Lewis Whittington’s articles on the performing arts have appeared in several publications, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, City Paper, The Advocate, Pointe, Dance Magazine and Metro. He lives in Center City.
| Heath Brothers: Vintage jazz at the Perelman |
October 29 2011 |
Even in their 80s, the jazz legends Jimmy and Tootie Heath still make terrific sounds together. They differ on just one issue: Does jazz sound best when served in clubs or in concert halls?
Heath Brothers Quintet. October 15, 2011 at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts. www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| Pennsylvania Ballet’s ‘Messiah’ (2nd review) |
March 08 2008 |
So much of Robert Weiss’s Messiah rises and falls on the Messiah himself, and the audience couldn’t get enough of principal Sergio Torrado in the role.
Messiah. Ballet by Robert Weiss; music by George Frideric Handel. Pennsylvania Ballet production through March 9, 2008 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 551-7000 or www.paballet.org.
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| Shen Wei Dance Arts at Perelman Theater |
March 01 2008 |
Shen Wei, founder of China’s first modern dance company, is as much painter and designer as master choreographer. To watch his Map is to see the work of the artist under repressive regimes.
Shen Wei Dance Arts. February 15-17, 2008 at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center. 215-893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org
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| Opera Company’s ‘Cyrano’ (2nd review) |
February 12 2008 |
David DiChiera’s Cyrano is still an operatic work-in-progress. It deserves a future life if only for its lofty ambitions.
Milanov and Orchestra's Bernstein Festival |
February 09 2008 |
Rossen Milanov demonstrated that he’s a specialist in exploring early 20th-Century European musicality.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Bernstein, Barber, Stravinsky. Joshua Bell, violin; Rossen Milanov, conductor. January 31-February 2, 2008 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1900 or www.philorch.org.
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| Paco Peña at Verizon Hall |
February 09 2008 |
People pound the rafters even after two and a half hours of authentic, undistilled, uncommercialized Spanish dance without any decoration.
Paco Peña Flamenco Ensemble. January 27, 2008 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| Pig Iron Theatre’s fund-raiser |
February 09 2008 |
Pearls dripped before the VIP swine at Pig Iron Theatre’s annual fund-raiser.
The Swining. Pig Iron Theatre fund-raiser, January 25, 2008 at the Trocadero, 1003 Arch St. (215) 627-1883 or www.pigiron.org
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| ‘M. Butterfly’s’ sword dancers |
February 09 2008 |
The sword dancers enlivened a lumbering first act.
M. Butterfly. Drama by David Henry Hwang; directed by Joe Calarco. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through February 24, 2008 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard Sts. (215) 985-0420 or www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
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| nEW Festival’s winter installment |
February 09 2008 |
The winter installment of nEW Festival’s “Dancehouse” collective of works in development was a frisky, sleeker sampler with concepts and sketches trying to break through to actual performance.
nEW Festival winter festival. Produced by Melanie Stewart Dance Theatre Jan. 18-20, 2008 at UArts Drake Theater, 1512 Spruce St. (215) 359-7775 or www.nEWfestival.net.
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| Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company |
February 02 2008 |
Choreographic provocateur Bill T. Jones has created new dialogues in dance arts from every physical angle and emotional perspective. But his tepid Chapel/Chapter seems like a complete commercially artsy indulgence.
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. January 29-30, 2008 at Zellerbach Theatre, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. (215) 898-3900 or www.pennpresents.org.
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| Mauckingbird’s ‘The Misanthrope’ |
January 27 2008 |
This Misanthrope works both as over-the-top gay soufflé and as a dishy Molière comedy that revels in character and literary satire. The nine-man cast conveys the airy tightness of ensemble playing.
The Misanthrope. Comedy by Molière; directed by Peter Reynolds. Mauckingbird Theatre Company production through February 2, 2008 at Adrienne Theatre Second Stage,
2030 Sansom St. (215) 563.4330 or
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| Orchestra plays Higdon 'Concerto 4-3' |
January 13 2008 |
Could the great Leonard Bernstein possibly be upstaged at the opening night of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s “Bernstein Festival”? Such was the case with Philadelphia composer Jennifer Higdon’s Concerto 4-3, which electrified the almost-sold-out audience at Verizon Hall.
Philadelphia Orchestra. Opening program of the Bernstein Festival: Higdon Concerto 4-3; Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet overture; Bernstein West Side Story Dances
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| Pennsylvania Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ |
December 18 2007 |
Does the new physical production of Pennsylvania Ballet’s Nutcracker live up to its $850,000 buzz? A resounding yes. With only one noticeable exception, Judanna Lynn’s 85 new costumes were both theatrically vibrant and dance functional. Better sets and costumes seemed to improve the dancing, too.
Pennsylvania Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Through December 31, 2007 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust St. (215) 551-7000 or
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| José Limón Dance Company at Annenberg |
December 11 2007 |
The Mexican choreographer José Limón died in 1972 but left an artistic bounty that remains a valuable resource when it comes to building the complete modern dancer. His distinctive style came through with joy at the Zellerbach even in an erratically danced program.
José Limón Dance Company. December 6-8, 2007 at Zellerbach Theatre, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St. (215) 898-3900 or Orchestra’s ‘Night of the Mayas’ |
December 01 2007 |
Under the baton of Peruvian conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya, an epic musical narrative of Mayan civilization became a fabulous tour de force for and by the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Revueltas, Night of the Mayas; Ravel, Rapsodie Espagnole and Markus Groh; Liszt, Piano Concerto No. 1. Miguel Harth-Bedoya conducting; Markus Groh, piano. November 23, 2007 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel center. (215) 893-1900 or Martha Graham Dance Co. at Annenberg |
November 10 2007 |
Martha Graham’s company, now in its 80th year, is rising from its own ashes. Its recent program was erratically danced (in some cases by students). But what matters is that it’s preserving an innovative dance legacy, not merely embalming an iconic choreographer.
Martha Graham Dance Company. Presented Nov. 8-10, 2007 by Dance Celebration at Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. (215) 898 3900 or www.pennpresents.org.
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| Ballet X at the Wilma |
November 06 2007 |
Ballet X marked its territory onstage at its new home with three premieres and, most important, its new permanent roster of eight dancers. Its co-artistic directors, Matthew Neenan and Christine Cox, didn’t miss this opportunity to display their company’s expansive artistic and technical mettle.
Ballet X: Risk of Flight, Once Again, M.O.M. My Own Memory. November 1-4, 2007, at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. (215) 546-7824 or Pennsylvania Ballet’s ‘Dracula’ |
October 30 2007 |
In this production of Dracula, the anemic Transylvanian count isn’t the only character who needs a transfusion. But whatever the deficiencies in Ben Stevenson’s choreography, they were lost on the audience, which lapped up this performance like vampires in a blood bank.
Dracula. Ballet choreographed by Ben Stevenson. Pennsylvania Ballet production through November 3, 2007 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 551.7000 or Pennsylvania Ballet’s ‘Company B’ |
October 13 2007 |
This is a transitional time for Pennsylvania Ballet, but artistic director Roy Kaiser isn’t hedging any bets in challenging his new dancers or making roster changes in his seasoned corps. Matt Neenan’s still unpredictable As It’s Going will eventually emerge as one of his strongest works.
“Company B.” Pennsylvania Ballet production October 10-14, 2007 at Merriam Theater, Broad St. above Spruce. (215) 551-7000 or OCP’s ‘Rigoletto’ (1st review) |
October 09 2007 |
Verdi’s 1850 masterpiece has always progressed as a complete piece, not a bilious framework of its arias. But Robert B. Driver’s kinetic direction keeps it completely involving, every element framing a finely tuned vocal production.
Rigoletto. Music by Giuseppe Verdi; directed by Robert Driver. Opera Company of Philadelphia through Oct. 17, 2007 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 732-8400 or www.operaphill
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| Wooster Group's ‘Emperor Jones’ (2nd review) |
September 08 2007 |
The world has changed since O’Neill’s The Emperor Jones first appeared in 1920. This new production reminds us that we’re still a racist society. OK, but what else is new?
The Emperor Jones. By Eugene O’Neill. Wooster Group production September 5-9, 2007 at Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad St. LiveArts/Philadelphia Fringe Festival, (215) 413-1318 or www.livearts-fr
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| Pig Iron Theatre’s ‘Isabella’ (1st review) |
September 04 2007 |
Shakespeare in the nude is certainly not for everybody. But Pig Iron Theatre mines a profund point: Decoration of the body is essentially meaningless to the human condition. This instant dark classic represents what the LiveArts-Philly Fringe Festivals could and should be.
Isabella. Pig Iron Theatre Company production through September 15, 2007 at Ice Box Projects Space, 1400 N. American St. (215) 413-1318or
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| Merián Soto/Performance Practice at Christ Church |
September 04 2007 |
Even with its many engrossing passages, this movement meditation—first tried out a year ago— still looked sketchy rather than contemplative.
“States of Gravity and Light #2” and “Balancing Acts.” Merián Soto/Performance Practice. August 31, 2007 at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St. www.pepatian.org/programsMSDP.html.
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| Barry Bonds as drug scapegoat |
August 14 2007 |
Barry Bonds’s home run record has called attention to his likely use of illegal steroids. How many other lower-profile needle secrets of professional sports have been swept under the carpet? And why aren’t sportswriters and talk show hosts asking that question?
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| Royal Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’ |
July 17 2007 |
Anthony Dowell‘s production of Swan Lake proved the more cohesive of this month’s two Royal Ballet productions. Dowell orchestrates four brilliantly structured acts, lavishly full of iconic images, displaying the Royal Ballet’s mastery of narrative balletic storytelling.
Swan Lake. Royal Ballet production July 12, 2007 at The Mann Center, Fairmount Park. (215) 893-1999 or www.manncenter.org
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| Royal Ballet’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ |
July 17 2007 |
The Royal Ballet’s production of Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet travels so well that even handling last-minute flight delays and a heat wave on the final stop of its tour couldn’t dent the glorious classicism onstage.
Romeo and Juliet. Royal Ballet production July 10, 2007 at The Mann Center, Fairmount Park. 893-1999 or www.manncenter.org.
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| Leah Stein's 'Gate' |
June 30 2007 |
Site choreographer Leah Stein’s Gate, performed at Eastern State Penitentiary, is not only a riveting movement drama; it’s allegorically stunning.
Gate. Leah Stein Dance Company June 8-17, 2007 at Eastern State Penitentiary. 215) 438-2688 or www.leahsteindance.org.
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| Ballet X at Wilma’s DanceBoom! |
June 30 2007 |
As usual, DanceBOOM! pleases and confounds, depending on your personal taste. But it continues to establish an aesthetically relaxed and accessible festival environment— a key ingredient for artists and audiences.
Ballet X. DanceBoom! Festival through June 16, 2007 at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. (at Spruce). (215) 546-7824 or
/www.wilmatheater.org.
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| Rennie Harris Retrospective at Perelman |
June 30 2007 |
Hip-hop and rap culture may or may not be racist and misogynist. But by constantly pushing its envelope, Rennie Harris demonstrates the best possibilities of this constantly evolving idiom.
Rennie Harris Puremovement: 15-Year Retrospective. June 18-20, 2007 at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts. (215) 893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| Pennsylvania Ballet’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ |
June 22 2007 |
Sleeping Beauty remains one of Pennsylvania Ballet’s most consistent and satisfying repertory classics. Even during this transitional year— with many new personnel and several dancers departing— artistic director Roy Kaiser remained solidly behind his dancers in this demanding ballet..
The Sleeping Beauty. Choreography by Marius Petipa, to Tchaikovsky’s music. Pennsylvania Ballet production through June 9, 2007 at Academy of Music, Bro
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| Momix at Annenberg Center |
May 26 2007 |
Momix closed out the Dance Celebration season with its rowdy 25th anniversary 13-piece sampler. It was emblematic of a terrifically diverse 06-07 series at Annenberg.
“The Best of Momix.” May 17-19, 2007 at Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. 215.898.3900 or www.pennpresents.org.
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| Pennsylvania Ballet’s ‘Modern Masters’ |
May 08 2007 |
Traditional ballet fans who stayed away missed a chance to see thrilling dance from three contemporary choreographers who, although lumped under the meaningless “modern” tag, are aesthetic worlds apart.
Modern Masters: Kevin O’Day, Val Caniparoli, Twyla Tharp. Pennsylvania Ballet, April 25-29, 2007, at Merriam Theatre, Broad St. above Spruce St. (215) 551-7000 or www.paballet.org.
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| Jeanne Ruddy’s ‘Earth Moves’ |
April 28 2007 |
In its seventh season, Jeanne Ruddy Dance Company is still establishing its aesthetic as a chamber modern dance company, and this program had the feel of a recital.
“Earth Moves: Dance Gone Green.” Jeanne Ruddy Dance Co. April 12, 2007 at The Performance Garage, 1515 Brandywine St. 215-569-4060 or www.ruddydance.org.
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| Sydney Dance Company at Annenberg |
April 03 2007 |
Sydney Dance Company choreographer Graeme Murphy thinks big, uses plenty of dancers onstage, and power-loads his canvas with flash narrative and comic invention.
Sydney Dance Company. March 29, 2007 at Annenberg Center, 3860 Walnut St. 215.898.6701 or www.pennpresents.org.
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| ‘Caroline, or Change’ at the Arden (first revi |
March 24 2007 |
As he did with Angels in America, Tony Kushner creates something conceptually different from the musical. His work brings to life the sound and roiling fury of 1963 America, when the civil-rights movement changed the world and Camelot was lost in a moment in Dallas. The Arden production is blessed with a stellar cast, kinetic direction and outstanding stage design.
Caroline, or Change. Book and Lyrics by Tony Kushner; music by Jeanine Tesori; directed by Terrence J
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| Pennsylvania Ballet’s 'Carmina Burana' |
March 17 2007 |
Matthew Neenan has scrapped all of the famous John Butler choreography that allegorically tapped into the social, sexual and civil unrest of the ‘60s and interpreted the medieval poems into a spacey journey for a menagerie of exotic dance creatures. But several chunks of the piece, particularly the transitional narrative content, have the feel of a middle draft.
Carmina Burana. Choreography by Matthew Neenan. Pennsylvania Ballet production through March 17, 2007 at A
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| Rubberbandance Group |
March 03 2007 |
Don’t be turned off by its gimmicky name. Rubberband’s dancers, some of them classically trained, are upping the ante in terms of what people expect from hip-hop.
Rubberbandance Group. February 27, 2007 at
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St. (215) 898-3900 or www.pennpresents.org
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| OCP’s ‘Porgy and Bess’ (first review) |
February 13 2007 |
This rare uncut version of the Gershwin classic cleans up the original show’s racial indignities and black vernacular. The swift dramatic pacing of the opening fails to pause for audience ovations. But everything falls into place once Gregg Baker and Angela Brown bring their marvelous voices together.
Porgy and Bess. Music by George Gershwin; libretto by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin; directed by Walter Dallas. Presented by Opera Company of Philadelphia through Febr
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| DanceBrazil at Annenberg |
February 06 2007 |
Desafio, Jelon Viera’s study of human conflict and bonds, features some really pissed-off-looking dancers circling each other and stepping into the dance arena, with furious movement results.
DanceBrazil. February 1, 2007, at Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. (215) 898-3900 or www.pennpresents.org.
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| Pennsylvania Ballet's 'Giselle' |
February 13 2007 |
Classical ballet fans who attended the opening night of Pennsylvania Ballet’s Giselle will be able to say that they were there the night a ballet star— the electrifying Gabriella Yudenich— was born. Another new soloist, Sergio Torrado, stalked the stage like a panther.
Giselle. Pennsylvania Ballet production through February 10, 2007 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. (at Spruce). 215 339 2000 or Richard Alston Dance Company |
January 20 2007 |
This is no pretty dance display; it’s diamond-hard post-Balanchine modernism. And many in the audience found it exhausting.
Richard Alston Dance Company. Presented January 18, 2007, by Dance Celebration, at Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. (215) 636-9000 or www.dancecelebration.org.
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| ‘Pippin' at the Forrest (1st review) |
January 15 2007 |
The legendary director/choreographer Bob Fosse had a knack for saving even the diceyest productions with the sheer charisma of his aura. Without him, this revival is dead on arrival.
Pippin. Words and music by Stephen Schwartz; directed by Gabriel Barre; choreography by Mark Dendy. Presented by Broadway at the Academy through January 15, 2007 at Forrest Theater, 1114 Walnut St. 215-731-3333 or www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway
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| Arden’s 'BFG' (Big Friendly Giant) |
January 12 2007 |
Some kids in the audience may have missed key plot points in Roald Dahl’s creepy fantasy. But that didn’t prevent them from being completely captivated when Meatdripper, Gizzardgulper, Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater or Bonecruncher came on stage.
The BFG (Big Friendly Giant). By Roald Dahl; directed by Whit MacLaughlin. Through January 28, 2007, at The Arden Children’s Theatre, 40 North Second St. 215-922-8900 or Pennsylvania Ballet's 'Nutcracker' |
December 30 2006 |
Balanchine’s technical requirement for every level of dancer comes into play here. The Pennsylvania Ballet’s production more than covers its bases on this score, even though technically this pageant usually ranges all over the place, and that was certainly true in the performance I saw.
The Nutcracker. Ballet by George Balanchine; music by Tchaikovsky. Pennsylvania Ballet production through December 31, 2006 at Academy of Music, Broad and Spruce Sts. 215.551.7000
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| OCP’s ‘Cinderella’ (third review) |
December 12 2006 |
Who cares if this tacky popcorn fired and misfired with its overdone Formica accents? Vocally (and orchestrally) it was as solid as Florentine marble.
La Cenerentola (Cinderella). Opera by Gioacchino Rossini. Directed by Davide Livermore; conductor Corrado Rovaris. Opera Company of Philadelphia production through November 19, 2006, at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. 215-893-3600 or www.operaphilly.com.
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| Philadanco at Perelman Theater |
December 09 2006 |
Philadanco, aka “Philadelphia’s other classic dance company,” is stronger than ever, with several new principals. This concert displayed plenty of range and fire. Plenty of audience appreciation, too.
Philadelphia Dance Co. (Philadanco). Nov. 19, 2006, at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts. 215-387-8200 or www.philadanco.org.
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| Grands Ballets Canadiens at Annenberg |
November 22 2006 |
Under the new artistic directorship of the Macedonian Gradimir Pankov, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens put on a brave tour show, danced with conviction without displaying individual strengths, personalities or even the company’s choreographic variety.
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal. November 18, 2006 at Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St. (215) 898-6701 or www.pennpresents.org.
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| '42nd Street' at the Walnut (2nd review) |
November 17 2006 |
Even with its oozing schmaltz, stale plot and (in this Philadelphia production) dicey production values and uneven cast, Walnut Street Theatre’s staging of the late director-choreographer Gower Champion’s 42nd Street has plenty going for it— most notably a half-dozen superb dancers.
Forty-Second Street. Music by Harry Warren; lyrics by Al Dubin; book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble. Directed by Charles Abbott; choreographed by Mary Jane Ho
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| Orchestra sans Muti |
November 08 2006 |
The Orchestra's heralded Muti concerts went on without Muti, but Neeme Järvi proved a most capable replacement. What he lacked in hair power, Järvi made up for in maestro-strokes, eliciting forceful elegance from the full orchestra.
Philadelphia Orchestra. November 2, 2006 concert at Kimmel Center, Verizon Hall, Broad and Spruce Sts. 215-893-1900 or www.philorch.org.
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| World Dance performances |
November 07 2006 |
Three World Dance troupes offer, respectively, electricity, metaphysical reflection and a polished, unfussy tango showcase.
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| Paul Taylor Dance Co. at Annenberg |
October 24 2006 |
Paul Taylor, one of the architects of the post-modern movement, kicked off Dance Celebration’s 25th season with a program that demonstrated the full range of his 50 years of dance-making.
Paul Taylor Dance Company. Presented October 19, 2006 by Dance Celebration at Zellerbach Theatre, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. (215) 636-9000 or www.dancecelebration.org.
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| 'Pillowman' at the Wilma (first review) |
October 18 2006 |
Martin McDonagh’s complex murder mystery, set in an unnamed totalitarian state, is much more than a black comedy. This is a forensic drama that mocks its own convolutions, as well as a scabrous satire of cultural violence.
The Pillowman. By Martin McDonagh; directed by Jiri Zizka. Through November 5, 2006, at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. (215) 893-9456 or www.wilmatheater.org
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| Rufus Wainwright at Penn |
October 17 2006 |
Rock star Rufus Wainwright is the gay man straight women want to sleep with and straight males watch to discover his secret.
Rufus Wainwright with Jill Stevenson. Oct. 6, 2006 at Irvine Auditorium,
University of Pennsylvania Campus (34th and Spruce St.). www.rufuswainwright.com.
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| Philadelphia Orchestra with André Watts |
October 17 2006 |
While maestro Eschenbach kept the symphonic gush poised and understated, Watts dispatched the Brahms Second in a manner reminiscent of Olivier playing Hamlet. Poor Pyotr Tchaikovsky wasn’t so lucky.
Brahms Piano Concerto #2, Tchaikovsky Symphony #6 (Pathetique). Philadelphia Orchestra with piano soloist André Watts. Oct. 5-10, 2006 at Verizon Hall. 215-293-1900 or www.philorch.org.
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| Pennsylvania Ballet’s Jerome Robbins program |
October 16 2006 |
It’s a new season for the Pennsylvania Ballet, and you know what that means: Reliable favorites from Jerome Robbins, reliably performed.
Romance & Revelry: An Evening of Dance by Jerome Robbins. Pennsylvania Ballet Oct. 11-15, 2006, at Academy of Music. www.paballet.org.
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| Chamber Orchestra's Shostakovich |
September 28 2006 |
The much-persecuted Dmitri Shostakovich was served heaping portions of artistic justice for his 100th birthday. As conducted by Ignat Solzhenitsyn and performed by the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, the four works soared with bold statements and rich subtleties, bringing forth every emotional dimension and texture.
Shostakovich Centennial Celebration. Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. September 25, 2006, at Perelman Theater in the Kimmel Center. (215) 545-5451 or Arden's 'Prayer For Owen Meany' |
September 28 2006 |
John Irving’s allegories, which evolved quietly in his novel, come across as heavy-handed in this stage adaptation. Two strong lead performances compensate for the production’s deficiencies.
A Prayer for Owen Meany. Adapted by Simon Bent from the John Irving novel. Directed by Terrence J. Nolen. Through October 14, 2006, at Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St. 215-922-8900 or www.ardentheatre.org.
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| Nancy Wilson at Verizon Hall |
September 18 2006 |
These days Nancy Wilson takes a while to get her act together. Or is that part of her act? Once she gets going, Wilson's audience sees a jazz diva in the full bloom of autumn, but with all the heart of spring.
Nancy Wilson. Opening of Kimmel Center’s Mellon Jazz Fridays series, at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, September 15, 2006. www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| 'After Guantanamo' at Live Arts/Philly Fringe Fest |
September 14 2006 |
Tom Weinberg Wilson has assembled all the ingredients for a potent sociopolitical drama, but the play disintegrates into tirades about Dick Cheney and American imperialism, which play more like the author’s words than the characters.’
After Guantanamo. Written and directed by Tom Weinberg Wilson. Live Arts/Philly fringe Festival, at Walnut Street Theatre Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.
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| Ballet X at Live Arts/Philly Fringe Festival |
September 14 2006 |
Ballet X’s dancers, all artistically moonlighting from Pennsylvania Ballet, display a raw athleticism that’s usually hidden in classical ballet.
Ballet X. Live Arts/Philly Fringe Festival, at the Wilma Theater, September 2006. www.livearts-fringe.org or 215 413 1318.
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| 'Ascab Capoeira' at Live Arts/Philly Fringe |
September 14 2006 |
Blacklight Capoeira and Maculele. Philly Fringe Festival production presented Sept. 1-9, 2006 at
Philadelphia Capoeira Arts Center,
756 South. 11th Street, second floor.
Several shows at the Philadelphia Live Arts/Fringe Festival failed to live up to their promise. But this 400-year-old Brazilian dance-pugilism form was a genuine treat.
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| 'The Lion King' & 'Cirque du Soleil' |
July 20 2006 |
The Lion King offers something for grownups as well as kids: The rich and accessible texturing of Garth Fagan’s choreography. At Cirque du Soleil, choreographer Debra Brown welds disciplines together into a flowing movement narrative string that provides more than mere breathers from the show’s pyrotechnic spectacles.
The Lion King. Choreography by Garth Fagan. At the Academy of Music through September 10, 2006. Peregrine Arts? ?Deadly She-Wolf? |
July 14 2006 |
The plot convolutions need streamlining, and the narration needs to be better paced with the action sequences, but this work of dance theater is an involving morality tale that deploys thrilling Samurai swordfights and martial arts exhibitions, as well as a score that's involving on every level.
Deadly She-Wolf Assassin At Armageddon. Dance-theater directed by Thaddeus Squire for Peregrine Arts. June 24-25 at
Mandell Theater, Drexel University.
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| Wilma?s DanceBoom! 2006 |
July 06 2006 |
Dance Festivals take time to earn their reputations. The Wilma Theater’s DanceBoom is just five years old and in many respects still finding its footing. But new artistic director Terry Fox didn’t skip a beat, including events like a dance film series and performances outside the theater to give things a more festival-y feel.
Danceboom! 2006. June 15-30, 2006, at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. www.wilmatheater.org
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| Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival |
July 06 2006 |
Despite his adolescent trauma, Martin Moran engagingly demonstrates that he’s a truer Catholic than the counselor who abused him. Blair Fell’s exploration of Shakespeare’s sexuality offers some unexpectedly inspired characterizations.
Fourth Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival. June 15-July 1, 2006. www.philagaylesbiantheatrefest.org
The Tricky Part, one-man show by Martin Moran. June 19, 2006, at Haas Stage at the Arden Theater.
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| UArts' nEW Festival 2006 |
July 06 2006 |
This collection of works-in-progress is amateurish, artistically slutty, even dance-averse. Can’t wait to see the final product.
nEW Festival 06. Dance-theater collective directed by Melanie Stewart and Paule Turner, for University of the Arts School of Dance. June 3-24, 2006 at Drake Theater, 15th and Spruce Sts. www.newfestival.net
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| Arden's 'A Funny Thing Happened' |
July 06 2006 |
Director Terrence J. Nolen once again displays his grasp of Sondheim, pumping fresh life into an often-revived musical chestnut that’s beginning to seem almost as ancient as the Roman Empire it lampoons.
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Steven Sondheim musical with script by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart; directed by Terence J. Nolan. Presented June 2006 by Arden Theatre Company. www.ardentheatre.org.
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| Eleone Dance Theatre's Tenth Anniversary |
May 15 2006 |
The Eleone Dance Theatre celebrated its tenth anniversary with an evening-length concert that that was all over the modern choreographic map.
“Jumping to Higher Heights.” Eleone Dance Theatre, May 6-7, 2006 at John E. Allen, Jr. Theater at Freedom Theater. www.eleonedance.org
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| 'Luis Bravo's Tangos' at Annenberg |
May 04 2006 |
Who needs sex manuals? These four tangoing couples evoked more than mere missionary positions as they took a lusting audience through a dozen erotically charged duets.
“Luis Bravo’s Tangos.” Dance Celebration series, April 26-27, 2006, at Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. www.dancecelebration.org.
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| PAB's 'Midsummer Night's Dream' |
April 28 2006 |
Pennsylvania Ballet’s handsome full staging of Midsummer at the Academy of Music, with its top-drawer production values, had much going for it, but also exposed the company’s shortcomings.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Choreographed by George Balanchine. Presented by Pennsylvania Ballet at the Academy of Music, April 13-23, 2006. www.paballet.org.
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| Dance Celebration's 'Lindy to Hip-Hop' |
April 26 2006 |
In a choreographed journey through 20th-Century pop muisc, the hometown team of Brian Sanders, Roni Koresh and Myra Bazell (left) blew my mind, busted my gut and broke my heart.
"The Music that Made Us Dance: From Lindy to Hip-Hop." Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, April 18-22, 2006. www.dancecelebration.org
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| BodyVox at Dance Celebration |
April 11 2006 |
How can this troupe be so much fun and not be aware when they’re tedious?
BodyVox. At Dance Celebration series, Annenberg Center, April 6-8, 2006. www.dancecelebration.org/DanceCelebration.html
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| 'Shut Up and Dance' |
April 04 2006 |
This annual AIDS benefit has become a joyous vehicle for classically trained ballet dancers to showcase their hidden talents as artists and people. Where else can you hear Beethoven and the rap star Busta Rhymes from the same stage?
"Shut Up & Dance 2006.” Pennsylvania Ballet dancers’ benefit for MANNA, at Forrest Theater, April 1, 2006.
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| "Shut Up and Dance' |
April 04 2006 |
Copy to come.
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| 'Giselle' and 'Antigone' |
March 25 2006 |
With Giselle, I got caught up in this petrified warhorse of a ballet, even if the production was uneven and performance erratic. And Rebecca Davis’s undulating Antigone is not your daddy's Greek tragedy (or maybe it is).
Giselle. Russian National Ballet at Annenberg Center, March 15, 2006.
Antigone. Rebecca Davis Dance Company at Perelman Theater,
Kimmel Center, March 16, 2006.
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| Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Verizon |
February 28 2006 |
| No longer in Paul Simon?s shadow, this venerable South African vocal group warmed a frigid afternoon with joyous musical messages of peace and cultural pride.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo. At Verizon Hall, February 19, 2006. www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| Hubbard Street Dance at Annenberg |
March 02 2006 |
| In neo-classical and modern idioms alike, these dancers’ physicality sparkles, both as individuals and as an ensemble.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Dance Celebration Series at the Annenberg Center, February 23, 2006. www.dancecelebration.org.
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| Pa. Ballet's Balanchine program |
February 13 2006 |
| After a ragged fall start, the Pennsylvania Ballet returns to a blood-red outfit pulsing with energy.
Western Symphony with Prodigal Son and Theme and Variations. All-Balanchine program by the Pennsylvania Ballet at the Merriam Theater, Feb. 1- 5, 2006. www.paballet.org.
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| 'Mozart Reloaded': A composer for all seasons |
February 01 2006 |
| Mozart:Reloaded. Curated by Andrea Clearfield. At the Perelman Theate, January 21, 2006.
A raucous and eclectic concert proves that Mozart thrives in any musical setting.
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