UDPAC Presents Disney’s Mary Poppins

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Lauren Stevenson Yacina

610.506.1355 • lauren.Stevenson@verizon.net

Dan Luner

610.945.8428 • dluner13@gmail.com

Mainstage at Upper Darby Summer Stage proudly presents, “Disney’s Mary Poppins.”

The Broadway-style musical is an exciting, mystical and upbeat take on the Disney family-favorite.

July 16, 2014 - Drexel Hill, PA. Upper Darby Summer Stage proudly presents its crown jewel of the 40^th season, the mainstage production, “Disney’s Mary Poppins” on July 31 and August 1, 7 and 8 at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center. 

The full-length production with live orchestra is full of moments that audience members will recognize from the famous Disney film. Featuring more adventures from the books of P.L Travers, the stage show presents a new take on the story. Audiences should expect to enjoy the familiarity of the subject matter, but also be wowed by exciting new developments in the plot. With magic, flying and every form of dance imaginable, the mainstage production will be an experience audiences won’t forget soon.

Performances will take place on July 31, August 1, 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. with matinee performances on August 1 and 8 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-16 and may be purchased online at www.udpac.org or by calling the box office: 610.622.1189. All shows take place at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, PA. The facility is wheelchair accessible and parking is free. The show runs approximately two and a half hours with intermission and is recommended for ages eight and up.

The mysterious narrator, Bert (Ronnie Keller of Conshohocken) introduces us to the troubled Banks family and while young Jane (Lucy Criscuolo of Rosemont) and Michael (Dylan Rooney of Springfield) have sent many a nanny packing before, Mary Poppins  (Katie Horner Wayne) arrives on their doorstep up for the task at hand. With a spoonful of sugar, she must teach the family how to value each other and the world around them.

Director Marcus Stevens is a New York based actor, writer and director. As an actor, he has starred in Manhattan's renowned Forbidden Broadway and can be heard on the two of the original cast albums. Marcus has also worked at many of country's premiere regional theaters, including the Walnut Street Theater, The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and The Sacramento Music Circus and Casa Manana. A Richard Rodgers award-winning writer, Marcus has had his plays produced in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Fresno, Toronto and New York City. His musical “Yo, Vikings” was just recently published by Samuel French Inc.

Stevens said, “From my point of view, the show is about the existence of mystical, positive forces in the universe (Mary and Bert) helping us find our way.” He added, “The Banks family learns that though life is never easy, you can't let it crush you. You must do your best to enjoy every little moment with the people you love.”

Upper Darby Summer Stage’s mainstage program offers young adults up to the age of 28 the opportunity to collaborate in a professional atmosphere while presenting audiences with top-notch productions that include professional level sets, lighting, costumes and are accompanied by a live orchestra.

The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is jointly sponsored by the Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors and Upper Darby Township Mayor and Council through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services.

###

Update on Tina Fey’s Homecoming to Upper Darby Summer Stage!

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Lauren Stevenson Yacina

610.506.1355

lauren.stevenson@verizon.net

 ***UPDATE!***

Upper Darby Summer Stage alum, Tina Fey, returns on August 16 to kick-off

40th season and to host fundraising event

Tickets are available to support one of the longest running Children’s Theater programs in the country. The event will feature the 10th anniversary screening of “Mean Girls” followed by a Q&A session with the writer, producer and Emmy-award winning actress, Tina Fey

July 31, 2014 – Drexel Hill, PA – Tina Fey returns to Upper Darby Summer Stage on August 16! Before there was “Second City,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Mean Girls” and “30 Rock,” there was Upper Darby Summer Stage where Tina Fey acted and directed. Upper Darby Summer Stage is one of the nation’s longest running and most successful Children’s Theater programs and a valuable community asset. Summer Stage was recently named one of the eight best-known summer theater programs for young performers in the nation by Backstage.com.

Executive Director Harry Dietzler and Summer Stage alum, Tina Fey

Upper Darby Summer Stage will kick-off its 40th season on August 16 with the fundraising event hosted by Tina Fey. Tickets are available to support the theater program with the purchase of a new sound system for the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, an investment of approximately $300,000. Upper Darby Summer Stage was established in 1976 and welcomes over 700 young participants each summer and over 30,000 ticket-holders to the series of family-friendly musicals.

Tickets for the event include a 10th anniversary screening of “Mean Girls,” loosely based on Tina Fey’s experience at Upper Darby High School. The screening will be projected onto three large screens, strategically positioned for maximum viewing from all seats. The movie will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Tina. TV Guide Magazine Senior Writer and Summer Stage alum Damian Holbrook will moderate the Q & A. Tickets may be purchased by online: www.udpac.org or by calling the box office at 610.622.1189. Tickets are $40 – $100 and are tax deductible.

“Before the Emmy Award-winning actress, comedian, producer and writer became a household name, Tina Fey acted, directed, ushered and worked in the box office at Upper Darby Summer Stage,” said Harry Dietzler, Executive Director. “Several of our current staff members were in productions directed by Tina.” She paid tribute to Upper Darby Summer Stage in her NY Times best-selling book, “Bossypants.” “As we move into our 40th year,” said Dietzler, “We are pleased, excited and grateful that Tina is will help us with our goal to upgrade our audio capabilities as we continue to raise the bar on the level of family-friendly entertainment we offer the community.”

Tina grew up in Upper Darby Township and attended Upper Darby High School. She made her movie debut as a writer and co-star in 2004 in “Mean Girls.” She has won multiple awards including a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Emmy Award forBest Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in “30 Rock.”

The event is a non-press event.

The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is jointly sponsored by Upper Darby Township Mayor and Council and the Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services.

###

Tina Fey is coming to the UDPAC!

SAVE THE DATE! – AUGUST 16, 2014

Writer, producer and Emmy Award-winning actress Tina Fey will appear at an event to support Upper Darby Summer Stage and kick off 40th season!

Ms. Fey will greet supporters at an exclusive screening of the 10th anniversary of “Mean Girls.” Proceeds will support a new sound system for Upper Darby Performing Arts Center

July 1, 2014 – Drexel Hill, PA – Upper Darby Summer Stage proudly announces that alumna Tina Fey – writer, producer and Emmy Award-winning actress – will kick-off the 40th season with an appearance at an exclusive 10th anniversary screening of “Mean Girls” on August 16, 2014. Ms. Fey wrote the screenplay and co-starred in the movie, loosely based on her years at Upper Darby High School.

The August 16th event will feature a meet-and-greet with Ms. Fey at 6:30 pm, a screening of the movie at 7:30 pm and a question-and-answer session after the movie screening. Proceeds will support a new sound system for the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center and will launch the 40th season celebration of Upper Darby Summer Stage. The event will take place at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA.

Tickets for the exclusive meet-and-greet with Ms. Fey are $150 and include the movie screening, as well as participation in the question-and-answer session after the screening. Tickets to the screening and question-and-answer session only are $100. Tickets will go on sale on July 7 and may be purchased online at www.udpac.org.

The actress, comedian, writer and producer known for her work on Saturday Night Live (SNL, 1998-2006) and on the critically acclaimed NBC series, 30 Rock (2006-2013), was born and raised in Upper Darby Township and participated in Upper Darby Summer Stage. Ms. Fey made her movie debut as a writer and co-star in 2004 in “Mean Girls.” She has won multiple awards including a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in 30 Rock.

Founded in 1976 and known as one of the country’s most successful youth theater programs, Upper Darby Summer Stage welcomes over 700 young participants each summer and 30,000 ticket-holders from throughout the Delaware Valley.

The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is jointly sponsored by Upper Darby Township Mayor and Council and the Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services.

Press release written by Lauren Stevenson Yacina

Upper Darby Summer Stage

Tickets go on sale June 2! NOW!

Hundreds of talented young adults from throughout the Delaware Valley prepare for season 39.

A Philadelphia-region summer tradition, Summer Stage announces the family-friendly line-up at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center

May 21, 2014 – Drexel Hill, PA – Upper Darby Performing Arts Center proudly announces the 39th season of Upper Darby Summer Stage! Tickets go on sale June 2. Since 1976 the family-friendly musical theater series has been a Delaware Valley summer tradition. The series includes six one-hour Children’s Theater musicals and the Mainstage production “Shrek the Musical.”

Performances begin on July 9 and take place at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA. The air conditioned, stadium-style theater is wheel-chair accessible and offers free parking. Tickets may be purchased online at www.udpac.org or by calling the box office at 610.622.1189. Tickets for the Children’s Theater shows are $7 – $10 and for the Mainstage production, $12 – $15.

The 2014 Upper Darby Summer Stage season includes six Children’s Theater shows:

• “The Circle of Life,” featuring songs from Disney shows – July 9, 10, 11 at 10:30 am and July 10 at 7:30 pm
• “Elliot and the Magic Bed,” a magical adventure by award-winning Summer Stage alumnus, Marcus Stevens, who is now on Broadway – July 16, 17, 18 at 10:30 am and July 17 at 7:30 pm
• “Doctor Doolittle, Jr.” based on the beloved movie musical – July 23, 24, 25 at 10:30 am and July 24 at 7:30 pm
• “School House Rock Live Jr.,” the pop culture phenomenon – July 30, 31 and August 1 at 10:30 am and July 31 at 7:30 pm
• “Honk, Jr.,” a modern twist on the classic, “The Ugly Duckling” – August 6, 7, 8 at 10:30 am and August 7 at 7:30 pm
• Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.,” featuring favorite songs like Zip-a-dee-doo-dah and The Unbirthday Song – August 13, 14, 15 at 10:30 am and August 14 at 7:30 pm

The Children’s Theater performances are musicals that are approximately 70 minutes long without intermission and are geared toward children four and up. Audience members are encouraged to come early to enjoy pre-show activities during the morning performances and stay after the show for autographs and photographs with cast members. Free babysitting is available for younger family members.

The Mainstage show “Shrek the Musical,” based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, is presented on August 1, 2, 8 and 9, at 7:30 pm with a matinee on August 9 at 1:30 pm. The Broadway caliber, full-length production features professional directors, choreographers, costume designers, set designers, technicians, as well as professional musicians in the orchestra. Young adults, up to the age of 28, make up the cast, and the Mainstage production is appropriate for children ages 8 and up and will appeal to serious musical theatergoers because of the high-caliber talent and production value.

Since 1976, the Upper Darby Summer Stage program has introduced thousands of families from throughout the Delaware Valley to live musical theater. Each summer over 30,000 ticket-holders walk through the doors of the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center to experience performances at a price the entire family can enjoy.

Over 750 registrants from throughout the Delaware Valley participate in the program, a model throughout the country for youth theater programs. Over 30 performances will be presented in the short span of six exciting weeks including Children’s Theater shows, Mainstage shows, One-Act Play performances, and a Dance Troupe-Cabaret production. The staff of 100 professional directors, choreographers, costumers, and technicians is committed to providing excellent musical theater training and high-quality performances for families and the entire community.

Harry Dietzler, Founder and Executive Director, established the Summer Stage program in 1976 and recently received the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award at the 17th Annual Barrymore Awards for Excellence for his positive contribution to the regional Philadelphia theater community. Summer Stage has been recognized as “Philadelphia’s Best Theater Group” for five consecutive years by Philly Hot List.

The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is jointly sponsored by Upper Darby Township Mayor and Council and the Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services.

###

The Holidays Begin at the UDPAC!

The Nutcracker! This week! An affordable alternative to ring in the holiday season! Consider This: The most valuable holiday memories revolve around the quality time we spend with loved-ones and the experiences we share with them. Treat your family to a memorable gift of the performing arts to ring in your holidays! Join us for a magical sleigh ride to the Land of the Sweets! Enjoy the stirring music of Tchaikovsky, the intricate choreography performed by the professional soloists, and the journey of a little girl from a Christmas party to a world of new experiences and intriguing characters! All at an affordable price for everyone in the family to enjoy! THE NUTCRACKER - THIS WEEK! November 22 at 7:30 pm November 23 at 11 am and 3 pm November 24 at 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm TICKETS: $10 - $22 For more information and to purchase tickets, call the box office: 610.622.1189 or More Performances at UDPAC this Holiday Season! The Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra The Holiday Concert Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 pm Tickets: General Admission: $18 UDPAC members: $16 Senior: $15 Students under 25 with ID: $5 Tickets available at the door. For more information call: 610.622.1189. Christmas Time is Here! The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars present the Annual Holiday Show! Two performances this year! December 20 at 7:30 pm December 21 at 2:00 pm Tickets: Just $6 - $9 Call the box office: 610.622.1189 or visit the Web site: www.udpac.org for tickets!  Upper Darby Performing Arts Center 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA * 610.622.1189 * www.udpac.org

This Saturday: A Tribute to Jim Croce

REMEMBERING A PHILADELPHIA LEGEND RESERVE TICKETS FRIENDS & FAMILY OF JIM CROCE CELEBRATE HIS LIFE - AND MUSIC - 40 YEARS AFTER HIS TRAGIC DEATH Jim Croce wasn't just a prolific singer/songwriter and one of Philadelphia's most famous performers...he was a really  great guy.  His friends and family are passionate about keeping his memory - along with the memory of his lead guitarist Maury Muehleisen - and their music alive. Several of Jim's friends who worked and collaborated with him - along with members of his family - will share stories between performances by the preeminent tribute band, "Maggie's Guitar."  The evening opens with a performance by the Villanova Spires, the a cappella group Jim sang with during his days as a student of Villanova University . Folk authority Gene Shay will emcee. WHY are people traveling as far as Canada, Rhode Island, and Georgia to attend the Tribute?   Read the featured article on 98.1 WOGL'S site. CLICK HERE. WHAT thoughts went through the head of Jim's friend, and first musical partner Mike DiBenedetto when he first heard Croce on the radio?    Read the KYW feature on the Tribute. CLICK HERE. WHERE were Croce and his lead guitarist Maury Muehleisen traveling when their plane tragically crashed?   Read the article that appeared in the News of Delaware County about the Tribute. CLICK HERE WHAT Pennsylvania town did Jim and his wife Ingrid move to when their first album did not sell as they had hoped?  Bruce Warren, Program Director of WXPN, answers that question on The Key, the online site featuring the best in Philly music. Read Bruce Warren's post about the Tribute. CLICK HERE. Hosted by Folk Music Authority Gene Shay Founder and original emcee of the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Gene has been deemed "The Dean of American Folk DJs" by the Philadelphia Daily News and "the Grandfather of Philadelphia Folk Music" by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Saturday night! SEPTEMBER 21st 7:30 pm Upper Darby Performing Arts Center Tickets: $17 - $20 Proceeds benefit the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation where a scholarship in Croce's name has been established. (Jim Croce graduated from UD High School in 1960) Tickets WILL be available at the door. GET TICKETS Driving 10 hours to pay tribute to a gifted singer/songwriter we lost far too early is not an imposition. It is a way that I can learn more about his real home; tell others about his time in Canada; and, help support the programs at Upper Darby High School.  -Lynn Armstong, Traveling from Canada to attend Tribute Thanks to Media Sponsor: Tickets WILL be available at the door. For questions, directions and additional information, call the box office: 610.622.1189 Or, visit our Web site: www.udpac.org Upper Darby Performing Arts Center 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue Drexel Hill, PA  19026 STAY IN TOUCH       123 Street Name City, ST - 555.555.5555