Articles

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229 murderers1

PTC's 'Murderers'

On paper, Jeffrey Hatcher’s notion of unlikely killers in a gated senior community sounds like fine material for a relevant social comedy. But Murderers is all talk and no action; it’s a series of three separate monologues whose characters and stories never intersect.

Murderers. By Jeffrey Hatcher; directed by Michael Bush for Philadelphia Theatre Co. Through Nov. 5, 2006, at Plays & Players, 1714 Delancey St. (215) 985-0420 or
Dan Rottenberg

Dan Rottenberg

Articles 2 minute read

Pennsylvania Academy's 'Villa America'

American culture once amounted to a weak carbon copy of Mother England’s. But around 1900, everything changed. A walk through this not-to-be missed collection explains why.

"Villa America: American Moderns, 1900-1950." Through December 31, 2006, at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118 N. Broad St. 215-972-7600 or www.pafa.org.

Anne R. Fabbri

Articles 6 minute read
226 wispelwey

Chamber Orchestra's Shostakovich

The much-persecuted Dmitri Shostakovich was served heaping portions of artistic justice for his 100th birthday. As conducted by Ignat Solzhenitsyn and performed by the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, the four works soared with bold statements and rich subtleties, bringing forth every emotional dimension and texture.

Shostakovich Centennial Celebration. Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. September 25, 2006, at Perelman Theater in the Kimmel Center. (215) 545-5451 or

Lewis Whittington

Articles 2 minute read
224 kiki and herb losers in love

How to fix the Fringe Festival

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.
Steve Cohen

Steve Cohen

Articles 6 minute read

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Art Museum's Tesoros (second review)

Now it can be told: What Christopher Columbus and all the Europeans considered the New World actually was an ancient world of magnificent cities and complex cultures. It is an experience to be savored again and again. I’ve been through it three times and that wasn’t enough.

“Tesoros: the Arts in Latin America: 1492-1820.” Through December 31, 2006, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. (215) 763-8100.

Anne R. Fabbri

Articles 8 minute read

Arden's 'Prayer For Owen Meany'

John Irving’s allegories, which evolved quietly in his novel, come across as heavy-handed in this stage adaptation. Two strong lead performances compensate for the production’s deficiencies.

A Prayer for Owen Meany. Adapted by Simon Bent from the John Irving novel. Directed by Terrence J. Nolen. Through October 14, 2006, at Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St. 215-922-8900 or www.ardentheatre.org.

Lewis Whittington

Articles 2 minute read

Lantern's 'Master Harold' (second review)

Athol Fugard's mid-period play "Master Harold"... and the Boys gets a good production at the Lantern Theater and a sterling performance from Frank X, but its flawed premise-- the relationship between a young white boy and a middle-aged black servant in apartheid-era South Africa-- vitiates its final impact.

"Master Harold"…and the Boys. By Athol Fugard; Lantern Theater Co. production directed by David O’Connor. Through Oct. 15, 2006,
Robert Zaller

Robert Zaller

Articles 5 minute read
220 E Eschenbach

Eschenbach pro and con

The Inquirer’s Peter Dobrin says Christoph Eschenbach should go because the Philadelphia Orchestra’s musicians don’t like him. Is Dobrin too young to remember legendary martinets like Fritz Reiner and George Szell?
Dan Coren

Dan Coren

Articles 2 minute read

Constitution Center's '9/11: A Nation Remembers'

Predictable patriotic symbols dominate this clichéd exercise in post-9/11 photojournalism. I found little related to victims, the war in Iraq, or even expressions of hope. But the sight of one tattered flag alone is worth the admission price.

“9/11: A Nation Remembers.” Photographs by Jonathan Hyman.
Through January 1, 2007, at the National
Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street. 215-409-6700 or www.constituti
Gresham Riley

Gresham Riley

Articles 5 minute read

Lantern's 'Master Harold...'

South African apartheid is dead, but this indictment of racial repression is as relevant and involving as ever in Lantern's powerful, in-your-face production.

"Master Harold"…and the boys. By Athol Fugard; Lantern Theater Co. production directed by David O’Connor. Through Oct. 15, 2006, at St. Stephen’s Theater, Ninth and Ludlow. (215) 829-9002 or www.lanterntheater.org.
Dan Rottenberg

Dan Rottenberg

Articles 4 minute read