Act II Playhouse's 'American Idol' Winners Perform In RESPECT 5/17 & 5/30

The four student winners of Act II Playhouse's recent "American Idol" contest will take the Act II stage this month for two special performances of the theatre's sold-out musical, Respect: A Musical Journey of Women.

Katie Johantgen and Caroline Kane-both from Conestoga High School in Berwyn-Julia Pfender from Abington High School in Abington, and Marissa Wolner from Wissahickon High School in Ambler will perform the musical at Act II on Sunday, May 17th at 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 30th at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 18 and under. All proceeds will benefit future education initiatives at Act II Playhouse. To purchase tickets, call the Act II Box Office at 215-654-0200.

"Respect is such a fun, upbeat, and moving show," said student winner Wolner. "Being in the student cast is better than I expected. We get our own rehearsal time, and it is inspiring to see the professionals perform. I feel honored to be included in the process."

Students from six area high schools attended American Idol-style auditions on Feb. 8. Three judges watched auditions and chose the winners: Act II Producing Artistic Director Bud Martin, who is directing the professional production of Respect; Carmela Guiteras Mayo, choreographer; and Collin Maier, musical director.
"We were blown away by all the talent we saw that day," said Martin. "It was a difficult decision, but after much discussion we finally narrowed it down to our four winners. I am amazed at vocal range and poise these young women already have."
Musical Director Maier has been working with the students throughout the professional cast's rehearsal process to teach the younger cast the 60-plus songs and medleys, and the students have attended rehearsals and early performances of Respect.

Respect is a high-energy look at women's evolving roles and lives, captured through popular songs of the 20th century, including "Someone To Watch Over Me," "I Will Survive," and "Hero."
Act II's professional production has been well-received, with many shows in May already sold out. As a result of strong demand, Act II has extended the show for a full month to June 28.

Act II Playhouse, celebrating 10 years of professional theatre in Ambler, PA, is committed to creating world-class theatre in a 130-seat venue whose intimacy draws audiences and actors into dynamic interaction. Act II produces new, classic, and contemporary plays and musicals under the direction of Bud Martin (Producing Artistic Director) and Harriet Power (Associate Artistic Director).
The special student performances of Respect are part of several new education/outreach programs at The Playhouse, including a month-long summer camp called "Act I," year-round theatre workshops, a high school liaison board, and "Stages," a theatre program for childen on the autism spectrum.

 

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