The Media Theatre's Annual Benefit Fulfills the Promise of 'Home'

The Media Theatre's annual benefit March 10, postponed a week due to snow, offered a welcoming atmosphere, pleasant company, and familiar songs performed by Broadway entertainers. This was very fitting, since the event title was "There's No Place Like Home", and home is where the heart is.

A beloved local Medical Director for the Crozer Regional Cancer Center, Dr. Ray Vivacqua, was in the spotlight to honor his lovely wife, Teresa J. Vivacqua. They were both listed as the night's Community Partnership awardees for their philanthropy and great works which have assisted many in Delaware County and the surrounding region. Several of The Media Theatre's New School students, with an introduction by 7 year old Charlie Carroccio, dedicated the song "Over The Rainbow" to Teresa. The song was given a new arrangement by the theatre's Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow, specifically for the event.

Teresa J. Vivacqua trained as a medical technician, working in that capacity for several years and also as a medical assistant in internal medical offices. She married Ray Vivacqua on June 11, 1960. She and Ray had three children, one daughter and two sons, from 1963 to 1968. Later in Teresa and Ray's married life, she worked in her husband's Hematology/ Medical Oncology office as a Medical Assistant and secretary. She spent several years as a volunteer patient advocate at Crozer Chester Medical Center. In approximately 2002, she developed symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia. Teresa always enjoyed sailing, tennis, ice skating, camping, traveling, oil and water color painting, cooking, and going to the theater.

Dr. Ray Vivacqua graduated Jefferson University Medical College (Philadelphia) in 1960 and completed a fellowship in Hematology/ Medical Oncology at the Cardeza Foundation, Jefferson University, in 1966. He is currently the Medical Director of The Crozer Regional Cancer Center, Director of Hematology/ Oncology Division at Crozer Chester Medical Center.

Dr. Vivacqua, upon accepting the Community Partnership award, kept the focus on his wife throughout his acceptance speech. He said that, upon entering The Media Theatre and seeing a large photo of his wife in the lobby, he 'fell in love all over again'. It was a heartfelt and memorable moment.

Broadway's Jenny Lee Stern and Nicholas Saverine were the headline performers for the event, treating the enthusiastic audience to legendary songs from "Cabaret" and "Phantom of The Opera" among their program. Three local teenagers (Veronica Garrubbo, Gianni Palmarini, and Molly Sorensen) also performed, representing the theatre's School of Theatre and New School.

Artistic Director Jesse Cline introduced the evening, along with Executive Director Patrick Ward, Board Chair Ree Dunphy, and Gala Chair Sandra McKeown. Patrons and sponsors took part in a live campaign to raise funds for the theatre's new stage. Donations are still being accepted for the Stage Campaign by calling Kathleen Moran at 610-891-0100.

Emcee Kelly Briggs, seen frequently on The Media Theatre stage, kept the night moving along at a brisk pace with his welcoming presence. He also announced The Media Theatre's 2018-19 Broadway Series season which is "Sweeney Todd", "The Wizard of OZ", "Julius Caesar", "Beehive", and "Saturday Night Fever".

Disney's hit musical "Newsies" finishes the current season April 18 to June 10. For tickets or information, visit mediatheatre.org. You, too, will find that there truly is 'No Place Like Home' as a Media Theatre patron, supporter, or subscriber.

Pictured: The Media Theatre's Executive Director and Artistic Director (Patrick Ward and Jesse Cline) with Community Partnership Honoree Dr. Ray Vivacqua, Theatre Board Chair Ree Dunphy, and New School student Charlie Carroccio.

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