Hapgood

William Zielinski & McKenna Kerrigan

The Lantern Theater Company, located in St. Stephen’s Church Theater, 10^th and Ludlow Streets, is presenting Tom Stoppard’s Hapgood through October 14, 2018. British intelligence officer Elizabeth Hapgood, fondly known as Mother, (McKenna Kerrigan) runs a counter intelligence operation against Russian spies. But a question poses itself. Are there twins involved? And then another question… Has the Russian spy Kerner (William Zielinski) which she has cultivated as a double agent, turned back again to his homeland?  If he decides to turn over his scientific discoveries, how damaging will it be? You might need a score card to follow all the shenanigans, and you might need a tally to keep track of all the math and science that is described as particle physics, but you’ll need only your eyes to marvel at the fantastic work of Scenic Designer Nick Embree and the 7 unique set designs presented back to back on the circular stage. The part of Hapgood‘s and Kerner’s son Joe is alternately played by Will Zielinski and Charles LaMonaca. Will is visiting the Philadelphia area for a year from Amsterdam and has just made his professional debut on the Lantern stage. Charles is an eight-grade veteran actor who is making his Lantern debut.  Keep an eye out for more of his performances! For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org.

Holiday Inn

Ben Dibble & Ensemble

Irving Berlin’s music resonates with us as it did with his audiences 70 years ago. Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn will be appearing at the Walnut Street Theatre’s mainstage, 825 Walnut Street, through October 21, 2018 Featuring a score of Berlin’s favorites and many of Philadelphia’s favorite actors, including Mary Martello, Ben Dibble and Fran Prisco, Holiday Inn is a romantic comedy based on the movie of the same name. After Jim leaves Hollywood and buys a farm in Connecticut, he decides the farm cannot sustain itself.  With a little help, he decides to open up the farmhouse as an Inn and have shows on holidays. It is wonderfully suited to be produced on the Walnut’s stage which is conducive to big production numbers like Blue Skies. Beautiful harmonies fill the theatre as Jim (Ben Dibble) and Linda (Cary Michelle Miller) sing “Marching Along With Time.” The harmonies resound time and time again as the two voices blend together throughout the production. Of course Mary Martello is the rock of any production  that has her name on it. In Holiday Inn,she is a farmhand and the guiding force to set  a love story  straight. The set design is ingenious. A quick turn of a door signals an indoor scene to become a breathtaking starry night.  Several scenes later, rotating doors become a pivotal part of Ted Hanover’s (Jacob Tischler) dance routine with the ensemble girls in “You’re Easy to Dance With.” The ensemble is very talented. There is a very exciting tap routine in the first act and Jacob Tischler has an opportunity to show his dancing skills as well.  Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn is a feel-good production. You will feel good while watching it and you will leave the theatre happy you saw the show. For more information, see www.walnutstreettheatre.org. or ticketmaster.              

October Events at the Kimmel

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies will make its Philadelphia premiere at the Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music on October 2-7, 2018. Eight performances will tell the continuation of the ultimate love story – The Phantom of the Opera - one of the most successful musicals of all time.  The sequel is set in 1907, 10 years after the Phantom’s disappearance from the Paris Opera House and he has escaped to a new life in New York where he lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak shows of Coney Island. Here he has found a place for his music to soar but he has never stopped yearning for his one true love and musical protégée Christine Daaê. Now Christine accepts an invitation to travel from Paris to New York to perform in a renowned opera house. In a final bid to win back Christine‘s love, The Phantom lures her, her husband and son from Manhattan to Coney Island.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, visiting www.kimmelcenter.org or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for 10 or more and can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883.

20-Time Grammy® Winning Guitar Icon Pa Metheny redefines Jazz on the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Merriam Theater October 5, 2018. Born into a musical family, Metheny has been playing the guitar since the age of 12. He released his first album in 1975 when he was only 21, reinventing the jazz guitar sound.  In addition to being an accomplished musician himself, Metheny has been a music educator at several universities, including being the youngest teacher ever at both the University of Miami and Berkley College of Music.  He has traveled the world to teach music workshops and has been one of the first jazz musicians to treat the synthesizer as a serious musical instrument. He has also been instrumental in the development of several new kinds of guitars, such as the soprano acoustic guitar, the 42-string Pikasso guitar, Ibanez’s PM series jazz guitars and a variety of other custom instruments. See www.kimmelcenter.org for more information.

Internationally recognized activist Black Lives Matter activist  DeRay McKesson will discuss his new book, On the Other Side of Freedom, in the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater on Saturday October 6 at 8:00 p.m. McKesson draws from his own experiences as an organizer, educator and public official to discuss  issues of culture, social justice, and politics. The conversation will also examine the core themes of McKesson’s book where he talks about resistance, justice and freedom and offers an intimate portrait of the Black Lives Matter movement from the front lines. McKesson was named #11 on Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders list and Harvard’s Black Man of the Year in 2016. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or visiting online www.kimmelcenter.org.. Every ticket includes a copy of the book On the Other Side of Freedom. 

The Legendary Kathy Griffin will have two shows at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater on October 6, 2018 as part of her Laugh Your Head Off World Tour. With shows at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. the award winning comedian tells all in this more than two-hour, no-holds barred show that is raw and honest. She’s breaking down everything in the pop culture landscape from President Trump to the Kardashians. Griffin has this message for fans: “Donald Trump will not survive the live and hilarious indictment I will be bringing down on his orange head.” She has been very successful overseas and is now bringing her fearless comedy home. For more information see www.kimmelcenter.org. 

The comedy duo of Jen Smedley and Kristin Hensley will appear in their new show Mom’s Night Out: Round 2! on Wednesday October 19, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. at the Kimmel Center’s Meriam Theater. No one can make moms feel as uncomfortably normal as Hensley and Smedley. They take real-life situations and make them comedic and have over 1.5 million followers on social media and 120 million views of their web series in less than two years. After their first tour of 72 cities with their live stand-up show Mom’s Night Out, they are hitting the road again with Mom’s Night Out: Round 2!

Award-winning radio host Ira Glass gives audiences an inside look into his life in Seven Things I’ve Learned: an Evening With Ira Glass at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater on October 21, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Glass will deliver a unique lecture experience through audio clips, music and video, sharing lessons from his life and career in storytelling and answering questions. Ira Glass began his career in 1978 with an internship at National Public Radio’s network headquarters in Washington D.C. As his career continued to grow he worked on nearly every production job in NPR’s headquarters, eventually putting This American Life on the air in 1995. Since 1995, Glass has been the creator and host of This American Life, a show played on more than 500 radio stations and heard each week by over 2.2 million listeners with another 2.5 million downloading podcasts.  Additionally, Glass is one of the editors of the widely popular podcasts Serial and S-Town. 

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present the Philadelphia engagement of The Tony Award® Nominated Broadway Revival of Fiddler on the Roof on October 23 – October 28, 2018 at the academy of Music on the Kimmel Center Cultural campus. Part of the Kimmel Center’s 2018-19 Broadway Philadelphia series, the tour will launch, October 17, 2018 in Syracuse, New York at the Landmark Theatre. The original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, which opened in 1964, was the first musical in history to surpass 3,000 performances. The show won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Musical as well as 8 other Tony Awards that year. This revival proudly introduces a new generation to the music beloved across the globe. For more information, see www.kimmelcenter.org.

Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus of Black Violin continue their successful Classical Boom tour in Philadelphia with one performance on October 27, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater. They will be accompanies by their band, featuring turntable whiz DJ SPS and a drummer.  Classically trained, Baptiste and Marcus create an innovative form of jazz. Black Violin has been instrumental in getting the arts into struggling schools and has partnered with the National Association for Music Manufacturers to continue their advocacy for accessible music education.  Black Violin is currently writing and recording their next studio album due out in 2018. For more information visit www.kimmelcenter.org.

Philadelphia’s David Sweeny returns to the Kimmel Center’s SEI Innovation Studio as his kid-centric personality Johnny Shortcake. He will have eight family friendly performances October 27-28 and November 3-4, at 11:00 a.m. and 2: p.m. each day. The Johnny Shortcake Show is a children’s show featuring original music by David Sweeny, Michael Baker and Ross Bellenoit and directed by Brad Wrenn. David Sweeny is a graduate of the Kimmel’s Theater Residency Program and has made a name for himself in the Philadelphia music and arts scene. As part of the residency he, Baker and Bellenoit created a musical for kids, resulting in the birth of Johnny Shortcake. For more information, see www.kimmelcenter.org.

Four-time world-champion German breakdance troupe Flying Steps presents Flying Bach is a one- of- a- kind dynamic  dance show that combines hip-hop with  modern ballet.  It will be at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater on Saturday October 28 at 7:30 p.m.  The performance features award winning dancers as they perform their interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “The Well-Tempered Clavier” which is regarded by many as one of the most important works in the history of classical music. Combined with electronic music throughout the dance, Flying Steps presents Fying Bach is an energetic dance presentation on a custom dance platform with a grand piano and a harpsichord on stage. Germany’s Flying Steps are celebrating their   25^th anniversary and are working to promote projects globally. For more information, visit www.kimmelcenter.org.  

Walnut Street Theatre's Single Ticket Sales in August

Individual Show tickets for the Walnut Street Theatre’s 2018 -19 Season will go on sale to the public online on August 12. Patrons will be able to purchase tickets to any of the Walnut’s mainstage shows - Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical, Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors, The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night-Time and Legally Blonde: The Musical. The Box office will open on Monday August 13 for in-person ticket sales. Based on the classic film, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn features many of Berlin’s standard hits along with laugh-out-loud comedy and dance numbers. The show runs from September 4 - October 21, 2018. The holiday season will be ushered in with Matilda The Musical, winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical. Filled with high energy dance and catchy songs, Roald Dahl’s Matilda proves that despite the odds, you can do anything you set your mind to. This show will run from November 6, 2018 – January 6, 2019. The next show is Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors. When your basic ingredients are one hotel suite. two wives, three girlfriends, four tenors and stadium of screaming fans, there is plenty of room for error, leading to uproarious comedy. The show will run from January 15, 2019 – March 3, 2019. The season will continue with Tony and Oliver Award Winning Best Play The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time. After the untimely death of a neighbor’s dog, the brilliant but unique boy is compelled to investigate the crime. The audience is given an opportunity to see the world through Christopher’s eyes as he embarks on his extraordinary journey. The show can be seen from March 12, 2019 – April 28, 2019. The final mainstage production will be Legally Blonde: The Musical. Based on the smash hit movie, Legally Blonde: The Musical follows the transformation of Ellie Woods from a Southern Cal sorority girl to a Harvard law student, all on her own terms. It will appear on the mainstage from May 14, 2019 – July 14, 2019.

Tickets for the Independence Studio 3 Season and WST for Kids Season will also go on sale on August 12^th. For information on single tickets or season subscriptions, call the Walnut at 215-574-3550 ext. 6. (10AM – 10PM) or visit the website at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org

Kimmel Highlights for September

New York-based dance company and America’s Got Talent finalist iLuminate will present three family-friendly performances on the Kimmel Cultural Campus at the Merriam Theater on September 21 and September 22, 2018. iLuminate was formed in 2009 by Miral Kotb who brought together her passion for dance and software engineering.  The patented technology enables performers, choreographers, engineers, technicians, stylists and artistic directors to produce explosive performances with customized wireless lighting programs. The shows focus on stories of adventure and romance expressed through a variety of dance styles and illusions. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. on September 21.  On September 22 there will be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. followed by an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, visiting online at www.kimmelcenter.org. or visiting the Kimmel Center Box Office. For group sales of 10 or more, call 215-790-5883.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, in association with Live Nation, welcomes back Hasan Minhaj to the Kimmel Canter’s Merriam Theater on Sunday, September 23, 2018. The popular comedian was the host of the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.  His new show, entitled Hasan Minhaj: Before the Storm, tackles the political climate with razor-sharp wit and his signature story-telling style. This fall, Minhaj will become the first Indian-American to host his own weekly comedy show for Netflix that has been picked up for 32 episodes. Earlier this year, Minhaj won a Peabody Award for his critically acclaimed special Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King. Due to a high demand for tickets, there will be two shows on September 23 – one at 7:00 p.m. and one at 10:00 p.m. No cellphones, cameras or recording devices will be allowed at this show. Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured in a Yondr pouch that will be unlocked at the end of the show.  Guests are encouraged to print their tickets in advance to ensure a smooth entry process.

The Kimmel Canter for the Performing Arts, in association with Larry Magid Entertainment, welcomes back acclaimed artist and activist Joan Baez as she embarks on her final North American tour. Following 50 UK and European dates, Ms. Baez’s Fare Thee Well Tour is her final formal North American tour. It includes a stop at the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall on September 26, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. As a special offer to fans purchasing tickets, a CD or digital download of her forthcoming album, Whistle Down the Wind, is included with every ticket purchased. This new music marks the first release from Baez since the 2008’s Grammy® nominated album,   Day After Tomorrow. Baez’ musical influence has been incalculable. Likewise, she has been in the forefront of public causes. She marched with Martin Luther King Jr. on the front line of the civil rights movement, shined a spotlight on the Free Speech Movement, organized resistance to the Vietnam War, stood with Nelson Mandela, and to this day continues to stand passionately on behalf of causes that she embraces.

Aladdin

Isabelle McCalla & Clinton  Greenspan

Disney Theatrical Productions and Broadway Philadelphia are presenting Aladdin through Sunday, July 1 at the Academy of Music. How many superlatives are too many? Six-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz is responsible for lights changing on the curtains during the overture  causing the appearance of a variety of magnificent Arabian tapestries hanging from the ceiling. There are many examples of her talent throughout, but never more so than the phenominal lighting in the big production number, "Friend. Like Me." Later she can be credited for the gorgeous moonlit sky that serves as a backdrop for a breathless magic carpet ride. Seven-time Tony winning scenic designer Bob Crowley designed the extraordinary sets. My nine year old granddaughter was captivated by buildings that Aladdin climbs. The hanging tapestries in the marketplace are spectacular and lend an air of authenticity to the set. The cave that Aladdin enters is indescribably lavish and exquisite. Two-time Tony winning costume designer Gregg Barnes designed the multitude of costumes that are worn throughout the show. The use of colors and fluidity of design that enhances the dancing of the ensemble members is brilliant. The vocal arrangements are also exceptional, thanks to music director Michael Kosarin. Aladdin (Clinton Greenspan) and Jasmine (Isabelle McCalla) have lovely voices on their own but it is when their voices blend together in arranged duets that something magical truly happens. The Genie (Michael James Scott) is a gem. He takes command of the role as if it were written solely for him. He can sing, dance, and speak three times faster than anyone else on stage. There is no weak spot in this production. Aladdin’s friends Omar (Philippe Arroyo) Kassim (Jed   Feder) and Babbak (Zack Bencal) all sing and dance very admirably in their routines. The ensemble is excellent, dancing a variety a styles including tap and soft shoe. The singing is first rate. For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com/tour.Facebook.com/Aladdin and Twitter.com/Aladdin.   Bring your children, bring your parents, bring your spouse or best friend. There is no age limit set to enjoy this marvelous production.

Don't Dress For Dinner

Karen Peakes & Jessica Bedford

The Lantern Theater Company, located in St Stephen’s Church, 10^th and Ludlow Streets, is presenting the Philadelphia Premiere of Don’t Dress for Dinner through June 24, 2018. This absolutely uproarious French farce will have you doubled over with laughter as soon as the production begins and the side splitting humor continues until the end of the second act. The six member ensemble cast utters their double entendres (sometimes unknowingly) without batting an eye.  When Jacqueline (Karen Peakes) learns that her husband Bernard has invited his best friend Robert (Mark LeVasseur) for the weekend, she cancels plans to visit her mother. When Bernard (William Zileinski) learns of this, he utters “Oh good Oh God Oh good“ for he had been planning a weekend with his mistress with Robert as a cover story. Farces must have more than one complication. Enter the cook….Suzette (Lee Minora) aka Susi confused with Robert’s mistress and  Suzanne (Jessica Bedford) confused with the cook….a delightful romp ensues and the entire household is brought to near hysteria. It takes the appearance of George, Suzette’s husband, (Chris Anthony) to straighten things out.  For more information or tickets to this delightful experience, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org.