An unusual new group recently joined the Philly circle of adventurous and creative theater. They’re called “TINY DYNAMITE” and boy do they pack a wallop! Their approach is “A PLAY, A PIE AND A PINT”. They present a one act, one hour play (different every night) with a slice of pizza, and a drink (beer or soda) to every ticket- holder. We saw “Peaches en Regalia”, a delightful story about a waitress, her customers and their problems. They’ve proven so popular you may have to move fast to get tickets @ www.brownpapertickets.com/event/207912. Don’t miss this group! By popular demand “Peaches..” will have a limited run @ FERGIE’S PUB, 1214 Sansom St. Nov. 9, 13, 17.
AZUKA THEATRE at First Baptist Church, 17th & Sansom Streets. The Philadelphia premiere of Jordan Harrison’s “ACT A LADY” is an exuberant fable about the human condition and perhaps, the woman in every man. When the men in a prohibition era small town in the Midwest decide to stage a play dressed as women, everything explodes- lines blur, eyebrows raise, and life and art are forever entangled. Kevin Glaccum directs Mike Dees, Amanda Schoonover, Leah Walton and a powerful supporting cast, accompanied by an accordion. Nov. 3-20: 215.733.0255.
BALLET X, Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street. A few months ago we had the privilege of seeing this marvelous company for the first time. They blew us and the rest of the full house away. In this, their first show of the new season, Co-Artistic Director Matthew Neenan collaborates with composer Robert Maggio in a world premiere featuring two cellists from the “NETWORK FOR NEW MUSIC”. Loni Landon in “LAYER CAKE” (also a world premiere) and Alex Ketley in “SILT”, which the ballet premiered in 2009, complete the ambitious program. This company was formed by former Pennsylvania Ballet members Christine Cox and Matthew Neenan who serve as co-artistic directors. Nov. 16-20: 215.546.7824.
FLASHPOINT THEATRE COMPANY, 2ND STAGE AT THE ADRIENNE, 2030 Sansom Street. Now we know that Flashpoint has always been topical in their choices but this one, “THE FAT CAT KILLERS” by Adam Szymkowicz, may almost be too close to reality for some people. In this vicious comedy two men get laid off in a now familiar corporate cutback. Their former boss soon discovers just how “dead end” their jobs really were. Director Noah Herman makes sure this is more than just a criminal comedy. “The Killers” stars Sean Lally, Robert Daponte and Damon Bonetti. To Nov. 19: 215.665.9720.
INTERACT THEATRE COMPANY, 2030 Sansom Street. “THE HOW AND THE WHY” premiered earlier this year in Princeton and left audiences, including us, cheering this intelligent and demanding play. Inspired by the acclaimed book “Woman- An Intimate Geography” by Natalie Angier, the play by Sarah Treem pits two generations of brilliant evolutionary biologists against each other. When a young graduate student attends a prestigious conference her ideas are attacked by an older woman who is a leader in the field. Evolution, emotions, science and family collide as the two challenge each other. If, like us, you enjoy a good argument, you will love how this play tries to answer the question “Can a woman have it all?” Directed by Seth Rozin, starring Janis Dardaris and Victoria Frings. To Nov. 13: 2 15.568.8079.
KIMMEL PRESENTS BROADWAY @ THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Broad & Locust Sts. “BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL” won more Broadway Awards than any show in our recent memory. It’s based on a successful international film and features the music of Elton John, directed by Stephen Daldry. Billy is a motherless young boy in a coalmining town whose family is ready to go on strike. He has been learning to box when he somehow stumbles into ballet class, changing his life forever. Trading boxing gloves for ballet shoes turns out to be as difficult and worthwhile as the strike and its eventual settlement. Nov. 16-27: 215.731.3333.
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER, 525 Arch Street. “FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY”: WHO IS THE “WE” IN “WE THE PEOPLE?” traces the experiences of 7 Americans who fought for equality and justice in World War II overseas and at home. Using multimedia exhibits and original theatrical productions (staffed by local actors) the lives and struggles of 5 men and 2 women are brought to life. Hector Garcia, a Mexican American fought for equal education. Frances Slanger, Jewish American was the first American nurse to be killed in action. Bill Terry an African American fought for equal opportunities as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen. George Saito a Japanese American volunteered to serve while his family was interred in a Colorado concentration camp. Domingo Los Banos, a Filipino American fought behind the enemy lines and is the only one of the 7 still alive. Hazel Ying Lee, Chinese American fought for gender equality while serving as an Air-force Service Pilot. Carl Gorman, a Navajo Code talker in the Marine Corps saved countless American lives. This exhibit is free with general admission. Allow 2 hours for the experience. To Jan. 16: 215.409.6600.
PEOPLE’S LIGHT & THEATRE 39 Conestoga Rd. Malvern, Pa. It’s time for our favorite outrageous theater phenomenon- Panto! When men are men or sometimes women and everyone sings, dances, staggers and says “aargh” (including you the audience!)everyone from grandparents to tykes has a good time. This year it’s “TREASURE ISLAND; A MUSICAL PANTO” by Kathryn Petersen with music & lyrics by Michael Ogborn. Mother Hawkins & Long John Silver return for the holidays with a rascally pirate crew aboard Ye Olde Blowharde. The cast is so phenomenally good at this kind of seasonal madness that we wouldn’t miss it for the world. Pete Pryor directs & acts, Mark Lazar(in drag) has to be called the recurring star of this criminally funny brigade along with Susan McKey, Richard Ruiz, Tom Teti, Chris Faith, Joliet Harris & more! Nov. 16 to Jan. 8. 610.644.3500.
THE LAUGH OUT LOUD THEATRE COMPANY, Walnut Street Theatre Studio 5, 825 Walnut Street. Sarah and Teddy used to be a couple. They meet by chance and each claims to be in a relationship or are they? To this mix add an actor wannabe, a crooked cafe owner, a nosey customer and a lazy waitress. We think you get the point of this comedy,”EVEN STEVEN”, by Robin Pound. John D. Smitherman is Producing Artistic Director and also stars with Rob Hutter, Shoshana Katz, Dana Kreit and Meredith Orlow. For added value the play includes a Cabaret scene that features a different local performer each night. Thurs. to Sun., Nov. 3–20: 941.544.0164 or www.jdsentertainment.com
THEATRE EXILE AT THE PHILADELPHIA SHAKESPEARE THEATRE, 2111 Sansom Street. The Philadelphia Premiere of “GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES” seems to pose the question -”which is worse – the pain of love or broken bones?” Two children form a bond in the school nurse’s office that sustains them through the rest of their lives. However one is a neurotic masochist and the other an accident prone risk taker. The result is an unconventional love story filled with dark comedy and injuries of the heart and body. Written by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Deborah Block “GPI” stars Philadelphia favorites Charlotte Ford and Keith Conallen. Nov. 10 to Dec. 4: 215.218.4022.
VILLANOVA THEATRE, Vasey Hall at Lancaster & Ithan Avenues, Villanova, Pa. The Philadelphia premiere of “WOMAN AND SCARECROW” by Ireland’s leading female playwright, Marina Carr, marks the beginning of a new partnership between Villanova and Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. A dying woman faces the regrets of a life half lived. An epic confrontation between a mother of eight and the ghosts of her haunted past are at the heart of this poetic, fierce and funny play. Carr’s script is less about loss than the profundity of our time on earth. Directed by Reverend David Cregan and starring Felicia Leicht, Jessica O’Brien, Ahren Potratz and Lizzie Dalton-Negron. Nov. 8-20: 610.519.7474.
WALNUT STREET THEATRE, 825 Walnut Street. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “THE KING AND I” has charmed millions since its 1951 Broadway opening. The play is based on the memoirs of an English woman who became school teacher to the children of the King of Siam in the early 1860’s. In the Royal Palace Anna and the King grow to understand each other and their countries cultures. The glorious music includes such unforgettable scores as “Getting To Know You”, “I Whistle A Happy Tune”, “Hello Young Lovers” and “Shall We Dance”. Marc Robin directs and choreographs an impressive cast with Rachel York as Anna and Mel Sagrado Maguyop (starring recently in Miss Saigon) as the King of Siam. A huge supporting cast including many youngsters bursting with talent makes this a wonderful family musical. Nov. 8 to Jan. 8: 215.574.3550
