Wizard of Oz’ comes to Media Theatre for holidays
We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto. We’re in Media. Dorothy and the wondrous story of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is coming to the Media Theatre for the holidays.
The beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, will be presented Nov. 14 through Jan. 13.
‘The Wizard of Oz,’ based on the beloved movie released in 1939, will be presented as a two-act Broadway musical, including the memorable songs “Over The Rainbow,” “Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead),” “If I Only Had A Brain/A Heart/The Nerve,” “We’re Off To See The Wizard (Follow The Yellow Brick Road),” “The Jitterbug,” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz” and “If I Were King Of The Forest.”
The live orchestra that will accompany the cast will be conducted by The Media Theatre’s Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow.
A cast of professional actors will bring OZ to life, including several of Philadelphia’s award winning stars such as Jennie Eisenhower (Wicked Witch), Elisa Matthews (Glinda), Kelly Briggs (Cowardly Lion), Bob Stineman (Tin Man), and Carl Smith (Scarecrow). JP Dunphy is Uncle Henry and the Gatekeeper, with Roger Ricker as Professor Marvel and The Wizard.
Philadelphia’s Anna Rosenthal portrays Dorothy. She was seen on The Media Theatre stage in “Billy Elliot” and “Bridges of Madison County”. Other professional productions include “Meet Me In St. Louis”, “Ragtime”, “Mary Poppins”, and the off-Broadway show “Timmy The Great”.
The Munchkins are two separate casts of youngsters from The Media Theatre’s School, spanning ages
6 to 13. The Munchkins will also portray the Flying Monkeys and Poppies.
Marc Andrew Nunez directs and choreographs.
“The Wizard of OZ” is currently celebrating the
80th anniversary release of the 1939 film, on which the stage musical is based.
For tickets, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org (where you’ll also see the entire show schedule). Group rates are available.
Nativity BVM to hold annual Thanksgiving food drive
Nativity BVM will hold its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit Media Food Bank and St. Mark’s Emergency Food Center. Nativity BVM’s CYO wants to assist local family who need help during the holidays and they need the community’s help and participation. The CYO will collect turkeys, canned food, pasta, coffee, cereal and all nonperishable items. All donations can be conveniently dropped off at the Nativity BVM Parish Center, Franklin and Gayley Sts., Media. On Monday, Nov. 12, from 6-7:30, donors can just pull their car up and the donations will be unloaded for them. Anyone with questions, can e-mail Tim Broadhurst at tabroadhurst@gmail.com/.
Coats for Vets Bike Run planned for Nov. 10
Walt’s Red Rose Café in Holmes will host “Coats for Vets Bike Run” on Saturday, Nov. 10. Rain date is Sunday, Nov. 11. The run starts at Walt’s at 11:30 a.m. and participants will ride to American Legion posts 507,777, 566, VFW 928, Monaghan’s Pub and Don’s Bar and return to Walt’s for a buffet.
All items will be donated to Veteran’s Multi Service Center in Philadelphia. Participants should bring a new coat, thermals, hats, gloves, scarves, coveralls , any winter wear items or a cash donation to help those in need. All donations are welcome. Donors don’t have to ride to participate.Afterward, inhouse poker will be played for $5 per hand, with cash prizes for best hand. For more information call 610461-8110.
Brighton Beach Memoirs coming to stage at Ridley High School
The Ridley High School Drama Group will present Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs 7:40 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9 and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 at Ridley High School. Set in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, New York in September, 1937, this coming of age comedy chronicles the happenings inside the Jerome family, post-Depression and pre - World War II. The first play in the popular Neil Simon autobiographical trilogy, Brighton Beach Memoirs, tells the story of a struggling Jewish family through the humorous, pre-pubescent eyes of
15-year old Eugene Morris Jerome, focusing on issues like family illness, unemployment, poverty, sibling rivalries, racism, and the national culture of wartime, while managing to portray a family that meets these challenges with innocence, dignity, warmth, vigor, and spirit. For tickets or more information, call 484-7340109 or visit www.ridleysd. org.
Neumann to present program on ‘Those Fascinating Brits’
The Cultural Arts Forum at Neumann University in Aston will present “Those Fascinating Brits: From Jane Austen to Downton Abbey” on Thursday, November 8, at
1:30 p.m. in the Fred P. Meagher Theatre in the Thomas A. Bruder, Jr. Life Center on campus.
Dr. B.G. Betz explores the literary world of British Culture. Betz narrows her focus for this program on the works of Jane Austen and the world of Downton Abbey. Betz will discuss themes in these works such as the role of women, modernity vs. tradition, a place for aristocracy in the modern world and how war factors in with character and plot. The event is presented by the Cultural Arts Forum. For information, contact Nicholas DiMarino at 610558-5626 or dimarinn@neumann.edu/.
Quizzo Night at Milmont Park Firehouse to feature Aunt Mary Pat
The community is invited to a fun night of trivia with guest host Aunt Mary Pat 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at Milmont Fire Company, 714 Belmont Ave., Milmont Park. Everyone must be 21 or over to attend. The event is a BYO food and drink. Basket raffles and 50/50 chances will be available to purchase. Tickets to the event cost
$30. Tables fit groups of ten. For tickets, e-mail mariamurtha224@gmail.com or ridleycheerleading@gmail. com.
Comedy show to raise funds for Delco Pregnancy Center
Local comedian Gordon Douglas will host the annual “Laugh For Life” comedy show to raise awareness and funds for the Delaware County Pregnancy Center 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov.
16 at the Faith Community Church 3515 Edgmont Ave., Brookhaven. Doors open at
6:30 p.m.
This is the 17th year that Douglas has put together a clean family show with some of his friends, including headliner Ross Bennett who has appeared on the Letterman show and is part of the “Making comedy great again” tour. Other local comedians who will share the stage include Tony Parlente, Dean Grey, and Tom Padavano. Special music will be performed by Julia Zane who will have songs for the teens and the seniors to enjoy.
Tickets cost $12 in advance, $15 at the door. A
$30 family pack is available. Groups of 10 or more can get a discount. Tickets are available by calling DCPC at 610-872-2229, or on line at www.GordonDouglasIsFunny.com
For over 30 years, the Delaware County Pregnancy Center at 2508 Edgmont Ave., Chester, has offered support and hope to those with unplanned pregnancies. All the services are
100% free and include a free pregnancy test, family counseling, parenting classes, and much more.
2019 Delco Sports Legends calendars for sale
Friends of the Sports Legends of Delaware County (SLDC) Museum who are interested in ordering SLDC’s first annual limited edition 2019 Calendar for themselves or holiday gift-giving, can mail a $10 donation to SLDC Museum, 301 Iven Ave., Wayne, Pa. 19087. A $25 donation will buy three calendars. There will be an additional $5 donation for each calendar over three. This includes postage.
Aston Twp. Historical Society presents guest speakers
Aston Township Historical Society (ATHS) will welcome local historian, Nancy Webster, and Aston’s own Carla Figorski to their meeting 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Aston Community Center, just south of 5 Points on Concord Rd., Aston.
Figorski will share all the adventures of restoring the Carter-Weir House. The Carter-Weir is an original William Penn Land Grant and it is reported that the land the house sits on originally stretched all the way to the Delaware River. Webster is a descendant of one of the first families of Aston, the Duttons. She will share stories about Aston’s founding fathers and mothers. The event is free and open to public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There are lots of interesting artifacts to see in the displays cases, too. People are asked to bring copies of their old Santa pictures for the ATHS’ Holiday display. ATHS always welcomes volunteers and donations.