ACTOR JP DUNPHY HAS A BUSY SUMMER AT MEDIA THEATRE

ACTOR  JP DUNPHY  HAS  A  BUSY SUMMER  AT MEDIA THEATRE

JP Dunphy, who has appeared in The Media Theatre productions of “Annie” and “The Who’s Tommy” this past season, will add his enthusiastic and personable personality to “Delco Idol Junior” this summer. As the emcee of the five-week competition, Dunphy will work with youth ages 7-13 as they sing their hearts out for a packed audience on Delaware County’s only professional music theatre stage. The competition takes place Sunday nights at 7pm July 10-August 7.

Dunphy, who was  a top five Idol contestant four years ago, will also be seen in the role of Benny in Media Theatre’s summer production “Rent, School Edition”.   He is the summer’s guest artist, which is a position in which a professional actor works with the youth enrolled in the camp to educate them as they perform together. In Spring of 2010, he performed in the theatre's mainstage Broadway Series production of "Rent". He said, "I know the show inside and out and look forward to bringing my knowledge of the piece to add to the experience for the youth this summer."

“Rent, School Edition” is the youth version of Jonathon Larson’s popular Broadway musical which focuses on a group of friends struggling to survive in the 1980’s. Songs include “Seasons of Love” and “One Song Glory”. The show has been edited a bit for youth performers, although the subject matter remains the same. The Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline directs the production, with Tom Fosnocht, Resident Music Director. The musical is on stage July 15 to August 7 with performances on Fridays at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm.

Dunphy’s advice for both the Idol contestants and the cast of “Rent, School Edition” is, as he says, to ‘have a good time and be yourself. The truth you bring on the stage will be what the audience remembers.’

For tickets to either “Delco Idol Junior” or “Rent, School Edition” call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

Pictured: Actor JP Dunphy, who will emcee "Delco Idol Jr" and appear in "Rent" this summer at Media Theatre.