One-Man Nutcracker

                                                                      Chris Davis

Chris Davis is appearing in the One-Man Nutcracker at Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake, 302 Hicks Street,  through December 29, 2024. He performs to Tchaikovsky’s  well- known music narrated by Severin Blake.  As audience members enter the théâtre, each one is given a long-stemmed rose  and told that it will become part of the show. Once everyone is seated, Chris Davis appears in white ballet slippers and tights and a black jacket with tails. He demands applause from the audience and when it isn’t loud enough for his liking, he raises his arms to increase the volume until the sound is quite high. He abruptly cuts it off and turns to face the hanging sheet-like screen behind him and begins conducting the music. He performs on both sides of this sheet; when behind it, he produces a huge shadow.  He gives new meaning to dancing with two left feet. You must see the show for yourself to discover  the secret. The show is absolutely magical. Chris interacts with the audience throughout the program and the audience is always engaged. Asking the audience if they would like to see magic tricks, he has everyone chant, ” Magic, Magic, Magic” and he disappears behind the sheet to do a shadow trick. When the audience isn’t quite satisfied, he comes to speak to the audience again and tells them they know what to they must do. Again, the audience chants ,   "Magic, Magic, Magic.”   I must confess I was caught up in the moment and found myself chanting as well. Chris dons a tutu for the dance of the sugar plum fairies; he implements a swordfight between the mouse king  and the  toy soldiers and tells interesting tales behind some of the darker history of the original Nutcracker. For a finale he implores the audience to show their appreciation by throwing their roses on the stage. Amid much laughter, everyone in the audience does so.  This is 60 minutes of pure joy. Chris Davis has given us a true holiday gift. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ .

MJ The Musical

                                                                         Ensemble

The smash-hit musical MJ, centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, will debut in Philadelphia at the Academy of Music from January  8  - 19, 2025.  This presentation is part of the 2024-25 Broadway season.  Jordon Markus will make his debut in the title role beginning December 31.  Jamaal Fields-Green departs to take over the title role in London’s West end.  Jordon Marks is very familiar with the role, having played the role of MJ twice a week as the MJ Alternate  since August 2024.  Michael Jackson’s unique artistry comes to Philadelphia in MJ , the multiple Tony Award winning musical centered on the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.  The musical offers a rare look at the creative mind that propelled Michael Jackson into legendary status. It focuses on Michael Jackson’s talent, displaying his one-of a -kind music and dance moves . The creative team features Tony and Emmy Award-winning designers. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893 1999 or visiting online at www.ensembesartsphilly.org . In-person tickets can be purchased daily from 10:00  am -  6:00  pm. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S .Broad Street. 

The Play That Goes Wrong

                                                    Justin Jain, Ian Merril Peakes, Scott Greer
 

Everything is right in 1812 Production’s of The Play That Goes Wrong  being presented at Plays and Players Theater , 1714 Delancey Street through December 29^th.  This remarkable play-within – a play and its all-star cast featuring Melanie Cottin, Rain Diaz, Michael Doherty, Scott Greer, Anthony Lawton, Ian Merril Peakes,  and Karen Peakes is helmed by  director Jennifer Childs. The set-up is marvelous- Cornley Drama Society is about to produce a 1920’s murder mystery-The Murder at Evesham Manor. If something could go wrong with the Society’s production, it does. In a madcap manner, pieces of the set deteriorate and fall apart. Florence Collymoore, portrayed  by  Karen Peakes is the fiancé of the murdered Charles Haversham ( Ian Merril Peakes) After professing love for Charle’s brother , Cecil, (Justin Jain ) she tries to run from the room, but falls and hits her head. She is replaced by understudy Melanie Cotton who appears onstage  reading lines from a script. After Florence recovers, the two fight for the role.   While an inspector searches for clues, Cecil is  also mysteriously murdered; a  supporting leg is torn off the study upstairs while Thomas Collymore (Scott Greer) and Inspector Carter ( Anthony Lawton) are sitting there; and the elevator malfunctions. Rain Diaz adds another layer to the hilarity with his management of the sound and lightboard.   This is a must-see production. You will laugh throughout the entire play. For more information and tickets,  visit the website at  1812productions.org .  

Elf The Broadway Musical

 

                                                                      Nic Rouleau

The Walnut Street Theatre is presenting Elf The Broadway Musical  through December 29, 2024. Based on the holiday film, the show premiered on Broadway in 2010 with a dozen original  songs to charm audiences of all ages. Nic Rouleau is outstanding as Buddy , a baby who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag and was raised by elves. Despite his enormous size and poor toy-making ability, he doesn’t realize he is human until he overhears  the other elves talking about him. When Santa confirms that he is really a human and not an elf, he is off to find his real dad.  Things aren’t easy for him when he  leaves the North Pole; no one believes his story.  The Walnut stage is well equipped for multiple scenes. Thanks to the  set design by Robert Andrew Kovach, there are frequent  scene changes, and they are done very quickly. From the North Pole to the Empire State building to an ice - skating pond beside decorated Christmas trees - Buddy travels back and forth trying to save Christmas by having people believe in Santa once again. Nic has made Buddy an endearing character. He’s sincere and naïve, and reminiscent of Tom Hanks in the movie BIG. The choreography throughout the show is excellent. Members of the ensemble do a variety of routines including juggling, tumbling, and tapdancing while singing crowd pleasing numbers such as “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” and “Nobody Cares About Santa Claus.” Buddy is included in almost every number. This show is sure to delight everyone no matter what their age. It brings laughter, a tear or two, but ultimately joy in a story well told and wondrously received. For tickets, call 215- 574-3550, or visit walnutstreettheatre.org or ticketmaster.com.

American Moor

 

The Lantern Theater Company is  presenting  the Philadelphia Premiere of Keith Hamilton Cobb’s American Moor through December 8, 2024.  This ‘not -to-be-missed’ presentation stars  Phillip Brown as an Actor and Thane Madsen as a Director.  The Actor, a tall Black man, enters an audition for Othello as a classically trained actor, very familiar with the canons of Shakespeare.  He comes well prepared for the audition. The Director interferes with the  speech immediately; suggests that Shakespeare meant Othello to speak in a different manner and exits the stage.  The Actor is infuriated that a young white director would have a better knowledge of Othello than a Black man who is a  classically  trained actor. In a poignant monologue, the Actor speaks to the audience, stating his case. He walks into the audience  and also jokes with them, developing a strong rapport. The Director returns with another  similar suggestion and quickly makes an exit.  The Actor again has his script in hand on the stage.  After reciting some of Othello’s lines he leaves the stage for a nearby chair and laments in anguish the plight of a Black man who can’t be heard. His torment is palpable. The acting is exquisite. The play’s ending is jaw-dropping.  For more information or tickets to this ‘must see’ presentation, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org  .

Moreno

 

               

                                                  Moreno locker room and football field

InterAct Theatre Company, housed inside St. Stephens Theatre, 923 Ludlow Street, is presenting the American Premiere of Moreno through November 24, 2024. There is a very talented four-member ensemble cast whose political positions are clearly defined in the first act and  are  less clear in parts of the second. Charvez Grant portrays Ezekiel Williams whose mother was a political activist before her recent death. He decides to follow in the footsteps of  Colin Kaepernick and bend a knee during the national anthem to protest against police brutality and honor his mother. His teammates, Cre’von Garcon (Abdul Sesay), Danny Lombardo ( Gabriel Elmore ), and Luis Moreno ( Frank Jimenez ) will have none of it.  Danny is the team’s quarterback and is only  interested in getting the team to the Super Bowl. Moreno is a cocky spoiled rascal who is all about how much money he is earning and how important he is. Cre’von is young and just wants to play ball. Everything changes when  Moreno gets a call that his Mexican mother has been harassed and is planning to leave the country as the result of hate crimes. He leaves suddenly to check on his mother and the team loses their perfect winning streak without him. There are changes for Moreno and changes for the team when he returns.The stage is set up with three entrances and exits. All 4 players are rarely on the stage at the same time except when there is a football game. Oftentimes two will be talking while the other two are having a costume change off- stage. The costume changes are frequent but subtle. This is a remarkable work. The acting is excellent, and the messages are powerful. For more information or tickets, visit www.interacttheatre.org.

The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise

 

Ensemble Arts Philly and The Shubert Organization will present the Philadelphia Premiere of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, December 10 -22. 2024. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is the stirring true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became an American rock icon.  With 120 million albums sold, filled with classics like “ America,” Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,”, induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on stages everywhere. Nick Fradiani will play Neil Diamond   Then’ in the national tour directly from playing the role on Broadway since October 2023. ( Tony nominee Robert Westenberg will play Neil Diamond Now. )  A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical   is a moving energy-filled musical memoir that tells the untold story of how America’s greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the music that made him become one.

Tickets are now on sale for performances of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical at the Forrest Theatre. They can be purchased by calling 212-239-6200, visiting www.telecharge.com (and selecting “Philadelphia area” for purchase ) or in-person starting November 18 at the Forrest Theatre box office, 1114 Walnut Street.

44 The Obama Musical

 

44

 

The musical comedy 44 – The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED, OBAMA MUSICIAL ( As Told Through The Hazy Recollection of Joe Biden) , premieres in Philadelphia October 29^th for a limited run from October 29 – November 3, at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre following hit runs in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. It’s a satirical look at the rise and presidency of Barack Obama and  the political characters he met along the way. The production has played to sold-out audiences across the country. Tickets in Philadelphia for this must-see show are on sale now at 44theobamamusicaldotcom/tickets. Opening night is Friday, November 1. The Suzanne Roberts Theatre is located at 480 S. Broad Street.

Hamilton Lottery

Producer Jeffrey Seller and Ensemble Arts Philly announce a digital lottery for Hamilton tickets in conjunction with the show’s first performance on October 29 at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music.  Forty  $10 tickets will be available  for every performance. The show runs through November 23, 2024. Lotteries begin each Friday and close the following Thursday for the upcoming week’s performance.

How to enter:

Use the official app for Hamilton, now available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. http://hamiltonmusical.com/app  

The lottery will open at 10:00 AM every Friday and will close at 12:00 PM the next Thursday prior to the week’s performance.

Winner notifications will be sent out between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM every Thursday for the upcoming week’s performance via email. Winners have two hours to claim and pay for their tickets.

No purchase or payments necessary to enter.

Each winning entrant may purchase up to two (2) tickets.

Only one entry per person.

Lottery tickets may be picked up at will call beginning two hours prior to the performance with a valid photo ID.

Lottery tickets are void if resold.

Enter to win the Hamilton lottery tickets by downloading the Hamilton app directly on your smart phone.

Patrons must be 18 years or older and have a valid, non-expired photo ID that matches the name used to enter. Tickets are non-transferable.

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This Is The Week That Is

                                                                     Founding Fathers
 

1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s only all Comedy Theatre, is presenting its This Is The Week That Is: Election Edition in the Plays and Players Theater 17th and Delancey Streets, Philadelphia. Audiences can be delighted by the election humor through November 3, 2024. The ensemble crew of Newton Buchanan, Pax Ressler, Lexi Thammavong, Robyn Unger, and Jen Childs is excellent beginning with the “’fact checking” of every statement Jen makes in her curtains speech.Three large screens allow video projections throughout the show. Michael Long's video designs are outstanding. Lexi makes an appearance as an adorable Liberty Belle to play a Bachelor Game with 3 candidates, Johnny Legend, Hulk Hogan, and a Bear. After the candidates respond to several questions, the Liberty Belle chooses the silent bear. He will make several appearances later in the show. This Is the Week That Is always has an audience participation segment. This time the audience member is chosen to make a run for president of the United States and must have a running mate. Guess who the running mate is - The bear! The audience member has an opportunity to choose items of clothing and accessories for the bear. There is a  segment highlighting Tim Walz and “Weird” statements made by the opposing party and another highlighting JD Vance’s  ‘single cat ladies’ remarks, both of which are enjoyed by the audience. Unfailingly, Sean Close’s Daily News Report is spot on. Jen Childs is a multi-talented writer, director, and actor. Every year in  This Is The Week That Is  Jen satirizes  a corner of South Philly by putting on her baseball hat backwards and donning her Patsy persona.  Invariably Patsy on the Stoop gives us something to look forward to so we can learn what she knows about “this and that.” This year’s segment has a surprise as she invites her whole ‘family’ to come join her in song. For more information or tickets, visit www.1812productions.org.  
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Jersey Boys

Jersey Boys is appearing on the mainstage of the Walnut Street Theatre through November 3, 2024. Will Stephan Connell gives a fabulous performance as Franki Valli, the lead singer of the iconic pop band The Four Seasons. He is joined by the extremely talented Bob Gaudio who provides the music for the show and in the show as well as band-mate Eddie Olmo II. Tommy DeVito ( portrayed by Ken Sandberg) and Nick Massi ( portrayed by Chris  Stevens ) are the other two members of this band that have the audience members rocking in their seats throughout the performance. An announcement was made before the show began that no one was to sing along to the familiar lyrics because the people on the stage could sing the songs much better. As difficult as it was to obey this admonition, almost everyone was very cooperative and settled for a little swaying in the seats instead. I’m sure this pleased the cast.  It was not necessarily easy on those of us who were sitting behind the enthusiastic boppers. The show is loaded with hit songs, over 30 in all. It is a delightful retelling of the struggles  a young  singing group surmounts on their way to  their induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. For a fun-filled experience, get tickets now to see Jersey Boys. For  more information or tickets, call 215- 574-3550 or visit online at walnutstreettheatre.org . or ticketmaster.com

 

How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Ensemble Arts Philly is presenting a holiday engagement of Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Miller Theater from November 26 through December 1. This holiday classic is sure to delight both children and adults alike. Audiences will discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic tale as it comes to life on stage.  Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes two small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Who’s. The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical  features magnificent sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original book. The 2024 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard, based on the original choreography by John Luca and originally created by four-time Tony Award winning director, Jack O’Brien. For additional information on the production, please visit www.GrinchMusical.com. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or visiting online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org. In person ticket sales can be purchased daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m  at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or emailing groupsales@ensembleartsphilly.org . For more information, contact www.ensembleartsphilly.org.  

The Wanderers

                                                             Robert Daponte & Arielle Siler

The Lantern Theater Company, on the stage at St. Stephen’s Church at 10^th and Ludlow Streets, is presenting its 3^rd work of playwright Anna Ziegler and what a choice it is! The Wanderers , which won the San Diego Critic’s Circle Award for Outstanding New Play, can be seen through October 6, 2024. The play is brilliant. It examines the lives of two married couples who live only blocks away from each other in Brooklyn yet in different worlds. One is a secular Jewish couple and the other is a member of a strict Hasidic sect. After the announcement of narrated chapters, the audience discovers  each  couple has similar experience to confront. The way in which these experiences are faced is a delightful knock-your-socks-off surprise. The ensemble cast is excellent. Abe and Sophie ( Robert DaPonte and Arielle Siler ) grew up together and always knew they would get married. Esther and Schmuli (Zoe Nebraska Feldman and Adam Howard ) meet on their wedding day and give a glimpse of life inside a Hasidic household. Julia Cheever  ( Alanna J. Smith) is Abe’s mid-life crisis. This is an exceptional one-act . For  more information or tickets, call 215-829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater.org.

Book of Mormon

                                                                         Ensemble

Back by popular demand, The Book of Morman,   co-presented by Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Organization, is returning to the Academy of Music  October 1 – 6. Since opening on March 24, 2011, The Book of Mormon  has become one of the most successful shows in Broadway history. In addition to nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, The Book of Morman won five Drama Desk Awards,including Best Musical, the NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, Drama League Award for Best Musical and four Outer Critics  Circle Awards including Best Musical. The Book of Mormon has been performed on three continents and has won over 30 international awards. The musical has smashed long-standing box office records in New York, London, Melbourne, Sydney and cities across the U.S. and the world. Tickets can be purchased  by calling 215-893-1999 or visiting online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org. In person ticket sales can be purchased from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily at the Academy of Music Box Office, 240 S Broad Street. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or emailing groupsales@ensembleartsphilly.org. . For more information, visit thebookofmormontour.com. 

Mamma Mia!

                              

                                Jalynn Steele, Christine Sherrill & Carly Sakolove

Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Organization are presenting Mamma Mia! as part of the show’s 25^th anniversary tour . The musical showcases the feel-good music  of the band ABBA. I’ve seen this show twice in the past 20 years, and this iteration remains delightful. Alisa Melendez’s portrayal of Sophie Sheridan is like a breath of fresh air. She opens and closes the show with  “I have a Dream,”  and sings a multitude of numbers throughout the performance. She has a wonderful stage presence and an engaging voice. The simple set is multi-purposeful as both a backdrop for the outdoors on the  Greek island and indoor bedroom scenes as well. Howard Harrison’s lighting design is  brilliant.  The special lighting effects  are particularly noteworthy when Christine Sherrill, portraying  Donna Sheridan, sings  “Money, Money” and a bit   later when she sings the title song, “Mamma Mia!.”  Additionally, the multi-colors of orange and yellow and red  against the backdrop at the end of the first act nearly perfectly simulate an outdoor sunset. There are many humorous moments throughout this performance.  Donna resurrects her old band act with band-mates Tanya (Jalynn Steele) and Rosie ( Carly Sakolove) as they sing  “Dancing Queen.”  A small group of ensemble members dress in wetsuits as they sing and dance, with interesting choreography, to  “ Lay all your Love on Me.”  A larger ensemble sings and dances to “Voulez -Vous.”  Rosie has a hilarious moment in the second act with Jim Newman portraying  Bill Austin as she sings,  “ Take a Chance on Me.”   The only problem with this entire performance is that the orchestra is a bit too loud at times.  It occasionally overpowers the performers as they sing. After final bows and quick costume changes, everyone returns to the stage and begins to sing favorite hits from the show. Everyone in the audience is up dancing by their seats, clapping, and  singing along. What a  wonderful night.

 Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or  visiting online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org . In person tickets can be sold daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office at 240 S. Broad Street. See www.ensembleartsphilly.org for more information.

Philadephia Fringe Festival

                                                                    Poor Judge ( a curated program)

The Fringe Arts Festival  is coming to Philadelphia again in September and it’s not too early to plan to visit some of these unique productions. The 28^th Annual Philadelphia  Fringe Festival  features over 300 diverse  productions and experiences through Philadelphia for a month - long celebration. The programming includes world premieres by Lightning Rod Special and Pig Iron Theatre Company  as well as a new interactive opera, We Have Gone As Far As Far As We Can Together. There will be several curated programs throughout the month as well as 14 digital events  and the return of the Festival Hub program featuring Cannonball, Circus Campus Presents , and the new Glen Foerd Hub. These independent satellite festivals feature dozens of individually produced  experiences in one centralized location. Tickets are now on sale. For more information and tickets visit online at FringeArts.com, by phone at 215-413-1318 or by visit the Fringe Festival Box Office at FringeArts ( 140 N Columbus Blvd. Philadelphia )

 

Hamilton

 

                                                                Ensemble

Hamilton is  coming to Philadelphia for a return engagement of 4 weeks. It will appear at the Academy of Music from October 29 through November 23, 2024. Hamilton is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor  and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Tickets are available for purchase at www.ensembleartsphilly.org, in person at the Academy of Music Box Office, 240 S. Broad Street or by calling 215-893-1999.  Prices range from $23.00 to $213.00 with a select number of premium seats available from $203 for all performances. There will be a lottery for 40 $10 seats for all performances. Details will be announced closer to the engagement. To book a group of 10 or more, call 215-790-5883 or email groupsales@ensembleartsphilly.org  More information is available at ensembleartsphilly.org/groupsales.  To avoid purchasing fraudulent and counterfeit tickets from a third party, purchase all sales through www.ensembleartsphilly.org. Hamilton’s score blends hip-hop, jazz, R& B and Broadway. The show  has won 11 Tony Awards as well as Grammy and  Olivier Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. If you have never seen the show, now is your chance to purchase a ticket for a performance you will not forget. If you have seen it, you will certainly enjoy seeing it again. Purchase tickets now while good seats are still available.

'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soliel

                                                             Reindeer jumping through hoops

For the first time ever, Cirque Du Soleil is bringing its holiday show, ‘Twas the Night Before… to Philadelphia. The show will run December 20 – 29 2024, at the Met.  The show is based on the classic poem , ” A Visit from St Nicholas, ” which tells the tale of a young girl who is jaded by Christmas but rediscovers its magic.  For years Isabella and her father have read “A Visit from St Nicholas”  together, but this year Isabella feels as if she’s outgrown the family tradition. Then the magic of the poem comes to life. Suddenly father and daughter are separated by a snowstorm that sends them on a fantastical journey.  In a winter wonderland inspired by the poem, they discover whimsical characters, acrobats, children, and reindeer who reunite father and daughter in the holiday spirit. Each and every one of the many acts follows a verse of the poem. 52 different costumes are used in the show, including 8 reindeer costumes. There are 16 men and 10 women in each cast with a touring  support staff of 17.  This is sure to be a delightful show for all ages. Tickets are available starting July 25, 2024 at www.cirquedusoleil.com/twas-the-night-before .

The Climb

                                  Ciera Gardner, Trevor Fayle, Sam Rosentrater & Claris Park

InterAct Theatre Company, located at 302 S. Hicks Street is presenting  the World Premiere of The Climb through June 23, 2024.  Written by C.A. Johnson and directed by Catherine K. Slusar, the play chronicles a month in the life of a successful photographer and her wife, who has been her muse for the past 6 years. Tiffany, stunningly portrayed by Ciera Gardner, feels “objectified” and plans on a month-long hike in the woods to get away from it all. Marge, her wife, portrayed by Sam Rosentrater, is steadfast and shocked at her decision to go, claiming all the successes  she has achieved as a photographer belong to both of them. Bella, portrayed by Claris Park, is a new student of Marge’s  who at first admires her work, but later becomes critical. The fourth member of this talented ensemble is Trevor Fayle who  portrays Ike, a fellow hiker Tiffany meets on the trail. The set design is an excellent representation of a trail in the woods, yet at the same time, it leaves room  to  illustrate what is happening with Marge.  Ike and Tiffany set up a  very realistic campfire and are caught in a torrential rainstorm the next day. Spoiler Alert! Both  the flames of the campfire and the sheets of pouring rain are actually video projections.  All the actors in the play give credible performances, with the strongest performances  coming from  Ciera Gardner and Claris Parker.  There is a surprise ending, but as with all the works presented at InterAct, you’ll leave the theatre with a plethora of things to discuss. For more information or tickets, call 215-568-8079 or visit online at boxoffice@interact.org

CORTEO

Cirque du Soliel’s CORTEO premiered in Philadelphia at the Liacouras Center on May 30, 2024. Italian for a joyous procession, CORTEO is the representation of a clown’s dream of his own  funeral bedecked with music, parades, a circus ambience, and Angels nearby in attendance. The circus atmosphere is delightful. Act after act appears on the stage and performs to audiences seated on both sides of a huge arena.  There are numerous versions of trapeze artists, each spectacular in their own right starting with women climbing in and hanging from huge chandeliers. Other artists tumble across bed mattresses only to alight on top of the bedpost! Such boldness requires an enormous amount of agility. Additional trapeze artists  twist and turn as they are lifted above the stage on a pair of ribbons and others are  miraculously thrown and caught across from each other on raised platforms.  Repeated gasps heard throughout the venue are a testament to the excitement this show produces. But that is not all! There are jugglers and  quick comedy sketches as well as musical processions across the stage. Everything is accompanied by beautiful  music. While most of the show is in Italian, knowledge of the language isn’t necessary to appreciate this marvelous performance.  

MAMMA MIA!

 

_{Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Organization are presenting the} Broadway smash hit, Mamma Mia! at the Academy of Music from August 6 – 11, 2024, as part of the show’s 25^th anniversary tour. The musical showcases the feel-good show based on the songs of the band ABBA. Set on a Greek island paradise, the musical tells the tale of a mother, a daughter, and three possible dads on the eve of Sophie’s wedding. For nearly 25 years, audiences all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that makes MAMMA MIA!  the ultimate feel-good show. To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen in 50 productions in 16 languages. MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008. Tickets to this Broadway hit can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or visiting online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org. In-person ticket sales can be purchased daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. See www.ensembleartsphilly.org.   for more information.  

Les Miserables

  

                                                      

                                                                 Nick Cartell

Ensemble Arts Philly and the Schubert Organization are once again presenting the Tony Award-winning musical Les Misérables. This spectacular event can be seen at the Academy of Music August 27 – September 8, 2024. Back by popular demand, this record-breaking show is appearing in Philadelphia for the 13^th time. Set against the backdrop of  19^th Century France, Les Misérables tells the story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Tickets are now on sale. They can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or by visiting online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org. In person tickets can be purchased from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music  Box Office located at 240 S. Broad Street . Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or by or emailing groupsales@ensembleartsphilly.org.  See www.ensembleartsphilly.org  for more information.

Funny Girl

 

                                                       Katerina McCrimmon

Ensemble Arts Philly and The Shubert Organization are presenting the Philadelphia premiere of the Broadway revival, Funny Girl, at the Academy of Music from July 16- 28 2024, featuring Grammy Award-winner Melissa Manchester as Mrs. Brice  and introducing rising star Katerina McCrimmon as Fanny Brice. After debuting on Broadway in  1964, Funny Girl  starred Barbra Streisand in the movie in 1968 and became the highest grossing film in the U.S. that year. Newcomer Katerina McCrimmon is capturing the hearts of audiences everywhere. This is the retelling of the bittersweet story of a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on stage and the iconic songs that go along with it, such as “Don’t Rain on my Parade” and “People.” Funny Girl is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer, and features the classic score by Tony, Grammy and Academy Award winner Julie Styne and lyrics by Tony Award nominee and Grammy Award winner Bob Merrill with additional songs from Styne and Merrill. Harvey Fierstein revised the original book. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or by visiting online at ensembleartsphilly.org. In person ticket sales can be purchased daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box  Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. See ensembleartsphilly.org for more information.

Comedy of Errors

                                        Matteo Scammell, Kishia Nixon & Dave Johnson

The Lantern Theater Company, presenting their works in St. Stephens Theater at 10^th  & Ludlow Streets in Philadelphia, is producing Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors through June 16, 2024. An outstanding ensemble cast has  the audience buzzing in their seats, trying to follow the list of characters. All too soon it becomes apparent that things aren’t quite what they seem when servants appear without expected rewards. So, too, is a seafarer mistaken for a husband and a husband is locked out of his house. The results are madcap and zany and inordinately farsical. At one point one of the characters even turns to the audience members and asks, “Does anyone even understand Shakespeare?”  The acting is “over the top,” in keeping with the general Modis Operandi of the production. This is one of Shakespeare’s earlier plays and  Shakespeare probably did not have so much flippancy in mind when he wrote it. The phenomenal sound effects curated by Christopher Colucci and the extraordinary Lighting Designs by Shon Causer add elements that leave the audience in stitches. For more information or tickets, call (215) 829-0395 or visit online at www.lanterntheater/.org.

Little Women

                                                 Noa Harris, Camryn Hamm, Hannah Taylor & 

                                                                           Rachel Pantazis

Little Women: The Musical is playing through May 12, 2024, at the Playhouse on Rodney Square as part of Broadway in Wilmington. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, the production has 18 original musical numbers. Every member of the fine ensemble cast is given a chance to shine with a solo, although Hannah Taylor, portraying protagonist Jo March, belts out many more numbers than any other cast member. Camryn Hamm, portraying Jo’s sister Beth, sings a lovely duet with her as well as one with Mr. Lawrence ( Chris Carsten). Noa Harris gives a convincing performance as Jo’s petulant younger sister Amy.  Jo’s sister Meg , (Rachel Pantazis ) is the first one to break Jo’s heart. Moriel Behar gives an outstanding performance as the prim and proper Aunt March. The set design is very interesting with projections and a half-hidden staircase. Five exciting shows are on tap in Wilmington for the 2024-25 season.

Harvey Fierstein's TORCH SONG

                                                                      Jamison Stern

Harvey Fierstein’s TORCH SONG brilliantly gives us a glimpse into the LGBTQIOA+ community life of the ‘80’s  from the underbelly of the backroom bar scene to the search for domesticity in apartment life. 1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s only all-comedy theatre, is producing this masterpiece at  Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey Street.  Seen through the eyes of Arnold  (Jamison Stern) , a drag queen, this production is exceptional on many levels for all adult audiences. The curtain opens to black and white projections of people and news items of the day. This  interesting technique is used multiple times throughout the show, frequently at the end of a scene which denotes a change in time. Another compelling technique is Arnold’s holding conversations with another character who we must imagine to be present. When Arnold’s friend (Gregory  Isaac ) breaks up with him for a woman, ( Karen Peakes) Arnold is devastated until he becomes involved with Alan, a young model ( Tyler S. Elliot ). Three-time Barrymore Award nominated Scenic Designer Chris Haig has designed another award-worthy set. When the two couples spend a weekend together, of course there is a bed…a large bed. One couple pops up from under the covers, chats, disappears under the bed, and the other couple pops up. Sometimes only  half of each couple “pops up”   to chat with the other half. Did I mention this  show is very funny?  Despite the seriousness of its underlying themes, the show gets a lot  of laughs from the audience. Act II takes  place in Arnold’s apartment over 5 years later . Two new characters are added to the scene. Elliot Colahan gives a commanding performance as David;  the teenager Andrew is fostering and hopes to adopt. Grace Gonglewski  gives a marvelous performance as Andrew’s mother who is of the “Don’t say gay” camp. This is surely a play not to be missed. It runs through May 19, 2024. For tickets or more information, visit www.1812productions.org. 

Message in A Bottle

 

Ensemble Arts in partnership with the Shubert Organization , Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK is presenting the Philadelphia Premiere of Message in a Bottle at the Miller Theater from May 14 - 19, 2024. This is a new dance theatre production , choreographed by artist Kate Prince  and set to the music of 17-time Grammy Award winning artist Sting. It  incorporates dance and athleticism weaving a tale of three siblings who are separated from their parents when  their village suddenly becomes under siege. The soundtrack to Message in a Bottle features vocals by Sting, and guest vocals  from award-winning  actress and singer Beverly Knight MBE and Lynval Golding. There are some scenes that are adult in nature; a moment representing sexual violence against a female character in Act I and some depictions of drug use in the beginning of Act II. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or by visiting online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org  In person tickets can be purchased daily from 10 a.m.–6 p. m at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street.  Orders for groups of 10 or more  may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or emailing groupsales@ensembleartsphilly.org

 

RAIN A Tribute to the Beatles

RAIN A Tribute to the Beatles is returning to Philadelphia by popular demand. Presented by Ensemble Arts Philly, ( the new brand name of the Kimmel Cultural Campus and the Philadelphia Orchestra) the show will run from May 9-11, 2024, at the Miller Theater. Songs in the show cover an eclectic mix from The Beatles'  early favorites through Abbey Road. Band member Steve Landes, who grew up in Lansdale , Pa, and is one of the original founders of the group, will be making his return to Philadelphia with RAIN. Together longer than The Beatles, RAIN  has mastered every song. gesture, and nuance of Liverpool’s finest. With amazing costumes and beautiful visuals, RAIN A Tribute to the Beatles creates a thrilling concert with a wink to the 60’s. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or by visiting online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org. In person ticket sales can be purchased daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office at 240 S. Broad Street.

The Last Yiddish Speaker

                                                                  

                                                              Kaitlyn Zion &  Gabriel Elmore 

InterAct Theatre Company is  presenting The Last Yiddish Speaker by Deborah Zoe Laufer through April 21, 2024. This extraordinarily powerful One Act imagines a white Supremacist regime is in power in the years following a successful Jan. 6 insurrection. It’s set in a small mid-western town where everyone has to believe in the same things  or “be returned.”  Paul   (Dan Hodge ) and  his daughter Sarah ( Kaitlyn Zion) who has changed her name to Mary upon moving to the town, are living as Christians and are “inspected “ regularly by John (  Gabriel Elmore), a local 17-year -old .  This regime does not allow for books for girls. Girls may not read recreationally or attend college, but Sarah is bright and has trouble accepting this. When a mysterious visitor appears at their doorstep with a note attached to her clothing signed, “Aunt Chava” (Stephanie Satie), Sarah immediately empathizes with her while her father is afraid of being caught harboring a Jewish relative. The acting is outstanding. The set is well designed. Paul’s two-story apartment has a utility closet and an outdoor porch with many exits and entrances for the actors.  Although John and “Mary” have inherently different beliefs, meetings on the porch might overcome them. To discover the answer to this and other questions raised by this dynamic work, get tickets for The Last Yiddish Speaker, appearing at The Proscenium Theatre at the Drake, 302 S. Hicks Street.

Beautiiful The Carol King Musical

 

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                           Kathryn Boswell, Sara Sheperd, Eddie Olmo II                                                                                                   &  Fran Prisco

Walnut Street Theatre is presenting Beautiful, The Carol King Musical on its mainstage through May 5, 2024. Beautiful, indeed, describes much of Carol King’s life as she meets , then marries Gerry Goffin portrayed by Matthew Amira. Together their songwriting collaboration results in hit songs for many popular groups, among them : The Drifters, The Shirelles and The Righteous Brothers. The staging is superb. As Carol, portrayed by Sara Sheperd, submits a song she and her husband have written, one of the singing groups appears onstage and begins a song and dance routine . This happens multiple times throughout the course of the musical and it is marvelous. The lighting design is dazzling, and its frequent changes alter each set in a magnificent way  With support of friends,  music writing team Cynthia Weil (Kathryn Boswell) and Barry Mann  (Eddie Olmo II ) and producer Don Kirshner ( Fran Prisco ), Carol survives divorce and begins her solo songwriting career. Beautiful, The Carol King Musical is magnificent in every aspect. The singing and dancing are excellent ; unfortunately, it constantly prompted someone in my row to sing along. It is tempting- I sang along in my head to several of the songs myself. For more information or tickets, visit www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org. 

Girl From the North Country

                                                             

                                         

                                            

                                                                  Sharae Moultie

Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Organization are presenting the Tony Award winning Girl from the North Country at the Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street. Written and directed by Conor McPherson, Girl From the North Country is basically a vehicle for 22 of Bob Dylan’s songs. Many actors have an opportunity to shine with a solo or instrumental accompaniment on the drums or other acoustic aid, but the most remarkable renditions of his songs are rendered by the entire cast singing in gorgeous harmonies. The play is set in Bob Dylan’s hometown of  Duluth, Minnesota during the Depression of 1934. Many characters lead depressing lives - a mother with dementia, a young daughter who is an unwed mother, a con-man preacher and a  nearly penny-less father running an unsuccessful boarding house where characters come to spend the night or drop in for breakfast. These characters are involved with others in short skits intermingled with big musical numbers. The music, however, does not always seem to relate to anything that is happening on stage. The lighting design is outstanding throughout. The use of dark and bright spaces on the stage is extremely effective. The show can be seen through  Sunday, March 10, 2024.  For more information or tickets, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.   

Groucho : A Life in Revue

                                             Dreya Weber, Frank Ferrante & Matt Roper

Groucho: A Life in Revue  The Musical  graces the mainstage of the Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, through March 10, 2024. Written by Robert Fisher and Groucho Marx’s son, Arthur Marx, the show is a tribute to Julius Henry aka “Groucho” Marx, America’s beloved comedian , vaudeville star and star of radio and television. The revue is bursting with one-liners from Groucho’s  storied life  - “There’s no such thing as an old joke if you’ve never heard it before.”  Comedic actor Frank Ferrante is no stranger  to “Groucho”, having performed this role nearly 40 years ago off-Broadway and again 20 years ago at the Walnut .  His representation of Groucho is superb from the time Julius is a young man through his many career changes as Groucho Marx.  The Walnut Street stage rotates so the sets change and Groucho  appears  to be in different places at various times. Matt Roper does an excellent job of portraying both Chico and Harpo. He treats the audience to a comedic  harp “solo” by Harpo and a piano “solo” by Chico.  Dreya Weber is the woman of many faces and voices as she beautifully portrays a multitude of characters. For more information to this delightful treat of non-stop chuckles,  or to purchase tickets, call 215-574-3550, or visit online at walnutstreettheatre.org or ticketmaster.com

 

March events at the Kimmel

 

Ensemble Arts Philly presents comedian. actor and writer, Alex Edelman  in his one-man show Just for Us  at the Miller Theater on March 3, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. He comes to Philadelphia following a hit run on Broadway  and international engagements in London, Edinburgh, and Melbourne. Directed  by Adam Brace, this theatrical experience is an exploration of identity and our collective capacity for empathy. After a spate of anti-Semitic language pointed at him online, stand-up comic Edelman decides to go straight to the source- Queens- where he covertly attends a meeting of White Nationalists. What happens next forms the backbone of these relevant, hilarious stories that are the basis of Just for Us. He appeared on The Later Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! and others. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org. In person ticket sales can be conducted daily from 10 a.m.- 6.p. m at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street.

Ensemble Arts Philly  and the Philadelphia Orchestra present international drag superstar RuPaul on his international book tour to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated memoir The House of Hidden Meanings. This one night only event will take place inside the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater on March 6, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.  RuPaul is a force in pop culture, challenging norms, and inspiring millions to embrace their individuality. The Emmy Award-wining host, producer and performer is renowned for his pioneering efforts to bring drag culture into mainstream popularity through his hit T.V show, RuPaul’s Drag Race.Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.ensemblephilly.org.. In person tickets can be purchased  between 10:am – 6p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul goes on sale March 5, 2024.

Ensemble Arts Philly and the Philadelphia Orchestra welcome one of the mist dynamic young musicians today , Emmet Cohen, leading the Emmet Cohen Trio inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Perelman Theater on March 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Emmet Cohen became a recognized prodigy at a young age.  He is part of  the jazz season, representing young artists. While he is an excellent solo performer, he also leads his ensemble trio through an extensive repertoire. He is both producer and pianist for each of his albums. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.ensembleartsphillyorg   

Ensemble Arts Philly presents Tay Tay Dance Party  set to the electrifying beats of DJ SWIFTIE at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman’s Theater on March 16, 2024, at 8 p.m. This two -hour themed dance party comes with a professional laser show crafted around everyone’s favorite Taylor Swift songs. DJ SWIFTIE has received acclaim for his remixes of Taylor Swift’s hits and never fails to create a memorable fusion of beats that will keep fans moving all night. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org . In person tickets can be purchased daily from 10: a.m. - 6p.m.  at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad. Street.    

Ensemble Arts Philly, in association with Outback Presents welcomes KevOnStage and  That Chick Angel in their comedy tour Here’s The Thing at the Miller Theater on March 30, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. Here’s The Thing is a podcast co-hosted by Kevin Fredericks aka KevOnStage and Angel Laketa Moore, aka That Chick Angel. The podcast has been described as a ” live comedy show with a little podcast." Both Kevin and Angel are actors and comedians. The duo brings a unique mix of humor, insight, and raw honesty incorporating their firsthand experiences and the African American perspective. They each have multiple TV series experiences to their credit. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215 893 1999 or online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org.  In person ticket sales can be purchased daily from 10 a.m – 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street.
   

Ensemble Arts Philly and the Philadelphia Orchestra,  in partnership with  the Shubert Organization and Disney Theatrical Group will present Disney’s Frozen the hit Broadway Musical, for a three- week engagement at the Academy of Music, March 21- April 7, 2024.  Disey’s Frozen has played to rave reviews all across the country. There are currently four productions playing around the world, including Tokyo, London, and Hamburg.  Frozen has been created for the stage by an award-winning team and features songs from the original Oscar-winning film plus a dozen new numbers by the film's song songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. The entire creative team has won a total of 16 Tony Awards. For information, visit FrozenTheMusical.com/Tour. Tickets may be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online www.ensembleartsphilly.org. In person ticket sales can be purchased from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street.