The Delaware All-State Theatre and its inaugural production of LES MISERABLES SCHOOL EDITION was performed at the legendary DuPont Theatre over two weekends in June of 2008.
What exactly is the story behind creating the Delaware All-State Theatre (sm)Program?
Jeffrey Santoro and Lisa Nowicki first developed the plan to create a Delaware All-State Theatre (sm) Program while they worked together (as Director/Producer) on a very successful 2005 production of Les Misérables School Edition with theSanford Repertory Theatre Company (in Hockessin, Delaware). Many meetings with area theatre producers, directors, drama teachers, technicians, and actors were scheduled throughout the rest of the year into 2006 to gauge the level of interest for launching a statewide (even regional) all-student theatre program.
Following this, the right kind of theatre partner needed to be secured. After several pitch sessions with the General Manager of The DuPont Theatre, an Agreement was finalized. We wanted to give students the chance to "act" on a professional stage whereby many of the biggest names in show business have performed. Having a theatre group, such as DuPont, on board gives students a win-win opportunity.
In early 2007, J. Alexander Productions, LLC was formed with Jeffrey Santoro filling the role of Managing Director. The Delaware All-State Theatre (sm) Program was announced in May via this website.
Since announcing this new and exciting venture for the Delaware area, hundreds of kids, teens, and teachers have expressed great enthusiasum for mounting a Delaware All-State Theatre (sm)Program.
We are glad to be the independent theatre producer for this all-student event.
If you would like to join our team, please don't hesitate to fill out our volunteer form by clicking here.
Center Stage at The DuPont Theatre
Why The DuPont Theatre?
There was no question that if an All-State Theatre program was going to happen for Delaware, a partnership with The DuPont Theatre had to occur. The DuPont Theatre is the exclusive venue for all National Broadway Touring shows for this area, and without question, the perfect place to give students from across the State a professional theatrical experience... and at NO COST to any participant. The DuPont Theatre is the perfect backdrop for a different level of education... one that will make a lasting impression for all of those involved.
Luckily for J. Alexander Productions and the many kids and teens who will be working on the Delaware All-State Theatre (sm) Program, a multi-year Agreement was established.
In partnership with the legendary DuPont Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware, J. Alexander Productions will produce a large-scale musical each June on their famous Victorian TheatreHouse stage using kids and teens from across the State of Delaware (and immediate surrounding area).
J. Alexander is a unique theatrical producing company in the fact that:
* only Broadway musicals will be produced. * only elementary, middle, and high school student performers will be cast in the shows (playing all of the roles including those normally performed by adult actors). * everyone involved gets to work with a professional production team and crew with years of stage and screen experience. * throughout the rehearsal/production process, "celebrity guest" will perform FREE workshops for the students giving them a major opportunity to learn from working actors and behind-the-scenes professionals (not to mention be given the chance to ask questions one-on-one). * finally, each actor will have the distinct honor to perform on the same stage as Legends from Stage and Screen (including Orson Wells, George M. Cohan, Lillian Gish, Helen Hayes, John Barrymore, Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Walter Matthau, Victor Borge, Rosalind Russell, George C. Scott, Robert Redford, Bette Davis, Patty Duke, John Davidson, Tim Conway, Roddy McDowell, Nell Carter, Maurice Hines, Christopher Plummer, Julie Andrews, Rosie O'Donnell, Renee Taylor, Joe Bologna, Lainie Kazan, Tommy Tune, Morgan Fairchild, Stephanie Powers, James Earl Jones, and Leslie Uggams... just to name a few).
To find out more information about our current production, click here.
