Missionary in Manhattan: Big Philly Style

·         The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Brooklyn will be presenting Missionary in Manhattan: Big Philly Style for two performances only in the third floor studio of Plays and Players Theater located at 1714 Delancey Street.  This Philadelphia premiere can be seen on Friday Dec 7^th and Saturday Dec 8^th at 10:30PM.  Directed by Kaleigh Malloy, the cast includes Caitlin Davis, Elizabeth May, Dave May and Lily Narbonne. Missionary in Manhattan: Big Philly Style is a musical comedy about three polygamists –pop stars searching for their brother husband in the City of Brotherly Love. Said husband went missing after the election and was last seen with his vocal coach.  Using their ukuleles to turn pop songs into “God” songs, the wives will stop at nothing to find the father of their seven children. This rapid-fire show is brief and sure to be a hoot.  Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.greatuke.com.

Freud's Last Session

Freud and C.S.Lewis

The Arden Theatre, located at 40 N 2^nd Street in Olde City, Philadelphia, is presenting Freud’s Last Session on its Arcadia Stage through December 23, 2012.  Freud, the father of modern psychology invites a young C.S. Lewis to his office at the start of England’s entrance into World War II The playwright, Mark St. Germain lets his imagination fly to spark the discussions of  two brilliant men with wholly different philosophies of life. Their constant bantering back and forth has the audience totally engaged.  David Howie portrays an ill and aging Sigmund Freud and Todd Scofield plays a young C.S. Lewis just beginning his literary career.  The repartee is gentle, yet forceful, with neither one persuading the other to his point of view ... Or does one?   Sigmund Freud was an ardent collector of artifacts from around the world and his study contained over 2000 pieces.  Scenic Designer David P. Gordon has done an excellent job of recreating Freud’s office. The set is replete with replicas, many borrowed from the University Of Pennsylvania Museum Of Archaeology and Anthropology cast collection.  Theatre goers are encouraged to use a ticket stub from the show to get a $3 discount at the museum.  Make plans to see this show and let your ticket stub be more than just a reminder of the provocative dialogue you have just encountered. For tickets or more information, call 215-922-1122 or visit www.ardentheatre.org

The Music Man

Winthrop,Marion & Music Man

Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, is presenting a delightfully fresh look at a classic musical, The Music Man on it is main stage through January 6.  Known for its excellent staging, Walnut Street Theatre continues it fine tradition with this production.  With the deep stage, four recurring scenes are set behind each other and a simple rise of a light curtain brings the audience to a new venue.  The choreography of the opening number, “Rock Island”, is timed to perfection.   You can almost feel the jerking of the railroad car as you sit in your seat, so realistic are the machinations on stage.  Reality doesn’t stop there.  A live horse pulls the Wells Fargo Wagon onto the stage as it arrives to bring the musical instruments to River City.  There is a fine ensemble cast to belt out the many  well-known  tunes such as  “ Lida Rose”,  “Pick A Little”, “Gary Indiana” and the ever popular  “Seventy Six Trombones/Till there was you”. The show is high energy from start to finish.  There are two teams of 15 children in the cast.  The night that I saw the production, Vincent Crocila, who plays  Winthrop Paroo, stole the show.  For more information or tickets for a wonderful experience,call215-574-3550, 800-982-2787 or visit online at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org.

The Liar

The Lantern Company, located at 10th and Ludlow Streets in Old St. Stephen’s Church, is presenting the Philadelphia Premiere of David Ives’ The Liar . Due to popular demand, the show has been extended through December 9, 2012. A wine tasting event has been added as well on Friday November 30 at 6:30 PM. Expecting to be spellbound by a work translated and adapted by the playwright who gave us New Jerusalem, The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Talmud Torah Congregation ; Amsterdam, July 27, 1656, I was both taken aback and delighted by this light-hearted farce. It is told in rhyme that is sometimes sublime but with verse sometimes forced or coerced. It matters not.  It is all in good fun.  As in most farces, the story is ridiculous and I laughed myself silly..  Just as  an “aha” moment when one outrageous muddle seems to be explained, another pops up right alongside it.  You have to love the way inveterate liar Dorante, played by Aubie Merrylees, speaks tongue-in-cheek (literally)! The juxtaposition of Dorante, who always lies, with his faithful manservant Cliton, who does not know to, is brilliantly done.  Sarah Gliko and Emilie Krause, playing Clarice and Lucrece are charming in their period dress and coy mannerisms.   Emily Rogge as both Isabelle and her twin sister Sabine plays another crucial role in the farce. Kudos to Meghan Jones, Production Manager and Scenic Designer. Frequent scene changes are done with minimal movement of props on stage. This is simply a delightful; production that will have you leaving the theater with a feel good feeling.  Don't miss out on this  extended opportunity! For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org.