Mamma Mia!

Charis Leos, Anne Brummel &
Lyn Philistine

Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, is presenting the delightful musical Mamma Mia! on its main stage through June 21, 2018. Whether you have no experience with this show with over 20 of ABBA's greatest hits or you have seen it in many times,  this production is guaranteed to make you want to get out of your seat and dance. Unbelievably, the appearances of three of the main actors are performed by understudies in the beginning of the run. The result is dazzling. Lyn Philistine portrays Donna Sheridan as if she were born to the role, singing and dancing her way across the stage. Not far behind her are Tara Tagliaferro portraying Tanya and Kimberly Mason portraying Ali.  Laura Giknis is adorable in her portrayal of Sophie Sheridan. She belts out song after song and flits across the stage with the ease of a butterfly. No matter how many times you might have seen Mamma Mia! (and I have seen it several times before) you will enjoy Walnut Street’s new presentation. There is a large dancing ensemble with original choreography. The dancers begin even as the overture starts. The men’s ensemble in swimwear and snorkel equipment is clever into the depths of the ocean. Another unique twist to this production is the use of choral backup off stage. Whether you are enjoying a feast for your ears, or your eyes or your feet, you will certain enjoy Mamma Mia! For more information or tickets, call 215-574-3550, 800-982-2787, or visit online at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

Fun Home

Ensemble cast

The Arden Theatre Company, located at 40 N. 2^nd Street, is presenting the unique theatrical experience of Fun Home on its F. Otto Haas main stage through June 17. Winner of 5 Tony Awards, Fun Home explores the memories of cartoonist Allison Bechdel as she reminisces upon the painful and joyful moments in her family history. Mary Tuomanen takes the audience on a journey through her life’s memories. She is sometimes on the sidelines observing as an artist; other times she treats the audience to her powerful voice. Izzy Castaldi portrays college-aged Allison. Her first sexual encounter after she discovers that she is gay is childlike in its amazement; fantastic with wonder and hysterical with the joy of it all. Her comic timing is superb!  Lily Lexer and Kate Bove will alternate in the role of Allison as a young child.  This is perhaps the largest role of all. Lily was on stage opening night. Remember the name because this little package is a bundle of talent. She is brimming with poise and her singing voice got stronger as the show progressed. There are intriguing moments when all three Allisons are on stage singing in three part harmonies.  The effect is stunning.  Ben Dibble gives a very strong performance as Bruce Bechdel, tormented, closeted homosexual and father of Allison and her two siblings. This is a brilliant musical and the Arden does a magnificent job with its production.  For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122 or visit www.ardentheatre.org.  

hope and gravity

David Ingram, Sean Close
 & Jessica Johnson

1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s all Comedy Theatre Company, is presenting Michael Hollinger’s Hope and Gravity at the Plays and Players Theater, 17^th and Delancey Streets, through May 20, 2018. A series of nine vignettes, it features an ensemble cast sensitively playing dual roles. Jorge Cousineau has designed a set that is nothing short of exquisite. Moving geometric projections imitate the schemes of an elevator shaft; each time the projections stop moving, curtains partially open and a new set is revealed on another elevator floor. One would expect a play that is being presented by 1812 Productions to be witty and it certainly is.  The skits become increasing more humorous as the show progresses. The vignette with the two grad students and their college professor is hilarious. Whether this is in recognition that some of the characters’ story lines intersect or it is inherent in the writing, it is difficult to say.  What is not difficult to determine, is a recommendation to get tickets to see Hope and Gravity before tickets are sold out. For more information or tickets call 215- 592-9560 or visit online at www.1812productions.org.

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