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The Complete Works of Shakespeare

This energetic, sophomoric slapstick parody of Shakespeare offers a few inspired moments within its succession of heavy-handed gags. High school students who’ve been force-fed the Bard will probably love this show, and may even learn something from it.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). By Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield; directed by Domenick Scudera. Through May 19 at Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, 2111 Sansom St., 215-496-8001 or

Dan Rottenberg

Mar 09, 2006 Articles 1 minute read

A plague of one-man shows

Let us not kid ourselves. A one-man play is a convenient vehicle for control freaks. And it's a godsend for producers who want to hold their costs down. But it's no substitute for genuine drama.

Dan Rottenberg

Feb 24, 2006 Articles 6 minute read

Wilma's Nine Parts of Desire

The diversity of Iraqis and their mutual anger are captured in portrayals of nine women by a single talented actress in an evening that would make George W. Bush uncomfortable, not to mention this reviewer.

Nine Parts of Desire. By Heather Raffo; directed by Kate Saxon; with Jacqueline Antaramian. Through March 12, 2006, at Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad (at Spruce), 215-546-7824. www.wilmatheater.org.

Dan Rottenberg

Feb 15, 2006 Articles 2 minute read

PTC's After Ashley

A compelling, original and often very funny work about personal tragedy, mass media exploitation, and the large consequences of minor acts.

After Ashley. By Gina Gionfriddo, directed by Pam McKinnon. Philadelphia Theatre Co. production through through March 5, 2006, at Plays & Players, 1714 Delancey St., 215-985-0420. www.phillytheatreco.com.

Dan Rottenberg

Feb 15, 2006 Articles 2 minute read

Arden's Opus

The sheer heaven and sheer hell of musical collaboration, captured on stage.

Opus, by Michael Hollinger; directed by Terrence J.. Nolen. Through March 12 at Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St., 215-922-8900. www.ardentheatre.org.

Robert Zaller

Feb 15, 2006 Articles 3 minute read

Villanova's Prayers of Sherkin

Barry is a genuine poet of the theater, and James Christy’s final production at Villanova ought not to be missed.

Prayers of Sherkin. By Sebastian Barry, directed by James J. Christy. Through Feb. 19, 2006, at Villanova University Theatre, Vasey Hall. www.theatre.villanova.edu

Robert Zaller

Feb 14, 2006 Articles 3 minute read

Lantern's Novecento

Dramatic script, dramatic performance— but is it a drama?

Novecento. One-man dramatic monologue by Alessandro Baricco, directed by Dugald MacArthur. Presented through Feb. 26, 2006 by Lantern Theater at St. Stephen’s Theater, Tenth and Ludlow Sts., (215) 829-9002 or www.lanterntheater.org.

Dan Rottenberg

Feb 02, 2006 Articles 1 minute read

InterAct's American Sublime

In a 19th-Century painting, Patricia Lynch finds clues to America's war on terror.

American Sublime. By Patricia Lynch; directed by Seth Rozin for InterAct Theatre Co. through Feb. 19. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom, St., (215) 568-8077. www.InterActTheatre.org.

Dan Rottenberg

Feb 01, 2006 Articles 1 minute read

Who can save Freedom Theatre?

It's one of America's most illustrious African-American theater troupes. It's also a leading example of a creative arts organization that can't get its financial act together.

Steve Cohen

Feb 01, 2006 Articles 7 minute read

Walnut's Lettice & Lovage

A Maggie Smith vehicle sans Maggie

Capable actors and just enough pathos to sustain this tale of an overheated tour guide.

Robert Zaller

Jan 31, 2006 Articles 2 minute read