Noises Off

Ensemble cast

Noises Off will be performed on Walnut Street Theatre’s mainstage through April 29. Mary Martello is a comic genius. If you have never seen her perform, you need only see the first 5 minutes of her portrayal of Mrs. Clackett, a housekeeper to a very wealthy couple vacationing in Spain, to be convinced.  Ms. Martello is not the only comic actor in the production; there is a very talented ensemble cast of nine who are acting in this play within in a play. This in an absurdly funny farce and things are rarely what they seem in such a scenario. There is the requisite love triangle, the couple on a secret hide-a-way, the not-so-obvious couple, a couple of sheiks, and more rooms than you can keep track of. The script continuously embodies madcap merriment; it is just zany, let-down-your-hair fun. Chuckles and guffaws spew from the audience throughout the entire production. The set is double-sided, with Act 2 beginning back stage. For a sneak peek behind the scenes that you will never forget, get your tickets to Noises Off today. For more information or tickets, call 215-574-3550, 800-982-2787 or visit online at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org. 

                                             

The Tempest

Ruby Wolf & Peter DeLaurier

Due to popular demand, The Lantern Theater Company, located at 10^th and Ludlow Streets, has extended its run of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest to April 29, 2018.  This production is magical. Think beyond the fantasy that Shakespeare has written on the page. In a confluence rarely seen on the stage, the costume, scenic, lighting, sound and set  designs all work together to provide two wondrous settings that flesh out Shakespeare’s  poetry. The audience is immediately involved in a shipwreck and curious about Prospero (Peter DeLaurier) and his daughter Miranda (Ruby Wolf) on another part of an enchanted island. Other members of this excellent ensemble cast are also making return engagements to the Lantern: Chris Anthony as Ferdinand, J Hernadez as Antonio/Caliban, Dave Johnson as Sebastian/Trinculo, John Lopes as Alonso, and Frank X as Gonzalo/Stephano. Each actor is first rate in his portrayal of a member of the king’s band out to reclaim the island. It is Bi Jean Ngo’s performance as the sprite Ariel; however, that steals the show. She is lithe, nimble on her feet and quick to turn and cast a spell at the behest of her “master”, Prospero. Whether her spells are beautiful acapella chants or a quick flick of her wrist, they work equally well.  Perhaps her most amazing time on stage is her crouching off to one side, sitting on her haunches like a frog and moving her mouth as if she is prepared to catch a fly. Shakespeare would have been proud! The Lantern Company is synonymous with outstanding productions of Shakespearean works. Yearly productions surpass prior performances in excellence and this year’s presentation is no exception.  For more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org.