Theater

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Josh Carpenter as Pip and Brian McCann as Magwitch in Arden Theatre Company's production of “Great Expectations.” (Photo by Mark Garvin)

'Great Expectations' at the Arden Theatre

Cliffs Notes on a classic

A Dickens adaptation that makes us laugh? Seeing the Arden Theatre Company’s Great Expectations is like watching the Cliffs Notes come to life — in a good way.
Naomi Orwin

Naomi Orwin

Articles 3 minute read
Gusto and grace: "The Last Ship" (Photo of the Chicago production by Joan Marcus)

'The Last Ship' and 'On the Town'

Setting sail on Broadway

Two musicals currently on Broadway — The Last Ship and On the Town — are both about life ashore, but they couldn't be more different.

Carol Rocamora

Articles 4 minute read
Another gauntlet hits the deck in "Richard II." (Photo by Shawn May)

‘As You Like It’ and ‘Richard II’ at Quintessence Theatre Group

Going all the way with Shakespeare?

When directors send Shakespeare back to its roots, just which roots do they choose to stick with, and why? These classic shows in rep may leave audiences wondering.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Articles 5 minute read
Yavorsky (front), Fallick: Caricatures on parade. (Photo: Mark Garvin.)

‘Bad Jews’ at the Walnut (2nd review)

Jews behaving badly

Secularism clashes with religiosity during a tense reunion of family members after a funeral. And you don’t have to be Jewish to squirm and laugh at the conflict.
Steve Cohen

Steve Cohen

Articles 3 minute read
Shoehorning in a much-needed female character. (Photo: Deen van Meer)

‘Newsies’ at the Academy of Music (second review)

Protesting injustice in song and dance

A dancing set, a screaming audience, two dozen dancing newsboys. Who needs a believable story when everyone’s excited before the show even begins?
Naomi Orwin

Naomi Orwin

Articles 3 minute read
Charlie DelMarcelle (here in <em>I Am My Own Wife</em>) was costar of two winning productions.

Return of the Barrymore Awards

No egos, please — we're Philadelphians

Philadelphia’s Barrymore Awards returned after a two-year absence, stressing not star power but the diverse nature of Philadelphia theater and the innovative qualities of its newer companies.
Steve Cohen

Steve Cohen

Articles 2 minute read
The good guys, in case you were wondering.

‘Newsies’ at the Academy of Music

More than the sum of its parts

Newsies offers a trite plot wrapped up in spectacular musical packaging.
Steve Cohen

Steve Cohen

Articles 2 minute read
Gatling (left), Chouiniere: Cruelty of apartheid.

Pamela Gien’s ‘Syringa Tree’ in Norristown

Across the color line

Blacks and whites separated by apartheid in South Africa provide expressive performances by two fine actresses.
Steve Cohen

Steve Cohen

Articles 2 minute read
Lost boys: Kieran Culkin and Michael Cera. (Photo by Brigitte Lacombe)

Revival of Lonergan's 'This Is Our Youth'

Coming of age in a confusing world

The coming-of-age genre has always been around, but with the alarming reports of disaffected youth committing acts of terrorism and violence the world over, we’re all struggling to understand what is bringing the new generation to the brink.

Carol Rocamora

Articles 4 minute read
Was “Loman” shortened from something more Jewish? (Dave Cimetta Photography)

‘Bad Jews’ and ‘Death of a Salesman’

Why can’t we all just get along?

Two plays currently running in Philadelphia are about dysfunctional families. Although Death of a Salesman was written at a time when Willy’s behavior as father and husband would have been a lot more acceptable than it is today, Bad Jews is clearly aware of the outrageous behavior of all of its participants. Both plays address a particular family dynamic while at the same time exploring a larger societal change.
Naomi Orwin

Naomi Orwin

Articles 5 minute read