Category: Theater

comedy, Entertainment, Morning Call, Music, Theater

Fall concert preview: Here’s who’s coming to the Lehigh Valley

The summer season is starting to wind down in the Lehigh Valley, but it doesn’t mean the opportunity to see live entertainment has to stop.

When the kids head back to school and thoughts begin to turn to sweater weather and raking leaves it can only mean one thing — the fall concert season is back! And this year promises to be one of the most exciting and versatile in recent memory.

Many big-name acts are slated to visit the area over the course of the next few months that will cover all of the bases. Everything from comedy, classic rock and ’80s hit makers, to modern rock, pop and country as well as a local favorite and even a few living legends.

For starters, PPL Center in Allentown has a wide array of musical talent showcased on its calendar, and Marketing Manager Kayla Vaught isn’t shy about wanting to spread the word.

“I’m thrilled about the incredible lineup of events we have coming this fall,” Vaught said. “PPL Center has consistently proven to be a premier destination for live music, attracting top-tier talent from around the globe. There’s something for everyone here, and each event is a unique experience that adds to the vibrant culture of the Lehigh Valley.”

You can read the rest of my Morning Call feature article by clicking here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Music, Theater

Dieruff grad Sabrina Joseph going full circle with role in ‘Hairspray,’ at State Theatre

When Sabrina Joseph began her musical theater journey, it was in the production of “Hairspray” during her time at Dieruff High School. She’d later go on to participate in the State Theatre’s annual Freddy Awards and take part in the ceremony’s opening and closing performances.

The Dieruff and DeSales University graduate will be making a homecoming visit on Saturday, Feb. 18, to The State, this time as part of the touring production of, ironically enough, “Hairspray.”

Set in the 1960’s, “Hairspray” tells the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad (Niki Metcalf) as she dances her way onto TV’s most popular show and winds up changing the world. The show features a beloved musical score and a talented ensemble cast that also includes Andrew Levitt and Sandie Lee.

Joseph’s role in the touring production is that of a swing, an important position that requires her
to master multiple parts. Slightly different than an understudy, Joseph is an offstage performer
who goes on often at a moment’s notice if someone in the ensemble is unable to do so.

I recently spoke with Joseph about the upcoming “Hairspray” performance and her local
ties to the Lehigh Valley and State Theatre in this exclusive interview.

What can fans expect from the upcoming Hairspray tour stop at The State Theatre?

Sabrina Joseph: You can expect a great show with a lot of fun energy, moving moments and, at
the end, a big dance party.

What can you tell me about your role in this touring production?

Joseph: I’m a swing for the show, which is an understudy for the ensemble members. My role is
to learn multiple ensemble roles and be ready to go on for them at any given time due to
someone going on vacation, being sick, or has an injury. Sometimes I may have two days’ notice,
but often times it may be hours before the show or even while the show is happening.

Read the rest of my

Interview with Sabrina Joseph by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Music, Theater

Interview: ‘Hairspray’ star Niki Metcalf talks dreams, love and big hair in Tony Award-winning show coming to Easton
Niki Metcalf

Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical, “Hairspray,” is on a 60-city U.S tour including two performances at Easton’s historic State Theatre on April 16.

The production is under the original guidance of director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell.

The show tells the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960′s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular program and winds up changing the world. It features a score of hit songs, including “Welcome to the 60′s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”

The touring version of “Hairspray” stars Andrew Levitt, who fans know as Nina West (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”), as Edna Turnblad. The ensemble cast also features Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad and Sandie Lee as Motormouth Maybelle.

I recently spoke with Metcalf about the show’s themes, big hair and more in this exclusive interview.

James Wood for The Morning Call: What can fans expect from the upcoming performances of “Hairspray?”

Niki Metcalf: “Hairspray” is about a lot of things. There’s love, acceptance, dancing and singing as well as a lot of fun, laughs and joy. It’s got something for every kind of audience member. I play Tracy Turnblad. She’s a sixteen-year-old who has big dreams, a big heart and even bigger hair [laughs].

We start off the show with Tracy wanting to be on the Corny Collins show in 1960′s Baltimore. Then she meets a community of incredible people who teach her how to change the world for the better and stand up for what is right.

You can read the rest of my

Interview with Niki Metcalf by Clicking Here.