ARDEN THEATRE COMPANY, 40 N. 2nd Street. THE FLEA & THE PROFESSOR is a new musical, part of the Arden’s Children’s Theatre, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s last tale. In this world premiere a young professor loses everything he has in the world except a flea who lives in his vest. The two become the best of friends, start a circus act, and tour the world. Shipwrecks, cannibals, and tickling are some of the dangers they overcome together! Families with children aged 5 and up will be enchanted by the great stage magic, catchy tunes and whimsical humor. The large cast includes Scott Greer, Mary Martello, Robert McClure and Aaron Cromie. Directed by Obie Winner Anne Kauffman. Runs until June 12: 215.922.1122.
BRISTOL RIVERSIDE THEATRE, 120 Radcliffe St. Bristol, PA. Bristol begins its Annual Musical Series with GREAT BALLS OF FIRE, A LEGACY OF THE 50’s. Keith Baker conducts the BRT band with his usual flair. This time it’s the feel good songs of the 50’s featuring hit tunes by Nat King Cole, Fats Domino, Les Paul, the incomparable Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis. These artists dominated the music charts and changed pop music forever. Where else can you get the chance to hear songs like Hound Dog, Great Balls Of Fire, and Jailhouse Rock? Starring Anthony D’Amato, Laura Catlaw, Demetria Joyce Bailey, and Kenneth Tomaso. June 16-26: 215.785.0100.
HEDGEROW THEATRE, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media, PA. For 10 years Ray Cooney farces have kept us laughing. That’s why we eagerly await his show each June. Like all classic British farces lots of people do lots of things to lots of other people. In TWO INTO ONE a married member of Parliament plans a fling with the Prime Minister’s secretary. A bumbling assistant insures that the M.P.’s wife stays in the same hotel as the M.P. Add a haughty hotel manager, a confused waiter, a jealous husband and a politician campaigning against vice. Stir, do not shake, and you have a classic Ray Cooney, laugh-filled farce. Starring Hedgerow mainstays Zoran Kovcic & Susan Wefel. June 3-August 8: 610.565.4211.
INTERACT THEATRE COMPANY at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street. Interact ends its 23rd season with a World Premiere Drama, IN A DAUGHTER’S EYES by A. Zell Williams. Seth Rozin’s theatre has long been known for its intense and controversial productions. This is no exception. Inspired by the story of Mumia Abu-Jamal, convicted killer of a Philadelphia Police officer, it is set in California at the turn of the Millennium. Two strong women, one the daughter of a jailed Black Panther, the other the daughter of the white police officer he allegedly killed, search for truth in spite of the problems of culture, class and race. Directed by Rebecca Wright and featuring Lynnette R. Freeman and Krista Apple. Runs until June 19: 215.568.8079.
KIMMEL PRESENTS BROADWAY AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Broad & Locust Streets. We’ve often told you about Tony winning musicals stocked with beautiful songs. However, this is the first musical we’ve mentioned which also treats mental illness seriously. NEXT TO NORMAL stars Alice Ripley reprising her award-winning performance in this Pulitzer Prize musical. A great contemporary score adds to this emotional powerhouse about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other. We expect that the rave reviews encountered in New York will be repeated in this Philadelphia premiere. June 21-26: 215.731.3333.
OPERA COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA AT THE KIMMEL CENTER, PERELMAN THEATER. The 35th season closes with the American premiere of Henze’s PHAEDRA. This arresting two act opera is based on the Greek myth of Phaedra, whose husband killed the dreaded Minotaur. Phaedra loves her stepson Hippolyt who eventually dies by his father’s hand. In the background, Goddesses Artemis & Aphrodite feud and eventually Phaedra kills herself. Starring in the title role is Mezzo Tamara Mumford. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo makes his company debut as Artemis. Soprano Elizabeth Reiter is Aphrodite, and Philly favorite, tenor William Burden, sings Hippolyt. The role of the Minotaur is sung by bass Jeremy Milner. Performed in German with English translation. June 3, 5, 8, 10 and 12: 215.893.1018.
PEOPLE’S LIGHT & THEATRE COMPANY, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA. Who hasn’t worried about their job or feared the arrival of a new “boss?” HATCHETMAN is a comic exploration of this phenomenon set in the offices of “Putts,” a golf magazine. The incompetent editorial staff is headed for corporate takeover and fearful of any change. Most of all, the expected arrival of the dreaded “hatchetman” generates hysteria and office politics at their funniest and worst. This contemporary farce features an amazing cast: Pete Pryor, Mary McCool, Andrew Kane, Tom Teti, Julia Stroup and Mary Elizabeth Scallen. Written by David Wiltse and directed by Steve Unberger. June 15-July 17: 610.644.3500.
PHILADELPHIA THEATRE COMPANY, Broad & Lombard Streets. Comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld puts on a different hat as he directs LONG STORY SHORT. This satirical comedy explores the history of the world in 75 minutes. SNL and HBO comedian Colin Quinn (direct from Broadway) skewers civilization through his incisive observations and sharp commentary. Quinn’s one man performance channels both famous and infamous headliners. Nothing escapes him, including the Middle East conflict, our economic crisis, the Jersey shore and personalities from Socrates to Snooki. June 28-July 10: 215.985.0420.
THE SAVOY COMPANY, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. The oldest amateur theater company in the world dedicated solely to the production of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan is the Savoy. For its 111th season the company presents the comic Opera IOLANTHE. This is the story of a conflict between immortal fairies and members of the English House Of Lords. Performed by a full orchestra and a large talented cast, Iolanthe is a delight for the entire family. June 10 and 11: 215.735.7161.
