WICKED Announces Lottery for $25 Seats

Performances Begin January 6 at the Academy of Music

January 4, 2010

A day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of seats will be held daily for WICKED, which will be performing from January 6 – 24, 2010 at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music. Each day, 2½ hours prior to show time up to 20 people who present themselves at the Academy of Music box office (Broad St. & Locust St.) will have their names placed in a ‘witches hat’ and then 30 minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of seats at $25 each, cash only.  This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person. A limited number of regular price tickets still remain for performances of WICKED.

WICKED begins performances at the Academy of Music January 6 and runs through January 24. When WICKED played Philadelphia in 2006 and 2007, both engagements sold out in record time and broke box office house records.

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

Arden Theatre Company presents

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
On the F. Otto Haas Stage
December 2, 2009 – January 24, 2010

Arden Theatre Company’s 2009/10 children’s theatre series begins with an all-new adaptation of Peter Pan. Ever since J.M. Barrie’s story first appeared in 1904, countless versions have been produced on stage and in film.   Now, Arden Children’s Theatre presents a brand-new adaptation; one that celebrates the wonder of storytelling and the power of make-believe. Recommended for families with children ages five and older, every performance includes a post-show question and answer session with the cast, an opportunity to meet the cast in the lobby after the performance, and a free commemorative show poster for all kids.  This production is sponsored by PECO.

A versatile ensemble cast invites audiences to join Wendy and Michael Darling as eternally young Peter Pan whisks them off to Neverland, an exhilarating island of swordplay, swashbuckling and the fearsome Captain Hook.  With wild imagination, puppets, an original musical score, and plenty of stage magic, highly energetic characters inhabit this fantasy world where there are no parents, no homework, and you’re always one step away from a lurking, ticking crocodile.

“Peter Pan has been enchanting readers for over a century. We look forward to bringing this beloved story to life with the vitality, imagination and heart that has been the hallmark of our best Arden Children’s Theatre productions,” said Arden’s Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen.

Arden Children’s Theatre offers affordable ticket prices and the same high quality production values as the company’s mainstage shows. Peter Pan is directed by David O’Connor who recently helmed The Seafarer at the Arden. The Peter Pan cast includes two actors who appeared in the Arden’s critically-acclaimed production of The History Boys earlier this season: Chris Bresky in the title role and local favorite Frank X as Captain Hook.  The cast also includes Philadelphia performers Bi Jean Ngo, Jacqueline Real, David Sweeney and Pig Iron Theatre Company member Sarah Sanford.  The design team includes costume designer Richard St. Clair (Barrymore Award winner for Arden’s Children Theatre productions Sleeping Beauty and The Dinosaur Musical), set designer Tom Gleeson, sound designer Daniel Kluger (Pig Iron’s Welcome to Yuba City), and lighting designer Matt Frey.

J.M. Barrie (1860-1937) was a Scottish playwright and novelist. Peter Pan’s adventure first appeared in the 1904 stage play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, which was later expanded and adapted into the novel Peter and Wendy in 1911. Since that time, Peter Pan has appeared in numerous literary, stage and film adaptations. Douglas Irvine’s recent adaptation premiered in 2008 in a co-production between The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis and Irvine’s company Visible Fictions from Scotland.

Peter Pan performances begin on Wednesday, December 2. Preview performances run December 2, 3, 4, and 5. Opening night is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, December 5. A full performance calendar is available online at http://www.ardentheatre.org/calendar/

Single ticket prices are $16-$32, with discounts for kids, teens and seniors. Groups of 20+ enjoy significant discounts; please inquire about group rates. Subscriptions are available for Arden Children’s Theatre, which includes tickets to both Peter Pan and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, for $26-$50. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, order online at www.ardentheatre.org, or visit the box office.

The Arden is proud to announce the Target 2 for 1 Family Series, a ticket discount program generously sponsored by Target. This program offers two tickets for the price of one during selected performances of Peter Pan. Please refer to the show calendars at www.ardentheatre.org for the designated performances. There is a limit of four discounted orders (8 tickets) per transaction, available while supplies last.

Families are also invited to attend the Peter Pan Family Salon on Saturday, January 16 at 2pm, an exclusive backstage event where adults and children learn about all the behind the scenes magic of how Arden shows are produced.  Go on an all access tour of the Arden, explore the set, meet your favorite actors, and learn how we create special effects.  This family fun filled day is best enjoyed after seeing the production.  Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $25 per family and can be purchased by calling the box office at 215.922.1122

To further enhance the performance experience, kids ages 7 and older are invited to join the Family Usher Network (FUN) with their adult chaperones. FUN gives kids a behind-the-scenes peek at how plays are created, instills the value of community involvement and teaches valuable social skills. FUN ushers receive an exclusive backstage tour, hand out programs, tear tickets, seat patrons and help straighten up the theatre after the show. For information call the box office at 215.922.1122.

The Arden is fully wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices and large-print programs at every performance. Reservations are required for accessible seating and may be made by calling the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122. An ASL performance is scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 12pm.

Arden Theatre Company also offers Arden Drama School, a wide array of classes and day camps for elementary through high school aged children, including a special Peter Pan acting class on December 28 for kids in kindergarten through 5^th grade. Details can be found on the company’s kid-friendly website: www.ardentheatre.org/ardendramaschool

Theatre Exile’s season opens with the Philadelphia premiere of Hunter
Gatherers by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb.  Richard, Pam, Wendy and Tom, the “Fab
Four” since prom night 17 years ago, still find time amidst the Reiki
sessions, novel writing and organic food shopping to gather for a yearly
dinner.  As the smell of their freshly killed dinner fills the room, their
culturally savvy world is threatened by the animal instincts that lurk
inside. Armed with razor-sharp language, complex characters and a stunning
sense of the theatrical, Nachtrieb takes the world of Edward Albee to the
next level. Hunter Gatherers runs Oct 29 – Nov 22 at the Adrienne, 2030
Sansom Street. Tickets are $15-$40; order at 215-218-4022 or
www.theatreexile.org.  For mature audiences.

On Stage Philadelphia

Philly Live Arts + Fringe Preview Nights at Plays and Players Theatre

Monday, August 17, 2009 at 8:00 PM

Monday, August 24, 2009 at 8:00 PM

Monday, August 31, 2009 at 8:00 PM
On Stage Philadelphia features ten minute sneak-peak performances of upcoming productions in the Philadelphia area representing a wide range of artistic disciplines. Following the performances, audiences will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with artists, and enjoy special offers to the upcoming productions at the post-show marketplace. Audiences are provided with an opportunity to see which performances are compatible to their interests, and frequently go on to attend the full versions of what they see at preview night.

Plays & Players Theatre

1714 Delancey Place
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 735-0630
Website: www.playsandplayers.org
Map & Directions

WHAT TO DO NEARBY?

As luck would have it, Plays and Players Theatre is centrally located in the Rittenhouse Sq area with lots and lots to do nearby. OnStage Philadelphia doesn’t start til 8pm, so you can hit up any of the local bars for happy hour or dinner. PhilaCulturati favorites include Tank Bar (upstairs at Friday, Saturday, Sunday), and the Black Sheep for a laid-back atmosphere with seriously good food. Rittenhouse also has some stellar window shopping opportunities. Check out all the cute boutiques and galleries, and specialty stores. Hello World, DiBruno Bros Gourmet Market, and Barney’s New York should top your list.

The Seafarer at the Arden Theatre, 40 N 2nd St., 1/2 price tickets May 14th – 19th. Call 215.922.1122 or visit the box office and mention PhilaCulturati.

10% off dinner at Bistro 7. 7 N 3rd St. Mention PhilaCulturati and Arden Theatre tickets. http://www.bistro7restaurant.com/index.html

The Seafarer On a booze-filled, Christmas Eve in Ireland, a group of misfits get more than they bargained for in a high-stakes game of poker. This hauntingly comedic story challenges the ghosts of the characters’ pasts, aptly played by a cast including Greg Wood (Opus, Wittenberg), William Zielinski (Winesburg, Ohio), and Anthony Lawton (A Prayer for Owen Meany). The Seafarer was nominated for four Tony® Awards during its recent run on Broadway. Mention PhilaCulturati when you call the box office and receive 50% off the ticket price (May 14th – 19th). 215.922.1122

Where am I? Welcome to Old City or Historic Philadelphia. And yes, from the name you can deduce that this is where it all began. Independence Hall is just blocks away at 6th and Chestnut Streets, as is the Liberty Bell. This neighborhood is fascinating it contains the most “historic square mile in the US,” alongside some of the city’s best nightclubs, restaurants and cultural destinations. Easy to access with the El on Market St (stops at 5th and 2nd Streets), Septa busses, and the Phlash Bus. There is metered street parking along Front St and lots throughout the neighborhood.

Bistro 7 Chef/Owner Michael O’Halloran (formerly of Fork and the White Dog Café) relies on local, organic farmers to create the eclectic American menu at Bistro 7. Its chic, minimalist atmosphere and quality entrees, have made it an award-winning BYOB. You’ll want to try the 5 course, $35 Chef’s Tasting Menu, available Tuesday through Thursday, or order from Dinner Menu.