Philadelphia actor Dan Schiff, recently seen on The Media Theatre stage as Max in The Sound of Music, returns to Delaware County’s only professional music theatre in the musical Wings. He plays two roles in the Jeffrey Lunden adaptation of Arthur Kopit’s play about an aviatrix who suffers a stroke and must rediscover her inner spirit through rehabilitation.
“The two roles see Emily’s entire experience from a different angle,” Schiff explained. “As The Doctor I see her struggling, striving to regain her enthusiasm for life. As Mr. Brumbill, I portray a fellow patient in the rehabilitation process.”
Tony nominee Ann Crumb portrays the lead role of Emily in Wings at The Media Theatre. “She is a joy to work with and a pleasure to watch,” Schiff said. “She takes the risk involved as an actress to find the inner strength of Emily, who has been weakened by what is happening to her.”
Jesse Cline, the Artistic Director for The Media Theatre, directs the show. This is his fourth collaboration with Dan Schiff. “Dan delighted audiences as Max in our production of The Sound of Music this past fall,” Cline said. “He was seen in our productions of Annie as FDR and in The Wizard of Oz. In Wings audiences will see him take on roles that allow him to explore a bit more as an actor.”
The musical Wings had its premiere at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in 1992 and played Off-Broadway in 1993. Others in the cast at The Media Theatre are Demetria Bailey (also in two roles as The Nurse and Mrs. Timmons), Robert Lewandowski (as Billy, another patient) and Rebecca Robbins (as Amy, the therapist). The Music Director is Tom Fosnocht.
The show plays February 8-26. The evening of Thursday Feb. 16 is a fundraiser for the American Stroke Association and includes a “Go Red” reception prior to the show. (There is no performance on Saturday evening February 25 due to The Media Theatre’s annual Gala with Andrea McArdle.) For tickets and information about Wings, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.
