Gypsy

Mary Martello as Mama Rose

Philadelphia theater-goers have a relationship with their favorite actors. When one of their own, the iconic, multiple Barrymore Award® winner Mary Martello was announced as the lead in Arden’s  spring production of Gypsy, tickets sales began to  soar and performances began to “sell out”. The Arden Theatre company, located at 40 N. 2^{nd Street}Olde City, Philadelphia, soon had to announce an extension of the run through June 25, 2017, before the show even opened! Mary Martello does not disappoint. She brings the house down with her very first rendition of “Some People”.   Every musical number thereafter has a wow factor of 10+. Anthony Heald, as Herbie is her perfect foil as they romanticize, "Small World."  Ms. Martello is not alone in doling out outstanding performances. Caroline Dooner, as Louise, emits a beautifully soulful “Little Lamb” and Rachel Camp, as June, belts out a delightful duet with Louise as they harmonize to “If Momma Was Married”.  Alexa Hunt gives an extraordinary performance as Baby June. We let her entertain us as she sings, dances, and splits across the stage. There is no end to show-stopping moments in this production. Maliki Akil’s solo dance routine is breath-taking. Caroline Dooner's portrayal of "Gypsy Rose Lee" is magnificent. The video and sound designs of Jorge Cousineau and lighting of Thom Weaver are Barrymore-worthy. And did I mention Mary Martello? The perfect pitch of each song, the dancing across the stage,and the incredible acting all point to a sixth Barrymore for Ms. Martello. What a performance! What a show!  What a production! Get your tickets while they are still available. Call 215-922-1122 or visit www.ardentheatre.org. 

Happy Birthday

Greg Wood & Jennifer Childs

1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s All-Comedy Theatre Company, is presenting Happy Birthday through May 21 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Place in Center City. Because the troupe produces only comedic works, the audience can expect to find any given performance humorous. Because both Jennifer Childs  and Scott Greer are in the cast, expectations might  be raised even higher. What no one would ever imagine is that 20 years of hilarious comedy could be surpassed by the presentation of one uproarious  British farce. Perhaps  the success lies in the wit of the material written by Marc Camoletti and adapted by Beverly Cross. Possibly it lies in the spot-on direction of Trev Lyford. Conceivably the director and the five actors, who are  married in reality, bring a certain magic to the stage. The cause is of no import. The end result is a smashing success. This is a marvelous  production, certainly one of 1812's best.  You will laugh until you cry as the characters try to sort out cases of mistaken identities and loyalties. Avoid the last minute rush and get your tickets now at (215) 592-9560 or online at www.1812productions.org. 

Laughter on the 23rd Floor

Frank Ferrante

Laughter occurs not just on the 23^rd floor but throughout the audience of Walnut Street Theatre’s mainstage as it presents Laughter on the 23^rd Floor through March 5. An outstanding ensemble cast headed by Frank Ferrrante as Max Prince and Philadelphia favorites Anthony Lawton as Brian and Scott Greer as Ira, has everyone in stitches with Neil Simon’s comic one-line-ers, slapstick, and physical comedy. The cast does not rely on the written word alone to captivate. Much of the humor comes from exaggerated facial expressions and impeccable timing. Scott Greer’s sketch of the hypochondriacal Ira having a stroke which is resolved with gas has the audience nearly falling out of their seats. Dave Raphaely as Lucas does a very clever mirroring act with Ferrante’s Max Prince.  Lucas acts as the narrator of the piece, informing all what life is like on the 23^rd floor, based on Neil Simon’s experiences when he was a writer for Sid Caesar on Your Show of Shows. The show was a humorous variety show on TV in the fifties and this brief glimpse of Laughter on the 23^rd Floor lets us know why the show was so entertaining. This isn’t just a witty production.  It’s an inside look at The Writer’s Room where all the writers are hilarious. Your sides might hurt from rib-tickling laughter, but you'll leave the theatre with a smile on your face. For tickets or more information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787.  Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org  or Ticketmaster. 

Informed Consent

Lindsay Smiling, Kittson O'Neil &
Samantha Bowling

Lantern Theater Company, located at 10^th and Ludlow Streets in St. Stephen’s Church Theater, is presenting multi-award winning playwright Deborah Zoe Laufer’s Informed Consent through February 12, 2017. Based on true events, Laufer’s drama begins with a high energy cast against a high tech projection background. Kittson O’Neill portrays Jillian, a genetic anthropologist who is charged with determining the cause of the high incidence of diabetes in a remote Indian village at the base of the Grand Canyon. With her life on the line, and possibly her daughter’s, due to a genetic glitch, Jillian has no time for protocol or respect for the tribal members. Her frenetic performance as a self-serving scientist who “only wants to help” is both dynamic and disturbing. Trying to rein her in is Ken, portrayed by Justin Jain, the social anthropologist who recommends her for the diabetes study. Samantha Bowling gives a commanding performance as Arella, the spokesperson for the Havasupai tribe.  Through her we learn that the tribe’s oral history, passed down through the ages, tells of their beginnings at the base of the Grand Canyon. When Jillian discovers migratory patterns that establish the tribe has once lived elsewhere, mass devastation ensues. Lindsay Smiling and Maria Konstantinidis round out this remarkable ensemble cast. Most cast members play several roles and the projections change to denote a change in mood or venue. Characters move across the stage at a feverish pace and sometimes yell out a narration as they are passing through. This insightful production that pits knowledge and modern technology against sacred human values is both fast-paced and thought-provoking. Make plans to see it while seats are still available. For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395, visit online at www.lanterntheater.org or visit the box office at 10^th & Ludlow Streets, Philadelphia, Pa.

Kimmel's New Year's Day Celebration

Mummer's Parade

KIMMEL CENTER HOSTS 12^TH ANNUAL 

NEW YEAR’S DAY CELEBRATION WITH  

         FREE  FAMILY  ENTERTAINMENT 

      JANUARY 1, 2017, 10 AM - 5 PM

For the 12^th consecutive year, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is hosting a FREE New Year’s Day Celebration. Guests are invited indoors to enjoy the panoramic view of the Mummers Parade, performances and activities from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., generously sponsored by Cigna. This year’s celebration will include:

·     The Kimmel Center’s Resolution Wall, sponsored by Garces Events where guests are invited to share their New Year’s resolutions.

·      A free Hot Chocolate Lounge with fun mix-in ingredients for children 12 and under, provided by Garces Events.

·    Performances by The Glorious Sounds, Karen Smith and Weez the Peoples, Korey Riker, Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society, and the Broadway Dreams Foundation.

·      Grow up Great Jazz for kids featuring Kendrah Butler at 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Verizon Hall.

·       Organ demonstration every hour on the hour from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Verizon Hall.

·    Family-friendly activities including the Greater Philadelphia Paper Pholders, face painting, hula hooping and balloon art.

·       Roaming jugglers, ticket giveaways AND MORE!

Garces Events will host the one-of-a-kind “Broad Street Bash” brunch in the Tier 2 balcony.  Guests can enjoy unlimited food and drink for four hours while taking in some of the best views of the Mummers Parade in the city.  Tickets are available at www.kimmelcenter.org.

·     

A Year With Frog And Toad

StevePacek

If the first time is good, and the second time is even better, then the third time is definitely the charm. The proof is in all the people who saw A Year With Frog and Toad with Jeffrey Coon and Ben Dibble produced by the Arden’s Children’s Theatre in 2004, 2009 and now again in 2016.  Arden Theatre, located at 40 N. 2^nd Street in Old City, has reprised A Year With Frog and Toad for the second time and is presenting it on its F. Otto Haas stage through January 29, 2017. Steve Pacek (Snail) Elexis Morton (Turtle) and Leigha Kato (Mouse) comprise a charming ensemble of birds, family and friends to Frog and Toad. Jeffrey Coon is the cheerful Frog belting out song after song with his best friend, the somewhat grumpy Toad portrayed by Ben Dibble. A humorous joke runs throughout the seasons; Frog gives Snail a letter to mail and it takes almost a year to be delivered. Laughter abounds whenever the snail appears. The children think it’s funny that the snail is trying to run and not getting anywhere. My granddaughter did not understand the concept of “snail mail,” but she did point out to me that Frog who was bigger spoke in a loud voice and Toad who was smaller spoke in a small voice. The lighting effects on the set are outstanding as befits anything designed by Thom Weaver. Scenic Designer Donald Eastman also adds some spectacular additions to the tale as larger-than-life leaves fall from the catwalk during autumn and the two friends fly a huge kite in the air during Spring. A Year With Frog and Toad is a delight for kids and adults alike. If you missed it the first two times it was presented at the Arden,or even if you didn't, make sure you plan to see this timeless iteration. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122, visit online at www.ardentheatre.org or go to the box office at 40 N 2^nd Street.

An Iliad

Lantern Theater Company, located in St. Stephens Church, 10^th and Ludlow Streets, is presenting the Philadelphia Premiere of the Obie and Lucille Lortel Award-Winning An Iliad through December 11, 2016. The production stars the inimitable Peter DeLaurier as the Poet and Liz Filios as the Muse, who, together, relate the tale of the war in Troy after it has ended. I was fortunate enough to see this epic presentation with Artistic Director Charles McMahon understudying the role of the Poet. With great care the Poet weaves the tale of the lunacy of  war - eleven years in Troy and still going strong. Through McMahon’s masterful performance the audience witnesses the fury and indignation of Achilles, the rage and ire of Hector and the folly of the gods who intervene. Liz Filios’ muse of epic poetry enhances the Poet’s tale with extraordinary musical and percussive tones. With a variety of instruments representing different characters in the drama, and a wide range of percussive modalities used to enhance the depiction of the events in the war, An Iliad is a feast for the ears. Do not miss this phenomenal production.  For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395, visit online at www.lanterntheater.org, or go to the box office at 10^th & Ludlow Sts. Phila. Pa. 19107. 

Shanghai Acrobats

SHANGHAI ACROBATS DEBUT

SHANGHAI NIGHTS IN VERIZON HALL

AT THE KIMMEL CENTER

FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

This remarkable spectacle is a sheer delight. The production begins and ends with a couple in magnificent costumes. Their love story is interwoven throughout the show. Over one hundred acrobats perform death-defying stunts that have the audience sitting on the edge of their seats. Gasps ring throughout Verizon Hall as performers tumble across the stage and through hoops four stories high. An intake of breath accompanies the juggler who starts with three balls and finishes his act juggling eight balls in the air, on the ground and behind his back. Just when the audience has settled in their seats and has decided that there can be nothing more breathtaking to be seen, another act appears that is more mind-boggling than all the others with fantastic underlying music and gorgeous costumes. The audience is cautioned to be quiet as an acrobat balances first on two chairs placed on a stand and finally on six chairs; the athletic team member balances himself upside-down on one hand and rotates his body. It is impossible for the audience to remain quiet.  This widely varied show with multi-talented award winning acrobats intersperses jaw-dropping athletic feats with stunning story-telling through costumed dance. The young man and princess who begin the show with dance and are separated repeatedly by pirates and other rogues are reunited to end this outstanding production. Other upcoming shows in the Family Discovery Series include: Odd Squad Live (November 25-26, Merriam Theater), Cirque Éloize: Saloon (January 13-14, Merriam Theater) and Elephant and Piggie: We Are in A Play! (January 21 Merriam Theater.)

Kimmel's Jazz Residency Artists

KIMMEL CENTER ANNOUNCES   JAZZ RESIDENCY

ARTISTS   FOR THE 2016-17 SEASON

NEW WORKS BY JAWANZA KOBIE, MAX SWAN, AND A COLLABORATION

BETWEEN JOANNA PASCALE & ETIENNE CHARLES

WILL PREMIERE IN MAY 2017

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2016-17 Season Jazz Residency Artists, individuals whose involvement in this prestigious program will result in World Premieres in May 2017 at the Kimmel Center’s SEI Innovation Studio. The Jazz Residency program is designed to take artists and audiences on a season-long journey to continue the long tradition of creating new jazz in Philadelphia. A five person panel of jazz experts, Todd Stoll, VP of Education at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City; Eric Gould, Chair of Jazz Composition, Berklee College of Music in Boston; Dr. Aaron Flagg, Chair & Associate Director of Julliard Jazz in New York City; Dr. Lesa Terry, musician and faculty member at California State University and Jay Wahl, Music Director of the Kimmel Center of the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, reviewed 29 project applications. The following experts have been selected: vocalist, composer and lyricist Joanna Pascale; composer Etienne Charles; saxophonist, vocalist and composer Max Swan; and composer and pianist Jawanza Kobie. Audience members will have an opportunity to observe the composition progress of these artists in free public workshops and work-in progress performances in the spring and their World Premieres in May 2017.

December Events at the Kimmel

KIMMEL CENTER HAS EXCITING PROGRAMS COMING FOR 

EARLY DECEMBER

Obie-winning playwright and songwriter Ethan Lipton returns to the Lipton SEI Innovation Studio December 1-3 to debut his newest work, The Outer Space. Lipton’s newest hilarious and bittersweet song cycle follows a married couple as they leave the noise, pollution and overpriced rents of earth for the vast terrain of the final frontier. Tony nominee Leigh Silverman directs this out-of-this-world musical about the sacrifices we make for viable living and love. The Outer Space will be part of The Public Theatre’s spring season beginning in February 2017. The Outer Space brings up many questions about life and love and tests this couple’s fortitude on their journey to their new home. Ethan’s work has been seen in major cities across the country and internationally in Scotland and Australia.

The fabulous Norah Jones will be coming to Philadelphia to sing at the Academy of Music for one night only on December 2, 2016 after returning from her month-long whirlwind tour of Europe. The 9-time GRAMMY Award winner, who has sold over 45 million albums, will be singing songs from her new album Day Breaks. Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly and Billboard all named Day Breaks one of this fall’s must-hear albums. Norah’s unique sound intertwines several styles of American music: country, folk, rock, soul and jazz.

Comedian Hasan Minhaj makes his theatrical debut at the Perelman Center at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Homecoming King on Friday, December 2 at 8:30 p.m. Homecoming King tells the story of the “New Brown America” and is based on events from Minhaj’s first generation Indian-American experience. The show focuses on Minhaj’s arrival in the United States, meeting his sister, interracial love, racism, bullying, and his family’s quest to achieve “The American Dream”. Hasan Minhaj has been making audiences laugh for years on The Daily Show and has made appearances on several other shows.  Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King originally opened off-Broadway for a limited run.  After receiving rave reviews, the show is touring North America

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is presenting the 32^nd Anniversary tour of Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas by Chip Davis for two performances on Saturday December 3, 2016 at the Academy of Music. This performance is presented in association with Magic Space Entertainment and celebrates the group’s first Christmas album which was released in 1984 and revolutionized the Holiday Season music category. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis founded Mannheim Steamroller in 1974.  The group has sold over 40 million albums, including 28 million Christmas albums, 19 gold, 8 multi-platinum and 4 platinum certified records.

Tickets for all events can be purchased by calling (215) 893-1999 ,visiting online at kimmelcenter.org,or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales for 10 or more can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883.

Free Mexrrissey Concert

KIMMEL CENTER PRESENTS FREE

MEXRRISSEY CONCERT

A GIFT TO THE CITY IN CELEBRATION

OF DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts has announced that its Saturday, October 29^th performance by Mexican rock band Mexrrissey will now be a FREE ticketed event – a gift to Philadelphia in celebration of the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos. The group will perform for one night only at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater, 300 S. Broad Street. They will demonstrate a Mexican flare to the greatest hits of artists Mexrrissey and The Smiths. Fans can visit www.kimmelcenter.org to secure free tickets. (fees may apply)

 Attendees are encouraged to stop by Bar Volvér at the Kimmel Center’s campus restaurant before or after the performance to purchase “The Mexrrissey Rocktail.”

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts & The University of the Arts

The Kimmel Center for the
Perfoming Arts

THE KIMMEL CENTER FOR THE

PERFORMING ARTS

ANNOUNCES PURCHASE OF

MERRIAM THEATER AND

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH

 THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS

The new partnership between the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the University of Arts will create a school-time involvement designed to expose every student in Philadelphia to an arts experience at the Kimmel Center cultural campus; provide The University of Arts students access to artists performing on the Kimmel Center’s cultural campus through master classes; create credit based competitive projects  for the UA students culminating in showings at the Kimmel campus; and develop cross organizational opportunities for staff and faculty. As part of this new partnership agreement, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is purchasing The Merriam Theater.  The theater was purchased by the school in 1972 and has been managed and operated by the Kimmel Center for the past seven years.

There are many events planned to celebrate the new partnership, among them:

October 11-November 19, 2016- 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m. - The University of Arts College of Art, Media & Design presents an exhibit of faculty work throughout the Kimmel Center for The Performing Arts.

October 16, 2016- The Hyatt at the Bellevue – The University of the Arts 140^th Anniversary Gala

October 17, 2016- 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. Merriam Theater; The University of the Arts Inauguration of President David Yager      2:00 p.m. Reception, Solmssen Court, Hamilton Hall, The University of the Arts

November 14, 2016- 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. SEI Innovation Studio, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts  Fine Arts visiting Artists Lecture by Eric Fiscl

November 16, 2016- 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Commonwealth Plaza The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Education Fair 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Arts Education Fair, Educator’s Reception, Hamilton Hall, and The University of the Arts

For more information on this new partnership, contact Leslie Patterson Tyler at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts  (215) 790-7173 or Paul Healy at The University of the Arts at (215) 717-6161.

Grounded

Kittson O'Neill

Kittson O‘Neil’s phenomenal performance in the Philadelphia premiere of George Brant’s GROUNDED being presented by InterAct Theatre Company is dazzling. Staged in the Proscenium Theatre of the Drake Hotel, 302 S. Hicks Street through October 23, GROUNDED is a smart, tightly written play which should be on everyone’s must-see list. Kittson O’Neill is absolutely astounding in her solo role of an air force pilot whose pregnancy has grounded from her from flying in the sky she loves and transported her to a trailer in a desert to operate drones in a war half a world away. The intensity of staring at a screen for twelve hours a day in search of enemies and then dropping a warhead with a click of the joystick takes its toll, not only on the pilot’s home life but on her psyche as well. Unable to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow officers after a job well done, the pilot has lost all sense of who she is and her place in the world. George Brandt has given us an inside look into the soul of an officer who might be suffering from PTSD. O’Neill has taken this compelling script and has demonstrated her skill in displaying a wide-ranging array of emotions, from simple delight to a roaring rage. Fly; don’t walk to get your tickets to see this award winning play.  Tickets are available by calling 215-568-8079, visiting online at http://interacttheatre.org  or at the box office at boxoffice@interacttheatre.org.        

StuPiD F # *@iNG BiRD

Ensemble Cast chanting in tandem,
 "I just want to be loved; I want to
 be liked; I'd rather not be hated."

Stupid Fucking Bird, Aaron Posner’s “sort of” adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull, will be playing at the Arden Theatre, 40 N 2^nd Street though October 16, 2016. It begins with a high energy upbeat cast running up the aisles and giving the audience hi-fives. Don’t expect to see high energy again during the production. The action begins with a “Performance Event” which the playwright’s mother (Grace Gonglewski) ridicules. This scene, as every other one in the play, ends with a Russian interlude, which not only symbolizes a scene change but also enables the actors  to change positions on the stage. Posner’s work is brilliant. It is both hysterical and heartbreaking. While it is hilarious, frenetic and chaotic; it is also immensely pitiful and wretched. Character after character suffers from unrequited love. As Mash (Alex Keiper) mourns, “To love someone so much and know how he’ll never love you and to have someone love you who you know you can’t return that love if he were the last man standing is God’s big cosmic laugh.” The Seagull symbolizes universal frustration of desires as it just flies away. The characters seem to converse but, in reality, sit side by side and are usually thinking aloud although they sometimes address the audience. Time and again Aaron Posner addresses the unfilled purpose in life. Dr. Sorn (Greg Wood) admits near the end of the play that “Most days I feel like I’m playing a role in life - the role of me.  I really don’t feel all the things I pretend to feel.” Embrace the cacophony when all try to speak at once. Empathize with the pathos. Enjoy the fresh language. Stupid Fucking Bird is a must see production. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122, visit online at www.ardentheatre.org or walk-up at the box office, 40 N. 2^nd Street.

Mrs. Warren's Profession

Mrs. Warren’s Profession is being produced at the Lantern Theatre in the St. Stephen’s Church, 10^th and Ludlow Streets, through October 9, 2016.  Written by George Bernard Shaw in 1893, Mrs. Warren’s Profession explores challenging themes including the plight of the working poor and many are just as relevant today as they were in Victorian England. Shaw’s play pits multiple-Barrymore-Award-Winner Mary Martello as Mrs. Warren against newcomer Claire Inie-Richards as her daughter Vivie Warren. David Bardeen, Andrew Criss, Daniel Fredrick and John Lopez, all connected to Mrs. Warren in some manner or another, complete the ensemble cast. The four act play changes locations thanks to imaginative work of scenic designer Dirk Durossette. Backdrops turn around, benches are added, “shrubs” are pulled away and book cases reveal an inside interior as a chandelier is lowered. As in many works that have stood the test of time, each act builds in intensity.  Mrs. Mary Martello’s flamboyant portrayal of Mrs. Warren’s success and Claire Inie-Richards’ strong, firm portrayal of a “modern” woman’s success are the focus of the first few acts, along with the interactions of the men in their lives. Vivie has finally come to terms with the fact that prostitution paid for her college education because her mother had no alternative way to make a living wage. When she discovers her mother is still “in the life” the real theatre begins. It is Act 4 that not only shows George Bernard’s Shaw’s brilliance in the writing of this Victorian masterpiece, but also the depth of the emotional wells of Mary Martello and Claire Inie-Richards. The dialogue between the two of them is the most dramatic part of the entire piece, but the facial expressions displayed by Vivian when interacting with her mother are priceless. Although once banned on moral grounds, this is undoubtedly one of Shaw’s best works. For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395, visit online at www.lanterntheater.org or visit the Lantern Box Office, 10^th & Ludlow Sts, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107. 

Circadium- School of the Contemporary Circus

Greg Kennnedy-
 International Juggling Champion

PHILADELPHIA TO BE

THE HOME OF THE

1^ST AMERICAN POST-GRADUATE

SCHOOL OF PERFORMANCE

ARTS FOR THE CIRCUS

Shayna Kennedy, married to international juggling champion and former Cirque du Soleil performer, Greg Kennedy, is on the Board of Educators of Circus Arts which links circus schools across the country. Adam Wooley, a professional coach of Philadelphia circus arts, is on the board with her.  Up until now, as soon as students graduate from high school, if they wished to continue to perfect their skills in circus arts, they had travel to Canada, home of Cirque du Soleil, or to Europe, where there are circus school available. It has been Shayna’s dream to have a school in in the United States where people can perfect their performance skills. Scheduled to open in Philadelphia in 2017, Circadium will be the first program of its kind in America. Sheila Bass from the Mayor’s office, Councilwoman Cindy Bass and Mandy Lyon, President of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance all spoke with great excitement about the upcoming addition to the Philadelphia scene, with Ms. Lyon adding how appropriate it was to have the school located in Philadelphia, home of the first circus. Greg Kennedy performed juggling feats and Nicole Burgoise performed on the trapeze.  Shayna Kennedy then further explained that applicants would need a high school diploma and be able to commit to three years of rigorous training for 35 hours a week. Applicants need not have attended circus schools or camps if they have acting and gymnastic skills. A kick-starter campaign to raise $50,000 has just been launched.

Early October Events at the Kimmel

Kimmel Center for the
Performing Arts

          4 Exciting Shows

      Coming To The Kimmel

         In Early October

          for  Single Night

           Performances

The legendary rock band KANSAS will perform their breakthrough album Leftoverture in its entirety for the first time ever on October 1, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. at the Merriam Theater in association with BRE Presents. The band will be touring select cities to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the album with more than 6 million copies sold.  The performance will showcase two hours of classic Kansas songs including new songs from their soon-to-be- released album, The Prelude Implicit. Kansas appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks through the ‘70s and ‘80s and played to sold out audiences throughout North America, Europe and Japan. The group was recently inducted into both the Kansas Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. 

Slate, the daily web magazine that explains and analyzes the world in a humorous and intelligent way, has partnered with the renowned Chicago-based comedy theater The Second City, to produce a traveling election-themed live political comedy show. Entitled, “Unelectable You,” the show will be coming to the Meriam Theater on October 7, 2016. At 8:00 p.m. In addition to the talents of The Second City, the Slate/ Second City collaboration will incorporate Slate writers and personalities into each show.    With both scripted and improvisational portions, the production will explore a plethora of topics among them: campaign trail scandals, what makes a candidate electable, and how voters consume  political news. “With the Presidential election right around the corner, this show is a fantastic opportunity to experience news in a hilarious light,” said Anne Ewers, President and CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. To learn more, visit www.unelectableyou.com

Joan Baez celebrates her 75^th birthday with a special tour on which she will be joined by fellow singer and song-writer Mary Chaplin Carpenter.  The two will appear at the Academy of Music on Sunday October 9 at 7:30 p.m.    

 This show is presented in association with Larry Magid Entertainment and features songs spanning Baez’s career. Joan Baez, a musical force of nature and celebrated activist, introduced Bob Dylan to the world in 1963, marched on the front lines of the civil rights movement with Martin Luther King Jr. and participated in early Amnesty International Tours. 50 years later Joan Baez is still making her voice known both musically and politically. Mary Chaplin Carpenter began her music career in the late ‘80s and has recorded recorded 14 albums which have sold more than 14 million records. She has been awarded numerous awards, among them five Grammy Awards, two GMA Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards and has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Singer-songwriters Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller and The Milk Carton Kids along with other special guests come together for Lampedusa: Concerts for Refugees – an evening of acoustic songs to benefit Jesuit Refugee Service’s (JRS) Global Education Initiative. All proceeds from the concert on Wednesday, October 19 at 8:00 p.m. at the Merriam Theater will help provide educational opportunities for refugees living in camps and in urban settings worldwide. With more than 1400 workers, JRS operates programs in over 45 countries.

Tickets for all shows are available now and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online at kimmelcenter.org or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales for 10 or more can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883.  More information at kimmelcenter.org.  

Tommy and Me

Matt Pfeiffer & Simon Kiley

Ray Didinger can add one more notch in his belt of multiple successes…that of a successful playwright. Although having penned 11 books, three of them best sellers, Tommy and Me is Ray’s first foray into the world of playwriting.  The autobiographical world premiere is presented by Theatre Exile and can be seen at FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Blvd. in Philadelphia. Didinger tells the story of his boyhood hero worship of Eagle’s wide receiver Tommy MacDonald. He uses a very clever technique to illustrate the extent of his hero worship (complete knowledge of all MacDonald’s stats) as a young boy to his involvement in MacDonald’s career as an adult. Two characters play Ray Didinger in this tale - Simon Kiley as young Ray and Matt Pfeiffer as the adult Ray.  Both actors are frequently on the stage at the same time and feed off each other as in “Remember when…” Simon Kiley is a wildfire and loaded with personality. He is very young and has quite some time to perfect his craft, but he needs to speak less rapidly. During the first third of the play, his speech was so rapid that is was rendered practically unintelligible. When he finally slowed down, his performance was very good.  Pfeiffer's performan was flawless.  Ned Pryce had a small part as young Tommy and I found myself wishing that he had more lines.  He is a very engaging young man and is sure to make a name for himself in the Philadelphia theatre scene. Tom Teti was very convincing as a mature and sincere Tommy MacDonald who had been passed over for the Hall of Fame by lesser players than himself. Thanks to Ray Didinger’s thirty years of steadfast dedication, the time finally came for inclusion.  When the day of his induction came, Tommy refused to give an acceptance speech but, instead had ideas of his own.  Thanks to the work of projection Designer Michael Long, the authenticity of Tommy’s performance was shown on the screen after Tom Teti performed it on stage.  Tommy and Me is a fascinating peek into the lives of two men -a sports broadcaster and an ex-football player and the tremendous impact both of them had on each other’s lives.

September At the Kimmel

Bill Maher

Comedic Genius and political Commentator Bill Maher returns to the Academy of Music on September 9, 2016. The performance of this Emmy Award comedian is presented by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in association with Larry Magid Entertainment. Maher started his career as a stand-up comedian in 1979 and still performs more than 50 dates a year in Las Vegas and sold out performances across the country using politics as his mainstay; three of his ten stand-up specials for HBO have been nominated for Emmy Awards. His stints on “Politically Incorrect“ (Comedy Central and ABC 1993-2002) and the last thirteen years on HBO’s “Real Time” have earned him a total of 24 Emmy nominations. In addition to his television programming, Maher is also a five time best-selling author. 

Amos Lee

Philadelphia native Amos Lee returns home to perform songs from his new Album, SPIRIT, September 11, 2016. Formerly a Philadelphia school teacher and bartender, singer-songwriter Amos Lee returns to his hometown on September 11, at 8:00 p.m. to perform at the Academy of Music to celebrate his forthcoming sixth full length album scheduled for release on August 19, 2016.  Spirit is the first album in which Lee has acted as his own producer. The performance is presented in association with Live Nation. “In the studio, Amos Lee has an unparalleled ability to flawlessly blend together country to blues, folk to gospel, soul to rock,” said Anne Ewers, President and CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Lee has toured with Bob Dylan and Paul Simon and collaborated with Norah Jones, Lucinda Williams Alison Krauss, Calexico and Zac Brown Band.

Jazz 100

2017 marks the Centennial Celebration of four visionary icons of jazz: Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Mango Santamaria and Thelonious Monk. Jazz 100 showcases the individual artistry of each artist as well as the unifying threads between them which helped shape the evolution of jazz. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate 100 years of this musical genre on Friday September 30, 2016   with Jazz 100 at the Merriam Theater. Jazz 100 brings together a world-class ensemble of virtuosos, bandleaders and composers including Chris Potter (saxophone, woodwinds), Avishai Cohen (trumpet) Wycliffe Gordon (trombone, vocals- North America), Lizz Wright (vocals- North America), Robin McKelle (vocals – Europe), Roman Diaz (percussion, vocals), Ben Street (bass), and Adam Cruz (drums).  Jazz 100 is part of the Kimmel Center’s Jazz Series, which includes 10 performances and allows patrons to pick 4 or 5 show packages of the shows they want to see while saving 15%-20%. The jazz package also grants ticket buyers access to the best seats.

Tickets for all three shows are available now and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1993, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org or at the Kimmel Center Box office.  Group Sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883. More information is available at kimmelcenter.org.  

Kimmel Center's upcoming 2016-2017 Season

Smokey Robinson

KIMMEL CENTER ANNOUNCES UPCOMING

PRODUCTIONS AND PERFORMERS

FOR 2016-17 SEASON

AMAZING LINEUP INCLUDES SMOKEY ROBINSON,

CAROL BURNETT, ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER,

AND LEWIS BLACK;

JERRY BLAVAT AND BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA

       THE RETURN OF FAMILY DISCOVERY SERIES  FOR SECOND SEASON

              TICKETS FOR MOST SHOWS GO ON SALE AT THE

            2^ND ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2016

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts proudly announces programming for the 2016-17 season featuring internationally acclaimed superstars in rock, dance, comedy and jazz; family shows as part of the Family Discovery Series, returning favorites, the best of touring Broadway and more. On September 10, the Kimmel Center will host its 2^nd annual Open House from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. during which the entire campus (Kimmel Center, Academy of Music and Merriam Theater) will be activated with free performances, activities, tours and more! Single tickets for most shows will go on sale during the Open House and patrons can purchase tickets fee-free at the box office during the hours of the event. In addition to all of the wonderful programs mentioned, there is a Jazz Season, an Organ Series, and Philly En  Vivo! Series and multiple individual entertainers such as Bill Maher, Joan Baez, and Rosanne Cash. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts has absolutely something for everyone’s enjoyment in the upcoming season.