Row L Seat 1 Updates

Dear readers and followers of Row L Seat 1,

Just a quick update to let you all know what's going on in the world of Row L Seat 1...

A few months ago I made the decision to divide Row L Seat 1 into two very different entities: the Row L Seat 1 theatre blog and Row L Seat 1 Productions. The theatre blog (where you are right now) was designed as a way to keep my original concept alive and promote theatre in the Central PA area, while the production side was designed so that I could further pursue my desire to develop original musicals.

I'm very excited to announce that I'm finally making some really great progress with developing (and co-writing!) my very first original musical for Row L Seat 1 Productions! It's been a long road assembling just the right team, and we still have a long journey ahead of us, but I can't be more excited to share more about this project in the coming months and bring one of my crazy ideas to the stage! 

While this is an extremely exciting time for me, I'm sad to say that I'll be taking a break from the blogging side of things so that I can devote my full attention to developing the musical. For anyone who was following my blog to stay in touch with Central PA theatre news, there are some really great alternatives:

The "Local Theatre Patrons" group on Facebook

This group consists almost exclusively of Central PA theatre makers and followers, and it's a great way to see what's going on in the theatre scene in our area. Simply request to become a member, and once approved you'll start to see all the posts and updates from various local theatres.

Kids Theatre News

This page provides updates on auditions, performances, and other theatre-related happenings in our area. You can check them out online, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

Theatre Sensation

This is another theatre blog based more in the Lancaster area but covering theatre from some Central PA theatres. This site provides a lot of interviews and reviews, and it's a good way to get some behind-the-scenes glimpses of shows in the area. They are also on Facebook and Twitter.

Finally, I love to follow the local theatre scene on Twitter. I've found recently that Facebook doesn't show much news from pages anymore (unless you specifically look for it or go to your "Pages" feed), so I've switched to Twitter as my go-to source for local theatre news. Many of our local theatres have accounts where they share news about upcoming productions and events. If you don't have a Twitter account, it might be time to get one! (And if you do, feel free to come follow me at @Theatre_Kim!)

For everyone who has come with me on my blogging venture, thank you so much! Whether you've followed my posts, invited me to review a production, shared my site, or simply asked me how the blog is doing, I truly appreciate your support more than I can express. I'll be leaving this site active so that old posts are still accessible and so that if/when I'm able to devote more time to blogging I can pick up right where I left off.

In the meantime, if you'd like to keep up-to-date with my musical journey, please follow the Row L Seat 1 Productions Facebook page or Twitter page (and soon to come, Instagram page).

Yours in theatre,

Theatre Kim

'Cinderella' at Hershey Theatre is a Delightful Treat for the Whole Family

While the weather outside may be frightful, the national tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella at Hershey Theatre is absolutely delightful. With a talented cast, timeless music, graceful dancing, magical transformations, and even a sword fight with a woodland creature, Cinderella is a treat for the whole family.

This updated version of the classic fairytale tells the familiar story of Cinderella with a few twists and surprises. The show brings the characters we all know and love to life on stage with beautiful costumes, fairytale romance, and a hint of humor, all while subtly conveying the message of never giving up on your dream.

Kaitlyn Davidson and Andy Huntington Jones lead the top-notch cast as Ella and Prince Topher. Davidson's sweet innocence and Disney voice make her a perfect fit for the title role, and Jones is equally fitting in his role with his boyish good looks and a charming voice fit for a prince. The rest of the cast steps up to match their talent, with Blair Ross portraying the convincingly wicked Madame, the evil stepmother; Rachel Fairbanks and Aymee Garcia playing the stepsisters Gabrielle and Charlotte; David Andino as the lovable Jean-Michel; and Liz McCartney as Marie, the magical fairy godmother.

My 8-year-old son was quick to point out that there were lots of girls in the audience wearing princess dresses. But don't let the show's fancy gowns and dazzling glass slippers fool you... Kids of any gender will enjoy this light-hearted and fun production. (If you're looking for proof, when I asked my son what he thought of the show, he enthusiastically said it was "Really good!" That's about the highest compliment a show can get from an 8-year-old!) Grown-ups will appreciate the enchanting show as well, taking in a good old-fashioned musical filled with heartwarming show tunes, positive messages, and little bits of unexpected humor.

I was fortunate to be able to attend the Kids' Night on Broadway performance, where my son had the opportunity to participate in a variety of themed activities for children. Kids' Night on Broadway is a year-round national audience-development program of The Broadway League, the national trade association of the Broadway industry, created to introduce kids and young adults to the magical world of theatrical entertainment. While my son is already very familiar with the theatre world, he loved participating in the activities, which ranged from coloring to word searches to games. He especially enjoyed the Hershey bar prizes and posing with a few of the Hershey characters who made a special appearance.

While the Kids' Night on Broadway performance was only for one night, there are still a few more chances to see the show before it leaves town! Cinderella is at Hershey Theatre through Sunday, January 31, and tickets are available at the Hershey Theatre box office, by phone at 717-534-3405, and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

Theatre Kim's January Picks

If you made a New Years resolution to see more live theatre in 2016, Central PA theatres are making it easy to get your resolution-keeping off to a good start! From Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Hershey Theatre to Arthur Miller's All My Sons at Oyster Mill Playhouse, January offers something theatrical for everyone in Central PA.

Here are my top picks in Central PA theatre this month:

1) The Laramie Project (Theatre Harrisburg)
January 8-17

This will be my first time seeing this show, but I'm really looking forward to it. I have high hopes for this to be a powerful piece of theatre that is very relevant and eye-opening. From the Theatre Harrisburg website, here's a description of the show:

In October 1998, a twenty-one-year-old student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped, severely beaten, and left tied to a fence in the middle of the prairie outside Laramie, Wyoming. His bloody, bruised, and battered body was not discovered until the next day, and he died several days later in an area hospital. His name was Matthew Shepard, and he was the victim of this assault because he was gay. Moisés Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project made six trips to Laramie over the course of a year and a half, in the aftermath of the beating and during the trial of the two young men accused of killing Shepard. They conducted more than 200 interviews with the people of the town. Some people interviewed were directly connected to the case, while others were citizens of Laramie, and the breadth of the reactions to the crime is fascinating. Kaufman and Tectonic Theater members have constructed a deeply moving theatrical experience from these interviews and their own experiences in Laramie. THE LARAMIE PROJECT is a breathtaking collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable.

2) Court Street Cabaret (Open Stage of Harrisburg)

January 15 & 16
This is an annual favorite of mine. Stuart Landon and a handful of guests put on a great show that's always filled with good times, good tunes, and good talent. It's usually a combination of Broadway favorites and surprisingly good tunes from lesser known shows. Open Stage's intimate black box theatre is the perfect setting for this casual cabaret.

3) [title of show] (Carlisle Theatre Company)
January 22-24

No, that's not a typo. Yes, [title of show] is actually the title of this show. This musical hasn't been done in our area very often, but it's a special treat for musical theatre fans, so I was super excited when I found out that it was being done locally. It's a musical about two guys writing a musical about writing a musical. The concept sounds almost too simple, but it works. Theatre fans will enjoy an abundance of industry references and inside humor, and those not very familiar with the musical theatre industry can still enjoy the catchy modern music and humor in this show.

4) Beyond the Footlights Cabaret (Hershey Theatre)
January 23
This is, hands down, my favorite theatre event of the entire year every year. This cabaret is a benefit for the Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards, a program that recognizes local high school theatre talent. The night starts with wine, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction, which always includes some amazing items for theatre lovers. Then comes a delicious meal that is served ON THE STAGE of the theatre. Trust me... Dining on the stage of this beautiful theatre is just as amazing as it sounds! Following dinner, past Apollo Award nominees and recipients take the stage to perform a selection of show tunes. I've been an evaluator for the Apollo Awards since its inception in 2008, and every year I'm completely blown away by the truly outstanding talent that comes out of our local high schools! There are typically two ticket options for this event: the full experience ticket and a dessert/show only ticket.

So whether you're trying to keep a New Years resolution or simply want to catch a good performance, January is a great month for theatre in Central PA. Make sure to check out this complete listing of upcoming theatre events in the area this month.

Kids’ Night on Broadway Returns to Hershey Theatre for Cinderella

(UPDATE: As of January 14, 2016, this promotion is sold out. However, regular tickets remain for all performances.)

Kids’ Night on Broadway is a year-round national audience development program of The Broadway League, the national trade association of the Broadway industry, created to introduce kids and young adults to the magical world of theatrical entertainment. Hershey Theatre is proud to participate on Wednesday, January 27, when Cinderella visits town.

On Kids’ Night on Broadway, kids ages 18 and under can get one FREE ticket to Cinderella when accompanied by one full-paying adult (at select price levels). Tickets are available at the Hershey Theatre Box Office, by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com. 

The night will be festive with kid-friendly activities and entertainment available in the lower lobby of Hershey Theatre, starting at 6:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

Kids’ Night on Broadway was created in 1996 by the League and Theatre Development Fund and has welcomed young people to Broadway shows in New York and on tour across the U.S. ever since.

With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella combines the story's classic elements – glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball – along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn't let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too.

'Matilda the Musical' at Hershey Theatre is a Rare Gem of a Production

Let's start with the bad news: You only have a few chances left to see Matilda the Musical at Hershey Theatre.

The good news? You still have a few chances left to see Matilda the Musical at Hershey Theatre!!

The first time I saw Matilda the Musical was on Broadway back in January, and I fell in love with it. I loved the story, the acting, the music, the set, everything. So when I found out that this amazing piece of theatre was coming to Hershey Theatre, I could barely contain my excitement (ok, I couldn't contain it...I jumped up and down and screamed like I just won $10 tickets to see Hamilton).

Matilda the Musical at Hershey Theatre is just as incredible as I remember from seeing it in NYC. The story follows a smart little girl, Matilda, who doesn't have the kindest of parents. Mrs. Wormwood is too focused on her appearance and her dancing career to be bothered with a daughter. Mr. Wormwood is busy scamming people. And both parents much prefer their son, Michael, who mindlessly stares at a TV all day, to their intellectual and (mostly) well-behaved daughter. I'm far from the perfect parent, but these parents make me look like mom of the year!

When Matilda starts school, she befriends her kind teacher, Miss Honey. Miss Honey recognizes that Matilda is special and is determined to help her succeed. But the brute of a headmaster, Miss Trunchbull, has different plans for Matilda (and all the other children for that matter).

There are so many great things to say about this show. Let's start with the cast. The cast is made up of mostly children, and these kids are outstanding. They sing and dance their hearts out, with a seemingly endless supply of energy. Everyone from Gabby Gutierrez in the title role, to Evan Gray as the cake-stealing Bruce, to Charlie Kersh as Matilda's self-proclaimed best friend Lavender does an outstanding job from beginning to end. The adult cast members are equally as talented. In the role of Miss Trunchbull, Bryce Ryness steals the show at times, proving that his aerial acrobatics are almost as good as his acting. Quinn Mattfeld and Cassie Silva are perfectly obnoxious in their roles as Matilda's mother and father. And Jennifer Blood as Miss Honey has a voice that's as sweet as her character's name.

The music by Tim Minchin is another highlight of the show. It provides a perfect blend of power rock songs like "Revolting Children," sweet melodies like "My House," and upbeat childish tunes like "Naughty." This kind of score wouldn't work with a lot of shows, but it's absolutely perfect for this one! The lyrics in "School Song" are nothing short of genius, and the props and choreography that are incorporated into the set during this number are just as brilliant.

And speaking of the set, let me just say WOW. This set is one of the most impressive sets I've ever seen in a show, setting the tone of the show before it even starts. The set is filled with letters, which resemble scrabble letters, only they almost give the feel of being in another world. Throughout the show, keep an eye out for the different words that are subtly spelled, like "MATILDA" and "QUIET." The set is constantly changing. One minute you can be in the school, and before you know it you're in Matilda's bedroom.

Another thing that's so great about Matilda is that it's perfect for both kids and adults. My boys (ages 5 and 7) were just as excited as I was to see it a second time. It's full of non-stop action and suspense that will easily hold kids' attention while entertaining adults as well. And the story is one that is easy for kids to follow but has much deeper content that adults can appreciate.

This is one of the rare shows where I enjoy the second act more than the first (though both are incredible!). It's kind of like enjoying a sequel better than the original - it doesn't happen very often. But this show just keeps getting better and better, and just when you think it can't get any better, it does! Some of my favorite parts of the show take place in the second act, including the choreography during the swing song ("When I Grow Up") and the chalkboard scene near the end (I still can't figure out how they do it!). I also love the twist that is revealed in Matilda's story during the second act, but I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet!

Matilda the Musical at Hershey Theatre is a rare gem of a production that is full of energy, talent, and magic. I feel like I could talk all day about how magnificent this production is and it still wouldn't accurately portray the brilliance of it. It's just something you have to experience for yourself!

Fortunately you still have a few chances left to see this show, and I highly recommend that you do. It's not often that a show of this caliber comes to our area, so take advantage of it before it's gone! Matilda the Musical plays at Hershey Theatre from November 10-15. For details and tickets, please visit www.hersheytheatre.com.

PRiMA Theatre Presents a World Premiere Holiday Theatre Experience

PRiMA Theatre will present Snow Queen's Party, a theatre experience that offers the opportunity to interact with legendary holiday figures, who are fellow guests at the event, as they create chaos and fun in a pre-show cocktail time and zany variety show. Performances are December 6 and 13 at 7:00pm at the Ephrata Main Theatre.

“Experiential, immersive theatre is something that Lancaster has yet to see,” says Mitch Nugent, Executive Producer of PRiMA Theatre. Snow Queen’s Party is PRiMA’s world premiere immersive theatrical event. 

The cast features over two dozen performers including Katie Sina in the title role, Cissy and the Man (juggler and clown) playing the April Fools, Duane Hespell as Jack Frost, Jay Poff as the Easter Bunny, Reji Woods as the Leprechaun, Monica DePaul as the Tooth Fairy and Ray Hilton as Cupid.

The Ephrata Main is located at 124 East Main Street, Ephrata PA, within the Brossman Business Complex. Free parking is available in the garage behind the theatre with no pass or ticket required.

Tickets to the show start at $26.00 and are available at primatheatre.org or by calling the box-office at 717.327.5124. Snow Queen’s Party is appropriate for all ages.

Oyster Mill Playhouse to Present the Comedy 'How The Other Half Loves'

The Oyster Mill Playhouse will present How The Other Half Loves, by Alan Ayckbourn, November 6-22 at the theater located at 1001 Oyster Mill Rd in East Pennsboro Twp. Curtain is at 8:00 p.m. for all Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows, and 2:00 p.m. for Sunday matinees. Tickets are $16. Visit www.oystermill.com or call the box office at 717-737-6768 for tickets.

There are three couples in this play, the men all working for the same firm. One of the younger men is having an affair with the wife of the oldest, and when each returns home suspiciously late one night or early one morning they invent a story about having to spend some time smoothing domestic matters in the home of the third couple. Of course, the third couple have to show up to put the fat in the fire, but that complication only adds to the fun of this famous farce.

The show is directed by Greg Merkel, and stars Gail Kemeny, Kristen Borgerson Ottens, Kathleen Tacelosky, Ron Nason, Craig Copas, and Keith Bowerman.