CIRQUE ELOIZE at the Merriam Theater. 250 South Broad Street. This Montreal based troupe presents the Philadelphia premiere of “Cirkopolis”. The company consists of 12 acrobats and multi-disciplinary artists who blend circus, theater, and dance. Accompanied by an original musical score and video projections they colorfully and artistically tell the story of a rebellion against the monotony and limitations of the modern factory-city. Cirque Eloize is at the heart of the renewal of circus art and has been combining circus techniques with music, dance and theater since 1993. March 11 to 16: 215.731.3333.
CURTIS OPERA THEATRE at the Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Streets. Poulenc’s opera, “Dialogues of the Carmelites” takes place during the infamous “Reign of Terror” in 18th century France. A young novice in the Carmelite order of nuns has a chance to escape with her life but at a high price to her soul! Music Director Corrado Rovaris leads the Curtis Symphony Orchestra in this powerful opera inspired by historical events; sung in French with English supertitles, with Jordan Fein as Stage Director. The large cast of Curtis operatic students is supplemented by 8 guest artists. Presented in association with Opera Philadelphia and Kimmel Center for the performing arts. Performances are on March 5, 7 and 9: 215.893.1018.
GERSHMAN “Y”, Broad & Pine Streets. If you like unusual films, especially ones with an international flavor, start reserving Monday nights, beginning March 10 and running through April 28. Every one of the films in this PJFF CineMondays series has been screened at prestigious festivals. “Fading Gigolo” opens the series. With writing and direction by John Turturro and stars like Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Sophia Vergara and Liev Schreiber; we almost don’t have to say anything more to guarantee a great cinema evening. Woody Allen is a New York bookstore owner whose business is in deep financial trouble. He turns to high class pimping of his friend, John Turturro, to keep his bookstore from going down the drain. Of course they succeed wildly until true love ruins it all! This dramatic comedy does more than tickle your funny bone. It’s sexy (don’t bring the kids!) funny, tender, shrewdly observant and, in essence, a moving film about the need for human connection. Screening is at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. with a post film reception at the Ritz Carlton. The remaining four films will be shown at the Gershman Y. For tickets and more information call 215.545.4400: March 24, March 31, April 7 and April 28 for the rest of the series.
PHILADELPHIA THEATRE COMPANY at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad & Lombard Streets. Author and master of absurd comedy, Christopher Durang takes his characters’ names and, to a lesser extent, their inner nature, from Chekov’s classic dramas. In “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”, Durang brilliantly mixes his characters together to produce a hilarious American borscht. Two siblings, Vanya and Sonia never leave home, marinating in their family’s Bucks County farmhouse. Meanwhile sister Masha roams the world and becomes a famous and rich movie star. Masha (who supports the household) returns for a visit with her 20 something boy-toy and athletic lover, Spike. Changes seem to be in the air for Vanya & Sonia! We saw the play when it premiered last year at Princeton’s McCarter Theater. It was stand up and shout excellent! With cast members like Grace Gonglewski, Kraig Swartz and direction by James Christy, this ensemble should affect Philly audiences in the same way. See it or be sorry! March 29 to April 20: 215.985.0420.
PHILLY POPS at the Kimmel Center, 300 S Broad Street. When Marvin Hamlisch died on August 6, 2012 he left a legacy that, to this day, brightens the world of music! Just in case anyone wants to argue the point, he won virtually every major award that exists for a composer including one or more Oscars, Grammies, Emmy, Tony and Pulitzer prizes. When Philly Pops presents “Marvin Hamlisch – A Musical Tribute” it will be conducted by Larry Blank and performed by people who knew him well and worked with him in many venues – for example Donna McKechnie, originator of the role of Cassie in “A Chorus Line”, Doug LaBrecque who shared the stage with Hamlisch many times and Jodi Benson (Disney legend in her own right who starred in “The Little Mermaid” as Arielle) originator of the role of Doria Hudson in “Smile” composed by Hamlisch. March 14 to 16: 215.893.1999.
WALNUT STREET THEATRE, 825 Walnut Street. Be prepared to laugh, long and hard, when you see this revival of “Arsenic and Old Lace”, Broadway’s classic killer comedy. It ran on Broadway for almost five years, was a popular film and now, with a cast like Mary Martello, Ben Dibble, Jennie Eisenhower, Fran Prisco (plus lots more), you will laugh until the tears flow. Direction is by Walnut’s favorite, Charles Abbott. Here’s the plot- our hero’s charmingly sinister aunts relieve the loneliness of old men by inviting them in for a glass of their homemade wine. Unfortunately it’s laced with every poison Imaginable! Oh yes! – someone who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt keeps running through the house ready to lead a saber charge. If you don’t think this is one of the funniest comedies ever, we can’t offer your money back but we could manage to get you a sip of the sisters’ wine. March 11 to April 27: 215.574.3550.
WILMA THEATER, 265 S. Broad Street. Blanka Ziska, Wilma’s Artistic Director, made the development process for the world premiere of Paula Vogel’s “Don Juan Comes Home From Iraq” as interesting as the play itself! Instead of starting with a script, selecting a director, picking up set designers, costume designers etc. and only bringing actors into the final process, she created a collective which wrestles with the production ideals and goals in an attempt to ensure that the audience gets to honestly experience the play’s message. The story, inspired by Von Horvath’s 1936 “Don Juan Returns from the War” centers on a Marine who returns home from war to find his lover is missing. He searches for her, on a surrealistic tour, criss-crossing space and time through Philadelphia’s streets and history. The cast is headed by Keith Conallen as Don Juan and Kate Czajkowski as Cressida, assisted by a brilliant ensemble of seven outstanding actors. Special events and lobby displays on almost every night! March 19 to April 20: 215.546.7824.
