Broadway Blockbusters will be presenting “American Fantasy: A Tribute to Hollywood’s Greatest Musicals” at Flushing Town Hall this summer as a way to raise money for charity.
In this musical, which is being directed by Andrew Joseph Koslosky, the history of Broadway is given, in addition to pieces of classic Hollywood musicals. It will be done through song and dance, including ones that featured Fred Astaire and Judy Garland.
“It’s a marvelous way to introduce children to the arts as well as the history,” said Koslosky. About the show, he added, “I get to sing the greatest songs ever written.”
Productions from early Hollywood classics all the way up to 20th century musicals will be featured during “American Fantasy.” “Hello Dolly,” “The Sound of Music,” “Casablanca” and “The Wizard of Oz” are some of the performances the audience can look forward to.
“I look for the sense of happiness, wonder and elevation that music brings out in people and performers,” said Clyde Bullard, associate producer. “It’s an epiphany when music is played right, scenes are done right and they create wonder, fantasy and transport people from the realities and hardships of life.”
The show, which has taken eight weeks to prepare, will have about 20 children from the community performing in it and a band that consists of acoustic piano, guitar, bass and drums.
Bullard, Ayodele Maakheru, Jennifer Jules, Brian Woodruff, Cecilia Vaicels and Koslosky are some of the professional performers who will also be in the production. Patrick White is the musical director and Kevin Wallace is the choreographer.
The staff and adult performers help the children along the way and show them what it’s like to work in theater.
“This show give kids a chance to shine,” said Maakheru.
There will be a guest star appearance by Queens Courier publisher Victoria Schneps-Yunis as Dolly in “Hello Dolly.”
Proceeds of the show will benefit The Josephine Foundation, which is a not-for-profit organization that was started in 2002 in remembrance of Josephine Koslosky, a strong arts supporter. The foundation funds programs in the arts for all ages and all of its proceeds go to scholarships or charity.
The Josephine Foundation holds an annual gala around Mother’s Day. There, they decide on different ways to raise money for the foundation, like holding silent auctions and doing summer shows as programs. The musical is an annual summer event.
The Josephine Foundation’s mission is to show people how to use the arts without it hurting their pockets. It also provides affordable theater for senior citizens and provides their transportation to the shows. All of the groups come from Queens. They also help very talented people take the next step in theater.
“It’s a way to give back and find a way to fund the Josephine Foundation,” Koslosky, founder of the Josephine Foundation, said about the annual musical.
Performances will be held at 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 5 and Thursday, August 12, which is VIP night. They will also be held at 8 p.m. on Fridays, July 30, August 6 and August 13 and Saturdays, July 31, August 7 and August 14. On Sundays, August 1 and August 8 shows will be held at 2 p.m.
Reserve seats are $20. VIP box seats are $30. Senior citizens pay $15. Reserve tickets online at www.thejosephinefoundation.org
THE QUEENS COURIER/Photo by Alisha McLean
The staff and performers of the musical gather together for a picture at Flushing Town Hall.
THE QUEENS COURIER/Photos Courtesy Diane Lettieri
Actors rehearse for “American Fantasy: A Tribute to Hollywood’s Greatest Musicals,” which will open at Flushing Town Hall Friday, July 30.
