NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2010 MUSICAL SEASON!

Now open under new ownership!

Curtain up! Light the Lights! North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) is back with an exciting 2010 musical season filled with classic, contemporary and much-loved Broadway favorites. The new NSMT is under the leadership and ownership of Bill Hanney.  Experienced in theater management, Hanney is also the Owner/Producer of Theatre By The Sea in Rhode Island, a 500 seat summer theatre now in it’s 4th successful year under his leadership. Mr Hanney is also the owner/operator of Entertainment Cinemas, a chain of movie theatres throughout New England.

Long time Artistic Director of the Cape Playhouse, Evans Haile will be joining NSMT as Producing Artistic Director, bringing over 25 years of Professional Producing and Artistic experience to the North Shore. Celebrating more than 80 seasons, the Cape Playhouse is proud to be America’s Oldest Professional Summer Theatre

“I am honored to welcome audiences back to NSMT for my first season here in Beverly,” said Owner/Producer Hanney. “I am excited to be working with Evans Haile, and know that our team of experienced theatre professionals will operate NSMT with an efficient business model and a strong focus on entertainment and production values.”

“My goal for NSMT in 2010 is to create a season that celebrates musical theater and delivers the excellent quality and intimate atmosphere that audiences expect from NSMT,” revealed Hanney.  “While I am dedicated to maintaining a high level of artistic quality, I am equally dedicated to keeping a close eye on the business to ensure NSMT’s long term success. I want audiences to enjoy their experience at the new NSMT and come back for more!”

The 2010 Musical Season includes:
Gypsy July 6 - 25
Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat August 3 - 22
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels September 21 - October 10
A Chorus Line November 2 - 21
In addition to the 4 show subscription series, NSMT proudly announces the return of its Holiday Spectacular, North Shore Music Theatre’s time honored production of A Christmas Carol, directed by Jon Kimbell. Performances run December 3 - December 23.

The 2010 subscription musical season will be “coming up roses” when the classic Broadway musical, Gypsy takes the stage from July 6 - July 25. This musical fable, inspired by the life of the burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee, is about the quintessential stage mother, Mamma Rose, a woman who pushes her two children into show business at any cost, to fulfill the dream of stardom she never achieved herself. It is a story of ambition, suppressed dreams, and sacrifice. The score is jam-packed with iconic show tunes including “Let Me Entertain You,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “All I Need is the Girl,” and “Together (Wherever We Go).”

The summer entertainment will continue with a spectacular production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (running August 3 - August 22), Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s entertaining family musical retelling of the biblical story of Joseph, his devoted father, his jealous brothers, and his incredible series of adventures. Filled with eye-popping costumes and high energy dance numbers, the story is told through a variety of musical styles - everything from country to calypso to rock ‘n’ roll. The 2001 production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was one of the most successful shows in NSMT history. This season’s production will feature a large children’s chorus made up of many local young performing artists.

Audiences will want to keep an eye on their wallets and jewelry when Dirty Rotten Scoundrels takes the stage from September 21 - October 10. Based on the hit 1988 movie starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, this hysterical musical follows two very different con artists working their schemes on the French Riviera. Their high society high jinks result in a friendly competition to see which one can swindle an innocent heiress out of her fortune. Audiences will roar with laughter when they see how far each one is willing to go to win the bet.

The 2010 Musical Season will conclude with the ultimate celebration of the American Musical, A Chorus Line, playing November 2 - November 21. Audiences will sit in on an audition and share in the story of 17 dancers competing for a few coveted spots in the chorus of a Broadway musical. Through the audition they bare their souls while sharing stories of their childhood, ambitions, fears, and experiences in show business. This groundbreaking Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is for anyone who has ever put it all on the line, whether it is for promotion, for attention, for approval, or for love.

Throughout 2010 NSMT looks forward to bringing celebrity concerts and exciting children’s programming. Please visit www.nsmt.org for news, and sign up for the email club to receive updates and announcements through the year.

2010 Musical Season subscriptions are on sale now. Subscriptions offer the biggest savings along with special benefits such as seating priority and the maximum flexibility to exchange tickets, as well as the ability to renew specific seats each year.  To subscribe, or for more information, contact the NSMT Box Office at (978) 232-7200, log on to www.nsmt.org, or visit in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly, 01915. Single tickets for all NSMT shows go on sale May 1 to the public. Gift certificates for all 2010 productions are currently on sale through the NSMT box office.

SALEM JAZZ AND SOUL FESTIVAL SPRING GALA

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival’s fourth-annual Spring Gala concert will be held on Saturday evening, April 17, in the Peabody Essex Museum’s atrium. “ALL KEYED UP” will feature the area’s hottest pianists, organists and keyboard players performing a full evening of jazz, soul, boogie woogie and blues.

Artists for the evening include Grammy Award-winner David Maxwell, Marty Rowen and Ken Clark of Fats Hammond, Jen Kearney of Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion and Benjamin Zecker of the Boston Horns.

The evening’s excusive sponsor is Tache Real Estate. The concert benefits the fourth-annual Salem Jazz and Soul Festival, scheduled for Aug. 21-22 at the Salem Willows, as well as four performances in Salem’s Derby Square throughout the summer. As in previous years, plans call for a week-long Festival of events and performances in clubs and restaurants in the city in mid-August.

Proceeds from the night will support the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival’s mission to support music education programs and provide free concerts for the public.

Tickets for the Spring Fundraiser are $50 per person or $45 for PEM members.

For more information, please contact the PEM box office at East India Square, Salem or call (978) 745-9500 or visit http://pem.org/events/ or www.salemjazzsoul.org

The Children’s Center For Communication Sponsors National Little Theatre of the Deaf Performance

BEVERLY, MA -  The Children’s Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf will host a performance of the nationally honored Little Theatre of the Deaf on Wednesday, April 7, at 10:30 am on the school’s campus, 6 Echo Avenue, Beverly.

The Little Theatre of the Deaf, which is the young people’s branch of the famed National Theatre of the Deaf, travels around the country performing original children’s tales that inform and entertain at the same time (in American Sign Language and voice) to audiences of children in grades K-6.   The troupe’s appearance at The Children’s Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf is paid for by supported by funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Very Special Arts of Massachusetts’ ADA Cultural Access Initiative Grant Program.

Seating is limited but anyone in the area with a child ages 3-12 who is deaf or hard of hearing or uses American Sign Language as a mode of communication is welcome to attend.  Admission is free and can be arranged by contacting Kristin Johnson, kristinjohnson@beverlyschoolforthedeaf.org.

As a provision of the grant, the troupe will also be conducting a workshop for students at The Children’s Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf the day before the performance.  The students will experience activities about creativity in sign language, body movement, and self-esteem.

The Marblehead Rotary Club Commemorate National Black History Month with a presentation by Dr. Edward Robinson

The Marblehead Rotary Club was honored to commemorate National Black History Month with a presentation on Thursday February 25, 2010 by Dr. Edward Robinson, a retired radiologist from Salem Hospital and a veteran Lt. Commander of the US Navy with combat service in Vietnam.  Dr. Robinson, who was born in Lynn, earned a B.A. from Yale University and a M. D. from the Tufts University School of Medicine, before he settled in to Marblehead with his family in 1964.  Dr. Robinson shared with the Rotarians a little Black History from the North Shore peppered with anecdotal stories about some of the challenges he had to overcome himself.

Earlier in February, the Marblehead Rotary Club hosted Elizabeth Macomber, Vice President for Philanthropy for the Hospice of the North Shore, who spoke about “end of life issues” and Sam Scott of the American Liver Foundation who gave valuable tips for sustainable liver health through a low-fat diet, moderate alcohol intake and exercise.

The Marblehead Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursdays for lunch at 12 p.m. at the Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front Street, Marblehead, MA  01945.

“Spring Fling” at Newburyport Art Association

Solo Show by Award Winning Landscape Photographer Dale Blank Opens April 1

NEWBURYPORT, MA– “Spring Fever”, a solo show featuring the new work of award-winning local photographer Dale Blank, will appear in the Laura Coombs Hills Gallery of the Newburyport Art Association (NAA) from April 1 through April 14, 2010. An opening reception with the artist will be held on Saturday night, April 3, 2010 from 7 to 10 pm. Reflections, symmetrical components and fleeting light are the mainstays of Ms. Blank’s photography. Natural and man-made light are featured: sun and moon rises and -sets, fireworks, fairs, city lights or movement through time and space.

“Spring Fever” features photographs from the North Shore, Sonoma, Barcelona, New York City and Washington, D.C., all works being expressive of the season. Ms. Blank is a member of the NAA, the Rockport Art Association and the Rocky Neck Art Colony. Her work has appeared at many of their shows, exhibitions and sales. She was awarded an Industrial Development Foundation Award for Photography at the NAA Winter Show 2009 and the M.A. Arakelian Memorial Award for Best of Show Winter 2006.  She has held solo shows and participated in juried shows and exhibitions at many other local venues. “The artist has managed to frame heat as atmospheric condition with a quiet spring landscape. This is a wonderfully rich image, full of contrasts…keep looking,” wrote juror Elizabeth Wykoff of one of Ms. Blank’s winning works. “Hours after first experiencing (the piece) I am still drawn to the attraction/repulsion relationship. I love that the image provides opportunity for various narrative interpretations,” Cynthia Meyers Foley wrote of another. A Massachusetts native, Dale is a graduate of Brandeis University. Her landscape photography is the basis for the Cape Ann Calendar series. Her work has been featured in many other calendars, visitors’ guides and private collections. She resides in Gloucester.

Show hours are Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 11am-5 pm; Saturday, 11am- 5 pm and 7-9 pm; and Sunday, 1-5 pm. The NAA is closed on Sunday, April 4.  CONTACT: Carol Reynolds, Gallery Director Newburyport Art Association 65 Water St., Newburyport, MA 01950 978-465-8769

Cape Ann Chamber’s Irish Sweepstakes

Less than 75 tickets are available for the annual Irish Sweepstakes Raffle, which will be drawn on Tuesday, March 16, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cameron’s Restaurant in Gloucester.  The festivities will include the Irish music of Mollie’s Misfits, traditional appetizers, great door prizes, and the chance to be one of eight winners who will share $15,000 in prizes.

The Chamber’s Sweepstakes Committee, chaired by Patrick Thorpe of BankGloucester, has printed 300 tickets, which are now for sale at $100 per ticket.  Purchase of a ticket will admit two people to the party and drawing.  There will be a $10,000 first prize, three $1,000 second prizes, and four $500 third prizes and new this year is a 50/50 raffle.  Contact the Chamber office at 978-283-1601 or susan@CapeAnnChamber.com to purchase a ticket.  Last year tickets sold out, so be sure to get your tickets early!

CONTACT:    Bob Hastings, 978-283-1601, h@CapeAnnChamber.com

Spin For Hope

An exciting American Cancer Society fundraising event is coming to our community!  The American Cancer Society’s Spin for Hope™ is a three-hour indoor cycling event that will take place simultaneously at more than 25 health clubs around Massachusetts.  Locally, Manchester Athletic Club will be hosting a Spin for Hope event, on Sunday, March 7, from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon.

There will be a Breakfast Reception held in the MAC Café for Cancer Survivors, riders, and guests at 8:15 a.m. on that day to honor any and all cancer survivors.  Manchester Athletic Club welcomes anyone in the community to join us for some light refreshments beforehand.  All survivors will then be escorted into the event and honored in a “Survivor’s Parade” as the cycling begins.

We need more community members to spin for the duration of the event; organize teams of spinners; and/or volunteer at the club the day of the event.  Funds raised through Spin for Hope will support the American Cancer Society’s programs of cancer research, education, advocacy, and service.

Spin for Hope is an event that allows residents to fight cancer through fun and fitness in the Cape Ann community.  For more information about Spin for Hope or to participate visit www.cancer.org/spinforhope or contact Lindsay Norton.

Tri Sport Challenge

On Sunday, March 21st, young people ages 5 to 14, will spend the afternoon at the Manchester Athletic Club Tri Sports Challenge.  The Challenge will run from 1pm to 4pm and will be conducted totally indoors.  The course includes a swim, challenging and fun obstacle course and running track.  Participation requires advanced registration by March 12, 2010.

This event is the second youth sports event held at the Athletic Club.  In October 2009, a Youth Triathlon attracted over 130 Cape Ann children who competed in a Swim, Bike and Run triathlon.  The event was an overwhelming success where all children completed the course.  Manchester Athletic Club has a passionate commitment to promote health and fitness to all ages in the local communities of Cape Ann.  .  The Athletic Club has already begun the fight against childhood obesity through free enrichment programs provided to local elementary schools, numerous community events, and cooperation with local medical providers.  This event is the second in a series of multi-sport events that will be held at the Club.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, positive experiences with physical activity at a young age helps lay the basis for being regularly active throughout life and young people age 6 to 17 should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

Enrollments are limited to 125 children and enrollment is open through Friday, March 12, 2010.  Membership is not required and this unique and fun event is open to the community.  Visit www.manchesterathleticclub.com or call (978) 526-8900

Prom Night at Boot, Straps, and More in Beverly on March 12th

Boots, Straps, and More: Bargains for a Cause is hosting Project: Prom Night, an event featuring new and gently used gowns, dressy dresses and accessories for sale at discounted prices.  Project: Prom Night is being held in Beverly at 198 Rantoul Street on Friday, March 12th from 7:30-9:00pm.  Refreshments will be served along with other surprise giveaways.

Donations for Project: Prom Night will be accepted through March 9th.  Donations include new and gently used gowns, dressy dresses, accessories, etc. All donations are tax deductible and benefit Beverly Bootstraps Community Services, Inc. Donate and tell a friend.

Beverly Bootstraps Community Services provides critical resources to families and individuals so they may achieve self-sufficiency.  Bootstraps offers emergency and long-term assistance including: access to food, housing stability, adult and youth education, and counseling.  Beverly Bootstraps Community Services is community funded and supported.

For more information contact Jackie Hersey at 978-921-4710

Annual Rockport Community Egg Hunt Set For April 3

The Rockport Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 20th annual Community Egg Hunt for the children of the Town in the Millbrook Meadow on Saturday, April 3, at 2:00 p.m., weather and meadow conditions permitting.  Pre-school children will be grouped in one section of the Meadow, and children in kindergarten and grade one in another.  In addition to assorted candies and chocolates, the hunt will also feature a number of special eggs to be redeemed for prizes.  Amy Beaton Ruiter, of Beaton Real Estate, is chairing this Chamber committee.  To provide financial support for the Rockport Community Egg Hunt, to make a contribution of wrapped candy or a small prize, or for further information or to volunteer please contact Amy Beaton Ruiter 978-290-3593 or the Chamber office 978-546-6575. Contributors are encouraged to drop off donations at Beaton Real Estate, 45 Broadway, Rockport no later than Friday, March 26.

About the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce: The mission of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is to serve as the principal voice of business in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea, while working to enhance both the economic environment and the quality of life for the citizens of Cape Ann.

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