A Soldier's Play

Eugene Lee and ensemble cast 

The revival of the award winning  A Soldier’s Play  is being presented by the Kimmel Cultural Campus and the Shubert Organization through February 5, 2023 , at the Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street. This national tour stars Norm Lewis as Captain Richard Davenport and Eugene Lee as Sergeant Vernon C Waters but that is only the tip of the iceberg. While both of these men are outstanding in their individual roles, the expertise of the rest of the cast cannot be overlooked.  The scene is set in an  army barracks  of a Black unit in 1944 in Louisiana. When a sergeant is murdered, no one seems to worry too much until someone is brought in to investigate. There are many people who had a reason to kill the sergeant. (  I had thoughts of doing so myself. ) Through a series of investigations and flashbacks, the crime is solved. The acapella singing that is woven throughout the piece  is soulful. The changing of the lighting to place accents  is masterful. This is a powerful work on many levels. Tickets can be purchased by calling 212-239-6200, visiting www.telecharge.com or visiting the Forrest box office (1114 Walnut Street.)

 

Last of the Red Hot Lovers

 

Susan Riley Stevens & Scott Greer

Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa., is presenting Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers on its main stage through February 5, 2023. Scenic Designer Brian Froonjian has done an outstanding job designing the set of a Manhattan apartment in the ‘60s.This is one of Neil Simon’s funniest comedies with built in laughs every minute or two.  Scott Greer is one of the finest comedic  actors in Philadelphia and is excellent in his role of Barney Cashman, the 47-year-old owner of a fish restaurant who wants to bring a little excitement into his life on the one afternoon that he knows his mother will be out of her apartment. On three separate occasions he invites a woman to meet him in his mother’s home and each instance is hilarious for completely different reasons.  First  Elaine Navazio (Grace Gonglewski ) enters the scene . Outgoing and brash, she is disappointed that Barney doesn’t have an apartment with a better stocked bar and a supply of cigarettes. When he sets up for his next guest with  more choices of drink and cigarettes laughter peals throughout the audience. Jessica Bedford portrays Bobbi Michele, his next guest but she is so hyper that drinks aren’t needed and the only thing she smokes is pot. Barney’s  final attempt is with Susan Riley Stevens, portraying Jeanette Fisher who is a long-time acquaintance. Jeanette is suffering from severe melancholy and is extremely depressed, resisting Barney’s offers of champagne. Barney chases her around the apartment nonetheless. This theatre experience is downright fun!  For more information or tickets, call 215-574-3550 or visit online at WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com