"The European Lesson" at Black Box Theater

What can Americans teach anyone about Europeans? Not much, according to the Norwegian Jo Strømgren’s ironic The European Lesson. Next question: What makes an easier target than an Ugly American?

The European Lesson. Written and directed by Jo Strømgren. Jo Strømgren Kompani production through September 6, 2008 at Black Box Theater next to Festival Bar, 626 North Fifth St.

Jim Rutter

Aug 31, 2008 · Articles · 4 minute read

"Spamalot' at Academy of Music

Spamalot is an unabashed rip-off of the Monty Python film. And this touring show seems more routine than the road show Philadelphians saw in this same house last season.

Monty Python’s Spamalot. Book by Eric Idle; directed by Mike Nichols. Through August 31, 2008 at Academy of Music. (215) 731-3333 or www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway.

Steve Cohen

Aug 31, 2008 · Articles · 1 minute read

"Parenting 101' at Kimmel's Innovation Studi

I have nothing against silly humor, but the musical Parenting 101 is not up to the standard of say, Urinetown.

Parenting 101. Conceived by Nancy Holson and Susan Holson; directed and choreographed by Jay Falzone. Through November 30, 2008 at Innovation Studio at the Kimmel Center. (215) 731-3333 or www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway.

Steve Cohen

Aug 31, 2008 · Articles · 2 minute read

Theatre Horizon's "Working'

Working is a problematic musical that lacks the power of the original Studs Terkel book. Theatre Horizon has updated it with material from Philadelphia's current-day suburbs, which helps, but not enough.

Working. Music by Stephen Schwartz; directed by Matthew Decker; based on the book by Studs Terkel. Theatre Horizon production July 2-27, 2008 at Upper Merion Middle School Auditorium, King of Prussia. (610) 283-2230 or

Steve Cohen

Aug 31, 2008 · Articles · 2 minute read

"Rabbit Hole' at Olney Theatre

In Rabbit Hole, an atheist seeks consolation for the loss of a son, and finds it in…. science? That may be a bit much to swallow, but David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama receives a nuanced, psychologically engaging production at Maryland’s Olney Theatre Center.

Rabbit Hole. By David Lindsay-Abaire; directed by Mitchell Hébert. Through September 7, 2008 at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney,

Jim Rutter

Aug 19, 2008 · Articles · 5 minute read

"The Shape of Things' at Plays and Players

In Neil LaBute’s play, The Shape of Things, a gorgeous art student seduces an unattractive, unsuspecting young man as her thesis project. Is she corrupted by her acts? Or do some beautiful and vital beings live exempt from consequences?

The Shape of Things. By Neil LaBute; directed by Carol Laratonda. Plays and Players production August 6-10, 2008 at Plays and Players Theater, 1710 Delancey St. www.plays

Steve Antinoff

Aug 12, 2008 · Articles · 6 minute read

"Shakespeare's R & J,' by Mauckingbird Thea

The play within the play makes Shakespeare’s R & J a pure pleasure to watch. But it outshines its larger context.

Shakespeare’s R & J. By Joe Calarco; directed by Peter Reynolds. Mauckingbird Theatre Company production through August 23, 2008 at Adrienne Theatre Mainstage, 2030 Sansom St. (215) 923-8909 or www.mauckingbirdtheatreco.org.

Bob Cronin

Aug 09, 2008 · Articles · 2 minute read

Laurence Fishburne as "Thurgood'

Laurence Fishburne's one-man portrayal of the great civil rights lawyer makes for an exciting and meaningful evening. But sometimes it's hard to distinguish between the actor and his character.

Thurgood. By George Stevens Jr.; directed by Leonard Foglia, Jr. Through August 16, 2008 at Booth Theatre, 222 W. 45th St., New York. NY. (800) 432-7250 or www.thurgoodbroadway.com.

Bob Cronin

Jul 26, 2008 · Articles · 2 minute read

Commonwealth Classic's "Taming of the Shrew'

In an age of gender equality, can you watch The Taming of the Shrew without raising your blood pressure? In his Philadelphia directorial debut, Damon Bonetti dodges controversy by telling his audience: Relax and enjoy— you're back in the '50s.

The Taming of the Shrew. By William Shakespeare. Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company outdoor production through August 1, 2008, at various locations around Philadelphia. (610) 202-7878 or

Jim Rutter

Jul 22, 2008 · Articles · 5 minute read

"Jamaica' revived at the Prince

The 1957 Harold Arlen-Yip Harburg musical Jamaica was a potentially rich broth spoiled by two many meddlesome cooks. The Prince Music Theatre has nobly attempted to capture the creators’ original vision. But maybe Jamaica was fatally flawed to begin with.

Jamaica. Music by Harold Arlen; lyrics by Yip Harburg. Through June 22, 2008 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. (215) 569-9700 or

Steve Cohen

Jul 03, 2008 · Articles · 7 minute read