February Events on Kimmel Cultural Campus

The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus in association with AEG presents the cast of the award-winning podcast, The Sceptics’ Guide to the Universe, to the Perelman Theater on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. joined by host and musician George Hrab. Hosted by Dr. Steven Novella, the cast explains the tenants of critical thinking, debunks some of the biggest scientific myths, fallacies and conspiracy theories Since beginning in 2005, the show has been one of the most popular science podcasts on itunes.

The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus presents the Philadelphia presents the Philadelphia premiere of the humorous, fantastical plat, Grey Rock, at the SEI Innovation Studio from Thursday, February 6, 2020 through February 9, 2020. The play will be performed in English by a cast of actors from across Palestine. Set in the present day, Grey Rock muses on the American 1969 moon landing and sets out to build a space rocket so that Palestine could have a presence on the moon. The play is about man’s absolute right to dream. This is a designated BYO performance. Acceptable forms of BYO are a 6-pack and/or 750 ml bottles of wine per two guests.

THE TONY AWARD-WINNING BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL

WILL RUN AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC

ON THE KIMMEL CENTER CULTURAL CAMPUS

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 1

 HELLO, DOLLY!

   

Hello, Dolly!, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival starring Carolee Carmello, will run in Philadelphia February 19 – March 1, 2020 at the Academy of Music on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus, as part of the 2019-20 Broadway season.  It is being brought to Philadelphia with the help of a very successful revival team. Hello Dolly! has broken box office records on Broadway and the touring company is paying tribute to the original work of   legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion – It has stagings hailed as one of the greatest stagings in musical theater history. Led by four time Tony award-winning Director Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Tony Award winner Warren Carlyle, the entire creative team of the Broadway production is reprising their roles for this national tour. This is a catch -your-breath production that you absolutely cannot miss! Tickets are on sale now and start at $20.00. Tickets can be purchased by calling (215) 893-1999, visiting www.kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883. More information at www.kimmelcenter.org. 

This Is the Week That Is

Ensemble Cast in Top 40 sketch

1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s all comedy theatre located at 1714 Delancey Place in Center City, is presenting its annual political comedy This Is the Week That Is through January 4, 2020. As Dave Jadico begins his curtain speech, interspersed with numerous puns, one by one additional cast members come on stage, are introduced, and complain about the excessive use of puns. Two hold up signs petitioning an impeachment from the curtain speech. All cast members agree, followed by an impeachment trial which is left up to the audience. Due to popular demand, 1812 Productions has been including This IS The Week That Is in their season schedule for the past 14 years. This year the delicious satire in the first act is fresh and innovative. Relying heavily on the theme of elections, the ensemble cast outdid themselves in quick costume change, gender reversal and role play. “Steve Harvey” introduces contestants for The New Pyramid. When “Bernie Sanders”, “Joe Biden”, “Elizabeth Warren” and “Cory Booker” take the stage, the audience erupts in laughter. No less humorous are some of the categories on the board, such as Nicknames, Big Words and Porn Stars. When the categories are revealed, big Ooooohs are emitted from the audience. In a perfect world, one would expect these categories to be easy but of course, neither candidate scores a point. By now the audience expects a similar result from Warren and Booker and they are not disappointed. There are several hysterical numbers in the America Top 40 Countdown. One of the funniest is a cast member ensconced in a huge globe that is browner than green decrying climate change, singing “You Let Me Down.”  Perhaps the piece de resistance was a   Hamilton riff with all the Democratic Presidential candidates who had not been previously seen on stage. For those who like tradition, Patsy still sits on her stoop; there is still news from the News Desk and an Interview from the Lobby. But please don’t hesitate getting tickets to this performance thinking you have seen one just like it last year, because you haven’t.  This is 2020.0 – brighter, fresher, and more edgy. For more information or tickets, call 215-592-9560 or visit online at www.1812productions.org.

Snow Queen

 Eunice Akinola

Arden’s Children’s Theatre is presenting Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen on their main stage through January 26, 2020. The ensemble cast is very talented as every member plays multiple roles with the exception of   Eunice Akinola  and Daniel Ison who are limited to two apiece and Mary Fishburn who must maintain her regal presence in her titular role. Ms. Fishburne is an excellent Snow Queen who cares nothing for any of her subjects but only for her herself and the perfection of her own reflection. When a sliver of her mirror falls to the ground and lands in the eye of Gerda’s best friend Cei, (Daniel Ison) he turns from friendly to sullen and follows the siren song of the Snow Queen as she leads him away. This delightful tale is told with intermittent singing and  music backed up by a fiddle and flute. Gerda, played so convincingly by Eunice Akinola, is determined to rescue her best friend Cei. She sets out on her journey in the red boots her grandmother has given her with some vague idea that Cei and the Snow Queen have headed North. Special effects in this production are outstanding for children. Non-essential characters come to the stage with buckets of "snow" and heap it all over the stage. Other “snow” falls lightly from buckets above the cat walk. Gerda has fascinating exploits in the spring when she interacts with flowers and a white picket fence and children in the audience cheer when brilliant beach balls announce the arrival of summer. Traveling through each season with Gerda as she searches for her friend Cei is an enchanting adventure for children and adults alike. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122 or visit online at www.ardentheatre.org or visit the Arden Box Office at 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia Pa.

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, PA, November 4, 2019) – Cirque Dreams: Holidaze brings its latest electrifying and re-

imagined live family holiday spectacular to Philadelphia December 26 – 29, 2019, at the Merriam Theater on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus for eight unforgettable performances during the holiday season. This critically-acclaimed extravaganza is both a Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family! 

“This magical stage spectacle is the perfect show the entire family can experience together during the holiday season,” said Anne Ewers, President & CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “Part of our ongoing, back-by-popular-demand Family Discovery Series, this engagement has wide appeal, from Broadway to cirque fans. It also forwards our Cultural Campus mission to engage the community – and our littlest arts lovers – with live performance and education.”

The one and only Cirque Dreams: Holidaze has been hailed by The New York Daily News as “A delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleighload.” It’s “the perfect holiday gift and show everyone will enjoy,” raved BroadwayWorld of the sold-out performances that “dazzled…at The Kennedy Center,” Washington Post. The Tennessean proclaimed it “A dazzling Holidaze Spectacle…for both young and old” at the Grand Ole Opry House.

Broadway Director and Cirque Dreams Founder, Neil Goldberg, has searched the world to assemble a remarkable cast of incomparable cirque artists, singers, dancers, and talent to mesmerize audiences with new acts, holiday scenes, theatrical innovation, and much more in 2019.

Set in a multi-million-dollar wonderland of elaborate scenes and dozens of original holiday production numbers, this spectacular show celebrates the most wonderful time of the year as they experience over 300 spectacular costumes and 20 of the world’s most astonishing acts. 

Broadway singers perform original music along with a new twist on seasonal favorites such as “Deck The Halls,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” On the edge-of-your-seat acrobatics are performed by toy soldiers, snowmen, penguins, candles, reindeer, gingerbread, carolers, Santa, plus colossal ornaments flying, balancing, and stretching imaginations in this groundbreaking holiday stage spectacular. It’s “Las Vegas…meets family entertainment…meets musical theatre” touts the Boston Globe.  

CIRQUE DREAMS: HOLIDAZE

Performances are at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus’ Merriam Theater on

Thursday, December 26, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.,

Friday, December 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.,  3 p.m.,  and 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze is part of the Family Discovery Series, sponsored by Santander and is recommended for ages 5 and older.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (215) 893-1999, visiting www.kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883. More information at www.kimmelcenter.org.

Shrek The Musical

Nichalas L. Parker &
Ben Dibble

Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, is presenting Shrek the Musical, on its mainstage through January 5, 2020. Nichalas L. Parker is the endearing ogre Shrek; Julia Udine  is a “beautiful” princess with a big secret and Dana Orange is an excellent Donkey trying to be a “best friend” to Shrek. It is Ben Dibble, however, who steals the show as the mean Lord Farquaad. Spending the entire production on special knee pads, Ben Dibble gives us a pint sized Lord Farquaad whose ambition is to marry a princess in order to become king. Not willing to come in contact with the dragon who protects the castle where the princess lives, Lord Farquaad sends Shrek to rescue her. When Princess Fiona and Shrek develop a certain closeness through joint rude behaviors, the audience becomes hysterical, and it is not just the kids in the audience who laugh. Robbie Roby’s choreography throughout  is spell bounding. The ensemble astounds as Pinocchio & Fairy Tale Character’s sing and dance in clockwork precision in several numbers. This is a delightful production for people of all ages. For more information or tickets, please call 215-574-3550 or visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org.    

The critically-acclaimed, award-winning THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL will make its Philadelphia premiere at the Forrest Theatre as part of Broadway Philadelphia, presented by the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization. Winner of the 2018 Drama Desk and Outer Critic Circle Desk Awards,  It can be seen at the Forrest Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2019 through   1:00 p.m. Sunday December 15. 2019.

SpongeBob and his friends leap from television to the Forrest Theatre stage in a Broadway blockbuster event featuring original music. Bring the entire family to celebrate friendship and cooperation, and learn the power of unity and inclusion. THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL explodes with energy and features an original pop and rock-infused score by several Grammy® Award-winning songwriters: Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady Antebellum, Cyndi Lauper & Rob Hyman, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I., Domani & Lil’C and songs by David Bowie & Brian Eno, and by Tom Kenny & Andy Paley. Additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton. Additional music is by Tom Kitt.

 Led and conceived by visionary director Tina Landau (2018 Tony Award nominee) and a Tony Award®-winning design team, the production brings the spirit of SpongeBob to life with humanity, heart, and pure theatricality. THE SPONGE BOB MUSICAL features a book by Kyle Jarrow, orchestrations and arrangements by TomKitt, musical supervision by Julie McBride & Tim Hanson, and choreography by Christopher Gattelli. The design team includes scenic and costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Kevin Adams, projection design by Peter Nigrini, sound design by Walter Trarbach, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, make-up design by Joe Dulude II, 

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is a one-of-a-kind musical event with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady Antebellum, Cyndi Lauper & Rob Hyman, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I., Domani & Lil’C and songs by David Bowie & Brian Eno, and by Tom Kenny & Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton. and  additional music is by Tom Kitt.

The Original Cast Recording is available now from Masterworks Broadway wherever music is sold and streamed. 

SpongeBob SquarePants launched on July 17, 1999, and has reigned as the number-one kids’ animated series on TV for the last 17 years, generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base.  SpongeBob SquarePants is the most widely distributed property in Viacom International Media Networks history, seen in more than 208 countries and territories, translated in 55+ languages, and averaging more than 100 million total viewers every quarter.  SpongeBob SquarePants is created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif.  The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurable optimist and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (212) 239-6200, visiting www.telecharge.com, or in-person at the Forrest Theatre Box Office (1114 Walnut St.). Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (866) 302-0995 or visit www.broadwayinbound.com.  For more information visit www.kimmelcenter.org.

Next to Normal

Donna Vivino, Liam Snead
 & Danny Vaccaro

Bristol Riverside Theatre, located at 120 Radcliffe Street is presenting the much-acclaimed rock musical Next to Normal through November 24, 2019. Director Keith Baker’s production is nothing short of brilliant.  Roman Tatorwicz has designed a simplistic yet perfect set with two sets of spiral staircases and a loft overlooking the downstairs living area of the family home. Barrymore Award winner Ryan O’Gara, the associate lighting director for Hamilton, has done outstanding work with this set. The lights that flash on and off the set give the impression of waves of electricity generating throughout the air, mimicking electro-shock therapy. Next to Normal’s strong ensemble cast readily succeeds in showcasing the deterioration of one person’s mental illness  and how it can affect her entire family. Tom Kitt’s music and Bryan Yorkey’s lyrics are beautifully sung and frequently in exquisite harmonies by two or three cast members. Donna Vivino is very convincing as Diana, the confused mother who suffers from various forms of mental illness and cannot seem to find a treatment that works. Danny Vaccaro is Dan, her loyal husband who stands by her. Laura Giknis beautifully portrays Diana’s teenage daughter who gets no attention from her parents.  Gary Lumpkin is new to the professional stage and I look forward to seeing more of him. He was a great foil for Natalie, staying steadfastly by her side. Liam Snead is phenomenal as the spirit of Gabe, particularly during his number, “I’m Alive,” which he performs while singing, dancing and running up and down two sets of staircases. Scott Greer is always synonymous with great and this time is no exception as he portrays two different doctors, trying to help Diana. For more information or tickets to this truly marvelous show, call 215-785-0100 or visit brtstage.org.  .

A Small Fire

Bebe Neuwirth & John Dossett

A Small Fire by Adam Bock is being presented by the Philadelphia Theatre Company at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard Streets through November 10, 2019. This exquisite one-act, starring the talented ensemble cast of Bebe Neuwirth, John Dossett, Oge Agulué, and Sarah Gliko suspends belief and returns it in the play’s innovative ending. John Bridges (John Dossett) becomes the rock in this drama as his wife Emily (Bebe Neuwirth) first loses her sense of smell which is almost disastrous when she cannot smell a gas leak at the construction firm she operates. Loss of smell equates with loss of taste, which is not helpful in choosing items for her daughter Jenny’s wedding. Understandably, perhaps, Emily is cantankerous about these losses. Neuwirth is superb as she undergoes various changes after losing even more senses. Before the wedding, she loses her sight. As she has to lean on her husband, she is appreciative and mellow in her dependence. Hysteria sets in when she realizes she can no longer hear. But John is always by her side as a calming influence as he maintains, “Love isn’t what you get from someone; it’s what you give.” Bebe Neuwirth’s performance as a woman who has lost her sense of smell and taste, sight and hearing, is phenomenal. Her portrayals are not only convincing but a character study as her entire personality changes. Jenny Bridges (Sarah Gliko) is disturbingly believable as she portrays a daughter who is a “daddy’s girl” and has little sympathy for a mother who never liked her husband. Chelsea M. Warren has done an outstanding job with the set design. Backdrops are lowered onto the stage to create new scenes while other sets are behind it. For more information or tickets to this intriguing play, call 215-985-0420 or visit PhilaTheatreco.org.

Beyond My Backyard

Ensemble Cast

Broadway Philadelphia is presenting the Philadelphia Premiere of the Tony Award ® Winning  Come From Away at the Academy of Music through November 3, 2019. This must-see musical has everyone glued to his seat during the performance and standing up giving kudos after. Based on the true story of several planes that were diverted out of US airspace on 9/11 and rerouted to a small town in Newfoundland, Canada and the people who so generously cared for them, the scenes ingeniously alternate between the Newfoundlanders and the passengers and crew on a plane. With the dimming of the lights and shifting of a few chairs, the Town Hall becomes an airplane. As the floor rotates, the plane flies, the lighting changes in this miraculous production, and the audience scarcely realizes that the plane is no longer visible.  The chair alignment has changed and the Newfoundlers are sitting around a bar, listening to news on a radio. The change from one scene to another is seamless with most actors playing dual roles. The story-line is fascinating but the production itself is even more so. The lighting changes are brilliant. The quick chair realignment to indicate a new scene is outstanding. The backdrop which has a hidden door that opens to indicate the inside an airplane is ingenious. And oh the glorious music! Almost all of the cast members are given an opportunity for a solo. Together their music is resplendent.  Don’t miss this show! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, visiting www.kimmelcenter.org or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for ten or more by calling 215-790-5883. More information is available at www.kimmelcenter.org.    

The Roomate

Jennifer Childs & Grace Gonglewski

1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s only all comedy theatre company, is presenting the Philadelphia premiere of Jen Silverman’s The Roommate through October 20, 2019 at Plays and Players Theater, 17^th and Delancey Streets. Starring Jennifer Childs and Grace Gonglewski, the play progressively explores how two very different middle age women can share a home and alter each other’s lives. Jennifer Childs portrays Sharon, a recently divorced woman who describes herself as” retired from my marriage.” Grace Gonglewski portrays Robyn, a woman from the Bronx who has done “this and that.” Jennifer’s facial expressions are phenomenal. When Sharon discovers some of Robyn’s secrets, such as growing pot and then selling it, she is astonished and then wants to be “part of the game”. It is hysterical when she enthusiastically develops a client base among her friends and Robyn has to stop her from recruiting 12 year olds to sell to their friends. Robyn is not altogether thrilled with these new developments as she had moved to Iowa from the Bronx to escape her old life. As Sharon has said repeatedly, “Nothing ever happens in Iowa.” When pressed, Robyn tells Sharon some of her other adventures: scamming people on the phone to get their credit card information, car theft, petty theft…Sharon is delighted and wants to learn how Robyn operates. There are many scene changes indicating a new day. Lighting and music are excellent indicators of the scene change and the costume changes are perfect indicators as well. This is a very humorous play. It is not non-stop gag-lines or fall out of your seat funny as some productions are, but is has many laugh lines and is extraordinarily well done. Both veteran actors Jennifer Childs and Grace Gonglewski deliver their lines with a straight face or, as in Jen’s case, with a startled one, and the audience breaks out in laughter. The story-line is somewhat bittersweet but well worth your while to come and explore it. For more information or tickets, call 215-592-9560 or visit online at 1812 productions.org            

Ragtime

Ensemble Cast

The phenomenal production of Ragtime, triple Tony Award Winner for Best Score, Best Book and Best Orchestration in 1998 is appearing on the F. Otto Haas stage of the Arden Theatre for an extended run through October 27, 2019. Simultaneously  following the lives of an upper class white family, American immigrants and  black families at the turn of the 20^th Century, themes of privilege, discrimination, prejudice,  deportation anxiety, and a desire to make a good life in America which is frequently thwarted are refrains that resonate today  over 100 years later. Ragtime is awash in fantastic choral numbers and musical arrangements.  Dual pianos play in the beginning of the production. Various actors have a turn at one of them. The other is wheeled under the stage where the music director Vince De Mura brilliantly plays the score for the entire musical while directing the other musicians and some of the soloists. The exception is a jazz number, ‘Gett’ Ready Rag,’ when another pianist surreptitiously slips onto the director’s piano bench and begins tickling the ivories. Both Kim Carson, as Mother, and Terran Scott  as Sarah have  remarkable voices that reverberate throughout the Arden’s stage. Set in the round, characters walk on and off from all points and from all angles, including up and down staircases. Scott Greer is outstanding as bigoted tough guy Willie Conklin and Nkrumah Gatling is superb in his role of the educated black musician, Coalhouse Walker who is thwarted at nearly every turn. Lovely Rachael Camp provides some comic relief as Evelyn Nesbit, the girl on the swing. This is an incredible show that shouldn’t be missed, even if you have seen previous iterations of it. I have seen it twice before and I marveled at every moment. For more information or tickets, visit www.ardentheatre.org.

An Act of God

Kim Wayans (God)

Kim Wayans is starring in the very irreverent An Act of God at the Bristol Riverside Theater, 120 Radcliffe Street, through October 13, 2019. Kim, well known for appearances in the sketch comedy show Living Color, is accompanied by two arch angels: Peter DeLaurier (Gabriel) is well known to Philadelphia theater audiences not only for his acting but also for his directing and playwriting and Benjamin Brown (Michael) who has also appeared in several local theatres but has a history of television appearances as well. As Kim Wayans descends the staircase from heaven she announces her rare appearance in human form and in Bristol, Pennsylvania. And so starts a love affair between the audience and God. Wayans gives a cheeky 90 minute performance refuting many Bible stories. Ridiculing the possibility that two animals of every kind could fit onto Noah’s ark (“It’s a boat, for me’s sake,” she exclaims! "I really said thou shall put 2 puppies onto the ark. They will be good support animals.”) She then proceeds to rewrite and explain most of the 10 Commandments. For example, Wayans tells the audience “Thou shalt Not Take My Name in Vain” “Don’t try to seek a personal relationship with me.” she warns. “I am not a Saints fan or a Lions, fan. I am not even an Eagles fan. I do not care who wins the game and I do not influence the games’ outcome. The same thing is true for celebrities. They try to thank me for their success. I have nothing to do with it. I don’t help one person over another.” Another interesting commandment to be noted is: “Thou shall not tell me what to do.” Wayans opines. “I am tired of hearing: ‘God Bless You,’ ‘God Bless America’, ‘God Forbid’ or ‘God Dammit’.” Angel Michael periodically runs into the audience with questions for God. Kim Wayans ends her extraordinary performance with a final commandment: "Thou Shalt Believe in Thyself." For  more information or tickets to this funny experience, call 215-785-0100 or  visit www.brtstage.org.

RENT returns to Philadelphia

Ensemble Cast

RENT RETURNS TO PHILADELPHIA

FOR AN ENCORE ENGAGEMENT

OF 20^TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

OCTOBER 18-20

        PRODUCTION WILL LAUNCH 2019-2020 BROADWAY SEASON

                     Local Philly cast member & former
                     Kimmel Center  Showstoppers
                     musical theater student starring
                                   in lead role!

RENT's cast features Philadelphia native Shafiq Hicks as Tom Collins and University of the Arts graduate Lexi Greene, who is a member of the ensemble and understudy for the role of Maureen Johnson. Shafiq performed as a member of the Kimmel Center’s musical theater ShowStoppers program and also attended the Kimmel Center’s Jazz Camp. He graduated from the Philadelphia High School for the Performing Arts and is a student at Temple University when he is not on tour. RENT follows a year in the lives of seven struggling artists. The production won the 1996 Tony Award Best Musical as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It is recommended for an audience of ages 13 and older. Performances will be held in the Merriam Theater on Friday October 18, 2019 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, visiting www.kimmelcenter.org. or the Kimmel Box Office. A limited number of seats in the first two rows of the orchestra will be available for $25 (cash only) for each performance of RENT. The tickets are available at the Merriam box office, located at 250 S. Broad Street, on the day of each performance, two hours prior to the show. The $25 tickets are limited to two tickets per person while supplies last. 

Young Frankenstein

Ben Dibble & Alanna J. Smith

Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein The Musical is appearing on the mainstage of the Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, through October 20, 2019. Not only does this revised version of the London hit have two additional musical numbers and revisions written by Mel Brooks himself, this iteration makes it first appearance on an American stage at Walnut Street Theatre. No one writes a funnier script than Mel Brooks and if his original script and score weren’t funny enough, Dr. Frankenstein's fiancé’ (Casey Elizabeth Gill)  belting out “Please Don’t Touch Me” had the audience howling in its tribute to the ME TOO movement.  Walnut Street Theatre’s deep stage allows several scenes to be set simultaneously but the manner in which they are switched is magnificent. Whether going from a train track to the woods in Transylvania or from the woods in Transylvania to Castle Frankenstein, the change is seamless and can scarcely be noticed. Young Frankenstein The Musical has a little bit of everything. There is a bit of slap-stick, as when the book case turns around 3 or 4 revolutions before Dr. Frankenstein and Inga determine its secret formula. A tap dance routine is very nicely choreographed.  There is the monster, of course, wonderfully portrayed by Dan Olmstead. The biggest surprise of the performance is how he can be so agile in his enormous platform shoes!  Fran Prisco is a marvelous blind hermit with his heart-wrenching “Someone”.  Mary Martello (Frau Blucher) always lights up every stage she enters and continues to do so as she serves as housekeeper for Dr. Frankenstein. Luke Bradt (Igor) comically portrays the hunched back (?) sidekick who is always on hand with advice. Alanna J. Smith does an exceptional job of portraying Inga, the frisky lab assistant who wants to assist Dr. Frankenstein with more than his lab work. Ben Dibble is superb in his role of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein. This is perhaps his best portrayal to date. The musical score must be right in his voice range as he has never sounded better. The sets are remarkable, thanks to scenic designer Robert Kovach. The work of lighting designer Charlie Morrison’s adds excitement to the production. For more information or tickets, call 215-574-3550, 800-982-2787, or visit online at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.   

September Events on the Kimmel's Cultural Campus

Singer-songwriter Joann Newson is embarking on a national tour, beginning with her return to Philadelphia at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater on Friday, September 6 and Saturday September 7, both at 9:00 p.m.  The String/Keys Incident - An Evening with Joanna Newsom will feature her beautifully sung songs in a rare concert experience by Joanna alone: solo voice harp and piano! She has often played to critical acclaim and is noted for her unique musical style. It has sometimes been characterized as psychedelic folk with a prominent use of harp instrumentation. In addition to her solo work she added her voice to others for their songs and has appeared on a few TV shows. Her song "Sapokanikan" earned her a spot on NPR's "The 200 greatest songs by 21st century women."

The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus, in association with Live Nation is presenting the

Eric Andre:Legalize Everything Tour to the Merriam Theater on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. With an already proven stand-up act, Andre decided to break into late night television. His extreme humor has put his guest into some unusual situations. He has interviewed many big name entertainers, among them A$AP Rocky, Haley Joel Osment, Chris Rock, Seth Rogen and Jimmy Kimmel. In addition to being the creator and host of The Eric Andre Show, he is the writer and executive producer for the network's new late-night comedy Mostly 4 Millennials. He is the voice of Azizi the hyena in Disney's new The Lion King.  He frequently goes on the road and sells out his performance venues wherever he goes. His Eric Andre: Legalize Everything Tour is his most recent stand-up act.

Following a world tour to sold-out venues, pop icon Adam Ant will perform his landmark solo album Friend or Foe for the first time, live and in its entirety, throughout the USA from September 4 to October 1. The tour will stop in Philadelphia on Friday, September 20, 2019 at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater. In addition to the breakthrough album, Adam Ant will play classic chart-topping singles and personal favorites. The Friend or Foe album was his first release as a solo artist and included three hit singles. “Goody Two Shoes” reached #1 in the UK and Australia and #6 on the USA Billboard Chart. The Friend or Foe album was a certified gold album on both sides of the Atlantic. At one point in his career, Adam Ant had eight singles in the UK top 40 chart in one week. He has produced nine albums and 22 chart-stopping singles. After having been much acclaimed in the UK, he is now considered a global star.

Comedian, actor, writer, satirist and internet sensation Randy Rainbow has garnered international acclaim for his hilarious series of political spoofs and song parodies. You cannot listen to one of his songs without doubling over in laughter.  He will be appearing on the Kimmel Center’s Cultural Campus’ Merriam Theater stage in Randy Rainbow Live!  Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.  This show is presented in association with Live Nation.   Randy has hosted and performed countless theatrical events for the Broadway, cabaret and gay communities. He is the creator and star of long-running BroadwayWorld.com web series Chewing the Scenery with Randy Rainbow and Last Minute with Randy Rainbow.

In a Night with Janis Joplin, presented at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus’ Merriam Theater on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at 7:30 p.m., Tony Award® nominee Mary Bridget Davies and a remarkable cast take the audience on a remarkable journey celebrating Janis Joplin and her biggest musical influences. Fresh off Broadway, this sensational musical has the feel of a rock concert. Mary Bridget Davies is a phenomenal singer and actress and received a Tony® Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Joplin in the Broadway production of A Night With Janis Joplin. Joplin was known for her remarkable voice and although she died in 1970, it remains distinctive to this day. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and posthumously given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

The hit TV series The Office has been re-imagined as the musical The Office! A Musical Parody. It will be presented on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus in the Merriam Theater on Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29, 2019. Written by Bob and Tobly McSmith and composed by Assaf Gleizner, The Office! A Musical Parody is produced by Right Angle Entertainment and is one of the most successful off Broadway shows in history. 

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

Los Trompos an interactive installation in the Commonwealth Plaza, brings to life 10 3D spinning tops. Visitors are invited to sit in or spin them. Mexican designers Héctor Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena created these sculptures in various shapes and colors using different fabrics. Mexican American and Philadelphia-based artist Karina Puente designed “Papel Picado”, 53 hand-cut panels suspended above the Commonwealth Plaza. The installations are 5 feet wide and range between 6 - 12 feet long. These exhibits are free and will be open to the public from Monday August 19 – Sunday November 17.

Mean Girls Sales Event

The Kimmel Center is hosting an Exclusive Box Office Sale for Mean Girls

On August 14 at 4 PM

The Kimmel Center will be welcoming everyone on Wednesday,

 August 14 from  5-7 pm for a Mean Girls on sale event with  live appearance and creative conversation with TINA FEY! WMMR’s Marisa Magnatta and Kathy Romano from Preston and Steve Show  will kick off the event.  You can enjoy a “We Drink Pink” cocktail as part of Center City Sips and get your tickets to Mean Girls which will be available exclusively at the Kimmel Center Box Office beginning at 5 PM, just prior to the event. This event is free to all.

Mean Girls will be appearing at the Academy of Music from

Tuesday November 19, 2019 – December 01, 2019

Come From Away

Tickets for Broadway’s

Tony Award-®Winning

Musical

 Are on sale now!

Come From Away will make its Philadelphia premiere

October 22-November 3 on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus.

New Wednesday matinees for 2019-20 season!

Portion of ticket sales donated to “Pilots to the Rescue” to raise

Funds for local animal shelter organizations

The Kimmel has initiated a program this year to partner with local charities to donate a portion of ticket sales to charity. A portion of the ticket sales from Come From Away will be donated to local area animal shelters through “:Pilots to the Rescue”, an organization that employs volunteers, including airplane plots, shelters  ground teams and veterinarians to save potential pets facing euthanasia and gives them a second chance through an advanced flight rescue system.$! per ticket purchased with code RESCUE will be donated, up to $5,000. More information about “Pilots to the Rescue” is available at PilotstotheRescue.org. Come From Away is the Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomes the world.  On September 11 the world stopped and on September 12 a multitude of stories charmed everyone. Tickets are on sale at www.kimmelcenter.org.