Arden Theatre Company presents the perfect theatrical treat for the whole family this holiday season!

Peter Pan

A brand-new version of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale
Adapted for the stage by Douglas Irvine
From the books by J.M. Barrie

Directed by David O’Connor

“We found Peter Pan to be a wonderful few hours of merriment, fantasy, and mayhem.

There was flying, crowing, fighting, and pretty much everything else fun you could want or need.” –Phillyist
Background: Arden Children’s Theatre presents a brand-new version of Peter Pan that celebrates the wonder of storytelling and the power of make-believe.

Recommended for families with children ages five and older.

Holiday Performances:

Wednesday, December 23 at 4pm

Thursday, December 24 at 12pm
Saturday, December 26 at 12pm, 4pm and 7pm

Sunday, December 27 at 12pm and 4pm

Tuesday, December 29 at 12pm and 4pm

Wednesday, December 30 at 12pm and 4pm

Thursday, December 31 at 12pm
Friday, January 1 at 2pm

Saturday, January 2 at 12pm and 4pm

Sunday, January 3 at 12pm and 4pm

Tickets:
Kids: $16-$18
Teens: $20-$22

Adults: $30-$32

Order by calling 215.922.1122

Or online at www.ardentheatre.org

PHOTO: Frank X as Captain Hook and David J. Sweeny as Smee in Arden Theatre Company’s production ofPeter Pan. Photo by Mark Garvin.

11th Hour Theatre Company and Theatre Horizon present:

Little Shop of Horrors

Music by Alan Menken, Book by Howard Ashman
Directed by Megan Nicole O’Brien

11th Hour Theatre Company and Theatre Horizon are bringing audiences back to Skid Row one more time as they present the Center City run of their inventive reimagining of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s classic Little Shop of Horrors. This production debuted at Montgomery County’s Centre Theatre. Now, this fresh take on a musical gem will hit the boards at the Independence Black Box at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street, running from November 27-December 20, 2009. The show will open on Thursday, December 3. Tickets cost $27 – $30. There is a three dollar discount for all tickets purchased online. Tickets for preview performances cost $17 – there is no discount on preview tickets. Tickets are available at www.11thhourtheatrecompany.org or by calling the box office at 267-987-9865.

Steve Pacek as Seymour in 11th Hour’s Little Shop of Horrors

11th Hour and Theatre Horizon will take audiences downtown to Skid Row, where depression is the status quo and most people are dying to get out. Director Megan Nicole O’Brien and the artistic team have set out to create a sense of realism with the show, doing away with the typical cartoonish set, performances, and staging that have traditionally been paired with productions. On Skid Row, audiences will meet flower shop clerk Seymour who sets out to win the heart of the beautiful Audrey and escape their miserable life in the ghetto. Seymour and Audrey are co-workers at Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists. While browsing the wholesale flower district, a sudden eclipse of the sun drops a weird plant in Seymour’s way. He brings it back to the shop and names it Audrey II. Will this plant offer escape? Or will it the plant’s deadly appetite open up a new found blood lust in Seymour.

“This show is a lot grittier. We wondered what it would be like if this really was Skid Row. We looked at what these characters would be like if they really existed,” said director Megan Nicole O’Brien. “We didn’t want Seymour to be that cartoony, ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ caricature that people are used to. I really always felt that there is something lost with Audrey played as the traditional blond bombshell stereotype. I really wanted audiences to hear what she had to say. I always saw her as a gentle, sweet, and kind person. She has wisdom for other people, but not so much for herself. As we created the show, we really thought about who these people would be in real life.”

Steve Pacek, one of the founders of 11th Hour Theatre Company, appears as Seymour. Melinda Bass, who was part of 11th Hour’s Barrymore Award-winning ensemble for World Goes ‘Round, is joining the cast as Audrey. Bass replaces Maggie Lakis. Lakis has left the cast to join the New York cast of Avenue Q, reprising the roles she played on the First National Tour. Laura Giknis, Alex Keiper, and Candace Thomas are appearing as Chiffon, Ronette, and Crystal, the sassy denizens of Skid Row. Carl Clemons-Hopkins plays Audrey’s sadistic dentist boyfriend. Paul McElwee is appearing as Mushnick. M.K. Hines voices the deadly plant, Audrey II while Craig Patrick O’Brien controls and manipulates it.

11th Hour co-founder O’Brien directs the show. Noted local director and puppet designer Aaron Cromie designed the puppets that serve as Audrey II. Shelley Hicklin is setting the lights and Lauren Perigard designed the costumes. Jenn Rose choreographed the show and Mark Valenzuela designed the sound. Dan Kazemi serves as Music Director. He recently won the Barrymore Award for the musical direction of Avenue X.

“We wanted the audience to hear what these people had to say,” said O’Brien. “We wanted the show to have a voice that is relevant to this point in time.”

About 11th Hour Theatre Company
11th Hour Theatre Company is a not-for-profit company committed to expanding one of the truly great American art forms…musical theatre. As one of only two companies in the city dedicated to producing musical theatre, 11th Hour focuses on the intimate relationship that forms between artist and audience when music, theatre and dance come together to entertain, educate and inspire.

Location: Prince Music Theater
1412 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia,PA19103

Dates: November 27, 2009- December 20, 2009: Wednesday – Sunday
Saturday November 28th @ 8pm (Preview)
Sunday November 29th @ 2pm & 7pm (Previews)
Wednesday December 2nd @ 6:30pm (Preview)
Thursday December 3rd @ 7pm (Opening Night)
Friday December 4th @ 8pm
Saturday December 5th @ 8pm
Sunday December 6th @ 2pm
Wednesday December 9th @ 6:30pm
Thursday December 10th @ 6:30pm
Friday December 11th @ 8pm
Saturday December 12th @ 8pm
Sunday December 13th @ 2pm
Monday December 14th @ 7pm (Industry Night)
Thursday December 17th @ 6:30pm
Friday December 18th @ 8pm
Saturday December 19th @ 8pm (only)
Sunday December 20th @ 2pm