Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award®-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway.

This production has new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. It has left both audiences and critics awestruck and cheering. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring the thrilling score and beloved songs "Master of the House," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "One Day More," and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, Les Misérables is still the world's most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 32nd year. Broadway Philadelphia’s Les Misérables, shown collaboratively by the Shubert organization and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, can be seen from Jan 9, 2018 -Jan 21, 2018 at the Academy of Music. For more information or tickets visit www.kimmelcenter.org.

The Color Purple

Carla R. Stewart & Adrianna Hicks

The North American Tour of the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple has returned to Philadelphia as part of Broadway Philadelphia, presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization.  It has an interesting minimalistic set comprised of chairs hanging on wooden columns at the back of the stage of the Forrest Theater and steps around the other sides of the stage. Three incomparable women from the 2016 Broadway revival lead the touring company- Adrianna Hicks as Celie, Carla R. Stewart as Shug Avery and Carrie Compere as Sofia. All three have exceptional talent and each has marvelous stage presence. but Adrianna Hicks steals the show in the second act when she finds “her voice” and the audience roars its appreciation. Gavin Gregory does a first-rate job of portraying the “Mister” you’ll love to hate as he abuses Celie, his 14 year old “ugly wife”. There is a dazzling three-woman chorus who appear intermittently, simultaneously singing, gossiping and chattering away. There are many delightful musical numbers with beautiful harmonies throughout the performance. One of the most effective numbers in the entire musical, however, is the rendition of “Hell No!” led by Carrie Compere as Sofia. It is a great motivation to spur the audience to chime in and chant “Hell No” as well, decrying situations where women allow themselves to be victims of abuse. This phenomenal production of The Color Purple runs evenings through Sunday, December 17, 2017, with additional matinee  performances  both Saturday and Sunday. 

Peter Pan

Jo Vito Ramirez & Emilie Krause

The Arden’s Children Theater is presenting a fresh and original version of Peter Pan on its F. Otto Haas Stage through January 21, 2018. A very talented 4-member ensemble cast, playing multiple roles, joins Emilie Krause as Wendy and Jo Vito Ramirez as Peter Pan on an amazing journey from a campground to Neverland and back. Lighting Designer Thom Weaver’s brilliant use of lighting has everyone in an uproar as Peter and his shadow are re-connected after Wendy ”sews” it onto his feet. Children and adults alike are filled with wonder as Tinkerbell flits from Peter to one of the lost boys and back again, all the while whispering in Peter’s ear. Tinkerbell’s speech is provided by the violin engagingly played by ensemble member Eliana Fabiyi. The timing of Tinkerbells’ flight is “spot on” and is accompanied by many “ooos” and “ahhs” in the audience.” This is not your ho-hum Neverland. There are ropes to climb; tunnels to conquer, and a Captain Hook who is deathly afraid of a ticking crocodile. Spoiler alert. There IS a crocodile!  This is a fabulous show with a time-honored story in a brand new setting. Children of all ages are going to love it. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122 or visit www.ardentheatre.org.