Archive for the ‘Drama’ tag
Little Shop of Horrors
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
The Seafarer
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
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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 |
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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. |
Where am I?
Camelot at Plays and Players
Camelot at Plays and Players, 1714 Delancey St, 1/2 price tickets (full price tickets range from $25-$30). Use code “Culturati” online. May 20th through June 6th.
Pre-fixe dinner at La Fontana della Citta at 1701 Spruce St. Details soon.
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It’s the celebrated, chivalrous story of a knight, the sword in the stone, a roundtable and the time-honored characters King Arthur, Lancelot and Lady Guinevere. In this Lerner & Loewe musical version, which first debuted on Broadway in 1960, the hope, the romance and, of course, the melodies live on. Directed by Lance Moore, Camelot stars Ray Croce as King Arthur and Victoria Frings as Guinevere.
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WHERE AM I? Welcome to Rittenhouse Square, one of the oldest, most established residential neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Complete with posh bars and restaurants, classy stores and designer boutiques, art galleries, small museums and the Plays and Players Theatre. Its easy to access by bus (the 12, 42, 9 and 21 all run along Walnut St), or parking is available in garages (try Sansom between 16th and 15th) or further south for street parking. |
Something Intangible @ Arden Theatre
Something Intangible at the Arden Theatre, 40 N 2nd St., $5 off the ticket price (excluding Saturdays). 215.922.1122. Runs through June 7th, 2009.
10% off dinner at Bistro 7. 7 N 3rd St. Mention PhilaCulturati and Arden Theatre tickets. http://www.bistro7restaurant.com/index.html
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Something Intangible Its Hollywood in the early 1940’s and two brothers, who are polar opposite, run a movie studio together. Loosely based on Walt and Roy Disney, the brothers’ studio becomes famous for its cartoon dog, Petey Pup (wonder where the inspiration came from). One brother is artsy and creative-minded and loves to dream big; the other is good at management, finances and keeping the duo’s heads above water. The brothers are played by Scott Greer and Ian Merrill Peakes, who were last seen together at the Arden in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead. Something Intangible, written by celebrated Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham runs through June 7, 2009. Mention PhilaCulturati when you call the box office and receive $5 off the ticket price (excluding Saturdays). 215.922.1122 |
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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. |
Hamlet ~Lantern Theater Company
Featured Event for April 22nd through 26th:
2-For-1 tickets to see Hamlet at the Lantern Theater Company (10th and Ludlow).
Call or visit the box office and mention “PhilaCulturati.” Offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
Nearby: Free drink and dessert at the Marathon Grill at 10th and Walnut.
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Hamlet One of the most frequently quoted plays in the world and certainly one of Shakespeare’s most read, Hamlet will be playing at the Lantern Theater Company from April 3rd to May 10, and PhilaCulturati is featuring 2-for-1 tickets during the week of April 22nd. Nationally-acclaimed performer Geoff Sobelle takes on the lead role, bringing his dynamic physical style to this searing production. Be a part of this surprising theatrical event that plumbs the dark humor of Shakespeare’s tragic son! http://www.lanterntheater.org/
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Can I interest you in a pre-theater drink? Please mention PhilaCulturati at the Marathon Grill at 10th and Walnut Sts for a Hold on to your theater ticket as well because it entitles you to a free dessert.
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Where am I? Ludlow Street is one of those little streets in Center City that you walk right by because it gets overshadowed by the tree-named streets that everyone prefers when giving directions. So to stay true to form, Ludlow is north of Chestnut Street (just south of Market). The Lantern Theater Company is located on an even less-noticable section of Ludlow because the block goes nowhere. Welcome to Center City. If you are driving you’ll want to park near Thomas Jefferson Hospital because there is a plethora of lots nearby. If you’re talking Septa there is an el stop at 11th and Market or busses run on both Market and Chestnut (and Walnut) frequently. Get off at 10th St. This section of Center City is known mostly for the hospitals (Thomas Jefferson and Will’s Eye), but rest assured, you will find cute boutiques and cafes nestled within.
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Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead
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William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead
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Tickets are $10 for PhilaCulturati Readers (orig. $20) Show Dates/Times: March 12 at 8pm* March 13 at 8pm March 14 at 8pm and 12am^ March 15 at 3pm March 19 at 8pm March 20 at 8pm March 21 at 8pm and 12am^ March 22 at 3pm March 26 at 8pm March 27 at 8pm March 28 at 8pm Click here to purchase tickets or call (800) 595-4TIX. *Preview performance – pay-what-you-can. Phone reservations or walk-up only. ^Zombie Costume Night – Tickets $10, with free drink coupon if you dress in costume.
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| Dinner at The Black Sheep at 17th and Latimer
15% off Dinner with ticket stub
For beer lovers, The Black Sheep maintains the staples on draught: your Guiness, Hoegarden, Stella Artois, Chimay and PBC Rowhouse Red are ready to fill your pint. The bottled beer selection fills in the gaps, and the bar also boasts a decent wine selection, as well. Order a glass of Ancoro Pinot Grigio, The all day bar menu features the classic american gastro-pub favorites such as the gourmet burger, steamed mussels, fried calamari, baked mac and cheese, and quesadillas. The dinner entrees offer a variety you may not expect at an Irish pub: NY Strip Frites, Grilled Filet of Salmon, Sauteed Crab Cakes, Crispy Duck with Orange Plum Glaze or Pan Seared Rack of Lamb.
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The Rant, InterAct Theatre Co. ~Center City West
Tuesday, Feb 10 through Wed, Feb 18th, Buy One-Get One tickets ($24-$28) to The Rant, InterAct Theatre Company, 2030 Sansom St, Center City West, www.InterActTheatre.org, Must use webcode RANT241, play starts at 7pm. Recommended Dinner: Before theatre at Tampopo (on 21st St just north of Sansom) or after theatre at Melograno (2012 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, 215-875-8116). Possible discounts coming soon…
If you like Law and Order, or any other crime show spin-off for that matter, you’ll enjoy The Rant by the InterAct Theatre Company. It’s not a particularly new story –unarmed black teenager shot by NY cops— nor a new way of telling a story –The Rant is very Rashomon-esque, told mostly via monologues through four different characters points of view. Yet, The Rant, which is skillfully performed and masterly directed, will keep you guessing (oh! Is there a twist?!) and entertained throughout its one easy-to-sit-through 90 minute act.
Based on different perspectives, The Rant demonstrates how personal agendas, loyalties, history, and bias shape what we perceive as “truth.” If you’re the kind of person who enjoys deciphering ‘who-dun-it,’ The Rant’s slowly unfolding story will really get in your head. It’s explorations of backgrounds and others’ misconceptions all have aspects to which we can relate, and will keep you thinking about your perceptions of race, bias, and reality.
InterAct Theatre Company is offering PhilaCulturati readers Buy-One-Get-One Free from Tuesday, February 10 – Wednesday, February 18. In order to get the discount, readers will have to book online through the website using the code “RANT241” (case sensitive). The following restrictions apply: Offer requires two ticket purchase minimum. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts, applied to previous purchases, and is subject to availability.
For dinner, if you will be hungry before theatre (say between 5-7) then Tampopo is a great choice. A small, hip Japanese restaurant, Tampopo has excellent quality food at affordable prices. The sushi is amazing (try the spicy tuna rolls!) and the bento boxes and noodle bowls hit the perfect balance between comfort food and light faire. The chicken katsu bento box gives you the choice of sides (broccoli, edamame, brown rice, gyoza…you can see the menu online here) with slender, fried-to-perfection, chicken breast strips. The only catch: they close by 9:30pm!
For a more upscale choice, Melograno (just doors down from the theatre) is a lovely Italian BYOB that accepts reservations Tues, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. They seat until about 10pm so you can definitely enjoy a post-theatre dinner at this fine establishment. Buon appetito!