Bunny Bunny--Gilda Radner: A Sort of Romantic Comedy

 Zweibel watching Gilda perform

1812 Productions is the first Philadelphia theatre company to produce Bunny Bunny—Gilda Radner: A Sort of Romantic Comedy since its world premiere in Philadelphia 16 years ago.   The production can be seen through October 27 at the Independence Studio on 3 at the Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street. The space on 3 is small but the actors do a colossal job of telling this extremely personal story of Gilda Radner’s life seen through the eyes of friend and writer Alan Zweibel.  Zweibel and Radner met as novices on the set of Saturday Night Live and as she continued on with a solo career, he continued with writing, frequently writing humorous material for Gilda to perform.  Gilda was a queen of comedy cut down in her prime by cancer; yet Alan Zweibel, due to his lifelong relationship with her, managed to write her story with a humorous and compelling bent.  Matt Pfeiffer is an Alan par excellence.  From his initial comments to the viewers, to his interactions with Gilda, he keeps the audience transfixed.  He has a commanding stage presence.   Likewise, Leah Walton is radiant as Gilda.  She takes us from a slightly frightened young girl on her first day of the Saturday Night Live set to a composed young woman asking her friend Zweibel to “help me make cancer funny.”  You leave the theatre wishing that there had been more… more of the play which seems to end too soon, and more to Gilda’s life, which certainly ended much sooner than everyone would have wished.   For more information or tickets, call 215-592-9560 or visit online at www.1812productions.org

Emma

Ensemble at a Ball

The Lantern Theater Company, located in St. Stephen’s Church at 10^th and Ludlow Streets, is presenting Jane Austin’s Emma through October 27. The performance is a pure delight.  Audience members are transported to early 19th Century England’s high society where only an impeccable match can be deemed appropriate by Emma, self-proclaimed matchmaker.  Lantern theater-goers will appreciate the return of veteran actors Jake Blough and Peter Delaurier, playing Frank Churchill and Mr. Woodhouse respectively.  The determined and headstrong Emma is flawlessly portrayed by Lauren Sowa. Frequent scene changes and furniture movements are done seamlessly so that audience members sitting on all three sides of Lantern’s stage can revel in the actors’ fine performances.  Alisa Sickora Kleckner has done outstanding work as the costume designer for this production. You'll find yourself immersed in 19^th Century’s haute couture  and will have a difficult time keeping up with all the costume changes. These young actors are fleet of foot!  In conjunction with the theater performances, Lantern will also present a Jane Austin Festival from October 11-15 featuring performances, lectures, readings, demonstrations, and hands-on events. The Festival Pass is $75 for subscribers, seniors and students and $90 for all others.  It includes all festival events and $10 discount to all Emma performances.  Events may also be purchased individually.  On Friday, October 11 at 6:00 PM there will be a Festival Welcome and Food and Wine Matching.  Following the 8:00 PM performance of Emma, there will be post-show Artists in Conversation with the Emma cast. On Saturday October 12, at 2:00 PM there is a lecture and Q&A  with Margaret C. Sullivan, celebrated author of The Jane Austin Handbook.  At 3:30 PM there will be Demonstration & Lesson: Regency Dance Forms and Afternoon Ball. This is a participatory event and will put into immediate use the information gleaned from the preceding lecture. Participants will be led through dances such as the cotillion, the quadrille and the early waltz, accompanied by live music. The evening performance is at 8:00 PM.  On Sunday October 13, following the 2:00 PM matinée performance of Emma, there will be a 5:00 PM Demonstration & Refreshments: Regency Tea Rituals.  At 7:00 PM there will be a Concert Performance & Discussion of Austentatious by 11^th Hour Theatre Company- a script in hand  adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Submerge yourself into Jane Austin's world.  For more information about festival events or ticket information for the show, call 215,829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org. 

My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish, & I'm Still in Therapy

Bristol Riverside Theatre, located at 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, Pa, is presenting Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m Still in Therapy through October 6. This is  the 3rd installment of Solomon’s original hit, My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy, which is  one of the longest running one-man comedy shows in history.  Touring companies are presenting all three shows throughout the United States as well as overseas. Steve Solomon is a comic genius. The material that he has written is very funny but equally important is his presentation. He has an uncanny ability to mimic voices and imitate sounds.  Solomon  provides non-stop laughter from the moment he steps onto the stage until his parting words.   I would have been embarrassed at my outbursts  had not the rest  of the audience been roaring right along side of me. Be sure to get your tickets immediately for the biggest belly-laugh you are likely to have in a very long time.  Treat yourself to a night of fun.  For more information or tickets call 215-785-0100 or visit online at brtstage.org 

In the Heights

Ensemble

Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, is presenting the Tony Award Winning Best Musical In The Heights on its mainstage to open its 205^th Season. The show has had a myriad of awards including a Pulitzer, a Grammy, several Tony’s and several Drama Desk Awards. Once you have seen this performance you will understand why. The set is breathtaking.  Set Designer Anna Louizos also designed the set for the Broadway production.  You must pinch yourself to be sure you are not smack dab in the middle of a barrio.  Lighting Designer Paul Black and Costume Designed Colleen Grady add to the illusion.  Perry Young arrives straight off the National Tour of In the Heights to reprise his role of Usnavi.  With his unique blend of rap and hip hop he has the audience mesmerized from curtain to curtain. Raised by his Abuela, it is their joint dream for him to get out of the barrio and retire to the beach but then something happens to make him realize the importance of home.  Gizel Jimenez portrays Vanessa, his love interest.  The way she belts out a song can heard two blocks outside the theatre.   There are two dozen songs in this production- solos, duets, ensembles pieces, and every one on them is a winner. The dancing, too, is phenomenal.  Kudos to choreographer  Michelle Gaudette and the entire ensemble cast.  Not a moment goes by when the audience is not wholly engaged.   I have been to performances where the cast has had a standing ovation at the end of the show, but I don't think I have ever before seen every single audience member on their feet applauding at the end of the performance. This show's really reached great heights and you would be remiss if you didn’t make every effort to see it before the end of its run on October 20.  For more information or tickets, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787 or visit online at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org. 

Viva Philadelphia

Michael Krajewski

The Philly POPS is opening its new season with the theme “Viva Philadelphia” under the direction of their new music director Michael Krajewski.  The POPS’ 35^th season begins on Columbus weekend, with performances on Friday October 11 through Sunday October 13.  Friday concerts will be held at 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday concerts will be 3 PM matinee performances. The concerts will continue to be presented in Verizon Hall of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia.   In this concert series, Krajewski will share the stage with many vocal talents…Eddie Bruce, the “Poperazzi” vocal trio and the POPS Festival Chorus.  They will provide tributes to Mario Lanza, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Andrea Bocelli.   The season continues with the annual Holiday POPS! Series, followed by the sounds of Simon and Garfunkel and then a salute to Marvin Hamlisch.  It  then continues with the movie music of legendary John Williams and ends with the four original stars of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys”, now known as the Midtown Men with music of the 60’s.  Season subscription tickets and individual tickets are available. For more information or tickets call 215-893-1999 or visit online at www.phillypops.org.    

The Importance of Being Ernest

James Ijames and Chancellor Dean

 Mauckingbird Theatre Company, located in the Off-Broad Street Theatre of the 1^st Baptist Church at 1636 Sansom Street, is presenting The Importance of Being Ernest through August 25. Touted as the only theatre company in the nation devoted solely to presenting works seen through a “queer” lens, Mauckingbird has once again created a first class production.  Having recently reread The Importance of Being Ernest, I can attest to the fact that although Peter Reynolds adapted Oscar Wilde’s play to give it a gay bent, he has left the script virtually intact; Jack (Chancellor Dean) falls in love with Gwendolyn, portrayed by Brent Knobloch and his cousin Algernon (James Ijames) fancies Jack’s ward, Cecily, portrayed by David Hutchison. As in any farce, circumstances change from one minute to the next followed by laughter from the audience. The acting is first rate;every actor delivers his lines with a straight face although I believe there were twinkles in the eyes of some as the laughter from the audience reached the stage. Gwendolyn’s mother and Algernon’s aunt, Lady Bracknell, is played by the incomparable Nancy Boykin. The antithesis of every other character, her formality in the absurd brings the house down. Set in Victorian England in both the city and the country, set designer Andrew Laine designed a brilliant set that  looks like an authentic aristocratic Victorian parlor, then magically becomes a place in the country. Watching this performance is truly an incredible experience.  Find out for yourself just what The Importance of Being Ernest is.  For more information or tickets, call 215-923-8909 or visit online at www.mauckingbird.com.

You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up!

Abramson and Johnstone

The national tour of You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up!, a side-splitting relationship comedy, is continuing in Philadelphia at the New Penn’s Landing Playhouse (inside the Independence Seaport   Museum) at 211 S. Columbus Blvd and Walnut St. Previews will begin September 18, following by a planned Opening Night on Wednesday October 2. The show is scheduled to run through December 29, 2013.

You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! takes a humorous look at a relationship that seems on edge from the start due to powerful opposing personalities. After a series  of trials and tribulations the couple learns to navigate the conflicts that come with romance, money and children by embracing each other’s differences, taking on parenting as a competitive sport and dropping out of couples’ therapy. Writers-actors- and real-life married couple Annabelle Gurwitch and Jeff Kahn have adapted their memoir of the same name for the stage.  Directed by Van Kaplan, the play stars Robin Abramson and Gregory Johnston who have been given rave reviews all over the country.

You Say Tomato will run in the evenings at 7:00PM Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:00PM Fridays and Saturdays with additional matinees performances at 2:00 PM on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. For tickets or further information, call 855-448-7469 (855-HIT-SHOW) or visit online at www.PLPlayhouse.com.