The Media Theatre Presents FOREVER PLAID, Now thru 7/22

The Media Theatre, Delaware County's only professional theatre and one of Philadelphia's most popular theatre companies, expands its audience base this summer with the start of its new "Broadway at The Beach" productions.

Middle Township Performing Arts Center in Avalon, NJ, will be the site for The Media Theatre's summer productions starting with the popular Forever Plaid musical tonight, July 18-July 22. In the show, four eager male singers on the way to their first big concert in the 1950's never make it due to an accident-but are miraculously revived for a posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams.

Jesse Cline, the Artistic Director for The Media Theatre says, "This is the perfect show to begin our "Broadway at The Beach". It's upbeat and fun, with many great songs from the '50's audiences will enjoy. It makes for a great night out at the shore."

"The Media Theatre's "Broadway at The Beach" allows us to create a second space in a location that is well populated during the summer," Cline continued. "The end result is that audiences in Avalon and the surrounding region will become aware of the work we produce in Media, and those who travel to the shore from Delaware County and the Main Line will have an opportunity to see professional music theatre. It raises awareness while at the same time providing a new venue for summer entertainment."

The Media Theatre has won several honors, including "Best Of" Awards from Main Line Today Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Delaware County Daily Times, and Town Talk Newspapers. It has garnered national attention with recent appearances in its musicals by Emmy winner Wanda Sykes, "American Idol" runner up Justin Guarini, and Tony nominees Philip Boykin and Ann Crumb. It is a vital economic engine in Delaware County, accounting for over $3 million annually that is brought into the local economy. It is the second largest employer in the borough of Media, and has over 40,000 patrons each year.

Cline will oversee all summer productions under the "Broadway at The Beach" banner as well as the summer events at The Media Theatre, which include summer camps and the "Delco Idol" vocal contests. "There is no reason why we cannot eventually begin a summer program for youth in Avalon," he said. "Forever Plaid is our first venture, but there will be more to come."

The Middle Township Performing Arts Center (PAC) is at 1 Penkethman Way in Cape May Court House, NJ, just five minutes from Avalon. Tickets are available for Forever Plaid through PAC by calling 609-463-1924. You may also call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or purchase tickets online at www.mediatheatre.org.