By Ed Kliszus
On August 16, luminaries, guests, friends, and the press converged to pop a cork and celebrate the champagne launch of the AMT theater’s fabulous new season. The theater is new with 99 comfortable seats in a freshly designed performance space. The venue will meet and exceed the artistic visions of the many artists to grace the stage now and in the coming years.
It was exciting to be back for this auspicious occasion! I had the pleasure of recently attending the charming musical tale Adventures in Vegas, starring Andrea Bell Wolff. “Adventures in Vegas” is just one of the shows projecting the excitement and creativity possible in this new venue.
The new AMT theater at 345 West 45th Street is a neighborhood venue accessible to not only thousands of locals but to visitors from around the world. Conveniently located in the Broadway theater district in Hell’s Kitchen and just steps from Times Square, the AMT is uniquely situated to serve and enrich the lives of all who grace its spectacular theater space. The locale is just right for residents from neighboring Manhattan Plaza, MiMa, and Silver Towers.
The theater is designed in an elegant, crisp black and white theme that provides the apposite landscape for the delights of musical, dance, visual, and dramatic arts. At today’s event, many in the know wore black and white clothing while AMT served delicious black and white cookies.
AMT executive producer Joan Pelzer came to the stage for welcomes and introductions. Aptly adorned in a black and white dress, Pelzer excitedly spoke of the theater’s new life and how the theater provides premium access to performing arts for the local and regional communities.
AMT executive producer Joan Pelzer on stage welcoming everyone. Photo credit: Edward Kliszus
Pelzer introduced director Tony Sportiello who cited the many exciting upcoming productions and events. Sportiello also spoke about the theater’s history and how every detail of the new theater space was meticulously designed. He noted the theater’s elegant black and white theme, elevated seating to ensure a clear view of the stage from any angle, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and a discretely located orchestra pit above the stage.
Tony Sportiello on the AMT stage Photo credit: Edward Kliszus
Producer Al Tapper followed and spoke of his inspiration for this special neighborhood theater, the excitement of the new 10-year lease, and AMT’s mission to mentor the next generation through children’s stage performances and theater workshops. Tapper provided insights into his current musical theater production An Unbalanced Mind and heralded the theater’s location in the heart of the Broadway theater district. Moulin Rouge is just across the street! Tapper also noted the continuous and marked interest of outside organizations to rent the space for their own productions.
The AMT has something for everyone including script readings, previews, plays, musicals, and a comprehensive dramatic arts program for children. It’s all about inspiration, craft, aspirations, dedication, live music, and forward-thinking.
Al Tapper at the AMT Theater. Photo credit: Phil O’Brien
Pelzer introduced the vivacious, talented Artistic Youth Director Mary Lauren who leads the children’s programs. Lauren heralded their recent summer youth program and spoke of the 26 children who presented Shrek 2, and due to its popularity extended their sold-out run. It was delightful to see several of the AMT’s budding artists attending today’s soiree. We can expect more shows personalized for the children.
Mary Lauren, Director of Children’s Theater. Photo credit: Edward Kliszus
We were treated today to selections from one of the currently running shows An Unbalanced Mind featuring cast members Dana Abers, Brian Childers, L. R. Davidson, and Joshua Pyram.
An Unbalanced Mind is directed by Kelli Maguire with music, lyrics, and book by Al Tapper, and music direction and orchestrations by David Wolfson.
The Musicians
Ken Rizzo on bass, Greg Landes on drums, Justin Rothberg on guitar, and Noelle Rueschman on Reeds.
An Unbalanced Mind is a fabulous musical theater production with singing, dancing, and live music provided by great musicians. The show boasts marvelous costuming, choreography, lighting, and sound in a marvelous intimate theater space. The dance routines and singing in this fresh, new and original musical theater production evoked sheer joy!
L.R. Davidson in the forefront in An Unbalanced Mind. Photo credit: Edward Kliszus
Dana Aber in An Unbalanced Mind. Photo credit: Edward Kliszus
Brian Childers and Joshua Pyram in An Unbalanced Mind. Photo credit: Edward Kliszus
Theater Critic Elizabeth Ann Foster and Love Quirks Composer and Writer Seth Bisen-Hersch Photo credit: Edward Kliszus
I caught up to critic Elizabeth Ann Foster and Seth Bisen-Hersch, Author, and Composer of the new musical Love Quirks.
L-R Outside the AMT theater. General Producer Sharon Osowski, Exec Producer Joan Pelzer. Photo credit: Elizabeth Ann Foster
The AMT Theater
(917)-388-2630 info@amttheater.org 354 WEST 45TH STREET, New York, NY, 10036
For tickets click HERE or type https://amttheater.venuetix.com/.
Please click to Donate to the mission of the AMT theater, a beacon of artistic craft and creativity. Readers may also enjoy our reviews of Moulin Rouge, Plaza Suite, MJ the Musical, and The Life.
