



The Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s landmark building is acquired by the not-forprofit Palm Beach Playhouse, Inc.
The 28,000-squarefoot theatre is renovated and re-named in recognition of major benefactors Milton and Tamar Maltz.
The Maltz Jupiter Theatre opens as a 554-seat regional theatre.
BY KELLEY MARCELLUS
Audiences at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre are preparing for an entertaining ride aboard one of history’s most iconic trains with the season-opening production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express October 29 to November 12. The stage adaptation by Ken Ludwig takes a humor-peppered suspenseful look back to a time of glamorous travel and calls on the fantasy and mystery that shrouds the real-life luxury train.
“The Orient Express experience lives up to legend,” says Andrew Kato, Producing Artistic Director at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. A group of thirty Maltz Jupiter Theatre patrons had the opportunity to travel on a modern-day rendition of the iconic train on an excursion through the British countryside to Highclere Castle (home of Downton Abbey) as part of a special curated trip to London the Theatre does bi-annually.
“It’s an historic and beautiful train,” Kato says. “The restoration of it is absolutely incredible, down to every detail.” The train they rode is a renovated incarnation of the original, which today operates by the name of Simplon Orient Express. It features white-glove service, intricate woodwork, mosaic floors, sterling silverware and fine china. “We enjoyed a brunch of caviar over poached eggs, and people
Andrew Kato joins the Theatre’s staff as Producing Director, becoming the Theatre’s Artistic Director the following year.
dressed in formalwear on board to help set the mood,” Kato recalls.
Early travelers didn’t share exactly the same experience as Kato since the Orient Express, though glamorous from the start in 1876, didn’t have a dining car until 1909. The train was the brainchild of Georges Nagelmackers, a Belgian who dreamed of luxurious sleeping cars that would connect the European and Asian continents. At its launch, his company was called Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lit and was a contemporary of the Pullman train cars well-known in the United States.
The Theatre builds world-class facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts.
The train was soon nicknamed the Orient Express by newspapers nodding to the terminal cities of its route: Paris and Istanbul.
Beginning with just four sleeping cars and a luggage car, the Orient Express became popular among the well-heeled. Kings and presidents chose it for their travels, leaving entertaining stories of their eccentricities aboard as they passed through many of the most well-known cities in Europe where Nagelmackers opened grand hotels to provide dining opportunities and accommodations. Smithsonian Magazine shares some of these stories in “True History of the Orient Express,” an article written by David Zax that includes tales of King Ferdinand of Bulgaria locking himself in a bathroom to hide from imagined assassins and later demanding to drive the train himself, while the French President Paul Deschanel lost his position after famously falling from the train during an overnight trip.
The Orient Express became the backdrop for Agatha Christie’s 1934 novel the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s production is based on, inspired by an incident in 1929 when the train became stranded in the snow for five days outside of Istanbul. Authors, television producers, and filmmakers have leaned on
The Theatre receives a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fund grant and Roy A. Hunt Foundation grant to create the Emerging Artists Series (EAS) in Musical Theatre Playwriting.
the train’s history for inspiration and settings. The 1930s were the Orient Express’ heyday, with new dining and lounge cars introduced. Sleeping cars were redecorated with Art Deco details including René Lalique glasswork and interiors by decorator René Prou. Bram Stoker’s Dracula featured a ride on the famous train, as did the James Bond novel From Russia with Love, leaning into the Orient Express’ reputation as “the train of spies.” Englishman Robert Baden Powell, posing as a butterfly collector, rode the train with insect sketches that proved valuable to the British and Italian navy during the first World War—a tradition that continued through the Cold War with spies from both sides of the Iron Curtain making use of its transport. The train even makes a dramatic appearance in this year’s latest addition to the popular Tom Cruz film series with Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One.
Through the decades, the Orient Express saw service interrupted and rerouted with the changing tides of political and business climates. Through all its incarnations, however, the Orient Express has remained true to its founder’s vision as something out of the ordinary. Don’t miss its next stop at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre.
The Theatre develops the new musical Academy for the 2009 New York Musical Theatre Festival.
BY KIM COZORT KAY
The Goldner Conservatory hosted ghouls and fairy tale characters for our 2023 summer production camps. The Senior Conservatory students (Grades 8-12) presented the musical The Addam’s Family on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s mainstage in June. Twenty-nine campers rehearsed for three weeks doing scene work, choreography, and vocal preparation. Mia Langbert, a student at Jupiter High School served as the costume designer for this “ghoulishly funny” production! The musical was a smash hit and all three performances played to capacity!
In July, the Junior Conservatory Campers, (Grades 3-7) introduced us to the musical Ever Happily After, A Musical Fairytale. Thirty-seven campers told the musical tale of some very famous fairy tale legends that have grown up and now have established careers: Pinocchio is a beauty pageant director; Sleeping Beauty is a health nut with her own energy drink; Gretel is a baker and chocolatier; and Rapunzel is a renowned hair stylist. The whimsical list goes on and on!
The hip music made this production completely charming - no pun intended! Students worked to create new takes on well-known characters, incorporated contemporary dance moves and learned a brand-new musical score - all in three weeks!
The Theatre creates its first Youth Artists Chair summer mentorship program.
I was proud to be able to partner with my husband, Kenneth Kay, on both these summer productions. Ken is an award-winning director, teacher and actor and together we have worked on 90 projects over the last 34 years. We fully understand what theatre can do for a life, a soul, and a heart.
Our one-week campers enjoyed themed camps, such as: Pirates and Princesses, Castles and Caves, Space Camp, Mystery Spy Camp. Other camps included a week-long dance intensive and stage combat, which focused on hand-to-hand and weaponry use with an emphasis on “safety first!” These camps were so popular, that the staff had to continue to add slots for new students to participate.
The Goldner Conservatory takes pride that all our production camps, classes and workshops are guided by experienced theatre professionals. This sets the education that we provide at the Conservatory apart from other programs. Our talented staff, when they aren’t teaching at the Conservatory, remain committed and active in the theatre and film arena, auditioning, acting, and informing others about the magical and rewarding craft of the performance arts.
Under Managing Director, Tricia Trimble’s leadership, the Theatre embarks on a fundraising campaign to secure a $10 million endowment.
BY: ANDREW KATO
Education plays a paramount role in our mission, especially when schools face budget cuts in their arts programs. Understanding the importance of fostering creative thinkers, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s Goldner Conservatory provides an important outlet for our local children to explore their dreams.
With the successful completion of our 8,600 square foot expansion, the Goldner Conservatory will, once again, have a permanent home in our
Theatre completes a $2.5 million expansion and renovation to create The Green Room Club Level Lounge and seating area.
facilities. The state-of-the-art design of our studios and classrooms and their strategic placement on the third floor of our new building, offers students unprecedented access to industry professionals. The close proximity of the Conservatory to our Broadwayscaled stage, the 199-seat Second Space, and the three-story Production Center further increases opportunities for students, creating a unique environment for artistic growth that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
The Theatre’s scene shop expands into a new state-of-theart, 15,000 square foot production center in West Palm Beach.
BY ANDREW KATO
Beginning in May 2023, as our last season was wrapping up on our 659-seat MainStage, work was underway to complete the 199-seat Second Space. Our Costume Shop and the production support areas (including five new dressing rooms) required to run both theatres. The impressive Costume Shop, scheduled to open at the beginning of November, is housed on the second floor of the Production Center’s three-story glass structure and will be the work area for the creative team members that build our production’s wardrobe.
The other major addition to our facility houses the technically advanced flexible seating area named “The Island Theatre” after a major anonymous donor, who resides on Jupiter Island contributed $3 million toward the project. Construction will continue on this structure throughout our 2023/24 Season with a completion date set for May 2025.
Despite the build-out work that still needs to be realized, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre staff is putting the final touches on the programming process so they can announce an expanded 2024/25 Season this January.
So, what’s up next? Many of you are aware that arts programs are the first things to be cut when schools are facing budget constraints. We feel it is critical to ensure that all children have access to express themselves through art. Therefore it falls to not-for-profits like the Maltz Jupiter Theatre to create these opportunities. We have allocated 8,600 square feet to our building with
The Theatre announces the Believe Capital Campaign, an ambitious $32 million renovation of its facilities.
the hope of accepting hundreds of students weekly to our building. We wish to begin this final phase of our building next summer. But we need your help. If you would like to know more about how we can accomplish this meaningful initiative, please contact our senior staff. It’s a big beautiful dream we’d love to share with you.
and expanded.
BY NORA MINICHINO
In 2019, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre embarked on an extraordinary journey, commissioning the original production of “Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors.” Little did we know that this venture would evolve into a nationwide sensation, captivating audiences with its blend of humor and chills. Fast forward to today, and this remarkable adaptation recently made its offBroadway debut, cementing its status as a must-see production.
The show’s origins can be traced back to the creative vision of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s Andrew Kato, Producing Artistic Director and Chief Executive. In early 2019, Kato, inspired by previous adaptations of Bram Stoker’s classic tale, conceptualized a small-cast, comedic version of “Dracula.” He enlisted the expertise of Stage Director and Theater/Television Writer,
Gordon Greenberg. Greenberg embraced the concept, signed on as the show’s director and coauthor, and brought in the talented Steve Rosen to join the project.
OFF-BROADWAY PRODUCTION, NEW WORLD STAGES
The Theatre launches the ARC New Works Theatre Festival.
The Maltz Jupiter Theatre took a bold step by commissioning Greenberg and Rosen to write the script, underwrite a New York reading and produce a one-week workshop dedicated to the development of the show. All the hard work and creative energy poured into the project culminated in a full-scale production of “Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors” during the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s 2019/20 season.
Since then, “Dracula” has continued to spread its unique blend of humor and horror, thrilling audiences at the Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany and the Segal Centre for Performing Arts in Montreal. In addition to its off-Broadway debut, the show has also been announced as part of The Old Globe Theatre’s 2024 season, a significant achievement for a show that originated in our local regional theater. Rosen says “I look most forward to the idea that for the foreseeable future we get the vicarious thrill of helping people forget about the horrors happening outside the theatre for 90 minutes and give them a chance to laugh at the “horrors” we’ve created inside it.
“Act I” of the Believe Campaign is completed in the summer of 2019, expanding the Theatre’s parking lot and adding infrastructure for future buildout phases.
BY DEJA GAMBLE
This Holiday Season catch the magical retelling of Charles Dickens masterpiece, A Christmas Carol This reimagined concept of Dickens’ tale utilizes fantastical illusions and special effects to showcase the holiday spirit for the whole family. As you travel along the path of Scrooge’s life, embark on a journey through the winter wonderland display of our Holiday Communi-Trees charity event!
Twenty not-for-profits are joining forces to raise awareness and funds for their unique causes. By way of our generous sponsors, Roe Green and the Roe Green Foundation, Tampa General Hospital/ USF Health, and Sweet Endings Desserts, each nonprofit will decorate a Frasier fir in the style of their mission statement and spread holiday cheer through the halls of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre! The public is encouraged to vote on their favorite tree and the organization who receives the most votes at the end of the event will be awarded a $5,000 prize. Each decorated tree will also be available to purchase
Major demolition work begins in winter 2020 and “Acts II and III” of the Believe Campaign begin to take shape.
through a silent auction with all proceeds going to that organization.
The kickoff party for Holiday Communi-Trees will be held on November 27th and is by invitation
The newly renovated and expanded Maltz Jupiter Theatre celebrates its Grand Reopening Season.
only. Come warm your heart with the sight of the Communi-Trees and celebrate the magic of A Christmas Carol at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. This special holiday production and charity event will run, November 28th - December 10th!
Participating not-for-profits: Mandel Jewish Community Center, Furry Friends, Chasin’ a Dream,
Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Lighthouse Art Center, Lighthouse Museum. El Sol Community Center, Edna Runner Tutorial Center, Compass. Adopt a Family of Palm Beach, Inc., Quantum House, Boys and Girls Club of Martin County, Jupiter Chamber of Commerce, Jupiter Tequesta Athletic Association, Cultural Council, Little Smiles, Meals on Wheels, Flagler Museum and Armory Art Center.
Where did you grow up?
Queens, New York
Where did you attend school?
New York Institute of Technology/ BFA in Computer Graphics and Illustration and a Bachelor Degree in Art Education
Describe your personal career journey and how you joined the MJT family.
I was a NYC high school art teacher before I relocated to Florida in 2002 with my family. We moved to help my husband who was a quadriplegic get some relief from the cold as it was causing him terrible neurogenic pain, and getting around in the snow in a wheelchair was problematic. I joined the Martin County School District and taught art at the elementary school level, taught private art lessons, and worked as a personal bookkeeper for a prominent family in Palm Beach. My daughter, Emily attended the Goldner Conservatory for 10 years and was a scholarship recipient. I volunteered painting sets and helping in the conservatory office at the Theatre for about 10 years. In 2017, I received a phone call from Andrew Kato about a job opportunity at the Theatre. I knew this was my chance to pay it forward. I accepted the position of Development Events and Special Projects Manager, planning and executing our Annual Gala and Circle of Friends events. In May of this year, I was promoted to Director of Development.
What are you most excited about as you take on this new role as Director of Development?
Having the opportunity to make an impact on the
2023
Construction begins to finish outfitting the 199-seat second space.
community and paying forward the opportunities afforded my daughter by the generous donors here at the Theatre. They made a difference in our lives and I hope to do the same for others
What are you most passionate about?
My family, my dogs, my friendships, and art. They are everything to me.
What brings you the most joy?
Helping others. I am a helper by nature and just knowing that I may have made someone’s day a little easier and brighter brings me a lot of joy.
Best advice you would give to someone that wanted a career in the Arts?
As an artist: Follow your passion, and remember that artists have a very important purpose in this world. It’s the artist that creates the stories that invoke thought and emotion. As a Director of Development who came in as an artist, my advice would be: Get your foot in the door, be present, listen, learn, be helpful, think outside the box, collaborate, do your best, take on challenges, learn from your mistakes, be persistent and by doing all of that and then some, more opportunity will be available to you.
The expanded Goldner Conservatory and some additional new features of the building will open in the coming years.
“There is a refined beauty to this production of A Christmas Carol that I want to honor with the magic and effects. We start at the story and make sure each moment feels like it comes out of the story naturally, but is also spectacular. How can the parts that make up Scrooges world form the ghosts that haunt him? How can we create an uncanny mix of delight and fear? These questions are driving our creative process. Get ready to expect the unexpected!”
RIW RAKKULCHON (Set Designer)
“The question to always ask is: “what is the story and meaning of the piece?” I often start by looking at art from a period - if there is one. In this case 1800s England. Often this gives us context of the time, emotional quality, and the circumstance of the people. After looking through several pieces, I focus on the main character and always ask “what and why?” What happened prior to meeting this character that informs their personality, and why they act the way they do (i.e. religion, societal norms, etc.). One key moment of this piece is that it is a ghost story. How does one create a space that supports that? I researched a lot into images of the industrial revolution, specifically the idea of greed…which killed Marley and sets us up for Scrooge’s journey. The steel structures are left unfinished creating the ability [for the audience] to see through elements.”
“I’m finding endless avenues to escape and play through these harmonies and melodies that I’ve known my whole life. When you’ve got music inside you that deep, and with so many associations, you intuitively find literally endless pathways through it that lead you to the most expected places, all of which feel touched by something richly beyond human understanding. It’s an honor to share this journey with you.”
GEORGE HORROCKS (Special Effects)
“Incorporating atmospheric effects in our production not only solidifies the setting and period of this Dickens’ classic but also transports our audience to the heart of Christmastime in London. A gentle haze gradually envelops the stage, conjuring the ambiance of a blustery winter’s day in Victorian London. A rolling fog blankets the scene as Scrooge and a spectral companion soar above the city, casting an eerie aura over their supernatural encounter. The mist intensifies as we journey to the cemetery, unveiling the final resting place of ol’ Ebenezer and accompanying him through the last phases of his transformative odyssey. Without revealing too much, we conclude the show on a high note, uniting the audience with a wintry spectacle to remember.”
“For us, our concept formed from the idea of taking big risks for big reward. We want to show the timelessness of the story by highlighting the duality of how money- and today, technology- can pull people away from the light and joy to be found in connecting with your fellow man. Visually this duality is represented through the classic Dickensian clothing on the characters rooted in reality versus the fantastical larger than life style of the ghosts. You can also see this in the contrast between Scrooge, whose costumes are devoid of color, and the vibrant and joyful color palette found in the Carolers. By pulling from the roots of why we celebrate the holiday season, we hope to bring people across all backgrounds together and remind us all what is truly important.”
JOSE SANTIAGO (Lighting Designer)
“I want this production to feel rooted in the ghost story that it truly is, filled with magical moments and in the end, brings an openness and warmth to Scrooge’s journey. The lighting will have strong angles and use of shadows to help elevate the ghost story. It will also have moments of levity and warmth as Scrooge navigates memories of his past and visions of the present.”
BY: DIANE D’AMICO
Born Carol Joan Klein on February 9, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, her early life was immersed in the vibrant sounds of the city. Her love for music was evident from a tender age when she began playing the piano at four years old. As a young teenager, her musical gifts helped her navigate the insecurities
remarkable career that would redefine the landscape of popular music.
King’s journey to stardom began as a songwriter where she wrote many popular songs for a variety of artists. When she married Gerry Goffin in August of
In 1971, Carole King released her landmark album, “Tapestry.” This masterpiece catapulted her from behind-the-scenes songwriter to a celebrated performer in her own right. “Tapestry” not only showcased King’s distinctive, soulful voice but also
her remarkable songwriting skills. Hits like “It’s Too Late,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” and “Natural Woman” resonated deeply with listeners, becoming anthems for a generation. It earned King four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year for “You’ve Got a Friend.” The album’s enduring popularity earned its place in the pantheon of classic records, with over 25 million copies sold worldwide.
The inspiration behind one of Carole King’s most beloved songs, “Beautiful,” is a fascinating part of her creative journey. Her heartfelt lyrics and evocative melody not only became a smash hit but also serves as a poignant reflection of her remarkable career This iconic song, which is the title track of the jukebox musical, is based on her journey from schoolgirl to superstar, born out of personal experiences and emotions. It tells the story of a challenging period in King’s life, reflecting on the complexity of her relationship with her then-husband, Gerry Goffin, exposing the bittersweet essence of their creative partnership, as well as, their close friendship and playful rivalry with fellow song-writing duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.
King’s impact on popular culture is immeasurable, with her compositions becoming an integral part of countless films, television shows, and stage productions. In recognition of her exceptional career, Carole King was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2013. These honors underscore her enduring influence on the music industry and her status as a true music legend.
Beyond the awards and accolades, Carole King’s celebrated success lies in the profound emotional connection she has forged with audiences worldwide and the beauty of heartfelt storytelling through song. King’s life, marked by her prolific writing, chart-topping hits, and enduring influence on music
will forever leave an indelible mark on the industry. But It is undeniably the hearts of her fans that will ensure that her legacy will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.
BY: ANDREW KATO
BY:
As the Maltz Jupiter Theatre begins its 20th Anniversary successfully transitioning back into a state-of-the art multimillion dollar regional theatre, the leadership torch gently passed from Scott Seeley to Dr. Alceste Pappas in July as the organization began its fiscal year.
Dr. Pappas, who has been on the Theatre’s Board for five years and chaired the ongoing Strategic Planning Committee for many of them, has become the sixth leader of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s Board of Directors. She brings her love of the arts combined with her over 40-years of experience in governance; policy analysis, organizational transformation; change management; data analytics and benchmarking to her new position. Alceste has served as a member of fifteen other Boards such as Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, YWCA of the City of New York, and Merola Opera Program to name a few.
Her wide range of credentials is deeply rooted in education beginning with her impressive degrees including an A.B. in History (with honors) from the University of California, Berkeley; a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Harvard University; and a Ph.D. in the Financing of Higher Education from the University of California, Berkeley. Her business resume is equally strong. In 1979, she joined KPMG Peat Marwick with the charge to develop firm-wide capability in the delivery of governance, strategic planning, organization, budgeting and consulting services to colleges, universities and non-profit organizations. In 1984, she was the first woman admitted to the partnership in the consulting practice of the New York City office. In 1992, she founded the Pappas Consulting Group Inc., a wholly woman owned firm dedicated to the provision of consulting services to the education and non-profit sectors where she continues to provide services to universities and the nonprofits across the country.
Alceste’s first name is a clear representation of who she is at her core. While her parents were expecting her, they engaged in a Saturday afternoon ritual which was listening to WQXR’s Metropolitan Opera Broadcast. They were so taken with Gluck’s music and the main character, Alcestis, and “her” story in Greek mythology that she was named after the princess.
Her father, an aeronautical engineer, was a member of the Young Men’s Symphony in New York City and was the first violinist. Dr. Pappas was introduced to opera at a very early age and continued her love of the art form with her husband, Sylvan Endich, attending
Saturday matinees for years at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. She also studied classical ballet from age four through high school and was a member of various graduate school choruses. Following in the footsteps of her parents who were avid Broadway theatre-goers, she and her husband have been blessed to attend performances on the West End and Broadway.
Managing a Board of 32 members and the ongoing plans of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, including the completion of the 199-seat Second Space and fundraising for the 8,600 square-foot Education Center that will be home to the Goldner Conservatory, requires a strong leader. Reflecting on the work ahead Alceste confides “I look forward to ensuring that our current milestone year celebrates the vision of our founders, Milton and Tamar Maltz, as well as honoring the Board’s continued commitment to being a world-class producing theatre in an ever-changing and growing demographic environment.”
Understanding the importance of arts education for children, Dr. Pappas looks forward to “completing a successful capital campaign to expand the Theatre’s ability to engage both our youth and adults of all ages to experience performing arts at their own pace with professional staff as mentors and teachers.”
Described by others as caring, respectful, kind, communicative, generous, and supportive are qualities that allow Alceste to “partner with executive leadership and boards to provide meaningful, strategic solutions for the good of the order. I have worked in organizations behemoth and boutique.”
With the demanding schedule she continues to manage, what does Dr. Pappas do in her spare time? She enjoys international travel and is an avid photographer of people and landscapes.
Alceste, and her husband are global travelers, visiting every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Among their most meaningful personal experiences over the years have been in Africa, where they started the first pre-school for three to five year olds in Vinho, Mozambique, a community on the border of Gorongosa National Park where hundreds of Mozambican families work to support on-going rebuilding and restoration efforts on behalf of their country.
As the old adage says, “if you want something done, ask the busiest person you know for help.”
We did.
The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is one of Florida’s preeminent, not-for-profit professional theatres, whose mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire our community. The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is recognized as the state’s largest award-winning regional theatres and completed a $42 million renovation in 2022, transforming the corner of Indiantown Road and A1A in Jupiter. A capital campaign is underway to complete the Final Act of the 62,000 square foot facility. The plans include a 199-seat second space theatre, an expansion of the Goldner Conservatory to increase enrollment for arts education, and a 40-seat dining experience to complete the final phase. The Theatre draws 100,000 patrons annually, serving a subscription base of 7,000.
-