Thursday, December 12, 2024

One-Man Nutcracker


                                                                      Chris Davis

Chris Davis is appearing in the One-Man Nutcracker at Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake, 302 Hicks Street,  through December 29, 2024. He performs to Tchaikovsky’s  well- known music narrated by Severin Blake.  As audience members enter the théâtre, each one is given a long-stemmed rose  and told that it will become part of the show. Once everyone is seated, Chris Davis appears in white ballet slippers and tights and a black jacket with tails. He demands applause from the audience and when it isn’t loud enough for his liking, he raises his arms to increase the volume until the sound is quite high. He abruptly cuts it off and turns to face the hanging sheet-like screen behind him and begins conducting the music. He performs on both sides of this sheet; when behind it, he produces a huge shadow.  He gives new meaning to dancing with two left feet. You must see the show for yourself to discover  the secret. The show is absolutely magical. Chris interacts with the audience throughout the program and the audience is always engaged. Asking the audience if they would like to see magic tricks, he has everyone chant, ” Magic, Magic, Magic” and he disappears behind the sheet to do a shadow trick. When the audience isn’t quite satisfied, he comes to speak to the audience again and tells them they know what to they must do. Again, the audience chants ,   "Magic, Magic, Magic.”   I must confess I was caught up in the moment and found myself chanting as well. Chris dons a tutu for the dance of the sugar plum fairies; he implements a swordfight between the mouse king  and the  toy soldiers and tells interesting tales behind some of the darker history of the original Nutcracker. For a finale he implores the audience to show their appreciation by throwing their roses on the stage. Amid much laughter, everyone in the audience does so.  This is 60 minutes of pure joy. Chris Davis has given us a true holiday gift. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ .


Tuesday, December 10, 2024

MJ The Musical


                                                                         Ensemble

The smash-hit musical MJ, centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, will debut in Philadelphia at the Academy of Music from January  8  - 19, 2025.  This presentation is part of the 2024-25 Broadway season.  Jordon Markus will make his debut in the title role beginning December 31.  Jamaal Fields-Green departs to take over the title role in London’s West end.  Jordon Marks is very familiar with the role, having played the role of MJ twice a week as the MJ Alternate  since August 2024.  Michael Jackson’s unique artistry comes to Philadelphia in MJ , the multiple Tony Award winning musical centered on the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.  The musical offers a rare look at the creative mind that propelled Michael Jackson into legendary status. It focuses on Michael Jackson’s talent, displaying his one-of a -kind music and dance moves . The creative team features Tony and Emmy Award-winning designers. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893 1999 or visiting online at www.ensembesartsphilly.org . In-person tickets can be purchased daily from 10:00  am -  6:00  pm. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S .Broad Street. 


Saturday, December 7, 2024

The Play That Goes Wrong

                                                    Justin Jain, Ian Merril Peakes, Scott Greer
 

Everything is right in 1812 Production’s of The Play That Goes Wrong  being presented at Plays and Players Theater , 1714 Delancey Street through December 29th.  This remarkable play-within – a play and its all-star cast featuring Melanie Cottin, Rain Diaz, Michael Doherty, Scott Greer, Anthony Lawton, Ian Merril Peakes,  and Karen Peakes is helmed by  director Jennifer Childs. The set-up is marvelous- Cornley Drama Society is about to produce a 1920’s murder mystery-The Murder at Evesham Manor. If something could go wrong with the Society’s production, it does. In a madcap manner, pieces of the set deteriorate and fall apart. Florence Collymoore, portrayed  by  Karen Peakes is the fiancé of the murdered Charles Haversham ( Ian Merril Peakes) After professing love for Charle’s brother , Cecil, (Justin Jain ) she tries to run from the room, but falls and hits her head. She is replaced by understudy Melanie Cotton who appears onstage  reading lines from a script. After Florence recovers, the two fight for the role.   While an inspector searches for clues, Cecil is  also mysteriously murdered; a  supporting leg is torn off the study upstairs while Thomas Collymore (Scott Greer) and Inspector Carter ( Anthony Lawton) are sitting there; and the elevator malfunctions. Rain Diaz adds another layer to the hilarity with his management of the sound and lightboard.   This is a must-see production. You will laugh throughout the entire play. For more information and tickets,  visit the website at  1812productions.org .