P. Brendan Mulvey, who has appeared in The Media Theatre’s Titanic and Show Boat, will be given the Walter M. Strine Award at the theatre’s annual Gala on Saturday evening, February 25. The annual award, named after the entrepreneur who revitalized the theatre in 1994 so that a professional music theatre would be a cornerstone of Media borough, will be given to Mulvey prior to the celebratory evening’s concert by legendary Tony nominee Andrea McArdle. The honor is given to an individual who keeps the spirit of Mr. Strine alive with their consistent support and advocacy of The Media Theatre.
P. Brendan Mulvey has always had a compelling passion for the arts and has spent his entire professional life promoting them. As Professor of Humanities at Bucks County Community College, Mr. Mulvey developed a series of courses which dealt with the common values among Art, History, Music, and Literature during various historical eras. He spent over 30 years sharing his love of the Arts with his students.
Mr. Mulvey entered the acting field some 30 years ago on a dare from some of his former students and has appeared in over 100 productions including the national Broadway tour of Cabaret.
His appearances at the Media Theatre in Titanic and Show Boat demonstrated to Mr. Mulvey the great importance of this venue to the Philadelphia region. “The Media Theatre is a cultural oasis between Philadelphia and Wilmington,” he said. “It has produced Broadway level productions of musicals for the enjoyment of area residents without the inconvenience of their traveling into the city.”
He continued by explaining the importance of the venue to youth. “In addition thousands of young people over the years have had the opportunity not only to study theatre, but also to perform on a professional stage.”
He currently resides in Yardley with his wife, Barbara. Both are aware of the impact a professional theatre company has on a borough. “The theatre has brought many visitors to Media who have enhanced the local economy,” he said.
The Media Theatre’s Gala on Saturday February 25 is its biggest fundraiser of the year and will include two elegant catered receptions, an awards ceremony (in which Mulvey and FOX-TV’s Sue Serio will be honored), a live auction with Jeffry Cadorette, and a one-night only concert from Broadway’s original Annie, Tony nominee Andrea McArdle.
Artistic Director Jesse Cline looks forward to the evening. “Each recipient of the Walter M. Strine Award has a strong commitment to maintaining the aspiration of the gentleman for whom the award was named,” he said. “P. Brendan Mulvey, with his passion for what we do and his support both on and off the stage, is a great example of that spirit.”
For tickets to The Media Theatre’s Gala on Saturday February 25, call
610-891-0100 or visit
mediatheatre.org. Show only tickets are available at $50 prior to February 1 ($75 after February 1). For the opportunity to mingle at the receptions and meet Andrea McArdle, P. Brendan Mulvey, and Sue Serio, tickets are $125. All proceeds benefit The Media Theatre programming.
