'Being Alive' at PTC (2nd review)

As a thesis for a master’s degree in theater arts, Being Alive is downright brilliant. But as an evening of theater it’s excruciating to sit through.

Being Alive. Musical conceived and directed by Billy Porter; music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through December 2, 2007 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard Sts. (215) 985-1400 or www.philad

Dan Rottenberg

Nov 03, 2007 · Articles · 2 minute read

"Molly Sweeney' by Amaryllis Theatre (1st revi

So why should anybody want to go see a play about a blind woman who gains her sight and loses her mind? Because it’s by that wonderful Irish playwright Brian Friel and includes three of his most delightful creations.

Molly Sweeney. Drama by Brian Friel; directed by Tom Reing. Amaryllis Theatre Co. production through Nov. 18, 2007 at the Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St. 215-564-2431 or www

Armen Pandola

Nov 03, 2007 · Articles · 6 minute read

InterAct Theatre's "Last of the Boys'

Two Vietnam veterans meet each summer to review their messed up lives. But the war itself seems to have nothing to do with their respective psychological messes. InterAct Theatre’s capable production can’t redeem this fatal flaw in Steven Dietz’s script.

Last of the Boys. Drama by Steven Dietz; directed by Paul Meshejian. Through November 18, 2007 at InterAct Theatre Co., 2030 Sansom St. (215) 568-8077 or

Jim Rutter

Oct 30, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

"An Empty Plate' at the Arden (2nd review)

This feast of a script deserves a more cohesive production than it receives from the Arden. Such a colorful smorgasbord requires a quiet, unifying presentation.

An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf. By Michael Hollinger; directed by Whit MacLaughlin. Through December 9, 2007 at Arden Theater, 40 N. Second St. (212) 922-1122 or www.ardentheatre.org.

Steve Cohen

Oct 22, 2007 · Articles · 2 minute read

"A Night in the Old Marketplace' at the Prince

This Russian-Jewish klezmer musical is an endeavor that I’d love to love. Preserving the literature of an earlier age is a worthy project; so is teaching cultural history to a new generation. But the finished product and muddled plot frustrated me.

A Night in the Old Marketplace. Book & lyrics by Glen Berger, based on I.L. Peretz's 1906 Yiddish drama Bay Nakht Oyfn Altn Mark; music by Frank London. Conceived and directed by Alexandra Aron. Sept. 28-Oct. 21

Steve Cohen

Oct 22, 2007 · Articles · 3 minute read

'An Empty Plate' at the Arden (1st review)

Michael Hollinger’s An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf, in its excellent revival at the Arden, remains half a serving of well-crafted theater that’s still missing the real meal it might have served.

An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf. By Michael Hollinger; directed by Whit MacLaughlin. Through December 9, 2007 at Arden Theater, 40 N. Second St. (212) 922-1122 or www.ardent

Robert Zaller

Oct 20, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

"Death and the Maiden' and Duke U. lacrosse

Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden takes an even-handed look at the question of due process vs. cathartic revenge. But his premature support for action against Duke University’s lacrosse players suggests where his sympathies lie.

Death and the Maiden. By Ariel Dorfman. Through October 27, 2007 at Curio Theatre, 815 South 48 St. (215) 525-1350 or www.curiotheatre.org.

Jim Rutter

Oct 20, 2007 · Articles · 5 minute read

"Six Characters' at People's Light

Pirandello’s path breaking 1921 master work, rarely performed, is thoroughly mesmerizing and raises questions that cannot be answered. Louis Lippa’s extensive adaptation expands the original in a highly professional production that’s not to be missed.

Six Characters in Search of an Author. By Luigi Pirandello; translated and adapted by Louis Lippa; Ken Marini directed. Through November 11, 2007 at People’s Light and Theatre Company, Steinbright Stage

Anne R. Fabbri

Oct 16, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

Barrymore Awards problems

This year’s Barrymore Awards:
One step forward, two steps back

The annual Barrymore Awards program is the Philadelphia theater community’s to the world. So why was it held in a dining room where the drinkers at the bar drowned out the presenters on stage?

Steve Cohen

Oct 06, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

Barrymore Awards problems

The annual Barrymore Awards program is the Philadelphia theater community’s showcase to the world. So why was it held in a dining room where the drinkers at the bar drowned out the presenters on stage?

Steve Cohen

Oct 06, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read