Theater

Greenwich International Film Festival June9-12 announces special events to its schedule

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GIFF

The Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) announced today additional special events for its second edition, as well as its jury members for competition films. GIFF will be hosting special events such as “LOL: The Big Business of Comedy” and “Children’s Acting Workshop.” The festival will also be honoring John Turturro at a conversation series entitled “Spotlight On.”

Comprised of directors, producers, writers, and actors, “LOL: The Big Business of Comedy” is a conversation  guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Panelists include Richard Brener (President of Production of New Line Cinema), Chris Bender (Producer of We’re The Millers, Vacation, Horrible Bosses), Peter Principato (Head of Principato-Young – Talent Manager; Producer of Wet Hot American Summer), Stuart Cornfeld (Partners with Ben Stiller; Producer of Dodgeball, Zoolander, Tropic Thunder), & comedian Will Arnett (Arrested Development). Moderated by Deadline Hollywood’s New York Editor Mike Fleming, this event will take place on Saturday, June 11th at 8:00PM and will be followed by an after party.

“Children’s Acting Workshop” reveals secrets from the pros on how to make it in the entertainment industry.  Acting Coach, Matt Newton, Casting Director, Adrienne Stern, and Moderator and Acting Coach, David Gideon, along with some of Hollywood’s bright young stars including The Jungle Book’s Neel Sethi and actress Peyton List (of Disney Channel’s Bunk’d) will be participating in this engaging workshop on Saturday, June 11th at 1:00PM. The festival previously announced it will screen The Jungle Book on Friday, June 10th at 4:00PM.

The Greenwich International Film Festival will take place June 9th ‐ 12th, 2016. Tickets are now on sale and available for purchase at http://www.greenwichfilm.org/2016-box-office/  or at the festival’s box office.

 About The Greenwich International Film Festival

Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that hosts a world-class film festival in Greenwich, CT. The goal of the festival is to bridge the worlds of film, finance and philanthropy. The second annual festival will take place June 9th to 12th, 2016, and will support important human rights initiatives, as part of its social impact focus.  The four-day event will feature a star-studded Opening Night Party, film premieres, educational panels, a Children’s Acting Workshop, an honoree gala, and more.  For additional information, and a full list of films at the Festival, please visit:

www.greenwichfilm.org.

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Happy Days are here again at the Westchester Broadway Theater

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happy days1

The classic 1970s TV  hit Happy Days comes to the Westchester Broadway Theatre as a fun and family friendly musical.  The musical has been adapted from the long running and iconic TV sitcom that takes place in the  1950s and 1960s, which ran for 11 seasons from 1974 to 1984 and was one of the highest rated television shows of that time.   Creator Garry Marshall has written the book for the musical and music and lyrics are by Paul Williams.

Though the show was not on Broadway it debuted at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut in 2007 and later was produced on National Tours and European tours.  It has now arrived here in Westchester at the WBT and all the favorite faces from the TV show are here, including Fonzi, Richie Cunningham and his family, Chachi, Ralph Malph, Potsie and Arnold!

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The story is set in 1959 in   Milwaukee and the plot involves the fact that the property on which Arnold’s (the gang’s favorite hangout)  has been sold to developers who intend to demolish the  building.  In fear of losing their favorite eatery, Richie and his friends devise a plan (and with the help of his father ) to host a fund raiser to save Arnold’s from the wrecking ball.  Even returning to the scene is Pinky Tuscadero  (Fonzie’s girlfriend) who had a limited part in the TV show but has a larger role in this production.

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Pinky and The Fonz

This light hearted musical features the theme song to the TV series, as well as 21 songs which are woven through the show that remind us we are in a late 1950s to early 1960s setting.  There are fine performances from Herb Porter(Richie), Lori Hammel as Mrs. Cunningham, Nic Varricchio as Fonzi and  Maria Logan as Pinky.  The rest of the cast does a fine job.   The sets include Arnold’s diner, the Cunningham’s kitchen and the Cunningham’s yard which all featured prominently in the TV show. The performers do not try to imitate the original sitcom cast but give performances in the spirit of those characters.

Jonathan Stahl directed the performance and he has years of theater experience in directing, stage management and choreography.

So come and be happy !  Come see Happy Days at the Westchester Broadway Theater.   Dinner is included in your ticket price and is served prior to the performance.

Show runs May 5th to  July 17 2016

Westchester Broadway Theater

One Broadway Plaza  Elmsford NY    914  592-2222

http://www.broadwaytheater.com

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The Impossible Dream: Man of La Mancha returns to Westchester

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man la mancha 3

The masterful Broadway classic Man of La Mancha has returned to the stage here in Westchester. This beautifully staged production at the Westchester Broadway Theater is Broadway quality and should not be missed!

Man of La Mancha is a musical inspired by the story of Miguel de Cervantes imprisonment during the Spanish Inquisition and is also inspired by his book Don Quixote written in 1615. The musical adaptation places Cervantes in a dungeon prison awaiting his hearing for charges brought against him by the inquisition. Cervantes is a self described poet and play wright  as well as a tax collector. His latter position and his act of taxing a church has placed him in prison. His fellow prisoners upon meeting Cervantes and his loyal sidekick decide to have their own “mock trial” and seize his manuscript.

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Cervantes demands the opportunity to defend himself and using his skills as an actor and a trunk full of costumes and props, he launches into a virtual “play within the play”. Along with his sidekick Sancho, the other prisoners become part of this story woven by Cervantes. Cervantes spins the tale of a noble knight on a noble quest, and he becomes Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha. Despite living in an era of fear and despair, Quixote is a dreamer. He dreams of a world where knights still roam spreading virtue and morals, performing noble quests and coming to the aid of their Lady.
Quixote is a idealist and a dreamer and the audience (as it has been since its Broadway debut in the 1960s) becomes a fan of Quixote. His idealism for a simpler and kinder world is in stark contrast to the reality of 16th Century Spain. Indeed his spirit and ideals in the face of grim reality  are what attract so many current audience members .

His idealism is manifested brilliantly in the song “The Impossible Dream” which is the hallmark of the performance.

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This production at the Westchester Broadway Theater is Broadway quality. Directed by David Wasson (who worked on the first Broadway revival) , it stars Paul Schoeffler as Cervantes/Quixote. He is brilliant especially in the role of the mad knight Quixote and his deep vocals do justice to the music. He has starred on Broadway in Rock of Ages, Sweet Charity, Hook and others. Michelle Dawson is wonderful as Quixote’s lady Dulcinea and her vibrant vocal performance is memorable. The rest of the cast does a great job in bringing the performance to life .

Special note should be given to the Set and costume designers Michael Bottari and Ronald Case and the wonderful lighting design by Andrew Gmoser.
Man Of La Mancha runs to May 1, 2016. Do not miss this Broadway classic. Dinner is included with your ticket price and you dine prior to the performance.

Westchester Broadway Theater
1 Broadway Plaza Elmsford New York 914 592-2222
http://www.westchesterbroadwaytheater.com
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