Media Theatre to Present SCHOOL OF ROCK, 13 & More This Summer

It's a Super Summer at The Media Theatre! With many shows to choose from including Andrew Lloyd Webber's "School of Rock" musical and a new Cabaret Series, theatre goers of all ages will have plenty to keep them entertained.

It begins each weekend in June with a new lively hour long musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic "The Jungle Book". For ages 4 and up, the show has new music written by Ben Kapilow with a book by Tim Haney and additional material by Roger Ricker. Mowgli, adopted by a wolf pack, begins to find that life has plenty of surprises. He is joined by the friendly bear Baloo (played by Tim Haney) and meets up with King Louis the Orangutan (Mark Marano) who sings "Human Is The Way To Be". It's an adventure filled with laughs each Saturday at 11am and Sunday at Noon all summer long, through the end of August.

On Sunday June 12 at 3pm, to get audiences in the mood for the upcoming regional singing competition, it's the "Vocalist All Stars" concert featuring past winners and memorable performers from the "Vocalist". Thomas Lock, recently seen as the Courier in "1776" will perform, as well as Kurt Hartwell, Ryan Leahy, Paul Mariani III, Larissa Culbertson, and last year's winner Camille Mola.

The legendary music of Andrew Lloyd Webber will be featured in a special event concert "From London To New York" for two weekends, Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm June 18 through the 26. Jesse Cline directs with Christopher Ertelt music directing as Broadway Series actors lend their talents to some of Webber's greatest hits. Meredith Beck, Luke Brahdt, Elyse Langley, Patrick Ludt, Nicholas Saverine and others will bring down the house with songs from "Phantom of the Opera", "Aspects of Love", and "Evita".

The "Vocalist" and "Vocalist Junior" bring up and coming, memorable singers to the stage each summer with repertoires of pop, country, and Broadway hits. The annual event is a popular entertaining weekly concert, which never duplicates itself as the singers bring in, of their own choice, different songs each Wednesday and Sunday night starting July 6 at 7pm. The six week competition and performance platform gives youth up through ages 24 an opportunity to highlight their vocal style. Sponsored by Iron Workers Bank, it eventually comes down to just five performers in each age category who sing their hearts out to win.

Jason Robert Brown's "13" musical is on stage July 8 through the 31st with performances each Friday night at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. The popular musical features a cast of teens who tell the story of a 13 year old Jewish boy who moves from the big city to a small town and has complete 'culture shock' while meeting new friends and experiencing change everywhere he turns, as well as within himself. It's a pleasant, heartfelt reminder to audiences of all ages that life is basically what we make of it.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's "School of Rock", the current Broadway sensation, is having its regional premiere at The Media Theatre with a new youth version which maintains the integrity of the Broadway show. Based on the comic film, "School of Rock" follows the antics of a man posing as a school teacher who creates a rock band in his class. It's funny, fearless, and far-out and a blast for audiences. It's on each weekend in August (Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm). If you can't get to Broadway this summer, see "School of Rock" at The Media Theatre and you'll see why the show has received several Tony nominations.

The theatre's new Cabaret Series starts up July 14, with four Thursday evenings of song in the elegant Crystal Room. For just a cover charge and a two-drink minimum, patrons will enjoy a relaxed hour of classic Broadway tunes in a comfortable lounge salon setting. First up, on July 14, is the talented duo of Veronica Garrubbo and Molly Sorensen. JD Triolo of West Chester performs on July 21, and professional cabaret performer and Broadway actor Kelly Briggs brings his award winning act to the Cabaret on July 28. August 4 is a special act to be announced soon.

With all of these opportunities to see the best in Broadway, The Media Theatre has a super summer which will entertain all ages. Located right on State Street in Media, audiences may choose from many award winning restaurants or join the crowds at Dining Under the Stars each Wednesday night.

For tickets to any of the summer shows at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.

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