The Media Theatre Announces 2016/2017 Season

The Broadway Series at The Media Theatre is stronger than ever as it leads audiences through its 22nd season from September 2016 to June of 2017.

With two Philadelphia professional premieres, the Bard's most famous story, a holiday hit, and an American classic, Media Music Theatre Company's next season promises to entertain, inspire, and leave you wanting more.

The first premiere is Jason Robert Brown's Tony winning "The Bridges of Madison County: The Musical". Created by Brown and MarSha Norman and based on the novel, the sweeping romance captures the yearning entangled in the eternal question 'What if..?' while exploring the lyrical expanse of America's heartland. The 2014 Tony winner for Best Score and Orchestrations, it's about the roads we travel, the doors we open, and the bridges we dare to cross. Audiences will be swept away when an Italian woman (played by Elisa Matthews) falls for a National Geographic photographer (Derek Basthemer) during the four days she has alone on her Iowa farm. It plays September 14 to October 23.

Benj Pasek & Justin Paul's "A Christmas Story: The Musical" is next for the holidays. The hit show is based on the now classic seasonal film which follows the hilarious and heartwarming story of the boy who desperately desires a BB gun while his father falls head over heels in love with a lamp. While each has his eye on material things, the true meaning of the show is that the holidays are not about what you have but about who you have. From November 9, 2016 to January 8, 2017 family audiences will enjoy this super heartwarming hit directed by Dann Dunn.

Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", January 25 to February 19, takes the spot of The Media Theatre's now annual play. A must-read for high school students and a must-see for audiences, it's the timeless tale of the teenagers in love whose passion ends in tragedy. "Romeo and Juliet" will see the theatre's artistic director Jesse Cline handing the reins to a guest director, Bill Van Horn, who recently directed the popular "Peter and the Starcatcher" at Walnut Street Theatre.

The lead of Walnut Street Theatre's "Peter and The Starcatcher", Brandon O' Rourke, will play the role of Romeo. Lexi Gwynn, who played lead roles for Cline in "The Miracle Worker" and "To Kill A Mockingbird", returns to appear opposite O' Rourke as Juliet. Gwynn won a 2015 Broadway World Award as Best Actress for her portrayal of Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker".

The 'piece de resistance' of the season for those passionate about theatre may very well be the region's professional premiere of "Side Show". With a book and lyrics by Bill Russell and music by Henry Krieger, the focus of the musical is on conjoined twins who became famous stage performers in the 1930's. Media Music Theatre Company will be the first Philadelphia professional regional theatre to produce the revised 2014 Tony nominated version. A favorite with critics and the theatre community, "Side Show" will be new to many patrons who have a taste for something completely different. They'll have their chance to see the show March 8 through April 2.

To close the 2016-17 season, the classic "West Side Story" will enthrall audiences April 19 to June 18. With "Maria", "Tonight", and "America" the musical is one that has only become more popular with each year. Based on "Romeo and Juliet" it's the perfect show to close the season.

For 2016-17 The Media Theatre will extend its season by several weeks, opening one week earlier than usual and keeping the Broadway Series running through mid-June as opposed to closing right before Memorial Day as has been its normal schedule. "We feel the titles we have selected truly deserve longer runs," said its Artistic Director Jesse Cline. "They promise to be very popular, particularly on the heels of our very successful previous seasons. We look forward to giving opportunities to actors and to audiences."

To subscribe to The Media Theatre's 2016-17 season, call 610-891-0100. Visit mediatheatre.org for more information.

Pictured: Elisa Matthews, who takes on the role of Francesca in "The Bridges of Madison County" at The Media Theatre this fall.

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