The Musical Theater Center: Press

ROCKVILLE, MD - The talented younger performers at The Musical Theater Center are bringing the 50's back to life at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre with their upcoming production of the smash Broadway hit All Shook Up, a musical that features the rock and roll of Elvis Presley.

All Shook Up is loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and tells the story of a young female mechanic who falls in love with a guitar playing rebel. When his motorcycle breaks down on the way through her town, she disguises herself as a man to get closer to him, and the fun begins. Throw in a little Romeo and Juliet style subplot, and you've got a mix of the classics and classic rock that will delight viewers of all ages.

All Shook Up is directed by Daniel McDonald and produced by Laurie Levy Issembert, with choreography by Diane Hamilton and music direction by Barry Hamilton. Performance dates are June 27-29, 2008, at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. There will be four performances of this production, including evening performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Single show tickets are $17.50 for adults and $15.50 for children, students and seniors. A "Senior Special" admission of $8.50 is available on Saturday, June 28th for the 2:00 PM show for seniors 60 and older. Tickets can be purchased by calling 240-314-8690. For additional information, please visit the MTC web site (www.musicaltheatercenter.org).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 APRIL 2008

Contact: Ken Kemp, Publicity Director
TheatrePR@aol.com

Rex Bickmore, Executive Director
301-251-5766
rbickmore@musicaltheatercenter.org

FROM ROCKVILLE TO BROADWAY: MUSICAL THEATER CENTER ALUMNI TURN EDUCATION INTO SUCCESSFUL CAREERS

ROCKVILLE, MD – Growing up, they spent long hours learning their craft at The Musical Theater Center. Afternoons, evenings, weekends and summers were spent in the Musical Theater Center (MTC) studios, tucked away in a strip mall in Rockville, Maryland. There these young performers learned to sing, act and dance. And they began dreaming of the day their hard work would pay off, with the lights of Broadway or a national tour, their reward for years of hard work. Now that dream is coming true for an increasing number of former MTC students.

On Broadway, Nick Blaemire splits his time between performing in Cry Baby and preparing for the Broadway premier of Glory Days, an original new musical he co-wrote with fellow MTC alum James Gardiner. Not to be outdone, Gardiner also performed here in the Washington, DC area in Kiss of the Spider Woman with another MTC graduate, Danny Binstock, while preparing for the premier of Glory Days.

"I really feel like I owe all the wonderful things that are happening to me now to the excellent teachers I had at MTC," says Blaemire. "They believed in me, taught me, and gave me the performing opportunities that built the foundation that I have now. New York is a city that tries to knock you down, and the training I received at MTC gave me the confidence to believe that I could accomplish anything."

In addition to Blaemire and Gardiner, MTC is well represented on Broadway, with Melissa Lone appearing A Chorus Line, Brian Spitulnik appearing in Chicago, and Ryan Watkinson performing in Xanadu. Erica Hamilton recently finished a long run that saw her filling several different roles in the Broadway hit The Producers in Las Vegas. Jennifer Swiderski is on tour with Drowsy Chaperone, Josh Schulteis is performing with the road company of Cats, and Derek Tatum is working in a regional production of Anything Goes. Locally, Max Spitulnik and Kirstin Riegler are slated to appear in Jerry Springer: The Opera at Studio Theatre later this summer.

"It's extremely rewarding to see so many of our former students following their dreams, and to share their successes," said Diane Hamilton, MTC's Artistic Director. "We are proud of every one of our students, and seeing them performing at the highest levels of musical theater is a real affirmation of our mission as both teachers and artists." When asked what advice he would give to a young person with a passion for the performing arts, Blaemire said, "Start when you are young, and be willing to give yourself to it completely. At MTC you can be a part of so many things -- classes, ensembles, and productions. If this is what you love, there's no bettter place to learn."

ROCKVILLE, MD - You can usually find them behind the scenes at The Musical Theater Center in Rockville - teaching dance and vocal music classes, or directing and choreographing a musical production. But on Saturday, April 12th the faculty and staff of The Musical Theater Center (MTC) will step out under the bright lights of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre and "strut their stuff" in By Popular Demand! - a concert that will benefit the Center's many educational programs. A dessert social after the performance will give audience members a unique opportunity to meet the performers and learn more about MTC.

"Many of our staff members are very talented and successful professional performers, in addition to being wonderful teachers," said Rex Bickmore, MTC's Executive Director. "This special concert gives them a chance to showcase the talents they share with our students every day, and all of the proceeds will go to fund our educational programs. We're excited about this concert, and hope it will become an annual event."

The concert will feature 19 members of the MTC staff, and will span the entire spectrum of MTC's "Sing! Dance! and Act!" philosophy, with performances by Timothy Ballard, Lisa Carrier, Debbie Clark, Kristina Friedgen, Barry Hamilton, Diane Hamilton, Heather Heaps, Jesse Keefover, Dave Larko, Anne MacNeil, Meghan Morse-Jans, Laurie Newton, Betsy Nuell, Tommy Parlon, Tammy Roberts, Debbie Romano, Kevin Sockwell, Cheryl Stafford and Hannah Willman.

The musical revue-style show features young artists from the Center's performing ensembles, Singular Sensations and Upbeat Unlimited. These young performers represent an elite group of the area's most gifted singers and dancers. Spotlight on Broadway is a high energy, Broadway spectacular that will delight audiences with classic showstoppers as well as current Broadway favorites. The fast paced show also features a live orchestra and stunning, colorful costumes and props.

Singular Sensations is composed of outstanding high school students from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and Upbeat Unlimited is an ensemble of talented young singers and dancers aged ten to fourteen. The two groups are MTC's young "artistic ambassadors" and are known for their exciting repertoire of songs and dances from today's popular Broadway musicals as well as musical theater standards.

Singular Sensations is under the direction of MTC's Artistic Director, Diane Hamilton, Music Director Dave Larko, and Managing Director Laurie Levy Issembert. Upbeat Unlimited is co-directed by Tammy Roberts and Lisa Carrier, along with Music Director Barry Hamilton. All have extensive professional experience, both with MTC and with other local and national organizations.

Performances will be at 7:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, with matinees at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16. Tickets are $17.50 for adults and $15.50 for children, students and seniors, and are available online at www.ticketleap.com or by calling the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-314-8690. For further information call 301-251-5766 or visit the MTC web site at www.musicaltheatercenter.org.

MUSICAL THEATER CENTER ANNOUNCES "ALL SHOOK UP" AUDITIONS

ROCKVILLE, MD - The Musical Theater Center is looking for talented teens who like to rock and roll for an upcoming production of the smash Broadway hit All Shook Up, a musical that features the music of Elvis Presley.

All Shook Up is loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and tells the story of a young female mechanic who falls in love with a guitar playing rebel when his motorcycle breaks down on the way through her town. With a score that features such classic Elvis hits as "Jailhouse Rock," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Don't be Cruel" All Shook Up promises to keep audiences tapping their toes and humming along.

AUDITIONS for All Shook Up will be held on January 25 & 27 at the MTC Studios in Rockville. Director Dan McDonald, Music Director Barry Hamilton and Choreographer Diane Hamilton are looking for a variety of performers in grades 8 through 12 with all levels of experience. Auditions are by appointment only, and can be made by calling 301-251-5766. A participation fee is required for those who are cast in the production.

"We're looking for high energy performers with a 'rock and roll attitude' and a desire to be a part of something special," said producer Laurie Levy Issembert. "All Shook Up is one of the new style of Broadway musicals, and it's never been performed in this area. So this is a chance for young artists to do something new, fresh and exciting."

Performance dates are June 27-29, 2008, at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. There will be four performances of this production, including matinees on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. For additional go to www.musicaltheatercenter.org.

MTC'S "HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL" BRINGS BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE TO LIFE ROCKVILLE, MD – Can a jock and a geek find love in a world filled with high school peer pressure? Find out for yourself when Disney's blockbuster High School Musical comes to life in The Musical Theater Center’s production of the stage version of the popular TV movie, opening at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre on January 11, 2008. Director Chad Wheeler and choreographer Cara Tarone have assembled a talented cast of over 60 young performers in an energetic, fast paced and action packed production. All of the characters and cliques from the original movie, from basketball players to braniacs to skater dudes, will be on display. Featuring young performers in grades 3 - 8, High School Musical has been called a "modern day Romeo & Juliet" and promises a fun filled evening for the whole family. Come along for the ride as Troy, Gabriella, Chad, Taylor, Ryan, Sharpay and all their friends learn about life, love and their secret talents and passions. From the "Start of Something New" to "Einsteinette" and on to "Get'cha Head in the Game," "What I've Been Looking For," and "Breaking Free" the show features a wonderful mix of musical numbers, culminating with the uplifting "We're All in This Together" as the kids realize that it takes patience, tolerance and acceptance to make their world a happier place.

High School Musical is directed by Chad Wheeler and produced by Laurie Levy Issembert, with choreography by Cara Tarone, vocal direction by Kevin Kearney and music direction by Barry Hamilton. Performance dates are January 11-13, 2008, at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. There will be five performances of this production, including evening performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, and matinees on Saturday, January 12th at 2:00 PM and Sunday, January 13th at 1:00 and 5:00 PM. Single show tickets are $17.50 for adults and $15.50 for children, students and seniors. A "Senior Special" admission of $8.50 is available on Saturday, January 12 for the 2:00 PM show for seniors 60 and older. Tickets can be purchased by calling 240-314-8690. For additional information, please visit the MTC web site (www.musicaltheatercenter.org).

Press Release
11 October 2007

THE MUSICAL THEATER CENTER PLANS "ENCHANTED" GALA AT MARRIOTT CONFERENCE CENTER

"Some Enchanted Evening," The Musical Theater Center's (MTC's) eighth annual fundraising gala will be held Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Money raised from the Ball will help support MTC's numerous community outreach activities for school age children, comprehensive performing arts training for young people, and tuition assistance for children who need financial help.

Download press release [Word doc]

MTC Contact

For more information, contact
Ken Kemp,
Publicity Director
301-527-1645 x14
TheatrePR@aol.com



	MTC Contact For more information, contact Ken Kemp, Publicity Director 301-527-1645 x14 TheatrePR@aol.com For Immediate Release 5 May 2008 ELVIS MEETS BROADWAY IN MTC'S "ALL SHOOK UP" ROCKVILLE, MD - The talented younger performers at The Musical Theater Center are bringing the 50's back to life at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre with their upcoming production of the smash Broadway hit *All Shook Up, a musical that features the rock and roll of Elvis Presley. All Shook Up* is loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and tells the story of a young female mechanic who falls in love with a guitar playing rebel. When his motorcycle breaks down on the way through her town, she disguises herself as a man to get closer to him, and the fun begins. Throw in a little *Romeo and Juliet* style subplot, and you've got a mix of the classics and classic rock that will delight viewers of all ages. With a score that features such classic Elvis hits as "Jailhouse Rock," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Don't be Cruel" All Shook Up promises to keep audiences tapping their toes and humming along. *All Shook Up* is directed by Daniel McDonald and produced by Laurie Levy Issembert, with choreography by Diane Hamilton and music direction by Barry Hamilton. Performance dates are June 27-29, 2008, at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. There will be four performances of this production, including evening performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Single show tickets are $17.50 for adults and $15.50 for children, students and seniors. A "Senior Special" admission of $8.50 is available on Saturday, June 28th for the 2:00 PM show for seniors 60 and older. Tickets can be purchased by calling 240-314-8690. For additional information, please visit the MTC web site (www.musicaltheatercenter.org). FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 23 APRIL 2008 Contact: Ken Kemp, Publicity Director TheatrePR@aol.com Rex Bickmore, Executive Director 301-251-5766 rbickmore@musicaltheatercenter.org FROM ROCKVILLE TO BROADWAY: MUSICAL THEATER CENTER ALUMNI TURN EDUCATION INTO SUCCESSFUL CAREERS ROCKVILLE, MD – Growing up, they spent long hours learning their craft at The Musical Theater Center. Afternoons, evenings, weekends and summers were spent in the Musical Theater Center (MTC) studios, tucked away in a strip mall in Rockville, Maryland. There these young performers learned to sing, act and dance. And they began dreaming of the day their hard work would pay off, with the lights of Broadway or a national tour, their reward for years of hard work. Now that dream is coming true for an increasing number of former MTC students. On Broadway, Nick Blaemire splits his time between performing in Cry Baby and preparing for the Broadway premier of Glory Days, an original new musical he co-wrote with fellow MTC alum James Gardiner. Not to be outdone, Gardiner also performed here in the Washington, DC area in Kiss of the Spider Woman with another MTC graduate, Danny Binstock, while preparing for the premier of Glory Days. "I really feel like I owe all the wonderful things that are happening to me now to the excellent teachers I had at MTC," says Blaemire. "They believed in me, taught me, and gave me the performing opportunities that built the foundation that I have now. New York is a city that tries to knock you down, and the training I received at MTC gave me the confidence to believe that I could accomplish anything." In addition to Blaemire and Gardiner, MTC is well represented on Broadway, with Melissa Lone appearing A Chorus Line, Brian Spitulnik appearing in Chicago, and Ryan Watkinson performing in Xanadu. Erica Hamilton recently finished a long run that saw her filling several different roles in the Broadway hit The Producers in Las Vegas. Jennifer Swiderski is on tour with Drowsy Chaperone, Josh Schulteis is performing with the road company of Cats, and Derek Tatum is working in a regional production of Anything Goes. Locally, Max Spitulnik and Kirstin Riegler are slated to appear in Jerry Springer: The Opera at Studio Theatre later this summer. "It's extremely rewarding to see so many of our former students following their dreams, and to share their successes," said Diane Hamilton, MTC's Artistic Director. "We are proud of every one of our students, and seeing them performing at the highest levels of musical theater is a real affirmation of our mission as both teachers and artists." When asked what advice he would give to a young person with a passion for the performing arts, Blaemire said, "Start when you are young, and be willing to give yourself to it completely. At MTC you can be a part of so many things -- classes, ensembles, and productions. If this is what you love, there's no bettter place to learn." FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2 APRIL 2008 Contact: Ken Kemp, Publicity Director TheatrePR@aol.com 301-251-5766 MUSICAL THEATER CENTER FACULTY WILL SHINE IN BENEFIT PERFORMANCE ROCKVILLE, MD - You can usually find them behind the scenes at The Musical Theater Center in Rockville - teaching dance and vocal music classes, or directing and choreographing a musical production. But on Saturday, April 12th the faculty and staff of The Musical Theater Center (MTC) will step out under the bright lights of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre and "strut their stuff" in *By Popular Demand!* - a concert that will benefit the Center's many educational programs. A dessert social after the performance will give audience members a unique opportunity to meet the performers and learn more about MTC. "Many of our staff members are very talented and successful professional performers, in addition to being wonderful teachers," said Rex Bickmore, MTC's Executive Director. "This special concert gives them a chance to showcase the talents they share with our students every day, and all of the proceeds will go to fund our educational programs. We're excited about this concert, and hope it will become an annual event." The concert will feature 19 members of the MTC staff, and will span the entire spectrum of MTC's "Sing! Dance! and Act!" philosophy, with performances by Timothy Ballard, Lisa Carrier, Debbie Clark, Kristina Friedgen, Barry Hamilton, Diane Hamilton, Heather Heaps, Jesse Keefover, Dave Larko, Anne MacNeil, Meghan Morse-Jans, Laurie Newton, Betsy Nuell, Tommy Parlon, Tammy Roberts, Debbie Romano, Kevin Sockwell, Cheryl Stafford and Hannah Willman. By Popular Demand! One performance only, April 12th, 2008, at 1:00 PM at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. Tickets available at Theater Box Office - 240-314-8690. For additional information call 301-251-5766 or go to www.musicaltheatercenter.org. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4 FEBRUARY 2007 Contact: Ken Kemp, Publicity Director 301-527-1645 x14* TheatrePR@aol.com Laurie Levy Issembert, Producer 301-251-5766 tllg22@aol.com "SPOTLIGHT ON BROADWAY" MUSICAL REVUE RETURNS TO ROCKVILLE ROCKVILLE, MD - Spotlight on Broadway 2008, The Musical Theater Center's much anticipated annual Broadway revue, is coming to the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville for four performances only, March 14 - 16. The musical revue-style show features young artists from the Center's performing ensembles, Singular Sensations and Upbeat Unlimited. These young performers represent an elite group of the area's most gifted singers and dancers. Spotlight on Broadway is a high energy, Broadway spectacular that will delight audiences with classic showstoppers as well as current Broadway favorites. The fast paced show also features a live orchestra and stunning, colorful costumes and props. Singular Sensations is composed of outstanding high school students from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and Upbeat Unlimited is an ensemble of talented young singers and dancers aged ten to fourteen. The two groups are MTC's young "artistic ambassadors" and are known for their exciting repertoire of songs and dances from today's popular Broadway musicals as well as musical theater standards. Singular Sensations is under the direction of MTC's Artistic Director, Diane Hamilton, Music Director Dave Larko, and Managing Director Laurie Levy Issembert. Upbeat Unlimited is co-directed by Tammy Roberts and Lisa Carrier, along with Music Director Barry Hamilton. All have extensive professional experience, both with MTC and with other local and national organizations. Performances will be at 7:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, with matinees at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16. Tickets are $17.50 for adults and $15.50 for children, students and seniors, and are available online at www.ticketleap.com or by calling the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-314-8690. For further information call 301-251-5766 or visit the MTC web site at www.musicaltheatercenter.org. Press Release 16 January 2008 MUSICAL THEATER CENTER ANNOUNCES "ALL SHOOK UP" AUDITIONS ROCKVILLE, MD - The Musical Theater Center is looking for talented teens who like to rock and roll for an upcoming production of the smash Broadway hit *All Shook Up, a musical that features the music of Elvis Presley. All Shook Up* is loosely based on Shakespeare's *Twelfth Night, and tells the story of a young female mechanic who falls in love with a guitar playing rebel when his motorcycle breaks down on the way through her town. With a score that features such classic Elvis hits as "Jailhouse Rock," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Don't be Cruel" All Shook Up* promises to keep audiences tapping their toes and humming along. *AUDITIONS for All Shook Up* will be held on January 25 & 27 at the MTC Studios in Rockville. Director Dan McDonald, Music Director Barry Hamilton and Choreographer Diane Hamilton are looking for a variety of performers in grades 8 through 12 with all levels of experience. Auditions are by appointment only, and can be made by calling 301-251-5766. A participation fee is required for those who are cast in the production. "We're looking for high energy performers with a 'rock and roll attitude' and a desire to be a part of something special," said producer Laurie Levy Issembert. "All Shook Up is one of the new style of Broadway musicals, and it's never been performed in this area. So this is a chance for young artists to do something new, fresh and exciting." Performance dates are June 27-29, 2008, at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. There will be four performances of this production, including matinees on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. For additional go to www.musicaltheatercenter.org. Photo by Bill Forehand Press Release 20 November 2007 MTC'S "HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL" BRINGS BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE TO LIFE ROCKVILLE, MD – Can a jock and a geek find love in a world filled with high school peer pressure? Find out for yourself when Disney's blockbuster High School Musical comes to life in The Musical Theater Center’s production of the stage version of the popular TV movie, opening at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre on January 11, 2008. Director Chad Wheeler and choreographer Cara Tarone** have assembled a talented cast of over 60 young performers in an energetic, fast paced and action packed production. All of the characters and cliques from the original movie, from basketball players to braniacs to skater dudes, will be on display. Featuring young performers in grades 3 - 8, High School Musical has been called a "modern day Romeo & Juliet" and promises a fun filled evening for the whole family. Come along for the ride as Troy, Gabriella, Chad, Taylor, Ryan, Sharpay and all their friends learn about life, love and their secret talents and passions. From the "Start of Something New" to "Einsteinette" and on to "Get'cha Head in the Game," "What I've Been Looking For," and "Breaking Free" the show features a wonderful mix of musical numbers, culminating with the uplifting "We're All in This Together" as the kids realize that it takes patience, tolerance and acceptance to make their world a happier place. *High School Musical* is directed by Chad Wheeler and produced by Laurie Levy Issembert, with choreography by Cara Tarone, vocal direction by Kevin Kearney and music direction by Barry Hamilton. Performance dates are January 11-13, 2008, at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. There will be five performances of this production, including evening performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, and matinees on Saturday, January 12th at 2:00 PM and Sunday, January 13th at 1:00 and 5:00 PM. Single show tickets are $17.50 for adults and $15.50 for children, students and seniors. A "Senior Special" admission of $8.50 is available on Saturday, January 12 for the 2:00 PM show for seniors 60 and older. Tickets can be purchased by calling 240-314-8690. For additional information, please visit the MTC web site (www.musicaltheatercenter.org). Press Release 11 October 2007 THE MUSICAL THEATER CENTER PLANS "ENCHANTED" GALA AT MARRIOTT CONFERENCE CENTER "Some Enchanted Evening," The Musical Theater Center's (MTC's) eighth annual fundraising gala will be held Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Money raised from the Ball will help support MTC's numerous community outreach activities for school age children, comprehensive performing arts training for young people, and tuition assistance for children who need financial help. Download press release [Word doc] Home \| Calendar \| Productions \| Classes \| Summer Camp Ensembles \| Press \| Support \| About

MTC Contact

For more information, contact Ken Kemp,Publicity Director 301-527-1645 x14 TheatrePR@aol.com

For more information, contact
Ken Kemp,
Publicity Director
301-527-1645 x14
TheatrePR@aol.com