Media Theatre to Celebrate 20th Anniversary at Annual Gala, 2/22

The Media Theatre's annual Gala evening takes place Saturday February 22. The event this year is of particular significance, celebrating twenty years of professional music theatre. Patrons and supporters will experience a memorable concert featuring performers who have delighted audiences on The Media Theatre stage in past productions.

The one-night-only Gala Concert includes performances by Lauren Cupples, who was the first "Delco Idol" winning vocalist nine years ago. Audiences have enjoyed seeing her in "Annie", "Dr. Dolittle", "The Sound of Music", and most recently as the Narrator in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". She will continue entertaining audiences as one of four ladies who sing hits of the '60's in "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" (coming up February 26 to March 30).

Another "Delco Idol" winner, Brian Giebler of Phoenixville, is in the Gala Concert, as well as Sean Thompson, seen in "Oliver!" and "Forever Plaid". Barrymore nominated actress Elisa Matthews will sing on February 22. She has performed leading roles in "My Fair Lady" and "The Sound of Music", also lending her talents to productions of "Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical" and "Dr. Dolittle".

Media Music Theatre Company's educational component is a very large part of its mission, and two young vocalists will join the GalaConcert to highlight this aspect. Lexi Gwynne, a student of the theatre's New School conservatory-style music theatre program, and Austy Hicks, the 2013 "Vocalist" winner recently seen in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Diary of Anne Frank", will represent the theatre's youth programs.

Special awards will be given to individuals and organizations that have been consistent supporters and advocates for the production company's mission which is 'to promote and nurture the imagination, diversity, and joy unique to music theatre by the production of new and classic works; to herald music theatre to young people as an art form that is relevant to their lives and to foster an understanding by them that it is indigenous to their cultural heritage'.

The first-ever Education Award will be given to Rita Frey. She, and her daughter Ellen Wineman who will accept the award on her mother's behalf, have assisted The State Street Miracles. The Miracles are a performance troupe of adults with developmental disabilities who have become inspiring ambassadors for Media Music Theatre Company.

The prestigious Walter M. Strine, Sr., Award is also referred to as the Advocate of the Arts Award. It is named after the entrepreneur who renovated The Media Theatre and transformed it into a live performing arts center in 1994. This year's honoree is Gwendolyn Haines. Due to her consistent advocacy the music theatre company has gained audiences and has seen growth within the educational component of its mission.

Gala evenings represent the perfect time of year to show support by being a sponsor or purchasing single tickets. The evening will include a Live Auction presided over by professional auctioneer Jeffry Cadorette of Media Real Estate and Media Rotary. Auction items may be found on the theatre's website.

Not simply a beautiful structure steeped in history, The Media Theatre is now known worldwide as the home of The Media Music Theatre Company created by the visionary artistic direction of Mr. Jesse Cline. Cline and his staff of creative designers and directors have been awarded over 20 "Best Of" honors from prestigious media outlets such as Broadway World, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Daily News, Main Line Today Magazine, DelcoNewsNetwork, and the Delaware County Daily Times.

For tickets or information, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Individual Gala tickets are available as well as sponsorship packages.

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