"Bloom where you are planted!” The White
Plains Performing Art Center is doing just that by
beginning its 2010-2011 season with a changing of the
guard:
Annette Jolles: Artistic director;
Laurence Holzman: Executive director; Felicia Needleman:
Literary manager; Kathleen Davisson: general manager
(all Main Stage) with WPPAC’s John. J. Loris, Chairman
and President, Board of Trustees, are now at the helm.
Development of original musicals and plays by
established and emerging playwrights, composers and
lyricists is their paramount fare.
As David Buchwald of the White Plains
City Council enthusiastically stated:
"We want White Plains to be the place for
Broadway tryouts; a place where audiences will feel part
of the process.”
“And training the next generation of
theatrical professionals also remains one of our most
fulfilling missions.” Ms. Jolles added.
This echoed across the White Plains Blue
Restaurant's opening night party, after the sold- out
audience, stood and cheered for the World Premiere of
Wallenberg a drama/musical.
Wallenberg
is a story that must be told. It is important. It’s
based on the true story of Swedish Diplomat, Raoul
Wallenberg, who during a six-month stay in Budapest,
Hungary, from July 1944 to January 1945, saved 100,000
Jews- more than were rescued by any other individual,
organization or government during the entire Holocaust.
He was imprisoned by the Soviets and never heard from
again. This Honorary citizen of the USA, Canada and
Israel is a great 20th Century hero and must
not be forgotten.
Besides the Wallenberg production,
what amazes me is the vast and shimmering range of
accomplishments of those involved.
Bejamin Rosenbluth: (Composer); protégé
of John Corigliano while at Julliard, has a Harvard MD
degree and practices radiation and oncology
Annette Jolles: (Director/Choreographer);
director, writer, producer for stage and TV; producing
partner in Bard theatricals; 2 Emmy awards, 6 Emmy
nominations and is a teaching Professor at Yale.
{Amazing lady! While 8/3/4 months pregnant she directed
South Pacific with my Bloody Mary on a stage as
large as the Metropolitan Opera.)
Laurence Holzman & Felicia Needleman:
(Book and Lyrics) ; winners of the prestigious Kleban
Award, etc. He has a Columbia Law School degree, etc.
She was a featured dancer and on faculty of Broadway
Dance Center, etc.
Kimothy Cruse: (Production Stage
Manager); director, writer, dramaturge, Broadway stage manager, actor, etc.
Alden Fulcomer: (Assistant Stage
Manager): actor, designer, photographer; Director of the
Rhode Island Film Festival, etc.
David Young: (Performer) Award winning
performer; produced six Broadway shows and five off-
Broadway, etc.
Alice Evans: (Mrs. Wallenberg); awarded
veteran of 13 Broadway shows etc. Remember her Aldonza
in Man of La Mancha?
Scott Mikita: (Wallenberg) current
Broadway Phantom of the Opera vet, etc.
Mary Jo Mc Connell: (Performer) Captain
in the U.S. Army Nurse Corp, etc.
Joe Cassidy: (A. Eichmann) Concert
soloist with Maestro Lorin Maazel etc.
Darren R. Cohen: (Musical Director/
Conductor) ; Broadway conductor,
published author, etc.
Varied accomplishments weave throughout
this cast.
There’s a mightier picture emerging in
the lobby gallery, art exhibit where one goes back in
time, looking at the paintings of Holocaust victims.
There we see on a canvas “We can achieve. We can change
things. We can make a difference.” I am moved; thirsty
to know more. This doesn’t usually happen at a theatre.
It did at Wallenberg.
Here, words of my friend Henry Miller
flash:
“Develop interest in life as you see it,
in people, things, literature, theatre, music-
the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich,
beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget
yourself!”
And my favorite: “If there are flaws in
your paradise, open more windows.”
Yes, Henry. It’s needed in this
uncertain, fast moving age as people ask, “Can I make a difference? Where do I
belong?”
Wallenberg
is one place. Hear the new and established voices in a
plush theatre. Be where it’s happening. Pay very
reasonable prices. Go to the box office. Join in. Be a
part of its creativity.
EVERY DAY KEEP FILLING YOUR CUP TO THE
BRIM!
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Wallenberg (Musical) World Premiere:
October 28- November 21, 2010
That Time of the Year: (musical)
Westchester Premiere! Dec. 2-19,2010
A Passion Of The Hausfrau: (play) New
York Premier! Feb.3-13, 2011
Renovations: (play) World
Premiere! March17-April 3, 2011
Enchanted April: (musical). World
Premiere! June 2 -19, 2011
White Plains Performing Art Center
11 City Place, White Plains, NY 10601
For Subscription or Single Tickets
877.548.3237 or
www.wppac.com
Group sales 914-744-9898
GroupSales@wppac.com