Cirque Éloise Saloon

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PHILADELPHIA

CIRQUE ÉLOISE’S NEWEST PRODUCTION

SALOON

TAKES THE STAGE AT THE MERRIAM THEATER

JANUARY 13 -14. 2017

Presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization, Broadway Philadelphia presents the Philadelphia premiere of Saloon- A Musical Acrobatic Adventure, the 11^th and newest production of the Montreal-based contemporary circus troupe Cirque Éloize. The Wild West comes to life in this new show at the Merriam Theater on January 13 and 14. Eleven top-level cast members perform amazing physical feats accompanied by live music. There are four musicians and singers on the stage and all the artists sing or play instruments. Saloon is an acrobatic comedy that will be loved by all. Over the past 23 years, Cirque Éloize has traveled the world to more than a thousand special events, with over 4,000 performances in over 500 cities and 50 countries. For more information, visit www.cirque-eloize.com .  Shows will be performed on Friday,  January 13, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, visiting online at www.kimmelcenter.org. or at the Kimmel Box Office. Group sales for groups of 10 or more can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883.

Mid-End of February Events at the Kimmel

MID TO END OF FEBRUARY

EVENTS AT THE KIMMEL

In celebration of her latest album The Big Picture and in anticipation of her 2017 album release, Jazz singer and songwriter Kat Edmonson will perform her own songs as well as favorites from the Great American Songbook at the Perelman Theater on February 12, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. An American vintage pop jazz vocalist, she incorporates early Rock N’ Roll, blues, folk and traditional jazz and swing styles. Kat was introduced to the spotlight during the second season of American Idol and has been enchanting audiences ever since.

Balé Folclórico de Bahía, Brazil’s premiere folkloric dance company, celebrates nearly 30 years of world-class repertory of folkloric Afro-Brazilian dances with a performance at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater February 17, at 8:00 p.m. Formed in 1988 by Walson Botelho and Ninho Reis, the company works to preserve and share the vibrant dances and music of their region with the world. Bahía is the historical and cultural heart of Brazil and the company presents its most important values under a contemporary theatrical vision. Over the last 29 years, Balé Folclórico de Bahía has gained national and international success for their outstanding performances during festivals and tours. They have performed in 88 U.S cities.

Four-time Emmy® nominee Tony® Award-winning actor and activist Alan Cumming brings his critically-acclaimed cabaret show, Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs to the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall Sunday February 19, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. Appearing with Cumming are Music Director Lance Horne and cellist Eleanor Norton. Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs originated when Cumming was asked to develop a concert for a two-week run at New York’s Café Carlyle. He followed with a tour throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization announce the Broadway Philadelphia run of the hit musical The Bodyguard as part of the show’s first U.S. National tour. The Bodyguard will play the Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music from February 21-26, 2017 starring Grammy Award-nominated and film/TV actress Deborah Cox as Rachael Marron. Television star Judson Mills will play the role of bodyguard Frank Farmer. Based on Lawrence Kaden’s 1992 Oscar-nominated film, The Bodyguard was nominated for four Lawrence Olivier Awards. A romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features many well-known classics, including One Moment in Time and I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Other principal cast members are Alex Corrido, Charles Gray, Jonathon Hadley, Jorge Paniagua, Jasmin Richardson, and Douglas Baldeo and Kevelin B. Jones III alternating in the role of Rachel’s son. For more information, visit thebodyguardmusical.com.   

Tickets for all of the above shows are available now and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, visiting online at www.kimmelcenter  or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Tickets for groups of 10 or more may be purchased by calling 215-790-5883.

The 2016-17 Broadway Philadelphia season presented in collaboration with Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization continues with the National Theatre production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The critically-acclaimed Tony Award-winning new play by Simon Stephens, adopted by Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel and directed by Tony winner Marianne Elliot, will make its Philadelphia Premiere at the Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music for a one-week engagement February 28-March 5, 2017 as part of a North American tour. The Kimmel Center and The Free Library of Philadelphia will host a free book discussion on Thursday, February 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., enhanced by clips from the Broadway show and a chat back with Frances Egler, Director of Programming and Presentations at the Kimmel Center. Curious Incident on Broadway is the recipient of five Tony Awards, including Best Play, six Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Play, five Outer Circle Awards including Outstanding New Broadway Play and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play. For more information, visit www.curiousonbroadway.com

Tickets for this show are available now and can be purchased by calling 215-893-3333,visiting www.kimmelcentercenter.org or the Kimmel Center Box Office. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets at 215-790-5833.

February Events at the Kimmel

Upcoming Events in Early February

At the Kimmel

The Second City, Chicago’s famous improv theater troupe, will appear at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Perelman Theater for three performances of their show We’re All In This Room Together on Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4. The show features improv comedy, audience interaction and spontaneous sketches and songs from the legendary sketch comedy archives. The Second City began in 1959 and is now the world’s predominant comedy and improv club with shows every night in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood.

The internationally acclaimed dance company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts February 3 and 4 at the Merriam Theater including new works and long-standing favorites, launching a 19-city North American tour.  The performances, taking place at the start of Black History Month, will feature works that explore the African American experience and social justice. The 32 member dance company performs a variety of new and old-time favorite pieces, including Alvin Ailey’s American masterpiece Revolution.

The critically-acclaimed Off-Broadway show Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man comes to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Perelman Theater for four hilarious performances on February 9 at 8:00 p.m., February 10 at 8:00 p.m. and February 11 at 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, this comedy provides tips to heterosexual women on how to please a man in bed. Sex Tips is a “romantic comedy that takes the audience on a hilarious wild ride where no topic is taboo and the insider tips come straight from the source: a gay man.”

Writer and entertainer Ryan Raftery brings his one-man show, Ryan Raftery is the Most Powerful Woman in Fashion-The Anna Wintour Musical, February 9-11, 2017 to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ SEI Innovation Studio. This one-man musical tells the story of Vogue editor and media powerhouse Anna Wintour through popular music. Ryan Raftery has written seven shows that have played all over New York City and across the country. He has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, New York magazine and People magazine.  He has also appeared on several TV shows. This is a designated BYO performance. Acceptable forms of BYO are a 6-pack of beer and/or a 750 ml bottle of wine only. There is a limit of one six pack or one bottle of wine per two patrons.  No corkscrews or rolling coolers are permitted

Extraordinary lighting effects combined with remarkable dance moves and high-energy music create an unforgettable performance experience by America’s Got Talent finalists iLuminate. The New York-based group performs in electrifying glow-in-the-dark suits on a darkened stage to create a one-of-a-kind visual experience.  The show will run for three performances, February 10-11, 2017 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Merriam Theater. Enhanced by patented iLuminate technology, the crew and dancers produce explosive perfomances with wireless lighting programs. After their  third place win on America's Got Talent, iLuminate has become a household name.

Tickets for all shows can be purchased now by calling 215-893-1999, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group tickets for 10 or more can be purchased at 215-790-5883.

Kimmel's New Year's Day Celebration

Mummer's Parade

KIMMEL CENTER HOSTS 12^TH ANNUAL 

NEW YEAR’S DAY CELEBRATION WITH  

         FREE  FAMILY  ENTERTAINMENT 

      JANUARY 1, 2017, 10 AM - 5 PM

For the 12^th consecutive year, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is hosting a FREE New Year’s Day Celebration. Guests are invited indoors to enjoy the panoramic view of the Mummers Parade, performances and activities from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., generously sponsored by Cigna. This year’s celebration will include:

·     The Kimmel Center’s Resolution Wall, sponsored by Garces Events where guests are invited to share their New Year’s resolutions.

·      A free Hot Chocolate Lounge with fun mix-in ingredients for children 12 and under, provided by Garces Events.

·    Performances by The Glorious Sounds, Karen Smith and Weez the Peoples, Korey Riker, Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society, and the Broadway Dreams Foundation.

·      Grow up Great Jazz for kids featuring Kendrah Butler at 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Verizon Hall.

·       Organ demonstration every hour on the hour from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Verizon Hall.

·    Family-friendly activities including the Greater Philadelphia Paper Pholders, face painting, hula hooping and balloon art.

·       Roaming jugglers, ticket giveaways AND MORE!

Garces Events will host the one-of-a-kind “Broad Street Bash” brunch in the Tier 2 balcony.  Guests can enjoy unlimited food and drink for four hours while taking in some of the best views of the Mummers Parade in the city.  Tickets are available at www.kimmelcenter.org.

·     

The Carols

Anthony Lawton & Mary Martello

1812 Productions is presenting the world premiere musical The Carols through December 2016 at Philadelphia Plays and Players Theater, 17^th and Delancey Sts. Written and directed by Jennifer Childs, with music by Monica Stephenson and lyrics by Jen, this production is  a recipe for wildly funny entertainment and it does not disappoint. The three Carol sisters, Lily (Rachel Camp), Rose (Caroline Dooner and Sylvia (Emily Kleimo) want to put on a Christmas pageant but all eligible young men are away at war. The three sing beautiful harmonies throughout the production, much of it acapella. When the only one to answer their request for auditions for the pageant is an entertainer from the Catskills, the girls want to have him in the show but Miss Betty is against it, thinking that his background is inappropriate for the role. Curmudgeon Miss Betty (Mary Martello) sits down at a table with Melvin Shaatz (Anthony Lawton),cup of coffee in her hand, and Mel looks up from his paper and says,” I see you have a  cup of coffee.” When Martello replies, “Oh, so you’re an observant Jew,” the audience roars. The incomparable Mary Martello sings and dances her way across the stage with aplomb once her secret past is   revealed. This is a fractured tale as only the inimitable Jennifer Childs could create. It is done with good taste, grace, humor (lots of humor) and exquisite originality. The Carols is sure to be the feel good hit of the season. For more information or tickets, call 215-592-9560 or visit online at www.1812productions.org

A Year With Frog And Toad

StevePacek

If the first time is good, and the second time is even better, then the third time is definitely the charm. The proof is in all the people who saw A Year With Frog and Toad with Jeffrey Coon and Ben Dibble produced by the Arden’s Children’s Theatre in 2004, 2009 and now again in 2016.  Arden Theatre, located at 40 N. 2^nd Street in Old City, has reprised A Year With Frog and Toad for the second time and is presenting it on its F. Otto Haas stage through January 29, 2017. Steve Pacek (Snail) Elexis Morton (Turtle) and Leigha Kato (Mouse) comprise a charming ensemble of birds, family and friends to Frog and Toad. Jeffrey Coon is the cheerful Frog belting out song after song with his best friend, the somewhat grumpy Toad portrayed by Ben Dibble. A humorous joke runs throughout the seasons; Frog gives Snail a letter to mail and it takes almost a year to be delivered. Laughter abounds whenever the snail appears. The children think it’s funny that the snail is trying to run and not getting anywhere. My granddaughter did not understand the concept of “snail mail,” but she did point out to me that Frog who was bigger spoke in a loud voice and Toad who was smaller spoke in a small voice. The lighting effects on the set are outstanding as befits anything designed by Thom Weaver. Scenic Designer Donald Eastman also adds some spectacular additions to the tale as larger-than-life leaves fall from the catwalk during autumn and the two friends fly a huge kite in the air during Spring. A Year With Frog and Toad is a delight for kids and adults alike. If you missed it the first two times it was presented at the Arden,or even if you didn't, make sure you plan to see this timeless iteration. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122, visit online at www.ardentheatre.org or go to the box office at 40 N 2^nd Street.

Billy Crystal

BILLY CRYSTAL ADDS NEW DATES IN PHILADELPHIA

FOR HIS MUCH AWAITED

“SPEND THE NIGHT WITH BILLY CRYSTAL” TOUR

         VERIZON HALL AT THE KIMMEL

             CENTER    MARCH 20 & 21

               Tickets For Both Shows Go On Sale This Friday Dec. 9 at NOON!

Tony® and Emmy Award®-winning comedian, actor, producer, writer and director BILLY CRYTAL has added additional dates for his US tour Spend the Night with Billy Crystal. His two shows in Philadelphia at Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center on March 20 & 21 go on sale this Friday December 9^th at NOON through KimmelCenter.Org, the Kimmel Center Box Office or charge by phone at 215-893-1999. American Express members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning today, Monday, December 5 through Thursday December 8 at 10p.m. The Spend the Night With Billy Crystal Tour is being presented by Larry Magid Entertainment Group.all at theKimmel Center on March 21 &

Mama Mia! Wedding Giveaway

THE KIMMEL CENTER AND GARCES

 EVENTS PRESENT

MAMMA MIA! WEDDING

GIVEAWAY

IN CELEBRATION OF THE HIT

MUSICAL’S

                  FAREWELL RUN IN PHILADELPHIA

    COUPLES CAN ENTER TO WIN ALL-EXPENSES-PAID WEDDING DAY

                           AT THE KIMMEL CENTER

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, in partnership with Garces Events announces the Mamma Mia! Wedding Giveaway, celebrating the farewell tour of Mama Mia! as part of the 2016-17 Broadway Philadelphia season, presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center and the Shubert Organization. The contest, running from December 1-21, offers couples the opportunity to win an all-expense-paid wedding, including venue, catering, flowers, wedding attire, photography, videography, and a one night stay in a luxury hotel in Philadelphia. The prize wedding is valued at $55,312. The giveaway celebrates the wedding at the heart of the story line of the smash hit musical Mamma Mia! that will play at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater December 27-31.  Full details and rules can be found at www.kimmelcenter,org/weddinggiveaway Couples wishing to enter are invited to share their love story in a 30 second video posted to either Instantgram or Twitter using the hashtag #MiaWedding PHL, submitted as a comment on related posts on the Kimmel Center’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kimmelcenterphilly)or sent as a brief essay to weddinggiveaway@kimmelcenter.org.  Please note Instantgram and Twitter accounts must be set to public. All entries must be received by 11:59 on December 21. Finalists and the winner will be selected at random. Finalists will be invited to attend the opening night performance of Mamma Mia! on December 27 at the Merriam Theater.  The winning couple will be announced from the stage at the conclusion of the performance.

An Iliad

Lantern Theater Company, located in St. Stephens Church, 10^th and Ludlow Streets, is presenting the Philadelphia Premiere of the Obie and Lucille Lortel Award-Winning An Iliad through December 11, 2016. The production stars the inimitable Peter DeLaurier as the Poet and Liz Filios as the Muse, who, together, relate the tale of the war in Troy after it has ended. I was fortunate enough to see this epic presentation with Artistic Director Charles McMahon understudying the role of the Poet. With great care the Poet weaves the tale of the lunacy of  war - eleven years in Troy and still going strong. Through McMahon’s masterful performance the audience witnesses the fury and indignation of Achilles, the rage and ire of Hector and the folly of the gods who intervene. Liz Filios’ muse of epic poetry enhances the Poet’s tale with extraordinary musical and percussive tones. With a variety of instruments representing different characters in the drama, and a wide range of percussive modalities used to enhance the depiction of the events in the war, An Iliad is a feast for the ears. Do not miss this phenomenal production.  For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395, visit online at www.lanterntheater.org, or go to the box office at 10^th & Ludlow Sts. Phila. Pa. 19107. 

Historic Holiday Nights at Old City

HISTORIC HOLIDAY NIGHTS

FROM DECEMBER 1^ST TO DECEMBER 22^ND

WITH SPECIAL HOLIDAY BITES AND SIPS

EXTENDED SHOPPING HOURS, SALES

AND SPECIAL MENUS AT 45+ LOCATIONS

Historic Holiday Nights debuts at 45 restaurants and retailers in Old City every Thursday 12/1 -22.  Get all of your shopping done in one square mile and enjoy some seasonal dishes and sips in Old City. More than 45 participating boutiques, shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants and cafes around the neighborhood will treat visitors to special sales, discounts, promotions and menu items every Thursday in December from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through December 22^nd. Festivities kick off this Thursday December 1^st with carolers, historic re-enactors and a live ice sculpture. More than a dozen restaurants in and around Old City will treat visitors to $5 holiday inspired drinks and offer special menu items. Among the participating restaurants are: Campo’s Deli, Capofitto, Common Wealth Old City, Continental, High Street on Market, ICI Marconi & Café, La Peg Brasserie @ Fringe Arts, Nick’s Bar  & Grille, Old City Coffee, Panorama, Pinot Boutique, Positano Coast, Sassafras, Silence Dogwood’s Tavern. Spasso Italian Grill, Tartes, The Little Lion, and The Victoria Freehouse. There are over 15 shops with discounts as well. Visit Philadelphia® is the region’s official tourism marketing agency

Late Night At The Logan

KIMMEL CENTER AND THE LOGAN,

PHILADELPHIA’S HOTEL

ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR

LATE NIGHT AT THE LOGAN SERIES

Kimmel Center Broadway Philadelphia Attendees Invited to

         Exclusive Cast Parties at The Logan Hotel

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with The Logan Hotel is presenting a new season-long series of post-show events following Broadway Philadelphia performances with themed-food and cocktails specific to each show.  Late Night at the Logan will consist of free after-parties during which ticket buyers for that show will have a chance to mingle with the cast of the performance they have just seen. The series will launch with the first party taking place on November 23, following a performance of An American in Paris .More information about the 2016—17 Broadway Philadelphia series can be found at kimmelcenter.org/logan. Dates for the upcoming Late Night at the Logan events can be found as follows:

An American in Paris, November 23, 2016

Mamma Mia, December 27, 2016

Cirque Eloize Saloon, January 13, 2017

The Bodyguard, February 21, 2017

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night, March 3, 2017

The King and I, March 14, 2017

Cabaret, April 5, 2017

Hedwig & The Angry Inch, April 18, 2017

Dirty Dancing, May 16, 2017

Motown The Musical,  May 30, 2017

Fun Home, June 14, 2017

Wicked, July 24, 2017

The Jones Family Singers

THE JONES FAMILY SINGERS

TAKES GOSPEL TO A NEW LEVEL

AT FREE PERFORMANCES IN

SEI INNOVATION STUDIO

                JANUARY 15-16, 2017

Bishop Fred Jones and his powerhouse family line-up, The Jones Family Singers, are taking Gospel to a new level at the SEI Innovation Studio with free performances on Sunday, January 15 and Monday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m.  Bishop Fred Jones, along with his five daughters and two sons, infuses   vintage soul, funk, and R&B in high-energy gospel performances that have the audience clapping their hands and stomping their feet.  The group is taking the world by storm with appearances at New York City’s Lincoln Center and New York City’s globalFEST in addition to a critically acclaimed documentary, The Jones Family Singers Will Make A Way. The ensemble, which brings together three generations of talent, has been exploding in churches and festivals for over two decades. In addition to their joyful live performances, their recent studio album, The Spirit Speaks, displays the depth of their musical gifts. Tickets are free and are available to the public now. (fees apply) Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, or by visiting online at kimmelcenter.org.  or the Kimmel Center Box Office.  More information is available at kimmelcenter.org. 

Sleeping Beauty: A Musical Panto

People’s Light, located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, Pa., is presenting the World Premiere of Sleeping Beauty: A Musical Panto through Jan 15, 2017. Peter Pryor, Samantha Reading, and Lyricist Alex Bechtel have put a contemporary spin on this age-old fairy tale. Aurora (Ariana Sepúlveda) doesn’t know she is a princess and wants nothing more than exploring the stars. Her only human contemporary, Boy (Luke Bradt), is a free spirit. Can true love really be found at age 16 in modern times? The 12 member ensemble cast is high spirited and the energy they produce on stage and up and down the aisles is contagious. There is quite a bit of audience participation and the audience loves it! There are unusual twists: the royal family lives in a hovel near a swamp and the sun gets tired of shining because the moon has fallen out of the sky with a shooting star and there is no longer any night; True love’s kiss delivered to awaken Princess Aurora is perhaps the biggest surprise of all.  For tickets to this original and fun-filled production, call 610-644-3500 or visit peopleslight.org. 

Found: A New Musical Comedy

Davy Rothbart’s popular Found magazine is the basis for the musical Found, being produced by Philadelphia Theatre Company through December 11 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard Streets. The nine-member ensemble cast, many of whom starred in the original production of Found Off-Broadway, exudes high-power energy throughout the performance.  Although Davy (F. Michael Haynie) narrates the tale and performs in a third of the musical numbers, every member of the ensemble is given a chance to shine with at least one solo. After a note is accidently left on his car, Davy persuades his friends to help discover other notes that people have written and discarded.  As each note is read or sung aloud, a picture of it is projected onto the back wall that enables the audience to follow along. Some are short.  The one-liners are quick quips which relate to the action on the stage. These usually elicit a chuckle. Some of the longer notes require an entire song and dance. Many of these are laugh-out loud funny. Intermingled is a 5 minute skit with audience participation about Johnny Tremaine. This sketch is fall-out-your-seat hysterical. For songs that you’ll never go home singing but will enjoy every moment that you hear them on stage and 100 minutes of good fun and laughter, check out Found. To purchase tickets, call the PTC Box Office at 215-985-0420 or visit www.PhiladelphiaTheatreCompany.org. 

"Hairspray Live!" Viewing Party

Hairspray Live! Viewing Party

Hosted by NBC10 and The Kimmel Center

NBC will air Hairspray Live! on Wednesday December 7 at 8 p.m.  During the broadcast, Philadelphia will be one of five U.S. markets selected to be featured in a live shot during the program.  The Philadelphia live shot will feature the viewing party at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater. NBC10 and The Kimmel Center will host the viewing party from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. inside the Perelman Theater.  As homage to Philadelphia’s long history of music and dance, the event will feature performances by First Ladies of Rock and Soul, the Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars and special appearances Bobby Rydell and American Bandstand sweethearts Bunny Gibson and Steve Colanero. Tickets to the party event are limited and will be available through an online sweepstakes through November 27^th at NBC10.com.  For details, visit www.NBC10.com/hairspray. 

January Events at the Kimmel

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, in association with the Mexican Consulate and the Cultural Center, is having a free celebration of Three Kings Day at Commonwealth Plaza on January 6, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. This celebration, also known as “El Dia de Reyes,” celebrates the height of the Christmas season in Hispanic cultures and will feature an evening of classic Mexican traditions including a reenactment of the Three Wise Men, piñatas, and traditional “Rosca de Reyes” bread – the largest one ever made in Philadelphia. Three Kings Day marks the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas and memorializes The Three Wise men who traveled to present gifts to baby Jesus.

Presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization, Broadway Philadelphia presents the Philadelphia premiere of Saloon–A Musical Acrobatic Adventure in the Merriam Theater January 13-14, 2017. Saloon mixes country extracts from Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash with more festive, folk inspired compositions.  There are four musicians and singers on stage along with 11 top-level artists set out on an acrobatic adventure. Cirque Éloize has presented over 4,000 performances in more than 500 cities and 50 countries. For more information, visit www.cirque-eloize.com. 

Elephant & Piggie, stars of the children’s book series, come to life on stage in their new interactive production, We are in a Play!  The show is a based on the best-selling Elephant & Piggie book series by Mo Williams. The dancing and singing duo teaches values like manners, and sharing. Audiences can get ready to participate and interact with the characters throughout the performance. We Are in a Play! Is a production of the Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences and is part of the Kimmel Center’s Family Discovery Series. Performances will take place at the Merriam Theater on Saturday, January 21, at 11: a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Radio DJ Jerry Blavat is returning to Verizon Hall on January 28, 2017 for his annual star-studded performance at 8:00 p.m. Invitees are invited to the Commonwealth Plaza for cocktails and dancing before and after the performance. This year’s show, Gospel, Soul and Doo Wop, will feature performers from all three genres including Dee Dee Sharp who started out singing Gospel; The Tokens (“The Lion Sleeps Tonight); Eddie Holman (“Hey There Lonely Girl”); The Chi-lites (“Have You Seen Her); and The Stylistics (“You Make Me Feel Brand New”); plus a tribute to Kenny Vance.

“The Last Waltz 40 Tour: A Celebration of the 40^th Anniversary of The Last Waltz” reproduces the excitement From Blackbird Presents two-night sold-out concert event “Last Waltz New Orleans: A Celebration of the 40^th Anniversary of The Last Waltz" which took place during Jazz Fest 2016. The tour will showcase a number of the artists that were celebrated during the Jazz Fest.. It will be produced in Verizon Hall in The Kimmel Center on Sunday, January 29.

 Tickets for above events can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, visiting www.kimmelcenter.org or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales for 10 or more can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883.

The Wizard of Oz

Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, is presenting an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz that is nothing short of brilliant.  Based on L. Frank Baum’s book and the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz can be seen on the Walnut’s mainstage through January 8^th.  Both children and adults alike will be captivated by this musical. Children, seeing the tale unfold for perhaps the first time will be mesmerized by its magic.  Adults, well familiar with the story-line, will be enthralled by this exceptional production.  Filled with foreshadowing, such as “Use your brains;” ”Be brave;” and “I feel like my heart has been torn out”, this piece has adults nodding knowingly and children sitting on the edge of their seats. Nothing can prepare you for the pure dulcet tones of Adrienne Eller as Dorothy starts to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The special effects created by the design, sound and lighting creative team are extraordinary; roaring, howling winds, dark clouds and puffs of smoke, flying bicycles, and  a twirling house all help create the illusion of a cyclone on stage as surely as it was created in film in 1939.  Christopher Shin, Christopher Sutton and Nichalas L. Parker, playing Tinman and Hickory, Scarecrow and Hunk and Cowardly Lion and Zeke respectively, sing and dance up a storm as they accompany Dorothy on her journey to the Emerald City.  Laugh lines are sprinkled throughout. When Dorothy asks Scarecrow how he can talk without a brain, he immediately replies, “Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.” Ensemble members are also outstanding as they alternatively portray poppies, Jitterbugs and Winkies. The costumes are fantastic; the acting is marvelous; the old familiar music as well as a surprise new piece is delightful and the choreography is superb. There will be no performances on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day so be sure to make plans to see the show before your desired date gets sold out. For more information or tickets call 215-574-3550, 800-982-2787 or visit online at www.walnutstreettheatre.org or ticketmaster. 

Broadway Up Close

Perelman Theater

KIMMEL CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW SEASON

OF BROADWAY UP CLOSE SERIES

HOSTED BY SETH RUDETSKY

   AT THE PERELMAN THEATER

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts announces the 2016-17 line-up for Broadway Up Close, hosted by Sirius XM Radio Star Seth Rudetsky.  This season will consist of four performances featuring celebrated actors from stage and screen, including Tony Award winners Chita Rivera and Alice Ripley; Tony, Emmy & Golden Globe nominated star of Glee, Matthew Morrison, and Grammy, Tony & Emmy nominated star Vanessa Williams.  Broadway Up Close is presented in association with Mark Cortale Productions. Matthew Morrison has performed in several award winning shows on Broadway and in the Golden Globe Best Television Series Glee. He will perform at the Perelman Theater on December 17, 2016. Vanessa Williams has performed in numerous shows on Broadway and has sold over 25 million records worldwide. On television she starred as Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty. She will be starring in a new series, Satan Sisters on VH1. Her performance will be held in the Perelman Theater on January 21, 2017. Alice Ripley received the Tony and Helen Hayes Award for Best Actress in Next to Normal. She has appeared in numerous other Broadway shows and in national touring companies. She has been featured on television shows and has written and produced several record albums.  Alice will perform on May 6, 2017 in the Perelman Theater. Chita Rivera is a two-time Tony award winner for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. She originated the Broadway roles of Anita in West Side Story, Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, and Velma in Chicago and appeared in the original casts of many others. Chita was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama on August 12, 2009. She received the Kennedy Center Honor in Washington D.C.  in December of 2002, the first Hispanic chosen to receive this award. She will perform at the Merriam Theater on June 3, 2017. Tickets go on sale for email list subscribers on November 15 and to the general public on November 18, Tickets can be purchased by calling (215) 893-1999, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and may be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883.  

Hairspray Live !

NBC 10 &  THE KIMMEL CENTER HOST

DANCE AUDITIONS FOR “HAIRSPRAY LIVE!” 

VIEWING PARTY

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Dancers invited to audition and show off their moves for a chance to be

                        featured on NBC10's broadcast of Hairspray Live!

NBC10/ WCAU, in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, will host open call auditions to dancers to participate in the “Hairspray Live!”  viewing party at the Kimmel Center.  Auditions will take place Tuesday, November 15 at 10 a.m. at the S.E.I. Innovation Studio at the Kimmel Center at 300 South Broad Street in Philadelphia. Male and female dancers, ages 18-30, representing all ethnicities, are encouraged to come dressed  in the spirit of the 60’s-era themed Broadway musical “Hairspray”  and perform for Downstage Center Dance Studio choreographer Dani Tucci-Juraga who will select a group of talented individuals to be part of NBC10’s “Hairspray Live!” viewing party in December. NBC10 and the Kimmel Center will host the viewing party on Wednesday, December 7 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. inside the Perelman Theater of The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.   The event will feature performances by the Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars and special appearances by Bobby Rydell and American Bandstand sweethearts Bunny Gibson and Steve Colanero.  Attendees can also get styled at the 60’s-era Beans Beauty salon station and make a stop at the 60’s vibe photo booth.  NBC will air Hairspray Live! on Wednesday, December 7, at 8 p.m.  During the broadcast, Philadelphia will be one of five US markets selected to be featured in a live shot during the program. The Philadelphia shot will feature the viewing party at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater. Tickets to the party event are limited and will be available through an online sweepstakes from November 14^th to 27^th at NBC10.com.  For details, visit www.NBC10.com/hairspray.