Wilma's "Life of Galileo'

Brecht (like Shaw) needs to be heard out at full length, and Blanka Zizka’s capable production has properly served him. To offer a work that takes not merely the play but the passion of ideas seriously, and to bring it off well, is daring enough these days.

The Life of Galileo. By Bertolt Brecht; translated from the German by David Edgar; directed by Blanka Zizka. Through May 13, 2007, at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. (at Spruce). (215

Robert Zaller

Apr 21, 2007 · Articles · 6 minute read

InterAct's 'When Something Wonderful Ends'

Playwright Sherry Kramer wants to dramatize the dangers of Americans’ addiction to Middle Eastern oil. But this is not a drama; it’s a one-woman lecture, and not a very sophisticated one at that.

When Something Wonderful Ends. By Sherry Kramer; directed by Tom Moore. Presented by InterAct Theatre Co. through May 6, 2007 at Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom, St. (215) 568-8079 or

Dan Rottenberg

Apr 12, 2007 · Articles · 2 minute read

"Caroline, or Change' at the Arden (second review)

Tony Kushner’s Caroline, or Change may well be an even finer achievement than his Angels in America. Angels dazzled with its panoramic sweep; Caroline impresses with its intimacy and understatement, its balanced presentation of differing sides in a social revolution, and its depiction of everyday life in a single small household.

Caroline, or Change. Book and Lyrics by Tony Kushner; music by Jeanine Tesori; directed by Terrence

Steve Cohen

Mar 31, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

EgoPo's "Spring Awakening' (second review)

Frank Wedekind’s Spring Awakening, fresh and spirited in its production by Philadelphia’s newest company, makes yesterday’s avant-garde more exciting than most anything on today’s constipated stage.

Spring Awakening. By Frank Wedekind; directed by Lane Savadove. Presented by EgoPo Productions through March 25, 2007 at Mainstage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.

Robert Zaller

Mar 28, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

"Caroline, or Change' at the Arden (first revi

As he did with Angels in America, Tony Kushner creates something conceptually different from the musical. His work brings to life the sound and roiling fury of 1963 America, when the civil-rights movement changed the world and Camelot was lost in a moment in Dallas. The Arden production is blessed with a stellar cast, kinetic direction and outstanding stage design.

Caroline, or Change. Book and Lyrics by Tony Kushner; music by Jeanine Tesori; directed by Terrence J

Lewis Whittington

Mar 24, 2007 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Spamalot' at Academy of Music

Without grounding in Monty Python humor, Eric Idle’s musical isn’t funny. But gradually, it wins over the skeptics.

Spamalot. Through April 8, 2007 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust St. 215-893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org.

Steve Cohen

Mar 23, 2007 · Articles · 1 minute read

EgoPo's 'Spring Awakening' (first review)

Frank Wedekind’s raw drama about adolescence was too hot to handle a century ago and is rarely performed today. Now it’s receiving not one but two revivals.

Spring Awakening. By Frank Wedekind; directed by Lane Savadove. Presented by EgoPo Productions through March 25, 2007 at Mainstage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St. (215) 552-8773 or www.egopo.org.

Steve Cohen

Mar 18, 2007 · Articles · 3 minute read

Wilma's "Enemies, A Love Story' (second revi

Sarah Schulman’s theatrical adaptation of Isaac Bashevis Singer’s novel is a misbegotten venture that mixes bad humor and worse philosophy in a travesty about Holocaust survivors in postwar New York. This is the perfect Seinfeld prequel, with angst by Adolf and body tattoos from Josef Mengele.

Enemies, A Love Story. By Sarah Schulman, from the novel by Isaac Bashevis Singer; directed by Jiri Zizka. Through March 11, 2007 at Wilma Theater, Broad and Spruce

Robert Zaller

Feb 27, 2007 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Stormy Weather' at the Prince

Lena Horne’s saga is much more than a rags-to-riches success story. Add to this a hit parade of songs associated with Horne’s career and you have an evening that’s pleasurable and satisfying, except for the frustration of seeing Leslie Uggams on stage with few songs to sing.

Stormy Weather: Imagining Lena Horne. By Sharleen Cohen Cooper; directed by Michael Bush. Through March 4, 2007 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., (215) 569-9700 or

Steve Cohen

Feb 24, 2007 · Articles · 2 minute read

"Nerds' at PTC (second review)

By sticking close to the truth, the playwrights have fashioned a bright satire about the rise of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. The musical is full of snappy dialogue and only runs out of gas near the end.

Nerds: A Musical Software Satire. Book and lyrics by Jordan Allen-Dutton; music by Hal Goldberg. Directed by Philip William McKinley; choreographed by Joey McKneely. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through February 25, 2007 at Plays & Players, 1714 Delancey St.

Steve Cohen

Feb 17, 2007 · Articles · 2 minute read