MTG fundraiser pays tribute to Cole Porter
Theater with a purpose is gearing up at the Musical Theatre Guild's William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall venue on Jan. 18 and 19.
Proceeds from these special performances benefit improvements to the hall, specifically the construction of an ADA compliant restroom.
Tickets include hors d'oeuvres, dessert and the production “Red Hot & Cole,” celebrating the life and music of Cole Porter.
The construction will cost about $11,000, according to MTG Board Member Paula Baptiste Floyd.
Presenting the show is a talented cast along with Barbara Osche as producer, Bets Danko as director as well as Augustus Danko as assistant director. Music director is Jessica Sanzotti.
Porter, one of America's greatest composers, is celebrated by some of his closest friends in this memorable masterpiece.
Songs will include “I've Got You Under Me Skin,” “Begin The Beguine” and “Anything Goes.”
Danko, the director, said she loves Porter's music.
“I was intrigued by the story,” said the Slippery Rock resident.
“Red Hot & Cole is an exciting portrayal of the life of Cole Porter presented through scene and song. Brought to life by the MTG cast, this show is full of humor, emotion, and music as seen through the eyes and antics of some of Cole's most famous friends,” Danko said.
Danko noted that one of her favorite aspects of this production is that the actors directly interact with the audience.
The role of Porter is being played by Matt Leslie of Butler, a server by day at Rachel's Roadhouse.
“Cole Porter was a musical legend who wrote lyrics and composed music for some of the most famous Broadway musicals of the 20th century. He was vivacious and witty and loved bringing joy and humor to his friends and audiences with his songs,” Leslie said.
“This show, being a revue, allows us to perform songs from many different musicals, and sometimes, songs attributed to roles we would not normally be cast in. It is also very much an ensemble show, so it is tremendous fun to work as a cast to tell this story which is laden with humor both high-brow and low,” he added.
The show is also a step back in time as it spans the 1920s to the 1960s. Leslie said he has spent time researching Porter, but without many video or audio recordings from his life, he'll be relying on being true to his legacy rather than imitating him.
Katy Wayne of Center Township, as most of the other actors, wears many hats in this production.
“I am playing three roles: Hedda Hopper, a gossip columnist; Bella Spewack, a playwright/screen writer; and part of the Chorus, a confident and sociable person,” explained Wayne. “There are many people I'm having an opportunity to work with for the very first time, while there are some I'm delighted to work with again. My favorite part of all that is bringing the production to life together and sharing it with the audience,” she said.
Robin Kriley of Forward Township has been involved with MTG for years. In this show, she will be playing several supporting roles.
“'Come Along With Me' is one of my favorites,” Kriley said. “The entire cast is in this number and it's a fun number that pokes fun at the 'rich and famous,'” she said, adding she in enjoying the songs as well as working with some newcomers to MTG.
The production additionally features Frank Baker, Glen Bittner, David Cary, Annie Danko, Dee Dee Evans-Boots, Jessica Patterson-Galayda, Matt Mlynarski, and Rachel Wayne.
WHO: Musical Theatre GuildWHAT: “Red Hot & Cole,” celebrating the life and music of Cole PorterWHEN: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 and 3 p.m. Jan. 19WHERE: MTG's William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall at the back of Memorial ParkTICKETS: $35 for individuals and $60 for couples, available online at www.mtgbutler.org
