Fringe 2015: 'The Captive' by Philadelphia Artists' Collective

The love that dares not speak its name

The Captive was written in 1926 when homosexuality was still “the love that dares not speak its name.” The original production’s Broadway run was halted by censors, and the cast members were arrested. This revival proves that the play was a mature treatment of the subject, far ahead of its time.

Steve Cohen

Sep 08, 2015 · Articles · 3 minute read

Fringe 2015: ‘Slaughter/ette’ by Butter & Serve

A parody of ‘The Bachelor’ kills its ladies, and almost slaughters me

Here’s a show that holds up cutting questions and relatable laughs and horrors for the audience — but what about those who can’t access it?

Alaina Johns

Sep 05, 2015 · Articles · 5 minute read

Fringe 2015: Idiopathic Ridiculopathy's 'Exit the King'

An excruciating exit

Even though playwright Eugène Ionesco is considered the father of absurd comedy, his Exit the King is terrifying.

Steve Cohen

Sep 04, 2015 · Articles · 2 minute read

Fringe 2015: 'After the Rehearsal/Persona'

The fantasy of film translated to the reality of the stage

Bergman’s oeuvre translated to the stage reconnects us to our early infatuation with the filmmaker and makes us question what he’s saying in a new way.

Naomi Orwin

Sep 04, 2015 · Articles · 5 minute read

Fringe 2015: 1812 Production's 'Shoplifters'

Tackling a meaty subject gingerly

Do we have to pay for what we get in life? Or can we just go out and grab what we want without consequences? Shoplifters tackles these questions but doesn’t really come up with answers.

Naomi Orwin

Sep 03, 2015 · Articles · 4 minute read

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

‘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

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

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

'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