Broad Street Review

Philly's home for arts, culture, and conversation

Mark Cofta

Contributor

BSR Contributor Since July 22, 2014

Mark Cofta was a theater critic for Philadelphia City Paper for a decade until its 2015 demise. He has also written for American Theatre magazine, Backstage: The Theatre Weekly, and other publications, and was awarded a 2010 NEA/USC Fellowship in Arts Journalism. Member, American Theatre Critics Association. Past Barrymore Awards Judge for many seasons. He teaches at The Art Institute of Philadelphia and lives in Ridley Park with his wife Kate and three cats.

Mark Cofta was a theater critic for Philadelphia City Paper for a decade until its 2015 demise. He has also written for American Theatre magazine, Backstage: The Theatre Weekly, and other publications, and was awarded a 2010 NEA/USC Fellowship in Arts Journalism. Member, American Theatre Critics Association. Past Barrymore Awards Judge for many seasons. He teaches at The Art Institute of Philadelphia and lives in Ridley Park with his wife Kate and three cats.

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The cast of 1812's annual current-events satire (with creator Jennifer Childs, center) parodies Broadway shows by adding a Trump-era twist. (Photo by Mark Garvin.)

1812 Productions presents its 14th annual 'This Is the Week That Is'

Comedy in the time of Trump

1812 Productions’s 14th annual 'This Is the Week That Is' again parodies politics but with an unapologetically strong point of view. Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 29, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Reed's adaptation of the Dickens classic reclaims its adult message. (Photo courtesy of Hedgerow Theater.)

Hedgerow Theatre presents Jared Reed's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol'

No frills, all chills

Hedgerow Theatre's annual ‘A Christmas Carol’ plays for the 26th year, but check out the brief run of artistic director Jared Reed's solo version. Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 26, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Jenna Kuerzi holds the audience's attention throughout the 65-minute solo performance. (Photo courtesy of Hella Fresh Theater.)

Hella Fresh Theater presents John Rosenberg's 'And Then One Feels Great Anxiety'

We could be heroes

John Rosenberg's new play 'And Then One Feels Great Anxiety' features a solo performance by Jenna Kuerzi and helps re-establish Kensington’s Hella Fresh Theater. Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 26, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Chris Anthony's Eraste and Mary Martello's Madame Argente can't save Ives's material from itself. (Photo by Mark Garvin.)

Lantern Theater Company presents David Ives's 'The Heir Apparent'

The heir down there

The Lantern Theater's solid production of David Ives's 'The Heir Apparent' can't rescue the 1708 French comedy from its own thin humor. Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 20, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Mark Lazar reprises his annual role as the Dame — this time, playing Ella's dear, departed mother Hazel. (Photo by Mark Garvin.)

People's Light presents Kathryn Petersen and Michael Ogborn's 'Cinderella: a Musical Panto'

Back from the ashes

Over 15 years, People's Light's annual musical panto has nurtured a unique identity that's becoming a beloved tradition. Its delightful 'Cinderella' makes the case. Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 19, 2018 Articles 4 minute read

A simple set, driving music, solid performances, and sharp direction make this a college production worth seeing. (Photo by Zoe Garcia.)

Bryn Mawr College presents Nikolai Gogol's 'The Government Inspector'

Inspecting Bryn Mawr

'The Government Inspector' offers a fine example of Bryn Mawr College's eclectic productions, a well-kept Philly secret. Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 13, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Ilona and Amalia take their (very) sweet time musing about life and love. (Photo by Paola Nogueras.)

Villanova Theatre presents 'She Loves Me'

Few surprises, great ride

Villanova Theatre's 'She Loves Me' ably shows that this old musical delivers more than seems possible. Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 09, 2018 Articles 4 minute read

James Kern's P and Jeff Gorcyca's A play the game of their lives. (Photo by Johanna Austin, austinart.org.)

Azuka Theatre presents JC Lee's 'warplay'

Mythbusting

Azuka Theatre's production of JC Lee's 'warplay' shows how the mythical can be personal, and vice versa, in a modern two-man exploration of a classic tale. Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 06, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

In Nottage's family drama, Father doesn't always know best. (Photo courtesy of South Camden Theatre Company.)

South Camden Theatre Company presents Lynn Nottage's 'Crumbs from the Table of Joy'

A healthy serving of early Nottage

Lynn Nottage's 'Crumbs from the Table of Joy' at South Camden Theatre Company serves up a satisfying family drama from the two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 06, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Rishard and Gonglewski do the opposite of a meet-cute in Hnath's sequel. (Photo by Mark Garvin.)

Arden Theatre Company presents Lucas Hnath's 'A Doll's House, Part 2' (first review)

You can't go home again

Lucas Hnath's 'A Doll's House, Part 2' builds on the success of the Arden Theatre Company's splendid 2018 production of Henrik Ibsen's 'A Doll's House.' Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 05, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Fenton Li and Chuja Seo play a couple stuck in the center of a tug-of-war over gentrification. (Photo by Paola Nogueras.)

InterAct Theatre Company presents Josh Wilder's 'Salt Pepper Ketchup'

Conflict needs more seasoning

Philly native Josh Wilder's 'Salt Pepper Ketchup' at InterAct Theatre Company contains the ingredients for a powerful gentrification drama, but they never truly satisfy. Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 02, 2018 Articles 2 minute read

Jered McLenigan (left) and Mary Tuomanen re-enact the ancient tale of the yellow boy and his orange-haired stalker. (Photo by Johanna Austin, austinart.org.)

Wilma Theater presents Anne Washburn's 'Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play'

Cowabunga!

The Wilma Theater’s 'Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play' challenges audiences to think about big issues through post-apocalyptic survival and 'The Simpsons.' Mark Cofta reviews.

Nov 02, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Colbert as Pumla, who met face-to-face with "Prime Evil." (Photo by Cass Meehan.)

EgoPo Classic Theater presents Nicholas Wright's 'A Human Being Died That Night'

Truth, reconciliation, theater

The enduring lessons of apartheid are explored in Nicholas Wright's harrowing drama 'A Human Being Died That Night,' launching EgoPo Classic Theatre's Theatre of South Africa season. Mark Cofta reviews.

Oct 30, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Jennifer Summerfield is "simply brilliant" in the title role. (Photo courtesy of Hedgerow Theatre.)

Hedgerow Theatre presents Robinson Jeffers's adaptation of 'Medea'

Revenge served hot

Hedgerow Theatre's 'Medea' sizzles with passion. After over 2,400 years, it still feels ripped from today's headlines. Mark Cofta reviews.

Oct 22, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Rosenberg's basement banter uses high-context dialogue. (Photo by John Rosenberg.)

Hella Fresh Theater presents John Rosenberg's 'The Low Cost Mules'

Back in the saddle

Hella Fresh Theater returns to Kensington after a four-year absence with John Rosenberg's 'The Low Cost Mules.' Mark Cofta reviews.

Oct 22, 2018 Articles 2 minute read

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