'Chess The Musical' Comes to Lancaster

PRiMA is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the musical Chess with their upcoming main stage production. The show plays Sundays, May 17, 24 & 31, at 7:00 p.m. at Willow Valley Communities Cultural Center Theatre.

By the composers of Mamma Mia and the lyricist of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, this intense story is woven together in what Time Magazine calls "one of the best rock scores ever produced." Featuring songs like "Anthem" and "One Night in Bangkok," Chess has a cult following for its classical music mixed with pop rock.

When the original concept album of Chess was produced, the Cold War was not far from the minds of the American public. The story follows Russian and American chess-playing rivals (loosely based on characters surrounding the historical Bobby Fischer) and their mutual love interest, Florence Vassy, whose estranged father is either imprisoned or dead at the hands of the Russian army.

PRiMA’s production focuses on telling the story of Chess through a contemporary lens, as international tensions continue to be relevant, 30 years after the musical was written. “These political rivalries mirror the interplay on a personal level, as characters use each other to their own ends, destroying themselves and each other as they progress,” says PRiMA’s Executive Producer and Director of Chess, Mitch Nugent. "We see the damage done when people use each other like pawns, but also that even the person who’s made a million mistakes always has the option to choose a more selfless path."

Tickets ($22, $38, $50) are available at primatheatre.org or 717.327.5124.

(L-R) Jay Poff, Bethany Swiontek, and Bryon Smith will star in PRiMA's upcoming production of Chess.

2015 Tony Awards Nominee Predictions

The snow has all melted. The trees and flowers are starting to bloom. Robins are searching for the perfect nesting place. All this can only mean one thing... It's Tony Awards season!

At 8:30am tomorrow (April 28), Bruce Willis and Mary-Louise Parker will co-host this year's Tony nominations announcement in a live webcast. And before the nominees are revealed, I like to make my predictions of which productions I think will be up for nomination this year.

Starting with the category of Best Play, here are the shows I predict will hear their names called tomorrow morning:

• The Audience
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
• Disgraced
• Hand-to-God
• Wolf Hall Parts One & Two

Here are my picks in the category of Best Musical:

• Finding Neverland
• Fun Home
• It Shoulda Been You
• Something Rotten
• The Visit

In the category of Best Revival of a Play, my picks are:

• The Elephant Man
• It's Only a Play
• Love Letters
• This Is Our Youth

And finally, in the category of Best Revival of a Musical, I'm betting on:

• On the Town
• On the Twentieth Century
• Side Show

What are your thoughts? Have you seen any shows that you're sure will get nominated (or win!) this year?

For a complete list of eligible productions or information on tuning into the live announcement tomorrow morning, please visit the Tony Awards website.

Stay Tuned!

There's an event coming up in NYC next week that's held annually by the Commercial Theater Institute. It's a 3-day course that focuses entirely on producing theatre. Networking opportunities, presentations by Broadway producers, panels covering various areas of producing... Sounds amazing, right? Well I haven't even told you the best part... I'M GOING TO IT!!!

Can you tell I'm just a little bit excited? I feel like a little kid gearing up for a trip to Disneyland.

Remember back in January when I shared my goal/dream to produce my own show(s)? I know I haven't posted much more about that, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about it. In fact, it's the exact opposite. Over the past few months I've been busy taking steps to get this process started and make my dream a reality. And attending the CTI 3-Day Producing Intensive is just one of these steps.

Now, I should probably tell you that I'm not a very patient person. I'm working on it, but for the most part when I set my mind to something I want it to happen immediately. So these past few months have been absolute torture for me. As more and more ideas for new and buzz-worthy musical theatre experiences pile up in my head, all I've wanted to do is make them happen. But something like a new musical with unique and innovative aspects doesn't happen overnight. Of course I knew this going into this. But that doesn't make it any easier to sit back and wait for things to fall into place.

I'm really hoping to come back from New York next weekend with a clear path of how to get from point A to point Z. Actually, I might be at point B right now, but I'm still a long way away from point Z. Anyway, I'm hoping this CTI program answers many of my questions, aligns me with some people who are on the same page as I am, and gives me the direction I need to get my ideas on a stage. While I've spent hours upon hours slowly inching toward my dream of producing, my hope is that the CTI program is the boost I need to really send Row L Seat 1 Productions on its way to producing unique musical theatre experiences.

So for now, all I can say is stay tuned! I hope to have some exciting updates for you soon. As always, thanks for reading and for your continued support!

~Kim

How can I keep calm when I'm going to the CTI 3-Day Intensive in just ONE WEEK?!?!

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.

'Funny Girl' Brings Ziegfeld's Brightest Star to the Dutch Apple

Funny Girl took the world by storm as a Broadway musical in 1964 starring Barbra Streisand, was adapted into a movie musical in 1968 where Barbra reprised her role, and is now hitting the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre’s stage from March 26th to May 2nd, 2015. It’s a production full of big musical numbers as well as big personalities!

Funny Girl is the true story of Fanny Brice, who ruled Broadway as Ziegfeld’s brightest star and brought the house down as an outrageous comedienne and singer. Fanny had to fight for her fame, and after her rise to stardom she falls in love with a handsome gambler, but his luck does not quite hold up. You will hear the songs "Don’t Rain On My Parade," "I’m The Greatest Star" and the song made popular by Barbra Streisand, "People."

Portraying the lead role of Fanny Brice is Emerson College graduate, Anna Baker. Professionally, she has been featured regionally in New York and Tennessee, and her favorite roles include Fiona in Shrek the Musical and Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun.

Galloway Stevens is back on the Dutch Apple stage as Nick Arnstein, the handsome gambler that Fanny falls for. Audiences loved Galloway as Lank Hawkins in Crazy For You, and he starred in several of Dutch Apple’s other productions such as The Drowsy Chaperone, 9 to 5 and The King and I. Galloway describes this role as “an unforeseen achievement that fills him with such pride.”

Mrs. Brice, Fanny’s mother, will be played by Kathi Osborne, who has been in over 30 productions with Prather Entertainment Group. Kathi has been performing since age nine and has been around the world in over 500 productions. Playing Eddie, Fanny’s dance director, is Christopher Russell. You may remember Christopher as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, Alex in I Love A Piano, and more recently, Harry in Crazy For You. Mrs. Brice’s three friends, Mrs. Strakosh, Mrs. Meeker, and Mrs. O’Malley will be played by Lisa Coday, Megan Gill, and Megan Orlowski respectively. This will be Lisa’s fourth show straight at the Dutch Apple. Most recently, she was Dinah in Dixie Swim Club. Megan Gill, a 2014 Wichita State University graduate, will be making her Dutch Apple debut! Megan Orlowski was recently seen as Vera in Crazy For You and is also a published author in the Young Adult genre.

Funny Girl will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre March 26 through May 2, 2015. Ticket prices range from $49 to $56 for meal and show with a special group discount for groups of 16 or more. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $34. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at DutchApple.com.

Schoolhouse Rock Live at Dutch Apple is the Perfect Cure for Spring Fever

I don't know about you, but I've had enough of all this cold, ice, cold, snow, cold, wind, and more cold! Spring just can't come fast enough in my house. While I love my children dearly, I think one more game of Go Fish, Uno, or Checkers might just send me the over the edge. Fortunately, I managed to escape the house with my almost-5-year-old son for a few hours over the weekend to catch a performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live! at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, and let me just say that it was the perfect cure for our spring fever!

There was so much to love about this show. First, it's fun. Second, it's educational. And third, it's fun AND educational at the same time! Kids will enjoy the energy and humor of the characters so much that they won't even realize that they're learning (shhhh, don't tell them!).

So what will they learn? Well, with 11 different songs covering topics from nouns to multiplication to space, they'll learn a good bit. Even I (re)learned a thing or two that I had forgotten from my elementary school days.

Based on the 1970s cartoon, Schoolhouse Rock Live! features songs like "Unpack Your Adjectives" to teach various school lessons.

With songs like "Conjunction Junction" and "Interplanet Janet," the material is most appropriate for students in second, third or fourth grade, who are probably learning these very lessons. However, kids older and younger will also enjoy many aspects of the show. Even my pre-schooler was laughing and clapping along to the songs.

Dutch Apple thought of everything when planning for this show, from the kid-friendly buffet to the activities in the program. The buffet featured items such as chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, corn dogs, pizza, and applesauce. The program included activities like a maze, word search, and connect the dots. At the performance I attended, the cast even did a Q&A with the kids right after the show. And with a running time of just a little over an hour (including a 15-minute intermission), the show is the perfect length for kids.

If you're looking for a great way to get the kids out of the house for a few hours, look no further than Schoolhouse Rock Live!. The show plays at Dutch Apple through March 20. For more information and tickets, please visit www.dutchapple.com.

PRiMA Theatre will Host Shoshana Bean for a Public Master Class and Concert

PRiMA Theatre and headline sponsor Hagelgans & Veronis Law Firm are excited to host Broadway’s green witch, Shoshana Bean, as she lands in Lancaster for an exclusive solo concert and public master class on March 15 at Willow Valley Communities Cultural Center Theatre. Best known for playing Elphaba in Wicked, Shoshana is one of Broadway composer (and 2014 PRiMA guest artist) Jason Robert Brown’s favorite singers. From Hairspray to Godspell, singing with Michael Jackson to the Enchanted movie soundtrack, this powerhouse vocalist brings her vocal prowess and unique experience to the PRiMA stage.

PUBLIC MASTER CLASS
2:00 p.m.
Shoshana’s PRiMA master class is open to all interested in getting a behind-the-scenes experience of what it takes to take a performance to the next level. This means that not just students of musical theatre are invited, but the general public is welcome to attend. Bean will work with six to eight local performers on performance and audition technique while an audience has the opportunity to observe. "I aim to personalize each song specifically to the performer guiding them through exercises that will help to make the song uniquely their own,” said Shoshana. “This process brings out their individual strengths, aids them in connecting emotionally to the piece in a powerful way and creates a moving experience for the audience both in a show or audition setting.” Additionally, Shoshana will offer tips on proper audition technique, vocal health and style, as well as share personal and professional anecdotes.

Those performers interested in being selected to work with Shoshana Bean on stage in the master class ($125.00 additional cost for those chosen) should purchase normal tickets to the events, and then submit an email to info@primatheatre.org regarding their interest by February 9. Submission emails with headshot, resume and performance reel (if available) are appreciated.

CONCERT
7:00 p.m.
This solo concert will feature Andy Roberts on the piano with Shoshana’s masterful vocals. She will sing contemporary musical theatre tunes, as well as her pop, soul and blues chart-topping songs. See shoshanabean.com or primatheatre.org for more details.

Tickets start at $15.00 (master class) and $22.00 (concert) and are available at primatheatre.org or 717.327.5124.