'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.

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.

'Matilda The Musical' Will Make its Premier at Hershey Theatre

TIME Magazine’s #1 Show of the Year, Matilda The Musical is coming to Hershey Theatre from Tuesday, November 10 through Sunday, November 15. Tickets for this show are $25.00, $35.00, $43.00, $58.00, $73.00, $78.00, $83.00 and $88.00 (tax and applicable fees apply) and are available at the Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

Winner of 50 international awards including four Tony Awards and a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards including Best Musical, Matilda The Musical is based on the beloved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox). It is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny. 

Matilda The Musical is directed by Tony Award winner Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage), who helms this production with a book by Tony Award-winning playwright Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin. The production has sets and costumes by Tony Award winner Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Tony Award winner Hugh Vanstone, and sound by Simon Baker. For more information, please visit www.MatildaTheMusical.com.

4 Reasons Why You Should Go See 'Once' at Hershey Theatre

When I first saw the musical Once a few years ago on Broadway, it quickly joined my "Top 5" list of all-time favorite musicals. Seeing Once at Hershey Theatre only reaffirmed my love for this show. There's a reason (actually quite a few reasons) why this show won eight (EIGHT!!!) Tony Awards. While I could easily list 20 great things about Once, here are four of the main reasons why I fell in love this show (and why I think you will too!):

1. The story
"Guy" (played by Stuart Ward) is a musician from Dublin who is just about to call it quits, when "Girl" (played by Dani de Waal) unexpectedly comes along and inspires him to keep on going. She has faith in his music, and he has faith in her. While it may sound like the classic tale of boy meets girl, this love story takes some unexpected turns. Even the ending can be interpreted as happy or unhappy, depending on how you look at it.

2. The music
With the setting of the show in Ireland, much of the music has more of a folk sound to it as opposed to the typical show tune style found in many musicals. With a simply beautiful and at times haunting score, it's easy to see why Once won a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album in 2013. Adding to the beautiful music is the fact that the actors are also the musicians. The song "Gold" is one of my favorite songs from a musical ever, and it proves how talented the whole ensemble really is. The first performance of the song at the end of Act One is one that I could watch over and over, but equally good is the A capella reprise in Act Two. "Falling Slowly" is another favorite of mine from the show and really showcases the musical talent of Ward and deWall.  

3. The humor
The first time I saw Once, I was caught completely off guard by how genuinely funny it is. Seeing it again, I found myself laughing just as much as I did the first time. While the story is ultimately a complicated love story, funny moments are sprinkled throughout the whole show at just the right moments.

4. The pre-show experience

I absolutely love when musicals do creative things to enhance the audience's experience, which is maybe one of the reasons why I was so quick to fall in love this show. Much of the show takes place in a bar, which happens to be open to the audience upon arriving to the theatre. Simply walk up on stage to purchase a glass of wine, bottle of beer, or even just a water. How cool is that?! You can't take pictures or touch anything, but just being up on the stage and seeing the set up close is an amazing and unique experience. There are a few other surprises that I won't give away, but I'll offer the following tip: If you're up for the full experience, try to be on the stage about five minutes before the start of the show.

With a genuine story told through top-notch performing, beautiful music, and unexpected humor, Once is easily one of the best musicals to come to Hershey Theatre. There's no reason why every seat in the house shouldn't be filled for the next few days!

Once plays at Hershey Theatre through September 20. For more information and tickets, please visit www.hersheytheatre.com.

'Once' Kicks off 2015-16 Broadway Season at Hershey Theatre

 

Once, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will play Hershey Theatre for a limited engagement from Tuesday, September 15 through Sunday, September 20.

Tickets for this show are $25.00, $35.00, $38.00, $53.00, $68.00, $73.00, $78.00 and $83.00 (tax and applicable fees apply) and are available at Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

Once features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, a book by award-winning Irish playwright & screenwriter, Enda Walsh (Penelope, Hunger, The New Electric Ballroom), direction by the acclaimed Scottish director of Black Watch, John Tiffany, movement by Steven Hoggett (Black Watch, American Idiot) and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe (Mamma Mia!). The set and costume design are by five time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (The Coast of Utopia, Mary Poppins), lighting design is by Tony winner Natasha Katz (Aida, The Coast of Utopia), and sound design is by Clive Goodwin.

Once is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, Once is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty... and unforgettable in every way.

Please note: There is a 25-minute hold for late patrons, during which patrons will not be allowed to enter the house or proceed to their seats. In order to not miss a moment of this Tony Award-winning production, we encourage you to arrive to the Theatre early. In addition, due to some adult language, this show is recommended for ages 10 and above. 

For more information, please visit www.OnceMusical.com.

'Annie' at Hershey Theatre is a Summer Treat for the Whole Family

It's hard to go through life without some kind of exposure to the classic musical Annie. Many people are familiar with the Tony-winning musical from its original Broadway production back in 1977. Even non-theatre fans have probably heard of the little red-headed orphan who belts out the iconic tune "Tomorrow." And the 2014 movie version starring Jamie Foxx mainstreamed the song "It's the Hard Knock Life," bringing awareness of the musical to a younger generation.

The national tour of Annie opened at the Hershey Theatre on Tuesday, July 21, and plays there through Sunday, July 26. Like a refreshing ice cream cone on a hot day, Annie is a great summer treat that is perfect for the whole family.

The story follows 11-year-old orphan Annie, played by Issie Swickle, who has her hopes set on finding her birth mother and father. The mean head of the orphanage Miss Hannigan, played by Lynn Andrews, strongly dislikes Annie (well, really all kids in general), and is disgusted when wealthy businessman Oliver ("Daddy") Warbucks, played by Gilgamesh Taggett, takes Annie under his wing for the Christmas holiday.

Swickle exudes confidence on the stage, and she brings a nice freshness to the title role while still preserving the classic image. Andrews dominates her character, and plays a convincing antagonist. Taggett is also quick to impress as his character balances authoritative business with fatherly love.

Garrett Deagon and Lucy Werner make up the comic duo of Rooster and Lily, respectively, and are entertaining in their roles, particularly when they team with Andrews for their performance of "Easy Street." Ashley Edler is a breath of fresh air as Warbucks' assistant Grace Farrell, and her voice is as sweet as her character.

The kids who make up the rest of the orphans put on quite the show and are a joy to watch, each bringing their own unique character to life. And of course I can't leave out one of the main stars of the show, Sandy, who brings a smile to everyone's face every time she trots on stage wagging her tail.

In full disclosure, Annie has never been a favorite musical of mine; however, I really enjoyed this production. The show is filled with a surprising amount of chuckles, for both adults and kids. I found myself laughing more than I expected, and even my 7-year-old son, who is usually Mr. Serious, was smiling and giggling throughout the show. One word of caution for parents... While the show is mostly very family friendly, there is a bit of mild language used, including several uses of the "D" word and a few "shut up"s.

This production of Annie absolutely does justice to the original, and anyone hoping to relive the familiar tunes and story they remember from years ago should be pleased with the show. Those experiencing the show for the first time can expect to enjoy a classic feel-good musical with catchy tunes and plenty of talent.

Annie plays at the Hershey Theatre through Sunday, July 26, 2015. For more details and ticket information, please visit www.hersheytheatre.com.

Hershey Theatre to Welcome Annie

Hershey Theatre is proud to welcome the new U.S. National Tour of Annie to the stage from Tuesday, July 21 through Sunday, July 26. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin for the 19th time, this production of Annie will be a brand new physical incarnation of the iconic Tony Award®-winning original.

Tickets for this show are $25.00, $30.00, $48.00, $53.00, $63.00, $68.00 and $73.00 (tax and applicable fees apply) and are available at Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

The original production of Annie opened April 21, 1977 at the Alvin Theatre and went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album and seven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin). The show remains one of the biggest Broadway musical hits ever.

The beloved score for Annie includes “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

This brand new production features a 25 member company: in the title role of Annie is Issie Swickle, a 9-year-old actress from Davie, FL, making her tour debut. Gilgamesh Taggett will star as Oliver Warbucks. In the role of Miss Hannigan is Lynn Andrews. Also starring in the tour are Ashley Edler as Grace, Garrett Deagon as Rooster, Lucy Werner as Lily and Allan Ray Baker as FDR. Sunny, a 4-year-old rescue terrier mix, stars as Sandy.

For more information, please visit www.AnnieTheMusical.com.

The Illusionists – Live From Broadway – Coming to Hershey Theatre

The world’s best-selling touring magic show, The Illusionists – Live From Broadway, will take the stage at Hershey Theatre on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4. 

Tickets for this show are $29.00, $55.00, $65.00 and $75.00 (processing fees apply). They are available at Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 or 800-745-3000, and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com. 

Having shattered box office records around the world, The Illusionists – Live From Broadway is now touring the United States. This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, The Illusionists have dazzled audiences of all ages. Creative Producer Simon Painter said, “We can’t wait to bring this electrifying show on the road for a truly entertaining experience for the whole family. The Illusionists is the most non-stop and powerful mix of outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on the live stage.” 

For more information, please visit www.TheIllusionistsLive.com.

Hershey Theatre Announces 2015-2016 Broadway Season

Hershey Theatre is pleased to announce another highly anticipated season of top Broadway entertainment. Four critically acclaimed productions will grace the stage at the iconic venue.

“Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and the M.S. Hershey Foundation are positively thrilled to announce the 87th season of presenting touring Broadway shows to Central Pennsylvania,” said Dennis Norton, Entertainment Programming Manager, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. “Milton S. Hershey built the Hershey Theatre to celebrate the performing arts and we are proud to be carrying on his legacy of offering premier entertainment to the region.”

The much-anticipated 2015-2016 Broadway Season programming includes: 

• Once
• Matilda The Musical
• Cinderella
• Ragtime 

About the shows

The variety-filled Broadway season kicks off September 15-20, 2015 with Once. Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Once is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights… but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, Once draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.

Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda will take the stage of the Theatre November 10-15, 2015.
 
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production will visit January 26-31, 2016 and features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love— the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes.
 
At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing…and anything is possible. The Theatre will welcome Ragtime April 26-May 1, 2016. The stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician unfold - set in turn-of-the-century New York - all three united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow. Their compelling stories are set to theatre’s richest and most glorious Tony Award-winning score.
 
In addition, Hershey Theatre is proud to collaborate with All Hands Interpreting Services to provide accessibility to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. Interpreted performances are scheduled for Sunday matinee performances. Liz Marvin, Program Director for Easter Seals echoed Norton’s thoughts stating, ”We applaud Hershey Theatre for this important partnership so that the entire community can enjoy premier entertainment so close to home.”
 
“This is going to be a year to remember at Hershey Theatre, the area’s foremost performing arts center,” continued Norton. “In addition to this outstanding line-up, look for additional show announcements in the coming months.”
 
Subscription packages for these great shows are available now. Tickets for all Broadway shows go on sale to the public on Monday, July 13 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be available at Hershey Theatre Box Office, online at www.HersheyTheatre.com, or by calling 717-534-3405.
 
The 2015-16 Broadway series is proudly presented by Capital BlueCross.

Jersey Boys is "Working Its Way Back" to Hershey

More than 15K theatergoers cheered when Jersey Boys made its sell-out premiere in Hershey last year. Worldwide, more than 13 million people have seen Jersey Boys. Now, the show that broke the Theatre box office record is "Working Its Way Back" from January 27 – February 1, 2015.

Tickets for this show start at $25.00 (tax and applicable fees apply) and are available at Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

Jersey Boys is the Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30! Jersey Boys features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

The Jersey Boys creative team comprises two-time Tony Award®-winning director Des McAnuff, book writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, composer Bob Gaudio, lyricist Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo. For more information, please visit www.JerseyBoysInfo.com.

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT coming to Hershey Theatre

Broadway’s new musical comedy, Nice Work If You Can Get It, will visit Hershey Theatre Friday, January 16 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 17 at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Tickets for this show are $30.00, $50.00, $60.00 and $70.00 (tax and applicable fees apply) and are available at Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

Alex Enterline and Mariah MacFarlane will star as wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter and feisty bootlegger Billie Bendix, respectively. The tour will also feature Reed Campbell as Cookie McGee, Aaron Fried as Duke Mahoney, Stephanie Gandolfo as Jeannie Muldoon, Stephanie Harter Gilmore as Duchess Estonia Dulworth, Benjamin Perez as Senator Max Evergreen, Rachael Scarr as Eileen Evergreen, Thomas Schario as Chief Berry and Barbara Weetman as Millicent Winter.

Rounding out the company are Jessica Bare, Kayla Starr Bryan, Christian Bufford, Elyse Collier, Carl DeForrest Hendin, Nick Jones, Kristina King, Alison Morooney, Sarah Primmer, Kevin Michael Raponey, Justin Schuman, Heather Stinson and Chris Woods.

The musical comedy features music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin and a book by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro (Memphis) inspired by material by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse. The production features direction and choreography by three-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes), recreated by David Eggers.

Nice Work If You Can Get It, which played a total of 478 performances during its 2012-2013 Broadway run, is filled to the brim with classic Gershwin songs, including “But Not For Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” This sparkling, madcap tale combines laughter, romance and high-stepping Broadway magic for an evening bursting with girls, glamour and the glorious songs of Gershwin. For more information, please visit www.NiceWorkOnTour.com.

Elf The Musical at Hershey Theatre is a Recipe for Holiday Fun

I love to bake cookies at Christmastime. I don't know if it's the way it makes the house smell, the joy on my kids faces when they dump a year's supply of sprinkles on a sugar cookie, or the way the cookies look when they're all done and assembled on a platter on Christmas day. Probably it's all of those reasons.

Another thing I love about this time of year is the abundance of holiday plays and musicals that are playing at local theatres. Come to think of it, holiday shows are actually pretty similar to Christmas cookies. For example, take the chocolate chip cookie. A Christmas Story is kind of like the chocolate chip cookie of holiday shows. It's reliable, good, and you can be sure someone you know will make it every year. Then you have the sugar cookies, which are shows like It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. They're nice, sweet, and go back years and years. And finally there are the special cookies. They're the cookies that not everyone makes, but when you find someone that makes a good special cookie you want to make sure you get your hands on one before they're gone. Elf the Musical at Hershey Theatre is just this kind of cookie...I mean show.

Elf tells the story of Buddy the Elf, who's not really an elf but thinks he's an elf. You see, Buddy was orphaned as a child and accidentally crawled into Santa's sack, ending up at the North Pole where he was raised with all the other elves. Upon learning he's actually human, Buddy sets off on an adventure to New York City to find his true dad.

I make a special cookie at Christmas that I like to think is pretty darn good. It's a chocolate mint cookie, and as with most cookies, it starts with flour. The flour in Elf is Santa. You pretty much can't make a cookie without flour, and well, it just wouldn't be Christmas without Santa. Santa is played by Mark Fishback, and other than the fake beard, Fishback is a pretty convincing Saint Nick.

After the flour comes the sugar. The sugar is the sweetest part of the cookie and what makes the cookie taste so delicious. Of course this is Buddy, who is basically a kid in an adults body. He's almost always happy, and he has such a youthful innocence about him. What's not to love about a guy who thinks nothing of dressing in striped green tights and eats spaghetti covered in maple syrup for breakfast? At the performance I attended, Buddy, typically played by Daniel Patrick Smith, was played by understudy David J. Wiens. Wiens stepped up to the plate and didn't miss a beat. While I wouldn't say he had an outstanding voice, when combined with natural acting talent it was good enough to pull off the role.

Next it's time to mix in some butter, the indulgent part of the cookie that you cringe when you add. This is Buddy's real dad, Walter Hobbs. Walter, played by D. Scott Withers, is a workaholic that puts his job before everything, including family. Withers does a fantastic job playing the guy you love to hate (though by the end of the show you might not hate him so much).

Then come the eggs, not the key ingredient but very important nonetheless. Emily (Walter's wife and Buddy's stepmother) and Jovie (a Macy's North Pole employee and quickly Buddy's love interest) are the eggs in Elf. Emily is played by Allison Mickelson, and Jovie is played by Daryn Harrell. Both Mickelson and Harrell have pleasant voices and shine in their respective roles.

Then it's time for the surprise in the cookie... the mint chips. They're just little, but they add so much to the cookie. This ingredient in Elf is Michael, Buddy's younger stepbrother. At the performance I saw, Michael was played by Benjamin Elias Harding, and boy was he a treat. He's one of the best child performers I've seen, and honestly I feel that he is one of the most talented cast members. This 7th grader can act, dance, and sing, and he looks so natural doing all of it. Harding's voice blends perfectly with Mickelson's, making for an absolutely beautiful duet in "I'll Believe in You." Not to mention his pitch-perfect voice singing the phrase "It's the story of...Buddy the Elf," which is guaranteed to get stuck in your head (don't say I didn't warn you).

After the mint chips come the chocolate chips. These chips are the other minor roles and ensemble members, each adding a nice touch to the show. From tap dancing elves in the North Pole to singing fake Santas in a Chinese restaurant, the talented ensemble members make sure that everyone leaves the theatre in full-blown holiday spirit.

Finally there are the ingredients like salt and baking powder, which are the necessary ingredients that ensure that a cookie turns out perfectly. These ingredients are the orchestra, choreography, sets, and costumes. The orchestra provides a solid and powerful presence, and the choreography is high energy and top notch. Much of the set and scenery is comprised of a stacking of intricately decorated curtains, which works well for easily transitioning between the North Pole and NYC. And the costumes are about as colorful, Christmas-y, and elf-y as they can get.

Oh, and I can't forget about the secret ingredient... (You didn't think I would give away my entire recipe, did you?) We'll just call the secret ingredient "Santa's magic."

And of course, what Christmas cookie would be complete without the help of children. I'm lucky to have two young boys who like to help me make my cookies, and they came along with me to see Elf as well. My 4-year-old told me that he liked the part when Buddy took the paper and put it in the "machine thing" (his words - not mine) and turned it into snow and yelled "Snooow!" He also liked when Buddy fixed Michael's toy. And my almost-7-year-old was quick to point out that his favorite parts were the ones in the North Pole. Despite his two trips to NYC, he still said that "I like the parts in the North Pole better than the parts in New York." I guess in a kid's world, the Big Apple just can't compete with the the Big Guy in the Red Suit! He also said he liked the part when Santa had Candy Crush on his iPad.

My boys (ages 6 and 4) loved Elf the Muiscal and sat with complete interest the whole time.

I'm not even going to delve into the realm of the musical versus the movie. First of all, I haven't seen the movie in years so I wouldn't consider myself qualified to make accurate comparisons. Secondly, I've found that you should never go into a musical expecting it to be the same as the movie. I mean, you would never expect my chocolate mint cookies to taste exactly like someone else's, right?

When you mix all the ingredients together, Elf the Musical is a special holiday treat that the whole family can enjoy. Filled with plenty of laugh-out-loud humor, a little bit of love, and a good holiday message, this is one show you should catch before it flies back to the North Pole. In other words, make sure to get your hands on this cookie before it's all gone!

Overall I give this production 6 out of 10 standing ovations.

Elf the Musical is playing at Hershey Theatre December 9-14. More details and ticket information can be found at www.HersheyTheatre.com. (A quick note for parents... Minor language is occasionally used, and a recurring theme in the show is the idea of some people not believing in Santa, although most of this will likely go right over the heads of younger children.)

Hershey Theatre to Welcome Elf The Musical

NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Unique Features, bring the Broadway musical Elf to Hershey Theatre from Tuesday, December 9 through Sunday, December 14.

Tickets for this show start at $25.00, $58.00, $73.00 and $78.00 (tax and applicable fees apply) and are available at Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf.

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). The production will feature direction by Sam Scalamoni and choreography by Connor Gallagher.

For more information, please visit www.ElfTheMusicalOnTour.com.

Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (National Tour) at Hershey Theatre

Hershey Theatre opened their 2014-2015 Broadway season with the North American tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This new version of the fun, family-friendly Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is one that will entertain people who have never seen it before while at the same time throwing in some surprises for those already familiar with it.

If you think you know this musical, think again. This production of Joseph has been given a modern makeover, using pop-sounding voices, video projection, hip clothing, and subtle twists on the familiar songs to give the show a very current look and sound. The creators gave this show just enough of an update to keep it fresh without taking away from the original production.

The cast is led by former American Idol contestants (and real-life husband and wife) Ace Young as Joseph and Diana DeGarmo as the Narrator. Their voices have more of a pop music sound to them, so fans of the original production and voices may take a while to warm up to this more modern sound. While they both delivered satisfactory performances, the highlight of their performing for me was their take on the prologue that they performed as a duet at the end of the show. The piece sounded like it could be a current hit on the radio right now, and my only complaint is that I can't find it anywhere to buy!

Brian Golub (Reuben) delivers a vocally impressive performance as he leads the cast in the comic song "One More Angel in Heaven." Ryan Williams also provides an entertaining performance in his role as Pharaoh. The remaining supporting cast members give adequate performances that aren't outstanding but are still good enough to pull off a solid production, and the ensemble blends well to provide a strong foundation.

DeGarmo and Young's rendition of the prologue isn't the only musical change. While all of the songs stay true to Lloyd Webber's orchestrations, several of them add very slight changes that make even a die-hard musical fan like myself wonder Was that part of the original song?. And some of the songs sound even more pop-rock than the originals, which fits in with the overall feel of the show.

In addition to Broadway-style songs like "Close Every Door," the music provides a variety of other styles, from the country hoedown-style "One More Angel in Heaven," to Calypso ("Benjamin Calypso"), and even a little Elvis ("Song of the King").

There is no dialog in the show, as the songs tell the story from beginning to end. The choreography is just as colorful as Joseph's coat, giving the actors a 90-minute dancing workout that flows from one song to the next.

While it lacks depth and overly impressive acting, the production as a whole is entertaining, colorful, and full of energy, with just the right amount of humor. If you're looking for a fun show that the whole family will enjoy, Joseph is a good bet.

Overall, I give this production 7 out of 10 standing ovations.

Joseph is playing at the Hershey Theatre now through September 28. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit the Hershey Theatre website. For more information on the production, plot, cast, and future tour locations, please visit the Joseph U.S. tour website.

Central PA Man Attends 2014 Tony Awards

On Sunday evening, most central PA theatre fans were huddled in front of their TVs, eyes glued to the Tony Awards, waiting in anticipation to see who of Broadway's finest would take home one of the coveted awards. Would Audra McDonald make Tony Award history by winning her sixth Tony Award? Would four-time past Tony host Neil Patrick Harris take home a Tony of his own? Which show would win the prestigious title of Best Musical?

But one central PA theatre professional was a little bit closer to the Broadway action.

Dennis Norton, who handles the programming for the Hershey Theatre, just completed his first year as a judge for the Tony Awards, and on Sunday he had the opportunity to attend his first Tony Awards ceremony. Dennis joined over 6,000 other members of the theatre community at Radio City Music Hall in New York City to celebrate the best of the best on Broadway.

Upon arriving at Radio City Music Hall just before 6:00pm, Dennis was immediately impressed. "Seeing 6,000 people dressed to the nines was a very emotional experience," he said. He also stated that, "The operational aspect was amazing in itself," noting that the way Radio City Music Hall handled moving so many people through its theatre was very impressive. Since it was a live event, the doors were locked at 7:00pm, and there was absolutely no late seating.

Dennis was one of approximately 6,000 people who attended the 2014 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall.

As for the ceremony itself, it didn't disappoint. Dennis described the evening as an "emotional roller coaster," pointing out the variety of emotions in the evening's performances, from the suffering in Les Misérables, to the upbeat Aladdin, to the inspiring story of Beautiful - The Carol King Musical. "Each Broadway show comes with its own very emotional experience," he said. "It was like looking through a photo book of emotions."

One of the things Dennis found interesting was watching the audience respond to each award. He very quickly realized that there were groups of people from each show seated together, and it was easy to tell who was with each show. Dennis happened to be seated near a group with the musical, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, which ended up winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. While this was one of the most anticipated awards, the whole evening was really a celebration Dennis said. "Just being present to witness this celebration was such a thrill."

Dennis was thrilled to be a part of this year's Tony Awards, which proved to be an evening filled with emotion and celebration.

Through his programming role with Hershey Theatre, Dennis is a member of The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing are the presenters of the Tony Awards, so through Dennis's affiliation with the League, he is able to serve as a judge. In order to vote in a category, a judge must have seen every production in that category. This year, Dennis was qualified to vote for 11 out of 26 categories.

Though this year's Tony Awards are over, Dennis said that work on next year's Awards is already beginning. Holler if Ya Hear Me, a musical based on the music of Tupac Shukar, opens next week and will be the first musical of the 2015 Tony Awards season.

Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company, together with the M.S. Hershey Foundation, is dedicated to continuing Milton Hershey's legacy through the Hershey Theatre by presenting Broadway in Central PA. For more information on the Hershey Theatre and upcoming performances, please visit www.hersheytheatre.com.

REVIEW: Flashdance - The Musical (Tour)

Flashdance - The Musical is a show that bursts with energy the second it starts. It's a tactfully sexy production filled with fast-paced music and dancing that are sure not to bore the audience.

The story is set in Pittsburgh and follows Alex Owens, who works at Hurley's Steel Mill during the day and dances at a bar at night. She dreams of being a professional performer one day, and hopes to score an audition with the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. Nick Hurley, her boss at the steel factory, has hopes of his own as he sets his sites on dating Alex.

I should admit here that I've never actually seen the movie (I know, I know...but I was only three when it came out!). But I like that I went in to the show without a predefined image of what the performance should be. Honestly, I didn't get much of an 80s feel from the show other than the few 80s songs (like "I Love Rock 'N' Roll") that were thrown in to the score of mostly original musical numbers. From research, I can say that there are some key differences between the movie and the stage version, so audience members should not expect to see the movie version of Flashdance hashed out word-for-word on stage. Don't fret though - the water scene is still included and successfully adds yet another sexy and unique element to the show.

Sydney Morton, who plays Alex Owens, gave a solid performance. She had everything needed to pull of this challenging role: a powerful voice that nailed every note with confidence; precise and energetic dancing; and stellar acting skills that made it seem she was born to play this role.

Corey Mach plays the role of Nick Hurley, and he scored a home run in this performance. In fact, he was the best male performer I've seen in a while, providing quality acting combined with a voice that I could have listened to all night.

While both Sydney and Corey have talented voices on their own, one of my favorite parts of the musical was listening to them sing together.

Most of the supporting cast also brings a good deal of talent to the production. Ginna Claire Mason (who plays Gloria) is a skilled actress with a voice to match. (I'd love to see her play the role of Glinda in Wicked some day - I think she'd be perfect for it!) Another talented addition to the cast is David R. Gordon, who plays the role of Jimmy. I was pleasantly surprised to hear yet another solid male vocal performance in his solo, "Where I Belong."

The impressive set (which takes seven trucks to transport!) seamlessly switches from a steel mill to a bar to a dance studio to a house. And the lighting effectively adds more energy to the already energetic show.

If you're looking for a deep, thought-provoking, emotional performance, this probably isn't what you're looking for. But if your goal is a fun night out at a show filled with high-energy music, dancing and talent, then you'll hit the jackpot with this production. Even with a running time of about two and a half hours (including a 20 minute intermission), I didn't want the show to end. I left at 10pm, ready to go out on the town instead of home to bed!

All-in-all this was another not-to-be missed tour, and I give it 9 out of 10 standing ovations!

Flashdance will be playing at The Hershey Theatre through Sunday, May 4. Tickets start at $28. Visit the Hershey Theatre website for more information.

If you're not in the Central PA area, make sure to check out the Flashdance - The Musical website to see where they're headed!

REVIEW: Sister Act (Tour)

Ok, I'm going to go a little uncharicteristic here and single out one person right from the beginning. Ashley Moniz. Ashley played the role of Sister Mary Robert, the sweet, innocent little "goodie-two-shoes" nun. And she. Was. Awesome. I haven't heard a voice that good in a very very long time. And trust me, I've heard a lot of voices. Ashley had such a pleasantly crisp voice, and she hit every...single...note. Every one, right on. No sliding into a note. No using vibrato to cover up a missed note. No completely missing the note. Just pure, amazing pitch. And it wasn't just her pitch that was amazing. Everything about her voice was just spectacular. I'll say it again... She has the best voice I've heard in a long long time. This girl should never stop singing.

Normally I wouldn't open a review in this fashion, but I feel so strongly about Ashley's talent that I just had to put it first. I could go on and on (and on) about how great she was, but I think you get the idea. Plus, there's a whole lot more show to cover!

So the gist of the show is this: Diva sees boyfriend kill someone. Diva runs to police. Police officer is high school acquaintance who had crush on diva in high school. In order to keep diva safe, police officer decides to hide her where boyfriend would never think to look for her - in a convent. Diva is obviously is not used to convent life and causes some trouble. Diva ends up helping nun choir and turns them into a sensation, which brings in lots of money for the struggling church. Boyfriend finds out where diva is hiding and goes to find her. Police officer goes to try to save diva. If you haven't seen it yet, I'll let you guess which guy wins.

This was one of the better touring shows I've seen in a long time. Some of the tours I've seen in the past few years just seem to be lacking in overall quality and talent. But Sister Act had both.

What really impressed me was the talent of the entire cast, not just one or two leads. A lot of people needed to sing well in order for this show to work. And a lot of people did just that.

So here's something kind of amusing... At first, the nuns are supposed to be terrible singers. They're basically a bunch of nuns who couldn't carry a tune if their life depended on it. What I found amusing was this group of professional singers "trying" to sound bad. I'm guessing these "bad singing" scenes were some of the hardest scenes for them to perform. It goes against every grain in a performer's body to sing off key, and I could tell that these singers really had to work at this! But that just goes to show the quality of the vocals in this show.

Vocals aside, the acting was another strong point in the show. In many musicals I've seen recently, it seems like you either get good singing or good acting, but not both (and sometimes you don't even get one of them). Sister Act again had both. Each role was perfectly cast.

Ta'Rea Campbell, who played Deloris Van Cartier / Sister Mary Clarence, was another shining star in the show. (And she was literally shining in some of her outfits! I don't think I've ever seen a show with such a shiny and sparkly wardrobe. And I mean this in a good way... The costumes were simply dazzling.) I could tell right from the start that Ta'Rea was perfect for this role. Her acting was spot-on, as was her singing.

Chestor Gregory put on a great performance as (Sweaty) Eddie. When he started the song "I Could Be That Guy," I wasn't quite sure what to think. Was he being funny? Was he really not a good singer? To be honest, it was a little awkward. But as the song went on, I started to feel more comfortable with his performance. By the end of the song, when he was hitting those falsetto notes, I had completely forgotten about the awkwardness from the beginning of the song. The rest of his performance throughout the show proved to be more like the end of the song than the beginning.

Hollis Resnik, who played the role of Mother Superior, was a powerful actress and singer. She had a good voice, but her pitch was off more than once. Because her voice was so strong, and because she was on pitch most of the time, it was an unpleasant surprise when she slipped off pitch and was very noticeable. She also had a unique way of pronouncing some words, which was a bit distracting. Maybe she was just having an off night. I'm going to go with that because I think most people would describe her as extremely talented.

The rest of the cast, from Melvin Abston as Curtis (the boyfriend) to the rest of the nuns, and even TJ and Pablo (Curtis's comic sidekicks), did a great job pulling the show together for an amazing production.

Another aspect of the show that I enjoyed was the humor. While I expected the show to be amusing, I was pleasantly surprised with how often I found myself laughing. Hard. And out loud. And I'm not even Catholic. While the basic religion jokes were pretty funny, I could tell there were some Catholic jokes thrown in there that just went over my head. But judging by the laughter from the rest of the audience, those jokes were pretty funny as well.

Overall I give this show 9 out of 10 standing ovations! 

 (This review is based on the February 25, 2014 performance at Hershey Theatre.)