Innovative Young Artist’s Productions Showcases Under-20s in Les Mis at WBT

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Allan Gruet, WBT. May 25, 2005: The Westchester Broadway Theatre, in Elmsford, is presenting the first show in its new series of Young Artist’s Productions, with 3 performances of Les Miserables on Saturday, June 11, Wednesday, June 15 and Saturday, June 18.  The talented cast of actors, all under the age of twenty, have been selected from over 200 hopefuls who auditioned for this inaugural production of the Westchester Broadway Theatre’s newest program aimed at promoting live theatre for the Tri-state area’s younger performers.



Bob Funking and Bill Stutler, founders of WBT (Westchester Broadway Theatre) Westchester’s Most Innovative Producers, entertaining Mr. and Mrs. and Ms. Westchester for 30 years, are launching Young Artist’s Productions this summer, casted exclusively with young talent under 20 years of age. The premier production features Les Miserables. The two veteran empressarios talk about the concept.Photo, WPCNR Showbiz Archives 



The Young Artist’s Productions Series gives these talented performers the opportunity to appear in full-scale productions of great Broadway musicals, with full production values made possible by performing at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, New York’s longest-running, year round professional theatre.


 WBT Producer, Bill Stutler, explained that the program came about because of the consistent turnout of wonderfully talented young performers every time the theatre would hold local auditions for one of its up-coming shows.


 “I never stop being surprised at the range of talent we see among the younger actors,” he explained.  “Whenever we audition for a show that has younger kids or teens in the cast, we always have a huge turnout of very, very talented young people.  The problem is that, in most cases, we can only use a fairly small number of them in the show.”


Bill Stutler’s partner and co-producer Robert Funking agrees, adding, “It’s really frustrating to see all this talent and not be able to use them.  Sometimes, like with our current production of “Oliver” we can use more… eighteen, in fact, but most of the Broadway musicals just don’t have that many roles for kids and teens, so what can you do?”


 What Bill & Bob have done is introduce their new Young Artist’s Productions Series to tackle that very problem. The shows are cast completely with actors nineteen or younger, and they will feature performers as young as six and eight years old, when appropriate. The productions are being done to exacting professional standards, from the auditions, through the rehearsals and right up to the performances. All cast members are expected to perform under these standards. 


 “For some of these actors it’s a bit of an adjustment,” said Les Miserables Director, John Fanelli.  “Most of these kids, even the more experienced ones, haven’t had the chance to work in an Equity production or a fully professional facility like WBT.  They need to learn that the attitude has to be different from their high school plays or local community theatre group. That doesn’t mean its all ‘noses to the grindstone’ during the four week rehearsal period. There’s still the unmistakable air of fun and excitement that comes from a group of talented kids doing what they love to do.”


 “Don’t get me wrong,” Fanelli adds, “yes, it’s hard work, but they’re having a great time working like this, and there’s a wonderful camaraderie that has developed among them from knowing that they are all taking a ‘step up’ in their love of theatre by doing this show at Westchester Broadway … and it’s showing in their performances.”



Performances of this inaugural production of the Young Artist’s Series have been scheduled for a show-only matinee, Saturday, June 11, a dinner & show evening performance Wednesday, June 15 and a final show-only matinee Saturday, June 18. 


“The 3-performance schedule may change,” says Producer Stutler. “These young actors are the next generation of great performers in our area, and we want as many of our audience members as possible to see them getting their start right here. The reservations are coming in, and we’ll add more performances if necessary.”


Co-owner Bob Funking agrees. “This is a very exciting new program for theatre in Westchester, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the chance to enjoy tomorrow’s great actors today!”


 


YOUNG ARTIST’S PRODUCTIONS

“LES MISERABLES” (The School Edition)


Saturday Matinee, June 11& 18 performances are @ 1pm


Wednesday Evening June 15 – Served Dinner @ 6pm – Show @ 8pm


Call Box Office (914) 592-2222 for Information & Ticket Prices


 








 



 

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City Wins Traffic Safety Award from the ITE.

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From David Maloney, The Mayor’s Office. May 25, 2005:

The Institute of Transportation Engineers, Inc. (ITE) announced that the City of White Plains has received the 2005 Edmund R. Ricker Traffic Safety Award for an agency. The award is given to an agency/organization that has provided exemplary support for traffic safety and awareness through financial support, resource allocation, public relations, or other means.


 


“It is an honor to receive this award from the ITE. As a recent story in the New York Times noted, the City of White Plains allocates more resources to studying, monitoring, and improving traffic conditions in our community than most of the other communities in Westchester County combined. This award sends a clear signal that we are not only managing our growth effectively, but that we are becoming the standard bearer for traffic safety in Westchester County”, stated Mayor Delfino.


 


The City of White Plains will be presented with the award at an upcoming ITE Conference in summer 2005.


 

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Comprehensive Plan Committee to have Recommendations Ready June 7

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. Special to WPCNR. May 24, 2005: The Comprehensive Plan Committee met this evening and discussed a wide range of topics, including where urban renewal would start, the Lexington Avenue Corridor, revitalization of West Post Road, New York Presbyterian Hospital. It was the sense of our correspondent that the Committee is on target to present its recommendations on how the city will grow into the future June 7.

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Council to Adopt 2005-2006 Budget Wednesday Evening. Plus Commissioners Raises.

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WPCNR Common Council Chronicle-Examiner. May 24, 2005: The Common Council will meet Wednesday evening at 8 P.M. to adopt officially the 2005-2006 $129.9 Million city budget. In what has been the most secretive, quiet, and poorly publicized budget process in memory, with meetings being rescheduled frequently, and the Budget and Management Committee not even consulted on budget strategies until two weeks ago, the budget process completes tomorrow evening.  The complete agenda follows:


 



COMMON COUNCIL
AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
MAY 25, 2005
8:00 P.M.

FIRST READING
ORDINANCES:


1. Communication from Commissioner of Public Works in relation to proposed changes to the White Plains Municipal Code Water Rules and Regulations.

2. Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains amending Paragraph (A) of Section 7-8-32, entitled “Billings Generally” of the White Plains Municipal Code Water Rules and Regulations prescribed by the Commissioner of Public Works, and Paragraphs F and H of Appendix A, Section 7-8-121 of the White Plains Municipal Code, Water Rules and Regulations prescribed by the Commissioner of Public Works pertaining to revising certain water rates and charges, special meter reading and billing and connection fees.

3. Communication from Budget Director forwarding the 2005-2006 Tax Budget of the City of White Plains.

4. Ordinance amending an ordinance entitled, “An ordinance of the City of White Plains imposing taxes on sales and uses of tangible personal property and on certain services, and on occupancy of hotel rooms, admission charges and club dues, pursuant to Article 29 of the Tax Law of the State of New York” to provide for an increase in the rate of Sales and Compensating Use Taxes.

5. Ordinance amending the White Plains Municipal Code by amending Sections 2-5-76 and 2-5-77 in relation to certain elected, appointed and managerial/confidential salaries.

6. Ordinance adopting the Tax Budget for the General Fund for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of July 2005, and terminating at midnight on the thirtieth day of June 2006.

7. Ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for the Library Fund for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of July 2005, and terminating at midnight on the thirtieth day of June 2006.


8. Ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for the Self-Insurance Fund for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of July 2005, and terminating at midnight on the thirtieth day of June 2006.

9. Ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for the Water Fund for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of July 2005, and terminating at midnight on the thirtieth day of June 2006.

10. Ordinance adopting the Debt Service Budget for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of July 2005, and terminating at midnight on the thirtieth day of June 2006.


11. Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Finance to allocate a portion of the TCI Cable Franchise fees to the White Plains Cable Television Access Commission, Inc.


12. Communication from Commissioner of Finance in relation to the Special Assessment for the White Plains Downtown Business Improvement District.

13. Ordinance fixing the 2005-2006 Special Assessments for the White Plains Downtown Business Improvement District, levying and confirming said Special Assessment and ordering the issuance of a Warrant thereof.



ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:

14. Retention of consultants for environmental issues in relation to the proposed development by 97-111 Hale LLC and 100-114 Hale LLC.

15. Reallocation of funds from Rehabilitation Program.

16. Capital Projects in relation to rehabilitation of fire facilities; water system security and the pump station.

17. Entertainment of a motion to enter into executive session to discuss collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law.

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No White Smoke Emerges at YWCA. Does anyone want to run for Mayor for Dems?

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WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. By John F. Bailey with WPCNR Reporters. May 24, 2005: The Democratic City Committee met at the YWCA on North Street tonight and failed to nominate a candidate to run for Mayor against Joseph Delfino. Ron Jackson, who had stepped into the breach last week, saying he would run for Mayor, did not attend the meeting.


WPCNR interviewed Mr. Jackson this evening, and he said he has been invited to go before the Democratic City Committee Nominating Committee within the next two weeks to be considered for the Mayoral nod. He said Liz Shollenberger, Chair of the City Committee had been in touch with him to arrange his appearance. Mr. Jackson said he was attending the Comprehensive Plan Committee meeting at City Hall this evening and that is why he could not attend the Democratic “city convention.”


WPCNR’s correspondent at the meeting reports, the Democratic leadership promised they would field a candidate by June 6. The committee nominated Tom Roach, Jr., Rita Malmud and Glen Hockley to run for the three council seats.


WPCNR’s political correspondent said the leadership vowed not to “cross endorse” Mayor Delfino and promised opposition to “America’s Favorite Mayor.”

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The Paulin Report: Amy of the Assembly Launches Newsletter

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WPCNR’S THE PAULIN REPORT. From Assemblywoman Amy Paulin of the 88th. May 25, 2005:


Dear Neighbors,

This year I am proud to announce that the state budget was adopted on
time for the first time in twenty years. I have been advocating for
timely adoption of the state budget since I was elected in November,
2000 and am pleased that this reform has been accomplished.

The budget brings more money to our schools – one of my most important
priorities. I am thankful that school districts in the 88th district
will be able to plan ahead and guard against program cuts.


Our cities, towns and villages have gained as well – a total of $1.2
million above last year’s figure. I am especially gratified that I was
able to bring an additional $613,129 to New Rochelle, $540,104 to White
Plains, and $22,203 to the towns and villages.

In the six weeks left in the session, I am working on 60 new bills,
among them:

*Closing loopholes in the thirty-year-old Open Meetings Law.* My bill
would require government agencies to edit out confidential information
contained in electronically stored documents, rather than denying the
entire document, when a Freedom of Information request is made.

*Helping crime victims.* This bill arises from a Westchester case in
which a learning-disabled child was a witness in a murder trial;
traumatized by the ordeal, he needed special schooling, compensation for
which was denied. With Senator Nick Spano, I have introduced legislation
to allow the Crime Victims Board to compensate victims whose preexisting
condition has been worsened by their unintentional involvement with a
crime.* *

*Counterfeit drugs.* In the past few years, incidents in which
unscrupulous wholesalers have introduced counterfeit drugs into the
mainstream drug market have increased dramatically. Patients may receive
drugs that have been watered down or that contain inactive ingredients.
My bill, the Prescription Medication Integrity Act, will require
wholesalers doing business in New York to provide detailed background
information in their application for registration and renewal, as well
as a surety bond of $100,000. The bill will also require each
prescription drug wholesaler to establish a pedigree accounting for the
receipt and distribution of each prescription drug. The bill will also
increase penalties for violations of the provisions governing the
distribution of prescription drugs*.*

*Tuckahoe School District. *My bill would amend the real property tax
law to establish a special equalization rate for the Tuckahoe School
District. At present, Tuckahoe, Bronxville and parts of Eastchester are
assessed as one unit, an inconsistency that exists nowhere else in the
state. My bill will correct this situation, bringing additional school
aid to Tuckahoe on a yearly basis and, most important, increasing
Tuckahoe school district’s building aid by approximately $100,000 a year.

I am happy to report that the Westchester County Board of Legislators
has approved the County’s joint application with the City of New
Rochelle for state funding for the cleanup of *Davids Island, *a 78-acre
island in the Long Island Sound. For more than a year, I have met with
officials of the County, the City of New Rochelle, the Department of
Environmental Conservation, other members of the New York State
legislature, and environmental advocates to facilitate the cleanup and
restoration of the island as a public parkland.


I commend the City of  New Rochelle for its dedication to remediating Davids Island and the
County Board for taking the necessary steps to begin the remediation
process. County Legislators Thomas Abinanti, chair of the Board’s
Environment Committee, James Maisano and Vito Pinto have worked
vigorously to ensure that the County’s commitment to purchasing and
restoring the island becomes a reality.

The *Westchester Medical Center* is in a financial crisis and appeals
have been made for state help. I have just released a 26-page report
outlining the factors contributing to the Medical Center’s fiscal crisis
and recommending steps to help resolve it. Among the findings:

    * Political influence has hampered the Medical Center’s ability to
      govern itself .

    * The County’s withdrawal of financial support in 1999 strained the
      hospital’s ability to become self sustaining.

Among the recommendations:

    * The County must commit to a reasonable subsidy the Medical Center
      can count on.

    * The County must improve the Medical Center’s ability to manage
      itself.

For a copy of the report, see my web page, *Assemblywoman Amy Paulin
*

Throughout the session, I am in Albany from Monday morning through
Wednesday evening.


One of the recent reforms, for which I campaigned,
requires members to be present on the floor in order to vote; this
measure has improved our collegiality and ability to negotiate
productively.


 From Thursday through Sunday I am available to see
constituents in the district office and to attend community events – at
present, I have the pleasure of attending some ten or twelve events each
week during this time.

I look forward to keeping in touch with my constituents. If I can be of
service to you, please call my office at (914) 723-1115.


Sincerely,
Amy Paulin
Member of Assembly

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Hey! Fort Hill Players Is Doin A Show! Auditions for Don’t Drink the Water June

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Jim Brownhold. May 25, 2005: Fort Hill Players announces uditions for Woody Allen’s hilarious comedy DON’T DRINK THE WATER to be performed this fall at Rochambeau School. They couldn’t wait to get in.  Now it’s hilarious trying to get out!


It’s 1962, and the iron curtain is at large. Watch the crazy antics as an incompetent diplomat has a catastrophe dropped in his lap. American tourists suspected of being spies, a lunatic priest who thinks he’s a magician, communist agents determined to get inside the embassy, and an assistant who thinks he’s the Wright Brothers!


 


Auditions:June 14, 16    Time:  7:30 pm Rochambeau School 228 Fisher Ave, White Plains


 


Performance dates: October 14, 15, 21, 22 4-5 f, 16 m Director:  Carin Zakes Information or conflicts:  call 914 946-5143


 

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Kulk’s Clout, Younkin to MastrangeloThrowOut at Plate Sink RCK 2-1. WP Moves ON!

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. May 24, 2005: The “THWOCK” told the story.  Kelsey Kulk had gotten all of a pitch in her wheelhouse and it was launched into the gray squally skies over O’Donnell’s Bluff. It soared with majesty,  headed way way back and 10 feet over the centerfield fence for a 2-run homer. The Kulkster’s clout scored Dena Frederick ahead of her for a 2-0 Tiger lead in the first. Kulk’s pitching then made it stand up over the next  six windswept innings for a 2-1 win. A solo homer by RCK’s Amanda Vetrano was hit even farther over the left field fence in the fourth accounting for the only R. C. Ketcham run.



Kelsey Kulk Finishing Roy C. Ketcham High off in the 7th under Apocalypse Skies on Windswept Frigid O’Donnell’s Bluff. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


The only threat Ketcham had occurred in the sixth when an error and a bunt single put two on with nobody out. After an intentional pass to RCK’s big bopper, Amanda Vetrano,  there were three on and 1 out, Tigers leading 2-1. The game was in the frying pan.


 On a 1-strike pitch, Ketcham’s clean up hitter lofted a high looming pop down the right field line behind first. Christine Younkin reaching above her head hauled it in for out number one, set and threw to the plate.


 


Ketcham’s coach sent the runner from third for RCK’s one shot at the  equalizer.


Younkin uncorked a strong throw on one-bounce landing up  the first base line from the right field corner to Tiger Catcher Sandra Mastrangelo.


Sandra backhanded the ball at the plate, whirled and ran slightly up the line, having the RCK runner out by five feet and tagged her  (who did not slide)  five feet in front of the dish.


OWWWWWT!


It was a bang-bang 9-2 double play and the Kulkster was out of the inning. Kelsey set Ketcham down 1-2-3 in the seventh to carry the Tigers to their second win in Sectional Play. Kulk fanned 9, walked 1 intentionally.


Carrie Abbott returned to third base for the Tigers and played a bangup game at third firing out 3 Ketchams on two bang-bang bunts at first, and a third sparkler. Danielle Szabo was back at short, and Dena Frederick moved to left field, but were not tested as only one RCK-er got around on Kulk the whole afternoon. Only three balls were hit to the outfield.


Kulk was not as overpowering as she was against Arlington last week, but was slicing and dicing the corners neatly, throwing the exploder for the big pitch. The game was intense against a worthy and poised opponent.


The Tigers play John Jay Cross River Thursday upcounty in their next Sectional Test. Jay Jay Cross River defeated North Rockland today. In other action, John Jay East Fishkill shut out Horace Greeley 2-0, and Carmel rallied to beat Brewster 5-4.  Carmel takes on John Jay East Fishkill Thursday.



Coach Ted O’Donnell and the Tigers at their Debriefing After today’s game. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


 

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Big Break Time:Les Miserables Is 1st Young Artist’s Production at the WBT

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR From WBT’s Allan Gruet May 25, 2005: The Westchester Broadway Theatre, in Elmsford, is presenting the first show in its new series of Young Artist’s Productions, with 3 performances of Les Miserables on Saturday, June 11, Wednesday, June 15 and Saturday, June 18.

Westchester’s Most Successful and Innovative legitimate Producers the men who invented dinner theatre and entertain Mr. and Mrs. and Ms. Westchester for forty years, Bob Funking (left) and Bill Stutler of WBT (Westchester Broadway Theatre) will be giving young actors and actresses in their 20s their big break in the premier of their Young Artist’s Productions extravaganza series presenting its first production of Les Miserables in June.  Photo, WPCNR Broadway Archives.

The talented cast of actors, all under the age of twenty, have been selected from over 200 hopefuls who auditioned for this inaugural production of the Westchester Broadway Theatre’s newest program aimed at promoting live theatre for the Tri-state area’s younger performers. The Young Artist’s Productions Series gives these talented performers the opportunity to appear in full-scale productions of great Broadway musicals, with full production values made possible by performing at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, New York’s longest-running, year round professional theatre.


 WBT Producer, Bill Stutler, explained that the program came about because of the consistent turnout of wonderfully talented young performers every time the theatre would hold local auditions for one of its up-coming shows.


 “I never stop being surprised at the range of talent we see among the younger actors,” he explained.  “Whenever we audition for a show that has younger kids or teens in the cast, we always have a huge turnout of very, very talented young people.  The problem is that, in most cases, we can only use a fairly small number of them in the show.”


Bill Stutler’s partner and co-producer Robert Funking agrees, adding, “It’s really frustrating to see all this talent and not be able to use them.  Sometimes, like with our current production of “Oliver” we can use more… eighteen, in fact, but most of the Broadway musicals just don’t have that many roles for kids and teens, so what can you do?”


 What Bill & Bob have done is introduce their new Young Artist’s Productions Series to tackle that very problem. The shows are cast completely with actors nineteen or younger, and they will feature performers as young as six and eight years old, when appropriate. The productions are being done to exacting professional standards, from the auditions, through the rehearsals and right up to the performances. All cast members are expected to perform under these standards. 


 “For some of these actors it’s a bit of an adjustment,” said Les Miserables Director, John Fanelli.  “Most of these kids, even the more experienced ones, haven’t had the chance to work in an Equity production or a fully professional facility like WBT.  They need to learn that the attitude has to be different from their high school plays or local community theatre group. That doesn’t mean its all ‘noses to the grindstone’ during the four week rehearsal period. There’s still the unmistakable air of fun and excitement that comes from a group of talented kids doing what they love to do.”


 “Don’t get me wrong,” Fanelli adds, “yes, it’s hard work, but they’re having a great time working like this, and there’s a wonderful camaraderie that has developed among them from knowing that they are all taking a ‘step up’ in their love of theatre by doing this show at Westchester Broadway … and it’s showing in their performances.”


 Performances of this inaugural production of the Young Artist’s Series have been scheduled for a show-only matinee, Saturday, June 11, a dinner & show evening performance Wednesday, June 15 and a final show-only matinee Saturday, June 18. 


 “The 3-performance schedule may change,” says Producer Stutler. “These young actors are the next generation of great performers in our area, and we want as many of our audience members as possible to see them getting their start right here. The reservations are coming in, and we’ll add more performances if necessary.”


Co-owner Bob Funking agrees. “This is a very exciting new program for theatre in Westchester, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the chance to enjoy tomorrow’s great actors today!”


 


YOUNG ARTIST’S PRODUCTIONS

“LES MISERABLES” (The School Edition)


Saturday Matinee, June 11& 18 performances are @ 1pm


Wednesday Evening June 15 – Served Dinner @ 6pm – Show @ 8pm


Call Box Office (914) 592-2222 for Information & Ticket Prices








 

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NPF Starts Spring Training. Announces ESPN Deal. Intros Finch, Bustos, Wateley

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 WPCNR PRESS BOX. From National Pro Fastpitch, Chicago, Illinois May 24, 2005: National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF) President/CEO Bill Conroy and six league players, including five Olympic gold medalists such as Jennie Finch, gathered Tuesday in Chicago for a press conference to announce plans for the 2005 season which kicks off next month. Among the announcements are six teams in the league, inclusion of star-powered athletes including 11 Olympic gold medalists, expanded television coverage and an aggressive game schedule that includes international competition.


 


 



Players present at today’s press conference included Crystl Bustos (Akron Racers), Leigh Ann Ellis (New England Riptide), Jennie Finch (Comcast Chicago Bandits), Amanda Freed (Texas Thunder), Lovieanne Jung (Arizona Heat) and Natasha Watley (NY/NJ Juggernaut).


The 2005 season marks the first year the NPF League is under new ownership, which consists of an operating group of individual team owners led by Conroy.


 


The NPF League kicks off the 2005 season with six teams: Akron Racers, Arizona Heat, New England Riptide, NY/NJ Juggernaut and Texas Thunder. The Comcast Chicago Bandits, owned by Conroy, are an expansion team that captured national attention earlier this year with the signing of Olympic gold medalists Jennie Finch, Leah O’Brien-Amico, alternate Jamie Clark and Canadian Olympic pitcher Lauren Bay.


 


“The talent of the female athletes in the league combined with the strength of the teams, expanded TV coverage and a competitive schedule with international play marks an exciting time for women’s professional softball,” NPF President/CEO Bill Conroy said. “The 2005 season will focus on building game attendance, sponsorships and attracting potential team owners to the NPF.”


 


Returning teams include the NY/NJ Juggernauts who captured the first NPF Championship Series last year with a 10-1 win over the New England Riptide. The California Sunbirds will play a limited schedule in 2005 with plans to fully participate in the league again in 2006.


 


In addition to a 48-game regular season schedule, the NPF will also compete against the Australian, Canadian, Chinese, Russian and Venezuelan National teams. NPF has also opened the pool of opponents to include potential teams and owners in 2006 and beyond. The nationally recognized Stratford Brakettes already announced their plans to join the NPF in 2006. Additional teams include the Phoenix Flames, SoCal Schutt Hurricanes, Peoria Outlaws, Illinois Cougars, St. Louis Saints and the Long Island Angels.


 


ESPN Arrives! It’s Big League Now!


 


The NPF has negotiated a deal with ESPN/ESPN2 to televise the Playoffs and Championships (August 27–28). Individual teams have the rights to negotiate their own television and radio deals. The NY/NJ Juggernauts announced a deal with Regional News Network and the Chicago Bandits with Comcast to each broadcast 8 games.


 


NPF teams will be playing home games at premium softball facilities, many of which have been upgraded for the 2005 season. Teams showcasing new facilities include the Comcast Chicago Bandits (Benedictine Sports Complex) the NY/NJ Juggernauts (Hofstra University) and Texas Thunder (Big League Dreams Sports Park). Tickets are available now for the season and start at under $10 for individual games.


 


“It’s exciting to be part of the NPF and have the opportunity to play at the professional level and showcase our skills as softball players,” Jennie Finch, pitcher for the Comcast Chicago Bandits, said. “I am excited to be part of the NPF and look forward to a successful season.”


 


Players present at today’s press conference included Crystl Bustos (Akron Racers), Leigh Ann Ellis (New England Riptide), Jennie Finch (Comcast Chicago Bandits), Amanda Freed (Texas Thunder), Lovieanne Jung (Arizona Heat) and Natasha Watley (NY/NJ Juggernaut).


 


NPF players reported to spring training this week and the season kicks off June 2, with the exception of the Arizona Heat who begin their season on Thursday. For more information on the NPF, visit www.profastpitch.com.


  


The National Pro Fastpitch League is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). The NPF enters its third year as the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball.


 

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