In our last column we told you of our plans to visit HELLA FRESH THEATER Philly’s newest and one of its boldest theatrical venues. California transplant John Rosenberg is building a home for his brand of independent dramaturgy in Kensington at the PAPERMILL THEATER, 2825 Ormes St. After seeing his Queen of All Weapons, we can’t help but admire his choice of actors and direction. He also wrote the show! Obviously this is not for children because of language and drugs. Tickets are only $10. There is on-street parking and the theatre is extremely comfortable. Be prepared to be outraged a little – amused a lot and more than occasionally surprised.
BRISTOL RIVERSIDE THEATRE, 120 Radcliffe St. Bristol, PA. So far the summer musicals have been spectacular. The last of the series Lights Up On Broadway is an evening of Broadway favorites sung by John Smitherman, Niffer Clarke, Lindsay Roberts, David Edwards and Keith Spencer. Hits from The Producers, Music Man, Showboat and more promise to end the summer on a high note. With songs like Who Can I Turn To, When You Got It Flaunt It, ‘Til There Was You, and Can’t Help Lovin’ that Man Of Mine, who could ask for anything More? August 11–21: 215.785.0100.
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER, 525 Arch Street. When the “Father of our Country” led the American Revolution and served as our first President, he spent many years in the Philadelphia region. Discover the Real George Washington uncovers a fresh perspective on his life. Nearly 100 objects including models, fine art, maps, manuscripts, paintings and full scale figures reveal Washington as a man and his roles as a farmer and businessman. The Constitution Center also hosts The President’s House: their untold stories in Quilts. Among the exhibits we found particularly interesting were Washington’s dentures, Stuart’s classic Washington portraits, the family Bible and Martha Washington’s jewelry. The quilts especially made by children are items not to be missed. Families can save a pocketful of Washingtons with the “kids-free promotion”. Free admission for up to four (twelve and under) with one paid adult. To September 5: 215.409.6600.
THE IDIOPATHIC RIDICULOPATHY CONSORTIUM, @Walnut Street Theatre Studio 5. We always wait eagerly for the next dramatic surprise presented by this outstanding company. IRC now presents the regional premiere of the allegorical and absurdist black comedy, The Arsonists. Using a new translation of Max Frisch’s morality play “without a moral” Director Tina Brock introduces us to an unemployed circus wrestler, his pyromaniac partner, and a hair rejuvenator magnate all led by a Greek chorus of Keystone Kops. The cast of 14 features many IRC veterans from past productions including Liam Castellan, John D’Alonzo, Jesse Delaney, Michael Dura, Tomas Dura, Kristen Egermeier, Mark Knight, Ethan Lipkin, Jamie Pannone, Lee Pucklis, Kirsten Quinn, Bob Schmidt, Monah Yancy and Tina Brock. August 31- September 18. www.idiopathicridiculopathyconsortium.org.
PHILLY FRINGE FESTIVAL. The Fringe goes on all over the city. We’ve chosen one show as an example of the fresh experience available to all of us. Going Back Naked is based on the true story of Ann Fountain as written and told by her daughter, Melissa McBain. Using depression era letters, telegrams and recordings, she portrays her mother’s coming of age as a child star and her emergence as a bold lover with a young seminarian. The author’s mother was an accomplished pianist who gave it up to sell Bibles door to door in rural Louisiana. The play will be performed in a theater just steps away from her mother’s home in Rittenhouse Square and minutes away from her mother’s winning Juilliard and Steinway competitions. Director Jane Stojac met the playwright in a chance meeting and was immediately impressed by her story. September 6-9, 12, 15, 16 at Plays and Players Studio Theatre, 1714 Delancey St. 215.413.1318.
THEATRE EXILE @ Studio X, 13th & Reed Sts. The Aliens by award-winning Annie Baker invites us to the back of an organic coffee shop along with two ex-band members and a new employee. This is their fortress, their shield of solitude where they can worship their own kind of music, praise Bukowski and enjoy the peace that comes only with psychedelic mushrooms! When the new teenage employee tries to get the 30-somethings to find a new hangout an unexpected alliance emerges. Directed by Barrymore Winner Matt Pfeiffer, starring powerhouse performer Jeb Kreager as the would-be leader of the band, Sam Henderson and Aubie Merrylees. September 1-18: 215.218.4022.
