The Mousetrap

Who done it?

The Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. is one of 60 theaters world-wide to be producing Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap in honor of its 60^th year in production. This show premiered in London’s West end in 1952 and has been playing continuously ever since, making it the longest continuously running play in history. It can be seen on the Walnut Street Theatre's  main stage through March 4th. Agatha Christie was a mystery writer par excellence. Each member of WST ensemble cast uniquely brings to life the disparate characters that not only are thrust together in a freak snow storm but also ultimately became suspects in a murder.  Thanks to the excellent work of Scenic Designer Glen Sears, it is not always easy to keep track of the whereabouts of all the characters.  The saga is set in a manor house in London. The room is exquisite in its coziness with numerous doors and archways for the players to enter and exit the stage. The fireplace in one corner of the room exudes warmth that the characters rarely show to each other. Who knows if the characters’ behaviors are the result of fear or guilt? It is the audience’s task to scrutinize each character’s actions and alibis to determine the identity of the killer. This enigmatic tale is not a routine, serious account. Although lives may be at stake, humor abounds throughout. You must listen closely to catch the laugh lines as fellow members of the audience may drown them out with their enthusiasm. You’ll want to be sure to catch this show and be part of its 60 year history.  For tickets or further information, call 215-574-3550 or visit online at www.walnutstreettheatre.org.

Body Awareness

final family portrait

The Wilma Theater, located at 265 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa., is producing the Off-Broadway comedy Body Awareness through February 5, 2012.  It is a multi- layered comedy that has you laughing from the onset but grabs hold of your intellect and takes it along for a breathless ride. Dustin Ingram gives an extraordinary performance as a young man who is suspected of having Asperger’s syndrome. His initial outbursts are chilling. As Body Awareness Week in Shirley Sate College progresses, he slowly develops a tenuous willingness to accept himself with potentially disastrous results. Grace Gonglewski portrays Phyllis, a professor of psychology at Shirley State College. She sets up many of the laugh lines but her character is a study in contradiction. Those willing to look beyond the laughter, will be intrigued to discover the prestigious psychologist brimming with insecurities. Mary Martello has always been a consummate actor of many faces and it is fascinating to observe her begin her week  with zest only to end it with angst. Solely Christopher Coucill, portraying Frank Bonitatibus the guest photographer, undergoes no changes during Body Awareness Week. He is, however, the catalyst for several.  Set designer Mimi Lien beautifully accomplished the difficult task of fashioning three different locations on the stage which are used simultaneously.  With the help of outstanding lighting designer Thom Weaver, characters can freely move from a classroom, to a kitchen or a bedroom sight unseen. Falling snow on the skylight and outside the windows reminds all that the setting is winter in Vermont and adds a rough touch to a show that already packs quite a punch. For tickets or further information call 215-893-9456 or visit online at wilmatheater.org. 

Gypsy

Tovah Feldshuh as Mama Rose

The Bristol Riverside Theatre, located at 120 Radcliffe Street in Bristol, is presenting Gypsy through January 15. With its 20 member cast, Gypsy is quite possibly the largest production ever undertaken by BRT but the company is certainly up to the task.  Mama Rose is a very demanding role and Ms. Feldshuh brings her heart and soul and her multiple-awarded talent to the part. Not only can she belt out a song, but she can also gently sing one in a harmonious duet or a mournful solo. She dances and cartwheels her way across the stage with verve and vitality.  The facial expressions Ms. Feldshuh brings to this domineering character are wide-ranging.  In short, “Everything’s Coming up Roses” for Tovah.  Local talent is being used for the parts of Baby June and Baby Louise. Both Gaby Bradbury, who portrays Baby June, and Claire O’Neill, who portrays Baby Louise are seasoned and poised young actors. Their dance routine is very well executed. Riley Katner is another local young actress who portrays Baby Louise. Although I didn't see her performance, I'm sure she equals Claire in talent. Lighting Designer Ryan O’Gara must be commended for his outstanding work.  Not only did he design Mama Rose’s lit backdrop and the brightly lit signs on each side of the stage which display the settings for all of Gypsy’s 17 scenes, but he  designed an extraordinary special effect with strobe lights as well.  Without giving too much away, let me merely say that Baby June and Baby Louse and Company age about ten years in a matter of ten seconds.  Brittney Lee Hamilton plays the older June and while her younger counterpart’s forte is tap, Brittney does a lovely en point in her ballet slippers.  She also sings a delightfully animated duet with Amanda Rose who plays the older Louise.  In  Act II, Amanda steals every scene that she is in. The audiences (both real and fictional) love her. This production is a great success because success is demanded of the people who are associated with it.  Some characters are playing as many as five roles and understudying for a sixth.  While this is not a new tale, the approach is fresh. Many performances are sold out.  If you don’t want to miss the buzz, call 215-785-0100 or visit online at brtstage.org.

Private Lives

Amanda and Victor meet 5 years after divorce

 The Lantern Theater Company, located at 10 and Ludlow Streets, is producing Noel Coward's Private Lives through December 31. The stage has been reconfigured for this particular set of performances so don’t wait until the last minute to order tickets since there is seating on only two sides of the stage. Tickets will certainly be selling like hotcakes because this show has all the earmarks of a smash hit. Genevieve Perrier,  who portrays the oh so sophisticated Amanda, belies her youth with her striking panache, her effortless grace and her not so subtle guile. Ben Dibble has the audience believing that he cares for nothing more than triviality as he smoothly portrays Elyot, Amanda’s ex-husband and the newly  married spouse of Sibyl.  K.O. DelMarcelle portrays Elyot’s new, simpering, insecure bride. Leonard C. Haas portrays stuffy, stodgy, Victor, Amanda's husband, thus rounding out the quartet of characters.  Amanda and Victor have booked their honeymoon suite with outdoor patio adjoining the honeymoon suite of Sibyl and Elyot.

When Amanda and Elyot set eyes on each other, they can’t imagine why they ever got divorced .The II Act play has more laughs than straight lines. It is impossible to sit in your seat for five minutes without laughing; the show is just that funny and that well presented. Scenic Designer Meghan Jones is known for her work throughout the region. Kudos must go to her for her foresight for this production. Act I takes place on two adjoining balconies, each equipped with their own flowers, tables, chairs, cocktails and entrances into their rooms The intermission begins  an impressive transformation. Walls  are moved, crown molding added, curtains hung, and the audience is treated to an inside view of an art deco apartment in Paris, fully equipped with a chaise, love seat,  two sets of French doors, paintings, sculptures, wind up gramophone and a piano. Recognition must also be given to J Alex Cordaro, the fight director who choreographed some exciting fight scenes. Fighting notwithstanding, the laughs keep coming and the plot keeps twisting. The more the characters change; the more they stay the same. The surprise is in the ending…What more could you possibly ask of a delightful theater experience?  For tickets call 215-829-0395 or visit online at lanterntheater.org.

This Is The Week That Is

ensemble- Oklahoma parody

1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s All Comedy Theatre, is delighting audiences with its sixth annual production of its political comedy This Is The Week That Is. The show can be seen at Plays and Players Theatre, 1712 Delancey Street and is scheduled to run through December 31. Artistic director Jen Childs gives a strong cameo appearance in the show’s opening as she portrays her signature character Patsy from her stoop on Shunk Street in South Philly. Ensemble actress Aime Kelly is perky, vivacious and loaded with charm and personality. I am mad about her performance when she rants about all the things in this country that she is mad about .Show tunes from Oklahoma appear as parodies of our economic woes and include O-o-o-o foreclosure and The Bankers and Busboys Should Be Friends The satire is sharp, biting, and rip-roaring , side splitting hilarious. Dr. Suess and Gilbert and Sullivan also are an integral part of the show. You must be on your toes while you are sitting in the audience.  You could find yourself on the stage.  Two audience members actually become part of the show…one in the first act and one in the second. This cast,  which is also composed of Scott Greer, Dave Jadico, Susan Riley Stevens. Reuben Mitchell, Don Montrey and Tabitha Allen has no shortage of talent. Not only is an audience  member chosen from the audience in the first act, but witty jokes about his name appear in the second act .A guest appearance from “Richard Simmons” is uproarious.  If you have ever seen any of his exercise videos,  your laughter will be out of control when you watch him “demonstrate a CD" he has made for the protesters in Occupy. The show could change from week to week or even from day to day.  As new events appear on the political scene, new scenes will be written into the show. We know that  for years Black Friday has been  accepted  as the busiest shopping day after Thanksgiving. Recently, Cyber Monday has been added to encourage shopping on the internet the Monday after Thanksgiving. It will be interesting to see if anything comes  of  what one cast member mused as a possibility…shoplifter Thursday….This Is The Week That Is  2011 is far and away  the best political satire 1812 Productions has produced. The shows are always satirical; they are always humorous; but this year’s  creation must be seen to be believed. Don’t miss out. Call 215-592-9560 or visit online at www.1812productions.org.

The Whipping Man

James Ijames,Cody Nickell ,Johnnie Hobbs Jr.

The Arden Theatre Company, located at 40 N 2^nd Street, is producing The Whipping Man on its Arcadia stage through December 18. Playwright Matthew Lopez has achieved just the right amount of levity to balance an otherwise heavy set of circumstances. Filled with twists and turns and many surprises, The Whipping Man has the audience burst into laughter seconds after being socked in the face with dreadful truths. Cody Nickell portrays Caleb, the Jewish confederate soldier returning home from the Civil War. James IJames is John and Johnnie Hobbs Jr. is Simon, the two freed household slaves who have been raised Jewish in their master’s house. Lopez has written this retelling of the Passover story on several levels and the cast of three men are certainly up to the task of portraying it. The dialogue is gripping. Nickell gives a compelling performance of a forced amputee who later shows his anguish upon learning a secret disclosed by John. John gives a  credible performance of a young man with a big chip on his shoulder who dares anyone to knock it off. Hobbs Jr. is the master of mediation and the rock of patience  until he isn’t. Kudos must go to scenic designer David P Gordon. The circular staircase  with the broken banister looks as if it would have come right out of Tara had it been in better condition.  The chandelier gives the room an appearance of what might have been an elegant antebellum hall. Walls look battle-torn. Kudos must also go to Lighting Designer Thom Weaver. The 19^th Century house is lit by candle light. Whenever the candles are lit, the lights get brighter on the stage; the timing is perfect .Lights flashing through windows simulate storms outside.  The production is further enhanced by the work of sound designer Christopher Colucci. Soulful music, screams of agony, explosions of gunfire all heighten the audience’s senses and add to the realism of the production. This is a must see for this theatre season. For tickets call 215-922-1122 or visit online at ardentheatre.org.