The Media Theatre 2011-12 Broadway Series season includes an American Idol, a family classic for the holidays, a Tony nominated actress, and the passion of youth.
Justin Guarini, the season one runner-up on American Idol, will portray the charismatic attorney Billy Flynn in "Chicago" at The Media Theatre September 28-November 6. His Broadway credits include "American Idiot" and "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" for which he received rave reviews. "Chicago" is the Kander and Ebb classic which takes a satirical look at the justice system and the 'celebrity criminal'. Artistic Director Jesse Cline looks forward to Guarini's performance as Flynn. "He will bring a new and exciting dimension to the role," Cline said. Two-time Barrymore Award winner Jennie Eisenhower directs.
The holidays will have "The Sound of Music" delighting audiences of all ages November 22-January 15. Elisa Matthews, who has appeared on Media's stage as Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" and Magnolia in "Show Boat", will add yet another iconic role to her resume as Maria Von Trapp. The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic features a score with many songs which have become standards ("Do Re Mi", "Climb Every Mountain", and "My Favorite Things"). Patrick Ludt directs the uplifting family show.
Tony nominee Ann Crumb returns to The Media Theatre after triumphant performances in "Master Class" and "Souvenir". In "Wings" (February 8-26) she portrays Emily, an aviatrix recovering from a stroke. Based on Arthur Kopit's play, "Wings" has music by Jeffrey Lunden with book and lyrics from Arthur Perlman. The show takes audiences inside Emily's mind, with past and present mingling, as she recovers her memory. With breathtaking simplicity she regains her strength, facing her future with a girlish curiosity and bravery, in the spirited "Wings" directed by Jesse Cline.
Duncan Sheik's "Spring Awakening" brings youthful energy to the stage April 18-May 20. The exclusive Philadelphia regional premiere of the Tony winning musical focuses on the sexual tumult of German students and is based on an 1891 German play. Its 8 Tony Awards include Best Musical, Score, and Book. The New York Times says the combination of Sheik's contemporary sounds mingled with the late 19th-century time period created 'a fresh breeze of true inspiration'. Book and lyrics are by Steven Sater. Songs include "Mama Who Bore Me" and "The Word of Your Body".
For more information regarding The Media Theatre's upcoming 2011-12 Broadway Series, visit www.mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. Individual tickets and subscriptions are on sale now. Each musical features a live orchestra conducted by Music Director Tom Fosnocht.
