Reasons to be Pretty

Philadelphia Theatre Company, located in the Suzanne Roberts Theatre at Broad and Lombard Streets, is presenting Neil LaBute’s Reasons to be Pretty through June 24. Reasons to be Pretty was nominated for both a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for Best New Play on Broadway. It is Neil LaBute’s third play that focuses on our modern day obsession with physical appearance, following The Shape of Things and Fat Pig. A very talented ensemble cast brings LaBute’s tale to life. Elizabeth Stanley, an actress with many Broadway and off-Broadway credits to her name, portrays Carly, the “pretty’ but vacuous security guard of a frozen food plant. Paul Felder, who is also a professional mixed martial arts fighter, plays her cheating husband Kent.  Genevieve Perrier, previous winner of a Barrymore nomination for Best Leading Actress as well as Best Supporting Actress, portrays Steph, an aggrieved young woman who cannot come to grips with an account of a “she said he said” remark about her appearance. Daniel Abeles, who has had IT Award nominations as well as film credits, portrays Steph’s erstwhile boyfriend, Kent’s best friend, and ultimately best friend to Carly and himself as well. The play begins at an extraordinarily frenetic pace- Steph is blurting out expletives and shutting out any attempts by Greg to talk. The dialogue is humorous in its pace and its futility. LaBute picks up the pace again in the second act with a fight scene well staged by fight choreographer Thomas Schall. Set Designer Vince Mountain has done an outstanding job with the set design in conjunction with lighting designer David Lander. There are frequent scene changes and an efficient movable back wall is a fascinating study in design. Neil LaBute questions our preoccupation with physical appearance, the importance of it, and what drives us to strive for it.  Every member of this production has “done him proud."  For more information or tickets, call 215-985-0420 or visit online at PhiladelphiaTheatreCompany.org.

The Island

The Lantern Theater, located at 10^th and Ludlow Streets, is producing The Island through June 10. Much as The Rock refers to Alcatraz, The Island refers to Robben Island, 7 km from Cape Town on the South Africa Coast. It is best known for housing political prisoners and Nelson Mandela was one of its most well- known inmates.  The play is inspired by real-life events of activist inmates.  In a break from their normal staging preparations, the Lantern has prepared a theater in-the-round which allows actors Frank X, playing John and U.R. playing Winston to work outside the stage, which is their cell, for a full 10 minutes at the beginning of the production.  This work is essential to the essence of the play as it demonstrates the meaningless of the hard labor each is forced to endure.   After seemingly endless digging and carrying of sand, both men are handcuffed together and forced to jog.  Their clasped wrists are only the beginning of many excellent sound effects put into play by sound designer Daniel Perelstein.  Natalia de la Torre also deserves mention for her costume design. The prisoners are frequently required to “drop their drawers” but the clothes they wear are well suited for the task.  Additionally, the cellmates rehearse Antigone, a play about injustice, to deliver a message in a prisoner’s show and to get their mind off their plight.  Through the rehearsals of Antigone, Winston rebels for he is being asked to take on a female role.   There are additional reasons that he has a difficult time dealing with his long time cellmate, but these two consummate Philadelphia actors pull off the show of a lifetime. For tickets or more information, call 215-829-9002 or visit online at www.lanterntheatter.org.

The Island

Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story

There wasn't  a day the music died in Philadelphia. Buddy Holly is alive and well, hiding out at the Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, sometimes using the name Christopher Sutton. You will not convince any member of the 300 person audience of Buddy- The Buddy Holly Story that he isn’t witnessing a Buddy Holly performance.  While making no effort to keep my own feet still, I glanced around the theatre and saw that no one was sitting motionless in his seat.  Walnut Street’s main stage brings you an absolutely foot-tapping, hand-clapping, and body-swaying total immersion into the experience of the rise of Buddy Holly.  Christopher Sutton not only looks remarkably like the musical genius who met his untimely death at the age of 22, but on several of his songs he sounds exactly like him as well.  The audience can’t get enough and when you go, you'd better bring your dancing shoes and be prepared to dance in the aisles. Miguel Jarquin-Moreland portrays a vibrant Richie Valens as he sings La Bamba and shimmies his way across the stage.  When Philadelphia favorite Scott Greer  belts out Chantilly Lace, he appears to be the reincarnation of The Big Bopper. There is so much energy on the stage from the show’s beginning to end; there should be a way to bottle it and save it for a power failure.. But the word failure and The Buddy Holly Story should not be mentioned in the same paragraph for this production is anything but one. From the casting to the direction, from the staging to the choreography, from the lighting to the sound….everything about this performance screams success. Don’t be the last of your friends to see the show that everyone is bound to be talking about. Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story will be appearing at the Walnut Street theatre through July 15.  For tickets or further information, call 215-574-3550 or visit online at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org.  

RENT

friends from the streets of  New York

Bristol Riverside Theatre, located at 120 Radcliffe Street in Bristol, Pa, is presenting a must-see production of RENT through June 3. Winner of a Tony Award, the Drama Desk Award and the Pulitzer Prize, RENT is the 9^th longest running show in Broadway’s history. Based on Puccini’s opera, La Boheme, this rock musical tells the story of struggling artists and musicians trying to survive on the streets of the Bohemian section of New York during a period fraught with the dangers of HIV and AIDS. Everything about this production clamors for attention. James LaRosa, whose character Mark Cohen documents the lives and deaths of friends over a one year period, has a voice that is twice his size. Not only is he a wonder to listen to but also to watch; his facial expressions are extraordinarily revealing. His roommate Roger, portrayed by Mark Willis Borum, is no light-weight in the voice department either, but his strongest moments come when singing duets with the lovely Brit West who portrays Mimi, a dancer and drug user who gives up using to be with Roger. Brit also does a fine job when singing her solo roles. When Tyrone Roberson sings as Tom, the music comes from the depth of his soul and into the soul of every entranced audience member. Tom’s lover, Angel, played by Julian Alvarez, gives a delightful performance as the friendly drag queen. Flamboyant, sexy, fun-loving and limber, Angel sings and kicks up her heels as well as any finely honed athlete. Tracie Franklin as Joanne, and Jamila Sabares-Klemm as Maureen are on-again- off-again lovers.  Their strongest musical moments come during their duets. The 34 musical numbers are supported in part by an additional ensemble cast. Of all the members of the ensemble, Nadine Zahr steals with show with her powerful voice that can probably be heard down the street at the King George II Inn. The choreography, done by Stephen Casey, is exceptional in its simplicity. The actors on the stage flow effortlessly through their well-rehearsed routines. Set Designer Jason Simms strives for simplicity as well, as the actors glide up and down several sets of stairs in an old warehouse where they hang out. The stairways lead to landings at different levels, allowing several actors to occupy their own space at the same time. Lighting Designer Ryan J O’Gara works wonders with the lights, creating shadows, bright spots and Christmas lights which appear and disappear on cue. RENT has one wow moment  after another.  The entire production is put together with great success. There should be many Barrymore nominations in its future. For tickets or further information, call 215-785-0100 or visit online at brtstage.org.

RENT

Friends from the street

Bristol Riverside Theatre, located at 120 Radcliffe Street in Bristol, Pa, is presenting a must-see production of RENT through June 3. Winner of a Tony Award, the Drama Desk Award and the Pulitzer Prize, RENT is the 9^th longest running show in Broadway’s history. Based on Puccini’s opera, La Boheme, this rock musical tells the story of unfortunate artists and musicians struggling to survive on the streets of the Bohemian section of New York during a period fraught with the dangers of HIV and AIDS. Everything about this production clamors for attention. James LaRosa, whose character Mark Cohen documents the lives and deaths of friends over a one year period, has a voice that is twice his size. Not only is he a wonder to listen to but also to watch; his facial expressions are extraordinarily revealing. His roommate Roger, portrayed by Mark Willis Borum, is no light-weight in the voice department either, but his strongest moments come when singing duets with the lovely Brit West who portrays Mimi, a dancer and drug user who gives up using to be with Roger. Brit also does a fine job when singing her solo roles. When Tyrone Roberson sings as Tom, the music comes from the depth of his soul and into the soul of every entranced audience member. Tom’s lover, Angel, played by Julian Alvarez, gives a delightful performance as the friendly drag queen. Flamboyant, sexy, limer and fun-loving, Angel sings and kicks up her heels as well as any finely honed athlete. Tracie Franklin as Joanne and Jamila Sabares-Klemm as Maureen are on-again- off-again lovers.  Their strongest musical moments come during their duets. The 34 musical numbers are supported in part by an additional ensemble cast. Of all the members of the ensemble, Nadine Zahr steals with show with her powerful voice that can probably be heard down the street at the King George II Inn. The Choreography, done by Stephen Casey, is exceptional in its simplicity. The actors on the stage flow effortlessly through their well-rehearsed routines. Set Designer Jason Simms strives for simplicity as well, as the actors glide up and down several sets of stairs in an old warehouse where they hang out. The stairways lead to landings at different levels, allowing several actors to occupy their own space at the same time. Lighting Designer Ryan J O’Gara worked wonders with the lights, creating shadows, bright spots and Christmas lights which appear and disappear on cue. RENT has one wow moment  after another.  The entire production is put together with great success. There should be many Barrymore nominations in its future. For tickets or further information, call 215-785-0100 or visit online at brtstage.org.

Boston Marriage

1812 Productions is presenting David Mamet’s comedy Boston Marriage through May 20 at the Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey Street. Outllandishly funny performances are given by Philadelphia native Suzanne O’Donnell who plays Anna and Grace Gonglewski who portrays Claire. Two 19^th Century women who not only share their lives but a Scottish maid as well are forced to briefly turn away from each other when financial hard times demand they seek supplemental support.  Their reunion brings about some unexpected changes in their relationship.  Just about the only constant throughout is Catherine, the Scottish maid, portrayed by Caroline Doone.  Although quick to weep with problems she can’t seem to resolve, Catherine never blanches at an insult and quickly curtsies back into the room, begging for more of the same.  And more she is given. What makes this presentation especially hilarious is Mamet’s wit and his juxtaposition of poetic language with bawdy innuendo.  Never before has gentility been presented as less genteel yet never have performances been more loved by an audience. Come and see what everyone is laughing about!  For more information or tickets, call 215-592-9560 or visit online at www.1812productions.org

Boston Marriage

Knight Arts Challenge

 nominees on  Phila Art Museum steps

Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. It is the belief of the founders that democracy thrives when people and their communities are both informed and engaged. Since 2007, Knight has invested more than $100 million in new technologies and techniques, including in more than 200 community news and information experiments. The Knights Arts Challenge was open to anyone with a great idea for the arts.  There were only three caveats.  The idea must be about the arts. The project must take place in or benefit the city of Philadelphia and the recipients must find funds to match the Knight’s commitment. With over 1260 submissions, the 2012 winners represent a wide range of  creative thinkers. Thirty five ideas for the arts in Philadelphia have received a total of $2.76 million as winners of the 2012 Knight Arts Challenge. The challenge began in Miami in 2008. Philadelphia is only the second city to which Knight has offered this program. There were a myriad of ideas and prizes ran the gamut from a $10,000 award to Little Berlin to help transform the East Kensington neighborhood by turning an empty lot into an event space for musicians, arts fairs and children’s workshops to the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation’s $350,000 award to engage younger audiences in the visual arts through a series of simultaneous late-night happenings at three of Philadelphia’s premier art museums. The Arden Theatre Company was awarded $50,000 to diversify artistic offerings by presenting multidisciplinary performances alongside gallery events during Old City’s monthly First Fridays. Congratulations to all thirty-five winning recipients of the Knight Arts Challenge. Dennis Scholl, Knight Foundation's vice president for the arts specified, “We hope the Knight Arts Challenge and its winners provide an added spark that inspires the community to build a better future together.”