Tag Archives: Musical Theatre

FYC’s ‘The Next Big Hit’ – a martial arts musical comedy and micro-budget film, has been included in the big list of SAG and Oscars Awards

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mark your calendars for Dec. 15, 2023, as Laemmle in Town Center 5 Encino is proud to present a film that is set to be nothing less than awe-inspiring. "The Next Big Hit" is a masterpiece that promises to inspire you to think outside the box and embrace originality, says director Zak Lee Guarnaccia, and founder of production company LightRow Productions, LLC. It is a diverse cross-genre marvel that combines martial arts, music, and comedy into a unique and spectacular experience.

Zak Lee Guarnaccia's 40+ years of experience in the entertainment industry from Italy to the USA has culminated in this awe-inspiring creation.

"My brainchild film is driven by the unyielding pursuit of my creative vision, which is reflected in my unique martial arts musical comedy. I fearlessly take risks, push boundaries, and break new ground. I always aim for the stars, and eventually, I'll land on the moon!" said Zak Lee Guarnaccia.

Zak embarked on this mission to bring one of his creations to life after over 3 decades. After having an epiphany in Rome, Italy, in 1985, this actor, stuntman, and executive producer at LightRow Productions, LLC has been driven by the challenge of doing what has never been done before. He finds the same rush of excitement as an adrenaline junkie and is eager to share his passion with the world, believing that audiences are ready for something new and exciting.

"The Next Big Hit" is an action-packed comedy about a down-and-out stuntman and his flamboyant, high-strung movie-producer cousin on the run from a loan shark.

Their luck changes when they create the world's first martial arts musical, but making a masterpiece requires a hilarious buddy story. The film combines martial arts, mobster, action, musicals, and LGBTQ+ themes for a fresh take on cinema. Despite a microscopic budget, this action musical genre is just the beginning.

The film boasts an impressive talent cast, which includes:

* Zak Lee Guarnaccia (Red Notice, Barry, Judas and The Black Messiah, Live By Night, and The Morning Show).

* Cerina Vincent (Cabin Fever, A Disney TV series Stuck in the Middle, Not Another Teen Movie, Power Rangers Lost Galaxy).

* Perry Anzilotti (Gang-Related, Crossworlds, Bean).

* Marlyn Mason, a veteran talent who starred in one of Elvis Presley's final films and the critically acclaimed 70s series, working alongside James Franciscus and Bruce Lee.

* Pat Battistini directs a hilarious comedy based on Zak's vision with a dash of Italian attitude for spice.

This indie micro-budget film made it to the list for a possible nomination for the Oscars and SAG Awards. Although Zak doesn't have any expectations, it's great to know that the Academy Members and SAG Nomination Committee are watching the film. This concept that blends multiple genres is unique and has the potential to become a franchise.

Learn More: https://www.thenextbighitmovie.com/

Trailer: https://youtu.be/cYsmWW90UEE

For more information on Zak Lee Guarnaccia: https://www.imdb.me/zakleeguarnaccia

and https://www.instagram.com/zakleeguarnaccia/

Mark your calendars for Dec. 15, 2023, as Laemmle in Town Center 5 Encino is proud to present a film that is set to be nothing less than awe-inspiring. "The Next Big Hit" is a masterpiece that promises to inspire you to think outside the box and embrace originality, says director Zak Lee Guarnaccia, and founder of production company LightRow Productions, LLC. It is a diverse cross-genre marvel that combines martial arts, music, and comedy into a unique and spectacular experience.

Related link: https://www.thenextbighitmovie.com/

‘In America – A New Musical’ Launches Salvo Against Trump’s Culture War

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In response to President Trump's increase in rhetoric against education, immigration, Black Lives Matter, Tik Tok(TM) and his defense of the Confederate flag and its monuments, Professor Hal Harper of Oakland, California, retired professor of English as a Second Language (ESL), has launched his own salvo in the culture war as he releases "In America - A New Musical" to the public.

More than 20 years in the making, this modern immigrant tale (which introduces 25 characters and 18 brand-new musical numbers) tells the story of young Mr. Johnson, a recent teaching graduate from New York City who has just landed his first job at a small community college in San Francisco, California where he is assigned as a Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) to immigrant students recently arrived In America.

The rookie teacher soon finds himself in a quandary however as he finds his new school facing budget cuts, a growing anti-immigrant sentiment spearheaded by the local "Thug Boys" and the affections of a beautiful Chinese student, Mei Li, unbeknownst to him.

"They always say, 'Write about what you know,' so I did," explains Professor Harper. "As the years passed, I realized that the show I'd written before 9-11 is actually more relevant today than it was when I first wrote it. To modernize this musical time capsule, I added songs and story lines, with references to budget cuts in education, immigration, racism, Russia, China, Vietnam, Dreamers, Thug Boys, 'Tax the Rich,' and Ti(c)k To(c)k, 'the greatest student prank ever,' so that by now, In America has something for everyone and should be great fun for the whole family. And given the increased in shrillness of Donald Trump's rhetoric as of late, there seems to be no better time to launch this effort than now."

Viewers are invited to visit the show's website at https://inamericaproductions.com/ and hear the show's complete selection of musical numbers, read its lyrics, sheet music and script excerpts, visit the merchandise page or make a donation to a future production of "In America" on the stage or screen.

Mr. Harper hopes that his work can one day become the first publicly sponsored musical to go all the way to Broadway.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/Heb_azj6vaY

Follow on social at:
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/InAmericaProdu1
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClAs4jM4yBk-nHg2YXN5Lew
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/In-America-101448784966141

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Professor Hal Harper
In America Productions
(415) 264-4355
halharper@inamericaproductions.com

In response to President Trump's increase in rhetoric against education, immigration, Black Lives Matter, Tik Tok and his defense of the Confederate flag and its monuments, Professor Hal Harper of Oakland, California, retired professor of English as a Second Language (ESL), has launched his own salvo in the culture war as he releases "In America - A New Musical" to the public.

Related link: https://inamericaproductions.com/

Gary Fritzen, Composer, and California Arts Org, Art-In-Relation Team for ‘There Will Be Light’ – You Sing It, New Song Challenge

STOCKTON, Calif /ScoopCloud/ -- Gary Fritzen, award winning composer of musical theatre, feeling the weight of the covid-19 pandemic announces a challenge for singers of all abilities and interest to sing his new song, "There Will Be Light."

Gary has been composing music for over 30 years. With a specialty in musical theatre, you can find some of his published works, such as "Toy Camp" and "Metaphasia" in the Pioneer Drama Services catalog (pioneerdrama.com). Winner of the Schubert Frendrich Playwriting award, he was a winner of the American College Theatre Festival Kennedy Center for best musical score, for "Vanya!"

Mr. Fritzen continued writing musicals for Santa Monica Community College from 1995-2016. Gary has used all of his musical experience to write this song "There Will Be Light" while he works from home as a public High School Music Teacher in the City of Manteca, California (musd.net). As he watches the entire world in lock down and comforts his students online that are nervous for the future, Gary felt a need to write a song that brings hope to his family, friends and loved ones.

With this composition, he is challenging singers to learn the song and sing it for their friends and audiences as well. Art-In-Relation, a production company in Southern California, artistic director Jonas Sills, and Gary Fritzen are teaming up to make a donation of $10 for every person who records this song to Direct Relief ( https://www.directrelief.org/ ) charity organization that donates directly to covid-19 relief up to $5,000 total.

Each submission will be screened to be posted on the YouTube channel for the song and posted nationally!

To hear a sample of the song please visit: https://youtu.be/YnhZMobQMEM

Links to a lead sheet and instrumental tracks are below the YouTube link.

To submit for this challenge please email a video submission to therewillbelightchallenge@yahoo.com. This can be a mp4 file or a YouTube link.

Direct Relief
* Direct Relief working in overdrive to get protective gear and critical care medications to as many health workers as possible, as quickly as possible, with emergency deliveries leaving daily for medical facilities across the U.S.
* Direct Relief is coordinating with public health authorities, nonprofit organizations and businesses in the U.S. and globally to provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to coronavirus (COVID-19).
* Direct Relief working in overdrive to get protective gear and critical care medications to as many health workers as possible, as quickly as possible, with emergency deliveries leaving daily for medical facilities across the U.S.
* Direct Relief is coordinating with public health authorities, nonprofit organizations and businesses in the U.S. and globally to provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to coronavirus (COVID-19).
* Direct Relief is also staging personal protective equipment with regional response agencies across the world, including in the Caribbean and South America through the Pan American Health Organization.

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Gary Fritzen
Art-In-Relation
therewillbelightchallenge@yahoo.com
310-991-8190

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0421s2p-gary-fritzen-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Composer, Gary Fritzen.

Gary Fritzen, award winning composer of musical theatre, feeling the weight of the covid-19 pandemic announces a challenge for singers of all abilities and interest to sing his new song, "There Will Be Light."

Related link: https://youtu.be/YnhZMobQMEM

‘Ain’t Too Proud’ Star, Jawan Jackson, Hits a High Note with Students During Pandemic

FREDERICK, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, is teaming up with Jawan Jackson, star of the hit Broadway musical "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations," to encourage high school musical theater students in Frederick, Maryland.

With statewide shutdowns across Maryland, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, many theater students who would have otherwise performed in their high school musicals during the spring semester will be unable to showcase their talent, on stage, this year. As a result, Jeffery Keilholtz, CEO/Artistic Director of Phenomenology, decided to take action.

"We were encouraged by many Broadway stars who have used their social media platforms to inspire students during the COVID-19 challenge," said Keilholtz of he and his organization's Board of Directors, "so we chose to join forces with one of the kindest and most talented musical theater actors on Broadway, to lift the spirts of students who go to school in Frederick County."

In cooperation with Jackson, the "Ain't Too Proud" sensation agreed to "be the audience" for Frederick County high musical theater students, Keilholtz explains. For a set period of time, students are able to post the songs they would have otherwise sung on stage and post them online. In turn, Jackson will view the posts and provide a personalized message of encouragement for those that do.

Jackson has also agreed to answer questions posed by some of the students in a private email exchange, arranged by Phenomenology. "We hope to create a safe space for students to still perform, and also provide a mentorship opportunity with one of Broadway's top performers," says Keilholtz. "It's the least we can do for Frederick County students and we couldn't be more thrilled to have a powerhouse like Jawan as a partner."

Now through April 25, Frederick County high school students can participate when they post a song they sing to their own social media pages and tag Phenomenology or post directly to one of the organization's social media platforms on Facebook (@phenoart), Twitter (@phenoart) or Instagram (@phenoart2).

For more information about Phenomenology visit: https://phenoart.org/.

About Phenomenology, Inc.:

Phenomenology, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an innovative production model to raise the quality of life for performing artists and technicians by creating meaningful partnerships in the entertainment industry - coupled with the production of high-value projects - to generate a first-of-its-kind corridor of professional activity between Frederick, Maryland and major media markets. More information: https://phenoart.org/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0407s2p-Jawan-Jackson-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Jawan Jackson, star of the hit Broadway musical, "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Time of the Temptations."

*LOGO link for media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/19-0108s2p-Phenomenology-300dpi.jpg

Phenomenology, Inc., an innovative production model in the performing arts, is teaming up with Jawan Jackson, star of the hit Broadway musical "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations," to encourage high school musical theater students in Frederick, Maryland.

Related link: https://phenoart.org/

Ralph Brunson debuts witty original musical comedy, ‘Samson and the Burning Bush’ – A Farce to Be Reckoned With

LONG BEACH, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Ralph Brunson Productions, in association with Art-In-Relation, announces the world premiere fully staged production of "Samson and the Burning Bush." Jan. 10-12 at the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theater.

"Samson and the Burning Bush" is presented as part of the Collaborative Series at the Long Beach Playhouse in Long Beach California. after successfully work shopping "Samson and the Burning Bush" in August 2019 before a large audience. The series gives new writers the chance to produce their shows in a fully staged environment.

Cast rehearsals are in full swing and the actors are having fun with the show as Samson, played by Adam Schwartz, leads the way. Delilah is played by Marley Armstrong. DragGUYlah is played by Robert Nguyen. Rachel is played by Jenna Jacobson. David is played by Greg Jeffers. Goliath is played by Rudy Hernandez. Moses is played by James Goodrich. Ramses is played by John Predny. Efrat is played by Jack Roberts. Manoah Nite is played by Jonas Sills. Beth Israel Bodacious is played by Heidi Sills. And the Ring Announcer is played by Robert Samo.

The director is David Fairchild and the choreographer is Fernando Christopher. Andrew Wilcox is Sound Engineer and Justin Castillo is Lighting Designer. Ralph is happy to be music director and will play keyboard during the show with bassist Freddy Uyehara.

Ralph Brunson, composer and producer states, "Life is too heavy and serious if we can't laugh at it. Musical theater and the arts lead us all to a brighter future in our own pursuit of happiness. Samson & the Burning Bush and its message about the power of a dream unites us in the common struggle we all experience in today's fast paced world. The variety of catchy tunes will leave the audience uplifted and wanting more."

Ralph Brunson intends for this production to lead to further productions including in New York City.

"Samson and the Burning Bush" will be lighting up the stage on January 10th and 11th, 2020, at 8 p.m.; and the 12th at 2 p.m. at the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theater, 5021 E Anaheim Street, Long Beach CA 90804. Tickets are available at http://www.lbplayhouse.org/ or by calling 562-494-1014

About Ralph Brunson:

Ralph Brunson, also known as "Ragtime Ralph" around Long Beach, has been a pianist since the age of thirteen when his mother got him an old upright player piano that he learned from. Having played trombone since fifth grade, he developed a good ear and could easily read music. As a young Naval officer stationed in Boston, Ralph attended The New England Conservatory of Music for jazz piano performance. Then after moving to Long Beach, California in the late 80s, he attended UCLA for TV and film music composition; Golden West College for songwriting and vocal techniques; and the Los Angeles Academy for New Musical Theatre for three years as a student composer, book writer, and lyricist.

Ralph always enjoys seeing a good musical production on stage. So after all his years as a musician, he felt it was time he became a composer. Another motivation is the power of a song when it advances a good story. So Ralph set out to write "Samson & the Burning Bush" with the goal of making it a farce to be reckoned with.

Ralph Brunson Productions, in association with Art-In-Relation, announces the world premiere fully staged production of "Samson and the Burning Bush." Jan. 10-12 at the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theater.

Related link: http://www.artinrelation.com/

NYC Dancers Step Together in Short Musical Film to Encourage Our Youth to Speak Out!

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- 3 cords & a hook studios announces "Youthful Faces," bringing together some of NYC's best dancers, including: Matt Wiercinski (Broadway: "Anastasia" - Ensemble/Prince Siegfried) and Kathryn Zimmer (Broadway: "Matilda The Musical"), to encourage and become a catalyst for our younger generation to speak up and speak out to illuminate the future they want to see.

The dance, musical short film, shot in the streets of Brooklyn, N.Y. is a collaboration between award-winning choreographer Lane Napper, who is known for his choreography work on the Nickelodeon shows "iCarly" and "Victorious," the socially charged music of Jour Majesty and visionary filmmaker Michael C. Perry, known from his award-winning short musical films, "The Carnival Kid," and "Empty Box of Wine."

The film follows thirteen dancers, each defining their unique style of dance to illuminate their concerns about the future. The performance is to the words and music of Jour Majesty's single, "Youthful Faces."

"The lyrics completely spotlight the anxieties of our youth," says Choreographer Lane Napper. "Glowing shiny faces swiping for affirmation, Page by page in a sea of distraction and the people took no action, and the earth became fractured."

Each performer came up with their own interpretation of the song and lyrics to capture their feeling about our current societal condition.

"I am extremely grateful to participate in 'Youthful Faces' to help inspire today's youth to have hope for the future and to courageously take action to drive positive change," says sixteen-year-old Kathryn Zimmer (Broadway: "Matilda"). "Now is the time to speak up and speak out to illuminate the future we want to see. Youthful Faces, raise your voices - right here, right now."

"Youthful Faces" will premiere at the Cutting Room International Short Film Festival in New York City on October 19, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. The musical short is nominated for "Best Music Video" and "Best Director of a Music Video" by the festival. Following the premiere, Youthful Faces will be available to view by everyone at https://youthfulfacesmovie.com/.

We want to encourage our young people to take hold of their futures and be part of the conversation; whether raising their voices at the ballot box, volunteering, mentoring other young people, or maybe just being kind to other human beings. The actions and decisions of today will follow them for the rest of their lives. They should have a stake in the question; let's give them a voice.

For more information on Youthful Faces cast/crew/press ready photography https://youthfulfacesmovie.com/

For more information on the music of Jour Majesty
https://jourmajesty.com/

For more information on The Cutting Room International Short Film Festival NYC https://thecuttingroomnycisff.com/

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1010s2p-youthful-faces-300dpi.jpg

3 cords & a hook studios announces "Youthful Faces," bringing together some of NYC's best dancers, including: Matt Wiercinski (Broadway: "Anastasia" - Ensemble/Prince Siegfried) and Kathryn Zimmer (Broadway: "Matilda The Musical"), to encourage and become a catalyst for our younger generation to speak up and speak out to illuminate the future they want to see.

Related link: https://youthfulfacesmovie.com/

Historic partnership of Long Beach arts organizations create family classic THE CHRISTMAS CAROL in the Ernest Borgnine Theatre

LONG BEACH, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Art-In-Relation (A.I.R.), Children's Theater of Long Beach (CTLB), and The Scottish Rite Cathedral announce a wonderful partnering of resources and talent for a 2017 holiday musical production of "The Christmas Carol." Plays Dec. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre, 855 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, CA.

The two companies, A.I.R. and CTLB, both were founded in 2013 and found themselves on similar trajectories as they were both producing musical theater at the historic Ernest Borgnine Theatre in Long Beach, Calif. Two long-time friends, Jonas Sills (A.I.R.) and Sean McMullen (CTLB) reunited under the advisement of Tim Cable, long time Long Beach resident and manager of the gorgeous venue. It was a natural partnership as each entity is primed to flourish with their talents.

Jonas Sills serves as director and music director for this show and is thrilled with both the partnership and the production. "The cast for this show is uniquely diverse, talented, and dedicated to making the story of Ebenezer Scrooge come alive," says Sills. "I can't imagine a better coupling of resources than working with Tim, and Sean!"

Tim Cable is thrilled to return to this production to play the leading role of Scrooge after playing the role in 2014 with A.I.R. He also serves as executive producer. Sean McMullen, a multi-capable theatrical force, serves this production as technical director, handling sets, costumes, lights, sound, and all things that have to do with production values.

This production of "The Christmas Carol" is a unique version written and conceived by Ray Buffer, producer emeritus for A.I.R. It combines a very genuine adaptation of the Dickens classic and infuses appropriate era Christmas carols as well as original music including the sweet, singable title song "The Christmas Carol." The music was orchestrated by Robert Gross.

It features a large cast of talents listed here in alphabetical order; Ciara Adise (Isabel), Tim Cable, (Scrooge), Meredith Carter (Edwina), Mary Frances Conover (Elizabeth), Beverly Crain (Soloist), Ferdie Directo (Fezziwig), Colin Eaton (Boy Scrooge), Pamela Flores (Youth Caroler), Kelly Lynn George (Regina), Trevor Gordon (Simon), Danelle Jaeger (Maggie Cratchit), Todd Johnson (Marley), Jordan Johnson (Caroler), Philip McBride (Bob Cratchit), Hannah McMullen (Past), Rebecca Olejar (Victoria), Jon Peterson (Present), Grant Ramos (Tiny Tim), Oscar Ramos (Caroler), Shea Ruhlin (Youth Caroler), Griffin Runnels (Young Scrooge), Amy Shu (Olive), and Heidi Sills (Mrs. Fezziwig).

Thrilled to be able to bring this wonderful story to the community, this partnership is dedicated to bringing this show to various local charitable organizations as well as the general public.

EVENT LOCATION:
"The Christmas Carol" plays December 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 8 p.m. and December 17 at 2 p.m. at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre, 855 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, CA.

There is plenty of free parking. For Google Maps directions, visit: https://goo.gl/maps/74qxg8gQRtR2 or the venue website: http://www.ernestborgninetheatre.org/.

TICKETS:
Tickets are available at http://www.artinrelation.com/ or by calling 323-320-2898.

Media Contact:
Jonas Sills
Art-In-Relation
(562) 760-6129
jonas@artinrelation.com

Art-In-Relation (A.I.R.), Children's Theater of Long Beach (CTLB), and The Scottish Rite Cathedral announce a wonderful partnering of resources and talent for a 2017 holiday musical production of "The Christmas Carol." Plays Dec. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre, 855 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, CA.

Related link: http://www.artinrelation.com/