Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

Music Theater Works Presents Mamma Mia!

SKOKIE, Ill. -- Music Theater Works will present "Mamma Mia!" at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076) from August 19, 2021 through August 29, 2021 being the second production of the 2021 Season.

About The Show

ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make "Mamma Mia!" a guaranteed smash hit. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. A trip down the aisle you'll never forget with MUSIC THEATER WORKS!

PRODUCTION DETAILS

Who:
* Music Theater Works

What:
* Mamma Mia!
* Directed by Justin Brill
* Book by Catherine Johnson
* Choreography by Shanna VanDerwerker
* Music Directed and Conducted by Linda Madonia
* Music and Lyrics by Benny Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus (songs with Stig Anderson)

Cast Members:
* Dan Gold (as Bill Austin)
* Veronica Garza (as Rosie)
* Casiena Raether (as Tanya)
* Heather Banks (as Sophie Sheridan)
* Andrew Fortman (as Sam Carmichael)
* Alexis Armstrong (as Donna Sheridan)
* North Rory Homewood (as Harry Bright)

Creative Team:
* Sound Designer (Aaron Quick)
* Set Designer (Kristen Martino)
* Production Manager (Bob Silton)
* Hair and Make-Up (Alice Salazar)
* Lighting Designer (Andrew Myers)
* Costume Designer (Rueben Echoles)
* Props Designer (Hayley E. Wallenfeldt)
* Producing Artistic Director (Kyle A. Dougan)
* Assistant Director and Choreographer (Emma Parssi)

When:
* Group Performance: Thursday, August 19, 2021 @ 1:00 PM
* Press Performance: Friday, August 20, 2021 @ 8:00 PM
* Saturday, August 21, 2021 @ 8:00 PM
* Sunday, August 22, 2021 @ 2:00 PM
* Wednesday, August 25, 2021 @ 1:00 PM
* Friday, August 27, 2021 @ 8:00 PM
* Saturday, August 28, 2021 @ 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
* Sunday, August 29, 2021 @ 2:00 PM

Where:

North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie
9501 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL 60077

Tickets:

Tickets start at $39 for Standard Seating and tickets start at $48 for Preferred Seating. Tickets for those ages 25 and under are half-price.

Box Office: (847) 673-6300

Website: https://www.musictheaterworks.com/Mamma-Mia/

Health Safety:

Health safety guidelines imposed by the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie have been followed in staging this event. For more information about the measures being taken please visit https://northshorecenter.org/.

Upcoming Shows

The 2021 season will feature RAGTIME (Oct 28th - Nov 7th) and BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL (Dec 23rd - Jan 2, 2022).

The 2021 season has been proudly sponsored by Joyce Saxon.

About Music Theater Works

Music Theater Works is a professional non-profit theater company based in Wilmette, Illinois featuring a colorful repertoire including operetta, the Golden Age of Broadway, the Great American Songbook, and modern classics since 1980.

As of 2021, Music Theater Works has become a resident theater company at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076).

The mission of Music Theater Works is to produce and present musical theater from a variety of world traditions and to engage the local community through educational and outreach programs.

Media Contact
Aaron Ozee
Director of Marketing
Music Theater Works
Phone: (847) 920-5360 ext. 7
Email: aozee@musictheaterworks.org

Related link: https://www.musictheaterworks.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

Pompano Beach Arts Music Series Welcomes Live Audiences – Allan Harris and Leesa Richards Take the Stage at Pompano Beach Cultural Center

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department is excited to welcome back live audiences to the Pompano Beach Cultural Center for the remaining concerts in the Pompano Beach Arts Music Series. July's concert features jazz great Allan Harris and August showcases soulful songstress Leesa Richards.

Both events will be hosted by popular D.J. Tamara G. of WLYF 101.5. Tickets are $15, at http://www.pompanobeacharts.org/programs/music-series or at www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets will not be available at the box office and there will be no walk-ups.

"We are thrilled to open our doors to patrons once again," said Phyllis Korab, Cultural Affairs Director. "We have all been looking forward to this moment for some time now, and these concerts are the perfect way to celebrate the return of live music, with a live audience, at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center."

There will be limited in-person seating for these concerts and the City requests that all guests not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 wear a mask inside any City facility.

July 17, 2021 | 8 PM Premiere

Allan Harris "the Jazz Vocal King of New York" hosted by Tamara G of WLYF 101.5

Allan Harris performs songs from his new release "Kate's Soulfood," plus Jazz Standards from the Great American Songbook.

Ever since he burst on the jazz scene in the latter part of the twentieth century, The Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist/guitarist/bandleader/composer Allan Harris has reigned supreme as the most accomplished and exceptional singer of his generation. Aptly described by the Miami Herald as an artist blessed with, "the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat 'King' Cole," the ample and aural evidence of Harris' moving and magisterial artistry can be heard on his fourteen recordings as a leader; his far-flung and critically-acclaimed concerts around the world, from Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, and Washington DC's Kennedy Center, to the 2012 London Olympics, and many prestigious bookings in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

August 21, 2021 | 8pm Premiere

Leesa Richards hosted by Tamara G of WLYF 101.5

This soulful songstress will mesmerize you with her renditions of popular and timeless music, she sings with a core-resonating soulfulness that draws you in and allows you to experience the songs as a participant instead of a spectator.

A singer-songwriter, Leesa is a storyteller, a soulful voice offering a soundtrack to the narratives of life. The Detroit native's sound taps into the deep roots of soul and the poetry of jazz.

She has performed with a slate of powerhouse artists including Faith Hill, Whitney Houston, The Bee Gees, Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada, Julio Iglesias and Oleta Adams and has recorded backing vocals for Barbra Streisand and Lenny Kravitz. Her debut solo album, Mother's Child, is a rich blend of soulful ballads, rock and R&B showcases her gifts as a songwriter.

She began honing her vocal chops with soul greats Gerald Austin and Peabo Bryson and contemporary soul maverick Dionne Farris. Her first world tour was as a dancer with legendary singer Whitney Houston after which she combined her love for music and dance to earn the role of Mary Magdalene in the national tour of the Broadway musical, "Jesus Christ Superstar," earning critical acclaim which led to featured performances throughout the US and Europe.

Special thanks to our music series' sponsors WLRN Radio and The Marriott Resort Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach.

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.

Related link: http://www.ccpompano.org/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

With ‘Disney PRIDE in Concert,’ the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus Sets the LGBTQ Experience to the Music and Magic of Disney

BOSTON, Mass. -- Disney's beloved catalog of songs will be reimagined by the Boston Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) in Disney PRIDE in Concert, a musical celebration of LGBTQ life, love, family, and perseverance, June 25-26, 2022 at Boston Symphony Hall. The show will draw inspiration from iconic Disney films like The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Mary Poppins; modern classics like Coco, Zootopia, and Wreck-It Ralph; and the magical music of Disney Parks.

The multimedia extravaganza will feature BGMC's 250-member chorus and a 20-piece orchestra performing sparkling new musical arrangements by BGMC Assistant Music Director Chad Weirick, accompanied by visuals designed by BGMC Director of Video Michael Willer using assets from Disney's films and archives. Providing the narrative of the show, personal stories from an array of diverse chorus members will be interwoven throughout the musical performances, showcasing the individual meaning and connections drawn from Disney's timeless and universal music. Tickets will go on-sale via the Boston Gay Men's Chorus in early 2022.

"Disney movies and musicals have long resonated deeply in the LGBTQ community because they often mirror our experiences in a society that hasn't always welcomed us," said Reuben M. Reynolds, III, BGMC's Music Director. "Characters are often struggling to fit in and to accept themselves, they long for a love that feels unattainable, they've lost their family of origin and had to create a new one, yet they persevere and find joy in life. They express their alienation, desire, and determination in beautiful songs that have given solace and empowerment to generations of LGBTQ people. Naturally, we're overjoyed at the chance to make the thematic connections between the Disney canon and the LGBTQ experience explicit by infusing the music with the stories of our lives."

Disney PRIDE in Concert is being produced in conjunction with Disney Concerts, the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group. It will feature all-new musical arrangements by Chad Weirick and a book by BGMC Executive Producer Bill Casey and Tom Choinski. Disney PRIDE in Concert will also be available for licensing in the future through Disney Concerts for performance by choruses around the world for all voice parts and voice configurations. This collaboration is the first time Disney Concerts has partnered with an organization to create an LGBTQ-specific concert package.

Disney PRIDE in Concert will take place during LGBTQ Pride Month, which commemorates a pivotal point in LGBTQ history: the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, when patrons of the Stonewall Bar rebelled and fought back against the constant anti-gay harassment by New York City police of LGBTQ people and spaces.

"Disney PRIDE in Concert will likely be the first in-person performance of the Boston Gay Men's Chorus in two years. We think it's the perfect way to come out of the pandemic to thank our singers, patrons and fans who have been so patient and supportive during the hiatus," said Craig Coogan, Executive Director of the Boston Gay Men's Chorus. "We are grateful to partner with Disney and share their commitment to showcasing the voices and stories of diverse communities, a value that is so close to our hearts, we're coming back in a spectacular way. We can't wait to perform this concert for audiences and have the show become part of the songbook for choruses around the world."

The concert is part of BGMC's hybrid 2021-22 season, which also includes a Holiday Special on WCVB-Channel 5 in December and the release of the documentary "Milestones" to mark BGMC's 40th anniversary.

About Disney Concerts

Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts' concert packages include a variety of formats, such as "live to picture" film concerts and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts, and range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choir. Current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series (Episodes IV-VIII), Toy Story, Aladdin, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Disney Princess - The Concert, Coco, The Lion King, Up and The Nightmare Before Christmas, which in 2019 accounted for over 900 performances in many of the world's top concert venues.

https://www.instagram.com/disneyconcerts/

https://www.facebook.com/disneyconcerts/

https://twitter.com/disneyconcerts/

About Boston Gay Men's Chorus

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus is one of New England's largest and most successful community-based choruses. Founded in 1982, the 200-voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III, the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical and popular music and creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the gay and lesbian community. The Chorus is heard live by more than 10,000 people each season and thousands more through recording, television and internet broadcasts. CBS-WBZ named the Boston Gay Men's Chorus one of the "top 5" choruses in the city of Boston. The Boston Business Journal in 2018, 2019, and 2020 named BGMC one of the top performing arts organizations in the city. BGMC is a Cultural Ambassador - being the first LGBTQ chorus to perform in Poland in 2005, the Middle East in 2015 and in South Africa in June 2018.

https://www.bgmc.org/

MEDIA CONTACT
Susan Ryan-Vollmar
susan@influenceconsulting.net
617-999-5644

Related link: https://www.bgmc.org/

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Advertising and Marketing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

Broadway Barter to Offer FREE Ad in Hemispheres Magazine on All United Flights this August!

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Broadway Barter announces its celebration of Broadway's return this fall! Formed in 1996, Broadway Barter has developed a successful formula of filling unsold theater seats for increased revenue to the producers and at the same time generating media exposure. Throughout the pandemic, Broadway Barter has evolved to provide theaters and producers with more than just media exposure. From theater safety upgrades with the newest UV technology to ticket sweepstakes for the general public, Broadway Barter has pivoted to cater to all facets of the Broadway industry and audience.

For example, Broadway show producers can participate and be seen within Hemispheres Magazine, which is on all United Airlines Flights and also seen on many ReachTV screens, which are in over 100 US airports, placed in highly conspicuous locations.

With the world slowly reopening, so is all of Broadway. Many theaters, shows, and producers are gearing up for their return this fall and Broadway Barter is ready to kick off the season with a bang!

Broadway Barter is extending an invaluable offer to any show opening in 2021; a free ad listing in August issue of United Airline's inflight magazine Hemispheres!

Broadway Barter will also introduce its new 15 second video plug on our airport ReachTV screens at a variety of domestic airports for ALL participating shows in our summer Hemispheres issues in our "Win a Pair" promotion.

The "Win a Pair" sweepstakes provides everyone a chance to win a pair of tickets to the hottest shows on Broadway! Millions of air travelers can view the sweepstakes on airport TVs, specifically in NY at Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark, as well as some major feeder airports into New York like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and many more.

To qualify for this free promotional space, be the first Broadway show, producer, or theater from the list provided below to reach out to Broadway Barter! To qualify for the bonus ReachTV video space, you also must partake in Broadway Barter & Broadway Value's "Win a Pair" promotion.

If you wish to participate and claim your free space, or get more information, call today at +1-844-922-3959. Please also go to the Broadway Barter website to learn more about what they can do for your re-opening and to view the safety and media kit.

More information: https://broadwaybarter.com/

LIST OF QUALIFYING SHOWS:

"Pass Over" - Opening Night: September 12 at August Wilson Theatre.

"Hadestown" - September 2 at the Walter Kerr Theatre.

"Hamilton" - September 14 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

"Wicked" - September 14 at the Gershwin Theatre.

"The Lion King" - September 14 at the Minskoff Theatre.

"Chicago" - September 14 at the Ambassador Theatre.

"Lackawanna Blues" - Previews Begin: September 14, Opening Night: September 28 at the Samuel J Friedman Theatre.

"Six" - Previews Begin: September 17, Opening Night: October 3 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

"American Utopia" - September 17 at the Hudson Theatre.

"Come From Away" - September 21 at the Schoenfeld Theatre.

"Moulin Rouge" - September 24 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

"The Lehman Trilogy" - Previews Begin: September 25, Opening Night: October 14 at the Nederlander Theatre.

"Aladdin" - September 28 at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

"Thoughts of a Colored Man" - Previews Begin: October 1, Opening Night: October 31 at the Golden Theatre.

"Tina" - October 8 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

"Caroline, or Change" - Previews Begin: October 8, Opening Night: October 27 at Studio 54.

"Girl From the North Country" - October 13 at the Belasco Theatre.

"Ain't Too Proud" - October 16 at the Imperial Theatre.

"Jagged Little Pill" - October 21 at the Broadhurst Theatre.

"Mrs. Doubtfire" - Previews Begin: October 21, Opening Night: December 5 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

"The Phantom of the Opera" - October 22 at the Majestic Theatre.

"Trouble in Mind" - Previews Begin: October 29, Opening Night: November 8 at the American Airlines Theatre.

"Diana" - Previews Begin: November 2, Opening Night: November 17 at the Longacre Theatre.

"Flying Over Sunset" - Previews Begin: November 4, Opening Night: December 6 at Lincoln Centers Vivian Beaumont Theater.

"MJ" - Previews Begin: December 6, Opening Night: February 1, 2022 at the Neil Simon Theatre.

"Dear Evan Hansen" - December 11 at the Music Box Theatre.

"Company" - Previews Begin: December 20, Opening Night: January 9, 2022 at the Jacobs Theatre.

"The Music Man" - Previews Begin: December 20, Opening Night: February 10, 2022 at the Winter Garden Theatre.

"Skeleton Crew" - Previews Begin: December 21, Opening Night: January 12, 2022 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

ABOUT BROADWAY BARTER:

Formally Broadway Media, the largest distributor of bartered show tickets in the country, has spent over 25 years providing media value for the theater industry. Broadway Barter is now giving support for Broadway's return after a year of darkness. Over 60 major shows had frequented the pages of inflight magazines; such as Continental, TWA, America West, Delta, Northwest, as well as United, now the premier inflight in the country. Broadway Barter is also donating 5% of its tickets in support of hospital workers and sending kids out to see a show for, potentially, their first time.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/z2k_5bzy7WQ

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:

M.J. Schultz

CEO, Broadway Barter

+1-844-922-3959

MJSchultz@BroadwayBarter.com

Related link: https://broadwaybarter.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

Music Theater Works Presents ‘Legends Of The 50s And 60s: Greatest Hits’

SKOKIE, Ill. -- Music Theater Works presents "Legends Of The 50s And 60s: Greatest Hits" at North Shore Center For The Performing Arts (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076) from June 18, 2021 through June 27, 2021 as the first production of the 2021 season.

About The Show

Join Music Theater Works for an evening filled with beloved hits from the 50s and 60s. This flashback performance features the songs made famous by iconic names like Buddy Holly, Doris Day, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, The Temptations, Elvis, and many others. This concert is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and help you remember your favorite memories from the past and introduce these hits to a new generation.

This is an outdoor, socially-distanced performance.

Production Details

WHO:

Music Theater Works

WHAT:

- "Legends Of The 50s And 60s: Greatest Hits"
- Music by Hit Artists of the 1950s and 1960s
- Directed by Kyle Dougan and Martin L. Woods
_ Music Director and Conducted by Jermaine Hill

CAST:

- Adia Bell
- Curtis Bannister
- Dawn Bless
- Evan Tyrone Martin
- Gilbert Domally
- Justin Brill
- Lydia Burke

WHEN:

- Group Performance: Friday, June 18, 2021 @ 1:00 PM
- Press Performance: Saturday, June 19, 2021 @ 2:00 PM
- Sunday, June 20, 2021 @ 2:00 PM
- Wednesday, June 23, 2021 @ 1:00 PM
- Thursday, June 24, 2021 @ 1:00 PM
- Friday, June 25, 2021 @ 8:00 PM
- Saturday, June 26, 2021 @ 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
- Sunday, June 27, 2021 @ 2:00 PM

WHERE:

North Shore Center For The Performing Arts
9501 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL 60077

TICKETS:

Tickets start at $39 for Standard Seating and tickets start at $48 for Preferred Seating. Tickets for those ages 25 and under are half-price.

Box Office: (847) 673-6300

Website: https://www.musictheaterworks.com/BoxOffice/

HEALTH SAFETY:

Health safety guidelines imposed by North Shore Center For The Performing Arts have been followed in the staging of this event. For more information about measures being taken please visit the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts website at NorthShoreCenter.org.

UPCOMING SHOWS

The 2021 season will feature MAMMA MIA! (Aug 19th - Aug 29th), RAGTIME (Oct 28th - Nov 7th), and BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL (Dec 23rd - Jan 2, 2022).

The 2021 season has been proudly sponsored by Joyce Saxon.

ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS

Music Theater Works is a professional non-profit theater company based in Wilmette, Illinois featuring a colorful repertoire including operetta, the Golden Age of Broadway, the Great American Songbook, and modern classics since 1980.

As of 2021, Music Theater Works has become a resident theater company at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076).

The mission of Music Theater Works is to produce and present musical theater from a variety of world traditions and to engage the local community through educational and outreach programs.

MEDIA CONTACT
Aaron Ozee
Director of Marketing
Music Theater Works
Phone: (847) 920-5360 ext. 7
Email: aozee@musictheaterworks.org

Related link: https://www.musictheaterworks.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Regional Events

Oberon Theatre Ensemble’s Film Festival ‘Smartphone Shorts’

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- LanDan Consulting announces Oberon Theatre Ensemble's "Smartphone Shorts" (Brad Fryman, Artistic Director). An evening featuring short films created during Oberon's Smartphone Workshops. The films were shot exclusively on smartphones as the ensemble negotiated its way through the pandemic.

All covid protocols were followed and the writers were often challenged with writing for actors who could not share the same space. The actors were responsible for shooting and editing their own films.

Adapting to a novel set of limitations, the results illustrate the resiliency of these creators. Featuring work from Christopher Stetson Boal, Cecilia Copeland, Steven Fechter, Natalie Menna, Jean Passanante, Robin Rice, and Scott C. Sickles the evening explores unique and innovative storytelling.

THE DETAILS:

Oberon Theatre Ensemble's Film Festival: Smartphone Shorts

Livestreaming at 7:30 p.m. EDT, Sunday, April 18, 2021.

Visit http://www.oberontheatre.org/ for the direct link to the event.

Duration: 45 Minutes

During these challenging times Oberon's offerings are FREE.

About LanDan Consulting:

LanDan Consulting focuses on energizing and guiding clients to create an environment where every person can be the best version of themselves to maximize career and personal potential.

Related link: http://www.bradfryman.com/

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Business, Education and Schools, Entertainment, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Phenomenology Helps Academy for the Fine Arts Find Funds for Dance Studio

FREDERICK, Md. -- Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, stepped up to assist the Academy for the Fine Arts to raise ten thousand dollars in critical funds to finance a state-of-the-art dance studio for Frederick County Public School students.

AFA brings together approximately 100 students across 10 public high schools who are interested in learning visual art, dance, music, and theatre. Even though AFA serves students from all 10 FCPS high schools, it does not receive any direct funding and must rely on allotments from the general budget provided by Governor Thomas Johnson High School, where AFA is located.

"As a corridor for the performing arts, a core component of our mission is to provide high value resources and opportunities for professional, amateur and student artists in Frederick, Maryland," said Artistic Director and CEO of Phenomenology, Jeffery Keilholtz. "As soon as this need was brought to our attention, our team connected AFA to important partners that could help."

Keilholtz worked with AFA Coordinator, Jonathan Kurtz, to position the non-profit organization as fiscal sponsor for AFA, to attract grant funding. As a result, AFA secured financing through a generous grant from Delaplaine Foundation, Inc.

"We cannot thank our community partners enough for getting involved and recognizing our need. We have been waiting five years to create an adequate studio space for our dancers and we are excited to finally make that happen. These funds will allow our program to expand and add new areas of focus, with the goal of reaching more FCPS students to help them prepare for their post-secondary experience."

Funds will be used to install a sprung dance floor in a new studio space. To date, dance students share the TJ High School auditorium stage for rehearsal with theatre students. A new studio will allow dancers and actors to have adequate and separatee rehearsal spaces to meets the needs of each program.

For more information about Phenomenology visit: https://phenoart.org/.

About Phenomenology, Inc.:

Phenomenology, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an innovative production model to raise the quality of life for performing artists and technicians by creating meaningful partnerships in the entertainment industry - coupled with the production of high-value projects - to generate a first-of-its-kind corridor of professional activity between Frederick, Maryland and major media markets. More information: https://phenoart.org/

*LOGO link for media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/19-0108s2p-Phenomenology-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://phenoart.org/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

World Dance Group culminates 2020 with LIKE$, the best digital contest for dance lovers

SAN JUAN, P.R. -- The Covid-19 Pandemic has almost entirely destroyed some sectors of the economy, such as hospitality, recreational activities and entertainment events. Musicians, dancers, and artists in general are part of those sectors that today see their economic opportunities reduced to almost zero, says World Dance Group.

Closed academies, concerts and competitions without a probable date for their celebrations, maximum reduction of closed interaction and high probability of contagion without these precautions are some of the causes that have put professional dancers and in training in red numbers, and at risk.

Desperate to regain their financial stability, thousands of dancers have made the difficult decision to sacrifice their passion, accepting other ways of life to make it to the end of the month. Today it is not strange to find dancers, world champions in their categories, working as food distributors, UBER drivers, collectors and sellers of renewable products, and as dependents in supermarkets. All respectable jobs and of great value to society, but far away from their true professions.

The World Dance Group, as an organization committed to supporting the thousands of musicians and dancers who bring so much joy to the audience, has decided to implement a whole range of activities to help the sector regain opportunities and revenue. The dance-challenge 2020 based on the LIKE$ innovative platform is their last major activity of 2020.

Converting likes into dollars is a kind of mirage for dancers, a dream that is fun to imagine, but that is not possible, or that was not possible until now, because that's what It's all about, uploading a video that you've recorded in 2020 with the routine of your choice and with the music genre you like the most, to the official LIKE$ website, to promote it among your friends, get a lot of likes, and make money based on how many votes (LIKE$) you can raise.

At the end of the year, the dancer with the video who has received the most votes (LIKE$), will get $2,020 as a prize, from the WDG. But not only will the dancer who has obtained the most votes be the winner, but each dancer will receive up to 50% prize money, based on the most popular video he or she has uploaded to the platform. What does this mean? That if your video got 500 votes or LIKE$, for example, even if it wasn't the most popular video of the contest, you'll still get $250 as a prize.

In short, the competition can be summarized in:

1. Record a video with a minimum of one-minute duration. (You can record it on your mobile, or with the device of your choice.)

2. Sign up for free on the https://www.dance-challenge.com/ website and post your videos, just like you do on social media.

3. Notify your loved ones, friends and followers to support your video with a vote (free or paid).

4. Wait until December 31 to find out how many dollars you have earned from the votes (LIKE$) you managed to get for as long as your material was posted.

5. If you are the author of the video with the most LIKE$ of the platform, you will be crowned as the Ultimate Champion of 2020 and be a special part of the next great dance documentary that is currently produced by WDG.

"LIKE$ is one of the most special ideas we developed in 2020. Taking the Likes of social media, which everyone knows, without regarding to where they are in the world, their culture, language, religion, and professions, and turning it into an income opportunity for dancers, has been absolutely great idea to support the dance community. Many contestants couldn't believe it at first. 'Will you guys pay for Likes? Doesn't it matter if I get 10, 000 or 100?' I was asked, because it sounds like something too good to be true, but LIKE$ is a reality. We feel the need to reward the talent and it's there for anyone who wants to contest and has a cell phone to record their videos," said Noel Roque, CEO of WDG.

The competition acts based on its objective of supporting the incredible resilience of dance and music professionals, who with great effort and talent have delighted the global audience for years.

With the World Dance Group, author of stages and initiatives like LIKE$, DanceMart, SalZOOM360 and 15 years path of the famous World Salsa Championships, the world's dancers have an institution committed to their success, safety and professional development.

For more information:

https://worlddancegroup.com/

https://www.dance-challenge.com/likes

https://salzoom.com/

https://www.dancemart.net/

https://www.worldsalsachampionships.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/mvzU-HIKbqQ

IMAGE: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/20-1118s2p-wdg-santa-banner-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://worlddancegroup.com/

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Plano Texas Resident Takes the Stage for 80th Time as Scrooge in NTPA’s Production of ‘Scrooge, the Musical’

PLANO, Texas -- North Texas Performing Arts announces that Plano resident Darrell Rodenbaugh, who has played the title role of Scrooge since the tradition began in 2011, is again taking the stage in its 10th annual Christmas celebration of "Scrooge - The Musical" presented by Transamerica.

This year's special tenth anniversary of "Scrooge, the Musical" will feature over 100 actors in this holiday favorite that has captivated in 80 performances over the past decade. This year for the first-time ever, NTPA will offer audiences an option to view "Scrooge, the Musical" from the comfort and safety of their own home with a livestream high-quality video experience.

Since 2011 and by the end of this year's schedule, Rodenbaugh will have taken the stage some 80 times, attended by over 10,000 patrons. Over a decade, Rodenbaugh has dedicated an estimated 2,000 rehearsal/practice hours into this role and "Scrooge, the Musical" productions.

While theatres often have multi-year program runs, it is highly unusual to cast the same character in the same leading role. NTPA creates an annual tradition centered around this program that typically includes caroling, visits from Santa, and special "Gift to the Community" shows where they waive ticket fees and provide gifts and treats to veterans, underprivileged, and this year, those stricken with Covid-19 economic challenges.

"I come back each year because I believe in Scrooge's very special message of rebirth and redemption," explains Rodenbaugh. "It teaches us that we have the opportunity to start our lives all over again and change for the better, and now, more than ever, we need this positive message of history's second greatest Christmas Story."

Rodenbaugh's performance was described in a Dallas Morning News review some years ago as "brilliant ... robust and passionate," and the show continues to gain each year in its following with many patrons making it a "Christmas Tradition" to see NTPA's "Scrooge - The Musical."

"You might think after ten years he would ease off, but each year he pushes to make it bigger and better," says the show's Director Mike Mazur. "And while he has brought the role to life so many times, each year he re-auditions and earns his spot, then goes on to become one of the hardest working members of the cast."

In this year's special production, Darrell will be joined by his son Christopher Rodenbaugh as Young Scrooge who played the role from its opening season through 2016. Unable to perform in the production since 2017 due to attending an out-of-state college, Christopher is excited to reprise the role once again this year which includes a powerfully heart-breaking duet with his father.

"Darrell continues to re-invent this character each year with such attention to detail," says Plano Children's Theatre Founder and four-time "Scrooge" Director Sara Akers who is now NTPA's VP of Community Affairs. "He effectively brings us from hating him to celebrating with him at the end and the entire performance is a true delight!"

"Our first year was largely as a 'team building' and fundraising activity for the Plano Children's Theatre (PCT) Board of Directors," explains Rodenbaugh, "and it's been humbling to see it grow from a little over a dozen to over 100 actors this year and become NTPA's biggest annual box office production."

Since reopening in June, North Texas Performing Arts has adopted a strict protocol of mask requirements, safe social distance guidelines, and health checks. Theatre seating is limited to enable distancing between groups in compliance with the Governor's guidelines, and streaming is available to those preferring to view these performances online. Actors must wear protective masks at all times (including onstage), and no more than 30 performers at a time are permitted on a safe socially distant stage.

In its exciting tenth anniversary production of "Scrooge, the Musical," this North Texas Christmas tradition has been critically acclaimed and historically plays to sell-out crowds. The show regularly tops regional "must-see" event lists for the Christmas Season. "Scrooge" closely follows the plot of Charles Dickens' acclaimed book, "A Christmas Carol." The movie adaptation received four Academy Award nominations and five Golden Globe nominations. "Scrooge" was written by award-winning songwriter Leslie Bricusse, creator of the musical versions of "Jekyll & Hyde" and "Willy Wonka."

This year's production is directed by award-winning and off-Broadway and international performer Mike Mazur, with support from the show's Music and Children's Director, NTPA Resident Director Kaitlyn Wright, and Choreographer, award-winning NTPA Resident Director Hannah Makepeace.

"Scrooge, the Musical" is sponsored in part by the City of Plano and Transamerica.

NTPA's Scrooge will offer 14 performances between December 9-20, with two "Gift to the Community" performances December 9 and 16 in the Rodenbaugh Theatre at Willow Bend Center of the Arts in The Shops at Willow Bend Mall at 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093.

For more information and showtimes go to https://northtexasperformingarts.org/event/scrooge/.

About North Texas Performing Arts:

North Texas Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to developing the character of youth through quality performing arts education and family entertainment evolving from the Plano Children's Theatre created three decades ago by Sara Akers. NTPA is Headquartered at Willow Bend Center of the Arts in Plano and has theatres in Fairview, Frisco, and Dallas. Each year NTPA provides opportunities to more than 11,000 youth ages three to 18 years old to experience the impact of the performing arts through its "learning lab" training process.

Press Contact:
Lauren Boykin
Senior Director of Marketing
lboykin@NTPA.org
469-782-9421

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/2PxZkIHdxIg

This year's program will feature actors in masks and safe social distancing.

Related link: https://northtexasperformingarts.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Government

Pompano Beach Arts presents Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department is proud to present the 3rd Annual Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival, an enriching and entertaining showcase of the best local and national spoken word artists and writers. While poets will be competing live at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center from December 10-12, due to COVID-19, the festival will be live streamed to the public.

The preliminary and final bouts are $10 each, in addition there will be free virtual artist talks and workshops that require registration to receive the links. An all-access virtual pass is $25.

For tickets, registration and details, visit http://www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36.

"We are thrilled to broadcast some of the best slam poets in the country to a national audience via our virtual platforms," said Phyllis Korab, Cultural Affairs Director. "The Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival is an entertaining and inspiring event, featuring 15 acclaimed poets sharing their authentic selves as they battle it out for the top prize."

The first prize winner will receive $2,500, second prize is $1,500 and third prize is $1,000. The prizes are generously underwritten by the Pompano Beach Arts Foundation.

This year's competitors include:

Alex Tha Great from Dallas, TX; Meccamorphosis from Baltimore, MD; Ed Mabrey from Los Angeles, CA; Ninel Ninel from Atlanta, GA; Jahman Hill from Birmingham, AL; Lady Brion from Baltimore, MD; Ephraim Nehemiah from Baltimore, MD; Aleathia "GG" Dupree from Orlando, FL; Blacqwildflowr from Tampa, FL; Jonkel from Miami, FL; Charles Hines fromTampa, FL; Jazzmen Victoria from Dallas, TX; Alex Lu from Los Angeles, CA; Ed Figures from Orlando, FL; and Byrd from Pompano Beach, FL. Last year's winners, Jahman HIl, Lady Brion and Jonkel, are all returning to defend their titles.

Event Coordinator Sharonda 'Eccentrich' Richardson is the 14th ranked female poet in the world, an honor she received during the Women of the World Poetry Slam. 'Eccentrich' was born and raised in Pompano Beach, is the winner of a Pompano Beach Cultural Arts Award recognizing outstanding creativity and has graced the stages of over 45 venues from Florida to California. She is a member of the celebrated spoken word team, Dada, which finished first in the nation during the 2017 National Poetry Slam. Her poetry is also featured on Button Poetry, an acclaimed platform committed to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for performance poetry.

"I am very proud of how this festival has grown, and despite COVID-19, we have an incredible lineup of spoken word artists who arriving from all over the country to participate in this festival, which grows in prestige each year," said Richardson. "We hope every poet's hometown friends and family reserves a spot to experience all the emotional performances and dynamic events scheduled."

To view the daily schedule of events, workshops and artist talks visit http://www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRMediagroup.com

Related link: http://www.ccpompano.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.