THE ILLUSIONISTS - WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE

Jeff Hobson -
The Trickster

After a six week run on Broadway, THE ILLUSIONISTS – WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE is playing at the Academy of Music through March 1. It is part of the Broadway Philadelphia series and is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization. Demand for this phenomenal production is so great that an additional matinee performance has been added on Saturday, February 28 at 11:00 am. Seven illusionists, each with their own unique technique, create astounding illusions on the Academy stage. A large projection screen gives everyone in the audience a front row seat. Several audience members have an even better experience as they are called upon to participate in a trick on stage.  The ensuing illusions with random spectators are incredible. Jeff Hobson, known as The Trickster, is not only an illusionist, but a comedian as well.  Acoustics are good at the Academy and laughter resonates whenever he is center stage. Aaron Crow, the Warrior, is exceptionally skilled with a crossbow, but participation in his act is not for the faint of heart. Andrew Basso, The Escapologist, will please all Houdini fans but don’t try to hold your breath while he stays submersed under water! Kevin James, The Inventor, Dan Sperry, The Anti-Conjuror and Yu Ho-Jin, The Manipulator will all have you asking, ”How did he do that?” Come and witness the impossible. The illusions in this production are mind-boggling, astonishing and will test your senses to the limits. This is not your grandfather’s magic show. 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 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad and Locust Streets, (open during performances only).

DIRTY DANCING - The Classic Story On Stage

Baby and Johnny

Tickets Now On Sale

For Philadelphia Premiere Of

“DIRTY DANCING – The Classic Story on Stage”

The staged musical of this smash hit film will play for a two week engagement at the Academy of Music from March 24 through April 5, as part of Broadway Philadelphia, presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization.  In addition to having more songs, DIRTY DANCING – The Classic Story on Stage has even more phenomenal dancing than the original film.  This ageless love story has been seen all over the globe since it began as an 8 week staged workshop in Manhattan 14 years ago.  Thrill to 17 year-old “Baby” Housman’s summer experiences with  Catskill Mountain resort’s sexy dance instructor, Johnny Castle.  Tickets are available 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 Academy of Music box office, Broad & 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.  For more information, please visit http://us.dirtydancingontour.com/

Mothers and Sons

The Philadelphia Theatre Company, housed in the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard Streets, is presenting Terrance McNally’s Mother’s and Sons through March 6. Emmy-Award-winning actress Michael Learned gives a powerful performance as Katherine Girard, a resentful and embittered woman who lost her only son to AIDS 20 years ago. She is reserved and somewhat cold-hearted when she unexpectedly appears at the upscale Manhattan apartment of her late son’s partner Cal, portrayed by James Lloyd Reynolds.  Cal is now married to Will Ogden, played by Hugh Kennedy and the two of them have a son.  Although two decades have gone by, Katherine fiercely holds on to her antiquated beliefs and feels powerless as she explores her sense of loneliness. Cal tries to overlook her callousness and his husband’s jealousy.  Michael Learned vividly shows us a Katherine who is estranged from everyone and everything…even from herself.  It is not until the young child, (played alternatively by Jacob Wilner and Patrick Gibbons Jr.) relates to her on a very basic level that she finds some sense of self and relief from the grief that has been plaguing her for years. For more information or tickets, call 215-985-0420 or visit online at PhiladelphiaTheatreCompany.org. 

ANNIE

Sunny and Issie Swickle

ANNIE

TO PLAY IN PHILADELPHIA

March 17 – 22

AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC

Tickets On Sale Now!

Broadway Philadelphia is presenting a new incarnation of ANNIE   on national tour and will be appearing March 17-22 at the Academy of Music.  Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization. Original lyricist and director Martin Charnin will be directing this Award winning musical for the 19^th time. ANNIE is based on a book written by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin.  All three men received 1977 Tony Awards for their work.  This brand new production features a 25 member company. 9 year old Issie Swickle will make her tour debut in the title role of Annie; Gilgamesh Taggett will star as Oliver Warbucks and Lynn Andrews will play the role of Miss Hannigan. Also joining the tour are Ashley Edler as Grace, Garrett Deagon as Rooster, Lucy Werner as Lily and Allan Ray Baker as FDR. Sunny, a 4 year old rescue terrier-mix stars as Sandy. 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 Sts, (open during performances only). Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883- or 866-276-2947.

The Illusionists

DON’T DELAY!!

PHILADELPHIA AREA MAGICIANS ARE INVITED

TO SUBMIT THEIR ‘BEST TRICK’ ON VIDEO

FOR AN EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY

TO ASSIST ILLUSIONIST ADAM TRENT

                                        ON STAGE

Aspiring local magicians are invited to show their best trick and earn a chance to appear on stage with master magician Adam Trent, one of seven amazing illusionists starring in THE ILLUSIONISTS–WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE coming to the Academy of Music stage February 24 through March 1.  Participants can enter by submitting a YouTube video of their best trick and sending it to socialmedia@kimmelcenter.org. Contest rules and guidelines are as follows: Participants must be  18 years or older; submitted YouTube link must be  a public link; winner must be available to participate in and will receive two tickets to the Thursday, February 26 evening performance at the Academy of Music.; deadline for submission is February 20.  This fantastic production has just finished a six-week run on Broadway and is part of Broadway Philadelphia, presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization. For a sneak peek at the most non-stop and powerful mix of outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on a live stage, check http://www.theillusionistslive.com .

 Join the conversation about The Illusionists on social media using #MagicPHL& TheIllusionists

The Taming of the Shrew

THREE-PART SCHOLARS

IN CONVERSATION SERIES

FOR TAMING OF THE SHREW

Lantern Theater Company’s Scholars In Conversation presents Desire, Dance and Dynamic Women in The Taming of the Shrew on three consecutive Monday evenings – April 6, 13, and 20 at 7 PM. This series is presented in conjunction with the Lantern’s production of The Taming of the Shrew, running March 19-May 3.  The series begins with The Science of Sexual Attraction – a mock counseling session between Kate and Petruchio led by a professor, marriage and family therapist. The play will then be used to discuss the scientific and psychological basis for attraction, love and commitment. The April 13 conversation will feature Carolyn Merritt, PhD.  Author of her recent book, Tango Nuevo, she will discuss The Transformative Power of Dance.  Patricia Denison, PhD., Director of Undergraduate Studies, Drama & Theatre Art at Barnard College concludes the series with ‘Taming” Today: The Character of Katherine in the 21st Century on April 20. This should produce a lively discussion about Katherine, Shakespeare’s women, and the larger issues of women within a modern-day context. Each panel discussion will be followed by a Q & A with the audience.  Tickets to the three-part series are $8 each or $20 for the series for subscribers,seniors and students and $10 each or $25 for the series for all others. For tickets, call 215-820-0395 or visit online at lanterntheater.org. 

Doubt

Mary Martello & Ben Dibble

No Doubt About It!

Lantern Theater Company’s

Doubt: A Parable

will have you sitting on the edge of your seat!

Lantern Theater Company, located in St. Stephen’s Church at 10^th and Ludlow Sts., is presenting Doubt: a Parable through February 15.  The charisma rolls off Ben Dibble as he portrays Father Flynn delivering a sermon. Mary Martello’s portrayal of Catholic school principal Sister Aloysius is electrifying. The tension between the kind, modern priest and the rigid old-fashioned nun is palpable. The casting of Ben Dibble and Mary Martello to play these two roles is nothing short of brilliant.  Set amongst the turmoil of the 60’s, Sister Aloysius wreaks havoc by innuendo.  Father Flynn, bound by his vows, can do nothing in his defense but become enraged or seek outside counsel. Lisha McKoy portrays Mrs. Muller, the mother of the altar boy at the center of the controversy.  Although her part is small, she performs her role flawlessly. The fruits of the design team are exceptional.  Kudos to Set Designer Lance Kniskern, Lighting Designer Shon Causer, Sound Designer Christopher Colucci and Costume Designer Janus Stefanowicz. For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at lanterntheater.org.

The Lion King

Nala & Shadowland

TICKETS FOR

DISNEY’S THE LION KING

ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Disney Theatrical Productions and Broadway Philadelphia announced that tickets for the long awaited return engagement of THE LION KING will go on sale on Friday, February 6 at 10:00am. The production will be shown on the stage of the Academy of Music from May 20 through June 14. Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization. Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available. Tickets will be available at the Kimmel Center Box Office, Broad and Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) , at the Academy of Music Box Office, Broad and Locust Sts. (open during performances only), online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway or by calling 215-731-3333.  Orders for groups of twenty (20) or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Ticket buyers  are reminded that the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Academy of Music are the only official retail outlets for all ticket sales.  Ticket buyers who buy from a broker or third party outlet should be aware that the Kimmel Center/Academy of Music will be unable to replace any lost or stolen tickets  or contact patrons with any time changes for performances. 

In its 18^th year, THE LION KING remains one of the most popular staged musicals in the world. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher),  THE LION KING is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years.  It has won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson). Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.

Always...Patsy Cline

Jo Twiss & Jessica Wagner

Bristol Riverside Theatre, located at 120 Radcliffe St. in Bristol, Pa is presenting Ted Swindley’s Always…Patsy Cline through February 22.  Based on a true story of the unlikely friendship which developed between country singer Patsy Cline and her most devoted fan, this show offers a glimpse of the development of Patsy Cline’s career over her brief lifetime.  Always…Patsy Cline is known as a “jukebox musical”.  As Mamma Mia is a story created around many Abba songs, so, too, is the storyline of Always…Patsy Cline created around 27 of Patsy’s hits.  Jessica Wagner gives an excellent performance as Patsy with her back-up band, The Bobcats, on the stage behind her playing guitar, percussion, bass, pedal steel guitar and keyboard. Jo Twiss, a well-known local actress, portrays Patsy’s fan and friend, Louise Seger. Although some of the dialogue is a bit contrived, Jo’s primary function is to move the story along through Patsy’s songs and she does so with panache. Ms. Twiss is a first rate actress and her comic timing is superb. For more information or tickets, call 215-7785-0100 or visit online at brtstage.org.