Bad Jews

Sofie Yavorsky and Greg Follick

Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 is presenting the hysterical Bad Jews through November 30^th. Cousins forced to share a studio apartment for a night following their grandfather’s funeral become embroiled in a family’s side-splitting tug-of-war for familial rights and their rights of identity.  Sofie Yavorsky portrays an impassioned young Jew who is critical of her cousins for not sharing her devotion to Judaism. Nor does she believe they share her loss over their recently departed Poppi. Her early monologues are poignant and her later ones are vitriolic but she is always an incredible presence on the stage. The barbs flung back and forth between her and Greg Fallick, portraying Jonah Haber and Davy Raphaely playing his brother Liam are outrageously funny and astonishingly witty. Only Melody, Liam’s non-Jewish girlfriend, tries to present the voice of reason, but when her voice is actually heard…you can barely recognize Melody.(beautifully portrayed by Laura Giknis) Tempers flare; hilarity breaks out; somber refection seeps in….This exceptionally talented young cast takes the audience on a wild ride through the many phases of comedy. For more information or tickets, call 215-574-3550 or 315-336-1234.  Tickets are also available at WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.

Ethel

Terry Burrell as Ethel Waters

 Broadway star Terry Burrell is using Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 as a vehicle to tell the story of Ethel Waters, the second African American actress ever to be nominated for an Academy Award. The world premiere of ETHEL! will run through March 11. Ethel! is a one woman show written by and starring Terry Burrell. The small 80 seat Independence Studio is the perfect venue to showcase Ms. Burrell’s talents. Recounting over thirty years of Ethel Walters’ life, whether speaking in intimate tones to the audience or screaming to unseen characters in Ethel’s life, requires a wide range of emotions. Terry Burrell never falters.    Her facial expressions and body language seem to invite the audience to share in some private joke. Audience members may know little of Ethel Waters upon entering the theatre, but thanks to the brilliant work of Terry Burrell, they will leave the theatre very happy to have been a part of Ethel’s life if only for an evening. Sound Designer Zachary Brown makes some very interesting contributions to the production. Thanks to Costume Designer Rita Squitiere, Ms. Burrell transforms from an older and impoverished Ethel to a younger and successful version while she is on stage. See this show to hear Ethel Waters’ jokes. See this show to hear Terry Burrell  sing. No matter what your reason is,  see this show. For tickets or more information, call 215-74-3550 or visit online at WalnutStreetTheatre.org.