Great Expectations

Due to popular demand, the production of Great Expectations, on the Arcadia stage of the Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2^nd Street, will be extended through December 21.  What a phenomenal production it is!  With Josh Carpenter leading the cast as Pip, 5 other cast members portray 40 characters.  With a quick flick of a hat, a new coat, scarf or jacket, additional characters are born. Dialogue flows at a swift speed between the characters, at times head to head, at times as a Greek chorus. Gale Childs Daly has done an incredible job of adapting the book Great Expectations written by Charles Dickens. This show is quick paced. An extraordinarily long and complex tale is brought to life within the confines of a single set.  The stage is transformed solely by changing props in order to change the scenes to visit 30 locations. Act now to follow Pip and his great expectations from 1812 – 1840.  For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122 or visit online at www.ardentheatre.org

CINDERELLA

Andy Jones and Paige Faure

Broadway Philadelphia, presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization, is proud to present the 2013 Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA through November 30. Direct from playing the title role on Broadway, Paige Faure has taken her golden voice on the road as she continues to wow audiences with her performances. An exceptional talent, Paige not only has a resounding voice but she scurries back and forth across the stage with a grace that few young actresses can maintain. Andy Jones, portraying Prince Topher, was a member of the original Broadway Company. His rich voice is a prefect compliment for Ms. Faure’s.  As he sweeps her off her feet, the audience is mesmerized by the waltz at the ball. There is outstanding choreography throughout the production. Whether in the town, through the woods, or in the ballroom, the dance routines are remarkably well executed. This production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA is a far cry from a two-star show with a cast to back them up. Ashley Park, as step-sister Gabrielle, has some tender moments that she shares onstage with Cinderella and a delightful duet that she shares with boyfriend Jean-Michel, played by David Andino.  Aymee Garcia’s performance as stepsister Charlotte is riotous as she leads the Ladies of the Court in the “Stepsisters’ Lament.” The deep, rich voice of Antoine L. Smith, portraying Lord Pinkleton, resonates throughout the Academy of Music every time he opens his mouth. The work of the creative team is brilliant. Tony Award nominee Anna Louizos is responsible for the intricate scene changes, most of which revolve around the forest. Cinderella’s cottage is in the woods and even the palace has the theme brought into it with silver covered branches serving as an archway.  Six-time Tony Award-winner William Ivey Long designed the magnificent costumes, some of which are resplendent with fairy-tale magic. When asked how to create a magical world for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Long, who won an Academy Award for his designs for this production replied, “ You have to think of it as a period piece. It is a fairy tale. In fact, that’s the period: fairy tale.” Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner is responsible for the marvelous lighting in the woods,  the night sky well and the ballroom and Tony Award nominee Nevin Steinberg is responsible for the subtle nuances of sound design. This fresh new take on a classic fairy tale combines the classic elements of glass slippers, pumpkin and a beautiful ball with some fascinating new twists. This Cinderella is more than  a rags-to-riches dream come true tale but also a tale of a young woman who brings kindness, compassion and forgiveness to change the world around her. This is not just a show for children. Come see it and feel the excitement!  Tickets are available by calling 215-731-3333, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway at the Kimmel Center box office; Broad and Spruce Sts (open daily 10 am to 6 pm or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad and Locust Street (open during performances only. 

CINDERELLA

Rogers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA

BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA AND

FAIRY GODMOTHERS, INC.

Invite the people of Philadelphia

To be a “Fairy Godmother”

And donate a dress to girls in need!

Broadway Philadelphia, Fairy Godmothers. Inc. and the company of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA  are pleased to announce that donations of girls’ princess dresses, teen prom dresses, costume jewelry and accessories will be accepted for girls in need during the evening performances of CINDERELLA playing at the Academy of Music Nov. 25-30.  Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the performing Arts and by the Shubert Organization.

Dresses will be collected at the 7:30 performance on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Friday Nov 28 at 8:00 pm; Saturday November 29 at 8:00pm and Sunday November 30 at the 6:30 pm performance. Cast member Danielle Jordon has spearheaded this campaign in several tour markets.  Ms. Jordon explains, “The message of CINDERELLA is…. full of hope and possibilities  ...and sharing Ella’s spirit of kindness and generosity with the country is a dream come true. With this partnership, our goal is to spread the show’s message in a more tangible way by providing items of beauty to girls who may not otherwise be able to afford them.”

Additional performances will be held on Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm along with matinees on Friday and Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm. Fairy Godmothers Inc. is a non-profit organization that helps qualified junior and senior high school students to attend their prom who might not otherwise be financially able to do so.  Tickets for the performances are available by calling 215-731-3333, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, and at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Locust Sts. (open during performances only) Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. 

QED

Peter Parnell’s limited return engagement of QED is being produced by the Lantern Theater Company in St. Stephen’s Church, 10^th and Ludlow Streets, through December 14. As Barrymore Award-winner Peter DeLaurier reprises his role of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, the entire audience is spellbound. In addition to being a physicist, Feynman was also a beloved professor with a great zest for life and DeLaurier captivates everyone in the room with his portrayal of the genius who seamlessly flits from one topic to another yet constantly returns to the common theme of “what we know” and its derivatives in the microcosms of nature. The writing is brilliant; the acting even more so. This overwhelming performance leads to a riveting experience in the theater. Seven years ago these performances were entirely sold out. Don’t miss an opportunity to treat yourself now to a performance of this outstanding production. For more information or tickets, call 215-829-9002 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org. 

MARY POPPINS The Musical

Lindsey Bliven & David Elder

MARY POPPINS The Musical will be playing through January 4^th at the Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, on its mainstage. This production is a pure delight from start to finish. David Elder, portraying Bert, the Chimney Sweep, begins the show with his enthusiastic rendition of Chim Chim Cher-ee and the fairy-tale wonder just snowballs from its inception point. Elder lights up the stage every time he appears, whether it’s waltzing Mary Poppins around the room, (Jolly Holiday) leading the sweeps in a dramatic tap routine, (Step in Time), or having a discussion with George Banks (Jeffrey Coon), Elder is the ”shooting star” of the show.  Lindsey Bliven, portraying Mary Poppins, is Practically Perfect. Her numerous musical numbers are well delivered both as solos and in harmonies. Her dance routines are well executed. The precision with which an entire ensemble performs the Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious piece with her is astounding. Set Designer J. Branson has outdone himself with this set. Enabling the audience to see both the inside and the outside of the Banks’ London home at one time is an incredible feat. Later walls slide to provide a bedroom and later still, a starlit rooftop. The ease at which the set constantly changes, from home, to outside a gated park to inside the  park and back gives the magical moments of the production credibility. For more information or tickets to this enchanting experience, call 215-574-3550, 800-982-2787 or visit online at www.walnutstreettheatre.org or ticketmaster.

STOMP

Tickets on Sale now For Holiday Gift Giving!

STOMP, the International Percussion Sensation, returns to Philadelphia for a holiday engagement at the Merriam Theater Dec 26-30 as part of Broadway Philadelphia, presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization. From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, STOMP has grown into an international sensation over the past 20 years, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 24 million people. Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, STOMP continues its extraordinary run with four global productions: the on-going sell-out productions at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, a permanent London Company, and the North American and European tours.  Winner of London’s Olivier Award for Best Choreography, a New York Obie Award, A Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience and a Special Citation from Best Plays, STOMP will soon be performing in Philadelphia.  Tickets are available by calling 215-7311-3333, online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Sts (open daily 10am to 6 pm) or at the Merriam Theater box office, 250 S. Broad St. (open during performances only).  Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947.  Performances will be held on Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 2:00pm and 8:00 pm; Sunday at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm with special holiday performances on Monday at 2:00 pm and 8::00 pm and a Tuesday matinee at 2:00 pm.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

                          Purchase your tickets now!

Producers Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris and Berry Gordy and Broadway Philadelphia proudly announce single tickets for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization are now on sale for a two week engagement at the Academy of Music.  Performances will be held January 6-18. Tickets are available by calling 215-731-3333, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Streets (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Sts, (open during performances only). Performances will be held Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30pm; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm with matinees Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sundays at 1:00 pm.

Directed by Charles Randolph-WrIght, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye among others. Clifton Oliver and Allison Semmes will star in the leading roles of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross.  Jesse Nager will portray ground-breaking Motown artist Smokey Robinson and Jarran Muse will play Marvin Gaye.  Leon Outlaw Jr. and Reed L. Shannon will portray Berry Gordan’s boyhood counterpart and the roles of young stars Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL will also feature an ensemble cast of 27.

Til Divorce Do Us Part: The Musical

Til Divorce Do Us Part: The Musical, the new musical comedy about the end of marriage, has moved from the main stage to the Red Room Cabaret on the first floor of the Society Hill Playhouse. Written by Ruthe Ponturo with music by John Thomas Fischer, the all-Philadelphia area cast features Donna Dougherty as Kate, Cassandra Nary as Audrey, and Michelle Pauls as Suzy along with the only male member of the cast, Trevor Cahill. Loosely based on a ‘get even’ story for writer Ponturo’s ex-husband, the musical is inspired by a true story of love and loss in which a woman  turns to her close knit group of friends to help her sing, laugh and dance their way through the end of a relationship and on to the beginning of a new life. Recently having had its Philadelphia premiere, Til Divorce Do Us Part: The Musical will continue through December 7 at the Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth Street (on Eighth Street between Lombard and South). Performances will be held Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm with Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. For tickets call 215-923-0210 or 215-923-0211 for group reservations. Tickets may also be obtained online at www.societyhillplayhouse.org.