Name: Cotter Interactive
Price range: $

Vulcan Lyric’s ‘Heathers’

High school revenge, and a slight problem

This fascinating musical received a surprisingly effective performance from a fledgling company. And most of us would relish revenge against bullies who tormented us in high school. But should we applaud murders and the dynamiting of the school?

Steve Cohen

Aug 04, 2015 Articles 3 minute read

Diller as Dolly: A fictitious husband, too.

‘Tribute to Phyllis Diller’ in Ambler

Behind the big mouth

The late comedienne Phyllis Diller was a stylish lady, very unlike the brash character she created. This endearing portrait captures both the stage comic and the equally appealing (but very different) real woman.

Steve Cohen

Aug 02, 2015 Articles 2 minute read

Bottom's up: Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre's "Midsummer Night's Dream" (photo by Kendall Whitehouse)

Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre's 2014-2015 season

The Bard, Philly-style

The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre is the only local company exclusively devoted to Shakespeare, and it consistently produces lively, well-executed treatments of its chosen repertoire.

Tom Purdom

Jul 30, 2015 Articles 3 minute read

Unraveling tangled emotions: Saunders, Teti, and Greer. (Photo: Mark Garvin)

Bruce Graham's 'Stella and Lou' at People's Light

Lonely hearts in South Philly

Stella and Lou is good, not-too-heavy summer fare, a play with humor that also offers food for thought and characters who stay with you after the lights have come up.

Bill Murphy

Jul 24, 2015 Articles 2 minute read

“All beauty turns ugly”: Walton, O’Hanlon-Rodriguez, Anthony. (Photo by John Flak)

'Lulu’s Golden Shoes' by Quiara Alegría Hudes

If a whore screams does she make a sound?

What is it like for a young girl growing up in the barrio when her role models are whores and abused women? Can she change the plot that’s been written for her and become the superhero of her own story?

Naomi Orwin

Jul 21, 2015 Articles 4 minute read

Navigating tricky territory: Palughi and Thorn in “World Builders.” (Photo by Seth Freeman)

2015 Contemporary American Theater Festival

Where new plays thrive

A professional company that only produces new plays celebrates its 25th year with an ambitious but uneven quintet of plays.

Mark Cofta

Jul 21, 2015 Articles 6 minute read

Staying in the moment: Schier (center top) and castmates in “The Tempest.” (photo by Andrew Hazeltine)

Kristen Schier on the Commonwealth Classic 'Tempest'

Shakespeare and improv: The perfect match?

Shakespeare, often viewed by the general public as the most sacred, highfalutin form of drama we have, is also possibly our richest and even most necessary ground for improvisation. Kristen Schier explains why.

Alaina Johns

Jul 14, 2015 Articles 5 minute read

If she can talk on the phone, why can't I? (LuPone in "Shows for Days")

Audiences behaving badly

A comedy of manners

Where is Emily Post when we need her? There’s a crisis in the theater — and it’s not on the stage.

Carol Rocamora

Jul 14, 2015 Articles 3 minute read

Majestic in her determination and endurance: Brooke Adams in "Happy Days"

Beckett’s 'Happy Days' at the Flea Theater

Beckett at his best

When a cast and director are in synch, anything and everything is possible. Director Andrei Belgrader understands the precarious balance of tragedy and comedy in Beckett’s Happy Days.

Carol Rocamora

Jul 04, 2015 Articles 3 minute read

A memorial to Michael Brown during the Ferguson protests. (Photo by Jamelle Bouie via Creative Commons/Flickr)

'Hands Up' by Flashpoint Theatre Company

Fuck you! And fuck this shit!

The six testaments of Hands Up are connected by the theme of uncertainty, with each character revealing his particular stain.

Ardencie Hall-Karambe

Jun 30, 2015 Articles 2 minute read