Ensemble Arts Philly

 

The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra are announcing Ensemble Arts Philly, a new brand name to encompass a wide variety of genres including Broadway, comedy, theatre., jazz, dance, and family presentations across three venues: the Kimmel Center for the Performing  Arts, the Academy of Music, and the Miller Theater. The new brand name will also represent free programming, community service partnerships, digital rush opportunities, and educational activities- including the new Musical Theatre Program: Set The Stage for 5-7 graders.

The new name and accompanying URL (www.EnsembleArtsPhilly.org) will ensure ticket purchases are made though official channels and will enable guests to purchase tickets to events from multiple genres in one transaction- including The Philadelphia Orchestra and Broadway. Tickets to events can also be purchased in person at the Box Offices at all three venues-  The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, The Academy of Music, and Miller Theater- or by  calling Ensemble Arts Philly Audiences Services at 215-893-1999. Visit www.EnsembleArtsPhilly.org/plan-your-visit/box-office/ to check box office hours and locations. All visitors to the old website will be redirected to the new web page. Ticket Philadelphia will become the ticketing and audience services department of Ensemble Arts Philly, continuing exceptional customer service under the new name.

 

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

                                         Brandon O'Rourke, Anna D. Bailey
                                                                            Greg Wood & Susan Riley Stevens

Walnut Street Theatre is producing Edward Albee’s phenomenal work, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ?  on its main stage through February 4, 2024. Unlike a typical production seen at the Walnut, this show has only one set through-out its three acts, but the design team is outstanding with multiple experiences on Walnut Street Theatre stages --- Roman Tatarowicz- Scenic Design; Ryan O‘Gara -Lighting  Design; and Christopher Colucci -  Sound Design. A special nod goes to Costume Coordinator Natalie De La Torre who initiates a change in Martha after a costume change. Welcome to newcomer and Wig Designer, Claire Waid. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?  generates a series of appalled laughter as the audience examines the dysfunctional relationships presented on stage and wonders if any apply to their own lives. Albee’s play is extremely funny on one hand but shockingly disturbing, on the other.  The play is set in a college town at 2:00 a.m. after a professor’s party. Martha (Susan Riley Stevens) and George ( Greg Wood) stumble through their front door. Shortly after, guests Nick (Brandon )O’Rourke  and Honey (Anna D. Bailey) arrive, and the foursome begin what is an endless night (morning)  of drinking. Martha constantly belittles George because he doesn’t live up to her expectations and George, in turn, is nasty to Martha. Funny lines are  frequently interspersed in the script, made even more humorous when Honey makes outrageous comments indicating she doesn’t understand the conversation. With a great deal of drinking and a great deal of shouting, there is little wonder that lines can be blurred between reality and fantasy. Honey’s naivete is fun to watch while Martha’s portrayals of her pent-up frustrations are nail-biting. For more information or tickets, call 215- 574-3550 or visit online at walnutstreettheatre.org or ticketmaster.com.