Photos: THE LITTLE DANCER- A Holiday Family Musical at Theatre 71 through December 29

Evan Wormald and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

The Little Dancer… a holiday family musical is currently playing a limited run at Theatre 71 (152 W. 71st Street, 10023, right off Broadway) throughout the month of December. For tickets and more information, visit thelittledancermusical.com. Scroll down for production photos.

Avelina Sanchez, Beatrice Howell and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

Written by Steven Fisher, helmed by Richard Vida and choreographed by Lainie Sakakura, the one-hour show tells the heart-warming story of how 14-year-old Marie Van Goethem, Edgar Degas’ model for his one and only sculpture, became the most famous ballerina in the world.

The Full Company of THE LITTLE DANCER. Photo by Lia Chang

The cast of The Little Dancer features New York actors Evan Wormald (Degas/Ed), Georgia Monroe (Marie), Heather Cadarette (Mama/Mistress de la Ballet), Beatrice Howell (Charlotte), Avelina Sanchez (Louise), Jordan Stanfield (Georges) and Liz Friedman (Swing/Dance Captain), as well as 29 young people who make up the show’s “Musical Theatre Geek Chorus” (MTGC) – Charley Bazzle, Audim Brokenbough, Cole Bryne, Maya Collins, Silas Costa, Lexi Eichel, Margalit Eisenstein, Logan Ford, Chelsea Gadsden, Tate Hamburg, Rose Jeffres, Jeremy Peyton Jones, Ella Keim, Channa Lewenson, Stephanie Moorhatch, Elizabeth Mun, Sade Mutua, Mekhi Patterson-White, Arabella Pirrone, Sophia Repkoe, Nicolena Rivera, Sophie Santago-Sterling, Emma Shay, Christopher Simcox, Cobrin Stanish, Giuliana Stout, Amalia Matetic Undurraga, Sarah Weil-Jones and Tabitha Wismer.

Associate Art Designer Chris Williams, Choreographer Lainie Sakakura, Costume Supervisor Rashidah Nelson, Writer Steven Fisher, Director Richard Vida, Lighting Designer Ridley Walker, Music Director Evan Alperone. Photo by Lia Chang

The production features Music Director Evan Alparone and Josh Suslak on Piano, Set Design and Costume Design by Jeremy Bailey-Smith, Costume Supervisor Rashidah Nelson, Lighting Design by Lighting Designer Ridley Walker, Associate Art Designer Chris Williams, Production Stage Manager Tama-Rose Bazzle and Assistant Stage Manager Moriah Tobin. Casting by Mungioli Theatricals, Inc.

Avelina Sanchez, Evan Wormald, Beatrice Howell. Photo by Lia Chang

Fisher prides himself on writing elevated theatre for young people. “Children’s Theatre doesn’t have to be dumbed down for kids or boring for adults. Kids today are savvy, and their parents always appreciate not being put to sleep,” says Fisher. “This particular show has it all for young people, offering them the world of theatre, art, dance, and musical theatre all in one.”

Heather Cadarette, Georgia Monroe and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

The kids who make up the MTGC are members of Commonwealth Youthchoirs (CY), for which Fisher serves as Founder and Artistic Director. CY transforms the lives of over 800 young people through the power of making music together. Like last year, proceeds from the production will benefit Find Your Instrument!, CY’s award-winning outreach program, which offers hundreds of students in under-resourced schools the opportunity to experience the profound joy of singing with others.

Georgia Monroe and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

Recommended for children ages 6 to 106, The Little Dancer... a holiday family musical will run at Theatre 71 (152 W. 71st Street, 10023, right off Broadway) throughout the month of December. For more information, visit thelittledancermusical.com. For tickets, visit the Box Office.

Performance Schedule:
Saturday, December 7 at 11am and 1pm
Sunday, December 14 at 11am and 1pm
Saturday, December 21 at 11am and 1pm
Sunday, December 22 at 11am and 1pm
Thursday, December 23 at 11am
Thursday, December 26 at 11am
Friday, December 27 at 11am
Saturday, December 28 at 11am
Sunday, December 29 at 11am and 1pm

Heather Cadarette, Georgia Monroe and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

Jordan Stanfield, Georgia Monroe and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

Heather Cadarette, Georgia Monroe, Beatrice Howell and Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Georgia Monroe, Beatrice Howell, Jordan Stanfield and Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Heather Cadarette, Georgia Monroe, Beatrice Howell, Avelina Sanchez and Jordan Stanfield. Photo by Lia Chang

Avelina Sanchez and Beatrice Howell. Photo by Lia Chang

Evan Wormald, Beatrice Howell and Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Evan Wormald, Beatrice Howell and Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Heather Cadarette, Avelina Sanchez, Georgia Monroe, Beatrice Howell and Jordan Stanfield. Photo by Lia Chang

Avelina Sanchez, Georgia Monroe, Evan Wormald, Beatrice Howell, Jordan Stanfield and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

Avelina Sanchez, Georgia Monroe, Jordan Stanfield and Beatrice Howell. Photo by Lia Chang

Avelina Sanchez and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

Georgia Monroe, Avelina Sanchez, Beatrice Howell, Jordan Stanfield, Evan Wormald and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

Avelina Sanchez, Georgia Monroe, Evan Wormald, Beatrice Howell, Jordan Stanfield and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

Heather Cadarette and Georgia Monroe. Photo by Lia Chang

Evan Wormald, Beatrice Howell, Jordan Stanfield, Avelina Sanchez, Heather Cadarette. Photo by Lia Chang

Avelina Sanchez, Beatrice Howell, Georgia Monroe. Photo by Lia Chang

Evan Wormald. Photo by Lia Chang

Evan Wormald, Georgia Monroe. Photo by Lia Chang

Evan Wormald. Photo by Lia Chang

Evan Wormald, Georgia Monroe. Photo by Lia Chang

Avelina Sanchez, Beatrice Howell, Jordan Stanfield and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

Avelina Sanchez, Beatrice Howell and Jordan Stanfield. Photo by Lia Chang

Evan Wormald, Heather Cadarette. Photo by Lia Chang

Evan Wormald, Heather Cadarette, Georgia Monroe, Jordan Stanfield, Beatrice Howell and Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Heather Cadarette, Georgia Monroe, Jordan Stanfield, Beatrice Howell and Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

THE LITTLE DANCER- A Holiday Family Musical Opens at Theatre 71, Performances through December 29

The Little Dancer… a holiday family musical makes a triumphant return to New York City for its second production at Theatre 71 on the Upper West Side, right off Broadway on 71st Street.

The Full Company of THE LITTLE DANCER. Photo by Lia Chang

Written by Steven Fisher, the one-hour show tells the heart-warming story of how 14-year-old Marie Van Goethem, Edgar Degas’ model for his one and only sculpture, became the most famous ballerina in the world.

Beatrice Howell, Lainie Sakakura, Avelina Sanchez and Georgia Monroe. Photo by Lia Chang

Last year’s premier received rave reviews. “Steven Fisher’s The Little Dancer is nothing less than extraordinary,” wrote Kristen Morale of BroadwayWorld. “This production captures the very essence of magic that exists in a child’s heart.” The show was also featured on Good Morning America.

Avelina Sanchez, Beatrice Howell and Georgia Monroe. Photo by Lia Chang

The Little Dancer will once again be directed by Richard Vida and choreographed by Lainie Sakakura.

Heather Cadarette, Georgia Monroe, Beatrice Howell Avelina Sanchez and Jordan Stanfield. Photo by Lia Chang

The cast of The Little Dancer features New York actors Evan Wormald (Degas/Ed), Georgia Monroe (Marie), Heather Cadarette (Mama/Mistress de la Ballet), Beatrice Howell (Charlotte), Avelina Sanchez (Louise), Jordan Stanfield (Georges) and Liz Friedman (Swing/Dance Captain), as well as 29 young people who make up the show’s “Musical Theatre Geek Chorus” (MTGC) – Charley Bazzle, Audim Brokenbough, Cole Bryne, Maya Collins, Silas Costa, Lexi Eichel, Margalit Eisenstein, Logan Ford, Chelsea Gadsden, Tate Hamburg, Rose Jeffres, Jeremy Peyton Jones, Ella Keim, Channa Lewenson, Stephanie Moorhatch, Elizabeth Mun, Sade Mutua, Mekhi Patterson-White, Arabella Pirrone, Sophia Repkoe, Nicolena Rivera, Sophie Santago-Sterling, Emma Shay, Christopher Simcox, Cobrin Stanish, Giuliana Stout, Amalia Matetic Undurraga, Sarah Weil-Jones and Tabitha Wismer.

Associate Art Designer Chris Williams, Choreographer Lainie Sakakura, Costume Supervisor Rashidah Nelson, Writer Steven Fisher, Director Richard Vida, Lighting Designer Ridley Walker, Music Director Evan Alperone. Photo by Lia Chang

The production features Music Director Evan Alparone and Josh Suslak on Piano, Set Design and Costume Design by Jeremy Bailey-Smith, Costume Supervisor Rashidah Nelson, Lighting Design by Lighting Designer Ridley Walker, Associate Art Designer Chris Williams, Production Stage Manager Tama-Rose Bazzle and Assistant Stage Manager Moriah Tobin. Casting by Mungioli Theatricals, Inc.

Heather Cadarette, Avelina Sanchez, Georgia Monroe, Beatrice Howell and Evan Wormald. Photo by Lia Chang

Fisher prides himself on writing elevated theatre for young people. “Children’s Theatre doesn’t have to be dumbed down for kids or boring for adults. Kids today are savvy, and their parents always appreciate not being put to sleep,” says Fisher. “This particular show has it all for young people, offering them the world of theatre, art, dance, and musical theatre all in one.”

The kids who make up the MTGC are members of Commonwealth Youthchoirs (CY), for which Fisher serves as Founder and Artistic Director. CY transforms the lives of over 800 young people through the power of making music together. Like last year, proceeds from the production will benefit Find Your Instrument!, CY’s award-winning outreach program, which offers hundreds of students in under-resourced schools the opportunity to experience the profound joy of singing with others.

Recommended for children ages 6 to 106, The Little Dancer... a holiday family musical will run at Theatre 71 (152 W. 71st Street, 10023, right off Broadway) throughout the month of December. For more information, visit thelittledancermusical.com. For tickets, visit the Box Office.

Evan Wormald – Ed/Degas

Evan is delighted to be making his New York City debut in The Little Dancer! A recent graduate of Point Park University’s BFA Acting program, Evan’s latest theatre credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble) with St. Vincent Summer Theatre, The History Boys (Irwin), Cabaret (Cliff Bradshaw), and You on the Moors Now (Mr. Rochester) with Point Park Conservatory Theatre Company, and the world premiere of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Brad Hays) with Prime Stage.

Georgia Monroe – Marie

Georgia Monroe, a Senior at Pace University in New York City, is pursuing a BFA in Commercial Dance. She is so excited to be a part of The Little Dancer for her second year! Her credits include I’m a Brass Band (Charity, DancesPace) Rock of Ages (PCLO), Dance Dance Dance; Heartbeat (Hershey Park), Evita and Showboat (Interlakes Summer Theater). Much love and thanks to my supportive family, Croix, Steve, Richard and Lainie. Happy Holidays!

Heather Cadarette – Mama/Mistress de la Ballet

Heather Cadarette is thrilled to be reprising her role in this wonderful musical! She has worked as a preschool teacher while pursuing acting here in NYC, with select credits including Off-Broadway: Louise – Beauty and the Beast; NYC: Sister Antonia – If the Saints Arrive in Germany; Regional: Fairy Godmother – Shrek The Musical; Jane – God-Shaped Hole; Ms. Cratchit – Mrs. Scrooge the Musical; Margaret – Much Ado; Mary Jane – Big River; Gertrude McFuzz – Seussical The Musical. Proud graduate of UCSD. Much love to family, friends, fiancé, and this wonderful cast and crew!

Avelina Sanchez – Louise

Avelina Sanchez is thrilled to be a part of The Little Dancer. NYC Theater credits include: The Perfect Fit (Laura), Teatro Latea Theater, directed by GarthKravits; Two-29 HR AEA Readings of Corner of Bitter and Sweet (Keiko), Theatre 71 directed by Lainie Sakakura and Playroom Theater directed by Darren Lee. NYC Dance credits include: High Above with India Arie, City Center; Gloria, Jazz Lincoln Center; Dance Theatre of Harlem Vision Gala with Patti LaBelle, Cipriani 42; Journey of the Nightingale, Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Cabarets: 54 Below and The Greenroom 42. Thank you Richard Vida, Steven Fisher, Lainie Sakakura, Arnold Mungioli Theatricals, Melanie Lockyer, Lia Chang, and my family.

Beatrice Howell – Charlotte

Beatrice Howell is thrilled to be making her New York City debut in this heartwarming holiday musical. She is originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and currently lives in New York City. She attends The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and is majoring in Dance Theatre. She is ecstatic to be working with such a phenomenal cast, crew, and production team. She wishes to thank her family and all her amazing teachers and mentors!

Liz Friedmann – Swing (Mama, Marie, Louise, Charlotte)

Liz Friedmann is so excited to share this fantastic show with audiences of all ages! A Saint Louis native, she grew up fostering her love of the arts performing at The Muny. Since then, she has performed regionally at theaters such as Asolo Repertory Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, and STAGES St. Louis. She was most recently seen in Man of La Mancha at STAGES St. Louis. She is a proud graduate of Oklahoma City University! Liz sends thanks and love to the production team of The Little Dancer, her family and friends, and to her ultimate support system, Ryan.

Jordan Stanfield – Georges D’Herve

Jordan is very excited to be joining The Little Dancer. After high school he trained at the School of Ballet Arizona. While there, Jordan performed with company in many of their works. He would like to thank his Mom, Dad, Sister, and friends for being so supportive.

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Evan Wormald, Georgia Monroe, Heather Caderette, Beatrice Howell, Avelina Sanchez, Jordan Stanfield and Liz Friedman Set for Limited Run of THE LITTLE DANCER at Theatre 71, December 1 -29

On Sunday, December 1, 2019, The Little Dancer… a holiday family musical will make a triumphant return to New York City for its second production at Theatre 71 on the Upper West Side, right off Broadway on 71st Street.

Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Written by Steven Fisher, the one-hour show tells the heart-warming story of how 14-year-old Marie Van Goethem, Edgar Degas’ model for his one and only sculpture, became the most famous ballerina in the world.

Last year’s premier received rave reviews. “Steven Fisher’s The Little Dancer is nothing less than extraordinary,” wrote Kristen Morale of BroadwayWorld. “This production captures the very essence of magic that exists in a child’s heart.” The show was also featured on Good Morning America.

THE LITTLE DANCER on Good Morning America.

The Little Dancer will once again be directed by Richard Vida and choreographed by Lainie Sakakura.

The cast of The Little Dancer features New York actors Evan Wormald (Degas/Ed), Georgia Monroe (Marie), Heather Cadarette (Mama/Mistress de la Ballet), Beatrice Howell (Charlotte), Avelina Sanchez (Louise), Jordan Stanfield (Georges) and Liz Friedman (Swing/Dance Captain), as well as 29 young people who make up the show’s “Musical Theatre Geek Chorus” (MTGC) – Charley Bazzle, Audim Brokenbough, Cole Bryne, Maya Collins, Silas Costa, Lexi Eichel, Margalit Eisenstein, Logan Ford, Chelsea Gadsden, Tate Hamburg, Rose Jeffres, Jeremy Peyton Jones, Ella Keim, Channa Lewenson, Stephanie Moorhatch, Elizabeth Mun, Sade Mutua, Mekhi Patterson-White, Arabella Pirrone, Sophia Repkoe, Nicolena Rivera, Sophie Santago-Sterling, Emma Shay, Christopher Simcox, Cobrin Stanish, Giuliana Stout, Amalia Matetic Undurraga, Sarah Weil-Jones and Tabitha Wismer.

The production will feature Music Director Evan Alparone and Josh Suslak on Piano, Set Design and Costume Design by Jeremy Bailey-Smith, Costume Supervisor Rashidah Nelson, Associate Art Designer Chris Williams, Production Stage Manager Tama-Rose Bazzle and Assistant Stage Manager Moriah Tobin. Casting by Mungioli Theatricals, Inc.

Fisher prides himself on writing elevated theatre for young people. “Children’s Theatre doesn’t have to be dumbed down for kids or boring for adults. Kids today are savvy, and their parents always appreciate not being put to sleep,” says Fisher. “This particular show has it all for young people, offering them the world of theatre, art, dance, and musical theatre all in one.”

The kids who make up the MTGC are members of Commonwealth Youthchoirs (CY), for which Fisher serves as Founder and Artistic Director. CY transforms the lives of over 800 young people through the power of making music together. Like last year, proceeds from the production will benefit Find Your Instrument!, CY’s award-winning outreach program, which offers hundreds of students in under-resourced schools the opportunity to experience the profound joy of singing with others.

Recommended for children ages 6 to 106, The Little Dancer... a holiday family musical will run at Theatre 71 (152 W. 71st Street, 10023, right off Broadway) throughout the month of December. For more information, visit thelittledancermusical.com. For tickets, visit the Box Office.

Evan Wormald – Ed/Degas

Evan is delighted to be making his New York City debut in The Little Dancer! A recent graduate of Point Park University’s BFA Acting program, Evan’s latest theatre credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble) with St. Vincent Summer Theatre, The History Boys (Irwin), Cabaret (Cliff Bradshaw), and You on the Moors Now (Mr. Rochester) with Point Park Conservatory Theatre Company, and the world premiere of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Brad Hays) with Prime Stage.

Georgia Monroe – Marie

Georgia Monroe, a Senior at Pace University in New York City, is pursuing a BFA in Commercial Dance. She is so excited to be a part of The Little Dancer for her second year! Her credits include I’m a Brass Band (Charity, DancesPace) Rock of Ages (PCLO), Dance Dance Dance; Heartbeat (Hershey Park), Evita and Showboat (Interlakes Summer Theater). Much love and thanks to my supportive family, Croix, Steve, Richard and Lainie. Happy Holidays!

Heather Cadarette – Mama/Mistress de la Ballet

Heather Cadarette is thrilled to be reprising her role in this wonderful musical! She has worked as a preschool teacher while pursuing acting here in NYC, with select credits including Off-Broadway: Louise – Beauty and the Beast; NYC: Sister Antonia – If the Saints Arrive in Germany; Regional: Fairy Godmother – Shrek The Musical; Jane – God-Shaped Hole; Ms. Cratchit – Mrs. Scrooge the Musical; Margaret – Much Ado; Mary Jane – Big River; Gertrude McFuzz – Seussical The Musical. Proud graduate of UCSD. Much love to family, friends, fiancé, and this wonderful cast and crew!

Avelina Sanchez – Louise

Avelina Sanchez is thrilled to be a part of The Little Dancer. NYC Theater credits include: The Perfect Fit (Laura), Teatro Latea Theater, directed by GarthKravits; Two-29 HR AEA Readings of Corner of Bitter and Sweet (Keiko), Theatre 71 directed by Lainie Sakakura and Playroom Theater directed by Darren Lee. NYC Dance credits include: High Above with India Arie, City Center; Gloria, Jazz Lincoln Center; Dance Theatre of Harlem Vision Gala with Patti LaBelle, Cipriani 42; Journey of the Nightingale, Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Cabarets: 54 Below and The Greenroom 42. Thank you Richard Vida, Steven Fisher, Lainie Sakakura, Arnold Mungioli Theatricals, Melanie Lockyer, Lia Chang, and my family.

Beatrice Howell – Charlotte

Beatrice Howell is thrilled to be making her New York City debut in this heartwarming holiday musical. She is originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and currently lives in New York City. She attends The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and is majoring in Dance Theatre. She is ecstatic to be working with such a phenomenal cast, crew, and production team. She wishes to thank her family and all her amazing teachers and mentors!

Liz Friedmann – Swing (Mama, Marie, Louise, Charlotte)

Liz Friedmann is so excited to share this fantastic show with audiences of all ages! A Saint Louis native, she grew up fostering her love of the arts performing at The Muny. Since then, she has performed regionally at theaters such as Asolo Repertory Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, and STAGES St. Louis. She was most recently seen in Man of La Mancha at STAGES St. Louis. She is a proud graduate of Oklahoma City University! Liz sends thanks and love to the production team of The Little Dancer, her family and friends, and to her ultimate support system, Ryan.

Jordan Stanfield – Georges D’Herve

Jordan is very excited to be joining The Little Dancer. After high school he trained at the School of Ballet Arizona. While there, Jordan performed with company in many of their works. He would like to thank his Mom, Dad, Sister, and friends for being so supportive.

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

THE LITTLE DANCER- A Holiday Family Musical Returns to NYC at Theatre 71, December 1 -29

On Sunday, December 1, 2019, The Little Dancer… a holiday family musical will make a triumphant return to New York City for its second production at Theatre 71 on the Upper West Side, right off Broadway on 71st Street.

Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Written by Steven Fisher, the one-hour show tells the heart-warming story of how 14-year-old Marie Van Goethem, Edgar Degas’ model for his one and only sculpture, became the most famous ballerina in the world.

Last year’s premier received rave reviews. “Steven Fisher’s The Little Dancer is nothing less than extraordinary,” wrote Kristen Morale of BroadwayWorld. “This production captures the very essence of magic that exists in a child’s heart.” The show was also featured on Good Morning America.

THE LITTLE DANCER on Good Morning America.

The Little Dancer will once again be directed by Richard Vida and choreographed by Lainie Sakakura.

The cast of The Little Dancer features New York actors Evan Wormald (Degas/Ed), Georgia Monroe (Marie), Heather Caderette (Mama/Mistress de la Ballet), Beatrice Howell (Charlotte), Avelina Sanchez (Louise), Jordan Stanfield (Georges) and Liz Friedman (Swing/Dance Captain), as well as 29 young people who make up the show’s “Musical Theatre Geek Chorus” (MTGC) – Charley Bazzle, Audim Brokenbough, Cole Bryne, Maya Collins, Silas Costa, Lexi Eichel, Margalit Eisenstein, Logan Ford, Chelsea Gadsden, Tate Hamburg, Rose Jeffres, Jeremy Peyton Jones, Ella Keim, Channa Lewenson, Stephanie Moorhatch, Elizabeth Mun, Sade Mutua, Mekhi Patterson-White, Arabella Pirrone, Sophia Repkoe, Nicolena Rivera, Sophie Santago-Sterling, Emma Shay, Christopher Simcox, Cobrin Stanish, Giuliana Stout, Amalia Matetic Undurraga, Sarah Weil-Jones and Tabitha Wismer.

The production will feature Music Director Evan Alparone and Josh Suslak on Piano, Set Design and Costume Design by Jeremy Bailey-Smith, Costume Supervisor Rashidah Nelson, Associate Art Designer Chris Williams, Production Stage Manager Tama-Rose Bazzle and Assistant Stage Manager Moriah Tobin.

Fisher prides himself on writing elevated theatre for young people. “Children’s Theatre doesn’t have to be dumbed down for kids or boring for adults. Kids today are savvy, and their parents always appreciate not being put to sleep,” says Fisher. “This particular show has it all for young people, offering them the world of theatre, art, dance, and musical theatre all in one.”

The kids who make up the MTGC are members of Commonwealth Youthchoirs (CY), for which Fisher serves as Founder and Artistic Director. CY transforms the lives of over 800 young people through the power of making music together. Like last year, proceeds from the production will benefit Find Your Instrument!, CY’s award-winning outreach program, which offers hundreds of students in under-resourced schools the opportunity to experience the profound joy of singing with others.

Recommended for children ages 6 to 106, The Little Dancer... a holiday family musical will run at Theatre 71 (152 W. 71st Street, 10023, right off Broadway) throughout the month of December. For more information, visit thelittledancermusical.com. For tickets, visit the Box Office.

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Photos: The 5th Avenue Theatre, Abingdon Theatre Company and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins Presented Industry Reading of Lainie Sakakura and Paul Fujimoto’s CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET Musical

The 5th Avenue Theatre, Abingdon Theatre Company and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins presented a 29 Hour industry reading of Corner of Bitter and Sweet featuring a book by Lainie Sakakura, music & lyrics by Paul Fujimoto on October 23 at Theatre 71 in New York.  Lainie Sakakura directs.

CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET Company on stage

Based on the New York Times bestseller, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, Corner of Bitter and Sweet tells a stunning multigenerational story about a boy’s coming of age during WWII Seattle, and the depths and longing of deep-heart love. The Seattle Times called it “A Chinese-Japanese variation on Romeo and Juliet, (that is) so revealing and so well rendered.”

Paul Fujimoto, Jamie Ford and Lainie Sakakura. Photo by Lia Chang

The cast includes Jane Bernhard as Samantha, Darius de Haas as Sheldon, Carly Gendell as Carol, Rick Faugno as Agent Ray Conroy, Kenny Ingram as Oscar Holden/Bud, Sala Iwamatsu as Mrs. Okabe/Palmyra, Spencer Jones as Teen Henry, Kathleen Kwan as Mrs. Lee, Darren Lee as Mr. Okabe/Dr. Chang, Jonny Lee Jr. as Marty, Fenton Li as Mr. Lee, Jason Ma as Henry, Zach Mackiewicz as Chaz, Mary Beth Purdy as Mrs. Beatty, Alex Sanchez as Charles Preston, Avelina Sanchez as Teen Keiko, Isabela Sanchez as Young Keiko, Ian Saraceni as Denny, Virginia Woodruff as Maybelle Jackson/Druggist, and Timothy Yang as Young Henry.

Full Company of CORNER AND BITTER AND SWEET. Photo by Lia Chang

The creative team includes Cantonese Consultant Fenton Li, Music Supervisor and Dance Arrangements by Sam Davis, Music Director Evan Alparone, Kory Grossman on Percussion and Stage Managers Anita Shastri and Nicole Marconi.

Jason Ma. Photo by Lia Chang

Timothy Yang. Photo by Lia Chang

Darius de Haas, Timothy Yang. Photo by Lia Chang

Fenton Li, Kathleen Kwan, Timothy Yang, Jason Ma. Photo by Lia Chang

Alex Sanchez, Rick Faugno, Carly Gendell. Photo by Lia Chang

Carly Gendell, Ian Saraceni, Zach Mackiewicz, Timothy Yang. Photo by Lia Chang

Timothy Yang, Isabela Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Isabela Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Timothy Yang, Isabela Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Spencer Jones, Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Virginia Woodruff. Photo by Lia Chang

Spencer Jones, Rick Faugno, Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Jason Ma, Jonny Lee, Jr., Jane Bernard. Photo by Lia Chang

Jonny Lee, Jr., Jane Bernard. Photo by Lia Chang

Darren Lee, Sala Iwamatsu. Photo by Lia Chang

Fenton Li, Spencer Jones, Kathleen Kwan. Photo by Lia Chang

Spencer Jones, Jason Ma. Photo by Lia Chang

Mary Beth Purdy, Spencer Jones. Photo by Lia Chang

Avelina Sanchez, Sala Iwamatsu. Photo by Lia Chang

Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Jason Ma, Jonny Lee, Jr. Photo by Lia Chang

Fenton Li, Kathleen Kwan, Timothy Yang, Jason Ma. Photo by Lia Chang

Spencer Jones, Darius de Haas. Photo by Lia Chang

Spencer Jones, Avelina Sanchez, Virginia Woodruff. Photo by Lia Chang

Darius de Haas, Spencer Jones, Avelina Sanchez, Kenny Ingram. Photo by Lia Chang

Kenny Ingram. Photo by Lia Chang

Spencer Jones, Alex Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Jason Ma, Sala Iwamatsu. Photo by Lia Chang

Spencer Jones, Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Spencer Jones. Photo by Lia Chang

Spencer Jones, Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Kathleen Kwan, Spencer Jones. Photo by Lia Chang

Paul Fujimoto, Sam Davis, Evan Alparone and Lainie Sakakura. Photo by Lia Chang

BIOS
Lainie Sakakura (Book) is a Japanese America writer/director/choreographer. Recipient of the 2015 Joe A. Callaway Award Outstanding Choreography and 2002 Joseph Jefferson Award Best Choreography. Daughter of Japanese American WWII concentration camp survivor, William Norio Sakakura, and granddaughter to his mother, Kiyome who did not survive the medical conditions caused by her imprisonment there. LainieSakakura.com

Paul Fujimoto (Music and Lyrics) is a composer/lyricist, 4th-generation Japanese-American, born and raised in Seattle, now based in NYC. His songs have been recorded by Tony-winners and nominees and have been showcased in many concert venues around the world. Paul also dabbles in jazz composition and an award-winning trumpet player. Dedicated to his grandfather, Tak Akiyama, who was interned in Minidoka. Training: University of Washington, BMI Musical Theatre Workshop Paulfujimoto.bandcamp.com

Abingdon Theatre Company (Chad Austin, Artistic Director) is dedicated to developing and producing brave, new American work by emerging and established artists. The company provides a safe home where playwrights, directors and actors can collaborate within a supportive and nurturing environment. We search for stories about the human experience that reflect our social, political, historical and cultural diversity. We are acutely aware of the theatre’s power to unite disparate population groups through stories about common human interests, and we strive to shed light on a variety of perspectives.

Lainie Sakakura, Paul Fujimoto, Bill Berry and Jamie Ford. Photo by Lia Chang

The 5th Avenue Theatre (Bill Berry, Producing Artistic Director; Bernie Griffin, Managing Director) is one of America’s leading musical theater companies. We enrich the community we love with the art form we love—giving the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to original powerhouse productions that go on to light up marquees and audiences all the way to Broadway. From the page to the stage, we bring passion and epic scale to every musical we create. With big talent. Bigger-than-life productions. And did we mention dazzle? As a nonprofit theater company and our region’s largest performing arts employer, we spread the joy of great musicals with people of all ages across our region and state. Each year, we reach more than 75,000 young people through our nationally acclaimed education programs. Programs designed to develop new musicals ensure that the next generation of great musicals will be there to tell the stories that captivate tomorrow’s audiences. On the national stage, we are a leading voice for the power of this American art form to lift the human spirit.

Jamie Ford and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins. Photo by Lia Chang

Broadwayworld.com: Photo Flash: Jason Ma, Darius De Haas And More In Industry Reading Of Lainie Sakakura And Paul Fujimoto’s CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET Musical 

The 5th Avenue Theatre, Abingdon Theatre Company and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins Will Present Lainie Sakakura and Paul Fujimoto’s New Musical, CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET as 29 Hour Industry Reading on October 23 

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

The 5th Avenue Theatre, Abingdon Theatre Company and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins Will Present Lainie Sakakura and Paul Fujimoto’s New Musical, CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET as 29 Hour Industry Reading on October 23

The company of CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET Musical. Photo by Lia Chang

The 5th Avenue Theatre, Abingdon Theatre Company and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins are presenting the 29 Hour industry reading of Corner of Bitter and Sweet featuring a book by Lainie Sakakura, music & lyrics by Paul Fujimoto on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 2:30pm at Theatre 71, 152 West 71st Street in New York.  Lainie Sakakura directs.

Spencer Jones and Avelina Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Based on the New York Times bestseller, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, Corner of Bitter and Sweet tells a stunning multigenerational story about a boy’s coming of age during WWII Seattle, and the depths and longing of deep-heart love. The Seattle Times called it “A Chinese-Japanese variation on Romeo and Juliet, (that is) so revealing and so well rendered.”

Paul Fujimoto, Lainie Sakakura and Jamie Ford. Photo by Lia Chang

The cast includes Jane Bernhard, Darius de Haas, Carly Gendell, Rick Faugno, Kenny Ingram, Sala Iwamatsu, Spencer Jones, Kathleen Kwan, Darren Lee, Jonny Lee Jr., Fenton Li, Jason Ma, Zach Mackiewicz, Mary Beth Purdy, Alex Sanchez, Avelina Sanchez, Isabela Sanchez, Ian Saraceni, Virginia Woodruff, and Timothy Yang.

The creative team includes Cantonese Consultant Fenton Li, Music Supervisor and Dance Arrangements by Sam Davis, Music Director Evan Alparone, Kory Grossman on Percussion and Stage Managers Anita Shastri and Nicole Marconi.

Paul Fujimoto, Sam Davis, Evan Alparone and Lainie Sakakura. Photo by Lia Chang

Attendance is limited to industry only. For further information, please contact James A. Rocco, Associate Producer, The 5th Avenue Theatre, JRocco@5thavenue.org

Lainie Sakakura and Paul Fujimoto. Photo by Lia Chang

BIOS
Lainie Sakakura (Book) is a Japanese America writer/director/choreographer. Recipient of the 2015 Joe A. Callaway Award Outstanding Choreography and 2002 Joseph Jefferson Award Best Choreography. Daughter of Japanese American WWII concentration camp survivor, William Norio Sakakura, and granddaughter to his mother, Kiyome who did not survive the medical conditions caused by her imprisonment there. LainieSakakura.com

Paul Fujimoto (Music and Lyrics) is a composer/lyricist, 4th-generation Japanese-American, born and raised in Seattle, now based in NYC. His songs have been recorded by Tony-winners and nominees and have been showcased in many concert venues around the world. Paul also dabbles in jazz composition and an award-winning trumpet player. Dedicated to his grandfather, Tak Akiyama, who was interned in Minidoka. Training: University of Washington, BMI Musical Theatre Workshop Paulfujimoto.bandcamp.com

Abingdon Theatre Company (Chad Austin, Artistic Director) is dedicated to developing and producing brave, new American work by emerging and established artists. The company provides a safe home where playwrights, directors and actors can collaborate within a supportive and nurturing environment. We search for stories about the human experience that reflect our social, political, historical and cultural diversity. We are acutely aware of the theatre’s power to unite disparate population groups through stories about common human interests, and we strive to shed light on a variety of perspectives.

The 5th Avenue Theatre (Bill Berry, Producing Artistic Director; Bernie Griffin, Managing Director) is one of America’s leading musical theater companies. We enrich the community we love with the art form we love—giving the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to original powerhouse productions that go on to light up marquees and audiences all the way to Broadway. From the page to the stage, we bring passion and epic scale to every musical we create. With big talent. Bigger-than-life productions. And did we mention dazzle? As a nonprofit theater company and our region’s largest performing arts employer, we spread the joy of great musicals with people of all ages across our region and state. Each year, we reach more than 75,000 young people through our nationally acclaimed education programs. Programs designed to develop new musicals ensure that the next generation of great musicals will be there to tell the stories that captivate tomorrow’s audiences. On the national stage, we are a leading voice for the power of this American art form to lift the human spirit.

Timothy Yang, Jason Ma and Spencer Jones. Photo by Lia Chang

Jane Bernhard and Jonny Lee, Jr. Photo by Lia Chang

Timothy Yang, Kathleen Kwan, Fenton Li and Spencer Jones. Photo by Lia Chang

Ian Saraceni, Zach Mackiewicz and Carly Gendell. Photo by Lia Chang

Sala Iwamatsu, Avelina Sanchez and Isa Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Kenny Ingram, Virginia Woodruff and Darius de Haas. Photo by Lia Chang

Kenny Ingram and Darius de Haas. Photo by Lia Chang

Darren Lee, Avelina Sanchez, Isa Sanchez and Sala Iwamatsu. Photo by Lia Chang

Jason Ma and Jonny Lee, Jr. Photo by Lia Chang

Rick Faugno and Alex Sanchez. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Broadway Vet Darren Lee Joins 29 Hour Industry Reading of Lainie Sakakura and Paul Fujimoto’s New Musical, CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET

Darren Lee. Photo by Lia Chang

Broadway Vet Darren Lee joins the cast of Lainie Sakakura and Paul Fujimoto’s New Musical, Corner of Bitter and Sweet to portray Mr. Okada.

The 29 Hour industry reading of Corner of Bitter and Sweet features a book by Lainie Sakakura, music & lyrics by Paul Fujimoto and is being presented by The 5th Avenue Theatre, Abingdon Theatre Company and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 2:30pm at Theatre 71, 152 West 71st Street in New York.  Lainie Sakakura directs.

Based on the New York Times bestseller, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, Corner of Bitter and Sweet tells a stunning multigenerational story about a boy’s coming of age during WWII Seattle, and the depths and longing of deep-heart love. The Seattle Times called it “A Chinese-Japanese variation on Romeo and Juliet, (that is) so revealing and so well rendered.”

Paul Fujimoto, Lainie Sakakura and Jamie Ford. Photo by Lia Chang

The previously announced cast includes Jane Bernhard, Darius de Haas, Carly Gendell, Rick Faugno, Kenny Ingram, Sala Iwamatsu, Spencer Jones, Kathleen Kwan, Jonny Lee Jr., Fenton Li, Jason Ma, Zach Mackiewicz, Mary Beth Purdy, Alex Sanchez, Avelina Sanchez, Isabela Sanchez, Ian Saraceni, Virginia Woodruff, and Timothy Yang.

The creative team includes Cantonese Consultant Fenton Li, Music Supervisor and Dance Arrangements by Sam Davis, Music Director Evan Alparone, Kory Grossman on Percussion and Stage Managers Anita Shastri and Nicole Marconi.

Day 1 of Rehearsal – 1st Row: Kenny Ingram, Darius de Haas, Virginia Woodruff, Isabela Sanchez, Fenton Li, Kathleen Kwan, Jason Ma. 2nd Row: Nicole Marconi, Mary Beth Purdy, Spencer Jones, Ian Saraceni, Carly Gendell, Isabela Sanchez, Avelina Sanchez, Timothy Yang, Anita Shastri, Richard Vida. 3rd Row: Sam Davis, Zach Mackiewicz, Evan Alparone, Lainie Sakakura, Paul Fiujimoto, Jane Bernhard, Jonny Lee, Jr., Rick Faugno, James A. Rocco. Photo by Lia Chang

Attendance is limited to industry only. For further information, please contact James A. Rocco, Associate Producer, The 5th Avenue Theatre, JRocco@5thavenue.org

Lainie Sakakura and Paul Fujimoto. Photo by Lia Chang

BIOS
Lainie Sakakura (Book) is a Japanese America writer/director/choreographer. Recipient of the 2015 Joe A. Callaway Award Outstanding Choreography and 2002 Joseph Jefferson Award Best Choreography. Daughter of Japanese American WWII concentration camp survivor, William Norio Sakakura, and granddaughter to his mother, Kiyome who did not survive the medical conditions caused by her imprisonment there. LainieSakakura.com

Paul Fujimoto (Music and Lyrics) is a composer/lyricist, 4th-generation Japanese-American, born and raised in Seattle, now based in NYC. His songs have been recorded by Tony-winners and nominees and have been showcased in many concert venues around the world. Paul also dabbles in jazz composition and an award-winning trumpet player. Dedicated to his grandfather, Tak Akiyama, who was interned in Minidoka. Training: University of Washington, BMI Musical Theatre Workshop Paulfujimoto.bandcamp.com

Day 1 of CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET Rehearsal at the Open Jar Studios in New York on October 17, 2019. Photo by Lia Chang

Abingdon Theatre Company (Chad Austin, Artistic Director) is dedicated to developing and producing brave, new American work by emerging and established artists. The company provides a safe home where playwrights, directors and actors can collaborate within a supportive and nurturing environment. We search for stories about the human experience that reflect our social, political, historical and cultural diversity. We are acutely aware of the theatre’s power to unite disparate population groups through stories about common human interests, and we strive to shed light on a variety of perspectives.

The 5th Avenue Theatre (Bill Berry, Producing Artistic Director; Bernie Griffin, Managing Director) is one of America’s leading musical theater companies. We enrich the community we love with the art form we love—giving the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to original powerhouse productions that go on to light up marquees and audiences all the way to Broadway. From the page to the stage, we bring passion and epic scale to every musical we create. With big talent. Bigger-than-life productions. And did we mention dazzle? As a nonprofit theater company and our region’s largest performing arts employer, we spread the joy of great musicals with people of all ages across our region and state. Each year, we reach more than 75,000 young people through our nationally acclaimed education programs. Programs designed to develop new musicals ensure that the next generation of great musicals will be there to tell the stories that captivate tomorrow’s audiences. On the national stage, we are a leading voice for the power of this American art form to lift the human spirit.

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

The 5th Avenue Theatre, Abingdon Theatre Company and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins Will Present Lainie Sakakura and Paul Fujimoto’s New Musical, CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET as 29 Hour Industry Reading on October 23

The 5th Avenue Theatre, Abingdon Theatre Company and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins are presenting a 29 Hour reading of a beautiful new musical, Corner of Bitter and Sweet, featuring a book by Lainie Sakakura, music & lyrics by Paul Fujimoto, on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 2:30pm at Theatre 71, 152 West 71st Street in New York. Lainie Sakakura will direct.

Paul Fujimoto, Lainie Sakakura and Jamie Ford. Photo by Lia Chang

Based on the New York Times bestseller, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, Corner of Bitter and Sweet tells a stunning multigenerational story about a boy’s coming of age during WWII Seattle, and the depths and longing of deep-heart love. The Seattle Times called it “A Chinese-Japanese variation on Romeo and Juliet, (that is) so revealing and so well rendered.”

The cast features Jane Bernhard, Darius de Haas, Carly Gendell, Rick Faugno, Kenny Ingram, Sala Iwamatsu, Spencer Jones, Kathleen Kwan, Jonny Lee Jr., Fenton Li, Jason Ma, Zach Mackiewicz, Marc Oka, Mary Beth Purdy, Alex Sanchez, Avelina Sanchez, Isabela Sanchez, Ian Saraceni, Virginia Woodruff, and Timothy Yang.

The creative team includes Cantonese Consultant Fenton Li, Music Supervisor and Dance Arrangements by Sam Davis, Music Director Evan Alparone, Kory Grossman on Percussion. Anita Shastri and Nicole Marconi will Stage Manage.

Attendance is limited to industry only. For further information, please contact James A. Rocco, Associate Producer, The 5th Avenue Theatre, JRocco@5thavenue.org

Lainie Sakakura and Paul Fujimoto. Photo by Lia Chang

BIOS
Lainie Sakakura (Book) is a Japanese America writer/director/choreographer. Recipient of the 2015 Joe A. Callaway Award Outstanding Choreography and 2002 Joseph Jefferson Award Best Choreography. Daughter of Japanese American WWII concentration camp survivor, William Norio Sakakura, and granddaughter to his mother, Kiyome who did not survive the medical conditions caused by her imprisonment there. LainieSakakura.com

Paul Fujimoto (Music and Lyrics) is a composer/lyricist, 4th-generation Japanese-American, born and raised in Seattle, now based in NYC. His songs have been recorded by Tony-winners and nominees and have been showcased in many concert venues around the world. Paul also dabbles in jazz composition and an award-winning trumpet player. Dedicated to his grandfather, Tak Akiyama, who was interned in Minidoka. Training: University of Washington, BMI Musical Theatre Workshop Paulfujimoto.bandcamp.com

Abingdon Theatre Company (Chad Austin, Artistic Director) is dedicated to developing and producing brave, new American work by emerging and established artists. The company provides a safe home where playwrights, directors and actors can collaborate within a supportive and nurturing environment. We search for stories about the human experience that reflect our social, political, historical and cultural diversity. We are acutely aware of the theatre’s power to unite disparate population groups through stories about common human interests, and we strive to shed light on a variety of perspectives.

The 5th Avenue Theatre (Bill Berry, Producing Artistic Director; Bernie Griffin, Managing Director) is one of America’s leading musical theater companies. We enrich the community we love with the art form we love—giving the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to original powerhouse productions that go on to light up marquees and audiences all the way to Broadway. From the page to the stage, we bring passion and epic scale to every musical we create. With big talent. Bigger-than-life productions. And did we mention dazzle? As a nonprofit theater company and our region’s largest performing arts employer, we spread the joy of great musicals with people of all ages across our region and state. Each year, we reach more than 75,000 young people through our nationally acclaimed education programs. Programs designed to develop new musicals ensure that the next generation of great musicals will be there to tell the stories that captivate tomorrow’s audiences. On the national stage, we are a leading voice for the power of this American art form to lift the human spirit.

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Pioneer Theatre Company Presents ONCE at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre through March 2

Pioneer Theatre Company is presenting the romantic, Tony Award-winning musical Once, with music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová and book by Enda Walsh, February 15 through March 2, 2019 at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 South 1400 East in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The cast of Pioneer Theatre Company’s “Once,” running from Feb. 15-March 2. Photo by BW Productions

Based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney, the Sundance film-turned-Broadway-hit won eight Tonys, including Best Musical. The touching love ballad, “Falling Slowly,” also won the Oscar for Best Song. Helmed by Pirronne Yousefzadeh, the production features choreography by Lainie Sakakura and music direction by Tom Griffin.

From left to right: Cody Craven (Andrej), Hillary Porter (Girl), EJ Zimmerman (Reza), Mary Fanning Driggs (Baruska), Hailey Burnham (Ivonka) and Zander Meisner (Švec) in Pioneer Theatre Company’s “Once.” Photo by BW Productions

Set in Dublin, Ireland, the play follows two aspiring musicians as they encourage and discover each other’s talent and love. Displaying the quadruple talents of the actors, the performers will not only sing, dance and act in the show, but will play the musical instruments as well.

Roderick Lawrence (left) as Guy, Chris Mixon (center) as Da and Hillary Porter (right) as Girl in Pioneer Theatre Company’s “Once.” Photo by BW Productions

The production features Roderick Lawrence (Guy), Hilary Porter (Girl), Scott Anthony (Eamon), Maya Bhagwat Bassuk (Ex-Girlfriend), Chris Blisset (Billy), Cody Craven (Andrej), Hailey Burnham (Ivonka), Mary Fanning Driggs (Baruska), Riley French (Emcee “MC”), Zander Meisner (Svec), Chris Mixon (Da), Kristopher Saint-Louis (Bank Manager), EJ Zimmerman (Réza) and Britton Gardner (Ensemble).

EJ Zimmerman (left) plays Reza and Chris Blisset (right) plays Billy in “Once,” their debuts at Pioneer Theatre. Photo by BW Productions

The artistic team includes Scenic Design by Yoon Bae, Costume Design by Gregory Gale, Lighting Design by Kirk Bookman, Sound Design by Allan Branson, Hair and Makeup Design by Amanda French, Dialect Coaching by Sarah Shippobotham, with Production Stage Manager Mary P. Costello, Stage Manager Becky Lynn Dawson, 1st Assistant Stage Manager Kallie Erickson, 2nd Assistant Stage Manager Dee Dee Palmer.

Performances are Mondays – Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $44 – $66 in advance, and $5 more when purchased on the day of the show Kids in grades K-12 are half-price on Mondays and Tuesdays. Click on www.pioneertheatre.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Pirronne Yousefzadeh directs the musical. She serves as the Associate Artistic Director and Director of Engagement at Geva Theatre Center. She has directed and developed new work at The Public/Joe’s Pub, New York Theatre Workshop, Atlantic Theater Company, Ars Nova, Soho Rep, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville, La Jolla Playhouse, Huntington Theatre Company, Cleveland Playhouse, Geva Theatre Center, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, InterAct Theatre Company and Hangar Theatre, among others. This is her first PTC production.

Tom Griffin returns to PTC as the guest musical director after Newsies last season. Other recent PTC productions include Oliver!, It Happened One Christmas, Peter and the Starcatcher, Elf-The Musical and A Christmas Carol: The Musical. He also musically directed the west coast and Los Angeles premieres of The Last Five Years, Sweet Charity, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and The Music Man; the west coast premiere of Spitfire Grill; Annie; West Side Story; The Scarlet Pimpernel and Bye Bye Birdie.

Lainie Sakakura is an award-winning Choreographer, receiving the Joe A. Callaway Award for Outstanding Choreography for Red Eye of Love and a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Choreography for Damn Yankees. She has performed in the original casts of six Broadway shows, including the Tony Award-winning revival of The King and I.

Pioneer Theatre Company operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. Pioneer Theatre Company, Utah’s only fully professional theatre, performs at Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, located on the University of Utah campus at 300 South and 1400 East in Salt Lake City, easily accessible by TRAX light rail. Free parking is also available and the theatre is equipped with an elevator, handicap parking, hearing assistance devices and other easy-access features.

Steven Fisher’s New Holiday Musical THE LITTLE DANCER at Theatre 71 through December 31

The Little Dancer, a new holiday family musical written by Commonwealth Youthchoirs (CY)’s Founder and Artistic Director Steven Fisher, had its world premiere on December 1st at Theatre 71, off Broadway. Helmed by Richard Vida,The Little Dancer tells the heart-warming story of how fourteen-year-old Marie Van Goethem, the model for Edgar Degas’ one and only sculpture, became the most famous ballerina in the world.

Jesse Dalton, Cat Grey, Laura Sky Herman, Lisa Graye and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

The cast of The Little Dancer features Laura Sky Herman (Marie), Jesse Dalton (Ed/Degas), Heather Cadarette (Mama/Mistress de la Ballet), Lisa Graye (Charlotte), Cat Grey (Louise), Georgia Monroe, Raquel Kahn and Ben Schrager, as well as 32 talented children from Philadelphia who comprise the show’s “Musical Theatre Geek Chorus.”

Laura Sky Herman as Marie and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

In addition to Vida and Fisher, the creative team includes Lainie Sakakura (choreographer), W. Brent Sawyer (Music Director/Arrangements), Zach Hyams (Production Stage Manager), Jeremy Bailey-Smith (Sets, Costumes) and Taylor Frith-Brown (Lighting Designer).

Richard Vida (Director), W. Brent Sawyer (Musical Director), Steven Fisher (Writer and Musical Supervisor and Lainie Sakakura Choreographer. Photo by Lia Chang

The Musical Theatre Geek Chorus (MTGC) is made up of 32 theatrically talented singers selected by audition from the ranks of the Garden State Girlchoir, the Keystone State Boychoir, the New Jersey Boychoir, and the Pennsylvania Girlchoir. These young musical theatre thespians have been participating in a weekly workshop with Broadway veterans Richard Vida and Lainie Sakakura in Philadelphia. They are beyond thrilled to be making their professional NYC debut.

The Company of THE LITTLE DANCER. Photo by Lia Chang

Fifteen performers from the ensemble appear in every performance. The members of MTGC are Charlotte Bazzle, Phoebe Bellagamba, Audim Brokenbough, Elizabeth Clancy, Chloe Clark, Carlie Cocco, Victoria Rose Conroy, Dominic Corcoran, Isaac Darga, Taylor Delli Carpini, Koby Fallon, Logan Ford, Jeremy Peyton Jones, Graham Kohn, Chloe Lee, Carly Levy, Grace Mazzola, Elizabeth Mun, Sade Mutua, Sydney Parson, Ani Peterson, Diya Ramesh, Max Ringold, Stefan Rogowski, Emma Shay, Christopher Simcox, Layla Singleton, Giuliana Stout, Sage Torrisi, and Sarah Wusinich.

Heather Cadarette as Mama and Laura Sky Herman as Marie. Photo by Lia Chang

Jesse Dalton. Photo by Lia Chang

The kids are all members of Commonwealth Youthchoirs (CY), an organization that serves over 700 young people in the Philadelphia area through the power of singing in a choir. CY’s founder and Artistic Director, Steve Fisher, wrote the musical. Half of the 700 children Fisher serves are underserved. Not only does The Little Dancer feature children, but it will benefit children as well. Every ticket sold will benefit CY’s program Find Your Instrument!, which partners with under-resourced schools that have no music in them. In Philadelphia, similar to many cities, the poverty rate for children stands at 37%, and 2 out of 3 attend elementary schools have no choral program.

Laura Sky Herman as Marie and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

“I can’t believe I get to be on a NYC stage!” says Isaac Darga, a 10-year old MTGC member. “Music is such an important part of my life, it makes me happy to know that my performance will benefit other kids who don’t have music in their lives.”

Laura Sky Herman as Marie and Company. Photo by Lia Chang

This one hour show has a delightful story, toe tapping songs and an uplifting holiday ending.

Heather Cadarette as Mama and Laura Sky Herman as Marie. Photo by Lia Chang

Performances every Saturday and Sunday in December at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Cat Grey, Laura Sky Herman and Heather Cadarette. Photo by Lia Chang

Starting December 26th to December 31st, performances every day at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Laura Sky Herman, Jesse Dalton, Lisa Graye and Cat Grey. Photo by Lia Chang

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.thelittledancermusical.org. Tickets can also be purchased 30 minutes before curtain at the venue. Theatre 71 at Blessed Sacrament, 152 W. 71st Street, New York, NY 10023, right off Broadway).

Jesse Dalton and Laura Sky Herman. Photo by Lia Chang