Reviews Theater

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (Hedgerow): I hated Jane Austen, but I love this

Barbara Corbo May 11, 2014 No Comments

I took a seat on one of the long, cushioned benches at the unusual Hedgerow Theatre, a grist mill from the 1800s, for the opening night of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY. Satisfied that at least I was introduced to such a beautiful place, I wondered what Jane Austen was going to smother me with this time.

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Previews Theater

Why present an all-female production of KING LEAR? Revolution Shakespeare’s director lays down a persuasive case ahead of their reading

Samantha Bellomo May 6, 2014 No Comments

On Monday, May 12, 2014 (the day after Mother’s Day), upstart local Shakespeare company Revolution Shakespeare will present a staged reading of the Bard’s classic KING LEAR. The reading’s director, Samantha Bellomo tells Phindie what excites her about the decision to give the reading an all-female cast.

View More Why present an all-female production of KING LEAR? Revolution Shakespeare’s director lays down a persuasive case ahead of their reading
Frank Ermilio and Jessica Orsini star in Thespionage's inaugural production.
Reviews Theater

UPPER MIDDLE CLASS WHITE (Thespionage): A DIY romcom

James Kiesel May 5, 2014 1 Comment

Thespionage Theater Company trumpets itself as a ‘pay what you can’ theater company; every ticket is priced by the audience member, and every dollar made is put into the budget for the next show. It’s an interesting new approach to small-theater funding in an age where the little guys are increasingly struggling against larger marketing machines, dwindling grant money, and thinly spread audiences of theatergoers.

View More UPPER MIDDLE CLASS WHITE (Thespionage): A DIY romcom
Aetna Gallagher and Brian McCann in Curio Theatre Company's OEDIPUSSY.
Reviews Theater

OEDIPUSSY (Curio): Shenanigans, tomfoolery and ballyhoo reign

Kathryn Osenlund May 5, 2014 No Comments

OEDIPUSSY isn’t something to analyze, it’s just something to enjoy— an antidote to life’s heavy stuff. Appealingly physical and comically overwrought, it’s tons of fun. The most amazing thing about this lunatic version is that the epic tragic story actually emerges through all the clowning, sight gags and laughter.

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The ensemble (Dave Jadico, Alex Bechtel, Aimé Donna Kelly, Scott Greer, and Jennifer Childs) plays “The Spinners” in 1812 Productions’ THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS (Photo credit: Mark Garvin)
Reviews Theater

THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS (1812 Productions): Now a Musical and Better than Ever!

Debra Miller May 2, 2014 No Comments

Lampooning everything from Hillary Clinton ‘not’ running for President in 2016 to NJ Governor Chris Christie ‘not’ closing the George Washington Bridge, 1812 Productions’ THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS delivers non-stop laughs in a fast-paced ensemble-devised review of today’s important issues.

View More THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS (1812 Productions): Now a Musical and Better than Ever!
Chelsea Murphy and Magda San Milan in WE TOUCHED IT. Photo by Kate Raines, Plate3Photography.
Dance Reviews

REMIX FESTIVAL (fidget): The Unseen Hand

Julius Ferraro May 2, 2014 1 Comment

Remix Festival, hosted at , is curated by Annie Wilson and Susan Rethorst, creator of the remixing concept (she calls it “wrecking”). The concept behind the festival is that on each of the four nights, three or four artists present original dance works. Then, after a short break, other artists present “remixed” versions these dances which they’ve had two days to prepare.

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Features Interviews Theater

The fault, dear Brutus, Act III: Makoto Hirano interviews Lantern AD Charles McMahon about “Super Racist” Julius Caesar

Christopher Munden May 2, 2014 No Comments

Makoto Hirano asks Lantern artistic director Charles McMahon some tough questions about the “Super Racist” Julius Caesar. And a clearly contrite McMahon does his best to explain the process that lead to the company’s misguided choices.

View More The fault, dear Brutus, Act III: Makoto Hirano interviews Lantern AD Charles McMahon about “Super Racist” Julius Caesar
Ben Grinberg rehearsing COMMUNITAS at Penn Treaty Park. Photo credit Justin Rose
Dance Features Interviews Previews Theater

Communitas Organizer: Interview with Ben Grinberg about his dance circus theater

Christopher Munden May 1, 2014 No Comments

Together with collaborator Nick Gillette, Ben Grinberg founded Almanac Dance Circus Theatre to offer production of his unique brand of acrobatic theater. Almanac’s inaugural show, Communitas, launches this May 22-24 at Christ Church Neighborhood House. Phindie asked Ben a few questions about the show and his new company.

View More Communitas Organizer: Interview with Ben Grinberg about his dance circus theater
Ann Crumb, dressed like an exotic bird, ready to take off in her final scene in Sunset Boulevard at the Media Theatre. Photo by Mark Jordan.
Reviews Theater

SUNSET BOULEVARD (Media Theatre): Ann Crumb as Norma Desmond, the delusional diva

Henrik Eger May 1, 2014 No Comments

Few singers can do what Ann Crumb can do, namely to transform herself in such versatile ways that people follow her wherever she goes, whether she performs on Broadway or in Media. Crumb, a depowered female King Lear, dominated every scene of SUNSET BOULEVARD in her own dream castle.

View More SUNSET BOULEVARD (Media Theatre): Ann Crumb as Norma Desmond, the delusional diva
Patch Theatre Company’s ME AND MY SHADOW, in collaboration with PAPAYA (Photo credit: Courtesy of the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts)
Previews Theater

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL (Annenberg Center): A Fun-Filled 30th-Birthday Celebration!

Debra Miller May 1, 2014 1 Comment

The oldest of its kind in our country, the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts’ INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL celebrates its 30th birthday in 2014. With a roster of affordable family-friendly presentations of theater, puppetry, and music from around the world, along with a hands-on Fun Zone filled with interactive cultural experiences in the Center’s outdoor plaza (or, in the case of inclement weather, inside in the lobby), this springtime tradition is a great way to introduce kids to the arts, and to reintroduce adults to their magic!

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the renegade company star wars
Previews Theater

May the Fourth Be With You: Renegade Star Wars theater event coincides with announcement of Star Wars VII cast

Christopher Munden April 30, 2014 No Comments

In the vein of last years William Shakespeare’s Star Wars by local publisher Quirk Books, The Renegade Company is holding a one-off Star Wars themed event to raise money for its upcoming productions. Costumes! Shakespeare! Lightsabers! Faux-Southern theater-rockers Jawbone Junctions!

Help us Renegade, your our only hope.

View More May the Fourth Be With You: Renegade Star Wars theater event coincides with announcement of Star Wars VII cast