Broadway Utica, in conjunction with Phoenix Entertainment, has selected a Utican to portray the role of “Young Coalhouse” in its national tour presentation of RAGTIME, which will be held at the Stanley Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday, April 6 & 7 at 7:30 p.m.

“Young Coalhouse” will be portrayed by 8-year-old Treyvone Jones of Utica.  Jones is a third grader at Jefferson Elementary School and attends the Thea Bowman House for after care.  He is a born entertainer, with a bright future. Jones regularly sings in his church choir and actively participates in dancing presentations at the Thea Bowman House.

“At Broadway Utica, it is our mission to provide unique opportunities for local individuals interested in the performing arts,” said Derek Clark, executive director of Broadway Utica. “We are so lucky to have such a talented young man with performing arts experience volunteer to fill this role,” he continued.

About RAGTIME:

At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing…and anything is possible.  RAGTIME tells the stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician unfold – set in turn-of-the-century New York – all three united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow.  Their compelling stories are set to theatre’s richest and most glorious Tony Award®-winning score. Individual tickets for RAGTIME are still available. Tickets can be purchased at Broadway Utica by calling (315) 724-7196 or by visiting www.BroadwayUtica.com.

At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing…and anything is possible.  RAGTIME returns to the road in an all-new touring production that Bloomberg News hails as “explosive, thrilling and nothing short of a masterpiece.” Utica will be swept away by this ravishing and relevant production on April 6 & 7 at the Stanley, presented by Broadway Utica. Individual tickets for RAGTIME are on sale now! Tickets can be purchased at Broadway Utica by calling (315) 724-7196 or by visiting www.BroadwayUtica.com.

Winning Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Musical Score, this 13-time Tony Award nominated musical is a timeless celebration of life – what it could and should be!  The Hollywood Reporter declares that RAGTIME is “one of the best musicals of recent decades.” Its celebrated score includes “Wheels of a Dream,” “Back to Before” and the title song, “Ragtime.”

RAGTIME features a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and is based on E.L. Doctorow’s best-selling 1975 novel.  Tony-nominated Director & Choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge will helm the production.   Scenic Design by Kevin Depinet, Lighting Design by Mike Baldassari and Sound Design by Craig Cassidy.

The stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician unfold – set in turn-of-the-century New York – all three united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow.  Their compelling stories are set to theatre’s richest and most glorious Tony Award®-winning score.

RAGTIME, E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel, won the National Book Critics Circle award and sold 4.5 million copies. It became a film in 1981 and a Broadway musical in 1998.  The original 1998 production ran on Broadway for 834 performances. A 2009 Broadway revival received rapturous reviews and is now on tour throughout North America. 

The RAGTIME tour for North America is produced by Phoenix Entertainment www.phoenix-ent.com.

For more information, visit www.ragtimeontour.com.

BROADWAY THEATRE LEAGUE OF UTICA INTRODUCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEREK CLARK

Broadway Theatre League of Utica today announced and introduced its new Executive Director, Derek Clark. Clark will succeed previous Executive Director, John F. Fehlner, Jr., who left the organization to explore other endeavors.

Clark, originally from San Francisco and most recently New York City, has more than 25 years  experience as a senior executive in the fashion industry focused on the wholesale and retail sector.  Most recently, he served as vice president of corporate financial and merchandise planning for fashion icon Elie Tahari in New York City. Prior to Elie Tahari, Clark held senior management positions with both Perry Ellis and Steve Madden.  

When asked about his new role in the performing arts industry, Clark said:  “The Broadway Theatre League has been a pillar in this community for 59 years and I have the opportunity to be a part of this iconic organization. How incredible is that? My passion for the arts coupled with my love of Broadway, and the community, drew me to this once-in-a-lifetime position. I am honored and thrilled to be the new face of Broadway Utica and accept all of the challenges the position will bring.  I am looking forward to working with a distinguished and well-respected Board of Directors, community leaders, patrons, and all those who have supported this fine organization throughout the years.” 

Broadway Theatre League’s Board President, Eileen Pronobis agrees, “Derek’s extensive financial background and familiarity with the arts and New York City will certainly be an asset to our organization. We are very excited about the future of Broadway Theatre in our community with Derek leading the way,” she said.

When asked about his goals for Broadway Theatre League, Clark pointed to delivering fiscal responsibility, quality theatre, growing our social media presence, as well as taking an active role in the Students On Broadway program. Clark plans to expand this program to focus on both the elementary and high school student bodies separately and respectively, as well as exposing youth to local venue experiences within the community.

“On a personal note, it’s important for me to grow the Bernadette Eichler Youth Ambassador program and give it the continued attention and respect it deserves,” he said. Additionally, as a newcomer to the Utica area, I look forward to being involved in the community, creating strong relationships and lasting local ties,” he continued.

Broadway Utica announced today that more than 2,000 high school students in grades 9-12 will take part in this year’s Students On Broadway program. In addition to having the opportunity to view 42nd Street, schools also received a comprehensive study guide designed to help teachers augment their classroom work and inspire learning.

Students from 24 schools in Oneida, Herkimer, and Madison Counties will be attending a matinee performance of 42nd Street on February 10 for only $5 per student.  Broadway Utica believes an education in the arts enriches life, fosters compassion and allows a child to grow confidently as an individual as well as helping them to succeed in their academic life. 

“We’re dedicated to giving back to our community and the impact multiplies when we partner with other businesses that hold that same interest,” said Erika Heintz, programs and production coordinator.

In addition to a financial commitment from Broadway Utica, Students On Broadway has been made possible with the support of:

• John Winter Family Fund
• Leatherstocking Abstract & Title Corp.
• Northwestern Mutual

Broadway Utica plans to offer at least one Students On Broadway performance per year, and possibly more if additional funding is secured.  The program is in its third year, having presented matinee performances of Memphis in 2014 and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in 2015. At the conclusion of this year’s performance, Broadway Utica will have offered a $5 ticket to nearly 6,000 local students.

Broadway Utica has made it part of its mission to integrate quality education and community engagement programming that directly and positively impacts its participants with the Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program and the Students On Broadway Program.

For more information on any of our programs, or to become a Students On Broadway donor, call 315-724-7196, or email Programs and Production Coordinator, Erika Heintz, at erika@broadwayutica.com.

WHO: Broadway Utica, Utica Dance tap students, and a cast member from 42nd Street.

WHAT: A cast member from 42nd Street will teach Utica Dance students a tap dancing routine from the show.

WHERE: Utica Dance, 324 Genesee Street, Utica.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 9, from 2:00- 3:30 PM.

WHY: Each time Broadway Utica presents a nationally touring Broadway show, it strives to expose touring actors and actresses to a part of our rich community. Furthermore, we like to utilize these professionals to bring our community members a unique educational experience focusing on theatre and/or the performing arts.

CONTACT: Courtney Taurisano-Sprague (315) 725-7560 or courtney@
broadwayutica.com

Cast Member

JOCELYN MOSS (Ensemble, U/S Peggy) is delighted to be joining the 42nd Street cast! Jocelyn is from Covington, Kentucky, and is so thankful for the opportunity to travel the country doing what she loves!

The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic 42nd STREET, presented by Broadway Utica, will celebrate a two day engagement at the Stanley with a sparkling new production, February 9 & 10.  42nd STREET will be directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner, the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award® winning Best Revival. Tickets are available for both performances and can be purchased by calling Broadway Utica at (315) 724-7196 or by visiting: www.BroadwayUtica.com.

42nd STREET is the song and dance fable of Broadway, with an American Dream story and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “We’re In The Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and of course “42nd Street.”

With book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, 42nd STREET is based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie and tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady.  When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star. 

The original production of 42nd STREET was produced in 1980 on Broadway by David Merrick and featured direction and dances by Gower Champion.  It played on Broadway for 3,486 performances, winning 1981 Tony Awards® for Best Musical and Best Choreography.  The Broadway revival, which opened in 2001, played for 1,524 performances and earned two Tony Awards® including Best Revival of a Musical.

Mark Bramble (Director/Co-Author) began his theatrical career working for legendary producer David Merrick on many Broadway productions.  He directed the 2001 Tony Award® winning Best Revival of 42nd STREET on Broadway for which he received a Tony Award® nomination, and has staged productions of the show in London, Sydney, Tokyo, Berlin, Amsterdam, Shanghai, and Vienna.  Randy Skinner (Choreographer) choreographed the 2001 Tony Award® winning Best Revival of 42nd STREET on Broadway for which he received a Tony Award® nomination.  He also received Tony Award® nominations for his choreography of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Ain’t Broadway Grand.

The design team includes scenic design by Tony Award® winner Beowulf Boritt (Act One, The Scottsboro Boys, Annie), costume design by Tony Award® winner Roger Kirk (The King and I, 42nd Street, Jesus Christ Superstar), lighting design by Tony Award® winner Ken Billington (Chicago, Annie, White Christmas) and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald (Movin’ Out, Will Rogers Follies, 42nd Street).  Musical supervision is by Todd Ellison (American in Paris, La Cage Aux Folles, 42nd Street). Casting is by Joy Dewing CSA, Joy Dewing Casting (Annie, Wonderland, 42nd Street).  The tour is produced by TROIKA Entertainment, LLC.

The national tour will star Matthew J. Taylor as notorious director Julian Marsh, Kaitlin Lawrence as Broadway leading lady Dorothy Brock and introduces Caitlin Ehlinger as newcomer Peggy Sawyer.   Also featured in the production are Britte Steele (Maggie Jones), Steven Bidwell (Bert Barry), Mark Fishback (Abner Dillon), DJ Canaday (Pat Denning), Blake Stadnik (Billy Lawlor), Natalia Lepore Hagan (Annie), Carlos Morales (Mac/Doc/Thug), Lamont Brown (Andy Lee), Rob Ouellette (Oscar), Vanessa Mitchell (Lorraine), Sarah Fagan (Diane) and Mallory Nolting (Phyllis).

The ensemble will feature Matthew Alexander, Emily Blake Anderson, Brittany Bigelow, Allison Blanchard, Molly Jean Blodgett, Stephanie Brooks, Taylore Burke, Mitchell Canfield, Joel Chambers, Kahlia Davis, Tricia DeSario, Lucia Foster, Kelly Gleason, Patrick Heffernan, Tommy Joscelyn, Brady Miller, Mandy Modic, Georgina Moore, Courtney Moran, Jocelyn Moss, Alicia Newcom, Tanner Outly and Michael Persson.

For more information, visit:

www.42ndstmusical.com
www.facebook.com/42ndStmusical
@42ndStreetTour