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. 

TORUK- The First Flight

TORUK- The First Flight

 TORUK-

The First Flight

The new Cirque du Soleil

touring show

inspired by James Cameron's

                                 AVATAR

                       Tickets on pre-sale to

                Cirque Club members now!

             Tickets to the public go on sale

                       Starting September 9

TORUK, The First Flight will be presented at the Wells Fargo Center from March 8-12 as part of a global tour in arenas around the world. This new Cirque du Soleil show is inspired by James Cameron’s record-breaking movie AVATAR and carries you to the visually stunning world of Pandora, set thousands of years before the first humans ever set foot on Pandora.   It is a living ode to the Na’vi’s symbiotic coexistence with nature and their belief in the basic interconnections of all living things. Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller”, TORUK – The First Flight is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR.  When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two boys on the brink of adulthood, fearlessly decide to take matters in their own hand. Upon learning that Toruk can help save the Tree of Souls, they set out on a quest to find the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky.  Prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/toruk.  Cirque du Soleil will be launching a first-of-its-kind app for TORUK – The First Flight. It will enhance the overall show experience and enable audience members to be part of the action before, during and after the performance. The app can be downloaded at https://www.itunes.apple.com/us/app/toruk-the-first-flight/id1060239115?mt=8.  

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.

Late October Performances at the Kimmel

The Kimmel Center
for the Performing Arts

5 Delightful Performances

Are Scheduled for the end

of October by The Kimmel Center

for the Performing Arts 

One of country music’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, Rosanne Cash, comes to the Merriam Theater on Thursday, October 20 at 8:00 p.m. as part of her 2016 international tour. The performance will feature music from her 2014 album The River & The Thread   which earned her three Grammy Awards.    Working with a variety of genres, including folk, pop, blues, country and Americana, have earned Cash four Grammy Awards, 15 Grammy nominations, 21 top 40 hits and 11 number one singles. Following decades of success, Cash was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame this past October.

Renowned and best-selling author, television host and multiple Emmy Award-winner, Anthony Bourdain presents his tour, The Hunger, in celebration of the release of Appetites, his first cookbook in 10 years.    The Hunger gives the audience an all new live show featuring a monologue reflecting on diverse cultures, street cuisine, and Bourdain’s travels to lesser known locations around the world, followed by a Q & A session. This event takes place at the Academy of Music on Wednesday October 26 at 7:30 p.m. In addition to Bourdain’s award- winning television and writing career, he has appeared as a guest judge on Top Chef and a main judge on Top Chef All-Stars.

Comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short will be coming to The Academy of Music for two performances, Friday October 28 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m. Their hysterical show, An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life, features stand-up, film clips, musical numbers, and conversations about their lives in show business.  Joining the comedians on the stage will be the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass band, Steep Canyon Rangers.  The show is presented in association with Larry Magid Entertainment. Steve Martin began his career by writing for TV and releasing 4 comedy albums between 1977 and 1981, winning him two Grammy Awards. He then started a successful career in films. Martin Short started touring with Second City of Toronto before moving to New York and joining the cast of Saturday Night Live.

Mexrrissey is a Mexican rock band that has taken the greatest hits of artists Morrissey and The Smiths and reinvented them with Mexican flare.  Mexrrissey, comprised of stars from Mexico’s rock and pop worlds, are known for their brass and string interpretations of Morrissey’s iconic songs. They will perform at the Merriam Theater on October 29, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.

One of the most beautiful and competitive acrobatic companies in China, Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China,  brings their jaw-dropping acts  with stunning costumes and impeccably timed stunts to Verizon Hall on Sunday. October 30 at 2:00 p.m. Since its founding in 1959, the company has won many awards in both acrobatic and circus competitions in China and abroad.

. 

Tickets to 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.

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.