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.