Broadway Palm Opens 24th Season With YESTERDAY'S!

BROADWAY  PALM  OPENS 24^th SEASON

WITH “YESTERDAY’S”

From left to right: Scott James Smith, Rachael Haber, Ilana Gabrielle, Housso Semon and Keith McCoy (check out the depth of his voice.. it will resound through out every molecule of your body)

Top from left to right: Keith McCoy, Ilana Gabrielle, Housso Semon, Rachael Haber, Jesse Michels; Bottom: Scott James Smith

He Ain't Heavy and Finale, whole cast

Broadway Palm opens its 24^th Season with Yesterday’s playing now through October 8, 2016. Take a trip down memory lane with this musical comedy revue featuring music from the 50s and 60s! Broadway Palm is offering a “Season Opener Special” and all tickets are just $45 for dinner and the show.

            Yesterday’s will take you on a fun-filled journey back in time! You’ll hear all of the great music from the rockin’ 50s and the groovin’ 60s. Songs include My Girl, Leader of the Pack, Dancing in the Streets, At the Hop, It’s My Party, Me and Bobby McGee, Stop! In The Name of Love and many more!

             Yesterday’s was created, directed and choreographed by Victor Legarreta. Legarreta is a Southwest Florida favorite and has performed or directed in the area for the past 20 years. The cast includes Housso Semon, who recently stole the hearts of Broadway Palm audiences when she starred in Sister Act, along with Broadway Palm alumni Illana Gabrielle, Rachael Haber and Keith McCoy. Making their Broadway Palm debuts are Jesse Michels and Scott James Smith.

 Join Broadway Palm as they begin their 24th Season with Yesterday’s, playing now through October 8, 2016.  Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Broadway Palm is offering a “Season Opener Special” and all tickets are just $45 for dinner and the show. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.







My Review: WOWOWOW!! Talk about Throwback Friday! So many great things to say about this production! First of all: my great good friend Victor Legarreta, actually created by him 17 years ago! Check out the backstory of how his production came to be! Love ya, Vic.. you continue to ROCK!!

Every one in the house was singing along throughout the whole evening. The cast said, "We hope you all remember these songs.. we don't!" I can so relate.. when my daughter, now 33, and her high school 'home girls' were at our house, I asked them what they considered "Classical Music".. they all said "the Beatles." Yikes! what a culture span! Anjelica was brought up on all of these songs..

For 30 years I played on stage in Florida, The Poconos and Salt Lake and then back to Florida, to Orlando where I was with a Polynesian group (their cover music was sure different than our regular Country-Rock, yes? 

All those years, we spent hour up on hour to keep running our cassette players back and back again to get the words to the songs we heard the other night. Yeah, we were certainly Old School.. but it was the ONLY school we knew at that time.

These Kids, yeah, I can call them kids, since I'm over twice their age.. rocked it like they knew what they were doing. And with Vic's help they reigned supreme. Vic was so careful with the once inflammatory music that was thriving during the War in Viet Nam. His gentle care in recognition of the Veterans in the audiences just proves the wonder of Victor Legarreta.

The cast was amazing. So funny during songs like "It's my Party" , "Leader of the Pack" and so many other cute songs that we used to sing in our living rooms with our girl friends, begging the Universe for our very own Leaders of the Pack. Yeah, Poodle Skirts, sweaters, pony tails. All of it. Honor for our 'ancient ages' was perfect and spot-on.  The Vocals are breath-taking. Trust me. 

And someone I DO NOT want to forget is my friend, Jayar Garcia. As extremely busy Stage Manager for every show, they busted him out to get onto the stage and in front of the world again. He is featured in La Bamba, and Me and Bobby McGee.

You will NOT be in the wrong place at the wrong time with this Adventure.. Rock on, Ya'll ~ Bekki

Check out the Cast. Kids, YOU ROCK!!

Here are all the songs Jam-packed into this fabulous show:

The Band was onstage throughout the production. I love being able to see them in action. Great job, my friends!

Who is behind all of this fun:

And how about the FOOOOOOOD!!! Oh, yeah. Dig in!

• CHEF CARVED CARIBBEAN PORK LOIN (*)
• STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS WITH A TOMATO BASIL SAUCE (GF, LF)
• CHICKEN PICCATA (GF, LF)
• PARMESAN CRUSTED MILD FISH WITH ROASTED PEPPER AND PESTO AIOLI(GF, LF)
• PIEROGIES WITH SOUR CREAM AND GARLIC SAUCE
• HONEY ROASTED BABY POTATOES (GF, LF)
• JASMINE RICE WITH JULIENNE CARROTS, PEAS AND PEARL ONIONS (GF, LF)
• PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
• FIVE BLEND VEGETABLE MEDLEY (GF, LF)
• FRESH BROCCOLI FLORETS (GF, LF)

All menus include a complete salad bar with specialty salads, rolls and butter. Assorted desserts include pies, cakes, ice cream sundaes and more. Sugar-free options are available.

All meals include coffee, tea, and hot tea. Sodas and all other drinks are an additional charge.

GF  = Gluten Free
LF = Low Fat
*    = Evening Only

All Salad Dressings and Ice Cream are Gluten Free.

Click here for the Upscale Friday and Saturday Evening Plated Dinner Menu.

What's Next? Check it out!

FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO BROADWAY PALM AS THEY PRESENT “THE WIZARD OF OZ!”

FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO BROADWAY PALM

AS THEY PRESENT “THE WIZARD OF OZ!”

            FORT MYERS, Fla – July 8, 2016 – There’s no place like Broadway Palm this summer as The Wizard of Oz lands on the Broadway Palm stage now through August 13, 2016. One of America’s most beloved films comes to life in a musical that will captivate the entire family.  

            The Wizard of Oz, based on the book by Frank L. Baum and the world famous 1939 film, chronicles the adventures of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and Toto, too!  Fly over the rainbow with Dorothy as she rides a twister into The Merry Old Land of Oz and learns that no matter how far our journeys take us, there’s no place like home. You’ll hear the songs from the delightful score you know and love such as Follow the Yellow Brick Road , Somewhere Over the Rainbow and We’re Off to See the Wizard.      

            The Wizard of Oz was directed and choreographed by Amy Marie McCleary. The cast includes Broadway Palm veterans Sarah Cammarata as Dorothy, Victor Legarreta as the Cowardly Lion, Christopher Russell as the Tin Man and making his debut at Broadway Palm is Regan McLellan as the Scarecrow. The cast also features local children and teenagers including Callie Atkinson, Chance Cintron, Isabella Cintron, Avery King, Chloe Lamb, Carson Maschmeier, Jesse Massari, Katie Means, Maddie Negip, Megan Salerno, Sierra Simon, Cody Vagle and Joey Worley.

            Follow the yellow brick road to Broadway Palm for The Wizard of Oz playing now through August 13, 2016. Ticket prices range from $39 to $62 with discounts for children and groups of 20 or more. There is a summer special for children 18 and under, tickets are just $20 for the buffet and the show! Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Here is more info on this production!

BROADWAY PALM (AND TOTO, TOO!) LEND A HELPING PAW TO

THE GULF COAST HUMANE SOCIETY!

            FORT MYERS, Fla – June 23, 2016 – There’s no place like home so Broadway Palm (and Toto, too!) are partnering this summer to raise funds for the Gulf Coast Humane Society. The Wizard of Oz lands on the Broadway Palm stage from July 7 through August 13, 2016 and during the run, the theatre will be selling paper paw prints for $1 each. The paws will be decorated by cast members and theatre patrons then displayed throughout the theatre. All proceeds from the paw print sales will go directly to the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

            Gulf Coast Humane Society, located at 2010 Arcadia Street in Fort Myers, was established as the first non-profit animal welfare organization in southwest Florida in 1947.  The 501(c)(3) mission is to rescue, provide safe refuge and compassionate care, and find forever homes for abandoned and neglected animals in the area. GCHS only takes in owner surrender and transfers from other shelters and rescue groups with a high success rate of adoptions. Their veterinary clinic offers a full array of affordable services six days a week and the low cost, high quality affordable spay/neuter clinic is open four days a week. Both clinics are open to the public.

            The Wizard of Oz chronicles the adventures of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and Toto, too!  Fly over the rainbow with Dorothy as she rides a twister into The Merry Old Land of Oz and learns that no matter how far our journeys take us, there’s no place like home. You’ll hear the songs from the delightful score you know and love such as Follow the Yellow Brick Road , Somewhere Over the Rainbow and We’re Off to See the Wizard.      

            Follow the yellow brick road to Broadway Palm for The Wizard of Oz playing July 7 through August 13, 2016. Ticket prices range from $20 to $62 with discounts for children and groups of 20 or more. There is a summer special for children 18 and under, tickets are just $20 for the buffet and the show! Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

My review: FIRST of all, let me rant and rave about the behind the scenes elves that make all these productions appear seamless: I need to give MAJOR props to the Wizard of Oz (and most all the other 174 productions at Broadway Palm) costume designer, John P. White.. the man is breathtakingly amazing. And also to Jayar Garcia., Stage Manager who 'wrassels' all of the heavy, incredibly inventive stage settings, walls, on and on for every performance.

To make all of the moving parts work together like putting together a puzzle, to ME is a mind-blowing and never-ending but wonderful end result for those of us in the audience.. GREAT and Fabulous jobs, guys.. many hugs and thanks.

Then there is the Orchestra, Directed and Conducted by Loren Strickland.. who's been there for EVER carrying his 1000 pound book of music for each production. Woodwinds are generated by Gordon Edgerton, Trumpet stylings by Jordan Aquila, Trombone sounds wafted by either George Mancini or Kevin Devitt and finally, the men with the beat: Gary Leone or Tim Capel, depending on what night they are gifting to us.

NOW, let me talk about the AMAZING actors. First of all, my good friend Victor Legarreta (whose wife is in the Off Broadway production at the same time: Last of the red hot lovers.. another wonderful production in itself.. Break legs, girlfriend!).

Vic portrays the Cowardly Lion.. and man o day, I hear Burt Lahr wagging HIS lion tail at Vic from wherever his new stage is.. Vic NAILED it through the whole production as both Zeke AND the Cowardly Lion (not too many lines there, pfft!).

Dorothy Gale is Samantha Cammarata.. yup, also Nailed the original Judy Garlan's Dorothy but with a HELLA better voice! Wowsers!

Uncle Henry and the Oz Gate Keeper Brilliantly portrayed by Dale Given

A new addition to the Prather wonders: Regan McLellan as the Hank and the Scarecrow

Christopher Russell, that great song and dance man WHO TAPS (ya'll Know how much I adore tap and it's throughout the show), incredible voice that just does NOT stop played Hickory and the Tin Man.. awesome costuming and acting and tapping and.. so much more!

Christophers wife is Megan Orlowski.. how fun would it be to have a family of thespians all either in the same show or in the same building? Too fun! She was Miss Gulch and the Wicked Witch.. amazing. And a bit scary.

Professor Marvel and the Wizard by another brilliant actor, director, comic and all around great guy, Paul Bernier.. too cool for school.

Toto's fine acting was played by Mickey Alexson.. good boy!

And if ANY production includes Amy Marie McCleary's (Director/Choreographer) fingers, toes and legs in ANY of it.. you've totally got a winner.. and HER husband, Chris McCleary is your resident Sound Manager.. ALL in the wonderful and talented family!!

There are a billion peeps in both the adult and Teen/child Ensembles.. see below..

WHAT;S ON THE MENU!

http://www.broadwaypalm.com/shows/the-wizard-of-oz/menu/ 

Coming up on the Main Stage

and on the Off-Broadway Stage:

And for the Kids: 

Come join us! Have a fab evening of FOOD, FUN 

and AWESOME!

The Smash Hit MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Is Back At Broadway Palm!

THE SMASH HIT “MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL®”

IS BACK AT BROADWAY PALM!

            FORT MYERS, Fla – May 23, 2016 – Broadway Palm is thrilled to present for the second time The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change®, Menopause the Musical® playing now through July 2, 2016. This international phenomenon has been seen by more than eleven million people in eleven countries since it debuted in a 76-seat perfume-shop-turned-theatre in Orlando, Florida in 2001.        

            Four women at a Bloomingdale's lingerie sale have nothing in common except a black lace bra…AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex, chocolate binges, day-to-day challenges with aging parents, aging children and aging partners. They share their ups and downs through a collection of 26 re-lyricized baby boomer songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s.  The Disco hit Stayin' Alive becomes Stayin' Awake, Motown favorite My Girl is transformed into My Thighs and The Lion Sleeps Tonight switches to In the Guest Room or on the Sofa, My Husband Sleeps At Night!

            Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, writer and producer Jeanie Linders created the show as a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” From its first performance, the show has evolved as a “grass-roots” movement of women who deal with life after 40 and all the challenges that result in the mental, physical and spiritual freedom of the baby boomer generation.

            Get ready to laugh as Broadway Palm presents Menopause the Musical® playing now through July 2, 2016 at Broadway Palm. Ticket prices range from $39 to $62 with discounts for children and groups of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

My review: Ladies: If you want to go somewhere and laugh till you piddle in your panties, this IS the place to go.. So darn funny! You MUST see this and learn or just know that you are NOT the only one on the planet who has embarrassing situations happening in and on your bodies, this is the production to get yourself validated! I laughed til I cried, nearly tinkled, but managed to pass on that.. What a laugh riot adn the MUSIC: we all sang along.. ok, we hummed since we didn't know the new terribly humorous words.. so darn FUN! Tons of dancing, singing and mirth: Dont miss this show!

And guys out there in the audience.. watch and learn about your partner.. this TELLS ALL about your mate, the ladies in your family, the office, all around you.. again, watch, and learn!! It's worth it!

Love and wisdom to all!! ~ Bekki

So What IS GFOUR Productions?

Hey!! What's to eat??

• CHEF CARVED MARINATED SIRLOIN STEAK WITH MUSHROOM SAUCE (*)
• CHICKEN FLORENTINE (GF, LF)
• DIJON PANKO CRUSTED WHITEFISH WITH LEMON GARLIC AIOLI (LF)
• PORK MARSALA
• TRI COLOR TORTELLINI AND PEAS IN A VODKA SAUCE
• ORZO AND RICE PILAF (LF)
• AU GRATIN POTATOES
• PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
• BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON AND ONIONS (GF, LF)
• HONEY GLAZED CARROTS (GF, LF)
• All menus include a complete salad bar with specialty salads, rolls and butter. Assorted desserts include pies, cakes, ice cream sundaes and more. Sugar-free options are available.
  All meals include coffee, tea, and hot tea. Sodas and all other drinks are an additional charge.
  GF  = Gluten Free
  LF = Low Fat
  

  *    = Evening Only

New focus: People in the Arts! Today: Pasqualino Beltempo

Keep an eye on this space! 

There will be more incredible people to be showcased!!

This actor is FABULOUS!! Currently can be seen at The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers, FL .. http://www.broadwaypalm.com/ 

First photo in makeup by Letizia Lamartire

Denim Shirt head shots by Giuditta Penna

My interview during my lunch with Pasqualino:

ME: When did your passion for the stage begin?

P: My passion for musical theatre has very early roots in my life, it was instilled by the movie selection that my parents watched with me during my childhood: the first movie my parents took me to see at the movie theatre in my town, Giovinazzo, in Southern Italy, was The Little Mermaid, and my family favorites are The Sound Of Music, Mary Poppins and Victor/Victoria. We would go on long trips and instead of using our car radio, we were our own soundtrack and sang all the time. My sisters and cousins and I used to put shows together for my family and I was the choreographer, director and main actor, tradition that kept going in school, where I asked my teachers permission to be in charge of the school play. Not to mention all the nativity plays in church in which I was constantly chosen to play Saint Joseph:

"No Greater Love"

ME: Why did you come to America instead of enjoying acting and dance in Italy?

P: In Italy musical theatre is not yet considered a course of study of its own, so I studied acting, music and dance separately from each other focusing on styles that don’t have much in common with traditional musical theatre. I attended the prestigious arts academy Unika in Bari, Italy. I had wonderful acting experiences early in my acting career having the chance to portray one of my favorite roles, Hamlet, and many others, mainly in the field of legit theatre. I did also some shorts and tv.

"le notti bianche"

P, Continues: After completing my university studies in geology I decided to spend six months in New York, fascinated by its musical theatre culture, and after researching a lot for the school that best fulfilled my needs I chose the world famous Broadway Dance Center, where I was the April 2011 recipient of the Outstanding Student Award. I had the chance to explore many new dance styles and fall in love with musical theatre even more.

The "Life of TCHAIKOVSKY"

During my first year in New York I had wonderful performing opportunities, I was in the cast of an original production of A Christmas Carol at the Players Theatre in the Greenwich village and had the honor of having Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban in the audience for one of our performances, then I was in a wonderful play dedicated to the life of Tchaikovsky as principal male dancer with choreography by the super talented choreographer Nancy Whyte. I went on and joined the St Malachy’s - The Actors’ Chapel choir with which I sang for two years, and finally I joined joined the Christian performing group: the Xavier Company, which performs around the Tristate area: I had the honor of playing the role of Jesus in their Easter musical “No Greater Love” and Joseph in their Christmas production “An Advent Carol”. And even though I travel from place to place the Broadway Palm is always my favorite place to perform is, cause it's my first american theatre love!

"A Christmas Carol"

By the dance photographer Kyle Breen.

Me: What was it like coming to America for you?

P: My day job in NYC was basically the one of “auditioner”, like any other actor I attended auditions everyday, all day, becoming an habitué of the holding rooms of the City. Finally my first job for Prather Entertainment Group came along, and since my first moments at the Broadway Palm I knew I would love both this incredible theatre family and the lovely Fort Myers. Not only is everyone who works for the company super talented but also very friendly, I truly feel home every time I am fortunate to work here. My first show at the Broadway Palm was “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” directed and choreographed by the amazing Amy McCleary!

From "Bye Bye Birdie"                                       and                                  "A Chorus Line"

Me: Do you enjoy The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre as much as it looks like from the audience?

P:This season has been a dream so far, I performed in one of my dream roles “West Side Story” as of my dream roles, Bernardo, at the Arizona Broadway Theatre, I had the chance to work with Amy as director and choreographer again in “Sister Act” as Pablo and “James and the Giant Peach” as Earthworm and next I’m gonna be in West Side Story as Bernardo once again for Cortland Repertory Theatre upstate New York! Can’t wait to be back to the Broadway Palm for Evita and White Christmas!

From "Sister Act" (Broadway Palm)

"St. Malachy's Choir"

"Advent Carol"

Scenes with Pasqualino from the production of

Arizona Broadway Theatre's

WEST SIDE STORY

What a pleasure to have met and dined with this amazing actor. I'll keep up with him in hopes of adding more and more to this page that I've dedicated to him.. Fabulous work, Pasqualino.. Keep on keepin on!! ~ Bekki