Normally we would think twice about sending our readers to Doylestown. However, if you’ve ever wanted to visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy (the home of some of the greatest art treasures of the 15th to 17th Century) this is your only chance to do it the easy way. The Michener Art Museum is featuring OFFERING OF THE ANGELS a selection of 45 works of art, on loan from the Uffizi, including two magnificent tapestries. From the Garden of Eden to the Resurrection of Jesus you will be stunned by the massive paintings by Botticelli, Titian, Tintoretto and their compatriots. There is free parking and a SEPTA train stops just a few blocks away. This is the only Northeast U.S.A. appearance, so call for tickets or you just may have to book a flight to Florence. 138 S. Pine Street. Doylestown, Pa. To August 10: 215.340.9800.
1812 PRODUCTIONS, Plays & Players Theatre -1714 Delancey Street. David Mamet’s BOSTON MARRIAGE gives director Jen Childs the opportunity to work with two of her best friends, Grace Gonglewski and Suzanne O’Donnell. In this caustic but funny 19th century American story, three women share their lives in every possible way. To make ends meet and disguise their lifestyle they also take up with more conventional partners. Their clandestine affairs result in societal clashes and a battle of wits in order to avoid a stay at the local jail. To May 20: 215.592.9560.
ARDEN THEATRE COMPANY, 40 N. 2nd Street. First came the discovery of the Tulip, about 1000 A.D. 600 years later Holland went wild over the colorful bulbs and we had the first recorded financial bubble (the equivalent of several thousand dollars for a single bulb!) – very much like our recent subprime mortgage crisis. Michael Hollinger’s premiere of TULIPOMANIA: THE MUSICAL recalls this seedy story of love, sex, money, and power as six strangers in an Amsterdam hash bar relive what happened then and now. Michael Ogborn’s original score reflects the same influences using a creative mix of seventeen century music and modern forms. This world premier is directed by Terrence J. Nolen. The cast consists of Billy Bustamante, Jeff Coon, Ben Dibble, Joliet F. Harris, Adam Heller and Alex Keiper. May 24-July 1: 215.922.1122.
CENTER CITY OPERA THEATER at the Prince Music Theater – 1412 Chestnut Street. Andrew Kurtz (director of the company) has long been known for his commitment to new opera. With the launching of IL POSTINO, this company establishes a new high watermark in the effort to open up the world of Spanish language opera and introduce it to a broader community. This is the first Spanish language opera by a Hispanic composer to be performed locally by a professional group. Based on an award winning film, this story of the great poet Pablo Neruda is about his mentoring relationship with a young poet during his exile from his home in Chile. Starring Met opera tenor Hugo Vera as Pablo and Jorge Garza as Mario. May 17, 19, and 20: www.operatheater.org
EGO PO CLASSIC THEATER, At The Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street: THE DYBBUK has long been an element of Jewish folk lore. It is a malevolent disembodied spirit seeking a home in the body of a living person. In the original S.Ansky play, a bride is possessed by a dybbuk on the eve of her wedding. Tony Kushner has adapted the Ansky story, bringing his poetic flair to his version of this great Jewish play. The story of love, ghosts and faith takes place in a 19th century Polish village where a wedding celebration is interrupted by supernatural events. Directed by Lane Savadove. May 31-June 17: 800.595.4TIX.
INDEPENDENCE STUDIO ON 3 AT WALNUT STREET THEATRE, 825 Walnut Street. A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING is a grand night for theater lovers. Broadway’s tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein is based on reinterpretations of some of their best loved songs. If you remember, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair,” can you imagine an Andrews sisters’ version of the South Pacific classic? Similarly “Shall We Dance” charmed audiences of the King & I and gets a joyful new interpretation as a comic pas de deux. Over 30 songs from R & H shows including Oklahoma, Sound of Music, and Cinderella get this musical and comedic treatment. The musical, dramatic and comedic talents of four Philadelphia actors- Jennie Eisenhower, Rebecca Robbins, Michael Philip O’Brien and Fran Prisco bring a fresh spirit to the lyrics, with direction by Bruce Lumpkin. May 1 – June 24: 215.574.3550.
PHILADELPHIA THEATRE COMPANY AT THE SUZANNE ROBERTS THEATRE, Broad & Lombard Streets. Neil LaBute’s plays are always edgy and controversial. In REASONS TO BE PRETTY this acclaimed writer is also smart, funny and compassionate. This is the final installment in LaBute’s trilogy dealing with our obsession with physical appearance. A cruel remark disrupts the lives of two couples pushing them into a morass of treachery, self deceit and stubborn resistance to change. In spite of this, the author presents an extraordinary new twist to his story-one of hope! Directed by Maria Mileaf the ensemble cast features Paul Felder, James McMenamin, Genevieve Perrier and Elizabeth Stanley. May 25-June 24: 215.985.0420.
WALNUT STREET THEATRE, 825 Walnut Street. Buddy Holly was a brilliant musician who changed the face of popular music and paved the way for a new generation of rock and roll. His meteoric rise took him from country music roots to the top of the record charts; only to end in his tragic untimely death in a plane crash. BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY includes audience favorites such as: “Peggy Sue,” “Oh Boy,” “Maybe Baby,” “That Will Be The Day,” “La Bamba,” and “Chantilly Lace”. The large cast stars Christopher Sutton as the one and only Buddy Holly. Also on the bill are local favorites Danielle G. Herbert, Scott Greer, Anthony Lawton, Rachel Camp and Aaron Cromie, plus many more. Directed and Choreographed by Casey Hushion. May 15-July 15: 215.574.3550.
