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased on line at:
http://delraycenterforthearts.org  or by phone at: 561-243-7922, ext. 1.

~*~

The Who’s Tommy
Composer & Lyricist:  Pete Townshend
Librettists: Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff
Additional music and lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon
October 17 – 27
Tickets:  $20
Groups of 15 or more: $15 (16th ticket is free)
Children 12 & Under: $10
Student Rush – ½ hour before curtain: $10 – with valid ID
Performances:
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays – 8 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday – 2 p.m.
Delray Beach Center for the Arts / Crest Theatre
Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave.
Delray Beach 33444
Box Office: 561-243-7922, ext. 1
Direct link for on-line ticket purchase:
http://bit.ly/18ZAtNX
DelrayCenterForTheArts.org
http://www.entractetheatrix.org
https://www.facebook.com/EntrActePB?fref=ts  

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