FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Matt Polk, Sasha Pensanti ([email protected])
The 12.14 Foundation Announces its Summer 2014 Season
Featuring 200 Newtown Area Children & 4 Broadway Stars
A ROCKIN’ Midsummer Night’s Dream
The 101 Dalmatians Musical
Building on the success of last year’s production of Seussical: The Musical,
the 12.14 Foundation is pleased to announce its Summer 2014 Season of Shows.
(July 14, 2014 – Newtown, CT) – The 12.14 Foundation will be producing two shows for its summer season incorporating 200 children from the Newtown area as a continuation of its mission to use the performing arts to promote healing and strength.
The first show A ROCKIN’ Midsummer Night’s Dream, a world premiere adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s favorite plays will be performed on August 1st at 7PM, August 2nd at 2PM and 7PM , August 3rd at 2PM, August 8th at 7PM, August 9th at 2PM and 7PM and August 10th at 5PM.
The second show will be the regional premiere of The 101 Dalmatians Musical with performances on August 6th at 7PM, August 7th at 7PM, August 8th at 11AM and August 10th at 12PM.
The venue for both productions is Newtown High School (12 Berkshire Road, Newtown, CT) and ticket prices range from $22.50 to $30.00.
The world premiere of A ROCKIN’ Midsummer Night’s Dream is a new musical version adapted by Michael Unger and Eric Svejcar with a score by Mr. Svejcar. Joining the Newtown children in this production are Broadway stars Marla Mindelle (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Sister Act), Clark Thorell (Hairspray, 2012 Annie revival) and Saum Eskandani (Disaster!, A Year With Frog and Toad).
The Foundation also plans to produce and release a CD of the production with Broadway Records (Matilda, Big Fish, 54 BELOW Concert Series). The same production team that presented Seussical last year will return this summer: Michael Unger will direct, Jeffrey Saver will music direct with Newtown’s own, Brett Boles as his associate and Jennifer Paulson Lee will choreograph. Van Dean is co-producer and Michael Baroody, MD, founder of the 12.14 Foundation, is the executive producer. Orchestrations are by Kim Scharnberg.
As was the case with Seussical, we have approximately 20 Newtown students apprenticing backstage to learn from the team of Broadway professionals participating in this production. The orchestra will also include Newtown-area parents and students.
The regional premiere of The 101 Dalmatians Musical is thefamed story by Dodie Smith, with a book by BT McNicholl (Cabaret) and a score by Dennis DeYoung (the lead singer/songwriter from the rock group Styx). It will be adapted specifically for Newtown by Michael Unger and Dennis DeYoung. The production stars Kristine Zbornik (A Catered Affair on Broadway, Mamma Mia in Las Vegas) as Cruella and 100+ Newtown children (ages 4 to 13) as the Dalmatians. This production will be designed by Newtown High School students, under the supervision of Midsummer’s team of professional designers.
ADDITIONAL 12.14 FOUNDATION EVENTS INCLUDE:
- Monday Night Movie Musicals July 14th, 21st and 28th at 7PM
- Dance Concert with local dancers and choreographers – July 30th at 7PM
- CONNECTICUT’S GOT TALENT! This will be a talent contest open to all – young/old, parent/child, student/teacher. Krysta Rodriguez (“SMASH”, First Date) will be one of the judges – August 5th at 7PM
The 12.14 Foundation is a non-for-profit organization formed following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School to encourage personal development through high-level performing arts programs. The Foundation provides experiences that produce a long-lasting, positive affect on the way children see themselves and the world around them.
The Director of The Leadership Development Program at the Yale School of Management, has assembled a volunteer team of experts specialized in leadership, applied psychology, and executive coaching. Their team has constructed an innovative character development strategy that integrates synergistically with our Arts initiatives to encourage each child to reach their personal potential. Children learn skills such as integrity, collaboration, commitment, communication, problem-solving, positive-thinking and confidence. They are guided through self-realization, feedback exercises, and coaching sessions that help each child develop their individual strengths and overcome weaknesses. The 12.14 Foundation is also working towards building a performing arts center in Newtown as a living remembrance of the tragic events of December 14th, 2012.
For more information, please visit www.1214foundation.org
SAUM ESKANDANI (Bottom in A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream) is so thankful to be welcomed into this wonderful community. As an actor, he has helped developed numerous works including Seth Rudetsky’s acclaimed musical Disaster! and Tony Award winning director Michael Mayer’s adaptation of On A Clear Day… Off-Broadway: Disaster! Atlantic Theatre Co’s revision of A Year with Frog and Toad, Idol: The Musical. Tour: Wonderful Town. As a vocalist, Saum has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Rockwood Music Hall. He can be heard on The Mowgli’s hit debut album “Waiting for the Dawn” and on also singing with the Goodhearts. LOVE and gratitude to Newtown, the EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED company of dedicated young performers, family, friends, and every teacher ever.
MARLA MINDELLE (Titania in A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream) recently appeared at the Broadway Theatre as not-so-evil stepsister Gabrielle in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. She also originated the role of Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act (Outer Critics nomination). Other roles include Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone (First National Tour) and Queenie in The Wild Party (New Repertory). Thanks to the Michaels, Jeff, Van, kids and community for this amazing opportunity. marlamindelle.com. Twitter: @marlamindelle
CLARKE THORELL (Oberon in A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream) is truly humbled and honored to be part of this incredible production. He wholeheartedly believes in the transformative power of live theatre and is an advocate for increasingly vital arts programs in our schools. Clarke most recently welcomed boos & hisses playing Rooster Hannigan in the Broadway revival of Annie. Other; original Corny Collins in Hairspray, The Who’s Tommy, Titanic, Sinatra- His Voice… His Way, Mamma Mia!, Satellites, Lone Star Love, Saturday Night, Wise Guys, Twelfth Night, Floyd Collins. Film & TV – “Men in Black III”, “Boardwalk Empire,” “30 ROCK – Meet The Woggels,” “Kings,” “Law & Order(s),” “The Sopranos,” & upcoming “The Knick”.
KRISTINE ZBORNIK (Cruella in The 101 Dalmatians Musical) High paying jobs: A Catered Affair, Broadway; Mamma Mia – Rosie, Las Vegas; 9 to 5 – Roz, 1st National Tour; Low paying jobs: Into The Woods, Shakespeare in the Park/Delecort Theatre, NYC, Jack’s Mother; Roadshow, the Public Theater; Shlemiel The First – Off B’way, Skirball Center; Forbidden Broadway: Cleans Up Its Act (Original Cast) and 20th Anniversary (Original Cast); Man of La Mancha – Housekeeper, Goodspeed Opera House; Nine, Papermill Playhouse; I’m paying jobs: Varla Jean Merman is The Bad Seedling – Christine (Lead) Tweed Prods.; Cabaret and one person shows: Jackie Hoffman & Kristine Zbornik Joe’s Pub; Serving Mankind; Zbornik In A Trunk.
For more information on the summer season of shows, please visit http://www.1214foundation.org/summer2014/
