Rodd Robertson and Bea Gilbert with John Masa
On March 5, DreamWrights Youth and Family Theatre is flipping things around in the name of fun and fundraising. We are hosting a special event called Flippin’ Broadway which is a cabaret of Broadway show tunes with a fun twist. Rodd Robertson, DreamWrights actor and Guest Director, came up with the idea. Robertson explains, “A few years ago, another actor and I were discussing songs we would never get to sing in a traditional Broadway show. We were having a great time imagining what it would be like to perform songs as those characters and suddenly we looked at each other and asked why we couldn’t stage a show where we could perform those songs?!” And the idea for Flippin’ Broadway was born.
Rebecca Wolf with Michael Frock
Although, Flippin’ Broadway wasn’t originally conceived as a benefit show, it soon took on that life. Robertson says the idea grew as they talked to friends and other cast mates about the idea. Robertson reports, “We’re thrilled to be doing this for DreamWrights because we admire their mission statement and that they abide by it. It’s a real testament to the theatre that we wanted to have our premiere there. We’re doing good for a great place!”
Patty Price with Michael Frock
With 18 cast members performing 27 songs, the evening promises to be full of entertainment and surprises. Robertson agrees, “If the scores of people who auditioned for it and the word of mouth buzz is any indication, we should have a really nice crowd; hopefully a sell-out.” Robertson quickly adds two more reasons to attend the event: “to support this community theatre treasure and to imagine what different Broadway musicals might be like if they were ‘flipped’!”
He’s not kidding when he describes it as “flipped”! The concept of Flippin’ Broadway is for Broadway songs to be performed in a non-traditional way. For example, “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserable is sung by a middle-to-older-aged white man, Jean Val Jean, but not in the Flippin’ Broadway version. Robertson dishes, “In our version, a young teenage girl is singing the song. So we’ve switched it up with some funny results and some thought provoking changes.”
Hannah Kuhn and Caitie Kieffer with Missy Kiefer
But that’s not the only act that will stand out. The evening will feature talented adults as well as kids. Robertson boasts, “We have a mother with her two teenagers in the show. I think this exemplifies the opportunities that DreamWrights provides families in the mid-state region. How great is it that so much talent lies in one family! Just wait until you hear them! You won’t be disappointed!”
Flippin’ Broadway will be held at DreamWrights Youth and Family Theatre on March 5,, 2016 from 7 – 10pm. Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.dreamwrights.org or by calling 717-848-8623. There will be an extended intermission offering elegant desserts for purchase. Proceeds will benefit DreamWrights Youth and Family Theatre.
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