The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

White Plains Performing Arts Center

Armonk Resident to Star in TUCK EVERLASTING the Musical

by

 
Nick Varsames

For Nick Varsames, performing has always been an integral part of his life; he loves it because for him, it is an escape from everyday life. Soon, he will have a chance to perform once again. The Armonk resident has been cast in the White Plains Performing Arts Center’s Stage 2 production of Tuck Everlasting, opening this weekend and running August 2-11.

Varsames started performing at the age of seven while living in Colorado. When he moved to New York five years ago, WPPAC became his theatrical home. At sixteen years old, this was the first year he was eligible to audition for the Stage 2 program and he jumped at the chance. He loves Tuck Everlasting, because, in his words, “this show specifically holds both a sense of realism and escapism with the idea of immortality.”
 
A heartwarming, rapturous musical about living life to the fullest, Tuck Everlasting centers around a girl named Winnie Foster. When she goes looking for adventure and meets a family with a fabulous secret, their chance encounter will change them all forever. The show explores eternal love, never-ending life, and what it means to truly feel alive.
 
Along with Varsames, Tuck Everlasting stars Haylie Shea as Winnie Foster and features Matthew Rafanelli as Jesse Tuck, Mikey Marmann as Miles Tuck, Gabi Garcia as Mae Tuck, Daniel Pivovar as Angus Tuck, Maurice Chinnery as Constable Joe, Nathan Clift as Hugo, and local favorite John Anthony Lopez, as the Man in the Yellow Suit. The cast also includes Gracie Bryant, Kimberly Burgering, Catherine Cavender, Kyle Hanchar, Jason Herring, Liberty Laferriere, Quiana Leigh, Kevin Lynch, Annastasia Mercedes, Leighann Navarro, Alexis Paige Miller, Sierra Nelson, Paolo Robert Perri, Sammy Quinn, Zack Tashoff, Remi Tuckman, Christie Vozniak, Madison Watson, and Rebecca Zeller.
 
TUCK EVERLASTING is directed by Amy Griffin and choreographed by Kelli Gautreau with musical direction by Stephen Ferri. Scenic Design by Travis A. George, Costume Design by Heather Craig, Lighting Design by Jamie Roderick, Sound Design by Joel Abbott, Stage Managed by Jack Rhea. Music by Chris Miller, lyrics by Nathan Tysen, book by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle, based upon the novel by Natalie Babbitt.
 
For tickets visit the theatre box office Monday-Friday (11am-6pm), purchase the tickets online at wppac.com or call 914-328-1600. For Group Sales, please contact boxoffice@wppac.com.
 
TUCK EVERLASTING is produced by Stage 2, a program created by WPPAC to bridge the gap between our Education programs and Mainstage, giving college and community performers the chance to work in a regional theatre under the guidance of professional artists. More information can be found at http://wppac.com/shows/tuck-everlasting/
 
News courtesy of the White Plains Performing Arts Center

Professional Tarzan Production Stars Local Talent

by

News from the White Plains Performing Arts Center:

There’s still time to get tickets for the first professional production of Disney’s Tarzan in Westchester, which opened December 20.

The show not only features performers from all over the country but showcases the talents of many Westchester natives as well.

tarzanJeremy Quinn of Yonkers is directing the production with music direction by Stephen Ferri (Harrison) and choreography by Lexie Fennell Frare (Nyack)

The cast features Westchester residents Kyle Arzaga (Chappaqua) as Young Terk, Melanie Burg (Harstdale) in the Ensemble, Jenna Dallacco (Irvington/Greenburgh) as Jane and Jesse Goodman of Mahopac as Young Tarzan.

(L-R) Jenna Dalacco, Kyle Arzaga and Melanie Burg
(L-R) Jenna Dalacco, Kyle Arzaga and Melanie Burg

These local performers are joined by Nicolas Baumgartner (Clayton), Korie Lee Blossey (Kerchak), Jake Bridges (Snipes), Ben Carlson (Male Ensemble), Jessica Crilley (Female Ensemble), Deanna Giulietti (Female Ensemble), , Melissa Rose Hirsch (Female Ensemble), Darius Jordan Lee (Male Ensemble), Steven Liberto (Male Ensemble), Toby Miller (Professor Porter), Annie Nelson (Female Ensemble), Melanie Porras (Female Ensemble), Shawn W. Smith (Male Ensemble), Jeremy Swift (Male Ensemble), Jennifer Theriot (Kala), Cartreze Tucker (Terk), Max Albert Vivino (Young Tarzan), Kyle Wolf (Young Terk), Marek Zurowski (Male Ensemble), and Chris Stevens as Tarzan.

TARZAN ® features heart-pumping music by Grammy and Oscar winning music pop icon Phil Collins and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang.

“In this day and age of constant human brutality and tragedy, the story of TARZAN ® reminds us of what’s really important, especially at the holidays – the unconditional love of true family, whether biological or chosen. And although we all ‘look’ different, under the skin we are just the same. Disney’s TARZAN ® is victorious in bringing to the stage a well-known story with unforgettable melodies and heart-pumping music perfect for the entire family!”- Jeremy Quinn

Based on the smash-hit Disney animated film, Tarzan ® tells the story of an infant boy orphaned in a shipwreck on the shores of West Africa. The child is taken in and raised by a tribe of gorillas. He becomes a man, thriving in this primitive environment, until the arrival of a hunting expedition and his realization of the world beyond his jungle home. Tarzan ® features high-flying excitement and hits like the Academy Award winning “You’ll Be in My Heart” as well as “Son of Man” and “Two Worlds” making Tarzan® an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Tarzan, The Stage Musical continues at the White Plains Performing Arts Center December 26 – 30 (Saturday at 2pm & 7pm; Sunday at 2pm, Monday & Tuesday at 7pm; Wednesday at 2pm) & January 2-10 (Saturday at 2pm & 7pm; Sunday at 2pm; Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 2pm & 7pm and Sunday at 2pm). Tickets are $25 – $47. A $135 Family Four Pack (2 Adults & 2 Kids tickets) is available for the 7pm performances on December 18, 19, 26, 28, & 29.

White Plains Performing Arts Center is located on the third level of City Center off Mamaroneck Avenue and Main Street in downtown White Plains. For tickets: visit the theatre box office Monday-Friday (11am-6pm), purchase tickets online at www.wppac.com or call 914-328-1600. For Group Sales, please contact barbara@wppac.com.

Tarzan® is recommended for audiences ages 6 and older. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.