20/21 SEASON - TAKE 2!
The Tony-nominated Broadway star (Chaplin: The Musical, Beetlejuice, Mrs. Doubtfire) brings his witty cabaret, with James Sampliner on keys and Maggie Lakis.
Rob McClure in Smile
May 4–8, 2021
Rob McClure comes to us directly from playing the title role in the Broadway production of Mrs. Doubtfire, which is on hiatus but will return when curtains rise again in NYC. Rob received Tony, Drama League, Astaire, and Outer Critics nominations and won Theatre World and Clive Barnes awards for his performance in Chaplin: The Musical. Other Broadway appearances include Beetlejuice, Something Rotten!, Noises Off, Honeymoon in Vegas, I’m Not Rappaport and Avenue Q. Delaware Theatre Company audiences have seen Rob in The Story of My Life. He also received a Helen Hayes nomination for his performance in the Avenue Q national tour. Particularly active in the Philadelphia theater scene, Rob has worked with the Arden Theatre Company (A Funny Thing…, The Flea and the Professor), The Walnut Street (Amadeus, The Producers) and many more, winning him two Barrymore Awards for Best Actor. Recent TV credits include CBS’s Person of Interest, Elementary, and The Good Fight. Rob brings his witty cabaret Smile to DTC, accompanied by James Sampliner, a highly regarded music director, orchestrator, arranger and composer in the New York theatrical community and beyond, on keys, and featuring the powerhouse vocals of Broadway/regional performer Maggie Lakis.
Taylor Rodriguez in A Tribute to the King
May 11–15, 2021
The 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner and star of Million Dollar Quartet takes us on a journey invoking memories of the past.
From the moment he takes the stage, Taylor Rodriguez captivates the crowd with his deeply rooted passion for entertaining. Whether he’s performing a tribute to his idol Elvis Presley, gospel and rockabilly music, classic country songs, or popular hits from the past and the present, his unique voice and intriguing stage presence allows the audience to unwind and enjoy his natural and pleasing manner. Through his quiet and calm demeanor, Taylor takes the audience on a musical journey while invoking memories of days past. He hails from Lynchburg, Virginia, and has had the honor of performing in many musical productions including the Million Dollar Quartet, in which he starred as Elvis Presley. In 2017 he was named one of the top five Elvis tribute artists in the world. In June of 2019, he was crowned the 2019 Tupelo Elvis Festival Champion. Taylor was also named the 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion by Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE). He won a grand prize of $20,000 and a contract with EPE.
Harry Hamlin in Icarus, the Sun and the Limelight
May 18–22, 2021
Written in collaboration with Joshua Ravetch, co-creator of Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking.
Having garnered a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Motion Picture Acting Debut” in the musical comedy Movie, it is no wonder that Harry Hamlin has been steadily working in television, film, and stage for three decades. He appeared on AMC’s Mad Men, for which he earned an Emmy nomination, recurred on Showtime’s Shameless as well as USA Network’s medical drama Rush, and made guest appearances on the likes of Mom, Glee, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. When not acting, Harry’s doing his part to save the environment and is at the forefront of fusion energy as founder of TAE Technologies. Harry followed wife Lisa Rinna’s lead as a participant on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, for which they also completed a nationwide tour. They next united in the Broadway revival of Chicago as Billy Flynn and Roxie Hart, and starred in their very own TV Land reality series Harry Loves Lisa that coincided with the launch of his Scribner memoir, Full Frontal Nudity. Harry received an additional three consecutive Golden Globe nominations for his memorable role on Steven Bochco’s L.A. Law. On the big screen, Harry appeared as Perseus in the cult favorite Clash of the Titans with Sir Lawrence Olivier, in the groundbreaking Making Love, about a gay relationship in the early ’80s, and The Fourth Noble Truth, which took home honors at the Sonoma International Film Festival. Most recently he portrayed newsman Tom Brokaw in National Geographic’s The Hot Zone: Anthrax. Harry received a bachelor of arts degree in drama from Yale University, followed by a master of fine arts in acting from The American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. He also received accolades for his star turn in the Los Angeles production of One November Yankee, which he later reprised for DTC audiences.
This fast-paced, thought-provoking Off-Broadway production blends satire and theater to skewer cultural hypocrisy with a clever, intelligent edge. Ages 13+
Robert Dubac draws on decades of showbiz experience as a writer, actor and stand-up comic to create solo shows that explore social mores, political ideas and the complexity of the human experience. The Book of Moron has been lauded nationwide as the kind of razor-sharp satire desperately needed to awaken our world from its catastrophic dumbing down. It’s the definitive remedy for truth in a world that runs on hype and spin. This fast-paced, thought-provoking production blends satire and theater to skewer cultural hypocrisy with a clever, intelligent edge. Bob belongs to a rare breed of humorists who make comedy smart and tragedy funny. Using humor that is both intelligent and absurd, he dissects culture with a jaundiced and probing eye. His characters boggle our minds with rapid-fire satire while simultaneously crafting a simple story that binds us together.
Robert Dubac in The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?
June 9-12, 2021
This show nudges the battle of the sexes towards a humorous détente, cleverly combining theater and stand-up comedy that is provocative and insightful. Ages 13+
Robert Dubac has an unmatched ability to combine the boisterous laughter of stand-up with the staggering thrill of live theater fills seats everywhere—nothing like this can be seen on TV. This original tour-de-force, The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?, nudges the battle of the sexes towards a humorous détente, cleverly combining theater and stand-up comedy that is provocative and insightful. It has become a worldwide phenomenon, having been translated into dozens of languages and performed in just as many countries. Working behind the scenes, Bob co-wrote and directed the avant-garde solo show, H@ppyville, starring Dave Shirley. He directed the Off-Broadway production of Man 1, Bank 0, and produced and directed the premiere performance of ¡Satiristas! at The Actor’s Gang in LA. He found significant success in the mainstream entertainment industry as well.
This irreverent satire takes on the hypocrisy of modern-day evangelism, shining a light on false prophets, duplicitous politicians, and immoral sheeple. Ages 13+
Robert Dubac in Stand-Up Jesus
June 13, 2021
Eschewing drama in the pursuit of humor, Robert Dubac constantly tours with his solo shows as a one-man repertory company. A supremely skilled performer who challenges convention, he brings audiences to new heights, pulling our emotional strings with biting wit, profound insight and humor of the highest caliber. His irreverent satire Stand-Up Jesus takes on the hypocrisy of modern-day evangelism, shining a light on false prophets, duplicitous politicians and immoral sheeple. Bob studied acting under the tutelage of the late Sanford Meisner. He appeared in many feature films, including Too Hip for the Room, Stitches, Innocent Obsession, and The Rookie. His TV credits range from sitcoms like Growing Pains and Diff’rent Strokes to drama, such as Life Goes On and Jack and Mike. He even worked in the melodramatic style of ABC’s soap opera, Loving. Before all this, Bob toured as a stand-up comic and opening act to the royalty of rock ’n’ roll.
John Manzari
June 15–19, 2021
A multifaceted artist, John Manzari is best known for tap dancing. He is an Ovation Award and Helen Hayes Award nominated performer, teacher, and choreographer. Stage credits include 42nd Street, The Wiz is 40: A Celebration in Dance and Music, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, and Apollo Club Harlem. DTC audiences enjoyed John’s dancing, with his brother Leo, in Maurice Hines: Tappin’ Thru Life. Television credits include The View, the PBS special Michael Feinstein at the Rainbow Room, The Jerry Lewis Telethon and the season seven finale of So You Think You Can Dance. Concerts include “A Little Old, A Little New” at Birdland and Jacob’s Pillow. John can be seen in the short film Slip and the documentary about his mentor, titled Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back. He returns to DTC to explore the relationship between music and dance.
This cleverly curated cabaret salutes Judy Garland with music from The Wizard of Oz, Easter Parade, and Judy Live at Carnegie Hall.
Jenna Pastuszek in Get Happy!
June 22–26, 2021
This isn’t a traditional Judy Garland tribute—there will be no impersonation here. Instead, the cleverly curated playlist of classics and forgotten gems will leave Judy fans and Judy novices alike tapping their feet and laughing as Jenna Pastuszek reveals the true story of how she created this show. Jenna pays homage to one of her favorite divas with music from The Wizard of Oz, Easter Parade, Judy Live at Carnegie Hall, Judy at The Palace, The Judy Garland Show, and more. Now based in New York City, Jenna is originally from Swarthmore. She has appeared in DTC’s Honk!, Diner, Because of Winn Dixie, Burt & Me, and South Pacific. Other local credits include Winter Wonderettes (Walnut Street Theatre), Side Show (Media Theatre), The Last Five Years (Eagle Theatre) and Catch Me if You Can (Eagle Theatre). She also proudly sings with Jeff Coon and The Summer Club. Select NYC credits: Smile (Musicals Tonight!), Single (NYMF), The Incredible Fox Sisters (New Ohio Theatre), Joey & Ron (The Players Theatre) and Days of Rage (GR42). A graduate of NYU and UVA, Jenna doubles as a teaching artist as the co-founder of Innovative Voice Studio. “Forget your troubles” and join us for a wonderful time!
Jen Childs and Scott Greer celebrate famous (and infamous) double acts through the ages. With tributes to everyone from Abbott & Costello to Nichols & May to George Jones & Tammy Wynette, this evening of music and comedy follows two soon-to-be empty-nesters as they try to find their next act.
Jen Childs & Scott Greer in Double Trouble
July 7–8, 2021
JENNIFER CHILDS is the Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director of 1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s All-Comedy Theater Company. For 1812 she has created over twenty original works of comedic theater including The Carols, It’s My Party: The Women and Comedy Project and the annual political humor show This is the Week That Is. Her solo shows I Will Not Go Gently and Why I’m Scared of Dance have been performed across the country (including here at DTC!). She is a three-time Barrymore award winner including the F. Otto Haas Award for an Emerging Theatre Artist.
SCOTT GREER is a 28-year veteran of Philadelphia theatre, and has worked for 1812, the Arden, Walnut, InterAct, PTC, Wilma, People's Light, Theatre Exile, Lantern Theatre Company Act II, and many more. Regionally, he has worked for Milwaukee Rep, Gulfshore Playhouse, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Round House, Cape May Stage, and the Pearl Theatre in New York. He has won six Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre including the prestigious F. Otto Haas Award for an Emerging Theatre Artist. He was named “Best Theatre Talent” by Philadelphia Magazine.
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Musician and composer Jonathan Whitney’s band features acclaimed singers Jea Street, Jr. and Nadjah Nicole, performing with storyteller TAHIRA.
The Whitney Project in A Celebration of Black Joy
July 13–17, 2021
The Whitney Project is a jazz band assembled by drummer and composer Jonathan W. Whitney. The show features acclaimed singers Jea Street, Jr., and Nadjah Nicole (finalist on The Voice) and is executive produced by storyteller TAHIRA. Through storytelling and music, it celebrates the joy that can be found in the lives of people of color throughout their history in America. The joy found at churches, BBQs, weddings, births, chance meetings on the street, within children at play and, yes, even going home services, has served as Black America’s greatest protest. A native Delawarean, Jonathan has his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Delaware and a master’s in jazz studies from the University of the Arts. He received the Delaware Division of the Arts Established Artist Fellowship for Jazz Composition in 2020 and has collaborated with artists from around the region including Lili Añel, Melomanie, Pieces of a Dream Dance Theater and Eunice LaFate to name a few. He is artist-in-residence at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, where he focuses on jazz composition, performance and using music to build community. Jonathan released his debut album Life’s Dimensions in fall 2020.
Tony Braithwaite in Me, My Mic, and I
July 27–31, 2021
The three-time Barrymore award winner combines stand-up comedy, impressions, storytelling and improvisation in his hilarious one-man show.
Tony Braithwaite, a three-time Barrymore award winner, combines stand-up comedy, impressions, storytelling and improvisation in his hilarious one-man show. He originally hails from Bala Cynwyd, where he grew up entertaining his parents’ party guests and perfecting his impersonations of Johnny Carson and Katherine Hepburn. Perhaps it is thanks to these early influences that he is commonly recognized as not only a performer, but a true entertainer. A master of all ceremonies, a nod to generations past with the sharp, acerbic wit of today’s greatest satirists. A jack-of-all-trades, Tony has talents that extend far beyond the stage. His leadership can be seen behind the scenes as the artistic director of Act II Playhouse and the director of dramatics at his beloved alma mater, St. Joseph’s Prep, a post he has held proudly for more than 20 years.
Fostina Dixon in 5 Women
August 6-7, 2021
This musical/revue, inspired by Nina Simone's "Four Women," tells the stories of strong, successful women of color who overcome racial and gender discrimination.
Inspired by Nina Simone’s song “Four Women,” this revue features the stories and music of five successful, creative women of color who stand strong to overcome racial and gender discrimination and mental challenges. Instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, arranger, lyricist, actress and teacher Fostina Dixon is the artistic director. She plays soprano, alto and baritone saxes, as well as flute and clarinet. A native of Wilmington, she studied with the late Boysie Lowery. As a young woodwind instrumentalist, she played for the Delaware All-State Band and toured Europe with the American Young Symphonic Orchestra. Fostina performed in the Musical Theatre Works production of All Girl Band, the Playwrights Horizon production Jazz Is a Lady and at the Women’s International Film Festival in New York City. As a saxophonist, she has performed with Cab Calloway, Nancy Wilson, Bobby Vinton, Prince and Marvin Gaye (with whom she toured for four years), to name a few. Fostina’s group “Winds of Change” has performed nationally and internationally. Her recent CDs Vertical Alignment and Get on the Floor have made the Jazz and Soul/R&B charts. Fostina is the 2021 recipient of the Established Performance Award by the Delaware Division of the Arts. 5 Women features Fostina as lead artist and saxophonist; Jan Jeffries on African percussion; and Barbara Mills, Brenda Smith and Patricia Hancock Rogers on vocals. Dennis Fortune is the musical director and Cynthia Eaton is the business administrator.
Sponsored in Part by:
This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com
