Xanadu

Sonny and Kira

Mazeppa Productions is a young theatre company founded in 2011 by Rob Henry and Brian Seaman. This is their fourth season of attaining their goal to bring “exciting and vibrant” musical theatre to Philadelphia through inventive productions. Their main production this season is Xanadu which can be seen at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 North American Street, in the Old City section of Philadelphia, through July 26.  Zanadu is a touching musical comedy about following your dreams. The exuberance and exhilaration of the young cast is contagious. The energy that each cast member exudes electrifies the entire audience.  Young Sonny Malone, played by C.J. Celeiro, becomes depressed when he can’t formulate his artistic vision concretely. Kira, a Greek muse portrayed by Erica Nicole Rothman, mysteriously appears to inspire him. Rothman not only inspires. She sings; she skates; she dances; she scats while another taps; and she can act! This young lady is just beginning her studies as a musical theatre major but I’m sure we will be seeing a lot more of her in the future. There is a wealth of talent in this production and thanks to Costume Designer Julia Poiesz, the costumes are dazzling.  Zanadu is not just a feast for your eyes, however. It's a font of laughter as well. The audience roars when Sonny, who questions the authenticity of the Greek muses, is treated to a response of “Why do you think we speak in unison?”  The show is 90 minutes of non-stop fun. For tickets or more information, call 215-559-9602 or visit online at www.mazeppa.org.

Avenue Q

some residents of Avenue Q

Mazeppa Productions, located in Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre on 20 N. American St, Philadelphia, Pa is presenting   Avenue Q through July 27. You might miss the theatre’s location, as I did, the first go round as it is located off 2^nd Street between Market and Arch, but it is well worth driving around the block to find it. I expected to be shocked by the language of the show (I was not) . I expected to be amused. (I laughed …A LOT) What I did not expect was the talent in the cast of this fledgling theater company.  Mazeppa Productions has only been in existence since 2011 and was founded with the express goal of bringing exciting works of musical theater to Philadelphia.  While all of the cast members of Avenue Q have some on-stage experience, many of them are still students or very recent graduates with degrees in musical theater.  The aggregate talent of these young performers is astounding. Kudos to Mazeppa Productions founders Rob Henry and Brian Seaman for providing a venue for such talent to be heard and to blossom. The cast not only works well with puppets. Prop Designer Annie Heath’s talking boxes were also a huge hit with the entire audience.  Erin McCourt must also be acknowledged for designing such a perfect set.  The season continues with cabaret-style performances and a two-day Rapunzel event.  I hope that as this theater company matures they will be able to add more full length productions to the schedule. This will not only provide further experience to the cast members resumes, but bring additional enjoyment to Philadelphia musical theater lovers as well. For further information or tickets, call 265-559-9602 or visit online at www.mazeppaproductions.org.