| ‘The Gross Clinic’ restored |
July 26 2010 |
At last The Gross Clinic, Thomas Eakins’s 1875 masterpiece of art as well as medical science, can be seen as Eakins envisioned it, revealing details that have been distorted since its aggressive brightening of the 1920s. Now we can see the artist's original point: Before electricity, surgeons operated largely in the dark— literally as well as figuratively.
“Seeing The Gross Clinic Anew.” Through January 9, 2011 at the Pearlman Building, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Ben Franklin Parkway and 26th St. (215) 763-8100 or www.philamuseum.org. After January 9, 2011 at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Broad and Cherry Sts. www.pafa.org.
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| Second City’s 50th anniversary tour (1st review) |
July 20 2010 |
After 50 years, Chicago’s Second City still displays a distinct style of satirical humor that transcends its competitors. Its forte is spontaneous improvisation, but its real distinction is an indescribable weird, dark quality.
Second City 50th Anniversary Tour. Directed by Bill Bungeroth. Through July 25, 2010 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard St. 215-985-0420 or www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
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| ‘The Secret of Sherlock Holmes’ at People’s Light (2nd review) |
July 17 2010 |
The Secret of Sherlock Holmes challenges conventional detective stereotypes, presenting a Sherlock Holmes with noticeable flaws and a Dr. Watson of intellect and humor.
The Secret of Sherlock Holmes. By Jeremy Paul; Stephen Novelli directed. Through August 8, 2010 at People’s Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern. (610) 644-3500 or www.peopleslight.org.
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| ‘Musical of Musicals’ at Walnut Studio 3 (1st review) |
June 26 2010 |
This complex 2003 parody of Broadway musicals keeps revealing new subtleties, and we can appreciate this superb cast even more when we see them up close in an intimate space like the Walnut’s upstairs independence Studio 3.
The Musical of Musicals, the Musical. Music by Eric Rockwell; lyrics by Joanne Bogart, book by Rockwell and Bogart; Craig Fols directed. Through June 27, 2010 at Walnut Street Theatre, Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St. (215) 574-3550 or www.walnutstreettheatre.org.
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| A new twist on ‘Avenue Q’ |
June 19 2010 |
The Broadway musical Avenue Q finds its raison d’être in contrasting what kids learned from “Sesame Street” with what they experience when they go out in the real world. The untimely death of the troubled former child actor Gary Coleman makes you wonder: Is this really a laughing matter?
Avenue Q. Music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx; book by Jeff Witty. Through June 20, 2010 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| Opera Company’s ‘Orphée et Eurydice’ (3rd review) |
June 19 2010 |
Unlike the Met’s elaborately complicated staging of Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice, Robert Driver’s Philadelphia version strives for simplicity. In many respects it’s the more endearing of the two.
Orphée et Eurydice. Opera by Christof Willibald Gluck (Hector Berlioz adaptation) directed by Robert B. Driver; Corrado Rovaris, conductor. In French with English supertitles. Opera Company of Philadelphia production through June 25, 2010 at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts. (215) 732-8400 or www.operaphila.org.
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| Straus’s ‘The Merry Niebelungs’ by Concert Operetta Theater |
June 15 2010 |
Whether you love Wagner or loathe him, you’ll probably enjoy Oscar Straus’s 1904 parody, especially in its new American translation.
The Merry Niebelungs. Operetta by Oscar Straus; translation by Michael Ashby, Daniel Pantano and Stephan Stoeckl; José Meléndez, music director. Concert Operetta Theater production, June 12-13, 2010 at Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St. (215) 389-0648 or www.concertoperetta.com.
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| ‘Sunday in the Park’ at the Arden (2nd review) |
June 07 2010 |
The two acts of Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park With George have never been as perfectly balanced as they are in Terrence Nolen’s new production. Because this is a show about an artist’s quest for balance, that’s the ultimate compliment.
Sunday in the Park With George. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; book by James Lapine; directed by Terrence J. Nolen. Through July 4, 2010 at Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St. (215) 922-1122 or www.ardentheatre.org.
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| ‘Fiddler On the Roof’ at the Walnut |
May 31 2010 |
The Walnut Street Theater’s production of Fiddler on the Roof is better than any I’ve seen, aside from the original Broadway staging that ran from 1964 to 1972.
Fiddler On the Roof. Book by Joseph Stein; music by Jerry Bock; lyrics by Sheldon Harnick; Bruce Lumpkin directed. Through July 18, 2010 at Walnut Street Theatre, Ninth and Walnut St. (215) 574-3550 or www.walnutstreettheatre.org.
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| Vaclav Havel’s ‘Leaving’ at the Wilma (1st review) |
May 28 2010 |
Here’s a play about what happens when a statesman leaves office by a statesman who did leave office. But for all the insights he might have offered in Leaving, Vaclav Havel shoots for farce rather than drama.
Leaving. By Vaclav Havel; directed by Jiri Zizka. Through June 20, 2010 at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. (at Spruce). 215-546-7824 or www.WilmaTheater.org.
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| LA Philharmonic visits Verizon Hall (2nd review) |
May 22 2010 |
With his East Coast premiere of John Adams’s City Noir and his surprisingly intense interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, the LA Philharmonic’s young conductor Gustavo Dudamel demonstrated that he’s more than just another pretty face.
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Adams, City Noir; Tchaikovsky, Sixth Symphony (“Pathétique”). Gustavo Dudamel, conductor. May 19, 2010 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts. (212) 790-5800 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| The Met’s ‘Armida’ in HD transmission |
May 18 2010 |
In the Met’s production of Rossini’s Armida, wonderful scenes and the stunning performance of Renée Fleming alternate with long patches of lesser interest.
Armida. Opera by Gioacchino Rossini. Directed by Mary Zimmerman; Riccardo Frizza, conductor. Metropolitan Opera high-definition screen production May 19, 2010 in movie theaters throughout the U.S. (May 22 in Canada.) www.metoperafamily.org.
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| Opera Company’s ‘La Traviata’ (2nd review) |
May 15 2010 |
The Opera Company’s stunning production of La Traviata, updated to the Roaring ‘20s, shouldn’t be discarded just because it’s anachronistic. But how can we see the Violetta-Alfredo relationship as more upsetting in a sexually liberated age? Let me suggest a solution.
La Traviata. Opera by Giuseppe Verdi; Robert B. Driver directed; Corrado Rovaris, conductor. Opera Company of Philadelphia production through May 16, 2010 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust St. (215) 732-8400 or www.operaphila.org.
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| ‘Xanadu’ in Wilmington |
May 11 2010 |
Xanadu, a knockoff of a 1980 movie about a goddess who helps a bunch of California kids open a disco, lacks a discernible point, other than a chance to hear some good disco music once again. That point alone may suffice.
Xanadu. Book by Douglas Carter Beane; music by John Farrar and Jeff Lynne. May 4-9, 2010 at DuPont Theatre, Hotel DuPont, 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.
302-594-3154 or 800-338-3404 or xanaduonbroadway.com.
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| AVA’s ‘La Bohème’ |
May 11 2010 |
Everyone in the cast of AVA’s La Bohème displayed youthful fervor and sang at a level equal to or better than what one sees in professional opera houses. Watch especially for soprano Na Li Youm, whose large yet intimate voice will take her far (even if she’s too healthy-looking to play the consumptive Mimi).
La Bohème. Opera by Giacomo Puccini; directed by Dorothy Danner; Christofer Macatsoris, conductor. Academy of Vocal Arts production May 11, 13, 2010 at Centennial Hall, Haverford School
450 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford; also May 15, 2010 at Walter K. Gordon Theater, Rutgers/Camden, Third and Pearl Sts., Camden, N.J. (215) 735-1685 or www.avaopera.com.
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| Tracy Letts’s ‘August: Osage County’ on tour (2nd review) |
May 04 2010 |
The traveling cast played August: Osage County mostly as a comedy. But on Broadway, the cast expressed strong emotions when confronting suicide, addictions, infidelity, child molestation and incest. Wouldn’t you, if this were your family?
August: Osage County. By Tracy Letts; directed by Anna D. Shapiro. Through May 2, 2010 at the Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St. (215) 893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| Lantern Theater’s ‘Henry IV, Part I’ (2nd review) |
May 01 2010 |
Lantern’s Henry IV, Part I is well acted, but the most impressive thing about this production is the immediacy and the royalty of the set in such a small and intimate space.
Henry IV, Part I. By William Shakespeare; Charles McMahon directed. Lantern Theater production through May 9, 2010 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St (215) 829-0935 or www.lanterntheater.org.
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| ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at Annenberg |
April 27 2010 |
The co-producers of this touring Romeo and Juliet have targeted communities across America and, in particular, young audiences. But something got lost in the transition.
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Directed by Penny Metropulos. Co-production by The Acting Company (New York) and The Guthrie Theater (Minneapolis), April 20-24, 2010 at Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. (215) 898-3900 or www.pennpresents.org.
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| Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ at the Met |
April 17 2010 |
The Metropolitan Opera will soon retire Franco Zeffirelli’s lavish production of La Traviata. The compensation is this spring’s debut of the dashing tenor James Valenti. The opera world hasn’t seen this combination of voice and stature since Franco Corelli.
La Traviata. Opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Through April 24, 2010 at Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, Broadway and 65th St., New York. www.metoperafamily.org.
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| Neil LaBute’s ‘Fat Pig’ by Theatre Horizon |
April 17 2010 |
Neil LaBute’s Fat Pig— a commentary about prejudice against those who are different, especially the overweight— is a daring choice for a small suburban company. Its callous characters are difficult to watch but also difficult to turn away from.
Fat Pig. By Neil LaBute; directed by Matthew Decker. Theatre Horizon production through May 1, 2010 at Centre Theater, 208 DeKalb St., Norristown, Pa. (610) 283-2230 or www.theatrehorizon.org.
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| ‘The 39 Steps’ in Wilmington |
April 13 2010 |
Patrick Barlow’s The 39 Steps is an entertaining spoof of the Hitchcock genre, using a series of clever slapstick stunts in place of the master’s subtle wit.
The 39 Steps. By Patrick Barlow, from a book by John Buchan; directed by Maria Aitkin. April 6-11, 2010 at DuPont Theatre, 1007 N. Market Street, Wilmington, Del.. (800) 338-0881 or www.duponttheatre.com.
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| Joys of spring training |
April 03 2010 |
Charlie Manuel, the Phillies’ manager couldn’t wait to finish spring training. But for me and many others, Florida baseball in March is a much more intimate experience than anything you’ll find up North during the regular season.
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| ‘The Lion King’ gets the tour treatment |
March 27 2010 |
In its touring production, The Lion King looks as fresh and gorgeous as ever. But it has undermined its original tone as a human drama.
The Lion King. Songs by composer Elton John and Tim Rice, score by Hans Zimmer; directed by Julie Taymor. Through Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 731-3333 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| Thomas’s ‘Hamlet’ at the Met |
March 27 2010 |
Hamlet, the seldom-performed opera by the 19th-Century French composer Ambrose Thomas, departs significantly from Shakespeare. Yet it works as a drama.
Hamlet. Opera by Ambrose Thomas. Through April 9, 2010 at Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, Broadway and 65th St., New York. High-definition simulcast at selected movie theaters, Wednesday, April 14, 2010. (212) 362-6000 or www.metoperafamily.org.
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| Lessons from Tilson Thomas (2nd review) |
March 27 2010 |
The recent orchestral triumphs of Vladimir Jurowski and Michael Tilson Thomas offer further proof that orchestral excellence by itself doesn’t suffice; audiences yearn as well for a conductor with personality.
San Francisco Symphony: Mahler Second Symphony. Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor; Katarina Karneus, mezzo-soprano; Laura Claycomb, soprano; Westminster Choir, Joe Miller, director. March 22, 2010 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts. (215) 790-5800 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| Muti conducts Verdi’s ‘Attila’ at the Met |
March 20 2010 |
Riccardo Muti is pumping new excitement into Attila, one of Verdi’s weakest operas— which, like Muti himself, hasn’t previously appeared at the Met.
Attila. Opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Riccardo Muti, conductor; Pierre Audi, director. Through March 27, 2010 at Metropolitan Opera, Broadway and 65th St., New York. (212) 362-6000 or www.metoperafamily.org/metopera.
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| Jurowski ignites the Orchestra (1st review) |
March 20 2010 |
Maestro Vladimir Jurowski attracted a full house to the Philadelphia Orchestra and generated wild enthusiasm by the end. This charismatic young conductor could hold the key to the struggling Orchestra’s future.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Beethoven, Third Symphony (“Eroica”); Schumann, Piano Concerto; Brahms, Tragic Overture. Vladimir Jurowski, conductor; Benedetto Lupo, piano. March 18-20, 2010 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts. Free pre-concert conversation 7 p.m. (215) 893-1999 or www.philorch.org
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| Chile: Left wing and right, together |
March 06 2010 |
Chile is in the news this week due to that disastrous earthquake, and North Americans are realizing how little we know about that country. That’s a shame, because Chile today offers us a useful lesson in peaceful coexistence between laissez-faire capitalism and nanny-state socialism.
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| Tan Dun’s ‘Tea’ by the Opera Company (2nd review) |
February 27 2010 |
I wouldn’t go out of my way to see Tan Dun’s Tea: A Mirror of the Soul for its story. But its music is tantalizing and provocative.
Tea: A Mirror of Soul. Opera composed and conducted by Tan Dun; libretto by Tan Dun and Xu Ying; translation by Diana Liao; directed by Amon Miyamoto. Opera Company of Philadelphia production through February 28. 2010 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 732-8400 or www.operaphilly.com.
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| Met’s ‘Simon Boccanegra’ on simulcast |
February 13 2010 |
The Met’s new production of Verdi’s unjustly ignored masterpiece, Simon Boccanegra, had even more impact on a big screen than in the opera house. Imagine Domingo and Morris, in close-up and in the fullness of their maturity, singing beautifully about the end of life.
Simon Boccanegra. Opera by Giuseppe Verdi; James Levine, conductor. Live performance from the Metropolitan Opera simulcast in theaters nationwide on February 6, 2010 and February 24, 2010 (6:30 p.m. local time). Canada Encore: March 20, 2010, 1 p.m. www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/broadcast.
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| McNally’s ‘Golden Age’ by PTC (2nd review) |
February 02 2010 |
Golden Age may be set in 1835, but it’s actually Terrence McNally’s latest paean to the obsession of his life, Maria Callas. Music lovers will relish hearing about vocal techniques, public tastes, jealousies and gossip about other singers and composers, but it goes on too long.
Golden Age. By Terrence McNally; directed by Austin Pendleton. Philadelphia Theatre Co., production through February 14, 2010 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St. (at Lombard). (215) 985-0420 or www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
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| AVA’s ‘Norma’ and ‘Trovatore’ in concert |
February 02 2010 |
The recent Academy of Vocal Arts concert offered beautiful, professional-level singing with strong accompaniment by the AVA orchestra, conducted by the school’s musical director, Christofer Macatsoris. It also provided inadvertent insight into the difference between Bellini and Verdi.
Norma and Il Trovatore. Opera excerpts by Bellini and Verdi, respectively, in concert; Christofer Macatsoris, conductor. Academy of Vocal Arts production January 29-30 at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, and February 2, 2010 at Centennial Hall, Haverford College, 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford. (215) 735-1685 or www.avaopera.com.
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| How we misjudged Obama |
January 26 2010 |
A year ago, many observers (including me) thought Obama was the second coming of Franklin D. Roosevelt. In retrospect, FDR and Obama have more differences than similarities. But FDR was changed for the better by a personal crisis, and Obama might do the same.
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| Met’s ‘Carmen’ — the HD theatrical version |
January 22 2010 |
My reservations about the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Carmen were swept away when I saw the luscious Latvian mezzo Elina Garanca on a big movie screen.
Carmen. Opera by Georges Bizet; directed by Richard Eyre; Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor. Live high-definition theatrical version February 3, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at selected movie theaters; PBS telecast, May 16, 2010. This production will be seen again in theaters Wednesday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m. Eventually available as a DVD. www.metoperafamily.org.
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| Metropolitan Opera’s new ‘Carmen’ |
January 16 2010 |
The Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Carmen, set in fascist Spain of the 1930s, contains three outstanding elements: its Carmen, its Don José and its conductor. Their relative importance may well be in reverse order.
Carmen. Opera by Georges Bizet; directed by Richard Eyre; Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor. Through May 1, 2010 at Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York. (212) 362-6000 or www.metoperafamily.org.
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| ‘Tales of Hoffman’ at the Met |
January 09 2010 |
Nit-picking critics have jumped on the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Tales of Hoffman for using a “discredited” version of the Offenbach score. A more valid criticism is the treatment of the opera’s central character, which is key to our understanding of the composer himself.
The Tales of Hoffman. Opera by Jacques Offenbach; directed by Bartlett Sher; James Levine conducted. Metropolitan Opera production ended January 3, 2010 at Lincoln Center, New York. 212-362-6000 or www.metoperafamily.org/metopera.
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| ‘Ragtime’ on Broadway, reconsidered (2nd review) |
December 29 2009 |
Thanks to the Lincoln Center Library’s collection of theater videotape recordings, I discovered a few things I’d overlooked in my original review of Ragtime. So why can’t Philadelphia find foundation funding for a similar theater video repository?
Ragtime. Script by Terrence McNally; lyrics by Lynn Ahrens; music by Stephen Flaherty; directed by Lynn Dodge Milgrom. Through January 10, 2010 at the Neil Simon Theatre, 250 West 52nd St., New York. (212) 757-8646 or www.neilsimontheatre.com.
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| ‘Superior Donuts’ on Broadway |
December 22 2009 |
Superior Donuts is a gem of a comedy, notable for its warm comic interplay among genuinely recognizable characters. Too bad its Broadway run is closing soon.
Superior Donuts. By Tracy Letts; directed by Tina Landau. Through January 3, 2009 at the Music Box Theatre, 239 W. 45th St. (between Broadway and Eighth Ave.), New York. (212) 239-6200 or www.donutsonbroadway.com.
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| ‘Holiday Show With the Swing Club Band’ |
December 19 2009 |
Instead of pretending to tell a story, this highly entertaining production authentically recreates a nightclub as it would have appeared on the last night of 1949— the last New Year’s Eve of a triumphant America at peace.
Holiday Show With the Swing Club Band. Script by Mike Reilly; directed by Matthew Decker. Through January 3, 2010 at Theatre Horizon, 208 Dekalb St., Norristown, Pa. (610) 283-2230 or www.theatrehorizon.org.
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| Philadelphia Orchestra plays Wagner (1st review) |
December 12 2009 |
The Philadelphia Orchestra demonstrated that Wagner without drama can be beautiful. It can also put you to sleep.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Wagner’s The Ring (arranged by de Vlieger); Walker, Violin Concerto. Neeme Järvi, conductor; Gregory Walker, violin. December 10-12, 2009 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts. 215.893.1999 or www.philorch.org.
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| ‘This Is the Week That Is’ by 1812 Productions (2nd review) |
December 12 2009 |
The latest edition of This Is the Week That Is improves on its predecessors because it does more than attack the unpopular Bush administration. The writers clearly hold conflicted views about Obama’s behavior as president, and their uncertainty leads to a more nuanced show than in the past.
This Is the Week That Is: The New Administration. Conceived and directed by Jennifer Childs; head writer Don Montrey. Presented through January 3, 2010 by 1812 Productions at Plays and Players Theatre, 1724 Delancey Pl. (215) 592-9560 or www.1812productions.org.
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| Nézet-Séguin conducts the Orchestra (2nd review) |
December 11 2009 |
Poor César Franck— even the Philadelphia Orchestra’s program annotator chides his symphony for being repetitive. But in an age before cell phones, TV and recordings, concerts provided leisurely immersion in beautiful sounds.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Vivier, Orion; Brahms First Piano Concerto; Franck, Symphony in D minor. December 3-5, 2009 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts. 215.893.1999 or www.philorch.org.
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| ‘Legally Blonde’ in Wilmington |
December 07 2009 |
Legally Blonde– the Musical doesn’t aim to be serious or exploratory, so sophisticated theatergoers might pass it by. If you do, it’s your loss.
Legally Blonde. Book by Heather Hach; music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin; directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. December 1-6, 2009 at DuPont Theatre, 1007 Market St. Wilmington, Del. (800) 338-0881 or tour.legallyblondethemusical.com.
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| The Academy's acoustics: A forgotten treasure |
December 01 2009 |
Conventional wisdom holds that the Philadelphia Orchestra “has never had a hall worthy of its sound.” Not so. From the Orchestra’s founding in 1900, the Academy of Music’s acoustics drew nationwide raves from musicians, conductors, audiences and architects alike— until the Academy's stewards began tampering with it in 1960.
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| ‘Ragtime’ revived in New York (1st review) |
November 28 2009 |
The new budget-minded revival of Ragtime is apt and, in some scenes, provides more clarity than the 1998 original. But one particular economy disturbs me.
Ragtime. Script by Terrence McNally; lyrics by Lynn Ahrens; music by Stephen Flaherty; directed by Lynn Dodge Milgrom. At the Neil Simon Theatre, 250 West 52nd St., New York. (212) 757-8646 or www.neilsimontheatre.com.
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| ‘Light in the Piazza’ by PTC (1st review) |
November 21 2009 |
The Philadelphia Theatre Company’s version of The Light in the Piazza is a unique accomplishment, adapting the look of New York’s spacious Lincoln Center production to a smaller stage. It’s a great re-interpretation of a gentle musical about fragile people.
The Light in the Piazza. Book by Craig Lucas; music and lyrics by Adam Guettel; directed by Joe Calarco. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through December 13, 2009 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St. (at Lombard). (215) 985-0420 or www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
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| Verdi’s ‘Falstaff’ by the Academy of Vocal Arts |
November 21 2009 |
Can a mere 17 voices (and no chorus) do justice to Falstaff? As the Academy of Vocal Arts demonstrates, Verdi’s last masterpiece is an opera that benefits from intimacy.
Falstaff. Opera by Giuseppe Verdi; directed by Tito Capobianco; Christofer Macatsoris, conductor. Academy of Vocal Arts productions November 13, 17, 19 at Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St.; November 21, 2009 at central Buck South high School, Warrington, Pa.; November 23, 2009 at Centennial Hall, Haverford School, Haverford, Pa. (215) 735-1685 or www.avaopera.com.
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| Jurowski awakens the Orchestra |
November 06 2009 |
The combination of Vladimir Jurowski’s inspired Slavic programming and the exciting young Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan generated the sort of intermission buzz that hasn’t been heard at Philadelphia Orchestra concerts for a good while.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Stravinsky, Scherzo fantastique; Tchaikovsky, Violin Concerto; Prokofiev, Symphony No. 4. Vladimir Jurowski, conductor; Sergey Khachatryan, violin. October 29-31, 2009 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1955 or www.philorch.org.
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| The Orchestra’s strange new ‘Collections’ |
November 06 2009 |
As the result of a survey three years ago, the Philadelphia Orchestra now offers subscribers four “collections” of concerts. But the guidelines for each “collection” seem arbitrary, if not amorphous.
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| Opera Company’s ‘Madame Butterfly’ (2nd review) |
October 26 2009 |
This Butterfly was perhaps the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Virtually everything about it suits the legend and never intrudes on the story. I have only two quibbles.
Madame Butterfly. Opera by Giacomo Puccini; directed by Cynthia Stokes. Opera Company of Philadelphia production through October 18, 2009 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust St. (215) 732-8400 or operaphila.org.
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| ‘Alegria’ vs. ‘Humor Abuse’ |
October 18 2009 |
If you want to enjoy Lorenzo Pisoni’s Humor Abuse, I suggest you see Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria the day before, as I did. Alegria’s clowns demonstrate far less dexterity, originality and humor than Pisoni does. And he’s a more engaging fellow, too.
Alegria: Cirque du Soleil. October 13-19, 2009 at Liacouras Center, Temple University. www.cirquedusoleil.com.
Humor Abuse. Created by Lorenzo Pisoni; directed by Erica Schmidt. Philadelphia Theatre Company production through October 25, 2009 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St. (at Lombard). (215) 985-0420 or www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
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| Philadelphia Orchestra’s quandary (and Yuja Wang) |
October 15 2009 |
Last weekend’s Philadelphia Orchestra program seemed aimed at the ghosts of Eugene Ormandy’s old crowd. Charles Dutoit isn’t giving us the type of innovative programming he provided in his young conducting days in Montreal.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Barber, Adagio For Strings; Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique; Prokofiev, Piano Concerto No. 2. Yuja Wang, piano; Charles Dutoit, conductor. October 8-10, 2009 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1955 or www.philorch.org.
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| ‘The History Boys’ at the Arden (2nd review) |
October 13 2009 |
Alan Bennett’s The History Boys is a witty play about the value of education and a paean to the joys of language. But for all the choreographic staging and careful attention to accents in the Arden’s current production, the actors’ words themselves are often inaudible.
The History Boys. By Alan Bennett; Terrence J. Nolen directed. Through Nov. 1, 2009 at the Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St. (215) 922-1122 or www.ardentheatre.org.
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| 'Nathan the Wise’ at People’s Light (2nd review) |
October 10 2009 |
Gotthold Lessing’s Nathan the Wise is an 18th-Century brotherhood plea that flunks most standard tests of drama and betrays little realistic knowledge of Jews, Muslims and even Christians. Its author’s utopian idealism renders it fascinating nevertheless.
Nathan the Wise. By Gotthold Lessing; translation by Edward Kemp; directed by Abigail Adams. Through October 11, 2009 at People’s Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, Pa. (610) 644-3500 or www.peopleslight.org.
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| ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ at the Walnut (2nd review) |
September 22 2009 |
Dan Rottenberg’s complaints notwithstanding, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is above all a rejection of serious theater and a spoof of old Broadway musicals. On that admittedly lightweight level, it succeeds amply.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Book by Jeffrey Lane; music and lyrics by David Yazbek; directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford. Through October 25, 2009 at Walnut Street Theatre. 825 Walnut St. (215) 574-3550 or www.walnutstreettheatre.org.
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| ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in Norristown |
September 21 2009 |
The hero of Little Shop of Horrors always thought of his man-eating plant as female. So why has it taken 49 years for a theater company to cast a woman as the plant?
Little Shop of Horrors. Music by Alan Menken; libretto by Howard Ashman; directed by Megan Nicole O'Brien. 11th Hour Theater Company and Theatre Horizon production through October 4, 2009 at Centre Theater, 208 DeKalb St., Norristown, Pa. (610) 283-2230 or www.theatrehorizon.org.
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| Center City Opera’s ‘ConNextions’ |
September 13 2009 |
Two new operas are impressively played and sung in a double-bill by Center City Opera Theater. But The Always Present Present is plagued by awkward vocal writing, and Darkling suffers from a static story.
"ConNextions: The Next Generation of Opera." Center City Opera Theater/Philadelphia Fringe Festival production through September 13, 2009 at Lantern Theater, Tenth and Ludlow St. 215.413.1318 or www.livearts-fringe.org/details.cfm?id=9083.
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| ‘Edgar Allan Poe Comes Alive’ at Fringe Festival |
September 08 2009 |
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe, and Scott Craig Jones is Poe reincarnated. Too bad he chose to bring Poe into the present, instead of taking the audience back into Poe’s past.
Edgar Allan Poe Comes Alive! Traveling Jones Theater/Fringe Festival production through September 19, 2009 at Studio 1831, 1831 Brandywine St. 215.413.1318 or www.livearts-fringe.org/details.cfm?id=8943.
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| Wagner’s ‘Ring’ cycle (Part 6: ‘Götterdämmerung’) |
August 02 2009 |
Götterdämmerung, the last of Wagner’s four-part Ring operas, ends with Valhalla in flames, the destruction of the gods, and Wotan a disillusioned pessimist, much like Wagner himself. Is this the death of religion? The triumph of science or nature? Wagner lets us take our pick.
Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Niebelungs). Opera by Richard Wagner.
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| World Team Tennis: Antidote for sports violence |
July 28 2009 |
Must professional sports bring out the worst in their fans? Consider one exception: World Team Tennis, where even the abrasive John McEnroe behaves like a teddy bear.
Philadelphia Freedoms: World Team Tennis. Home matches at Freedoms Stadium, in front of The Court of King of Prussia, Rte. 202. Season finale July 29, 2009. www.philadelphiafreedoms.com.
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| Concert Operetta’s ‘A Waltz Dream’ |
July 07 2009 |
Philadelphia’s Concert Operetta Theater has evolved to the point where its offerings can be counted on for excellent singing and emotionally satisfying performances. This is quite an accomplishment for a genre once thought to have died with the monarchies of middle Europe.
A Waltz Dream. Operetta by Oscar Straus; directed by Daniel Pantano; Michele Scanlon, music director. Concert Operetta Theater production June 20-21, 2009 at Warden Theater, Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St. www.concertoperetta.com.
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| Opera Company’s ‘Rape of Lucretia’ (3rd review) |
July 04 2009 |
The Opera Company’s production of The Rape of Lucretia demonstrated how much can be done on a small stage with a modest budget. But the opera suffers from the insertion of religious Christian doctrine into a story that predated Christ by five centuries.
The Rape of Lucretia. Opera by Benjamin Britten; libretto by Ronald Duncan; directed by William Kerley. Opera Company of Philadelphia production June 5-14, 2009 at the Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1018 or www.operaphila.org.
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| Robert Lepage’s ‘The Andersen Project’ |
July 04 2009 |
Unlike most of Robert Lepage’s high-tech spectacles, The Andersen Project depends mostly on the spoken word and the audience’s imagination. This was fine with me, but some audience members seemed surprised and disappointed.
The Andersen Project. Written and directed by Robert Lepage. June 11-13, 2009 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. (above Spruce). www.merriam-theater.com.
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| ‘Spring Awakening’ at the Academy of Music (1st review) |
June 29 2009 |
The Broadway musical Spring Awakening arrived trailing a slew of awards (including the Tony for Best New Musical of 2007). But this staging amounts to a cartoon version of Frank Wedekind’s landmark play about the repressed adolescence in 1890s Germany.
Spring Awakening. Book and lyrics by Stephen Sater, based on the play by Frank Wedekind; music by Duncan Sheik; directed by Michael Mayer. June 23-28, 2009 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. www.kimmelcenter.org/news/item.php?item=2009-03-18
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| PTC’s ‘Grey Gardens’ (2nd review) |
May 30 2009 |
In Philadelphia Theatre Company’s production of Grey Gardens, Joy Franz as the mother and Hollis Resnik as the daughter preen in such an exaggerated style that they lose our empathy. Theater is a different medium from the cult film on which this musical is based. They should show us, not tell us what we need to know.
Grey Gardens. Book by Doug Wright; music by Scott Frankel; lyrics by Michael Korie; directed By Lisa Peterson. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through June 28, 2009 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard Sts. (215) 985-0420 or philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
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| Wagner’s ‘Ring’ cycle (Part 5: ‘Siegfried’) |
May 24 2009 |
Wagner’s Siegfried is a dumb, muscular bully– a hard fellow to like. But 19th-Century Americans had no such problem: Wagner deliberately created an aggressive modern man who defies all the rules of the past, just like the Americans who were boldly opening the West by pushing aside everything that stood in their way.
Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Niebelungs). Through May 9, 2009 at the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York. (212) 362-6000 or www.metoperafamily.org.
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| Ringling Brothers Circus at the Spectrum |
May 24 2009 |
The sight of ten elephants standing on their hind legs and spinning around brings a smile to my face, and to my son’s and virtually everyone else’s at the Ringling brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. If a lawsuit alleging cruelty to these animals succeeds, this may be our last opportunity to watch this stunt.
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. Through May 25, 2009 at the Wachovia Spectrum. (800) 298-4200 or www.ticketsnow.com/Venue/Wachovia-Spectrum.
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| EgoPo’s ‘Bluebird’ (2nd review) |
May 14 2009 |
Who else but EgoPo would tackle a play like Maurice Maeterlinck’s Bluebird? And what other company could lavish so much time on learning and rehearsing such a daunting work, whose language and style are alien to most audiences and to almost all of today’s actors?
Bluebird. By Maurice Maeterlinck, adapted by Molly Rice; directed by Lane Savadove; music by Orchestra 2001. EgoPo production through May 10, 2009 at Mandell Theatre, 33rd and Chestnut St. (800) 595-4849 or www.egopo.org.
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| Wagner’s ‘Ring’ cycle (Part 4: 'Die Walküre’) |
May 12 2009 |
Wagner really was at the top of his game when he wrote Die Walküre. Perhaps he was energized by the chance to glamorize incest and throw it in the face of conventional society. But his greatest inspiration was the difficult father-daughter relationship between Wotan and Brünnhilde.
Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Niebelungs). By Richard Wagner; James Levine, conductor. Through May 9, 2009 at the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York. (212) 362-6000 or www.metoperafamily.org.
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| Wagner’s ‘Ring’ cycle (Part 3: ‘Das Rheingold’) |
May 04 2009 |
Wagner’s Das Rheingold introduced a new form of opera, far removed from the tradition of Rossini, Donizetti and Verdi, and even different from Wagner’s own earlier romantic operas like Lohengrin and Tannhauser. The orchestra states the themes, sets the mood and remains pre-eminent throughout.
Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Niebelungs). By Richard Wagner; James Levine, conductor. Through May 9, 2009 at the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York. (212) 362-6000 or www.metoperafamily.org.
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| Opera Company’s Ravel/Puccini double bill |
May 02 2009 |
Ravel’s opera L'enfant et les sortilèges runs only 45 minutes, and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi barely 55, but in tandem they make a full and satisfying evening, thanks especially to clever staging and excellent performances.
L'enfant et les sortilèges and Gianni Schicchi. Operas by Joseph-Maurice Ravel and Giacomo Puccini, respectively. Opera Company of Philadelphia production through May 3, 2009 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust St. (215) 893-1018 or www.operaphila.org.
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| Wagner’s ‘Ring’ cycle (Part 2) |
April 28 2009 |
For the past half-century, producers of Wagner’s Ring have focused on the characters’ psychology, much more than on the telling of a story. Instead of celebrating German forests, castles and genius, they tapped into themes like fear of death and loss of control. All well and good. But must the original version disappear altogether?
Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Niebelungs). Through May 9, 2009 at the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York. (212) 362-6000 or www.metoperafamily.org.
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| Arden’s ‘Something Intangible’ (2nd review) |
April 25 2009 |
By hewing too closely to the true story of Hollywood’s Disney brothers, Bruce Graham distracts the audience from an otherwise generally entertaining play. Graham would do better to take his details from his own imagination rather than the historical record.
Something Intangible. By Bruce Graham; directed by Terrence J. Nolen. Through June 7, 2009 at the Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St. (between Market and Arch). (215) 922.1122 or www.ardentheatre.org.
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| FDR’s Hundred Days: Two books |
April 24 2009 |
As we near the completion of President Obama’s first hundred days in office, I’ve just read two books about Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous hundred. Of the many volumes written about FDR, only these two focus on those first days. One is worth reading; the other is infuriating.
The Defining Moment: FDR’s Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope. By Jonathan Alter. 432 pages; $29.95. Simon & Schuster, 2006. www.amazon.com.
The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression. By Amity Shlaes. 480 pages; $26.95. HarperCollins, 2007. www.amityshlaes.com.
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| Wagner’s 'Ring' cycle (Part 1) |
May 07 2009 |
The Metropolitan Opera’s current Ring cycle may be the last ever produced in the traditional four-night, 15-hour style envisioned by Richard Wagner. I’ve attended Wagner’s operas for decades. Now I must persuade my neophyte wife to appreciate this brilliant (albeit obnoxious) composer before it’s too late.
Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Niebelungs). Through May 9, 2009 at the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York. (212) 362-6000 or www.metoperafamily.org.
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| Lantern Theater’s ‘Hamlet’ (2nd review) |
April 18 2009 |
In his review of Lantern Theater’s Hamlet, Robert Zaller raises an interesting point: Why didn’t the prince succeed to the throne of Denmark immediately upon his father’s death? I have an answer.
Hamlet. By William Shakespeare; directed by Charles McMahon. Lantern Theater production through May 17, 2009 at St. Stephen’s Theater, Tenth and Ludlow St. (215) 829-0395 or www.lanterntheater.org.
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| Simpatico’s ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’ (2nd review) |
March 28 2009 |
Simpatico reminds us that Long Day’s Journey is an intimate play with a small cast, set in one living room. Very appropriate, then, to see it close up on a small stage, even if the actors look better than they sound.
Long Day’s Journey Into Night. By Eugene O’Neill; directed by Carol Laratonda. Simpatico Theatre Project production through March 29, 2009 at Adrienne Second Stage, 2030 Sansom St. (215) 423-0254 or simpaticotheatre.org.
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| Curtis Opera’s ‘Wozzeck’ (3rd review) |
March 23 2009 |
Alban Berg’s opera, Wozzeck, gets a bad rap as being atonal, unmelodic and, therefore, inaccessible to most of the public. In fact Berg’s passionate music matches the story perfectly.
Wozzeck. Opera by Alban Berg; directed by Emma Griffin; Corrado Rovaris, conductor. Curtis Opera Theatre production March 13-18, 2009 at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-7902 or www.curtis.edu.
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| O’Neill Festival in Chicago |
March 10 2009 |
Chicago’s Goodman Theatre is nearing the end of a two-month, eight-play festival that concentrates on O’Neill’s early works– the oeuvre that made his reputation as America’s leading playwright. Philadelphia and New York should be so lucky.
“A Global Exploration: Eugene O'Neill in the 21st Century.” Eight plays, including Desire Under the Elms and The Hairy Ape. January 17-February 22 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill. (312) 443-3800 or www.goodmantheatre.org.
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| Vienna Philharmonic at Verizon Hall (2nd review) |
March 01 2009 |
The extremely well balanced Vienna Philharmonic is accustomed to shouldering a huge and diverse workload. But last week it assumed what struck me as a dispiriting assignment: playing second fiddle to the histrionics of piano virtuoso Lang Lang.
Vienna Philharmonic. Zubin Mehta, conductor; Lang Lang, piano. February 24, 2009 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 790-5800 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| Opera Company’s ‘Turandot’ |
February 24 2009 |
The Opera Company’s Turandot boasts a pleasant tenor in Francesco Hong, an innovative director in Renaud Doucet and a colorful set borrowed from the Dallas Opera. Why, then, was the stage in near-darkness for much of the opera?
Turandot. Opera by Giacomo Puccini. Directed by Reanud Doucet; Maurizio Barbacini, conductor. Opera Company of Philadelphia production through March 6, 2009 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 893-1018 or www.operaphila.org.
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| ‘Rent’ at Academy of Music |
February 07 2009 |
In today’s tough economic times, a play about people who can’t afford the rent is more relevant than ever. That’s why a new DVD and a live tour of Rent are especially welcome.
Rent. Music, book and lyrics by Jonathan Larson; directed by Michael Greif. National Touring company at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust St., February 3-8, 2009. (215) 893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org. Feb. 10-15, 2009 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark. (888) GO-NJPAC or www.njpac.org.
Rent: The Final Week. DVD version by Sony Pictures. www.rent.thehotticket.net.
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| Live opera vs. high-definition screenings |
February 03 2009 |
Which is better: Live opera at the Met in New York, or a high-definition transmission at your local movie theater? Maybe that’s the wrong question. Why not get the best of both worlds, as I do?
Lucia di Lammermoor. By Gaetano Donizetti; directed by Mary Zimmerman, with Anna Netrebko and Piotr Beczala. High-definition screening at selected theaters, February 7, 2009 at 1 p.m. www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/broadcast/hd_events_next.aspx
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| AVA’s ‘La Fiamma’ (2nd review) |
February 03 2009 |
The Academy of Vocal Arts presented three performances of Respighi’s 1934 opera, La fiamma, that were a treat. Whether this rarely heard opera deserves to be added to the standard repertoire is another question.
La fiamma. Opera by Ottorino Respighi; Christofer Macatsoris, conductor. Academy of Vocal Arts production January 23-24, 2009 at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, January 27, 2009 at Centennial Hall, Haverford College. (215) 735.168 or www.avaopera.com.
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| PTC’s ‘Resurrection’ (2nd review) |
February 03 2009 |
Daniel Beaty’s Resurrection contains lovely prose poetry about the pressures and futility of black male life in the ghetto. It speaks of hope, yes, but it’s an almost-miraculous old-fashioned hope— not the real, pragmatic hope symbolized by Barack Obama election.
Resurrection. By Daniel Beaty; directed by Oz Scott. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through February 22, 2009 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St. (at Lombard). (215) 985-0420 or www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
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| ‘My Name is Asher Lev’ at the Arden |
January 27 2009 |
My Name Is Asher Lev is a gratifying play about father-son conflict. In this concentrated form, the play actually turns out to be more intense than the Chaim Potok novel on which it’s based.
My Name Is Asher Lev. By Aaron Posner, from the novel by Chaim Potok. Posner directed. Through March 15, 2009 at Arcadia Stage, Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St. (215) 922-1122 or www.ardentheatre.org.
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| ‘Compleat Shakespeare’ in Norristown |
January 27 2009 |
A play called The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) may sound pedantic or trivial. But neither is the case in this sparkling comedy, which respects the Bard but finds fun within his works.
The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged). Created by The Reduced Shakespeare Company. Through February 15, 2009 at Theatre Horizon, 208 DeKalb St., Norristown, Pa. (610) 283-2230 or theatrehorizon.org.
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| Walnut’s ‘Streetcar Named Desire’ (3rd review) |
January 24 2009 |
Streetcar remains a magical piece of theater. But it needs a vulnerable heroine with whom we can empathize. Susan Riley Stevens as Blanche was so robust that she had the audience rooting against her.
A Streetcar Named Desire. By Tennessee Williams; directed by Malcolm Black. Through March 1, 2009 at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St. (215) 574-3555 or www.walnutstreettheatre.org.
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| Peggy Lee and ‘Fever’ at the Prince |
January 24 2009 |
Fever is a smart pairing of a tribute to the late Peggy Lee and a career retrospective for the 82-year-old jazz pianist/singer Buddy Greco. Other shows trade in nostalgia, but this one possesses a rare authenticity. Not only are all the songs from an earlier era, but so are Greco’s arrangements.
Fever! The Music of Miss Peggy Lee. January 15-18, 2009 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. (215) 569-9700 or www.fevertribute.com.
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| Foggy media memories |
January 24 2009 |
Considering all the common points between politics and show biz, there’s no excuse when misinformation about music is fed by officials and regurgitated by uncritical media, as happened often during Obama’s inauguration festivities.
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| ‘Damnation of Faust’ at the Met |
December 14 2008 |
Berlioz wrote The Damnation of Faust in 1846 as a concert opera. The Met’s new production is a multi-media extravaganza marked by striking imagery.
The Damnation of Faust. Music by Hector Berlioz; directed by Robert Lepage; James Levine, conductor. November 7-December 4, 2008 at Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York. www.metoperafamily.org.
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| ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ at the Prince |
December 14 2008 |
It’s a Wonderful Life, an exercise in postwar nostalgia set in a radio station, is a pleasant holiday diversion. It could have been more, even without Jimmy Stewart.
It’s a Wonderful Life. By Joe Landry; directed by Barry McNabb. Through December 21, 2008 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. (215) 569-9700 or www.princemusictheater.org.
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| ‘Dr. Atomic’ on video |
November 11 2008 |
I have just seen the telecast of the Metropolitan Opera’s Doctor Atomic, which gives the opera a different perspective than what I saw in an earlier live performance at the Met. I now feel greater admiration for the opera’s high spots but also greater annoyance with its shortcomings.
Doctor Atomic. Opera by John Adams; libretto by Peter Sellars. Alan Gilbert, conductor. Metropolitan Opera production through November 13, 2008 at Lincoln Center, New York. Film version shown November 8, 2008. www.metropolitanopera.org.
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| Obama: The guilt-by-association ploy |
November 08 2008 |
Campaign attempts to link Obama to William Ayers, Jeremiah Wright and Zbigniew Brzezinski beg a larger question: So what? Why should we worry if a candidate "pals around with" former terrorists or critics of Israel?
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| James Conlon conducts Philadelphia Orchestra |
November 02 2008 |
James Conlon has long championed the forgotten generation of composers who were silenced by the Nazis, most of them because they were Jewish. His podium manner Friday was colloquial, comprehensive and not at all intimidating. Why isn’t he being considered for the Philadelphia Orchestra’s music director?
Philadelphia Orchestra: Beethoven Schreker, Zemlinsky. James Conlon, conductor; Mary Dunleavy, soprano; Rodrick Dixon, tenor. October 30-31, 2008 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 893.1900 or www.philadelphiaorchestra.org.
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| ‘Unusual Acts of Devotion’ at PTC |
November 02 2008 |
Terrence McNally’s newest play about five residents of a Greenwich Village apartment building is often engrossing and moving but fails to meet McNally’s usual high standards. His characters' monologues and dialogues are spoken, too often, in the voice of McNally himself.
Unusual Acts of Devotion. By Terrence McNally; directed by Leonard Foglia. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through November 23, 2008 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St. (at Lombard). 215-985-0420 or www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
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| Metropolitan Opera’s ‘Doctor Atomic’ |
October 25 2008 |
Doctor Atomic, the new opera at the Met, is as accurate a documentary about the invention of the atomic bomb as Oliver Stone’s film JFK is about the Kennedy assassination. Which is to say, it is not, as I can attest from conversations with the scientists themselves.
Doctor Atomic. Opera by John Adams; libretto by Peter Sellars. Alan Gilbert, conductor. Metropolitan Opera production through November 13, 2008 at Lincoln Center, New York. Live version shown November 8, 2008 at AMC Plymouth Meeting Mall, UA King of Prussia Stadium 16, Ritz Center (Voorhees, N.J.) and AMC Neshaminy 24 (Bensalem). www.metropolitanopera.org.
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| Orchestra’s ‘Roméo et Juliette’ |
October 19 2008 |
Charles Dutoit, beginning his tenure as the Philadelphia Orchestra’s chief conductor, says he wants to survey Berlioz’s orchestral and vocal music during the next few years. Roméo et Juliette proved a good place to start.
Roméo et Juliette. By Hector Berlioz. Philadelphia Orchestra, Charles Dutoit, conductor. October 16-21, 2008 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1900 or www.philorch.org/performance/5478/2008/10/21.
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| Opera Company’s ‘Fidelio’ (2nd review) |
October 14 2008 |
Beethoven’s Fidelio, like his Ninth Symphony, is a triumphal ode to freedom and love. This production does the piece proud.
Fidelio. By Ludwig van Beethoven; directed by Robert Driver. Opera Company of Philadelphia production through October 24, 2008 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 732-8400 or www.operaphilly.com.
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| Jonathan Larson and ‘Rent’ |
October 05 2008 |
Jonathan Larson’s Rent— a musical based on Puccini’s La Bohème and set in New York’s East Village— has finished its Broadway run but continues to tour. But what of its creator, who died before Rent took off?
Rent continues to tour and will visit Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, February 3 through 8, 2009. (215) 893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| New York Philharmonic at Verizon |
October 05 2008 |
Lorin Maazel’s tenure at the New York Philharmonic may be winding down, but Friday’s all-Tchaikovsky program displayed his expressiveness and emotionalism as well as his cultivation of beautiful sound.
New York Philharmonic: All-Tchaikovsky program. Lorin Maazel, conductor. October 3, 2008 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| The vice presidential debate (2nd review) |
October 05 2008 |
Sarah Palin’s debate strategy and her execution of it were quite sophisticated and carefully orchestrated. That “Can I call you Joe?” greeting, for example, was a mater stroke of manipulation.
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| Center City Opera’s ‘ConNEXTions’ (2nd review) |
September 21 2008 |
Center City Opera Theatre performed parts of three new operas at the recent Philadelphia Fringe Festival. It’s an estimable service, but I wonder whether these works stand a chance for future performances.
“ConNEXTions.” The Golden Gate: music by Conrad Cummings. Fade: music by Stefan Weisman, libretto by David Cote. The Hunger Art: music by Jeff Myers, libretto by Royce Vavrek. Center City Opera Theater production through September 14, 2008 at Ethical Society, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square.
http://www.livearts-fringe.org/2008/details.cfm?id=5345
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| ‘Candide’ at the Arden |
September 21 2008 |
In this latest version of Leonard Bernstein’s 52-year-old musical, Terrence Nolen has surpassed himself, bringing cogency and resonant tone to a very difficult play. It’s the most convincing Candide I’ve ever seen.
Candide. Royal National Theatre version.
Music by Leonard Bernstein;
book adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler
; new version by John Caird;
directed by Terrence J. Nolen
. Through October 19, 2008 at Arden Theater, 40 N. Second St. (215) 922-1122 or www.ardentheatre.org.
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| ‘Melting Bridge’ by Thaddeus Phillips |
September 16 2008 |
Thaddeus Phillips’s broad worldview is again on display in The Melting Bridge. But this play lacks his feel for American life that was such a strong presence in last year’s Flamingo/Winnebago.
The Melting Bridge. By Thaddeus Phillips. World premiere by Lucidity Suitcase Intercontinental, September 10-13, 2008 at Plays & Players, 1710 Delancey Pl. www.pafringe.com/details.
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| EgoPo’s ‘Woyzeck’ |
September 13 2008 |
Georg Büchner’s Woyzeck is a forerunner of the Expressionist movement that stressed emotion above exposition. EgoPo’s intensely sexual and violent production goes far beyond mere historical re-examination and leaves a lasting, disturbing impression.
Woyzeck. Drama by Georg Büchner; translated by Nicholas Rudall; directed by Brenna Geffers. Presented by EgoPo through September 26, 2008 at German Society of Pennsylvania, 611 Spring Garden St. (
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| Sarah Palin as the new Nixon |
September 09 2008 |
So far, Sarah Palin's vice presidential candidacy reminds me of Richard Nixon's in 1952. And she could be even more electorally potent.
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| Fringe Festival: ‘Widow’s Blind Date’ (2nd r |
September 09 2008 |
Two working-class Boston buddies are contacted by an old female schoolmate who married well. What does she want with these lugs? Her agenda is obvious, and so are the mechanics of Israel Horovitz’s play.
The Widow’s Blind Date. By Israel Horovitz; produced by Green Light Productions. Through Sept. 13 at Walnut Street Theatre Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St. (215) 413-1318 or Nichole Canuso’s ‘Wandering Alice’ |
September 02 2008 |
Normally, I dislike performances that ask the audience to join in. With Wandering Alice, we never feel manipulated or imposed-upon. Rather, we feel liberated.
Wandering Alice. Written, directed and choreographed by Nichole Canuso with Suli Holum. Nichole Canuso Dance Company presentation through September 13, 2008 at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St. (215) 413-1318 or www.livearts-fringe.org
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| Fringe’s New Deal walking tour |
September 02 2008 |
The Fringe Festival claims to be about openness to new ideas that erase the artificial lines that separate art, theater, dance and community. I took a chance and was rewarded with an enlightening tour of Depression-era Queen Village and Bella Vista.
ActivisTour. Through September 9, 2008, conducted by Design For Social Impact, 525 S. Fourth St. (215) 413-1318 or www.livearts-fringe
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| Theatre Horizon’s ‘Working’ |
August 31 2008 |
Working is a problematic musical that lacks the power of the original Studs Terkel book. Theatre Horizon has updated it with material from Philadelphia's current-day suburbs, which helps, but not enough.
Working. Music by Stephen Schwartz; directed by Matthew Decker; based on the book by Studs Terkel. Theatre Horizon production July 2-27, 2008 at Upper Merion Middle School Auditorium, King of Prussia. (610) 283-2230 or ‘Spamalot’ at Academy of Music |
August 31 2008 |
Spamalot is an unabashed rip-off of the Monty Python film. And this touring show seems more routine than the road show Philadelphians saw in this same house last season.
Monty Python’s Spamalot. Book by Eric Idle; directed by Mike Nichols. Through August 31, 2008 at Academy of Music. (215) 731-3333 or www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway.
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| ‘Parenting 101’ at Kimmel’s Innovation Studi |
August 31 2008 |
I have nothing against silly humor, but the musical Parenting 101 is not up to the standard of say, Urinetown.
Parenting 101. Conceived by Nancy Holson and Susan Holson; directed and choreographed by Jay Falzone. Through November 30, 2008 at Innovation Studio at the Kimmel Center. (215) 731-3333 or www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway.
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| InterAct’s ‘House Divided’ (3rd review) |
June 10 2008 |
House Divided is a well-crafted play about a Jewish-American family that has broken apart over religion, politics and the Jewish state. This is a rich area for exploration. I just wish it flowed more naturally.
House Divided. By Larry Loebell; directed by Seth Rozin. InterAct Theatre Company production through June 22, 2008 at the Adrienne, mainstage, 2030 Sansom St. (215) 568-8079 or www.InterActTheatre.org
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| PTC’s ‘The Happiness lecture’ (2nd review) |
June 10 2008 |
Bill Irwin’s The Happiness Lecture is an exhilarating experience— simultaneously a showcase for the comic actor’s extraordinary craft and a celebration of clowning with some excellent Philadelphia talent.
The Happiness Lecture. Conceived and performed by Bill Irwin; world premiere by Philadelphia Theater Company Through June 22, 2008 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 230 S. Broad St. (215) 895-0420 or ‘Les Miserables’ at the Walnut (2nd review) |
June 03 2008 |
This Walnut production takes Les Miz seriously. Director Mark Clements relishes its emotional scenes, and his actors dig into them with commitment.
Les Miserables. Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg; book by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel; lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer; directed by Mark Clements; based on Victor Hugo’s novel. Through August 3, 2008 at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St., (215) 574-3550 or
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| ‘Our Town’ at the Arden (4th review) |
May 31 2008 |
Our Town in Old City – the title used in the Arden Theatre’s advertising– is a celebration of community. It’s also a memorable theatrical experience, even more for its presentation than for the script itself.
Our Town. By Thornton Wilder; directed by Terrence J. Nolen. Through June 22, 2008 at the Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second Street. (215) 922-1122 or ardentheatre.org.
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| ‘Pericles’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ (2nd rev |
May 10 2008 |
By unearthing the neglected Pericles, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival has scored two notable achievements. The much more familiar Romeo and Juliet features an appealing pair of impetuous and excitable lovers.
Pericles and Romeo and Juliet. By William Shakespeare; directed by Carmen Khan. In repertory through May 18, 2008, at Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, 2111 Sansom St. (215) 496-8001 or ‘Eurydice’ at the Wilma (1st review) |
May 10 2008 |
In a spectacular production, the inventive playwright Sarah Ruhl transports her mythical characters across the River Styx into the land of the dead. She’s a dazzling sleight-of-hand magician, but her wacky suspensions of logic take some getting used to.
Eurydice. By Sarah Ruhl; directed by Blanka Zizka. Through June 1, 2008 at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. (at Spruce). 215.546.7824 or www.wilmatheater.org.
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| Orchestra’s ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ (1st review) |
May 03 2008 |
It’s time for someone to point out that the emperor has no clothes. Mahler’s massive and much-hyped Symphony of a Thousand is no masterpiece. There's a difference between magnitude and beauty.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Mahler, Symphony of a Thousand (Eighth Symphony in E-Flat major). May 1-3, 2008 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1900 or www.philorch.org.
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| Theatre Exile’s ‘Bug’ |
May 03 2008 |
Grace Gonglewski— as an agitated victim, for a change—and Matt Saunders are spectacular in this effective rendition of a play meant to scare the pants off us.
Bug. By Tracy Letts; directed by Matt Pfeiffer. Theatre Exile production through May 18, 2008 at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St. (near Second and Market). (215) 922-4462 or www.theatreexile.org.
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| Opera Company’s ‘Norma’ (1st review) |
April 05 2008 |
It’s been a long time since any singer so dominated the stage at the Academy of Music. Even at this early stage in her development of the role of Norma, Christine Goerke compares favorably with the all-time greats.
Norma. Opera by Vincenzo Bellini. Opera Co. of Philadelphia production conducted by Corrado Rovaris, directed by Kay Walker Castaldo. Through April 18, 2008 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 732-8400 or PTC’s ‘Third’ (2nd review) |
March 29 2008 |
Facing death at 55, Wendy Wasserstein reconsidered some of her old certainties. Third, her last play, isn’t her best memorial. But it does contain its share of provocative and original creations.
Third. By Wendy Wasserstein; directed by Mary B. Robinson. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through April 20, 2008 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad (at Lombard). (215) 985-0420 or Angela Meade’s Met debut |
March 25 2008 |
It is 18 minutes after eight on Friday, March 21, and an audience of 3,500 sits in the Met awaiting one of the most difficult of all soprano arias. About to sing it is Angela Meade, a substitute artist making her Met debut with one day’s notice.
Ernani. Opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Roberto Abbado, conuctor. March 21, 26, 29 at Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York. (212) 362-6000 or www.metoperafamily.o
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| AVA’s ‘Kát'a Kabanová’ |
March 17 2008 |
The AVA’s production of Leos Janacek’s Kát'a Kabanová was a significant achievement, especially when you consider the obstacles.
Kát'a Kabanová. Opera by Leos Janacek; directed by Blanka Zizka. Academy of Vocal Arts
production Feb. 22-March 1, 2008 at Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St. (215) 735-1685 or www.avaopera.com.
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| Curtis Opera’s 'Ainadamar' |
March 15 2008 |
Ainadamar, "the fountain of tears," is a beautiful piece of music. But you must come equipped with some prior knowledge of the life and times of the poet Federico Garcia Lorca and the Spanish Civil War.
Ainadamar. Opera by Osvaldo Golijov; libretto (in Spanish) by David Henry Hwang; directed by Chas Rader-Shieber; Corrado Rovaris, conductor. Curtis Opera Theatre production March 14-16, 2008 at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1999 or
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| Curtis Opera’s 'Ainadamar' |
March 15 2008 |
Ainadamar, "the fountain of tears," is a beautiful piece of music. But you must come equipped with some prior knowledge of the life and times of the poet Federico Garcia Lorca and the Spanish Civil War.
Ainadamar. Opera by Osvaldo Golijov; libretto by David Henry Hwang; directed by Chas Rader-Shieber; Corrado Rovaris, conductor. Curtis Opera Theatre production March 14-16, 2008 at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1999 or EgoPo’s ‘Something Cloudy’ (2nd review) |
March 04 2008 |
Something Cloudy, Something Clear is a dream-like memory play that was experimental for its time. Critics savaged it in 1981 and again during this revival. But pay attention. Williams still has something to tell us.
Something Cloudy, Something Clear. By Tennessee Williams; directed by Brenna Geffers. EgoPo production through March 22, 2008 at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St. (215) 552-8773 or Opera Company’s ‘Cyrano’ (3rd review) |
February 16 2008 |
David DiChiera’s Cyrano is a charming opera, with music that’s pleasantly melodic but not immediately memorable. Don’t expect a masterpiece and you’ll have a good time.
Cyrano. Opera by David DiChiera (music) and Bernard Uzan (libretto). Opera Company of Philadelphia production through February 17, 2008 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 732-8400 or www.operaphilly.com.
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| InterAct Theatre’s ‘Black Gold’ |
February 16 2008 |
Seth Rozin’s political satire about a black Detroit homeowner who strikes oil in his back yard is less polemical and more playful than, say, the work of Bertolt Brecht. Rozin uses comedy to make serious points.
Black Gold. Written and directed by Seth Rozin. InterAct Theatre Company production through February 24, 2008 at Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St. (215) 568-8079 or www.interacttheatre.org.
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| ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ at Merriam |
February 09 2008 |
There may be some merit in the idea of an escaped convict who is mistaken for Jesus Christ by a grief-stricken teenager who has just lost her mother. But not enough to carry a two-act musical.
Whistle Down the Wind. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; book by Patricia Knop, Gale Edwards and Webber; lyrics by Jim Steinman. Through February 10, 2008 at Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad above Spruce St. (215) 336-1234 or www.thewhist
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| ‘Avenue Q’ at the Forrest |
February 05 2008 |
Avenue Q may be the most over-hyped show on Broadway and on the touring circuit. And if you never spent much time watching "Sesame Street," you’ll miss the point of many of the songs.
Avenue Q. Music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx; book by Jeff Witty. Through February 10, 2008 at the Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St. (800) 432-7250 or www.forrest-theatre.com.
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| ‘Wittenberg’ at the Arden (3rd review) |
February 03 2008 |
In Wittenberg, playwright David Davalos serves up heaping portions of wit and cleverness but misses the chance to offer a serious drama about opposing forces.
Wittenberg. By David Davalos; directed by J. R. Sullivan. Through March 16, 2008 at Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St. (212) 922-1122 or www.ardentheatre.org.
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| Higdon, Bernstein and the Orchestra (2nd review) |
January 22 2008 |
What was Jennifer Higdon thinking when she wrote The Singing Rooms? For that matter, what was Leonard Bernstein thinking when he wrote Jeremiah?
Philadelphia Orchestra: Bernstein Jeremiah Symphony, Schumann Second Symphony, Higdon The Singing Rooms. Christoph Eschenbach, conductor. January 17-19, 2008 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts. (215.) 893-1900 or www.philorch.org.
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| ‘Rain: The Beatles Experience’ (2nd review) |
January 19 2008 |
The late lamented Beatles were introspective (or stoned) and fearful of crowds. These Beatles imitators are extroverted and determined to please the audience, which they certainly do. But what we have here is the louder sound that the public has become accustomed to since the Beatles disbanded.
Rain: The Beatles Experience. Through January 20, 2008 at the Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| ‘The Fantasticks’ at the Kimmel |
January 15 2008 |
There must be a reason why The Fantasticks set records as the longest-running Broadway or Off-Broadway show of all time. Director Tony Braithwaite and his cast of relative newcomers try hard, but the material lets them down.
The Fantasticks. Music by Harvey Schmidt; book and lyrics by Tom Jones; directed by Tony Braithwaite. Through February 24, 2008 at the Innovation Studio at the Kimmel Center. (215) 731-3333 or Back to the '40s in Norristown (1st review) |
December 18 2007 |
In a nightclub on December 31, 1943, an emcee gathers musicians and singers for one last show before they head off to war. This is a re-creation of what a live show was like on a New Year’s Eve in wartime, with a terrific cast and spectacular tap dancing and jitterbugging.
Holiday Show at the Swing Club. Directed by Matt Decker. Through December 31, 2007 at the Centre Theatre, 208 DeKalb St., Norristown, Pa. (610) 283-2230 or Wilma’s ‘Age of Arousal’ (1st review) |
December 15 2007 |
Like Tom Stoppard, playwright Linda Griffiths tells her story through the highly verbal interaction of individuals whose lives intersect the great issues of their time. The subject of Age of Arousal is sexuality, to be sure. Blanka Zizka’s staging and an excellent cast transcend what’s called for in the script.
Age of Arousal. By Linda Griffiths; directed by Blanka Zizka. Through January 6, 2008 at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. (215) 546-7824 or
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| EgoPo's 'Vieux Carré' |
December 08 2007 |
In his revival of Tennessee Williams’s forgotten sequel to The Glass Menagerie, director Lane Savadove stresses physicality and intense emotion. That’s what makes this 30-year-old play jump out at us.
Vieux Carré. Drama by Tennessee Williams; directed by Lane Savadove; musical director Daniel T. Peterson. EgoPo production through December 22, 2007 at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St. (215) 552-8773 or Frank Guarrera remembered |
December 01 2007 |
Frank Guarrera, the baritone who died November 23 at the age of 83, spent 29 years with the Met. But he remained a loyal South Philadelphian.
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| ‘Drowsy Chaperone’ at Academy |
December 01 2007 |
The Drowsy Chaperone is more than just another Broadway Roaring ‘20s song-and-dance show. It’s original and clever in its own right.
The Drowsy Chaperone. Music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison; directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. November 27-December 2, 2007 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. groups.telecharge.com.
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| AVA’s ‘Cosi fan tutte’ |
December 01 2007 |
Singing Fiordiligi in the new AVA production of Cosi fan tutte, Angela Meade exhibits plenty of spunk and much more. Hers is a great interpretation of Mozart’s most challenging role. And here an implausible story makes sense for the first time.
Cosi fan tutte
. Opera by W.A. Mozart. Christofer Macatsoris, conductor; Damon Nestor Ploumis, director. Academy of Vocal Arts production through December 1, 2007 at three venues. (215) 735-1685 or
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| Orchestra’s 'Das Paradies und die Peri' (2nd rev |
December 01 2007 |
The much-heralded Philadelphia premiere of Robert Schumann’s oratorio Paradise and the Peri is more than a curiosity but less than a masterpiece. It’s corny, but at least it’s tasty corn, with a stronger vocal cast than the Philadelphia Orchestra usually provides.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Schumann, Das Paradies und die Peri. Simon Rattle, conductor; Heidi Grant Murphy, soprano; Christine Brandes, soprano, Bernarda Fink, mezzo-soprano; Mark Padmore,
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| Jewish basketball nostalgia |
November 17 2007 |
There was a time when short, angry Jewish players dominated basketball. They came from South Philadelphia, and they were determined to make anti-Semites respect them.
The First Basket. Film by David Vyorst. November 19, 2007 at Gershman YMHA, 401 S. Broad St. (215) 446-3033 or www.pjff.org. Also available on video.
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| ‘Being Alive’ at PTC (1st review) |
November 03 2007 |
Billy Porter has created a serious amalgam of Shakespearean text, Sondheim songs and soul ambience, chronicling a man’s journey from birth to death. It is a major theatrical achievement, although not without some flaws.
Being Alive. Musical conceived and directed by Billy Porter; music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through December 2, 2007 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard Sts. (215) 985-1400 or ‘An Empty Plate’ at the Arden (2nd review) |
October 22 2007 |
This feast of a script deserves a more cohesive production than it receives from the Arden. Such a colorful smorgasbord requires a quiet, unifying presentation.
An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf. By Michael Hollinger; directed by Whit MacLaughlin. Through December 9, 2007 at Arden Theater, 40 N. Second St. (212) 922-1122 or www.ardentheatre.org.
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| ‘A Night in the Old Marketplace’ at the Prince |
October 22 2007 |
This Russian-Jewish klezmer musical is an endeavor that I’d love to love. Preserving the literature of an earlier age is a worthy project; so is teaching cultural history to a new generation. But the finished product and muddled plot frustrated me.
A Night in the Old Marketplace. Book & lyrics by Glen Berger, based on I.L. Peretz's 1906 Yiddish drama Bay Nakht Oyfn Altn Mark; music by Frank London. Conceived and directed by Alexandra Aron. Sept. 28-Oct. 21
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| Opera Company’s ‘Rigoletto’ (2nd review) |
October 16 2007 |
The Metropolitan Opera tenor Matthew Polenzani is the biggest name the Opera Company of Philadelphia has cast recently. But his interpretation of the Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto is totally wrong for the character.
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.operaphilly.com
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| ‘Countess Maritza’ by Concert Operetta Theater |
October 13 2007 |
An unknown tenor and a forgotten operetta combined for a performance that knocked me out. Keep your eyes open for Cody Austin in the future.
Countess Maritza, Operetta in three acts by Emmerich Kálmán.
Original book and lyrics by Julius Brammer and Alfred Grünwald;
English version by Nigel Douglas. James Batt, music director and piano. Concert Operetta Theater production October 6 -7, 2007 at Helen Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St. (215) 389-0
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| ‘Countess Maritza’ by Concert Operetta Theater |
October 13 2007 |
An unknown tenor and a forgotten operetta combined for a performance that knocked me out. Keep your eyes open for Cody Austin in the future.
Countess Maritza, Operetta in three acts by Emmerich Kálmán.
Original book and lyrics by Julius Brammer and Alfred Grünwald;
English version by Nigel Douglas. James Batt, music director and piano. Concert Operetta Theater production October 6 -7, 2007 at Helen Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St. (215) 389-0
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| Barrymore Awards problems |
October 06 2007 |
The annual Barrymore Awards program is the Philadelphia theater community’s showcase to the world. So why was it held in a dining room where the drinkers at the bar drowned out the presenters on stage?
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| Barrymore Awards problems |
October 06 2007 |
The annual Barrymore Awards program is the Philadelphia theater community’s to the world. So why was it held in a dining room where the drinkers at the bar drowned out the presenters on stage?
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| Pig Iron’s ‘Isabella’ (2nd review) |
September 29 2007 |
Pig Iron Theatre’s Isabella is a gripping theatrical event, one of the most exciting plays of the past few years. Most critics have missed its ingenious faithfulness to Measure For Measure. Shakespeare’s dark comedy was set in Vienna; Isabella is set in a morgue; but ultimately their subjects— lust, death and the abuse of authority— are the same.
Isabella. Pig Iron Theatre Company production through September 15, 2007 at Ic
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| ‘Wandering Alice’ at Fringe Festival. |
September 25 2007 |
This fantasy trip with dance and music, based on Alice in Wonderland, received a single tryout performance at the 2007 Fringe Festival. It’s imaginative, superbly executed and blissfully illogical.
Wandering Alice. Choreographer and director: Nichole Canuso. Writer/Co-Director: Suli Holum. Sound Design/Music Composition: James Sugg and Mike Kiley. Nichole Canuso Dance Company production, Septem
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| ‘Flamingo/Winnebago’ at Fringe Festival |
September 25 2007 |
A gas station owner and a hitchhiker head for Las Vegas in a quest to discover America. It’s an ambitious creation by playwright/director Thaddeus Phillips, but the drama doesn’t really start until they reach their destination. Judicious pruning would help this otherwise compelling production.
Flamingo/Winnebago. Written and directed by Thaddeus Phillips. Lucidity Suitcase production August 30-September 8, 2007 at The Painted Bride, 230 Vine St., Philadelphia, a
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| ‘Assassins’ at the Arden |
September 21 2007 |
Sondheim’s musical about presidential assassins is a tough sell to theater audiences. But Terrence Nolen’s production at the Arden achieves the near impossible: a good balance between spookiness, humor and a serious look at the American Dream.
Assassins. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; book by John Weidman. Directed by Terrence J. Nolen; music directed by Eric Ebbenga. Through October 21, 2007 at Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St. (215) 922-1122 or Fringe Festival 2007 |
September 21 2007 |
A year ago I wrote a negative critique of the Philly Fringe Festival. I do not take back a word of that article. But this year, unlike last, some of the 1,500 participating artists were talented and serious professionals investing enough effort in their work to succeed in the marketplace.
Live/Arts/Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Sept. 1-18, 2007.
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| 'Wicked’ at the Academy of Music |
August 07 2007 |
Visually, this Wicked far outclasses what one normally sees outside of Manhattan. For a road production, it displays a rare look of luxury and permanence, and the lead roles are sung and played by two excellent performers, Victoria Matlock and Christina DeCicco, who even surpass the original cast in some ways.
Wicked. Words and music by Stephen Schwartz; book by Winnie Holzman. Through September 9, 2007 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 893-1999 or
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| Gay Theatre Festival’s ‘Heart and Music’ |
June 30 2007 |
The composer lyricist William Finn has broken fresh ground on both gay and Jewish themes. Why, then, has he been embraced by gay audiences but not by Jewish theatergoers?
Heart and Music. Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival production through June 29, 2007 at the Arden Theater, 40 N. Second St. 215-922-1122 or www.philagaylesbiantheatrefest.org.
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| InterAct’s ‘Skin in Flames’ (2nd review) |
June 26 2007 |
Which is worse: Graphic nudity and sex acts on stage, or squeamishness about graphic nudity and sex acts on stage? InterAct’s Skin in Flames tried to have it both ways.
Skin in Flames. By Guillem Clua; directed Seth Rozin. Through June 24, 2007 at InterAct Theatre, 2030 Sansom St. (215) 568-8079 or www.interactheatre.org.
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| ‘Camelot’ at the Merriam |
June 20 2007 |
The new touring production of Camelot is a half-hour shorter than the original and offers a revised book by Alan Jay Lerner’s son. It also boasts some fine performances, including one by an understudy. Whether it’s an improvement on the original— or whether the original was that good to begin with— is another question.
Camelot. Music by Frederick Loewe; libretto by Alan Jay Lerner. Touring production closed June 10, 2007 at the Merriam Theatr
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| ‘Jamaica’ revived at the Prince |
July 03 2008 |
The 1957 Harold Arlen-Yip Harburg musical Jamaica was a potentially rich broth spoiled by two many meddlesome cooks. The Prince Music Theatre has nobly attempted to capture the creators’ original vision. But maybe Jamaica was fatally flawed to begin with.
Jamaica. Music by Harold Arlen; lyrics by Yip Harburg. Through June 22, 2008 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. (215) 569-9700 or Center City Opera’s ‘Dorian Gray’ (1st review) |
June 11 2007 |
Lowell Liebermann’s opera based on Oscar Wilde’s story gets much needed traction in this chamber orchestra version. Liebermann’s music is audience-friendly; his instrumentation is modern but the tonality is conservative, which is a logical choice for a story set in Victorian times.
The Picture of Dorian Gray. Opera by Lowell Liebermann; directed by Leland Kimball. Presented through June 12, 2007 by Center City Opera Theater at the Perelman Theater, Kimmel
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| ‘Hair’ at the Prince |
June 06 2007 |
It’s hard to recapture the anti-war feelings of the 1960s, but the Prince Music Theater’s 40th enthusiastic anniversary revival of Hair helps show today’s younger generation what the fuss was all about.
Hair. Book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado;
music by Galt MacDermot; directed by Tom O’Horgan. Through June 17, 2007 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. (215) 569-9700 or
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| ‘The Four of Us’ by 1812 Productions |
June 05 2007 |
This two-character comedy about how jealousy can poison an imperfect friendship is leaner than previous works by Tamar Moses but often dazzling nevertheless.
The Four of Us. By Itamar Moses; directed by Pete Pryor. Presented by 1812 Productions through June 17, 2007 at St. Stephen’s Theatre, Tenth and Ludlow Sts. (215) 592-9560 or www.1812productions.org.
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| ‘Carousel’ at Walnut (1st review) |
May 26 2007 |
The Walnut Street Theatre’s new production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is an excellent one, with even more solid casting and conducting than the last two presentations I saw in New York.
Carousel. Music by Richard Rodgers; book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Directed by Bruce Lumpkin; musical direction by Douglass Lutz. Through July 15, 2007 at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St. (215) 574-3550 or www.
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| ‘Doubt’ at the Merriam |
May 19 2007 |
The great Cherry Jones is at the top of her game. But she overwhelms the rest of the cast, and John Patrick Shanley’s contrived, manipulative drama of priests and nuns in 1964 deceptively equates the questioning of orthodoxy with child abuse.
Doubt. By John Patrick Shanley. National touring production through May 20, 2007 at the Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad St. (215) 732-5446 or merriamtheater.org.
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| AVA's 'Manon' |
May 15 2007 |
Massenet’s Manon is a tough assignment and consequently rarely performed. But the good work on stage and in the pit changed my negative feelings about this opera.
Manon. Opera by Jules Massenet; Christofer Macatsoris conducting. Academy of Vocal Arts production April 27-May 12, 2007, at three locations. (215) 735-1685 or www.avaopera.com.
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| ‘Orson’s Shadow’ at PTC (third review) |
May 12 2007 |
As entertainment, Orson’s Shadow provides a fun evening for people with an interest in theater history and backstage gossip. But as drama, it falls short.
Orson’s Shadow. By Austin Pendleton; James J. Christy directed. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through June 3, 2007 at Plays & Players, 1714 Delancey Street. (215) 985-0420 or www.phillytheatreco.com.
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| Opera Company’s ‘Falstaff’ |
May 05 2007 |
The least outstanding performance in this otherwise enjoyable production is that by the title character. Roberto de Candia's high, lean baritone and weak portrayal notwithstanding, Verdi’s opera is a masterpiece and this production a joy.
Falstaff. By Giuseppe Verdi. Robert Driver, director; Corrado Rovaris, conductor. Opera Company of Philadelphia production through May 13, 2007 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 893-3600 or ‘Caroline, or Change’ at the Arden (second review) |
March 31 2007 |
Tony Kushner’s Caroline, or Change may well be an even finer achievement than his Angels in America. Angels dazzled with its panoramic sweep; Caroline impresses with its intimacy and understatement, its balanced presentation of differing sides in a social revolution, and its depiction of everyday life in a single small household.
Caroline, or Change. Book and Lyrics by Tony Kushner; music by Jeanine Tesori; directed by Terrence
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| ‘Spamalot’ at Academy of Music |
March 23 2007 |
Without grounding in Monty Python humor, Eric Idle’s musical isn’t funny. But gradually, it wins over the skeptics.
Spamalot. Through April 8, 2007 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust St. 215-893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org.
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| AVA’s ’Vanessa’ |
March 18 2007 |
As a great American opera, Vanessa deserves to be overshadowed by Porgy and Bess. But AVA’s production offered outstanding voices, direction and piano accompaniment.
Vanessa. By Samuel Barber and Gian Carlo Menotti. Presented February 23-27, 2007 by Academy of Vocal Arts at Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St. (215) 735-1685 or www.avaopera.com.
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| EgoPo’s 'Spring Awakening' (first review) |
March 18 2007 |
Frank Wedekind’s raw drama about adolescence was too hot to handle a century ago and is rarely performed today. Now it’s receiving not one but two revivals.
Spring Awakening. By Frank Wedekind; directed by Lane Savadove. Presented by EgoPo Productions through March 25, 2007 at Mainstage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St. (215) 552-8773 or www.egopo.org.
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| OCP’s ‘Porgy and Bess’ (second review) |
February 24 2007 |
I was excited to attend an uncut production of Porgy and Bess, until I attended it. George Gershwin himself would have cut this version— and in fact he attempted to do so before his untimely death.
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 February 24, 2007 at Academy of Music, Broad & Locust Sts. (215) 893-3600 or Orchestra chooses Dutoit |
February 24 2007 |
Charles Dutoit, the Philadelphia Orchestra’s choice as interim leader, may have antagonized his musicians and impulsively quit two conducting posts. But as I learned in the course of tangling with him, he’s also a dependable professional who’s capable of eliciting great performances. In short: The right man for an interim job.
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| Orchestra chooses Dutoit |
February 24 2007 |
Charles Dutoit, the Philadelphia Orchestra’s choice as interim leader, may have antagonized his musicians and impulsively quit two conducting posts. But as I learned in the course of tangling with him, he’s also a dependable professional who’s capable of eliciting great performances. In short: The right man for an interim job.
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| ‘Stormy Weather’ at the Prince |
February 24 2007 |
Lena Horne’s saga is much more than a rags-to-riches success story. Add to this a hit parade of songs associated with Horne’s career and you have an evening that’s pleasurable and satisfying, except for the frustration of seeing Leslie Uggams on stage with few songs to sing.
Stormy Weather: Imagining Lena Horne. By Sharleen Cohen Cooper; directed by Michael Bush. Through March 4, 2007 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., (215) 569-9700 or
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| ‘Nerds’ at PTC (second review) |
February 17 2007 |
By sticking close to the truth, the playwrights have fashioned a bright satire about the rise of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. The musical is full of snappy dialogue and only runs out of gas near the end.
Nerds: A Musical Software Satire. Book and lyrics by Jordan Allen-Dutton; music by Hal Goldberg. Directed by Philip William McKinley; choreographed by Joey McKneely. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through February 25, 2007 at Plays & Players, 1714 Delancey St.
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| Jurowski conducts the Orchestra |
February 17 2007 |
Vladimir Jurowski emerged as an attractive candidate to succeed Christoph Eschenbach as the Philadelphia Orchestra's music director. We don’t know enough yet about his range. Still, everything I’ve heard from Jurowski sounds assured and attractive.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Vladimir Jurowski conducting Rachmaninoff, Bruch and Stravinsky. David Kim, violin solo. February 2-9, 2007 at Verizon Hall, Broad and Spruce Sts. 215. 893.1900 or 'Pippin' at the Forrest (2nd review) |
January 16 2007 |
Pippin is ferociously anti-war and condemns the leaders who invoke God as they send young men off to die. It’s as timely today as it was during the Vietnam-war era when it was written. I’d like to see a production that’s more realistic, but director Gabriel Barre emphasizes the circus and the surreal.
Pippin. Words and music by Stephen Schwartz; directed by Gabriel Barre; choreography by Mark Dendy. Presented by Broadway at the Academy through Jan
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| Chita Rivera at the Merriam |
January 12 2007 |
The singer-dancer Chita Rivera is one of the great figures of musical theater. But at 73, the star of West Side Story and Chicago demonstrates little of the fire that made her famous.
Chita Rivera: A Dancer’s Life. By Terrence McNally. Through January 14, 2007, at Merriam Theater, 260 S. Broad St. (at Spruce). (215) 732-5997 or www.merriamtheater.org.
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| Prince Theater’s ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ |
December 23 2006 |
As a theater historian, I’m glad to see Irving Berlin’s original 1946 show virtually uncut, political correctness be damned. But for most attendees, some trimming would be welcome. Andrea McArdle and Jeff Coon are effective with the comic scenes but could put more tenderness into their ballads.
Annie Get Your Gun. Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin; directed by Richard Parison Jr. Through Dec. 31, 2006 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. 215-569-9700 or
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| OCP's 'Cinderella' (2nd review) |
December 02 2006 |
Close your eyes and you’ll love the sound of this production. Open your eyes and you may not. Mostly, I liked it. The cast is one of the most even, most competent the OCP has presented in recent years.
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 OCP's 'Cinderella' (2nd review) |
December 02 2006 |
Close your eyes and you’ll love the sound of this production. Open your eyes and you may not. Mostly, I liked it. The cast is one of the most even, most competent the OCP has presented in recent years.
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 AVA’s ‘Barber of Seville’ |
December 02 2006 |
Some fine voices revive the ancient craft of vibrato. But does The Barber of Seville need a complicated exposition through unorthodox staging? Or does that clutter matters unnecessarily?
Il Barbieri di Seviglia (The Barber of Seville). Opera by Gioacchino Rossini; directed by Kay Walker Castaldo. Academy of Vocal Arts production through December 2, 2006 at Centennial Hall (Haverford College) and Commerce Bank Arts Centre. 215 735-1685 or Barrymore Awards: A bush-league show |
October 26 2006 |
The Barrymore Awards ostensibly honor the best of Philadelphia theater. But this year's Barrymore ceremony was an embarrassment. Countless spokesmen spent three and a half hours telling us that the Philly theater community is great. Won't they please shut up and show us what’s great?
Barrymore Awards. October 23, 2006 at the Merriam Theatre, Broad above Spruce St.
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| Eschenbach bows out |
October 23 2006 |
Christoph Eschenbach’s departure from the Philadelphia Orchestra, just five years after he arrived, reflects a planning deficiency reminiscent of the war in Iraq. It leaves the Orchestra’s board with the sort of succession headache it hasn’t suffered since 1912. The good news is: That crisis turned out very well indeed.
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| How to fix the Fringe Festival |
September 28 2006 |
The Philadelphia Fringe Festival is growing, but many intelligent theater-lovers are puzzled and even intimidated by it— which is funny, when you consider that the festival was originally aimed at people who are intimidated by established theater.
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| Who can save Freedom Theatre? |
February 01 2006 |
| It's one of America's most illustrious African-American theater troupes. It's also a leading example of a creative arts organization that can't get its financial act together.
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