The Media Theatre Presents SUPER SONGS OF THE 70'S, 8/15

The Media Theatre's Roger Ricker will present his annual fundraising concert on Wednesday August 15 at 7:30. This year's theme is "Super Songs of the '70's", with a focus on classic pop and Broadway tunes from the bell-bottom era. All funds raised support The Media Theatre youth and educational programs.

Ricker will sing songs made famous by Elton John, Billy Joel, The Carpenters, and Neil Sedaka. He will also perform classic numbers from the Broadway musicals "Godspell", “Annie”, “A Chorus Line” and "Evita" (which opened in late 1979 and was the first Broadway show Ricker attended).

As in past years, Ricker will have special guests throughout the evening. This year's soloists include several members of the Jesus Christ Superstar cast including Christopher Infantino, Hannah McCarthy, Owen Mannion and Gianni Palmarini. Last year's "Delco Idol Junior" winner Gregory Smith will perform with his brother Christopher, and actress Kristen Arbutina of The Jungle Book will entertain, along with Lindsay Ronaldson, JD Triolo, and a first-time in years performance from Austin Connors, the theatre’s Director of Development who appeared in Media Theatre productions as a child.

The State Street Miracles, the theatre's performance troupe of adults with developmental disabilities, are scheduled to appear. Ricker directs the troupe from September to May each year.

"The '70's were a very special and somewhat life-changing time for me," Ricker explained. "With a major move from Pennsylvania to Missouri and several other events taking place it was natural for me to find my solitude in popular music. It was a time when the radio airwaves were filled with fun, and songs that had much more depth than pop hits of today."

He continued, “The music on stage was beginning to mingle with the sound of pop music, which is why today some of the most popular Broadway shows are based on hits millions of people heard on the radio every day decades ago. Shows like Mamma Mia and Movin’ Out would not exist if the ‘70’s did not make superstars of Abba and Billy Joel.”

Ricker believes it was inevitable that Elton John eventually found his way to composing Tony winning musicals. "His recordings were already theatrical," he said. "Any of his songs sound as if they could be in musicals. So "Super Songs of the '70's" seemed logical for this year's concert theme."

To purchase tickets to the celebratory concert, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. All seats are $20. Ricker will be accompanied by resident music director Tom Fosnocht.