Alice Ripley and More Were Among Guests at Media Theatre's Star Struck Gala

The Media Theatre celebrated with Broadway stars, regional VIP's, politicians, and dignitaries on Saturday February 25 for its most successful fundraising Gala ever. The 23rd annual Gala, "Star Struck", featured a headlining performance by Tony winning actress Alice Ripley.

The evening placed the spotlight on the many star contributors, volunteers, and performers who continue to guide and light the theater and its mission. The 2017 Walter M. Strine Advocate of the Arts Award was presented to Delaware County Councilman David White for his exemplary generosity. Iron Workers Bank, represented by its President Mr. John Whitig, received the 2017 Community Partnership Award for its longstanding commitment to The Vocalist and Vocalist Jr. vocal contests for youth.

Alice Ripley joins other Broadway and regional stars who have appeared on The Media Theatre stage including Philip Boykin, Betty Buckley, Ann Crumb, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Judy Kaye, Andy Karl, and Andrea McArdle. Aside from those celebrity names, many who have performed on the Media Theatre stage have had their start at the theatre's education programs or developed as artists through the theatre's musical productions.

"At almost any given time, audiences on Broadway are being entertained by Media Theatre alumnae," notes Artistic Director Jesse Cline. "These include young actress Ava Briglia, who studied here and just finished playing the lead role on Broadway's Matilda; Sean Thompson, who is currently cast in the new Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard with Glenn Close after starring in The Media's production of Sunset Boulevard two years ago; and Andy Karl who will be opening the new musical Groundhog Day this spring."

Media Music Theatre Company is the professional music theatre organization which produces the Broadway Series, Children's Series, and educational programs at The Media Theatre. Due to its regional and national impact, The Media Theatre has received 72 Broadway World Awards for "Best of Philadelphia Theatre" since 2012, as well as honors from the New York Daily News and over 24 "Best Of" honors from media outlets such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, Delco News, Delaware County Daily Times, and Main Line Times.

The current production, "Side Show", is on stage now through March 26. "West Side Story" concludes the 2016-17 Broadway Series season April 19 through June 11. For information or tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.

About The Media Music Theatre Company:

The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating as the only award-winning professional theatre in Delaware County. It produces a full season of musicals and one play, the Broadway Series, a Children's Series, and educational opportunities. The theatre's mission is to promote and nurture the imagination, diversity and joy unique to music theatre is exemplified by the professional productions of new and classic works and by our work with young people to herald music theatre as an art form that is indigenous to their cultural heritage.

Pictured: Media Theatre Board of Directors Vice-Chair Ree Dunphy with her son, JP Dunphy, a professional actor seen on The Media Theatre stage frequently, as they entered the Gala

To post a comment, you must register and login.