This year’s Flower Show by The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) features diversity of exhibitors, and larger, immersive gardens meant to envelop guests in a magical floral world.

The Entrance Garden design this year creates a sense of mystery and intrigue with its rounded, transparent, mesh scrim that offers a fragrant hint of the opulent and lush floral world awaiting within. The silhouetted plants and flowers on the exterior of the space invite curious guests inward, through a grey hued entrance. By using a mesh scrim to conceal and encapsulate the space, guests are enveloped in a 360-degree world of unique floral pairings, textures, light, fragrance, and vibrant colors; creating an immersive, sensory experience that captures the feeling of “The Garden Electric.”

For the first time in Show history, several designers were invited to create gardens that range from 2,200 – 2,900 square feet, the largest gardens ever seen at the event. This creative direction continues the immersive experience of the previous two outdoor Flower Shows, enveloping guests in a 360-degree floral world that can be experienced from multiple viewpoints. This year’s artists hail from around the globe featuring notable up-and-coming designers as well as established industry veterans known for shaping the industry.

In its return indoors, and for the first time, the Flower Show adopted the concept of a winding promenade. This guided path is a departure from how all previous Shows have been laid out, creating a lush, self-guided experience for guests to view and engage with stunning gardens and flowers up close.

Information on the full list of exhibitors, musical talent, marketplace, and more for the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show are available at: phsonline.org/the-flower-show. Tickets are available for purchase at tickets.phsonline.org.

Below is a short list of do-not-miss designers this year.

Black Girl Florists Network

Among the lineup of renowned exhibitors, is the Black Girl Florists network. This network was created to support and celebrate black women in floristry, and the group offers workshops, group training sessions, and more to deliver on this impactful mission. Their exhibit draws inspiration from their own unity as black florists, illustrating that together, they contribute to the growth and sustainability of their presence in the floral industry. The exhibit features an array of vibrantly colored florals reflective of the theme, lighting elements, and large-scale barrels brimming with stunning flowers pouring into a 10-ft. tree.

Ill Exotics

Ill Exotics, a boutique shop based in Philadelphia and specializing in uncommon plants from aroids to orchids and captive-bred fauna, created “Studio Exotica” a Studio-54 inspired disco taken over by tropical foliage and flowers, complete with a floral DJ, bartender, and dancers. 

Newfields led by Jonathan Wright

Renowned and esteemed designer Jonathan Wright, Director of The Garden and Fairbanks Park at Newfields, is exhibiting this year for the first time. Known as a gardening tastemaker in the field of public gardens for his creative design sensibility and elegant, yet contemporary approach, guests can anticipate a breathtaking 360-degree, mixed-media installation featuring projections, music, and florals reminiscent of immersive art shows.

Harijanto Setiawan

Harijanto Setiawan, a recipient of the Designer of the Year Award in 2013 by the President of Singapore, is an architect-turned-florist and founder of Boenga floral studio. He has worked with high-end clients such as Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Swarovski, Manolo Blahnik, and Audi, uniting floral design, architecture, and high fashion. Look forward to innovative and architectural floral sculptures that captivate lovers of decadent and imaginative design.

Treeline Designz

Treeline Designz, led by Iftikhar Ahmed, will bring to life a concept that pays tribute to children facing war in Ukraine. This exhibit sheds light on Ukrainian children who have been uprooted from their homes and exposed to war. Ahmed believes that garden and landscape design can contribute to making the world a more livable, equitable, resilient, and just place. His exhibit uses locally-grown trees and plants to envision a magical, twinkling fairy house, home to the Peace Fairy, who watches over and protects all children.

Susan Cohan Gardens

Renowned garden and landscape designer Susan Cohan, named “Designer of the Year in 2021” by The Association of Professional Landscape Designers, returns to the Flower Show in 2023. Her firm’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that thoughtful and responsibly designed landscapes enhance our lives. Cohan celebrates the joy and exuberance we feel at the start of spring. Through utilizing a variety of spring ephemerals, a suspended interactive swing, and spiral motifs, Cohan invokes the blissfulness of a spring day.

ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. PHS programs create healthier living environments, increase access to fresh food, expand access to jobs and economic opportunity, and strengthen deeper social connections between people. PHS’s work spans 250 neighborhoods; an expansive network of public gardens and landscapes; year-round learning experiences; and the nation’s signature gardening event, the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS provides everyone with opportunities to garden for the greater good as a participant, member, donor, or volunteer.

ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest, and the world’s longest-running horticultural event and features stunning displays by some of the world’s premier floral and landscape designers. Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Show introduces diverse and sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts. In addition to acres of garden displays, the Flower Show hosts world-renowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, and special events.

Walnut Street Theatre (WST) continues its 214^th season with a Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece in Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Written by literary genius Tennessee Williams (who premiered his A Streetcar Named Desire at the Walnut in 1947), the production continues through March 12 on the Walnut’s Mainstage.

Enjoyed the press preview last week, where the audience was transported to the sweltering Mississippi Delta.

In Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Brick and his wife Maggie “the Cat” are celebrating the birthday of Brick’s father, Big Daddy. But Big Daddy is disturbed and disappointed by the tempestuous relationship between his prized son Brick, an aging football hero who is desperately trying to escape reality, and the beautiful and feisty Maggie. As the hot summer evening unfolds, the veneer of Southern gentility slips away, and long-hidden truths emerge. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is a powerful, not to be missed, Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece.

Bringing this masterpiece to life is the Walnut’s own Producing Artistic Director Bernard Havard. Havard’s Walnut directorial credits include Blithe Spirit, A Woman of No Importance, The Humans, God of Carnage, ART, Someone to Watch Over Me, Skylight, and Driving Miss Daisy. He has spent his life in theatre as an actor, stage manager, director, managing director and producer. Recognized as one of America’s leading theatre producers, he has proudly served America’s Oldest Theatre for over 40 years. Under his leadership, the Walnut became a not-for-profit, self-producing theatre and has gained international recognition as one of America’s premier regional theatres.

Playing the role of Margaret (Maggie the Cat) is Walnut veteran and former WST Acting Apprentice Alanna Smith. Smith recently starred in the TV movie rom-com, Love Afloat (Crackle) and will be seen in the upcoming Disney+ film Chang Can Dunk. Recent Walnut credits include Young Frankenstein, Noises Off, The Importance of Being Earnest, and A Funny Thing…Forum.

Returning after going the distance in his Walnut Debut as the “Italian Stallion” Rocky Balboa in Rocky, the Musical is Matthew Amira playing the role of Brick, the former football hero turned alcoholic. Amira’s theatre credits include Jersey Boys (Ogunquit Playhouse, Fulton Theatre, Maine State Music Theatre), The Carole King Musical (National Tour) and Dirty Dancing (National Tour).

Walnut audiences will immediately recognize Scott Greer, who will play Brick’s father Big Daddy, the large, brash, and vulgar plantation millionaire. A Walnut veteran, Greer was the romance rummaging Barney Cashman in the most recent mainstage production, Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Greer has also been seen at the Walnut in A Funny Thing Happened…Forum, Laughter on the 23^rd Floor, Buddy, of Mice and Men, and Brighton Beach Memoirs, among others. Returning to the Walnut as the grotesquely over-fashioned yet sweet and breathless Big Mama is Wendy Scharfman. Scharfman has appeared Off-Broadway in Through Darkest Ohio (Public Theater), Bird House (Mint), and regionally in Driving Miss Daisy (National Tour) Glass Menagerie (National Tour), and Quartet (WST).

Joining the family as Gooper, a successful corporate lawyer and the scheming brother to Brick, is David Bardeen. Bardeen was last seen at the Walnut in Peter and the Starcatcher, Little Voice, Travels With My Aunt, among others. Playing Gooper’s wife and partner in crime, Mae, is Alicia Roper. Roper was recently seen on the Walnut stage in Blithe Spirit, A Woman of No Importance, and The Curious Incident, among others.

Returning to the Walnut as the tactless, opportunistic, and hypocritical guest Reverend Tooker is Johnnie Hobbs, Jr. Walnut audiences will remember Hobbs in Thurgood, Oleanna, Driving Miss Daisy (National Tour), The Other Place, and The Best Man. Playing the role of Big Daddy’s physician Doctor Baugh is Michael P. Toner. Toner’s past with the Walnut includes as an actor and director. Toner was recently seen on stage as Clarence the Angel in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play and as director of Stones in His Pockets. Playing the role of the family’s maid Sookey is Natasha S. Truitt. Truitt recently made her Walnut debut understudying in Rocky, the Musical.

The cast also features two teams of young local actors, alternating performances, who play Mae and Gooper’s children. Violet Mae Badeau of Chadds Ford, PA and Kelsey Noel Briggs of Collegeville, PA portray Dixie. Gavin Barden of Mullica Hill, NJ and Jackson Deen Goral of Jamison, PA take on the role of Buster. Playing Trixie are both Olivia Hiepler of Marietta, PA and Faye Lorena Stockmal of Bryn Mawr, PA. Grant Knudson of Collingswood, NJ and Raphael Sommer of Merion Station, PA play Sonny. 

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF runs at the Walnut through March 12. Media Sponsors are 6ABC and Metro Philadelphia. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.  

Photo of Alanna Smith by Mark Garvin

Walnut Street Theatre (WST) continues its 214^th season with a comedic romantic romp in Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Written by the legendary Neil Simon (who received his start at the Walnut with the 1961 premiere of “Come Blow Your Horn”), the production opened January 18, and continues through February 5, 2023, on the Walnut’s Mainstage.

I thoroughly enjoyed the media preview last week. Bring your significant other or a friend and get ready to laugh.

Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers will have you laughing from start to finish. Barney Cashman believes life is passing him by (maybe a mid-life crisis?) so he sets out to put some excitement into his life. His mother’s apartment is empty one afternoon each week, so he decides seduction—with three uniquely comedic women—is the answer. His failed attempts lead to hilarious results as Barney discovers he may not actually be the Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Neil Simon’s hit comedy is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud romantic romp.

Bringing the comedic beats to life and making her Walnut directorial debut is Jennifer Childs. Childs has been seen in the Walnut’s Studio series in Pumpboys and Dinettes (Prudie), and is the producing artistic director of 1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s All-Comedy Theatre Company.

Playing the role of the romance rummaging Barney Cashman is Walnut veteran Scott Greer. Audiences will recognize Greer from A Funny Thing Happened…Forum, Laughter on the 23^rd Floor, Buddy, of Mice and Men, and Brighton Beach Memoirs, among others.

Returning to the Walnut is Grace Gonglewski as the foul-mouthed bundle of neuroses Elaine Navazio. Gonglewski was last seen on the Walnut stage as Margaret Lord in High Society. Her off-Broadway credits include The Guys,and she has been seen in regional theatres such as The Arden, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, and more.

Playing the young ‘kooky’ actress Bobbi Michele is Jessica Bedford. Bedford’s WST credits include A Woman of No Importance, Meteor Shower, And Then There Were None, and The Prescott Method. And rounding out the comedic quartet is Susan Riley Stevens as the angsty housewife Jeanette Fisher. Stevens was recently seen in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit in the spring of 2022.

Scenic Designer Brian Froonjian (Beehive, Speckled Band, Always…Patsy Cline), who also serves as the Walnut’s technical director, brings to life the story’s iconic Manhattan of the ‘60s. Creating the authentic ‘60s’ fashion is Costume Designer Leigh Paradise whose recent credits include This Is The Week That Is at 1812 Productions and Town at Theatre Horizon. Giving us the iconic ‘60s’ hairstyles is Wig Designer Carissa Thorlakson (Cinderella and Rocky). They are joined by Lighting Designer Shon Causer (Blithe Spirit, A Woman of No Importance, A Comedy of Tenors) and Sound Designer Elizabeth Atkinson (The Importance of Being Earnest).

NEIL SIMON’S LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS runs at the Walnut through February 5, 2023. Season Media Sponsors are 6ABC and Metro Philadelphia. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.  

Photo of Grace Gonglewski and Scott Greer by Mark Garvin

Walnut Street Theatre (WST) continues its 214^th season with one of most beloved stories of all time–Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA, a timeless, enchanting story of love and hope. This Walnut production is a delightful holiday season treat for the entire family. I was thrilled to attend the media preview of CINDERELLA last week with my younger daughter.

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s Cinderella was originally written for television and premiered in 1957. It is based on the French version of the fairy tale Cendrillon, ou la petite pantoufle de verre by Charles Perrault and is the only musical Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote for television that was later adapted for the stage. This enchanting new Broadway adaptation features a lighthearted and romantic new book by Douglas Carter Beane (Sister Act) and includes Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classics like “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”

The Walnut’s production features a cast of 22 performers and a live orchestra. Glenn Casale, who directed the Walnut’s record-breaking 2021 production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, returns to direct. Casale directed the 2012 Dutch production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, the national tour, and several regional productions in the States. His work also includes the 1999 Broadway revival of Peter Pan, which received a Tony nomination for Best Revival of a Musical, as well as the National Tour of Peter Pan and its A&E television production. He also directed The Property Known as Garland and Dragapella! at Studio 54, which was nominated for a Drama Desk and two Lucille Lortel Awards.

Chris Burcheri returns as Music Director, having just completed Rocky, the Musical, and Gerry McIntyre makes his WST debut as choreographer. During the 2021-2022 season, Burcheri took the podium as music director for Beehive, The Little Mermaid, and Always…Patsy Cline. He has also served as music director for the WST for Kids series and the associate conductor on Annie and Holiday Inn. McIntyre is the Associate Artistic Director of the York Theatre in NYC and has choreographed Ain’t Misbehavin’, Anything Can Happen in The Theatre,in addition to Side by Side, Tommy and My Fair Lady at the Berkshire Theatre Festival; andLaura Comstock’s Bag-Punching Dog, and Color Purple at Broadway Sacramento and The Wiz.

Making her return to Walnut Street Theatre and bringing the role of Cinderella (Ella) to life is Kathryn Brunner. Brunner’s development as a performer started with classes at the Theatre School at the Walnut. Her first professional credits her were here as well. Brunner was last seen on the Walnut stage as Elle in Legally Blonde. Other theatre credits include Sophie in Mamma Mia! (Pioneer Theatre), Val in A Chorus Line (Penn Shakespeare Festival), and Mary Phagan in Parade (Arden Theatre Co).

Making his Walnut debut as the charming Prince Topher is Canadian Brent Thiessen. This is Theissen’s second time to Philadelphia, as only just this year he was here in January while touring with the Broadway musical Pretty Woman. Rebecca Robbins is a WST veteran and returns as the compassionate Fairy Godmother, Marie. Robbins has been seen in Rocky (Gloria), Always…Patsy Cline (Louise), The Little Mermaid (Ursula), Legally Blonde (Paulette), Souvenir (FlorenceFoster Jenkins), and Mary Poppins (Mrs. Banks).

Returning as Lord Pinkleton and Sebastian, the aids to Prince Topher, are Walnut regulars Ben Dibble and Fran Prisco. Ben Dibble (who has performed in over 26 productions at the Walnut) was last seen on stage in Rocky, the Musical and has been in the Walnut productions of Young Frankenstein (Frederick Frankenstein), The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis), Shrek (Lord Farquaad), to name a few. Fran Prisco is celebrating over 22 years of productions at the Walnut, starting with Singin’ in the Rain in 2000. Other credits include Rocky, the Musical (Paulie), Young Frankenstein (Kemp/Hermit), and South Pacific (Hula’d Billis). Returning as the callous stepmother, Madame, is Mary Martello. Martello is another Walnut regular with over 30 WST productions including Blithe Spirit, Young Frankenstein, Annie, 9 to 5, and Memphis. Playing Ella’s stepsisters, Gabrielle and Charlotte, are Stephanie Kyung Sun Walters and Amanda Jill Robinson. Walters is an award-winning playwright who works are also performed at many theatres. Robinson’s Walnut credits include Blithe Spirit, The Gifts of the Magi, Winter Wonderettes, and A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Returning to the Walnut as the firebrand Jean-Michel is Adam Hoyak. Audiences will recognize Hoyak as one of the electrifying eels in the WST production of The Little Mermaid. Hoyak’s other credits include Shrek and Matilda (WST), Honk! (Delaware Theatre Co.), Cabaret and Triumph of Love (Bristol Riverside), and Ragtime, Rock of Ages, and John & Jen (The Eagle Theatre).

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA is now extended through December 31, 2022. This production is sponsored by Fox Rothschild and Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant. Media Sponsors are 6ABC, Metro Philadelphia, and Philadelphia Inquirer. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.  

Philadelphia Theatre Company brings the theatre season alive with a world premiere rock musical about the radical history of the tattooed ladies. The Tattooed Lady is a new musical by Obie Award-winning playwright Erin Courtney (Map of Virtue), Lortel-winner Max Vernon (KPOP on Broadway, The View Upstairs), developed and directed by Drama League-winner Ellie Heyman (Space Dogs) and choreographed by Mayte Natalio (How to Dance in Ohio).

Emmy-nominee and Obie Award-winner Jackie Hoffman (Hairspray, Feud, and Only Murders in the Building) stars as the fictional sideshow luminary Ida Gibson. The Tattooed Lady runs October 29 to November 20, 2022, with opening night set to coincide with the Philadelphia Theatre Company Gala on Friday, November 4th at 8:00pm. During the show run, look for special events, the Ink Industry Night, tattoo-themed art experiences, talk-backs with local experts, themed cocktails and much more.

The Tattooed Lady was developed with support from the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals, the Kimmel Center, National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) and Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater. Major support for The Tattooed Lady has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Frank Young Fund for New Musicals.

The story of The Tattooed Lady highlights one of sideshow’s biggest stars, the fictional Ida Gibson, in a moving, fantastical tale that reveals the generational chasms and connections between Ida and her granddaughter Joy. A parade of beguiling characters appear, on a mission to liberate Ida from her self-imposed exile and help Joy find freedom through forgiveness. The musical celebrates the resilience of women whose choices have the power to liberate them.

For the show’s Creative Producer Paige Price (the former PTC Producing Artistic Director who commissioned the work), The Tattooed Lady represents a new path forward for theatre in Philly.

Price said, “In this day and age, theatres can no longer afford to play it safe.”

For PTC’s new Co-Artistic Directors Taibi Mager and Tyler Dobrowksy, the show exemplifies the kind of work they want to see developed in the future. “We are incredibly excited to open our first season as PTC’s new artistic directors with this vibrant, thrilling new musical from some of the best theater-makers in the country,” said Magar. “The Tattooed Lady is the perfect bridge from Paige Price’s successful tenure at PTC to what we hope will be a bold new future.”

For the creators, the show debuting on stage is a very personal experience with a script that takes pages from their own lives. Vernon was bullied growing up and spent a good deal of time internalizing a lot of hate from strangers and feeling out of place. They used discoveries from their youth to create this story.

“For my own survival, I sought out stories of those who similarly didn’t fit in, who fought to live their truth and changed the world in doing so,” said Vernon. “I have some very formative early memories of making my dad take me to the Coney Island freak show. I loved the wild stories, the sense of danger, the disruption of ‘normality.’”

They added, “I became most interested in The Tattooed Lady, because it was an act that was all about self-actualization. Unlike other freaks who were essentially exploited for deformities or medical conditions, the Tattooed Ladies intentionally chose their otherness—by tattooing themselves they renounced respectable society, but gained a new kind of autonomy. I think a lot about the physical dangers of visibility vs. emotional harm of invisibility. I wanted to tell a story about the freak show that wasn’t sanitized or Disneyfied for a musical theatre audience.”

Co-writer Erin Courtney, who herself is covered in over a dozen tattoos, also felt a soul connection to the material. “As a great fan of tattoos and female centered narratives, I immediately said yes to imagining a musical about these courageous, creative women who changed the American cultural landscape by refusing to accept the traditional path. Some of the characters in the musical are very loosely based on actual women, Nora Hildebrandt and Maud Wagner. Our main character, Ida (Imagena) Gibson is a fictional creation. Through the years of imagining, writing, revising, we found one theme essential to the narrative: ‘It’s better to be odd than ordinary.’”

While there are important take-aways the artists want audiences to leave with, they also want theatre-goers to come ready for a wild ride. “The Tattooed Lady is a full course meal,” said Vernon. “The show is wild, provocative, hilarious, and entertaining in the way any trip to the freakshow should be. Underneath our tattooed surface, this is truly a musical about liberation and loving yourself even when it’s really really hard.”

For casting, PTC has assembled an all-star line-up of New York stage and screen veterans including Jackie Hoffman as the fictional famed Tattooed Lady Ida Gibson, Kim Blanck (Octet), James Dybas (Pacific Overtures), Ashley Pérez Flanagan (The Great Comet of 1812), Anastacia McCleskey (Caroline, or Change), Jessie Shelton (Hadestown), Katie Thompson (Oklahoma!), Grace Slear (Jagged Little Pill), Sophia Ramos (Party People), and introducing Maya Lagerstam.

Heyman is the Director and Co-Creator. Natalio is the Choreographer. Rodney Bush is the Music Director (Eva Noblezada, Carmen Cusak and Jay Armstrong Johnson). Lex Liang (Principal of LDC Design Associates, over 100 Int’l/Nat’l Tours/NYC/Off-B’way productions) is the Scenic and Costume Designer. Mary Ellen Stebbins (Space Dogs) is the Lighting Designer. Nevin Steinberg (Hadestown (TONY Award), Hamilton, and PTC’s Nerds) is the Sound Designer. Jason Hayes (Spring Awakening, Blithe Spirit, 13 The Musical, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular) is the Wig and Hair Designer. Trey Lyford (rainpan 43 and The Civilians) is the Magic Consultant. Chelsea Pace (A Strange Loop and Leopoldstadt) is the Intimacy Coordinator. Adam John Hunter (Mrs. Doubtfire) is the Stage Manager. Sarah Lunnie (What The Constitution Means to Me and Grand Horizons) is the Dramaturg. Former PTC Producing Artistic Director Paige Price is the Creative Producer.

The Tattooed Lady runs through November 20, 2022. Tickets cost $35 to $74 after opening. Tickets and more information are available online at www.philatheatreco.org, on the phone at 215-985-0420, or in person during box office hours. Connect with Philadelphia Theatre Company for the latest updates on social at @philatheatreco on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, and @philatheatre on TikTok.

I was thrilled to attend the Broadway musical version of ROCKY with my kids at Walnut Street Theatre (WST) earlier this week. ROCKY, the Musical is a love story, and a heart-stopping, knock-out theatrical experience for everyone brave enough to follow their dreams.

Small-time boxer Rocky Balboa gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to go from loan shark enforcer to heavyweight titleholder, but does this ultimate underdog have what it takes? Based on the MGM/United Artists Academy Award-winning motion picture of the same name, ROCKY features new musical numbers, along with favorites including “Eye of the Tiger” and “Gonna Fly Now.” 

Rocky’s grit and determination exemplifies Philadelphia and its people, and the deep connection between Rocky and Philadelphia has been acknowledged by Sylvester Stallone, who created the classic fighter and co-wrote the book for this new iteration of Rocky’s story. “It’s a city that really was built for this kind of character … gritty yet historical, it’s just that kind of tough place,” said Stallone.

The Walnut’s all-new production features a cast of over 23 and a live orchestra and has been updated for Philadelphia from the 2012 premier in Germany and the subsequent Broadway production in 2014. Rocky, the Musical has a book by Thomas Meehan and Sylvester Stallone, and was adapted from Stallone’s screenplay. Adding to the classic music is a new score created by Tony Award-winning writer Lynn Ahrens with music by Tony and Grammy Award Winner Stephen Flaherty.

Making his Walnut Street Theatre debut as the South Philly small time boxer, Rocky Balboa, is Matthew Amira. Amira’s theatre credits include Jersey Boys: (Ogunquit Playhouse, Fulton Theatre, Maine State Music Theatre as Nick Massi. Broadway National Tour: Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (Donnie, Nick/Low Righteous Brother), Dirty Dancing (Robbie Gould).

South Philly native Gianna Yanelli makes her return to the Walnut, where she made her professional debut in Fiddler on the Roof, this time playing Adrian Pennino. Yanelli’s theatre credits include Mean Girls on Broadway (Ensemble/Janis) and Mystic Pizza (Jojo). Her TV credits include Law and Order: SVU, SNL, and Seth Myers.

Playing the role of the 1975 heavyweight boxing world champion, Apollo Creed, is Walnut veteran Nichalas L. Parker, a former Walnut Street Theatre acting apprentice. Parker’s WST credits include Shrek The Musical, Civil War Voices, A Funny Thing Happened…, and more. Walnut regular Bill Van Horn willplay the former bantamweight fighter turned trainer Mickey Goldmill. Van Horn’s recent WST appearances include The Adventure of the Speckled Band, The Little Mermaid, and A Woman of No Importance along with directing Civil War Voices, The Curious Incident…, and The Glass Menagerie.

Playing his 37^th role at the Walnut is self-described “Philly Boy” Fran Prisco as Adrian’s brother Paulie. Prisco’s Walnut credits include The Best Man, Shrek, and Young Frankenstein.

WST veteran Rebecca Robbins (Always…Patsy Cline, The Little Mermaid) is returning as Gloria. Audiences will recognize Jenny Lee Stern, who plays Angie, from her starring role in last season’s production of Always…Patsy Cline. Stern also originated the role of Joanne in the Broadway premiere of Rocky, the Musical. Karissa Harris (Beehive) makes her return to the Walnut stage as Joanne and in the ensemble. Jake Blouch, playing both Gazzo and Tom Crosetti, is back at the Walnut having last been seen in the Walnut’s production of Meteor Shower.

Making this his 25^th production at the Walnut is local actor Ben Dibble, who will be playing the roles of Newscaster Miles Jergens, and the Referee. Audiences will most recently recognize Dibble as Chef Louis in last season’s underwater hit, The Little Mermaid.

Dana Orange (The Little Mermaid, Shrek)is returning to the Walnut to play the roles of Mike and Apollo’s Manager. Mark Donaldson (The Little Mermaid, Shrek) returns as Dipper, First Cameraman, and as the Doctor.

Bringing boxing authenticity to this heart-stopping show is Boxing Consultant and Philadelphia native Maleek Jackson. Jackson is the founder of Northern Liberties’ Maleek Jackson Fitness Gym and the Azzim Dukes Initiative, an anti-gun violence and nonviolence program for inner-city and income-restricted Philadelphia kids. Scenic Designer Roman Tatarowicz (Blithe Spirit, The Best Man, A Woman of No Importance) makes his WST return to capture the authentic Philly feel. Tatarowicz is joined by returning Lighting Designer Julie Duro (Grease) and Sound Designer Ed Chapman (The Little Mermaid, Shrek). Costume Designer Mary Folino (Beehive, Shrek, Young Frankenstein) will be giving the characters onstage the signature 70’s South Philly look.

ROCKY, the Musical runs at the Walnut October 4 through October 30, 2022. This production is sponsored by CBIZ, with support from Ivy Rehab, Faegre Drinker, Independence Blue Cross, and Pat’s King of Steaks. Media Sponsors are 6ABC, Metro Philadelphia, and Philadelphia Inquirer. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.   

In its second year returning to FDR Park, the Flower Show blooms bigger and brighter than ever before with exciting new exhibits, special events and activations, recreational spaces including the Kids Cocoon & Play Space, and several dining options. “In Full Bloom” is in South Philadelphia’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park (FDR Park) through Sunday, June 19, 2022. A variety of ticket options are available for guests, along with several returning and new events that will appeal to both seasoned fans of the Show and new audiences. Regular and select special event tickets are available for purchase now at: phsonline.org/the-flower-show.

For the second time in its almost 200-year history, the Philadelphia Flower Show is held outdoors, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the beautiful vistas and rolling landscape of FDR Park, a registered historical district. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers – sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of New York City’s famed Central Park – the park was the host location for the 1926 Sesquicentennial Expo of the United States. FDR Park is an inspiring venue that contributes to the splendor that the Flower Show is known for, while also being easily accessible by public transportation and car.

The Flower Show again spans 15 acres of the Park’s footprint with breathtaking exhibits, family-friendly activities, and gorgeous greenspace. Re-imagined this year, the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show offers guests a welcoming, vibrant, blooming path where visitors experience spectacular floral and garden displays filled with bold color and dramatic beauty. Additionally, this year’s Show offers several new experiences tailored to families, food lovers, plant enthusiasts, and those that want to experience late spring’s beauty in an outdoor setting.

The decision to produce the 2022 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show outdoors was made to accommodate the continuing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. FDR Park’s spacious 15-acre footprint allows for social distancing and the associated health benefits of being outside. Public safety is a critical component for the upcoming Show, and adherence to recommendations from City/State health officials is paramount to Show planning. PHS will continue to work closely with health officials leading up to the Show with updated guidance available online.

Exhibits

This year, visitors can see the works of extraordinary landscape architects, garden designers, and florists, with an emphasis on diversity both in the demographics of exhibitors and in their highly unique designs. “In Full Bloom” features more female exhibitors than ever before, shedding light on the incredible achievements of women in the field of landscape and garden design and their unique contributions and points of view.

Among the many exceptional exhibitors on the roster is renowned landscape architect Martha Schwartz, a Forbes 2021 “50 Under 50” recipient, whose practice is committed to the design of urban landscapes and the public realm as the foundation for sustainable cities. Her 1,800-square foot display will depict the beauty of the mushroom in a way that both challenges our understanding of beauty norms, and artfully portrays the allure of fungi.

Guests can view the incredible works of Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show award-winning garden designer Ann Marie Powell, whose innovative firm combines the best of contemporary design with highly innovative materials in a naturalistic style, with sustainability at the heart of their approach.

Wambui Ippolito, the noted landscape designer and one of Veranda magazine’s 2021 “Eleven Revolutionary Female Landscape Designers and Architects You Should Know” returns to this year’s Show to defend her 2021 Flower Show trophy for “Best in Show” with another showstopping display.

Additionally, Philadelphia based David Rubin Land Collective, a landscape architecture and urban design studio committed to emphasizing socially purposeful design strategies, celebrates authenticity and Pride Month in their exhibit. Reminiscent of an embrace, the display encircles a central space with a full spectrum of colorful, hand-dyed ribbons and highly unique xGordlinia grandiflora trees.

Throughout the exhibitor lineup, guests encounter forward-thinking, innovative, and progressive designers from a diverse array of backgrounds, each contributing stunning and thought-provoking displays that explore the restorative power of nature and plants, as well as the importance of mental and emotional health.

Walnut Street Theatre (WST)’s BLITHE SPIRIT, Noël Coward’s fiendishly funny comedy, is running on the Walnut’s Mainstage through July 3. The Walnut’s production features an all-star cast of Philadelphia actors, with a pair of married actors playing an onstage couple in this clever story of romantic and supernatural mishaps.

To gather background for his new book, novelist Charles Condomine and his second wife, Ruth, invite the eccentric medium, Madame Arcati, to perform a séance. But Charles’ spiritual skepticism vanishes when the ghost of his deceased first wife, Elvira, accidentally materializes—but only to him. Elvira’s still in love and wants Charles back, and is not about to let a little thing like death stand in her way! From the delightfully wicked mind of Noël Coward comes BLITHE SPIRIT, where love and marriage devolve into laughter and mayhem – and ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ no longer applies.

English playwright Noël Coward, known for his biting wit and distinct sense of style, wrote BLITHE SPIRIT in 1941. At the time, Coward was visiting Wales as his office in London had been destroyed in the Second World War. On this trip, he developed his idea for a playful comedy about ghosts and timeless romantic relationships. The play premiered in the West End that year, where it was met with critical acclaim for its mixture of farce and dark humor.

Walnut Producing Artistic Director Bernard Havard brings Coward’s classic to the stage as director. Havard’s Walnut directorial credits include A Woman of No Importance, The Humans, God of Carnage, ART, Someone to Watch Over Me, Skylight, and Driving Miss Daisy. He has spent his life in theatre as an actor, stage manager, director, managing director and producer. Recognized as one of America’s leading theatre producers, he has proudly served America’s Oldest Theatre for over 39 years. Under his leadership, the Walnut became a not-for-profit, self-producing theatre and has gained international recognition as one of America’s premier regional theatres.

Actors Ian Merrill Peakes and Karen Peakes, a real-life married couple, lead as Charles and Ruth Condomine. Ian, assuming the role of the self-absorbed author, is a Walnut veteran with credits including The Adventure of the Speckled Band, A Woman of No Importance, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Matilda. A proud Philadelphia actor, this will be his 134th professional production in his distinguished career which has earned him numerous regional theatre awards. Karen, who plays Charles’ strait-laced second wife, Ruth, has been seen on the Walnut stage in plays such as Speckled Band, A Woman of No Importance, The Curious Incident…, A Comedy of Tenors, and Fallen Angels. Her Philadelphia theatre experience includes work at The Arden, People’s Light, The Wilma and more. When not on the stage, she is also an Audie Award-nominated audiobook narrator of over 80 titles.

Scott Langdon and Susan Riley Stevens return to the Walnut to play Dr. and Mrs. Bradman. Audiences will remember Langdon’s work at the Walnut in productions such as I Love a Piano, The Music Man, Love Story: The Musical, The Wizard of Oz, and many more. His work in regional theatre has seen him in shows like Spamalot, Oliver, and 1776. Stevens was last seen on Walnut’s Independence Studio 3 in Meteor Shower, and her work at the Walnut also includes The Curious Incident…, Noises Off, Fallen Angels, God of Carnage, and A Streetcar Named Desire. She has performed at other theatres across the country, including Actors Theatre of Louisville, Dallas Theatre Center, and Portland Stage Company.

Philadelphia actress Alicia Roper haunts the stage as she plays Elvira, the deviously lovelorn ghost of Charles’ deceased first wife. In addition to her work at theatres such as Yale Repertory, Cleveland Play House, and Seattle Children’s Theatre, her Walnut credits include A Woman of No Importance, The Curious Incident…, Beautiful Boy, and The Philadelphia Story. Mary Martello returns as the extremely quirky medium, Madame Acarti. Martello has been in over 30 productions at the Walnut, including Young Frankenstein, Annie, The Humans,and 9 to 5. In her award-winning career, she has performed at Philadelphia theatres such as 1812 Productions, The Wilma, and The Arden. Amanda Jill Robinson, a Philadelphia-based actress, composer, and theatre educator, plays the Condomine’s maid, Edith. Robinson’s work at the Walnut includes The Gifts of the Magi and Winter Wonderettes. In addition to work at 1812 Productions, Act II Playhouse, and more, Robinson is a founding member of The Greenfield Collective.

This production is sponsored by Herman Goldner Co., Inc., and the Artist Sponsor is the Noël Coward Foundation. Media Sponsors are 6ABC and Metro Philadelphia. Discounted tickets are sponsored by PNC Arts Alive. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.  

Walnut Street Theatre (WST)’s latest production ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE is a celebration of friendship and country music stardom—one that all ages will enjoy. The show runs through May 15 on the Walnut Mainstage. 

Patsy Cline’s soulful voice coming from the radio spoke to Louise Seger like none she had ever heard. On a special trip to see Patsy at a honky-tonk bar in Houston, Louise saw her idol sitting alone and approached her. Out of that chance meeting, an unlikely friendship began. In ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE the two share their letters, visits, and homespun stories of laughter and heartache that brought together a housewife and a legendary country singer.

This crowd-pleasing musical features 27 of Patsy’s unforgettable classics, including “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Back In Baby’s Arms,” and more.

Patsy Cline deftly melded her traditional country roots and a more modern pop style to become one of the most acclaimed vocalists of the 20th century. Her legacy and popularity remain strong with millions of albums continuing to sell today. In 1973, she posthumously became the first female solo artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Walnut last told her story in Always…Patsy Cline as part of its 2015-2016 Independence Studio on 3 series. During this three-month run, the show sold out every performance.

South Philadelphia native Debi Marcucci returns to direct ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE. Marcucci, who helmed the 2016 production, has also directed WST productions of Steve Martin’s Meteor Shower, Oleanna, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tell Me on a Sunday, and Lobby Hero in the Studio.

Jenny Lee Stern reprises her role as Patsy Cline, having portrayed the legendary singer both in the Walnut’s 2016 production and at numerous other theatres. At the Walnut, Stern’s credits include West Side Story, High Society, 42^nd Street and more. She has appeared in the original Broadway cast of Rocky as Joanne and in A Christmas Story as Mrs. Schwartz at Madison Square Garden, in addition to playing Mary Delgado in the national tour of Jersey Boys.

Rebecca Robbins, last seen on stage at the Walnut as the evil sea witch Ursula in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, plays fan-turned-friend of Patsy Cline, Louise Seger. Robbins’ many roles at the Walnut include Paulette in Legally Blonde, Mrs. Banksin Mary Poppins, and Florence Foster Jenkins in Souvenir. On Broadway, Robbins has appeared in A Tale of Two Cities and The Phantom of The Opera, in addition to traveling across the country in the latter’s North American Tour. 

WST Costume Shop Manager Natalia De La Torre (Speckled Band) and Mark Mariani (2016’s Always…Patsy Cline, The Importance of Being Earnest) return to reimagine the trend-setting outfits of Cline, who often designed her own dresses. They are joined by Lighting Designer Matt DeMascolo (Beehive) and Sound Designer John Kolbinski (Popcorn Falls, Civil War Voices). 

This production is sponsored by Parx Casino and PNC Arts Alive. Media Sponsors are 6ABC and Metro Philadelphia. Discounted tickets are also sponsored by PNC Arts Alive. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-9822787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com. 

Walnut Street Theatre (WST)’s world premiere adaptation of a classic mystery with Sherlock Holmes – The Adventure of The Speckled Band offers comedic mystery in this classic tale. Written and directed by Walnut favorite Bill Van Horn, the production continues through March 27 on the Walnut’s Mainstage. 

After her twin sister’s unusual death at the family’s run-down country manor, a young woman is terrified she will be next. To avoid a similar fate – and mystified by her sister’s final words, “It was…the speckled band” – she enlists the world’s greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes, and Dr. Watson. Six talented actors, playing over 30 quirky characters, take you deep into a world of quick-change disguises and murderous mayhem to unravel The Adventure of The Speckled Band. 

The Walnut’s Producing Artistic Director Bernard Havard commissioned Bill Van Horn to create this adaption of The Speckled Band, which was originally a 1910 three-act play by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Van Horn is no stranger to writing and adapting for the stage. He has done so for productions in the Walnut’s Independence Studio on 3 and WST for Kids Series, including yearly productions of A Christmas Carol.

In addition to leading the cast as director, Van Horn will also take on the role of Holmes’ familiar sidekick, Dr. Watson. Van Horn has previously played the role in Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville, A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. His other WST roles include Grimsby in this season’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Sir John Pontefract in A Woman of No Importance.

In the role of the titular detective, among other characters, is Ian Merrill Peakes. He is a veteran of the Walnut’s Mainstage with credits including A Woman of No Importance, The Curious Incident…, Matilda, and Of Mice and Men. A proud Philadelphia actor, this will be Peakes’ 134th professional production in his career, during which he has earned multiple awards in Philadelphia and beyond. 

Karen Peakes will play several roles, including Enid Stoner, the woman who employs the help of Holmes and Watson to solve the mystery of her sister’s death. Her WST credits include A Woman of No Importance, The Curious Incident…, and A Comedy of Tenors, in addition to work at several other Philadelphia theatres. When not on the stage, she is an Audie Award-nominated audiobook narrator of over 80 titles. Actress Mary Martello returns to the Walnut to also play a variety of characters. Audiences will remember Martello from roles in Walnut shows like Young Frankenstein, Annie, The Humans,and 9 to 5. In her impressive career, she has received many awards and performed at Philadelphia theatres such as 1812 Productions, The Wilma, and The Arden. 

Rounding out the cast and playing a handful of characters each are Dan Hodge and Justin Lujan, both last seen at the Walnut in The Curious Incident… Hodge’s theatrical credits also include the one-man show Dogs of Rwanda at Urban Stages and an award-winning turn in Around the World in 80 Days at Delaware Theatre Company. Lujan, the current Program Director for Acting at University of the Arts, has a background in comedy as a graduate of The Groundlings School of Improvisation in Los Angeles. He has helped devise performance in Seoul and acted in film and television in LA. 

Scenic Designer Brian Froonjian (Beehive), who also serves as the Walnut’s Technical Director, takes us from a stately manor in Surrey to Holmes’ base at 221B Baker Street in London. Creating a large variety of costumes for the actors’ quick changes is the Walnut’s Costume Shop Manager Natalia De La Torre whose work includes Nina Simone at People’s Light and Snow White at the Arden. They are joined by Lighting Designer Shon Causer (A Woman of No Importance, A Comedy of Tenors, The Humans) and multi-award-winning Sound Designer Christopher Colucci (A Woman of No Importance, A Comedy of Tenors, and The Humans).

SHERLOCK HOLMES – THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND runs at the Walnut through March 27, 2022. Discounted tickets are sponsored by PNC Arts Alive.

For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.  

Photo Credit: Mark Garvin