"Orson's Shadow' at PTC (second review)

The fate of the planet— or even the characters’ careers or their personal lives— doesn’t exactly hang in the balance in Orson’s Shadow. But Austin Pendleton’s worshipful script refuses to confront this inconvenient truth as he plunges us yet again into another exercise in actors acting as actors obsessed with acting.

Orson’s Shadow. By Austin Pendleton; James J. Christy directed. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production th

Dan Rottenberg

May 12, 2007 · Articles · 2 minute read

Broadway's hit musicals, updated

Broadway’s greatest hit musicals are constantly being updated to appeal to contemporary audiences. Here are a few currently under consideration for a facelift.

Armen Pandola

Apr 24, 2007 · Articles · 6 minute read

"The Dishwashers' at Walnut Street Theatre

Up to the intermission, The Dishwashers works on two levels: as a comedy about life in the nether regions of a fancy restaurant, and as an allegory about growing up and growing old. The play’s problems develop in its overlong and repetitious second act.

The Dishwashers. By Morris Panych; directed by Bill Van Horn. Through May 6, 2007 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 3, 825 Walnut St. (215) 574-3550 or

Dan Rottenberg

Apr 21, 2007 · Articles · 3 minute read

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