Bay Area Musicals (Matthew McCoy, Founder & Artistic Director, and AeJay Mitchell, Managing Director) has announced the full cast and creative team for the final production of the 2017-2018 season, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Tony and Academy Award-winners Alan Menken (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALADDIN, POCAHONTAS) and Stephen Schwartz (GODSPELL, PIPPIN, WICKED, POCAHONTAS). Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME runs from July 7 – August 5, 2018 and will perform at San Francisco’s Victoria Theatre (2961 16th Street San Francisco, CA 94102). The press opening will take place on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. Regular tickets range from $20 - $65 and can be purchased online at www.bamsf.org/hunchback. Opening Night Fundraiser Tickets (available only for the Saturday, July 7 performance at 8:00 p.m.) range from $50 - $100 and includes dessert and a champagne toast with the cast (and can also be purchased online at www.bamsf.org/hunchback).

Bay Area Musicals’ production of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME will be directed and choreographed by Matthew McCoy, with Music Direction by Jon Gallo.

The cast of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME will feature Alex Rodriguez as “Quasimodo,” Clay David as “Frollo,” Alysia Noelle Beltran as “Esmeralda,” Jack O'Reilly as “Phoebus,” Branden Noel Thomas as “Trouillefou Clopin,” Pauli N. Armonkul as “Player,” Patrick Brewer as “Player,” Alvin Castillo Bunales as “Player,” Jorey Cantu as “Player,” Juan Castro as “Player,” Julio Chavez as “Player,” Z Hansen as “Player,” Christopher Juan as “Player,” Jessie Anne Lukban as “Player,” Benjamin Nguyen as “Player,” Loreigna Sinclair as “Player” and Kaylamay Suarez as “Player.”

In addition to Mr. McCoy (who will also be serving as Set Designer) and Mr. Gallo, the creative team will include Wayne Roadie as Stage Manager, Cat Knight as Assistant Stage Manager, Genevieve Pabon as Assistant Stage Manager, Brooke Jennings as Costume Designer, Eric Johnson as Lighting Designer, Anton Hedman as Sound Designer, Clay David as Prop Designer, Jackie Dennis as Wig Designer, Jake Delgado as Sound Board Operator, Richard Gutierrez as Wardrobe Master and Stewart Lyle as Technical Director.

“Bay Area Musicals is excited to close our third season with the San Francisco premiere of this epic new musical, a jewel from the masterminds of such beloved Disney and Broadway classics,” said Founder and Artistic Director Matthew McCoy. “The sheer scale of this production - the story, the music, the set and the orchestra - create a luscious, epic spectacle that beautifully retells Victor Hugo's timeless story for a whole new medium. In a time where we are inundated with articles and news items that speak of cruel racial judgement and hateful conduct, I am so humbled to be presenting a story that teaches compassion, empathy, love and forgiveness. I always feel that the universe has a way of telling me that we've chosen the right show at the right time, and I feel certain that HUNCHBACK is the right show, right now. I am also thrilled to announce that, for the first time, we will be presenting two performances with ASL interpreters (dates still to be determined; please check our website www.bamsf.org for forthcoming information). We hope everyone enjoys the show, and we look forward to welcoming you back this autumn for CRAZY FOR YOU!”

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be "Out There," observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all. An angelic score and powerful story make THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME an instant classic. Bring the entire family and be swept away by the magic of Bay Area Musicals’ production of this truly unforgettable musical.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME runs two hours and twenty minutes, including one intermission.

Bay Area Musicals’ upcoming 2018-2019 season will include the Tony Award-winning Best Musical CRAZY FOR YOU (November 10 – December 16, 2018), the Tony Award-nominated VIOLET (February 16 – March 17, 2019) and the Tony Award-winning Best Musical HAIRSPRAY (July 6 – August 11, 2019). CRAZY FOR YOU and VIOLET will perform at San Francisco’s Alcazar Theatre (650 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94103) and HAIRSPRAY will perform at San Francisco’s Victoria Theatre (2961 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103). Subscriptions to the 2018-2019 season are available now at www.bamsf.org.

Bay Area Musicals (BAM!) is a professional, non-profit theatre organization dedicated to presenting the highest-caliber of musical theatre in San Francisco. Founded in 2014, the Company strives to stimulate and inspire the San Francisco Bay Area community through high-caliber musical theater ranging from familiar classics to challenging new works; to produce professional musical theater at accessible ticket rates; and to engage the community through performance, outreach, and educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.bamsf.org

The culture of grief when it comes to our animal companions leaves many bereaved pet owners feeling lost and isolated. Too often, the expectation from friends and family is that the mourning period should last no more than a few days to weeks. But the loss of an animal can be equally as devastating as a human loss — it’s just that the support and resources for this brand of grief have been in short supply.

In her debut book, “Griffin’s Heart: Mourning Your Pet With No Apologies” (Creatures Align Press; Hardcover; $27.99; For sale now on Amazon.com), actress Reagan J. Pasternak (HBO’s “Sharp Objects”, Netflix/HULU/HBO’s “Being Erica”, BET’s “Ms. Pat”) provides readers with interactive tools, healing exercises, and unwavering companionship to help them navigate their grief and honor the life of their beloved animal ‘being.’ Readers are encouraged to explore their darkest feelings, make peace with them, and find meaning in their loss. Throughout the book, Reagan provides constant comfort by sharing insights from her own 10-year long journey of healing. For more information, visit GriffinsHeart.com.

“I started writing ‘Griffin’s Heart’ after the death of my soulmate animal, Griffin, as a way to help heal my wound and find meaning in my grief. Through this process I began to understand that the crushing weight of my loss was not unique to me and that for millions of people whose pets are their family, there was a need for a compassionate and insightful resource. The book is everything I wish I’d had after my Griffin died and it’s my hope that readers will find comfort, insight, companionship, and hope in the pages.”

Reagan J. Pasternak (Author, “Griffin's Heart”)

For 85 million households across the US, pets provide joy, companionship, and uncompromising love. When a pet dies it can be devastating and isolating, especially during a pandemic. Griffin’s Heart takes a new approach to healing in a hybrid format (part memoir, part journal, and part keepsake) and seeks to become the comprehensive resource for pet owners in grief. The book approaches the idea of grief from many angles, leveraging therapeutic ideas from psychology, philosophy, art, and world religions. Throughout the book the reader is engaged to participate by examining their emotions, journaling out their thoughts, documenting memories, placing photos, and more. By the end of the book, the reader will have created a personalized keepsake to commemorate their beloved animal that can be revisited for years to come.

“‘Griffin’s Heart’ is an invaluable resource for anyone suffering from the pain of pet loss. Reagan Pasternak has written a beautiful, easy to read book to support those who are experiencing grief. Interspersed with her own story, she offers tools, resources and journaling exercises to help readers release their pain and soothe their heart. Full of compassion and heartfelt wisdom, this book is a must have for animal lovers who are looking for support and healing.”

Tamara Levitt (Head of Mindfulness at “Calm,” and Author of “The Secret to Clara's Calm” and “Happiness Doesn't Come from Headstands”)

“Finally a book that honors the grief connected to the loss of a significant source of support for so many. Grief is an unavoidable part of loving. Thank you Reagan for providing a protected space to grieve. Sometimes the process of talking or writing out our feelings can have the benefit of helping us heal…I highly endorse this book for anyone grieving after the loss of an animal friend.”

Rebecca Bailey, PhD Author of “Safe Kids, Smart Parents: What Parents Need to Know to Keep Their Children Safe,” Clinical Director of The JAYC Foundation and Director of Transitioning Families www.transitioningfamilies.com

"I loved this book. I want to buy copies for all my friends who are pet parents to give to them when their time of need comes. I can’t recommend it enough."

- Heidi White, Long and Short Reviews

“A wonderful and holistic resource for healing the loss of a pet.”

Wendy Van de Poll, MS, CEOL

International Bestselling Author, Pet Loss Grief Coach, and Founder of www.CenterForPetLossGrief.com

“An amazing resource for every single pet owner.”

Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT (Veterinarian and Host of Pet Life Radio's “ER Vet”)

“I found the book highly relatable, and would definitely recommend 'Griffin's Heart' to anyone looking to heal after a loss of any kind.”

Melissa W. Hunter (Author of “What She Lost”)

"A great, great book...you should never apologize if you are mourning or grieving your pet."

Maria Milito (iHeartRadio's “Maria’s Mutts & Stuff” Podcast)

With “Griffin’s Heart,” author Reagan J. Pasternak seeks to change the culture of grief around mourning animals. Those in grief, and anyone seeking to help after the loss of a beloved pet can now turn to “Griffin’s Heart” and embrace an uncompromising, unapologetic, and honest approach to healing.

The specially-curated volume has been created using ethically-sourced FSC certified materials, and comes elegantly bound in hardcover and packaged with a gold foil stamped slipcase. A portion of the book proceeds will be donated to various animal charities.

Click here to watch a brief message from author Reagan J. Pasternak. Like “Griffin’s Heart” on Facebook (facebook.com/griffinsheart) and follow on Instagram (@griffinsheartbook).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Reagan J. Pasternak is a Canadian-born film and television actress, singer, and writer. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and five rescue animals. Learn more about Reagan at reaganpasternak.com. Instagram: @reaganjpasternak

San Francisco’s Landmark Musical Theatre (Jon Rosen, Artistic Director) is pleased to announce its production and full cast of Music Theatre International’s ALL TOGETHER NOW! A GLOBAL EVENT CELEBRATING LOCAL THEATRE, which will be presented for eight performances as their inaugural show at Landmark’s new permanent home, Theater 33 (533 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94012, between Mason and Powell). All eight performances will take place between November 12 – 15, 2021, with a gala opening on Friday, November 12 at 8:00 p.m.  

ALL TOGETHER NOW! was created by Timothy Allen McDonald, Gerry McIntyre, Racky Plews, Jeff Calhoun and John Prignano on behalf of one of the largest theatrical licensing companies in the world,  Music Theatre International, as a benefit for schools and companies worldwide to celebrate the return to live theatre. Landmark’s production will be directed and staged by Jon Rosen and Meredith Fox, with music and vocal direction by Christopher Hewitt. All tickets are only $10.00 and are available now at LandmarkMusicals.com.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this marvelous revue of musical theatre to the stage at our new permanent location, Theater 33,” said artistic director Jon Rosen. “Having a place we can call home for at least the next five years has been a dream for our company, and we are thrilled to be able to share this weekend of exciting music with over 3,000 other theater companies around the globe who will be presenting their own versions of this revue all on the same weekend. Our 2021-2022 season got off to an exciting start with our current production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (still running thru November 7 at the Children’s Creativity Museum), but we can’t wait to do our first production at Theatre 33.” Rosen noted that in the coming weeks, Landmark will have season subscription tickets on sale for their three 2022 productions, including the Bay Area premiere of John Kander and Fred Ebb’s marvelous (and rarely seen) musical about dance marathons, STEEL PIER. STEEL PIER will be followed by the wonderful family musical YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, and a surprise summer production to-be-announced in January 2022. Regarding the summer production, Rosen mentioned that “our closing show is a remarkable addition which has been unavailable for performing in San Francisco due to rights conflicts for several years, but now that it is available, it is the perfect show to close our season!”

ABOUT ALL TOGETHER NOW!

Music Theatre International, one of the largest licensing agencies of musical theatre in the world, has collaborated with over fifty composers and lyricists to assemble this most remarkable revue. MTI’s President and CEO, Drew Cohen stated, “MTI’s ALL TOGETHER NOW! is about bringing people back to the theatre, whether as audience members or cast, crew and musicians. The revue features songs from the world’s most iconic musicals, so there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. Our goal with this worldwide event is for organizations to provide hope, inspiration and excitement to their communities through the transformative power of musical theatre.”

Landmark’s production of ALL TOGETHER NOW! features 16 songs from MTI’s catalog including Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, LES MISERABLES, SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, MY FAIR LADY, RENT and many more!  

Landmark is dedicating this production to the memory of Leslie Bricusse, lyricist of two of the songs in the show, who passed away at age 90 less than a month before the scheduled production of ALL TOGETHER NOW! Bricusse wrote songs for many movies and musicals during his long illustrious career, both on his own and with a variety of acclaimed composer/collaborators including the incomparable Anthony Newley (“Pure Imagination” from the Newley-Bricusse collaboration CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is included in Landmark’s ALL TOGETHER NOW!), Frank Wildhorn (“This is the Moment” from the Wildhorn-Bricusse musical JEKYLL AND HYDE is also included), as well as Henry Mancini and John Williams. THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT, THE SMELL OF THE CROWD, another Newley-Bricusse collaboration, was a featured production of Landmark Musical Theatre’s 2017 season garnering a Theatre Bay Area award nomination for songstress Juanita Harris for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

The adult ensemble of Landmark Musical Theatre’s ALL TOGETHER NOW! consists of Bekah Broas, Geoffrey Colton, Matt and Jen Coogan, Erika Coyne, Michaela Donofrio, McKay Elwood, Liz Jassin, Ryan Liu, Willow Mae and Jepoy Ramos. Curtis Pollard joins the group in a special appearance as Edna Turnblad in the song “You Can’t Stop The Beat” from the musical HAIRSPRAY. William Rhea will appear as a swing, substituting for Mr. Elwood in two performances. 

Ms. Broas, Mr. Colton, Mr. Ramos, Mr. Pollard and Mr. Rhea are currently appearing in Landmark’s THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at the Creativity Theater through November 7. Colton was previously seen as Cladwell B. Cladwell in Landmark’s 2020 production of URINETOWN (Landmark’s last production before closing for 20 months due to the pandemic). Rhea was The Man In Chair in Landmark’s 2019 production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Ramos was a member of the ensemble in Landmark’s 2018 incarnation of the satirical revue TOMFOOLERY.

The youth ensemble includes Nyara Afshar, Lilia Bernstein, Charlotte Curtin and Emma Curtin, Kelsey Dougherty, Camden Greathouseand Rowen Weeramanthy. Ms. Dougherty made her San Francisco stage debut with Landmark in the 2019 production of EVITA.

ALL TOGETHER NOW! will open on Friday, November 12, 2021, at 8:00 p.m., with a Gala Celebration after the performance on stage at Theatre 33. Subsequent performances are: Saturday, November 13 at 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Sunday, November 14 at 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Monday, November 15 at 8:00 p.m. Due to licensing restrictions, there are no other performances planned for this special production.

The running time for ALL TOGETHER NOW! is approximately 75 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. All tickets are $10.00 and those purchased from Landmark’s website include a $5 concession voucher which can be redeemed at the theatre’s own concession stand for wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, tea and snacks, and can also be used at 533 Sutter’s full bar on the first floor. Tickets are available now at LandmarkMusicals.com.

Landmark Musical Theatre’s 2021-2022 season will continue with STEEL PIER (February 12 – March 27, 2022), YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (May 21 – June 26, 2022), and a surprise summer 2022 production to-be-announced. Tickets for the remaining performances in Landmark’s 2021-2022 season will be available for purchase on their website starting Monday, November 1, 2021.

Landmark Musical Theatre plans to follow all city, state and federal health mandates throughout the season to reduce risk and protect the health of both actors and audience.  At the current time, audience members either need to provide proof of vaccination or a recent (within 72 hours) Covid-free test at the time of attending a performance, and all audience members must be masked indoors, especially while sitting in their seats unless they are drinking or eating. All regulations will be closely monitored, and policies will be updated as the situation with the virus evolves. For up-to-date information on Landmark Musical Theatre’s COVID-19 protocols, please visit landmarkmusicals.com/covid-19-protocols.

ABOUT LANDMARK MUSICAL THEATRE

Landmark Musical Theatre is entering its seventh season in 2021, following its enforced 20-month hiatus due to Covid-19 after closing its most recent production, URINETOWN, in early March 2020. Formed in the summer of 2015 after bringing its Santa Clara production of the satirical musical TOMFOOLERY (based on the hilarious words and music of Tom Lehrer) to the Eureka (now the Gateway) Theatre, Landmark has produced shows such as THE BOY FROM OZ (Bay area premiere), EVITA, HAIR (TBA winner, Best Choreography Tier 3), and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE at several San Francisco venues, including the Shelton Theater, the Exit Theatre, and the Great Star Theater. Landmark is thrilled to finally have “a place of its own” in Theater 33 at 533 Sutter Street between Mason and Powell.

South Bay Musical Theatre (SBMT) is pleased to announce the complete cast and creative team for COMPANY, the Tony® winning musical comedy by Stephen Sondheim, with book by George Furth. The show will return to the Saratoga Civic Theater for the first time since it debuted there in 1999. COMPANY will be directed by Vinh G. Nguyen, with choreography by Michael Saenz, music direction by Joseph Kelly, and vocal direction by Anita Carey. COMPANY performs from January 29 – February 19, 2022 at the Saratoga Civic Theater (13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070), with a press opening on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. First-nighters are invited to stay for a champagne toast following the performance. Evening shows start at 8 p.m. while matinees (Sundays and the closing Saturday) start at 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $24 - $54. There are $2 discounts for seniors 65 years or older, and $24 tickets for students and children. Tickets may be purchased online at www.SouthBayMT.com or by calling (408) 266-4734.
 
“We are honored to present COMPANY as a tribute to Sondheim's incredible influence and lasting legacy,” said Executive Director Sara K. Dean. “COMPANY was groundbreaking when it premiered in 1971, altering forever the traditional style of musical theatre. The story is still relevant today, especially after our time 'together apart', examining relationships in a society becoming increasingly isolated.”
 
From the late, great Stephen Sondheim, musical theatre’s most renowned composer, COMPANY is largely regarded as a trailblazer of the dark-comedy, modern-musical genre and winner of six Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Lyrics, and Best Book (by George Furth). Originally debuting on Broadway 50 years ago—and now back in a reimagined revival that is running concurrently with the SBMT production—COMPANY is a mature, intelligent, and touchingly funny look at relationships, vulnerability, and “being alive.” The show features many of Sondheim’s best-known, award-winning songs, including “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” “The Ladies Who Lunch,” “Side by Side by Side,” and the title song.
 
The cast of COMPANY includes Vince Ricco as “Robert,” Emily Acosta as “Sarah,” Benjamin Hatch as “Harry,” Kimberly Kay as “Susan,” Justin Kerekes as “Peter,” Amy Elizabeth Young as “Jenny,” James M. Jones as “David,” Sarah Thermond as “Amy,” Ted Sclavos as “Paul,” Grace Colón as “Joanne,” Michael Paul Hirsch as “Larry,” Lauren Jiang as “April,” Chlöe Angst as “Marta,” Francesca Cipponeri as “Kathy,” and Lauren Berling, Cordelia Larsen, Leo Lopez, Don Nguyen, and Alison Starr as Understudies.
 
In addition to Mr. Nguyen, Mr. Saenz, Mr. Kelly, and Ms. Carey, the creative team for COMPANY includes Christopher Morton (Stage Manager), Y. Sharon Peng (Costume, Hair and Makeup Designer), Ed Hunter (Lighting Designer), Patricia Bilello (Props Designer), Brett Carlson (Set Designer), Angela Yeung and Dan Singletary (Co-Sound Designers), Trishla Dedhia, Anastasia Helfinstein, and Braden Taylor (Assistant State Managers), Stacy Levin (Intimacy Director), Dave Leon (Casting Consultant), Doug Hughes (Marketing Director), Laura Millar (Dramaturg), Patti Reed (Production Manager), and Sara K. Dean (Producer).

SBMT’s 2021-2022 season will continue with an original Valentine’s Eve concert called BROADWAY IN LOVE (February 13, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.), concluding with the timeless classic ON THE TOWN (May 14 - June 4, 2022). More information is available at www.SouthBayMT.com
 
About South Bay Musical Theatre

South Bay Musical Theatre, formerly known as the Saratoga Drama Group, was founded in 1963 and is now in its 59th year of entertaining Bay Area audiences as a non-profit organization. For more information or to obtain tickets online, visit their website at www.SouthBayMT.com.