Bond and Beyond

vocalist Debbie Gravitte

Michael Krajewski, Music Director Designate of the Philly POPS, will be a guest conductor for an exciting program entitled “Bond and Beyond”, presenting soundtracks of superspies’ movies. There will be three performances in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center of the Performing Arts.  They can be heard. Friday through Sunday April 26-28. Vocalist Debbie Gravitte will spice up the program singing unforgettable themes such as “Goldfinger” and “You Only Live Twice.”  “Movies and TV have given us some of the most exciting new orchestral music of the last fifty years,” explained Krajewski, who will succeed Conductor Peter Nero beginning next October. “These are pieces that will really show off the superb talents of the Philly POPS musicians.” When not conducting, Krajewski helps develop other artists who can bring their expertise to POPS orchestration.  He encouraged composer James M. Stephenson to create a Concerto for Cell Phone which plays the ringtones of a phone against an orchestral background.  This piece will have its Philadelphia premiere during this program.  For a sneak peak at the Philly POPS new conductor in an evening which is guaranteed to be a heck of a ride, call 215-893-1999 or visit online at www.phillypops.org.

Good People

Julie Czarnecki and Dan Olmstead

Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, is presenting the Philadelphia premiere of Tony-Award nominated Good People. The play will run on WST’s Mainstage through April 28.  Set in Southie, a blue collar neighborhood of Boston as well as in Chestnut Hill, an upscale neighborhood  in MA, the production explores the choices we make and how they can affect our entire lives.  A poignant, yet wildly funny comedy, Good People takes the audience on a roller coaster ride with Julie Czarnecki, portraying Marge, in the front seat.  Down on her luck with more strikes against her than 2 innings of baseball, Marge sees a glimmer of hope in catching up with Dan Olmstead who portrays Mike, an old flame from Southie who has “made it big.”   The audience is treated to the plots of Marge, the plot twists of playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, the plot thickens suspense that arises on more than one occasion and the questionable plot resolution of the play itself.  Despite the performance’s intensity and the incredible urge of the audience to champion first one character’s needs and then another’s,  there is laughter a-plenty.  Sharon Alexander, as Dottie, Danielle Herbert, as Kate, Jered McLenigan as Stevie and Denise Whelan portraying Jean round out the rest of this very talented ensemble cast.  Scenic Designer Robert Klingelhoefer deserves special mention for his cleverly designed sets which rotate on a 350 carousel and are changed out of sight of the audience.  For more  information or tickets, call 215-574-3550, 800-982-2787 or visit online at www.walnutstreettheatre.org.

Michael Krajewski-new Maestro of Philly Pops

One might think it difficult to identify the Philly Pops with anyone other than Peter Nero but…. Watch out!   A new Maestro has come to town to take Philadelphia by storm!  Michael Krajewski, the self-proclaimed  “Pope of Pop”, will make his debut with the Philly Pops this weekend although his official start as Music Director and Conductor of the Philly Pops begins with the Viva Philadelphia program,  a salute to Philadelphia with tributes to South Philly greats on October 11, 12 and 13. At his press conference, Michael introduced Eddie Bruce who sang a few  Tony Bennett songs as a sneak prevew of the delights to come in the fall.   Krajewski  also serves as principal pops conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.  He is charming with a wonderful sense of humor--- a delightful addition to Philadelphia’s music scene. The 2013-2014 Concert Season of the Philly Pops under Maestro Michael Krajewski’s tutelage will include works inspired by Simon and Garfunkel, a tribute to Martin Hamish, musical scores of John Williams, and Broadway’s Original Jersey Boys featuring hits of the sixties. Don’t mourn Peter Nero’s absence. Rejoice and welcome our new Maestro Michael Krajewski for a wonderful season of Pops! For ticket information call 215-893-1955 or visit online at www.phillypops.org.

To Fool The Eye

Philadelphia area theatre goers can be treated to an evening of whimsical farce at Drexel University’s Mandell Theatre, 3201 Chestnut Street, through March 3.  1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s only all-comedy theatre company, is co-producing To Fool the Eye with Drexel as part of the university’s Mandell Professionals in Residence Project.  Nine students perform in the show’s ensemble cast and several more work back stage. Students have a unique opportunity to work with one of comedy’s greats, for Jennifer Childs is directing the show.  Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of Leocadia is raucous and the audience is bombarded with belly-laughs.  Maureen Torsney-Weir, an eccentric Duchess, attempts to suspend time so her beloved nephew Prince Albert can relive three days with a lost love.   Amanda Holston, hired to play his love’s look-alike, attempts to suspend belief so the Prince can get on with his life. The butler attempts to suspend insubordination by having total control with a snap of his fingers. And as the hilarity ensues, the Duchess’ definitive endeavor is the one truly successful one. Come see what everyone is laughing about and enjoy watching emerging talent work on stage alongside some of Philadelphia’s finest. For tickets or further information call 215-592-9560 or visit online at www.1812productions.org

DeathTrap

The Bristol Riverside Theatre, located at 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol Pa is presenting Ira Levin’s Death Trap through February 24.  Levin has written the impeccable thriller…one that continues to thrill scene after scene. You dare not blink or you might miss one of the immeasurable twists in the plot. I didn’t spend much time in my seat. I literally jumped out of it as I screamed and jumped onto my neighbor’s lap in one scene. In most of the others, I was laughing so hard that I almost landed on the floor. The ensemble cast of Keith Baker, Barbara McCulloh, Robert, Ross, Jo Twiss and Mordecai Lawner work well together to bring suspense to this uproariously funny script. An aging screenwriter and an up-and-coming one attempt a collaboration on a screenplay.  I don’t want to give too much of the plot away other than to say it’s a classic case of life imitating art imitating life. Roman Tatarowicz deserves special mention for the delightful and functional set design. Don’t miss this show. And bring an extra pair of socks because you’re sure to laugh your socks off! For further information or tickets, call 215-785-0100 or visit online at www.brstage.org.