Backing Track

                                                                      Melanye Finister

The Arden Theatre  is presenting the world premiere of R. Eric Thomas’ new play Backing Track on its Arcadia stage through April 10, 2022. Avery (Brenson Thomas) has met a casual acquaintance, Abraham (Carl Hsu) on an app. No sooner have they chatted on-line, than Avery must go away on business as a cruise ship karaoke entertainer. He reluctantly leaves his mom, Mel, ( Mel Finister) who is recently widowed and is being harassed by neighbors for the state of her front lawn. Mel has an excellent sense of comic timing. There are many double entendres thrown about throughout the play. She misunderstands what is said until something is said repeatedly amidst the audiences’  laughter. Bi Jean Ngo, who frequently appears on stage in serious roles  proves that she can play a comedic role as well in her portrayal of Esther, the busy-body neighbor.  Scenic Designer Craig Haig has crafted a very clever set that, with the additional help of Lighting Director Natalie Robin, can show distinct locations without movement of any background or props. A small section of the stage is lit up around Abraham whenever he texts Avery. The opposite side of the stage is angled with a microphone and curtain to represent the stage when Avery is singing on the ship. Behind him is a screen with projections of ocean waves. When Avery returns home, he is surprised to discover that the man he has been texting for months lives very nearby. This is a comedy with music. It is a fun-filled show where everyone gets to do a little bit of everything. For more information or tickets, visit ardentheatre.org.

A Man For All Seasons

^{The Lantern Theater Company is presenting  the Philadelphia premiere of A Man For All Seasons, its first show for live audiences in over  2 years. The performances take place on the main stage of the  Plays & Players Theater, 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, Pa. through Sunday,  April 10th.  British playwright Robert Bolt set this play in 16th Century England at a time when Henry XVIII  (Jake Blouch) seeks an annulment from his once- beloved wife Catherine who has been unable to bear him an heir. Sir Thomas Moore, (Frank X) a deeply religious man, cannot, as “a matter of conscience” agree to the king's receiving one. Thomas Cromwell,  (Anthony Lawton) close advisor to the king, does everything in his power to “break” Sir Thomas Moore.  Friends and family  eventually try to persuade Sir Thomas to have a change of heart. The Duke of Norfolk ( Benjamin Brown ), a close friend; Lady Alice Moore (Mary Elizabeth Scallen), the wife too often ignored; Lady Margaret Moore (Morgan Charéce Hall), the daughter, and William Roper (Jake Blouch) the son-in-law all try to persuade Sir Thomas to agree with the King’s desires.  The play demands that everyone watching examine their own inner core and determine at what point you will say NO! Where is your red line in the sand? (Scott Greer) introduces and closes the show by speaking to the audiences with his own brand of humor as the common man . He re-appears throughout the performance as a household servant and a boatman on the riverfront. As always, Frank X and Anthony Lawton give singular performances. Costume Designer Kelly Myers has accomplished an extraordinary task with the brilliant period costumes. Scenic Designer James Pyne Jr. has  created a set on the riverfront with many exit and entrance points that bespeaks both wealth and religiosity. Sound Designer Christopher Colucci enhances the production with original music. For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org.}

 

 

 

OKLAHOMA!

                                                         Sasha Hutchings & Sean Grandillo

The Kimmel Cultural Campus at the Forrest  Theatre is presenting the Philadelphia Premiere of the reimagined OKLAHOMA! through  March 20, 2022. Directed by Daniel Fish,  this reimagined creation is not your father’s Rogers & Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA! Except for one number in Act Two, gone are the big dance productions BUT a wholly new concept in dance numbers replaces them. It might take a bit of getting used to initially but if nothing else it certainly is interesting. The same can be said of the choral pieces. A few have the whole company singing must most of the songs are solos which highlight the talent of the cast. The musicians, seated onstage instead  of in a pit, emit a down-home country feel before the first note is played as they are dressed in jeans and checkered shirts. The instruments include banjo, cello, guitar, fiddle, and bass. Curly, the cowman portrayed by Sean Grandillo, plays the guitar, and sings several numbers. He is trying to win the heart of farmer Laurey, portrayed by Sasha Hutchins who is not sure whether or not to give him the time of day. She is also considering the attentions of  her farmhand, Jud. There are dark moments in this production both physically and metaphorically. When  Curly suggests suicide to Jud and then sings Poor Jud is Dead the stage is completely dark. Ado Annie, portrayed by Sis, steals the show with her rendition of I Can’t Say No. There are many memorable moments in the presentation including frequent opportunities to laugh. For more information or tickets, call 215-893-1999 or visit online at www.kimmelculturalcampus.org. Tickets may also be obtained in person at the Academy of Music box office or the Forrest Theater box office 1114 Walnut Street.

 

 

Sherlock Holmes - The Adventures of the Speckled Band

                                             

                                            Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson

Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa., is presenting a world premiere adaptation of Sherlock Holmes – The Adventure of The Speckled Band on its mainstage through March 27. Two parts farce and three parts melodrama make this production five parts laughter and absolute incredulous enjoyment for the audience. The extremely talented ensemble cast of Bill Van Horn, Karen  Peakes, Ian Merril Peakes, Justin Lujan, Dan Hodge, and Mary Martello play multiple roles, frequently creating madcap situations while rushing off stage to change costumes and re-appearing as new characters. Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Ian Merrill Peakes must always have a mystery to solve. Dr. Watson (Bill Van Horn ) is Sherlock’s sidekick. Enid, portrayed by Karen Peakes, is fearing for her life a year after her sister died mysteriously. With Dr. Watson’s help, she engages Sherlock’s help to solve the mystery before she, too, dies. Mary Martello is the coroner in the original investigation who declared “death by natural causes.” But a year later, Enid still does not believe it. Rogers the Butler ( Dan Hodge ) is the epitome of slapstick. Every time he bumbles off stage, he appears to be losing his balance and a huge crash of cymbals is heard, indicating a crash in the wings. Scenic Designer Brian Froonjian has done a remarkable job with the  scenic design. The sets in the second act are outstanding. This show will surprise you. You will never know where your next laugh is coming from, but it is coming, guaranteed! Get tickets or more information by calling 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also  available by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

Choir Boy

                                                                      Ensemble Choir

Philadelphia Theatre Company, located at 40 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. is presenting Choir Boy,  the Philadelphia Premiere of a TONY® Award-winning play from Academy Award winning writer Alvin McCraney. The show runs through March 13. Crystal Monee Hall is the composer and musical director of this phenomenal ensemble cast of  acapella singers engaged in gospel and R & B. Jeffrey Paige is responsible  for the direction and choreography of the production. The musical numbers will leave you breathless with their intensity. The drama that plays out on the stage is gut-wrenching. The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys has been dedicated to the education of strong, ethical Black men. Pharus (Justin Ross),  the most gifted boy in choir, struggles to fit in with his classmates. Bobby (Jeremy Cousar) and Junior ( Tristan Andre) are quick to bully him. David ( Dana Orange ) has dreams of becoming a preacher and AJ (Jamaal Fields-Green is content to stay out of conflict as his roommate. Pharus’ feelings of isolation become real and palpable as his senior year approaches. This is a stunning work on many levels. Tickets are available at www.philatheatreco.org or by phone at 215-985-0420. For the health and safety of patrons, cast, crew and staff, PTC will require that audience members present proof of vaccination with booster (if eligible) and wear a mask while in the venue.

 

                                                New Choreography by John Heginbotham

The Kimmel Cultural Campus, in partnership with the Shubert Organization, will proudly present  the  Philadelphia premiere of the reimagined Rogers & Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA!, running  March 8 through March 20 at the Forrest Theatre. This production of OKLAHOMA is reimagined for the 21st century. It tells the story of a community banding together against an outsider and the frontier life that shaped America and is the Tony Award Winner for Best Revival of a Musical. The Kimmel Cultural Campus is requiring masks to be worn at all times for guests attending on-campus events. Proof of vaccination is required for all guests older than five. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-212-239-6200, visiting telecharge.com, or online at www.kimmelculturalcampus.org.

A Streetcar Named Desire

 

                                                            Katherine Powell as Blanche

A Streetcar Named Desire is appearing on the Arden’s F. Otto Haas Mainstage after a break of almost two years, Originally slated for a March 2020 opening, this Tennessee Williams classic had only one performance before Covid 19 forced the theatre to shut down. It is back again with all its brilliance. Scenic Designer Paige Hathaway has transformed the stage into a  a small apartment snuggled in the streets of the French Quarter of New Orleans. Daniel Ison provides the powerful original music and Sound Design which, along the with the lighting change  provided by  Lighting Designer Ann G. Wrightson, signals the end of each scene. Exceptional costume changes are provided by Costume Designer Olivera Gajic. Katherine Powell is phenomenal as Blanche DuBois, a woman who .struggles to hold onto dreams of the past and ignore the realities of the present. Emilie Krause gives a credible performance as her younger sister Stella, as does Akeem  Davis as her love interest, Mitch. Matteo Scammell, Stella’s husband Stanley, gives an excellent performance as the man you grow to hate. Overall, it is Blanche who steals the show from her very haughty entrance in the first act  to her sad downfall at the end of Act 2. The glimpse Katherine Powell shows us of a woman’s total emotional collapse is heartbreaking. Tickets for A Streetcar Named Desire are available for purchase online at ardentheatre.org  A digital version will be available to stream February 14-27. Visit ardentheatre.org for details.