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.

Black History Month at the Kimmel

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

AT

THE KIMMEL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts celebrates the heritage, accomplishments and culture of African-Americans in February by shining a spotlight on some of these creative accomplishments. Black History comes to life on the Kimmel Center Campus in February. The world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicks things off with performances on February 3-4, featuring Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream, inspired by speeches and sermons of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as well as the three-part work Untitled America about the impact of the prison system on African American families. In addition, audiences will experience Ailey’s master work, Revelations, dance movements to traditional African American spirituals now seen in 70 countries. On February 8, 2017 there is a STUDENT EVENT which must be booked by an educator. In a matinee performance, Philadanco features a tribute to jazz icons Prince and Earth, Wind and Fire, with choreography by Tally Beatty. A  Q & A session will follow the program.  To register, please email maec@kimmelcenter.org or call 215-790-5896.  Brazil’s premiere folkloric dance company Balé Folcórico da Bahía is bringing Carnival to Philadelphia on February 17^th. This 38-member troupe of dancers, singers and musicians perform “Bahían” dances of African origin including samba, slave dances,and capoeira- a form of martial arts designed to look like dance that was once performed by enslaved Africans. There will also be two free community Carnival events. On Tuesday, February 7, 2017, 12:00 p.m. there will be free capoeira dance lessons in Hamilton Garden led by Philadelphia based dance company Project Capoeira, a Philadelphia non-profit.  On Friday, February 17, 2017, 6:00 p.m. the entire community is invited to “Carnival at the Kimmel Center,” a free dance party that will parade down Broad Street to The Merriam Theater in time for the 7:30 p.m. performance of Balé Folclórico da Bahía. 

John

Carla Belver, Kevin Meehan
& Nancy Boykin

The Arden Theatre Company, located at 40 N. 2^nd Street, is presenting The Philadelphia Premiere of John by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker through February 26, 2017 on its Arcadia stage. This three act play, set in a B & B in Gettysburg, Pa., explores relationships between people, inanimate objects and silence. B & B proprietor Mertis Katherine Graven …You can call me Kitty… (Nancy Boykin) is the linchpin of the drama. Ever-so gently interacting with her guests without seeming to pry into their affairs; she offers hospitality, advice and a willing ear. Ms. Boykin demonstrates both perseverance and patience as she caters to her blind friend Genevieve (Carla Belver) and cares for an ailing husband who is never seen on-stage. Elias (Kevin Meehan) and Jenny (Jing Xu) are guests at the establishment. Elias has a strong bond with the Civil War and Jenny has a strong bond with a childhood doll, a replica of which is in the B & B. Can they maintain a strong relationship between themselves and not engage in a civil war of their own? This is one of many questions which must be answered while watching John. The four-member ensemble cast is excellent.  For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122, visit www.ardentheatre.org, or walk-up at the box office at 40 N. 2^nd Street.

New Partnership

KIMMEL CENTER AND BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE

ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP

AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE

PLAYHOUSE’S RECORD-BREAKING PRODUCTION OF

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

WILL APPEAR AT BOTH THE KIMMEL CENTER AND THE

PLAYHOUSE IN 2017

The partnership of the Bucks County Playhouse and Kimmel Center will debut this summer with a restaging of the popular Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story which will run first at the Bucks County Playhouse from May 27 through June 17 and then at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater. The official opening at the Kimmel Center will be on June 28 and the show will run through July 9.  Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story is one of the most popular rock musicals in history and marks the beginning of a cultural exchange between the two established organizations. It features more than 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits, including “That’ll Be The Day” and “Peggy Sue.” The production is led by director Tony nominee Hunter Foster and choreographer Lorin Latarro. Tickets for the Bucks County Playhouse performances are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 215-862-2121, visiting online at www.bcptheater.org, or the Bucks County Playhouse Box Office. Tickets for the Kimmel Center performances will go on sale on January 23, 2017.  These tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, 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. Leadership from both organizations are in talks about programs that can reach new audiences  through shared presentations.  More information can be found at kimmelcenter.org. 

Cirque Éloise Saloon

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PHILADELPHIA

CIRQUE ÉLOISE’S NEWEST PRODUCTION

SALOON

TAKES THE STAGE AT THE MERRIAM THEATER

JANUARY 13 -14. 2017

Presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization, Broadway Philadelphia presents the Philadelphia premiere of Saloon- A Musical Acrobatic Adventure, the 11^th and newest production of the Montreal-based contemporary circus troupe Cirque Éloize. The Wild West comes to life in this new show at the Merriam Theater on January 13 and 14. Eleven top-level cast members perform amazing physical feats accompanied by live music. There are four musicians and singers on the stage and all the artists sing or play instruments. Saloon is an acrobatic comedy that will be loved by all. Over the past 23 years, Cirque Éloize has traveled the world to more than a thousand special events, with over 4,000 performances in over 500 cities and 50 countries. For more information, visit www.cirque-eloize.com .  Shows will be performed on Friday,  January 13, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, visiting online at www.kimmelcenter.org. or at the Kimmel Box Office. Group sales for groups of 10 or more can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883.

Mid-End of February Events at the Kimmel

MID TO END OF FEBRUARY

EVENTS AT THE KIMMEL

In celebration of her latest album The Big Picture and in anticipation of her 2017 album release, Jazz singer and songwriter Kat Edmonson will perform her own songs as well as favorites from the Great American Songbook at the Perelman Theater on February 12, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. An American vintage pop jazz vocalist, she incorporates early Rock N’ Roll, blues, folk and traditional jazz and swing styles. Kat was introduced to the spotlight during the second season of American Idol and has been enchanting audiences ever since.

Balé Folclórico de Bahía, Brazil’s premiere folkloric dance company, celebrates nearly 30 years of world-class repertory of folkloric Afro-Brazilian dances with a performance at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater February 17, at 8:00 p.m. Formed in 1988 by Walson Botelho and Ninho Reis, the company works to preserve and share the vibrant dances and music of their region with the world. Bahía is the historical and cultural heart of Brazil and the company presents its most important values under a contemporary theatrical vision. Over the last 29 years, Balé Folclórico de Bahía has gained national and international success for their outstanding performances during festivals and tours. They have performed in 88 U.S cities.

Four-time Emmy® nominee Tony® Award-winning actor and activist Alan Cumming brings his critically-acclaimed cabaret show, Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs to the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall Sunday February 19, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. Appearing with Cumming are Music Director Lance Horne and cellist Eleanor Norton. Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs originated when Cumming was asked to develop a concert for a two-week run at New York’s Café Carlyle. He followed with a tour throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization announce the Broadway Philadelphia run of the hit musical The Bodyguard as part of the show’s first U.S. National tour. The Bodyguard will play the Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music from February 21-26, 2017 starring Grammy Award-nominated and film/TV actress Deborah Cox as Rachael Marron. Television star Judson Mills will play the role of bodyguard Frank Farmer. Based on Lawrence Kaden’s 1992 Oscar-nominated film, The Bodyguard was nominated for four Lawrence Olivier Awards. A romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features many well-known classics, including One Moment in Time and I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Other principal cast members are Alex Corrido, Charles Gray, Jonathon Hadley, Jorge Paniagua, Jasmin Richardson, and Douglas Baldeo and Kevelin B. Jones III alternating in the role of Rachel’s son. For more information, visit thebodyguardmusical.com.   

Tickets for all of the above shows are available now and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, visiting online at www.kimmelcenter  or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Tickets for groups of 10 or more may be purchased by calling 215-790-5883.

The 2016-17 Broadway Philadelphia season presented in collaboration with Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization continues with the National Theatre production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The critically-acclaimed Tony Award-winning new play by Simon Stephens, adopted by Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel and directed by Tony winner Marianne Elliot, will make its Philadelphia Premiere at the Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music for a one-week engagement February 28-March 5, 2017 as part of a North American tour. The Kimmel Center and The Free Library of Philadelphia will host a free book discussion on Thursday, February 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., enhanced by clips from the Broadway show and a chat back with Frances Egler, Director of Programming and Presentations at the Kimmel Center. Curious Incident on Broadway is the recipient of five Tony Awards, including Best Play, six Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Play, five Outer Circle Awards including Outstanding New Broadway Play and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play. For more information, visit www.curiousonbroadway.com

Tickets for this show are available now and can be purchased by calling 215-893-3333,visiting www.kimmelcentercenter.org or the Kimmel Center Box Office. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets at 215-790-5833.

February Events at the Kimmel

Upcoming Events in Early February

At the Kimmel

The Second City, Chicago’s famous improv theater troupe, will appear at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Perelman Theater for three performances of their show We’re All In This Room Together on Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4. The show features improv comedy, audience interaction and spontaneous sketches and songs from the legendary sketch comedy archives. The Second City began in 1959 and is now the world’s predominant comedy and improv club with shows every night in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood.

The internationally acclaimed dance company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts February 3 and 4 at the Merriam Theater including new works and long-standing favorites, launching a 19-city North American tour.  The performances, taking place at the start of Black History Month, will feature works that explore the African American experience and social justice. The 32 member dance company performs a variety of new and old-time favorite pieces, including Alvin Ailey’s American masterpiece Revolution.

The critically-acclaimed Off-Broadway show Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man comes to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Perelman Theater for four hilarious performances on February 9 at 8:00 p.m., February 10 at 8:00 p.m. and February 11 at 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, this comedy provides tips to heterosexual women on how to please a man in bed. Sex Tips is a “romantic comedy that takes the audience on a hilarious wild ride where no topic is taboo and the insider tips come straight from the source: a gay man.”

Writer and entertainer Ryan Raftery brings his one-man show, Ryan Raftery is the Most Powerful Woman in Fashion-The Anna Wintour Musical, February 9-11, 2017 to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ SEI Innovation Studio. This one-man musical tells the story of Vogue editor and media powerhouse Anna Wintour through popular music. Ryan Raftery has written seven shows that have played all over New York City and across the country. He has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, New York magazine and People magazine.  He has also appeared on several TV shows. This is a designated BYO performance. Acceptable forms of BYO are a 6-pack of beer and/or a 750 ml bottle of wine only. There is a limit of one six pack or one bottle of wine per two patrons.  No corkscrews or rolling coolers are permitted

Extraordinary lighting effects combined with remarkable dance moves and high-energy music create an unforgettable performance experience by America’s Got Talent finalists iLuminate. The New York-based group performs in electrifying glow-in-the-dark suits on a darkened stage to create a one-of-a-kind visual experience.  The show will run for three performances, February 10-11, 2017 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Merriam Theater. Enhanced by patented iLuminate technology, the crew and dancers produce explosive perfomances with wireless lighting programs. After their  third place win on America's Got Talent, iLuminate has become a household name.

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