Press Club of Dallas Names Michael A. Jenkins 2014 Newsmaker of the Year
Press Club of Dallas Names Michael A. Jenkins 2014 Newsmaker of the Year
Dallas, TX…The Press Club of Dallas will present the 2014 Newsmaker of the Year Award to Michael A. Jenkins celebrating his international reputation as a theatre visionary, Dallas Summer Musicals producer, world-wide theme park developer, and Broadway impresario. This exciting evening of music and tributes brings together theatre legends, friends and colleagues to pay homage to Jenkins’ vigorous, creative leadership as DSM enters its 75th year of entertaining Dallas with extraordinary musical theatre.
The Tribute gala will be held at the Music Hall at Fair Park Thursday, November 13 starting at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event, featuring performances by such Broadway stars as Cathy Rigby and Rachel York, are officially sold out.
Belo Distinguished Chair in Journalism at Southern Methodist University Tony Pederson, immediate past president of the Press Club, said, “The Press Club of Dallas is pleased to honor Michael A. Jenkins as Newsmaker of the Year 2014 for his outstanding and lifelong contributions to the performing arts, his leadership of Dallas Summer Musicals, and his award-winning producing ability. Michael has brought national acclaim through his dedication to philanthropy and education of young people in the arts, and for serving as an exemplary citizen of the City of Dallas.”
Press Club of Dallas committee members are thrilled with the generous support received for the November 13th “Playbills, Popcorn and the Press” fundraiser. KLUV Radio’s Jody Dean will emcee the gala and tributes are expected from such dignitaries as Baylor College President Judge Kenneth Starr. Honorary Chairmen are Chuck and Cindy Gummer, and Pat Porter is chairing the event.
Underwriters for the event are The Ruth C. and Charles S. Sharp Foundation, Inc., Ruth and Ken Altshuler, and Cindy and Chuck Gummer, honorary chairs. Donors include Joel and Diane Allison, The Bartner Family Foundation, Lucy and Henry Billingsley, Gene and Kathryne Bishop, The Bozman Family, Mrs. Sis Carr, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dr. Gary and Sheila Cook, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cooper, Dolorie and Paul Corley, Cottrell Foundation, Peggy Dear, Earth Day Texas, Dr. Jack and Deb Graham, Rick and Donna Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Ron W. Haddock, Dr. and Mrs. O.S. Hawkins, Andy Horner, Caroline Rose Hunt, Dr. Robert and Amy Jeffress, Gemey and Mickey Kaliff, Mark and Patty Lavvorn, Sara and David Martineau, Dr. and Mrs. John McCoy, Jr., Lester and Cynthia Melnick, Jim and Barbara Moroney, William H. Pitt Foundation, Jack Pogue, Marjorie Purnell, Billie Leigh Rippey, Ken and Marilyn Sandstad, Carol and Don Spies, and Steve and Sandy Watson.
The Michael A. Jenkins Tribute Host Committee members are Cindy and Chuck Gummer, Honorary Chairs; Joel and Diane Allison; Ed and Donna Bratton; Dr. Gary and Sheila Cook; Dr. and Mrs. Ken Cooper; Paul and Dolorie Corley; Dr. Jack and Deb Graham; Dr. O.S. and Susie Hawkins; Andy Horner; Dr. Robert and Amy Jeffress; Mark and Patty Lovvorn; Steve and Jennifer Metzger; Jim and Barbara Moroney; Jack Pogue; Rick and Susan Rogers; Ken Sanstead; Carol and Don Spies; Judge Ken and Alice Starr; and Steve and Sandy Watson.
The Tribute committee members are Pat Porter, Chair; April Bosworth (Events and Florals); Cindy and Chuck Gummer; Phyllis Hammond; Jo Ann Holt; Paulette Hopkins; Wendy Jenkins; Brian Mayes; Liz Oliphant; Tony Pederson; and Sandy Watson.
The mission and purpose of the Press Club of Dallas is to initiate, promote, foster and provide for cultural, literary, educational and social activities and undertakings in the field of journalism and related professions.
Chartered by the state of Texas in 1951, the Club received its nonprofit 501 (c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service in 2012.
The Club has a tradition of service to its members and the community through its longstanding programs, including providing college scholarships to aspiring journalists. Four North Texas students are currently receiving scholarships.
In addition to scholarships, the Club offers networking and professional development opportunities through programs and workshops, forums on news-making topics, book signings and actively supports the First Amendment and the public’s right to know. The Club helps the public understand the historic and current roles of journalism and its emerging and evolving forms of delivery.
The Press Club has members from all major news media in North Texas plus professionals in advertising, public relations, corporate communications and various genres of digital media. The Press Club’s goal is to support truth, trust and transparency in journalism and all communications.
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Media Contact: Jo Ann Holt
joannholt@gmail.com or 469-363-7371
Broadway Leading Lady Rachel York to Star as Cruella De Vil in “The 101 Dalmatians Musical”
Jo Ann Holt, Publicist
joannholt[at]gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
York Signs on as the Villainous Lead in First National Stage Production Of One of the Most Popular Stories of All Time; National Tour Starts Oct. 13 Special engagement for Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park December 2-20, 2009
Dallas, TX…August 25, 2009 – Drama Desk Award® Winner Rachel York has joined the cast of the highly anticipated national stage production of The 101 Dalmatians Musical, based on the 1956 classic story written by Dodie Smith. Announced today by Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions, Troika General Management and international producer Luis Alvarez, York joins an impressive creative team in the starring role as the sinister Cruella de Vil, notorious for kidnapping Dalmatian puppies for their distinctive spots, in a one-of-a-kind musical adventure for the entire family about what it means to be a family, canine and courageous. York makes her debut in The 101 Dalmatians Musical when the North American tour kicks off at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis on October 13, 2009.
Best known for her critically acclaimed Broadway performances in City of Angels, Les Misérables, Victor/Victoria (Drama Desk Award®) with Dame Julie Andrews, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sly Fox, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Rachel York also turned heads with her portrayal of Lucille Ball in the CBS movie, Lucy. Recently, York co-starred opposite Jeff Daniels in the world premiere of the new Broadway bound musical Turn of the Century at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.
York’s addition further builds upon the extraordinary creative team behind The 101 Dalmatians Musical including four-time Tony Award winning director Jerry Zaks (A Bronx Tale, Smokey Joe’s Café, Guys and Dolls), acclaimed bookwriter and co-lyricist BT McNicholl (Billy Elliot, Spamalot, The IT Girl), and composer and co-lyricist Dennis DeYoung, best known as the founding member of the legendary rock band STYX.
“Rachel’s high energy performances have really made her in our minds one of Broadway’s true standout leading actresses. Her versatility in both dramatic and comedic settings, as well as her powerful scene-stealing voice really offer us a Cruella that we believe will help make The 101 Dalmatians Musical a truly special theatrical event,” said Lee D. Marshall, Co-Founder of Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions.
York added, “Growing up, 101 Dalmatians was one of my favorite children’s stories and Cruella De Vil, one of my all time favorite characters. Ironic I should say, because I am a huge animal lover. It will be so much fun to bring such a fabulously dynamic villain to life. Cruella is unlimited in her treachery, and yet, you can’t help but love her. The opportunity to collaborate with the enormous talents of Jerry Zaks, Warren Carlyle, Dennis DeYoung and BT McNicholl, well, that’s just icing on the cake.”
The production follows Dalmatians spouses Pongo and Missis Pongo who are living the good life in London with their “pets” Charles and Catherine Dearly. When their 10 puppies are suddenly “dognapped” by the villainous Cruella de Vil, they summon the help of a vast network of dogs and set off to rescue their pups.
There’s a happy ending for all with laughter, mayhem and music along the way. The 101 Dalmatians Musical also stars fifteen real Dalmatians, many of which were rescued from animal shelters across the country, in a surprise grand finale that will leave audiences cheering.
Dallas Summer Musicals will present The 101 Dalmatians Musical at the Music Hall at Fair Park December 2-20, 2009. For more information about this special performance, please visit http://www.dallassummermusicals.org/. For more information about the national tour, please visit: http://www.the101dalmatiansmusical.com/.
About Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions
Magic Arts & Entertainment has been bringing hundreds of thousands of people to their feet each year throughout their 25 years in the entertainment industry. Led by business partners Lee D. Marshall and Joe Marsh, the duo began by producing David Copperfield’s first-ever tour in 1983. The partnership then grew to produce, manage, book and promote a versatile roster of live entertainment events that expanded to include such high-grossing concerts such as the North American tours for Janet Jackson, Cher, N Sync, Britney Spears, Barry Manilow, The Backstreet Boys and many others. Current tours include The Magic of David Copperfield, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, Mannheim Steamroller, and Jesus Christ Superstar staring Ted Neeley.
In 2008, Magic Arts & Entertainment was acquired by the Tix Corporation (Nasdaq: TIXC), with Marshall and Marsh assuming the roles of Co-CEO of Tix Productions, a newly-formed subsidiary of Tix Corporation.
About Troika General Management
Troika General Management has over two decades experience producing shows of all types and sizes throughout North America and the world. International venues include Russia, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Korea and Japan. Troika was most recently involved in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China with productions of The Sound of Music, 42nd Street and Chicago. Current and upcoming productions in North America include Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol, The 101 Dalmatians Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, starring Ted Neeley and Cats, running “now and forever.”
About Luis Alvarez
Luis Alvarez, the youngest theatrical producer and director in Madrid, is responsible for one of the most successful shows in Spain. 101 Dalmatians: The Musical premiered at the Wonderland Theatre in 2001. In 2002, Mr. Alvarez received an award for Best Theatrical Producer in Spain. Mr. Alvarez and 101 Dalmatians: The Musical broke all records for sponsorship deals in Spain. Kellogg’s, Kodak, Iberia, Haagen Dazs and many other well known companies sponsored the World Premier of 101 Dalmatians: The Musical.
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We are very excited about this news! She will be the best Cruella ever!
thanks,
Jo Ann
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