Walden

                                       Campbell  O'Hare, Alice Yorke  & Newton Buchanan

                                           

                                            

 Interact Theatre Company is presenting the Philadelphia Premier of Walden through November 23, 2025. Set sometime in the not-too distant future, the earth is ravaged by tsunamis followed by news reports of millions of deaths, and earthquakes with comparable results. Scientists are actively trying to discover ways to colonize other habitats and “start over,” being kinder to the climate. Earth Advocates are trying to save this planet, against all odds, by returning to nature, spurning the use of electricity, and growing their own food. Campbell  O'Hare portrays Cassie, a NASA astronaut who has just returned from a moon mission and appears to visit her sister twin sister in a remote cabin. Alice Yorke beautifully  beautifully portray Stella, Cassie's twin, and the confused ex-NASA architect who isn’t sure whether to stay with her simple life or return to work with NASA. Newton Buchanan remains steadfast in his beliefs as Bryan. He is committed to his fiance Stella, but even more committed to his life as an Earth Advocate. All three actors portray believable characters and each one’s point of view presents a valid conundrum. As usual with the plays presented at InterAct, this one ends with a cliff hanger. You must buy a ticket to see this breathtaking performance.

https://ci.ovationtix.com/35072/production/1232767?performanceld=11608142

 

Macbeth

                                                      Karen Peakes -  Lady Macbeth

Lantern Theater Company is presenting William Shakespere’s Macbeth through December7, 2025, at St. Stephen’s Theater at 10^th and Ludlow Streets, Philadelphia, Pa. One of the powerful elements of the Lantern Theater Company is its ability to alter its stage at the theater. The seating is flexible. For this production, seating is on two sides of the stage only. The floor of the stage emulates tiles and barriers are built along the sides of the stage to indicate the sides of castles. Anthony Lawton is one of the most accomplished actors in the Philadelphia region. Casting Karen Peakes against him as Lady Mabeth was brilliant. The two are excellent in their roles; their voices project; you can feel their oncoming madness. Every actor is outstanding in his role as well. Frank X plays the original king who is deposed and he also plays multiple other parts. Jered McLenigan  well-plays the dual roles of McDuff. The weird sisters Rachael Brodeur, Eli Lynn and Amanda Schoonover make several appearances and are fleet of foot as they quickly disappear as the lights go out. The scene changes are numerous and are very tight. As some actors exit from one side of the stage, other actors enter from the other side. There are frequent flashes of light and accompanying sounds thanks to the superb work of Lighting Designer Shon Causer and Sound Designer Christopher Colucci. For tickets to this excellent production, call (215) 829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org.

The Tapcracker

The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble will be returning to the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad Street, for their signature production of The Tapcracker on Saturday, December 13 at 11:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm and again on Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 pm. With a cast of over 40 dancers from PA, NJ, and DE, The Lady Hoofers have developed an all tap version of the much beloved holiday classic. The Tapcracker whisks audiences to Paris, where an infestation of rats has thrown the city into chaos: toy soldiers guard the Eiffel Tower, and mice wreak havoc in the metro.
A new portable wood floor amplifies the sound of previous productions. First company dancer Mia Valeriole will premiere a new work of choreography. At all performances, refreshments, apparel, holiday gifts, and lap-themed stocking stuffers will be available for  purchase.

Tickets may be purchased at: https://the-lady-hoofers.ticketleap.com/    

 

 

Back To The Future

 

Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Organization will present the Philadelphia Premiere of Back to the Future: The Musical at the Academy of Music November 18 – 30, 2025. This production is based on the wildly successful Back to the Future film trilogy created by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. Tickets for the musical are on sale now at www.ensembleartsphilly.org.

Back to the Future: The Musical follows Marty McFly, rock ‘n’ roll teenager, who is accidently transported back in time to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean. Before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love to ensure his own existence.

The production is directed by Tony Award winner John Rando and features a multi-Tony and Oliver Award-winning design team. The musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard.

Back to the Future: The Musical has been an international success. It has been playing for four years in London’s West End. It recently premiered in Tokyo and Sidney and is slated to open in Hamburg, Germany in March 2026. How fortunate it is to have it slated for Philadelphia in November 2025 !

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org, by calling 215-893-1999, or by visiting in person at the Academy of Music Box Office (240 S. Broad Street) daily from 10:a.m. – 6:p.m. For more information, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org. Groups of 10 or more can save money by calling 215-790-5883 or  emailing  groupsales@ensembleartsphilly.org. 

Hadestown

 Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Theatre Organization are presenting the return of Hadestown, back by popular demand, from December 2- 7, 2025 at the Forrest Theatre. The winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards, including Best New Musical and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album; Hadestown invites audiences on a journey to the underworld and back. Visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org  to purchase tickets.

Hadestown was the most honored show of the 2018-2019 Broadway season. In addition to the show’s eight Tony Awards, the show has also been honored with four Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical. The Grammy winning Hadestown Original Cast Recording is now available at Hadestown.com/music.

Visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org to purchase tickets or Telecharge at 800-543-4835.

In person tickets can be purchased at the Forret Theatre Box Office, located at 114 Walnut Street, Monday thru Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Group orders may be placed by calling Broadway Inbound at 866-302-0995.

Million Dollar Quartet

                           Carl Perkin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dyanne, Johnny  Cash & Elvis Presley

The Walnut Street Theatre is presenting Million Dollar Quartet on their main stage through November 2. The Million Dollar Quartet is inspired by actual events that took place on December 4, 1956, at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. Sun Records founder, Sam Phillips (Fran Prisco), brought the group of legendary musicians together – Johnny Cash (Ken Sandberg), Jerry Lee Lewis (Brian Michael Henry), Carl Parkins (Paul Harrold), and Elvis Presley (Matteo Scammell). Elvis  brought his girfriend Dyanne (Kathryn Brunner)because she could sing.  What happens next is a “feel good” production. There is a smattering of dialogue amongst Sam and the musicians, but it is mostly  the actors taking turns singing one “50’s” hit after another – “ Blue Suede Shoes,” “Down By the Riverside,” “Hound Dog,” and See You Later Alligator“ among them. Those are only a few of the reasons to come to see this show. Jon Rossi and Steve Harding are outstanding backup to the group with drums and bass. When Ken Sandberg sings, you can close your eyes and imagine Jonny Cash on the stage. Brian Michael Henry is an outstanding Jerry Lee Lewis. Not only is he a comedic actor; he is a phenomenal piano player. AND…. The show is not over when you think it is over! For tickets, visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com or call 215-574-3550.

                   

Kimberly Akimbo

 

Ensemble Art Philly is presenting the Philadelphia Premiere of the 2023 Tony Award Winning Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo. This new musical, also the winner of four other Tony Awards and numerous other acclamations, including the Drama Desk Award and the New York Critic Circle Awards, will appear at the Academy of Music from October 21 – November 2, 2025. Kimberly is about to turn 16 and has recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this extraordinarily funny and yet hold-your-breath sad moment show, Kim must find her way through family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush, and possible felony charges. Ever an optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.

Kimberly opened on Broadway to rave reviews on November 10, 2022. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org , by calling 215-803-1999- or in person visit to the Academy of Music Box Office ( 240 S. Broad Street ) daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.

 

 

  

Lantern Theater Company is opening its theater season with a production of Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing, directed by Peter DeLaurier. Tom Stoppard’s play is a bit autobiographical as he had an affair with an actor, as his main character Henry does. Henry’s wife, Charlotte, is in the play he is writing about, and may have had an affair with Max, her lead. Henry, meanwhile, has an affair with Annie, Max’s wife. When the affairs become known, he swears undying love to Annie. There are aspects of a “play within a play” that fade in and out of Stoppard’s work. You must pay close attention, or you will wonder why certain lines of the play are repeated. The acting of all the ensemble cast members is first rate. Henry (J Hernandez) is a playwright who is dedicated to the printed word. Annie (Campbell O’Hare) is resolute, first to Henry, then to activists and their causes. Charlotte (Brett Ashley Robinson) is dedicated to several men. Brodie (Adam Howard) is dedicated to a variety of causes, and it shows through his activism), prison sentence, and poor play writing. Billy (Trevor William Fayle) is dedicated to acting well in a badly written play, as well as making an impression on Annie. Debbie (Cheyenne Parks) is dedicated to making her own way in the world with her boyfriend. There are multiple reasons to grab a ticket to see Tom Stoppard’s latest play. The Real Thing explores real themes of tastes in music, honesty, suspicion, romance, and love. The play runs through October 5, 2025, at St. Stephen’s Theater, 10^th and Ludlow Streets, Philadelphia, Pa.

 

 

 

 

            

Dogberry and Verges Are Scared

 

Michael Doherty and Will Mobley have written a new play that is directed by Matthew Decker. It has just premiered at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Entitled Dogberry and Verges Are Scared, this fantastically funny production has the audience laughing from the moment it begins until the grand finale. Loosely based on the theme of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Dogberry and Verges Are Scared is a constant comedic interplay between Dogberry (Scott Greer) and Verges (Anthony Lawton). On numerous occasions, Dogberry implores Verges not to speak. Anthony Lawton’s facial expressions in response are priceless. The conversations between the two are riddled with malapropisms, words that sound similar but have different meanings. When a messenger (Robi Hager) arrives and supplies the correct word, Verges argues and gives another meaning for the word that the messenger has supplied (which of course is similar but incorrect). Robi Hager and three other cast members have multiple roles in this delightful romp. Dogberry and Verges Are Scared can be seen through September 14, 2025 at Christ Church Neighborhood House 20 N. American Street. There are over 400 plays participating in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. You won’t enjoy anything more than Dogberry and Verges Are Scared.

The 39 Steps

                                                

                                                      Jered Mclenigan, Eli Lynn, Dave Johnson 

                                                                       & Lee Minora

Lantern Theater Company is producing Patrick Barlow’s rollicking version of an old hit, fashioned after an Afred Hitchcock movie. The 39 Steps, has the audience laughing from the very first moments when a shadowed figure behind a lit screen appears like Alred Hitchcock to the last moments that end with a twist. This fast-paced route has no let-up. Hannay (Jered McLenigan) is accused of murder early on and spends the rest of the farce trying to prove his innocence and save the world from the  mysterious 39 steps.  Lee Minora portrays both the victim of murder and Pamela , who for the most part is Hannay’s nemesis. I overheard an audience member stating that “both actresses were really good.” Let that be a testament to Ms. Minora that the audience member did not realize that she was portraying both parts. Eli Lynn and Dave Johnson play a multitude of roles to perfection. The timing is superb with costume changes sometimes nothing more than a quick switch of a hat or coat. The quicker the change, the faster the audience had a reaction with chuckles, guffaws and belly laughs heard throughout the theatre all night long. The result of each design team’s efforts was extraordinary. Nowhere more than this production does, ”It takes a village,”  ring true.  Levonne Linday was responsible for the seamless costume changes of the many minor character in the productions. While  Sound Designer Christopher Colucci produced a realistic sounding train, Projection Designer Michael Long and Scenic Designer Dirk Durosette convinced everyone in the audience that the characters might actually be traveling on one. Shon Causer’s light implied the image of a train coming down the tracks. His spotlights upon suspected criminals were hysterical. The 39 Steps has been extended through June 22 and can be seen at 923 Ludlow Street in  St. Stephen’s Church Theater. Get tickets now. You’ll laugh yourselves silly.

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Rift or White Lies

                                                         Matteo Scammell & Jered McLenigan 

InterAct Theatre Company is producing the World Premiere of   Rift or White Lies by Gabriel Jason Dean through April 27, 2025.  A  Wow factor of 10!   Based on the playwright’s true story, this creation gives audience members much to ponder as two brothers, one a progressive novelist and the other a convicted murderer and member of a white supremacist gang interact in a series of meetings in a prison cell.  Actors Jered McLenigan  and Matteo Scammell are both phenomenal while playing the roles of a hardened criminal ( “ I didn’t really do it “) and an English professor/novelist.  What is even more extraordinary is that the actors switch these diametrically opposed roles every other night. Audience members who retain their tickets can come to see the actors in the reverse roles the following evening at a discount rate.   Inside and Outside Brothers refers to Inside and Outside the prison cell.  The  “Outside Brother” ages  over the 26 -year  time span of the play by adding  a wig and changing  his dress.  The  “Inside  Brother” removes the bandages from his head and jaw.  The  “Outside Brother” has the best intentions of repairing a fractured relationship .  The  “Inside Brother”  is a very convincing con-artist.    This is a very unsettling drama as the shared trauma that unites the brothers is revealed over  time.      Q & A with the Artist will be held after the performance on the 19^th and 26th.  Q & A with Seth Rozin, the director, will be held after the 13^th and 20^th performances.

 

 

 

Dream Girls

                                      Gabriella Beckford, Khalifa White & Aveena Sawyer

Dream Girls,  which won 6 Tony awards when it premiered on Broadway in 1981,  is appearing on the Walnut Street Theatre’s main stage through May 4, 2025. It is a dynamic musical inspired by the Supremes.  With over 25  songs in the production’s two acts, it is next to impossible to keep still in your seats while listening to performances of pop, R & B, disco, and other musical genres. And the dancing… Gerry McIntyre is both director and  choreographer of Dream Girls.   The choreography is excellent  throughout the show . It becomes especially notable midway through Act 1 in  the number  “Steppin’ to the Bad Side”.  It is a great number for the men in the cast. The dance moves are eye-catching.  When Effie  White, the lead singer ( Aveena Sawyer), is delegated to a spot in the back line of the Dreamgirls, Deena Jones (Gabrielle Beckford) is happy to replace her. Khalifa White ( Lorrell Robinson ),  just happily sings along, no matter who the lead singer is. Effie is eventually replaced by Michelle (Chali Cooke), but she doesn’t go happily.   Aveena Shaw has an outstanding voice and the ability to project profound grief.  She is a masterful Dream Girl . Dustin Cross has done a phenomenal job with costume design. On three separate occasions actors changed their costumes onstage by a  flip of their shoulders. The audience reacted with applause instantaneously. Kudos also go to lighting designer  Jose Santiago  who uses many lights in a variety of ways. Dream Girls will be an enjoyable trip down memory lane for some and an exciting new adventure for others. Wherever your experience lies, be sure to get your tickets for a performance for this awesome  show. For tickets or more information, visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com or call 215-754-3550.

OVO

Created 15 years ago, the famous show OVO ( “egg” in Portuguese ) by Cirque du Soliel will be making a stop in Philadelphia with a new version. The OVO team will be presenting the new iteration of the show: a reimagined set design, new acrobatic acts, original characters with reimagined costumes and reinvented music. Comprised of100 people from 25 different countries, including 53 artists. OVO brings to the stage high-level acrobatic acts, redefining the limits of the human body. After captivating audiences in 40 countries , OVO is returning to North America and will be at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia from July 11-13,  2025. Tickets are available at  www.cirquedusoleil/OVO.

 

Beetlejuice

 

Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Organization will be presenting the return engagement of Beetlejuice.  The smash hit musical comedy will be returning by popular demand to the Academy of Music from July 29 – August 3, 2025. Tickets are on sale now for members at www.ensembleartsphilly.org  ;  tickets will be available to the general public on Friday, March 7, 2025. Based on the beloved Tim Burton film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, an unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with stripes. Beetlejuice won the Drama Desk Award for best Scenic Design and was nominated for eight Tony Awards, including Best New Musical when it opened in 2019 at Broadway’s Wintergarden Theatre.  The design team is phenomenal. Members of the design team are all multiple nominees or award winners of the Tony Awards or Drama Desk Awards.   Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1993 or visiting online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org . In-person tickets can be purchased daily from 10 a.m.- 6p.m.at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. For more information, see  www.ensembleartsphilly.org.  

Groups of 10 or more can save money! For more information, call 215-790-5883 or email at groupsales@ensembleartsphilly.org                      .

Hay Fever

 

Ensemble cast in the Bliss' home

Walnut Street Theatre is presenting Noel Coward’s Hay Fever through March 19, 2025, on its main stage. Gifted set designer Roman Tatarowicz has designed a palatial home with many exits and entrances for the actors. Hay Fever premiered in London’s West End in1925 and was a smash hit. It has had many revivals in the intervening years. Although today’s production is a bit dated, there are enough ridiculous situations presented to make the comedy down-right laughable. The first act takes place on a Saturday afternoon.  It introduces the members of the Bliss family and their plans to invite guests for the weekend. No one respects anyone else’s wishes and there is quite a bit of arguing about who should sleep in “The Japanese Room.” Act Two takes place Saturday evening. It is quite a bit more frantic, with Judith Bliss (Alicia Roper) switching men with her daughter Sorel (Anna Baily) and her son Simon Bliss, (Brandon O’Rourke), announcing an engagement to Jackie Coryton ( Ellie Mooney ) . In Act 3, guests all arise before the rest of the household and agree to escape before breakfast, leaving a tip for Clara  (Carlotte Northeast) the maid. The acting is commendable. There are a few scenes when the actors have to speak at the same time as if they were in a big argument. This is very well done.  In other scenes the actors have to keep a straight face while delivering a ridiculous line. They also  do this  well. For tickets or more information, visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster or call 215-574-3550.

& Juliet

 

Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Organization will be presenting the hit musical & Juliet  Academy of Music from March 25 - April 6, 2025 , as part of  its 2024- 25 Broadway Season. Created by the Emmy- winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical asks- What would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Juliet finds a new ending to her tale and a new  beginning to her life with a second chance at love. Her story is accompanied by a playlist of many old - time favorites of songwriter/producer  Max Martin, including “Since U Been Gone,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” & Juliet  has now been performed on four continents since its World Premiere in September 2019  at the Manchester Opera House in England. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or visiting online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org.     In-person tickets can be purchased daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street.  See www.ensembleartsphilly.org. for more information.

Quoixotic Professor Qiu

                                                              Bi Jean Ngo & Justin Jain

InterAct Theatre Company, housed  in the Proscenium Theatre at the  Drake, 302 Hicks Street, is presenting the world premiere of The Quixotic  Professor  Qiu through February 23, 2025. Though a satire, this work is based on several actual occurrences. Professor Qiu, (Justin Jain) a mathematician, has received a  small grant toward his research in prime numbers from a Chinese institute through the auspices of his childhood friend Bi Jean Ngo). Valeria. his teaching assistant, (Madeline Garcia), reading more into a dinner than a casual date with the Professor, feels spurned and turns to the FBI with wild conspiracy theories which the FBI are thrilled  to embrace. The professor embarks on a trip to China to plead with his friend to clear his name. What he discovers gob smacks him. The acting in this ensemble cast is mesmerizing. David Pica and Tamir Periasamy play multiple roles. The lighting changes orchestrated by lighting designer Lindsay Alayne Stevens are phenomenal. Following the Saturday matinees there will be discussions with cast members on the themes of the play. On February  8 , Actors Bi Jean Ngo and Madeline Garcia will be in the discussions. On February 15, Tamir Periasamy will be participating and on February 21 Playwright Damon Chua will be in the discussion. Sunday matinees will have professionals in the after-performance discussions. On Sunday, February 9, Carol Rollie Flynn, a 30- year veteran of the CIA and consultant for the Homeland TV show will participate . On February 16, Jacques de Lisles, Professor of Chinese Law, and Politics at UPenn, and on February 23, Xiaoxing Xi, Professor of Physics who was falsely painted as a spy from China by the FBI will lead the discussions. For more information or tickets to this fascinating premiere. Visit www.interacttheatre.org. 

Driving Miss Daisy

                                           Wendy Sharfman & Johnnie Hobbs Jr. & the Car

The Puitzer Prize winning Driving Miss Daisy is appearing at the Walnut Street Theatre through February 2.  It first appeared off-Broadway in 1987 and was later staged on Broadway in 2010.   Wendy Sharfman portrays Miss Daisy, an elderly Jewish woman who is having trouble adjusting to losing some of her independence. Ms. Sharfman does an excellent job illustrating how the character ages over a period of 25 years. Johnnie Hobbs Jr. portrays Hoke, the chauffeur who is hired to drive Miss Daisy wherever she needs to go.  Scott Greer portrays Boolie, Miss Daisy’s son, who hires Hoke after his mother had a near-fatal car accident. His mother sees no need for a chauffeur and Boolie serves as a go-between the two. Driving Miss Daisy is composed of several short vignettes. Thanks to the clever design of veteran Roman Tatarowicz, scene changes take place seamlessly, with sets either disappearing into the  air or gliding on and off stage on a series of tracks. The fourth character, not mentioned in the playbill but worthy of mention here, is the Car. Actually,  there are two cars over a period of 25 years. Both have  seats for Miss Daisy and her luggage in the back with seats  for Hoke to drive in the front. The car is in several vignettes as Hoke drives Miss Daisy  to get groceries, to meet lady friends in synagogue, and to put flowers  by  graves in a cemetery. During these times, the audience sees the friendship between Miss Daisy and Hoke develop and the bond between them grow.  For tickets to this marvelous production, visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org  or Ticketmmaster.com or call 215-574-3550.