Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

JC McCann as Joseph

The national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is being presented by Broadway Philadelphia at Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater through January 3, 2016. This long-running musical has been popular with audiences for decades and this production is one of the best I’ve seen. Special effects get the audience in the mood for the dream themes as projections are swirled in clouds of smoke above Joseph’s (JC McCann) head while he reclines on a bed as the audience members are filing into their seats. There is so much to enjoy about this show.  Laura Helm is a gifted narrator as she sings Joseph’s story from his early days with his brother in Canaan through his life in slavery, prison, and as Pharaoh’s right hand man in Egypt.  Lighting Designer Howell Binkley is the architect of phenomenal effects using strobe lights throughout the show. Costume Designer Jennifer Caprio has hit a home run with her multiple costume changes for the ensemble and award winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler is responsible for the exciting choreography. Video and projections have come to be almost commonplace in the theatre today but Daniel Brodie, video and projection designer, has made the art fresh and awe-inspiring. The young men portraying Joseph’s brothers are all extremely talented and act with lock-step precision in numbers that have them sitting at a dining table. Their rendition of “Those Canaan Days” is particularly funny. The artistic members of the ensemble not only sing but dance a variety of routines and do acrobatic turns as well. JC McCann is in his first national tour but with a voice as dynamic as his, it certainly won’t be his last. A very engaging ending to the production is almost an overture in reverse; many of the stars return to center stage and do a short remix of the songs they have sung during the show. Tickets for the remaining shows may be purchased by calling (215)893-1999, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org, visiting the Kimmel Center Box Office or the Merriam Theater Box Office (open during performances only).

The Three Maries

No Attytude Productions is presenting the World Premiere of composer and lyricist Michael Ogborn’s The Three Maries. This “Philadelphia Phable” is a fictional account of an historical event - the 1926 Philadelphia visit of Romania’s Queen Marie. With a riff on Pygmalion and Cinderella, Little Marie (Rachel Brennan) is remarkably engaging as she first loses her Philadelphia accent in the quest for respect in the workplace and then her shoe as she flees Romanian Royalty(Mary Martello and Jeff Coon) at a ball in their honor. Big Marie (Kathy Deitch) is equally humorous as she tries to get her daughter to stay home and help with the housework and perhaps marry a mummer and give her a grandchild.  From Roaring twenties flair, to jazzy tap routines, to mummers’ struts, this production has it all. Projections of City Hall and William Penn add to the authenticity of this “Philadelphia Phable”, as do the stops on the Broad Street El which are flashed on a backdrop as Little Marie  “takes the train” to work, This show is truly phunny. In between laughs, you will be checking on your own accent as you practice saying, “I want a coke and a hoagie to go.”   You’ll even have a chance to do a little strutting of your own as you join the very talented ensemble in their rendition of the Mummer’s Strut.  For a phun-philled evening, get tickets to see this phabulous new musical by calling 215-422-4580 or  by visitingPrinceTheater.org.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:The Musical  is premiering on the Merriam stage Dec 17-20 as part of Broadway Philadelphia.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer became a classic after it appeared for the first time on television in 1964.  Bob Penola, producing partner, wrote the adaptation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:The Musical and has kept it true to the original animated film.  A parallel story is told of Hermey the elf (Wesley Edwards) who is different from all the others because he wants to be a dentist instead of making toys and Rudolph (Lexy Baeza) who is different from the other reindeer because of his red nose.  Hermey and Rudolph  meet after they both run away from home and instantly form a friendship. Puppeteers appear throughout the performance working animals, the Abominable Snow Monster, and misfit toys. The children seem mesmerized, but when a huge mechanical dog appears pulling the sleigh carrying Yukon Cornelius (Ben Burch), giggles are heard throughout the entire theater from the younger members of the audience. The special effects on a projection curtain are excellent. My young granddaughter’s favorite part of the show was Rudolph's flying through the air, but the beautiful snow storm projections are hard to beat. The grand finale has the entire audience participating and leaving the theater with smiles from ear to ear. Tickets can be purchased for the eight remaining performances by calling 215-731-3333, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts.(open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Merriam Theater box office 250 S. Broad St. (open during performances only). 

Once

NATIONAL TOUR OF

ONCE

RETURNS TO PHILADELPHIA’S

KIMMEL CENTER

January 15-17, 2016

Winner of 8 Tony Awards , including 

                                      Best Musical 

and based on the 2007 Academy Award Winning film.

Broadway Philadelphia announces the return of ONCE – winner of eight 2012 Academy Awards, including Best Musical. The show will have a limited engagement at the Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music, January 15-17, 2016.  Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization. Once is a distinguished musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their love of music. The film was written and directed by John Carney. It starred Glen Howard and Markéta Irglova and had original music written by both actors. Once features the same award winning music. Performances include Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; Sunday evening at 6:30 pm, and matinees Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm.  For more information, visit www.oncemusical.com. 

OVO

WILL BE PRESENTED

AT THE LIACOURAS CENTER

IN PHILADELPHIA

STARTING MAY 11, 2016 

     AND AT THE BOARDWALK CITY HALL

                         IN ATLANTIC CITY

                STARTING JUNE 22, 2016

 The wildly popular Cirque du Soleil, OVO, which elated over 4.5 million people world-wide since its inception in 2009 in Montreal, is coming to Philadelphia in May, 2016. The production will be presented at the Liacouras Center from May 11 to May 15. OVO will also be performed in Atlantic City N.J. starting June 22, 2016 at the Boardwalk City Hall. There will be seven performances only at each venue. Both shows will be presented by Visa Signature. Advance tickets for  the OVO production in Philadelphia are now available online exclusively to Cirque Club members through December 17. Cirque Club membership is free and benefits includes access to advance tickets, special offers and special behind the scenes information.  To join, go to www.cirqueclub.com.  Tickets will be available to Cirque Club members for the Atlantic City show on December 14, 2015. Tickets for the general public for both shows will be available starting Friday, December 18, 2015. Buy early for the best tickets. 

The Arden

Cabaret series

Jeff Coon

The Arden Theatre is excited to present a new concept - a four part cabaret series - in its new intimate 100 seat Hamilton Family Arts Center Studio Theatre located at 62 N. 2^nd Street. The cabarets will feature local artists. The first is Jeff Coon who will be followed by Joilet Harriet,  Kristine Fraelich and another artist to be named at a future date.  The series is directed by Associated Artistic Director Matthew Decker and the Music is supervised by Amanda Morton. Jeff Coon, accompanied on the piano by Amanda Morton and on the cello by Justin Yoder, used the intimate setting to tell his story through song and anecdotes. His performance was extraordinary, giving the close audience members an inside look at the individual behind the persona of the actor and singer Jeff Coon. His routine was raw, emotional and unbelievably gratifying…80 minutes of non-stop remarkable performance. If the upcoming Cabaret performances are half as stirring, they will be an absolute must to put on your calendar. This new concept has all the earmarks of an unqualified success for the Arden Theatre Company.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Adam Green, Matt Zambrano,
 Crystal Finn, Henry Clarke  &
Ron Menzel

The Philadelphia Theatre Company is presenting the McCarter Theatre/Arena Stage production of Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes’s Mystery through December 27. The production can be seen at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard Streets. The ensemble cast of Henry Clark, Crystal Finn, Adam Green, Ron Menzel and Matt Zambrano constantly skirt on and off the stage as different persona.  Their costume changes are lightning quick and nothing short of remarkable. The special effects are spell-binding. Lighting Designers Philip S. Rosenberg and Joel Shier have outdone themselves, using over 100 strobe lights to create the mood of the mysterious moor. Sound Designer Joshua Horvath has the audience members shrinking in their seats in fear of the hounds and set designer Daniel Ostling has made excellent use of the openings on the stage floor which allow people and props to appear and disappear almost magically. The plot in first act is a bit confusing, but enjoy the speed with which everything is done and be assured that everything will be tied up neatly in the second act. For more information or tickets, call 215-985-0429 or visit online at PhiladelphiaTheatreCompany.org. 

insects around the egg

OVO- A Cirque du Soleil Show

will be coming to the

Philadelphia and Atlantic City

areas in 2016

OVO, which premiered in Montreal in 2009 and has been seen by more than 4.5 million people worldwide, will soon be performing in cities across North America.  Among the scheduled stops for 2016 are Philadelphia, Pa. and Atlantic City, N.J. It will be presented by Visa Signature. OVO, which means egg in Portuguese, mysteriously arrives in the midst of brilliantly colorful and curious insects that juggle, tumble and soar through the air. The cast of OVO is comprised of 50 performing artists from 12 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. Cirque du Soleil has appeared in front of audiences in over 600 cities.  The company has 1300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries. For more information about Cirque du Soleil visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com. Be on the lookout!  Information about tickets and show dates will be issued soon.

Menopause The Musical

new friendships forged in dept store

The international hit show Menopause the Musical, is currently playing at Penn’s Landing Playhouse with a run that has been extended through December 22 due to popular demand. It is easy to see why this production has been extended on so many occasions. A professional woman (Cecelia Ann Birt ), A Soap Star (Beth Buczkowski),  an Earth Mother (Barbara Pinolini and an Iowa Housewife (Karen Gedissman) meet while fighting over a black lace bra  that is on sale in a department store. The show is brimming with parodies of pop songs from the ‘60’s – ‘80’s as the women discover their commonalities and lament the problems they endure with “the change.” “I’m having a hot flash,” sung to the tune of  “A Tropical Heat Wave” is sung more than once and the accompanying dance and body language makes the audience roar. To the tune of “In the Jungle” from The Lion King, all are involved in a fantastic routine of “On the sofa or in the guest room, my husband sleeps tonight.” Scenes change from  floor to floor of the department store, but each floor has ladies’ rooms (which are frequently needed), and props for more parodies. After a discussion in which all four discover that they need a little something to take the “edge” off (Prozac, Zoloft, Xanax) they burst out with a song and dance routine of “Thank you doctor, thank, thank you doctor…”  Menopause The Musical is in its 14^th year of production but this hysterical show will only be seen in Philadelphia for three more weeks. If you have not seen it yet, don't miss your opportunity to have the laugh of a lifetime. Tickets may be purchased by calling 855-HIT_SHOW (855-448-7469) visiting online at www.plplayhouse.com or at the Penn’s Landing Playhouse box office. Penn’s Landing Playhouse is located at 211 S. Columbus Blvd. (at Walnut St.). The theatre is inside the Independence Seaport Museum.

Hans Brinker And The Silver Skates

girls race for the silver skates

The Arden Theatre Company, located at 40 N 2^nd Street, is presenting the electrifying World Premiere of HANS BRINKER AND THE SILVER SKATES on the F. Otto Haas stage through January 31, 2016. Upon entering the theatre and finding their seats, both adult members of the audience and children seeing this presentation of the Arden Children’s Theatre are mesmerized first by the striking sight of five whirling windmills and second by a stage that appears to be a sheet of ice.  Scenic Designer Davis P. Gordon has done an incredible job of recreating a set of the frozen canals of 19^th century Holland, replete with falling snowflakes. Hans Brinker (Brian Ratcliffe) and Gretel Brinker (Lauren Hirte), two poor teenagers who have only hand carved wooden skates, are ridiculed by most of the neighborhood teens until Heidi van Gleck (Ciji Prosser) and Peter van Holp (Matteo Scammell) befriend them. Hans and Gretyl join local boys and  girls as they enter a skating contest to win a pair of silver skates. The race is nerve-racking as first the girls, then the boys skate around the stage, exit, re-enter, and circle again .When skaters change the lead in each lap, the uncertainty has the audience cheering on their favorites. Make sure you see this incomparable world premiere by Laura Eason. Children and adults alike are exhilarated by this astounding production. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122 or visit online at www.ardentheatre.org.

This Is The Week That Is

1812 Productions is presenting the 10^th Anniversary Production of This Is The Week That Is at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street. The show can be seen through December 31.  Political satire is never funnier than when performed by the 1812 troupe of Aimé Donna Kelly, Dave Jadico, Alex Bechtel, Jennifer Childs, Sean Close and Justin Jain along with head news writer Don Montrey. The evening starts with each actor giving a campaign pledge and asking audience members to give similar pledges to the theatre in envelopes enclosed in their playbills. Hot topics of immigration reform and same sex marriage are only slightly veiled with Star Wars characters such as Chewbacca immigrating and the long awaited marriage of C3P0 and R2D2  celebrated.  Let us not forget the ever-important interview from the lobby, in which an audience member is dragged from his seat to be interviewed. Is it a set up?  I’ve seen this this show for years and can’t be sure.  The audience participant is certainly a good sport  and always seems surprised. Do you have a favorite presidential candidate?  Donald Trump? Ted Cruz? Bernie Sanders?  Hillary Clinton?  Don’t worry. No one has been neglected.  No presidential candidate gets away unscathed.   All are hysterically skewered. This extraordinarily talented cast jokes, sings, plays instruments and most of all, makes you double up with laughter, holding your belly ‘til it hurts. This production is fresh every night; as new events occur, the writers are busy rewriting the next show. Plan to see This Is The Week That Is.  You won’t be disappointed.  For more information or tickets, call 2215-592-9560 or visit online at www.1812productions.org. ..

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

NATIONAL TOUR OF

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

RETURNS TO PHILADELPHIA'S

                      KIMMEL  CENTER

          DECEMBER 29, 2015 - JANUARY 3, 2016

Directed and Choreographed by Tony Award Winner Andy Blankenbuehler

Broadway Philadelphia happily announces the return to Philadelphia of the national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It will be performed at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater December 29, 2015 through January 3 2016. The show will be directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler, choreographer of the current Broadway phenomenon, Hamilton.  Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization. The show can be seen on December 29 at 7:30 pm. December 30 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm; December 31 at 2:00 pm; January 2 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm and January 3 at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Tickets may be purchased by calling (215) 893-1993, visiting www.kimmelcenter.org, at the Kimmel Center Box Office or the Merriam Theater Box Office (open during performances only) Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (215)790-5883. For more information, visit www.josephthemusical.com. 

A Christmas Story, The Musical

ensemble

A Christmas Story, The Musical is making its Philadelphia premiere at the Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street.  Following two sold-out seasons on Broadway, this production will run through January 10^th.on the WST mainstage. Jean Shepherd (Bill Van Horn) skillfully plays the role of narrator as he recounts a Christmas season “back in the day”.. Beginning his tale with “It could be anyone, anywhere…” it soon becomes the story of the Parker family and the weeks leading up to Christmas. There is a running gag with The Old Man (Christopher Sutton) seeking validation of his worth by entering crossword puzzle contests, oblivious to the help his wife provides. There is the building tension with Ralphie Parker (Craig Mulhern Jr., Liam Keenan) who only wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun for Christmas but is foiled as one plan after another seems to fail in his effort to convince someone of its potential importance to his life. As is often the case in this theatre, several scenes are arranged behind each other due to the depth of stage. This allows quick scene changes. There are many, and thanks to set designer J Branson, all are charmingly done. Three different cars carry the Parkers or kids across the stage. Starlit skies effortlessly replace the inside of the Parker home. Many members of the star-studded ensemble are familiar faces to Walnut Street Theatre-goers - local  actors home for the holidays. Members of the children’s ensemble are students of The Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre. Audience members are captivated by the tap routines, thanks to choreographer Linda Goodrich. The biggest surprise of the evening is watching Miss Shields (Ellie Mooney) break her character's stereotype in a fantasy sequence.  A Christmas Story, The Musical has something for everyone - laughter, suspense, song and dance and the holiday spirit. For more information or tickets, phone 215-574-3550, 800-892-2787, visit online at www.walnutstreettheatre.org or ticketmaster.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:The Musical

RUDOLPH MUSICAL FLIES

INTO PHILADELPHIA

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON  DECEMBER 17-20

  Family-Friendly Stage Adaptation of
                             CBS'

 Highest Rated Christmas Special

                            Of All Time

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer:The Musical 

                Get tix today at kimmelcenter.org.

The animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer made its television debut in 1964 and has become the longest running and highest rated television special.  It will return live on stage when Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical makes its Philadelphia premiere Dec 17 – 20 at the Merriam Theater as part of Broadway Philadelphia. Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization. Performances are at 7:00 pm on Dec. 17 and 18, with 3 performances on Sat. Dec. 19 and Sunday Dec 20 at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm.  The story tells the tale of a young Rudolph who isn’t allowed to play any Reindeer games because of his shiny red nose. He runs away and meets new friends and has a series of funny adventures. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical virtually whisks the audience into the production as songs drive the plot while familiar set designs characters and costumes come to the stage via projections. Added to all of this is a talented cast and puppeteers to help create the magic on stage. The production will benefit PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.

Underneath The Lintel

Peter DeLaurier as The Librarian

The Lantern Theater Company, located in St. Stephen’s Church theater, 10^th and Sansom Streets, is presenting a new production of its 2004 Barrymore Award-Winning play Underneath the Lintel through December 6 under the direction of Kathryn MacMillan. Peter DeLaurier gives an astounding performance as he reprises his Barrymore Award winning performance as The Librarian. In an effort to solve the mystery of how a library book was returned to the library after a period of 113 years, he dutifully collects clues left by the original borrower of the book, A., hhappily picturing the fine that might be collected. What ensues is a fascinating journey that takes the librarian crisscrossing the world collecting evidences in London, China, New York and Australia. DeLaurier is masterful in relating this intriguing tale, connecting the dots, following the mysterious borrower’s journey and his message of “I am here,” echoing with a similar heart-rending message of his own. He is magnificent in the role of The Librarian who is a lost soul, wandering the world in search of something that remains just beyond his grasp, while mirroring the very object he is searching for. For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at LanternTheater.org. 

Mountain:The Journey of Justice Douglas

Keith Baker

Bristol Riverside Theatre, located at 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, Pa, is presenting Mountain: The Journey of Justice Douglas through November 22. Justice William O. Douglas ( Keith Baker) spent over 36 years on the Supreme Court and served longer than any other justice. He remained controversial throughout his term. .The first act of the production  begins in January, 1980 and ends in the years between 1898-1922. The first scene in Act 2 covers the years between 1910-1922 and Act 2 ends in January, 1980 at the same point that the play begins.. Keith Baker does an outstanding job of portraying the various stages of Douglas’s life, from his mountain climbing days to his tough decisions on the bench to his failed marriages. Kenneth York and Sandy York play multiple roles and dart back and forth among them with finesse and panache. By far the most amazing part of the production is the lighting and projection design. Kudos to Lighting Designer Joe Doran and Projection Designer Caite Hevner Kemp for bringing us not only indoors, but the outside of the Supreme Court, mountains, avalanches,  and  night skies. The total effects are breathtaking. For more information or tickets to this production call 215-785-00100 or visit online at brtstage.org

This Is The Week That Is

2015 Cast

1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s only all comedy theatre, is excited to present the 10^th anniversary production of its extremely popular political comedy This is The Week That Is. Created and directed by the theatre’s artistic director Jennifer Childs, the show will run through December 31 at Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey Street.  The individual skits are written and performed by Aimé Donna Kelly, Dave Jadico, Alex Bechtel, Jennifer Childs, Sean Close, and Justin Jain.  The head news writer is Don Montrey and the musical director is Alex Bechtel. This 10^th anniversary production comes right in the middle of the 2016 presidential race. Tim Gunn (Alex Bechtel) and Heidi Klum (Jennifer Childs) present Project-Run-The-Country-My-Way, sending the candidates down the runway looking for lines of leadership and oval office material. Breaking down issues in the news, learn more about #BlackLivesMatter with Justin Jain and Aimé Donna Kelly and their reality special Keeping Up With The Caucasians. Immigration reform is a fight for the future with Hans Solo, Chewbacca, Leia, C3PO leading a charge for a united galaxy. Audience members will be treated to the Hillary Clinton Cabaret on the road following her season of Real World Bengasi. In order to cover the myriad points of view from all over the region, renowned correspondent Patsy from the stoop of South Philly has agreed to franchise.  Word on the street will come  from Fishtown Patsy, Delco Patsy, Down the Shore Patsy, Mainline Patsy and finally from Shunk Street Patsy. This annual show of political satire gets funnier every year. This 10^th Anniversary year promises to be the funniest one yet .Tickets may be purchased by calling 215-592-9560 or visiting online at www.1812productions.org.

Menopause The Musical

Menopause the Musical

Extended by

Popular Demand

Will Run Through December 22

At Penn’s Landing Playhouse

                        Tickets on Sale Now!

The international hit show Menopause The Musical, currently playing at Penn’s Landing Playhouse, has extended its run through December 22. Now celebrating its 14^th year, Menopause The Musical has the distinction of being the longest running scripted production in Las Vegas. It has been seen by women in over 450 US. cities and nearly 300 cities internationally. Set in a department store, four women meet while shopping at a lingerie sale.  After noticing commonalities, the women joke about their hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, and weight gain. Inspired by hot flashes and a bottle of wine, Menopause The Musical was created as a celebration of women who find themselves at any stage of “The Change.” This hilarious production gets audience members out of their seats and singing along to parodies from pop songs of the ‘60s, ‘70’s and ‘80s. Tickets can be purchased by calling 855-HIT SHOW (855-448-7469), online at www.plplayhouse.com or at the Penn’s Landing Playhouse box office. Penn’s Landing Playhouse is located at 211 S.  Columbus Blvd (at Walnut St). The theatre is inside the Independence Seaport Museum. Performances are Wed. and Thurs. evenings at 7:00 pm; Fri. & Sat. evenings at 8:00 pm and 2:00 pm matinees Wed., Sat. & Sun. afternoons. Discounted parking is available in the Open Air/City of Phila. lot adjacent to the Seaport Museum.  For more information visit www.plplayhouse.com or www.menopausethemusical.com

Equivocation

play rehearsal for the king

The Arden Theatre, located at 40 N. 2^nd Street, is presenting Equivocation on its Arcadia stage through December 13. The production boasts an exceptionally  talented and seasoned ensemble cast. With the exception of Eric Hissom, who gives a commanding performance as Shag and Campbell O’Hare who is making her Arden debut as Judith, the rest of the cast deftly play multiple roles.  Dan Hodge, Sean Lally, Ian Merrill Peakes and Anthony Lawton so quickly morph from friends of Shag’s, to actors in the Globe Theatre Company, to members of the King’s court, and back again that it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the plot. The complex story line involves an historical event known as The Gunpowder Plot in which there was an assassination attempt on England’s King James I in 1605. The plot was discovered and many plotters were tortured and hung for treason. Shag is commissioned to write a play about the event but both he and his fellow actors have trouble finding the drama believable as they rehearse various rewrites. Fortunately the king who has commissioned the play is Scottish and loves witches, which gives Shag some last minute reprieve. If the plot of Equivocation is sometimes bothersome the acting never is. The entire cast turns in outstanding performances. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122, visit online at www.ardentheatre.org or walk –up to the box office at 40 N. 2^nd Street.

TORUK The First Flight

Cirque du Soliel presents

TORUK – The First Flight

Written and directed by Michael Lemieux 

and Victor Pilon

       Inspired by James Cameron’s AVATAR

    Preview in Allentown Dec 4 -6 at PPL Center!

ToruK- The First Flight will be presented by Visa Signature in cities around the world. Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and occupied by memorable characters, TORUK – The First Flight is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR.  When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the Tree of Souls, two young boys on the threshold of adulthood set out with their newfound friend Tsyal on a quest to find the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky. The prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate. Toruk- The First Flight will have a soft opening on Nov 12 in Bossier City Louisiana.  The world premiere will be held on December 21 in Montreal Canada. In an effort to have audience members completely immersed in the show, Cirque du Soliel will be launching a first-of-a-kind app for TORUK- The First Flight. The app will enhance the overall show experience and enable audience members to be part of the action before, during and after the performance. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.cirquedusoliel.com/toruk. 

Disgraced

Amir, Emily,Isaac & Jory
making a toast

The Philadelphia Theatre Company, located in the Suzanne Roberts Theater, Broad and Lombard Streets, is presenting Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize winning Disgraced through November 8. This stimulating and provocative drama will have your head spinning for days. When an upper class Pakistani lawyer and his American wife invite a colleague and her husband to dinner, what begins with a cordial toast ends as an incendiary evening that leaves the audience gasping for breath. Amir (Pej Vahdat) is a self-proclaimed non-believer of Muslim descent, yet he is angered that his nephew Abe (Anthony Mustafa Adair) has Anglicized his name. .Friction ensues when his wife Emily (Monette Magrath), a white American girl, is making a name for herself in the art world by embracing the symbolism of Muslim art. .Emily has kept a secret from her husband Amir; Jory (Aimé Donna Kelly) has kept a secret from her colleague Amir; but it’s when Jory’s husband Isaac, the Jewish art critic (Ben Graney) gets into a discussion about Palestinians and Israelis, that sparks start to ignite. Suddenly the evening is no longer a polite social gathering as deeply ingrained feelings bubble to the surface. :”You don’t mean to say that you felt proud during 9/11?” Isaac asks in shock. “Maybe I did, just a little bit,” Amir responds. And the wreckage mounts from there .By the end of the evening, five lives are in ruins and the audience is in a state of shock. This show is not for the faint of heart but it is so captivating and thought provoking, such a magnificent study of human nature that you must make every effort to see it before it closes. Tickets are available at 215-985-0420 or by visiting online at PhiladelphiaTheatreCompany.org. 

Bullets Over Broadway The Musical

Broadway Philadelphia, presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization, is presenting the national tour of Bullets Over Broadway through Nov. 1 at the Academy of Music. You won’t be dodging a bullet by skipping this show. .This is one stream of bullets you won’t want to miss. It is an explosive night of fun! When unsuccessful playwright David Shayne, (Michael Williams), needs funding for a Broadway production, he unknowingly accepts underwriting from mob boss Nick Valenti( Michael Corvino). There is only one caveat: Nick’s girlfriend must have a part in the play. And then all hell breaks loose. Michael William, with his many solos and his homespun little boy charm, outshines his counterpart on Broadway. Olive (Jemma Jane) hysterically portrays the “dumb blonde” wannabe actress, demonstrating her skills with “The Hot Dog Song.“ All of the female leads, Hanna Rose DeFlumeri, Emma Stratton and Rachel Bahler prove they can belt out a song to ring through the rafters (which is no small accomplishment in the Academy of Music). And while the singing is  certainly memorable, it is the dancing in this production that is mind-boggling. The female dancers are in several ensembles with an array of costumes. They waltz, tap and shimmy their way into everyone’s hearts. The gangsters are phenomenal. Never before have so many pair of male feet so completely captivated an audience by their exquisite tap routines. Cheech (Jeff Brooks) is perhaps the biggest surprise of the show. As Nick Valenti’s right-hand man, he sits in rehearsals to keep an eye on Olive and becomes a clandestine playwright. His rich voice resonates in ensemble or solo pieces (“Up a Lazy River,” “Tain’t Nobody’s business if I Do”) and his ability to enter an ongoing line of a tap routine without missing a beat is a pure delight to watch. Tickets for this Philadelphia premiere of the National Tour of Bullets Over Broadway   are available by calling 215-731-3333, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, or at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Sts.( open daily 10 am to 6 om) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad and Locust Sts. (open during performances only.

Rizzo

Scott Greer & Amanda Schoonover

The set of Theatre Exile’s production of Bruce Graham’s world premiere of Rizzo is minimalistic, but the performance of Scott Greer and the ensemble cast is anything but. Scott Greer’s performance is explosive as he portrays the volatile Frank Rizzo journeying through his years as a Philadelphia policeman, Police Commissioner and Mayor. While Damon Bonetti, as a reporter, keeps Rizzo on track throughout, the ensemble cast of Robert Daponte, Akeem Davis, Paul L Nolan, William Rahill and Amanda Schoohover weave flawlessly through Rizzo’s life-story  animatedly appearing as multiple characters front and center and dynamically interacting with Scott Greer. The Rizzo years are vividly retold by this exceptionally talented cast. Theatre Exile’s production of Rizzo, based on Rizzo: The Last Big Man in Big City America by Sal Paolantonio is being presented at the Christ Church Neighborhood Playhouse through Nov. 7. Whether you were a fan of Frank Rizzo during his tenure, couldn't abide the man, or never lived anywhere near Philadelphia during the Rizzo era and had no personal connection with the larger-than-life politico, you will be enthralled by this performance.  Tickets are available by calling (215) 218-4022 or visiting online at www.theatreexile.org. 

Metamorphoses

Wow! There is a theatrical production unlike any other appearing now at the Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2^nd Street through Nov.1. Metamorphoses is in a class of its own. To say that it is being presented on the F. Otto Haas mainstage would be somewhat of a misnomer, as most of the play’s action takes place in a pool, which holds 26,000 gallons of water and has its base temperature at slightly over 100 degrees. The imagery is exquisite.  The choreography is breath-taking. Led by director Doug Hara who performed in the first production of Metamorphoses in 1998, the ten-member cast takes on 50 different roles. Celebrated playwright Mary Zimmerman has adapted the 2000 year old classic myths of Ovid, weaving spellbinding tales of a variety of gods and their interactions among themselves as well as with mortals. There is not much time left in the run; if you haven’t seen this production yet, run to your phone, computer or Arden box office before the show leaves town. Tickets may be obtained by calling 215-922-1122, visiting online at www.ardentheatre.org or by walking up at the box office, 40 N 2^nd Street.

Photograph 51

Harry Watermeier &
Genviève Perrier

The Lantern Theater, located in St. Stephen’s Church, 10^th and Ludlow Street, is presenting Photograph 51 through October 11.  Members of the brilliant ensemble cast of Chris Anthony, Trevor William Fayle, Joseph Mc Granaghan, Harry Smith and Harry Watermeier play foils for Genviève Perrier, portraying female scientist Dr. Rosalind Franklin. Dr. Franklin is a scientist in London, England in the mid 20th century, a time when females are barely acknowledged.  As she devotes her life to her research, jealous colleagues surreptitiously take her findings and earn themselves a Nobel Prize for discovering the helix of DNA while she meets an early death from cancer. Anna Ziegler’s play is well written. Thanks to Kathryn Macmillan’s direction, the five male cast members appear and disappear from different parts of the stage and speak a line or two  and then stop, seeming to interrupt each other yet at the same time, seeming to continue each other’s thoughts.  This technique is very effective and serves to underline the solidarity of the male scientists as opposed to the solitude of Dr. Rosalind Franklin. The play is both powerful and thought provoking. For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at LanternTheater.org.  

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High Society

Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, is presenting High Society on its main stage. Based on the play, The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and additional lyrics by Susan Birkenhead., this high energy musical will appear through October 25. Megan Nicole Arnoldy gives an excellent performance as New York Socialite Tracy Lord who is preparing for her upcoming weekend wedding. Her mannerisms are kittenish and her voice is solid and strong.  Jon Reinhold portrays George Kittredge, Tracy’s fiancé. Paul Schaeffer portrays Dexter C.K. Haven, Tracy’s ex and Ben Dibble portrays Macaulay “Mike” Connor, a reporter sent to cover the wedding. All three would like to be the one to exchange wedding vows with Tracy and all three have an opportunity to express themselves in song.  Many foolish side plots take place during the course of weekend. Grace Gonglewski is delightful as Margaret Lord, Tracy's mother. Alexis Gwynn and Cambria Klein share the role of Dinah Lord, Tracy's younger sister. Both young ladies are already accomplished actors. A very talented ensemble cast of maids and man-servants sing and dance their way throughout the weekend-long celebration. It is Jenny Lee Stern as Liz Imbrie, secret society reporter, who steals the show, however.  She is a showcase of talent. Her facial expressions are uproarious; her voice can knock down the rafters; and her body language would make a mime envious. If all of this weren’t enough to have you flock to the theatre to see the show, the scenic design by Robert Andrew Kovach is extraordinary.  This is certainly a production you won’t want to miss. For more information or tickets, call 215-574-3550, 800-982-2787, or visit online at www.walnutstreettheatre.org or Ticketmaster..

Lantern Theater Season Preview

The Lantern Theater, located in St. Stephen’s Church, 10th and Ludlow Streets, recently had a lovely season preview event featuring the theater’s education director and the directors of each of the season’s upcoming plays as well as some of the actors in these plays. Education Director Craig Getting enthusiastically described the education programs in the city serving 3000 students, many in the form of in-school residencies.  The programs help students to tell classic stories in their own ways to better understand the original version. Teachers are also being trained and given tools to teach these theater units on their own.

Photograph 51 was presented by director Kathryn MacMillan and actors Geneviève Perrier and Harry Smith. The director informed the audience that she had been in touch with the playwright daily. The show has just opened in London and the playwright has made some changes but MacMillan felt those changes were not suitable for the Lantern. The Lantern’s production will be unique. The main character, Rosalind, is a Jewish female scientist in a man’s world. She is responsible for the discovery of the helix of DNA.  Geneviève Perrier dedicates her performance to her Jewish grandmother who was a dentist in France. Smith portrays Morris Wilkins, an incredibly intelligent young man who is socially inept and doesn’t understand how people work.

Underneath the Lintel- will also be directed by Kathryn MacMillan and Peter DeLaurier will reprise his Barrymore award winning performance.  DeLaurier’s character is a librarian who “dances on the edge of personality disorders.”

Oscar Wilde: From the Depths- Director Craig Getting interviewed playwright Charles McMahon.  McMahon mentioned that in writing The Importance of Being Ernest, Oscar Wilde was writing about his own life.  Wilde also went to prison as a result of a libel suit which he knew to be erroneous.  The question is why?  Perhaps McMahon answers that question and others in his play.

As You Like It- Charles McMahon is the director and J Hernandez the represented actor. McMahon described Shakespeare’s play as one with a lot of jokes and as series of reversals. Consider the  two main characters.  One sees the world as it is and it liberates him.  The other sees the world as it is and it depresses him.

36 Views – by playwright Naomi lizuka, Director Peter DeLaurier and designer Jorge Cousineau. This is a study of what’s true and what’s false.  It uses the metaphor, what is true Asian art? What do we value? What happens when a person whose habitual response to relationships is avoidance finds himself in love? This has been described as a “profoundly unusual play.”

The preview was fascinating. All five shows are bound to be intriguing. For more information, visit online at www.lanterntheater.org or call 215-829-0395.

Bullets Over Broadway

BULLETS OVER BROADWAY

WILL LAUNCH  2015-2016

BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA

THEATRE SEASON

      NATIONAL TOUR MAKES PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

           OCT 27- NOV 1 AT ACADEMY OF MUSIC

                        Tickets On Sale Now! 

The national tour of Woody Allen’s musical comedy,  BULLETS OVER BROADWAY will make its Philadelphia premiere, kicking off the new Broadway Philadelphia  season from Oct 27 – Nov 1 at the Academy of Music.  Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization. BULLETS OVER BROADWAY premiered last season on Broadway and received six Tony-Award nominations, including Best Book  of a Musical and Best Choreography.  The tour is under the direction of Jeff Whiting who worked on the Broadway production. Original choreography will be replicated. 

The production, set in  the 1920’s, tells the tale of a playwright who needs someone to back his next show and a mobster who is looking for some way to please his less than talented showgirl girlfriend. BULLETS OVER BROADWAY features existing music of the period including “Let’s Misbehave” and “I’m Sitting On Top Of  The World.”

Tickets are available beginning September 4 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 Sts. (open during performances only). Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947.  Performances are Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm. Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm; matinees Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm.

In addition to Bullets over Broadway, the new 2015-2016 season of Broadway Philadelphia will include Matilda The Musical (Nov. 17- 29, 2015;  Pippin (Feb 23 – 28, 2016); The Sound of Music (March 15 – 20, 2016); Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Mar. 22 – Apr 3, 2016); If/Then (Jun 21 – 26, 2016), all at The Academy of Music. Additional productions will include The Book of Morman (Nov 24 – Dec. 27,2015) at the Forrest Theatre; Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (Dec.15- 20 ); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Dec. 29, 2015 – Jan 3, 2016), both at the Merriam Theater; and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Feb 16 – 21).