Broadway Utica today unveiled a life-size cutout of Buddy the Elf that was created with the help of students at the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES. Buddy was given life as part of an educational partnership between Broadway Utica and two separate BOCES classes, Advertising and Design, led by Instructor Shawn Racioppa, and Construction, led by Rich Waskiewicz.

“We are always looking for ways to partner with local organizations to further educational opportunities for students and expand the reach of the arts within our community,” said John Fehlner, executive director of Broadway Utica. “This was an incredible match up, allowing the students to learn their craft, while they created a magnificent piece of art that is both playful and useful as a promotional tool,” he continued.

“This event is a culmination of what we are all about,” said Howard D. Mettelman, district superintendent of the OHM BOCES. “It is a partnership put together with project-based learning and collaboration. We are thrilled that our students have had an opportunity to learn about all aspects of this event – from design and creation to promotion. We are proud to call Broadway Utica a community partner.”

After his unveiling, Buddy traveled to visit several local area celebrities, allowing individuals to “Elf Yourself.” Buddy will also make his way to the performances of ELF in Utica on November 10 & 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Stanley. Tickets are limited for Monday’s performance and are still available in many prices ranges for Tuesday, November 11.  Call (315) 724-7196 or visit: www.BroadwayUtica.com for more information.

NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Unique Features are thrilled to bring the Broadway musical, ELF, to the Stanley in Utica. ELF is a presentation of Broadway Utica. Tickets are available for performances on November 10 and 11 and range from $24.75- $69.75. Call (315) 724-7196 or visit www.BroadwayUtica.com for additional information or to purchase tickets.

ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). The production will feature direction by Sam Scalamoni and choreography by Connor Gallagher.

Playing the title role of “Buddy” is Daniel Patrick Smith. The show will feature Daryn Harrell (Jovie); D. Scott Withers (Walter); Benjamin Elias Harding and Shane Treloar (Michael); Allison Mickelson (Emily); Audra Qualley (Deb); Travis Mitchell (Mr. Greenway); Mark Fishback (Santa); and  Arthur L. Ross (Macy’s Manager). Ensemble members include Sissy Bell, Meghan Glogower, Shane Hurst, Ashtia Jewell, Parker Krug, Jennie McGuinness, Elyse Niederee, PJ Palmer, Hillary Porter, Jonathan Ragsdale, Shaun Repetto, Adrienne Storrs, Jordan Weagraff and David Wiens.

The New York Times says that ELF is “A SPLASHY, PEPPY, SUGAR-SPRINKLED HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT!” USA Today calls ELF “ENDEARINGLY GOOFY!” Variety proclaims, “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”

Additional information about ELF is available at www.ElfTheMusicalOnTour.com.

Sunny, who plays Sandy in Broadway Utica’s presentation of ANNIE was discovered by guardian and trainer William Berloni at BARC Municipal Animal Shelter in Houston. Berloni found Sunny’s soulful eyes reminiscent of the Sandy from the original Broadway production. Sunny also portrayed Sandy on Broadway.

In honor of Sunny’s rise to fame, Berloni, the ANNIE cast, and Broadway Utica ask that community members and patrons of the upcoming performances support our local shelter here in Utica, the Stevens-Swan Humane Society.  Monetary and other donations will be collected at both evening performances of ANNIE, September 22 & 23, and can also be dropped off at Broadway Utica’s offices, located at 258 Genesee Street in Utica.

“The Stevens-Swan Humane Society performs a critical role within our community by sheltering, caring for, and finding homes for our beloved animals,” said John Fehlner, Executive Director of Broadway Utica.

For anyone interested in making a donation to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, everyday needs of the shelter include:
-Canned dog food: Pedigree Choice Cuts in gravy
-Canned cat food: Friskies, 9-Lives, etc. (Paté or filet)
-Kitten milk
-Cat litter: Fresh Step, Tidy Cat, etc.
-Litter pan deodorizer
-Dog toys & treats: Rawhides, bones, chew toys, Kongs, or Nylabones
-Cat toys & treats: Fishing wands, balls with bells, or mice
-Cat & dog collars and leashes
-Cat & dog beds
-Small paper or Styrofoam bowls
-Paper towels
-Sheets, blankets, towels, washcloths, pillow cases: New or used
-Clorox bleach
-Laundry soap: High efficiency
-Dawn Dish Soap without Bleach
-Sponges: Yellow and blue with scrubbers on one side
-Trash bags: 13 and 30 gallon
-Febreeze or Lysol sprays
-Windex

ANNIE will be presented by Broadway Utica on September 22 & 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Stanley.  For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (315) 724-7196 or visit www.broadwayutica.com.

MEDIA NOTE: William Berloni will be available for media interviews upon request.

Broadway Theatre League of Utica (BTL) today announced its exciting new 2014-15 subscription season. In addition, BTL announced a new arts and education campaign, as well as the reduction of single ticket prices for students and seniors in certain areas of the theatre.

The new season has something for the theatregoer in every age group, including many family-friendly titles. The season also begins with a brand new tech show– ANNIE.  A tech show marks the first time the cast, crew, and set for a Broadway touring production are together in one place. This requires the cast and crew of the show to be in Utica for several weeks, creating a significant economic boost for local businesses– between $1.2 and $1.5 million.

The complete 2014-15 season line-up includes:

Annie, September 22 & 23, 2014
Elf – The Musical,  November 10 & 11, 2014
Nice Work If You Can Get It, January 27 & 28, 2015
Sister Act, February 17 & 18, 2015
Beauty and the Beast, April 7 & 8, 2015
Anything Goes, April 21 & 22, 2015

New subscriptions go on sale June 2. Call (315) 724-7196 to secure your seats.

Arts and Education

In addition to the new season, Broadway Theatre League announced a new arts and education campaign to help get more school-aged students into the theatre. The mission of the program is to provide every student within 40 area school districts exposure to the arts through a Broadway Theatre League show at least once before their graduation.

In January, BTL hosted a matinee of Memphis, The Musical offering $5 tickets to nearly 1700 local students. By raising additional funding, with the help of local businesses and individuals, BTL plans to offer a similar program in the 2014-15 season.

“We are committed to making our programs accessible to everyone regardless of their ability to pay,” said Erika Heintz, coordinator of programs and production.  “We believe an education in the arts enriches life, fosters compassion, and allows a child to grow confidently as an individual while helping them to succeed in their academic life,” she added. 

Broadway Theatre League is a 501 © (3) not-for-profit corporation.

Reduced Ticket Prices

Finally, in an effort to get as many individuals as possible into the theatre at an affordable price, Broadway Theatre League is expanding the area for student-priced tickets, and offering a discount on single tickets for senior citizens aged 65 and older.
Broadway Theatre League has offered a 50% discount on tickets for students aged 4 through college in “D” & “E” pricing levels of the theater. However, in 2014-15 BTL is extending that 50% discount to the “C” pricing level as well. That means students can attend a show for $27.25, $24.25, or $22.25, including all fees.

Additionally, senior citizens 65 and older will also enjoy a 10% discount on tickets in pricing levels “A”- “E”. In the past, Broadway Theatre League has not offered a discount on single tickets for senior citizens.

“At Broadway Theatre League it is our mission to get as many populations as possible into the theatre to enjoy a show,” said John Fehlner, executive director. “Whether you are a student, parent or grandparent, our diverse new season and more affordable ticket pricing has something for you. Join us; you won’t regret it!”

Do you know a high school student interested in theatre; encourage them to apply to become a Broadway Theatre League Youth Ambassador! Each year, BTL chooses two students from each of the surrounding high schools who are given Broadway Theatre League season tickets.  The program is in its third year, and is named after late local educator and BTL Board Member, Bernadette Eichler.

Broadway Theatre League’s 2014-2015 season includes:

• Annie, September 23 & 24, 2014
• Elf – The Musical,  November 10 & 11, 2014
• Nice Work If You Can Get It, January 27 & 28, 2015
• Sister Act, February 17 & 18, 2015
• Beauty and the Beast, April 7 & 8, 2015
• Anything Goes, April 21 & 22, 2015

In exchange for the season subscription, students are required to post their thoughts about each show on Facebook and/or Twitter and submit a short critique of each show to Broadway Theatre League.  Some critiques may be posted on the BTL blog and/or website.

The goal of the program is to engage area teens and encourage their interest in theatre. The students’ interests can be in any area including acting, producing, management, choreography, lighting, sound, costume or set design.

Student Eligibility

• Student must be a junior or senior in high school for the 2014-15 school year.
• Student must have the ability to attend and provide his/her own transportation to the opening night of all five season shows.
• Student must have a Facebook and/or Twitter account and be willing to submit their comments through social media within 12 hours of viewing the performance.

Application Materials

• Student must have a teacher recommendation.
• Student will be required to submit a short essay explaining why they would like to become a Youth Ambassador.

Applications to become a part of the program are due Tuesday, July 1, 2014. For more information about Broadway Theatre League’s Youth Ambassador Program visit www.BroadwayUtica.com or call Broadway Theatre League at (315) 724-7196.

The Broadway League, the national trade association of the commercial theatre industry, announces that New York is now the fourth jurisdiction in America to offer financial incentives to investors who originate live productions within New York State, effective for tax year commencing January 1, 2015.   Included in the budget for Fiscal Year 2014 – 2015 is a program offering a 25% tax credit to producers who tech their shows in New York’s facilities.

Nick Scandalios, Chairman of the Broadway League and Executive Vice President of the Nederlander Organization, said, “We are delighted that the executive and the legislature have expressed their appreciation for the significance of Broadway to all New Yorkers, not only for maintaining our status as a world-renowned model for artistic expression, but for the way live theatre serves as a powerful economic driver.  Our State’s leaders’ commitment to investing in the future of this industry will attract financing from across the country and around the world, helping to ensure that New York State remains the true home of Broadway.” He continues, “We extend our gratitude to Governor Cuomo, Senators Skelos and Klein, Speaker Silver and to Senator Betty Little and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara for their commitment to this vital initiative.”

New York has at least eight Upstate theatres that are ideal for teching and launching new plays and musicals, however tax incentives in Rhode Island, Illinois and Louisiana have attracted many productions away for the past five years.  This new program, combined with New York’s infrastructure and multitude of highly skilled laborers, will ensure its national competitiveness while serving to financially sustain regional theatres during months when there is typically little activity and houses are often dark.

Al Nocciolino, The Broadway League’s Vice Chairman of the Road  and President & CEO of NAC Entertainment, specializing in the presentation of Touring Broadway in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton, Elmira and Albany, said, “With other states offering aggressive tax incentives for theatrical production, New York’s venues have struggled to stay competitive and attract new shows.  However, this incentive levels the field and will, without question, drive millions of dollars into New York.  Producers balance four criteria when determining where to tech; availability of skilled labor, infrastructure, accessibility and cost.  With this program, New York will be one of the most attractive places to invest in new productions while also providing a massive boon to the many beautiful venues that serve the Upstate region.”

Philip Morris, CEO of Proctors in Schenectady, NY, said, “The legislature’s and Governor’s support of this incentive is a game changer. Not only because Upstate cities and theatres get more richly connected to the hum of Broadway by attracting more national tours, but what has been New York’s theatrical industry: scenic construction, costume building, lighting and sound design, has less reason to be dissipated to other parts of the country. Five years from now we will all be wondering what we would have done without this upstate theater credit!”

“Broadway Theatre League has seen firsthand the benefits of hosting a tech show. We have had the unique pleasure of working with NETworks, Troika, and Work Light Productions, and have hosted six tech shows to date, including: American Idiot, We Will Rock You, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Hosting these tech productions has put Utica on the Broadway map and brought millions of dollars to the area. I would like to thank my colleagues in the theatre industry, as well as Senator Little and Assemblyman Santabarbara for making New York’s live entertainment industry a priority in the State’s fiscal policy,” said John Fehlner, executive director of Broadway Theatre League of Utica.

A show’s tech period, generally requiring between two and four weeks, is the phase in its development when the production is readied for launch; a large venue is rented to facilitate the construction of sets, costumes are fitted, performance cues are choreographed and microphone frequencies are coordinated.  Producers spend millions of dollars during this time employing local stagehands, occupying dozens of rooms at area hotels and paying the cast and crew meal per-diems which they spend locally.  In addition, once the tech period concludes, the show will normally hold several public performances at the venue and stimulate hundreds of thousands of dollars of supplemental economic activity through additional use of the venue and audience spending.

Broadway Theatre League has teaming-up with the competitive cheerleading teams of Empire All Starz of Utica to collect non-perishable food items to benefit the Utica Community Food Bank. In addition to collecting canned goods on their own, the cheerleading group will be at a table in the lobby of the Stanley Theatre, at Broadway Theatre League’s presentation of BRING IT ON:THE MUSICAL, on March 25, to collect canned goods from patrons of the show. Canned goods will also be collected by the Utica Community Food Bank on March 26.

As a reward for their service to the Utica Community Food Bank, cast members from BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL took the time today to teach members of Empire All Starz a dance routine at their facility on Herkimer Road in Utica.

BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, inspired by the Bring It On film, takes you on a high-flying journey through friendship, forgiveness and determination. BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL tells the story of the challenges and unexpected bonds formed through the thrill of extreme cheerleading competition. With a colorful crew of characters, an exciting fresh sound and explosive dance with aerial stunts, this story is sure to be everything you hoped for and nothing like you expected. The New York Times calls it, “Impossible to resist!”

Tickets are still available for both performances, Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26, and range from $24.75-64.75. To purchase tickets call Broadway Theatre League at (315) 724-7196 or visit www.broadwayutica.com.

Bring It On: The Musical, presented by Broadway Theatre League, is coming to the Stanley in Utica on March 25 & 26. Tickets are still available for this high-flying performance and can be purchased by calling Broadway Theatre League
at (315) 724-7196 or visiting www.broadwayutica.com.

Bitingly relevant and sprinkled with sass, Bring It On: The Musical, inspired by the
Bring It On film, takes the audience on a high-flying journey filled with the complexities
of friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness. Bring It On: The Musical tells the
story of the challenges and unexpected bonds formed through the thrill of extreme
competition.

The musical comedy made its Broadway debut on August 1, 2012 at the St. James
Theatre. The production earned Tony nominations for Best Musical and Best
Choreography, and The New York Times called it, “Impossible to resist!”
Uniting some of the freshest and funniest creative minds on Broadway, Bring It On:
The Musical features an original story by Tony® Award winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue
Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the
Heights), music by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning composer Tom Kitt (Next to
Normal), lyrics by Broadway lyricist Amanda Green (High Fidelity) and music
supervision by Tony and Grammy® Award winner Alex Lacamoire (In The Heights).
The production is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy
Blankenbuehler (In the Heights).

The design team includes scenic design by Drama Desk Award winner David Korins
(Motown), costume design by Andrea Lauer (American Idiot), lighting design by
Jason Lyons (Rock of Ages), sound design by Cody Spencer (The Book of Mormon),
video design by Jeff Sugg (Magic/Bird) and hair design by Charles G. LaPointe
(Newsies).

With a colorful crew of characters, an exciting fresh musical sound, dynamic
choreography and aerial stunts, this all-new musical is sure to be emotionally
gratifying in its story of redemption and breathtaking with amazingly vibrant
athleticism.

For more information, visit: www.bringitonmusical.com.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, the five-time Tony Award winning musical play written by Tony Award-nominee Rick Elice and directed by Tony Award-winner Roger Reese and Tony Award-nominee Alex Timbers, will play in Utica for a limited engagement on March 4 & 5.

The Independent Presenters Network is delighted to announce that casting for the 2014 national tour of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is complete.  Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, the new tour will tech and be previewed in Utica on February 26 & 27. JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is a presentation of Broadway Theatre League of Utica.

As previously announced, Broadway and television star Diana DeGarmo (Narrator) and Broadway star Ace Young (Joseph) will head up the cast, which will feature Paul Castree as Simeon, William Thomas Evans as Jacob/Potiphar, Brian Golub as Reuben, Will Mann as Judah and Ryan Williams as Pharaoh. 

The ensemble will include Chip Abbott, Amanda Braun, Jonathan Burke, Claire Camp, Richard Cerato, Vincent D’Elia, Lisa Finegold, Lili Froehlich, Sasha Hollinger, Brandon Hudson, Patrick John Moran, Mark Roland, David Rossetti, Leigh Scheffler, Christine Cornish Smith, Brett Stoelker, Tricia Tanguy, Matthew Tiberi and Katie Whetsell.

Husband-and-wife team Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo first met when they shared the Broadway stage in the 2009 revival of HAIR.  “I am so excited to star as ‘Joseph’ alongside Diana,” said Ace.  “It’s great to be back! I too am so excited to star alongside Ace in the very role I once looked up to years ago as a child in the choir,” added Diana.

One of the most enduring shows of all time, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son.  The first collaboration of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Cats) and lyricist Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King), JOSEPH blends pop, country and rock into an uplifting, technicolored story of biblical proportions.  

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door.

Produced by the Independent Presenters Network, the tour will feature Scenic Design by Beowulf Boritt, Costume Design by Jennifer Caprio, Lighting Design by Howell Binkley, Sound Design by John Shivers and David Patridge, Projection & Video Design by Daniel Brodie, Music Supervision by David Kreppel and Music Direction by Wayne Green.

Single tickets are now on sale for JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT February 26 and 27 at the Stanley Theatre. Call Broadway Theatre League of Utica at (315) 724-7196 or visit www.broadwayutica.com.