11TH HOUR THEATRE COMPANY, Skybox at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street. Adam Gwon is one of the bright lights of musical theater. He provides the music and lyrics for “ORDINARY DAYS”. Four young New Yorkers find their lives intersecting in unplanned ways. One couple moves in together for the first time. Another young man is desperately looking to find purpose in life, while a young girl grad student with a type A personality tries to find her place in the Big Apple. Directed by award winning Joe Calarco with musical direction by Eric Ebbenga. Starring Whitney Bashor, Alex Keiper, Michael Philip O’Brien and Steve Pacek. We’ve just come from their stunning SRO opening night. Suggest you get your tickets ASAP-this winner has already extended its run to Dec. 18: 267.987.9865.
1812 PRODUCTIONS at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street. 1812’s version of “OCCUPY CENTER CITY” begins with “THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS”. This trademark production presents all the news that’s fit to skewer. Our favorite TITWTI character is Patsy, played by Jen Childs, offering advice for Washington from the vantage point of a South Philadelphia row house stoop. She’s joined by Scott Greer and Susan Riley Stevens. Don’t miss roving reporter, Dave Jadico broadcasting the latest news from the lobby. One lucky audience member will be part of the political comedy- it might be you! Political sensitivity should be checked at the door because every political party will be cut off at the knees. Directed by Jen Childs and written by the entire cast. To Dec. 31: 215.592.9560.
ACT 11 PLAYHOUSE, 56 E. Butler Avenue, Ambler, Pa. If there’s one local actor who needs no introduction, it’s Tony Braithwaite. All one has to do is say “HERE’S TONY” and you can expect an evening of hilarious comedy, music and even a touch of wisdom. For the holidays his team once again consists of Howie Brown, Will Dennis (head writer) and musical director Sonny Leo, creators of “LAUGHING ALL THE WAY”. This family oriented, comedic variety show features local kids on stage with Tony. Every night is a different surprise both to Tony and the audience. They share their talents and their letters submitted to Tony in a writing contest. Holiday themed improv based on audience suggestions plus holiday music will have you laughing, and perhaps even singing a bit, all evening long. Dec. 13 to the 31st: 215.654.0200
ARDEN THEATRE COMPANY, 40 North 2nd Street. Isn’t this the best time of the year for children’s stories? Arden continues its tradition of presenting productions for the whole family with “CHARLOTTE’S WEB.” The tale of the lovable pig Wilbur, everyone’s favorite spider, Charlotte, and a special friendship between them make this one of the great stories for children. Adapted from E.B. White’s book, directed by Whit MacLaughlin. This production will be most enjoyed by families with children ages 5 and older. Post show Q & A with the cast and a chance to meet and talk to the actors in the lobby will enchant both kids and adults. Every child gets a free commemorative poster! To Jan. 29: 215.922.1122.
BRISTOL RIVERSIDE THEATRE, 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, Pa. The memoirs of famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee are the source for the Broadway Award winning “GYPSY”. Rose is the ultimate stage mother who gives her all to raise her daughters as stage performers. Powerhouse Broadway veteran Tovah Feldshuh stars as Mama Rose and belts out song after song such as “Small World”and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”. Meanwhile your favorite exotics such as Tessie Tura (Bethe Austin), Electra(Demetria Joyce Bailey), and Mazeppa (Kathryn Kendall) light up the stage in uniquely unimaginable ways. Directed by Keith Baker. Dec. 6 to Jan. 15: 215.785.0100.
FLASHPOINT THEATRE, Second Stage @ The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street. Flashpoint covers all bases by offering two very different holiday shows in rep. “THE SANTALAND DIARIES” by David Sedaris has become an annual classic. For a funnier view of life in a department store at Christmas time and entertainment for the whole family this is your best choice. For the more mature audience Flashpoint presents the world premiere of an all-new, all-sexy presentation whose title speaks for itself; “CHLAMYDIA FOR CHRISTMAS AND HERPES FOR HANUKKAH: MORE SEX-ED BURLESQUE FOR THE HOLIDAYS” written and performed by Gigi Naglak and Meghann Williams. Santaland is directed by Noah Herman and Chlamydia is directed by Amy Smith. To Dec. 18: 215.665.9720.,
KIMMEL PRESENTS BROADWAY @ THE FORREST THEATRE, 1114 Walnut Street. “JERSEY BOYS” breaks box office records wherever they go. Four blue collar kids became the Four Seasons, one of the greatest successes in pop music history- and they’re back again! Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi wrote their own songs and sold millions of records before they were 30. Hit songs like “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” will bring back memories of your youth even if you never were young. Expect this show to sell out quickly since it broke Forrest Theatre box office records seven times during the premiere engagement. Dec. 6 to Jan. 15: 215.731.3333
WALNUT STREET THEATRE -INDEPENDENCE STUDIO ON 3, 825 Walnut Street. Noel Coward was a celebrated actor, playwright and composer and Gertrude Lawrence, perhaps his best female friend, was an equally celebrated actress who triumphed on the stage. Their memorable friendship, delightfully mischievous wit and elegant, debonair nature takes center stage in “NOEL AND GERTIE”. One of our favorite songs in this very British play is “Mad Dogs and Englishmen”. You may prefer “Mrs. Worthington” or “Someday I’ll Find You”. Will Stutts, who directs and plays Noel Coward, is known as the master of the one man show. Susan Wilder, whose outstanding comedic performances include Born Yesterday and The Constant Wife, stars as Gertrude Lawrence. We have personally known each of these actors for over 25 years and could not think of more perfect casting. To Dec. 31: 215.574.3550.
