Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) presents the Philadelphia premiere of Broadway smash hit Choir Boy, by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney through March 13 only. The TONY Award-winning drama features soaring gospel, spiritual and R&B musical performances in this story about singing in your own key and finding your way.

Audiences are transported to the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, which is an elite all-boys, all-Black prep school dedicated to the education of strong, ethical black men. Honor. Legacy. Pride. Taking his place out front as the choir leader, Pharus Young is determined to make his mark by challenging expectations in a world steeped in deep-rooted traditions. But can he make his way through the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key?

Art imitates life in a true Philadelphia and Avenue of the Arts success story as PTC Resident Artist Jeffrey L. Page makes his directorial debut. Page found his own voice and crossed over from being a student down the street at University of the Arts to now directing this stunning work. Page directs an exceptional cast featuring a mix of rising young stars, a Broadway veteran, and a Philadelphia favorite.

“I feel tremendously excited to be doing work in Philadelphia,” said Page in a press release. “Philadelphia is a city that has seen me cross over from being a child into adulthood at University of the Arts. My roots run pretty deep in Philadelphia. I left Philadelphia and continued with my work. Here I am, back to conduct a group of artists in this stunning work. It feels really exciting to be back on Broad Street.  I am excited for all of Philadelphia and its many faces to come out to see this work.”

Choir Boy electrified Broadway with its soaring gospel, spiritual, and R&B performances. Choir Boy was nominated for five 2019 TONY Awards and won two. It won for Sound Design and a Special TONY Award for the music.

“I have been aware of this play for a long time,” said Page. “Tarell is a friend. I was in LA and I have a vivid memory of sitting in the park reading the script and just crying. The way Tarell was able to find so much color and texture inside of the breath of the words in this piece, the way he was able to paint what it feels like to be not be fully, empathetically witnessed and fully regarded – to have to exist in a small space –  while everyone else has room to move and to grow wings and soar. It’s just a powerful work.”

Page directs a cast comprised of young rising stars, a Broadway veteran, and a Philadelphia favorite. DePaul University graduate and 2021 Princess Grace Award Winner Justen Ross makes his PTC and Philadelphia debut as Pharus. Recent University of the Arts grad Jeremy Cousar plays Bobby.  Jamaal Fields-Green returns to the stage after playing John Laurents/Philip Hamilton in the Chicago cast of Hamilton to play AJ.  Tristan André, a UNC MFA and regular at PlayMakers Repertory Company, plays Junior.  Dana Orange, who recently appeared as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid at Walnut Street Theatre, plays David. Philadelphia favorite Akeem Davis, who is currently in A Streetcar Named Desire at Arden Theatre Company and last appeared at PTC in Rizzo, plays the Headmaster. Broadway veteran of Chicago and Wicked and many more, actor PJ Benjamin, plays Mr. Pendelton.

Crystal Monee Hall, a singer/songwriter, composer, and vocal arranger is the Music Director and Composer of Choir Boy. She has extensive credits on Broadway and in popular music. Philadelphian Rob Tucker is the Assistant Music Director.  Christopher Ash returns to PTC after designing The Garbologists and Sweat as Scenic and Lighting Designer, creating a minimalist set that encompasses the world of the prep school. Millie Hiibel, a Costume Designer for Opera Philadelphia, returns to PTC where she designed At Home At The Zoo. Busy Philadelphia Sound Designer Daniel Ison returns to PTC after designing this season’s The Garbologists. Alison Hassman and Jamel Baker are the Stage Managers. Casting services were provided by Bass/Valle Casting.

“The textures and colors of this play are so magnetic,” said Page. “I think this play is a powerful work of art that has the ability to reach into any person’s deepest core and help them to discover things in themselves they have forgotten about.”

Tickets are on sale now starting at $35. PTC continues its 10Tix program, supported by PNC Arts Alive, providing a select number of seats at $10 for every performance. Tickets are available at www.philatheatreco.org or by phone at 215-985-0420. All shows are performed at PTC’s home at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146.

PTC is a leading regional theater company that produces, develops, and presents entertaining and imaginative contemporary theater focused on the American experience.

Founded in 1974, PTC has presented 201 World and Philadelphia premieres. More than 50 percent of PTC’s world premieres have moved on to New York and other major cities, helping to earn Philadelphia a national reputation as a hub for new play development. In 2007, PTC was instrumental in expanding Philadelphia’s thriving cultural corridor by opening the Suzanne Roberts Theatre on the Avenue of the Arts.

Photo credit: Mark Garvin

Walnut Street Theatre (WST)’s Broadway hit for all ages Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID is running on the Walnut’s Mainstage—a fun catch this holiday season!

Based on the classic film, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID is a beautiful story of love and letting go. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, challenges her father’s authority as she dreams of finding her own way in the world above the sea. But what will she give up fulfilling her dreams of independence?

THE LITTLE MERMAID captures audiences with its timeless story and classic songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.” My youngest daughter and I caught the show last week, and think it is one of the most spectacular productions staged at the Walnut.   

The mermaid, Ariel, is brought to life by Diana Huey. Huey, making her Walnut debut, is a Helen Hayes Award winner for her portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon (Alliance Theatre) and Gregory Award winner for playing Ariel in the national tour productions of The Little Mermaid. Ariel’s father and ruler of Atlantica, King Triton, is played by Walnut newcomer Derrick Cobey, whose credits include originating the role of Andy Wright in The Scottsboro Boys on Broadway and the second Broadway revival of Kiss Me Kate.

King Triton’s right-hand crab and Ariel’s guardian, Sebastian, is played by WST acting apprentice alum Dana Orange, who was last seen on the Walnut’s stage as the wise-cracking Donkey in Shrek. Orange’s other credits include Sister Act (WST), To Kill a Mockingbird (Millbrook Playhouse), and In The Heights (Park Playhouse).

Walnut favorite Rebecca Robbins returns for her 19^th WST production as the wicked sea witch, Ursula. Robbins was last on the Walnut’s Mainstage as the salon owner Paulette in Legally Blonde. Her Broadway credits include A Tale of Two Cities and The Phantom of the Opera. Ursula’s slithering henchmen, Flotsam and Jetsam, are played by Adam Hoyak (Shrek) and Jesse Jones (Legally Blonde), respectively.

Actor Kevin Kulp, who was previously seen in 2018’s Matilda, returns as Ariel’s fish friend, Flounder. Scuttle, a seagull and “expert” on humans, is played by Ellie Mooney, who was last on the Walnut’s Mainstage as The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz in 2016. Chef Louis, the palace cook looking to make a meal out of Sebastian, is played by WST regular Ben Dibble, who audiences will remember as the pint-sized villain, Lord Farquaad, in Shrek. Also returning to the Walnut is actor Bill Van Horn, who last played Sir John Pontefract in 2019’s A Woman of No Importance, to portray Prince Eric’s put-upon servant, Grimsby.   

Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID runs at the Walnut through January 2, 2022. Children under 12 who are not vaccinated can show a negative COVID-19 test at the door. Media Partners are 6abc and Metro. 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. 

After a long 18 months for theater fans, Walnut Street Theatre (WST) is back with BEEHIVE – The ‘60s Musical, a tribute to legendary female voices of the 20^th century.    

BEEHIVE is a celebration of that era’s powerful female voices whose music stands the test of time – including Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner. Timeless hits sung include “It’s My Party,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?,” “Where the Boys Are,” and “You Don’t Own Me”.  

The show is a song-filled journey told from the perspective of six women coming of age during this unforgettable time, from their first Beehive Dance through a decade of change.

Last week, I attended the show’s media preview. I’ve seen a number of musicals at the WST and this one is my favorite thus far. My 13-year-old also loved it.   

Walnut’s production features six versatile actresses … with extraordinary voices. The costumes and hair will take you back to the 60s era.    

Lindsey Bliven and Bonnie Kelly play Alison and Pattie, respectively. Bliven was last seen at the Walnut as Vivienne Kensington in Legally Blonde and the flying nanny in Mary Poppins. Her work also includes national tours of Oklahoma!, A Chorus Line, and The Wizard of Oz. This time, Bliven sings such classics as “Where the Boys Are” and “Son of a Preacher Man.”

Bonnie Kelly’s Walnut credits include Shrek, Young Frankenstein, Holiday Inn, and The Wizard of Oz. Elsewhere, Kelly has been seen in national tours of Beauty and the Beast and A Chorus Line. In Beehive, Kelly sings numbers like “My Boyfriend’s Back” and “You Don’t Own Me.”

Ayana Major Bey makes her Walnut debut as Jasmine, leading musical numbers like “Come See about Me” and “Where Did Our Love Go.” Also new to the Walnut is actress Felicia Boswell who plays Wanda, singing numbers that include “The Name Game” and “Walking in the Rain.”

Boswell was a standout of the show, and I hope to see her as the lead in future WST productions.

Philadelphia native Sara Gallo makes her Walnut debut as Laura. Gallo sings Janis Joplin staples like “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” and “Cry Baby.” Karissa Harris also makes her Walnut debut, playing Gina. In Beehive, Harris sings classics like “River Deep, Mountain High” and “Sweet Talkin’ Guy.”

BEEHIVE kept the audience entertained until the final number. The show runs at the Walnut only through October 31, so get your tickets now.

This production is sponsored by Sharon & Scott Rankin. 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.   

Felicia Boswell and Company; Photo Credit: Mark Garvin  

Rendezvous in Bangkok…Who Killed Thomas Merton is an original play written by local Philly writers Thom Nickels and Sabina Clarke about the life of Thomas Merton, an American Trappist monk, theologian, social activist, and author of The Seven Storey Mountain. 

Rendezvous in Bangkok made its world premiere at the Commodore John Barry Club, ‘The Irish Center’ on Sunday, September 26th.

I checked out the production last month for two reasons: Merton was one of my deceased father’s favorite authors and I am a big fan of Nickels’ writing for the Irish Edition.  

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was the most influential American Catholic author of the 20th century. His autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, sold over one million copies and has been translated into over fifteen languages. 

Merton was born in Prades, France. His father Owen Merton was a New Zealander, and his mother Ruth Jenkins was an American. Both parents were artists and met in Paris, France. His mother died when he was six; his father died when he was 16 and Merton was left to the care of a guardian.

After a rambunctious youth, he converted to Roman Catholicism while a student at Columbia University. On December 10, 1941, Merton entered the Abbey of Gethsemane in Kentucky, a community of monks belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappist’s), the most ascetic Roman Catholic monastic order.

Merton was a harsh critic of the Vietnam War and viewed war as the root of all evil. His writings on social issues of the day drew criticism from both Catholics and non-Catholics who thought a monk should not be involved with issues beyond monastery walls.

He was warned by his Abbot General to stop writing against the Vietnam War and about the threat of nuclear war. He was also warned by the Vatican.  

On his first trip to the Far East to attend a conference in Thailand on the feasibility of creating a dialogue between Eastern mysticism and Christianity, Thomas Merton died on December 10^th, 1968.

The official report said that Merton died of an accidental electrocution after stepping out of the shower and coming into contact with either a defective electric fan or a defective electrical cord.

His mysterious and sudden death at the age of 53 left many questions unanswered. 

Clarke and Nickels focus on Merton’s strange death in the play and what might have led up to it. The writers take a conspiratorial slant and viewers are led to ask what led to Merton’s sudden and tragic demise.

The play implies that Merton was murdered because his political activism had become too much for powerful people. It does not specify who ordered the murder, though it mentions some unusual suspects: President Lyndon Johnson, J. Edgar Hoover, or a bishop or Trappist abbot.

After the production, I spoke to Thom briefly. He mentioned his writing collaboration with Sabine went smoothly and was free of issues. Wishing Thom and Sabina much success with Rendezvous in Bangkok as they develop the final script.    

Photo: A painting of Thomas Merton by artist Ruane Manning   

Walnut Street Theatre (WST)’s first main stage production of the 2020s is Oscar Wilde’s A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE. I attended this classic comedy of manners last night with my daughters. Cultures clash, long-held secrets are exposed, and as the master of biting wit, A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE satirizes the roles we play.

A beautiful, wealthy, American woman travels to England seeking to marry a titled aristocrat. Oscar Wilde created this simple plot to mock British society—and the Englishness of the English. Wilde held an unfiltered mirror up to the bourgeois life of Victorian England, while extolling the virtues of refreshing American values.

Well known for his mastery of wit and satire, Oscar Wilde penned A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE in the height of his career in the 1890s. The play premiered in 1893 at London’s Haymarket Theatre. Wilde pulled no punches when criticizing the social constructs of the Victorian era in which he lived. Women held very few rights compared to men during this time, and Wilde tackled the societal double standards that pervaded the late 19^th century.

Walnut Producing Artistic Director Bernard Havard leads the cast from the director’s seat for this production. 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 served America’s Oldest Theatre for over 35 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. 

Walnut veteran Ian Merrill Peakes plays the amorous bachelor Lord Illingworth. This show marks Peakes’ 13^th at the Walnut, including The Curious Incident…Night-time, Harvey, Ideal Husband, Baskervilles, and Of Mice and Men. Additionally, this will be his 129^th professional production in his long career that includes three Barrymore Awards, a Helen Hayes Award, and two Best of Denver Awards. He shares the stage with his wife, Karen Peakes, who is playing the flirtatious Mrs. Allonby. She has been seen on the WST Mainstage in The Curious Incident…Night-Time, Comedy of Tenors, Of Mice and Men, Fallen Angels, and Born Yesterday; and in the Independence Studio on 3 in Speaking in Tongues, Doubt, and Last of the Red Hot Lovers.

A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE satirizes the improprieties and anxieties of Britain’s upper class. After the first hour, the plot revolves around the revelations of Gerald Arbuthnot’s (Brandon O’Rourke) parentage. Twenty years earlier, Lord Illingworth seduced Rachel Arbuthnot (Alicia Roper), who then gave birth to Gerald. Havard does a fine job of taking the audience back to the late 19^th century.  

Walnut teaching artist Jessica Bedford returns to play the naïve Lady Stutfield. Bedford starred in the Walnut’s and Then There Were None, The Prescott Method, and most recently, this season’s Meteor Shower in the Independence Studio on 3. She also teaches at the Walnut as part of its theatre school faculty and has taught at Montgomery County Community College, Villanova University, Temple University, University of the Arts, DeSales University, and for the Performing Arts Project at Wake Forest University.

Making their Walnut Street Theatre debuts are Audrey Ward and Tyler Ivey. Ward plays the show’s sole American character, Miss Hester Worsley and is a sophomore at Temple University, earning her B.A. in Theater Studies. She was most recently seen on stage in the Temple Theater production of An Enemy of the People. Tyler Ivey plays the dual roles of the butler, Farquhar, and the footman, Francis. Ivey is a graduate of Temple University’s Musical Theatre program and has been seen performing for the Penobscot Theatre Company, 11^th Hour Theatre Co., and the national tour of Mad Libs Live!

A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE runs at the Walnut through March 1, 2020. This production is sponsored by P.J. Clarke’s. Media Partners are 6abc, Metro, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787.

Photo by Mark Garvin: Ian Merrill Peakes and Karen Peakes

Walnut Street Theatre (WST) continues its 211^th season with the Broadway hit, SHREK THE MUSICAL. I was thrilled to attend the press preview with my youngest daughter last week. Having had surgery three weeks prior, I was ready for some laughs.  

Here’s the plot you may already know: a grumpy green ogre and a wisecracking donkey save the land from evil Lord Farquaad and rescue Princess Fiona from a terrible fate. All-new songs and outrageous humor contribute to this modern fairy tale.  

The greatest fairy tale never told comes to life in SHREK THE MUSICAL, the Broadway musical based on the Oscar-winning movie. Shrek finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside his sidekick Donkey and a feisty princess. A short-tempered wannabe king, a cookie with an attitude, and other classic fairy tale misfits partake in the riotously dysfunctional road trip.

SHREK THE MUSICAL is a perfect show for the holiday season. The colorful characters shine in their unique roles. The Donkey delivered the most laughs and his facial expressions were priceless.   

SHREK will move adults and children alike. Shrek embraces what makes you different and rallies for love in different shapes and sizes. I watched the audience give it a standing ovation on opening night.    

Glenn Casale returns to the Walnut to direct SHREK THE MUSICAL. Casale’s work was last seen on the Mainstage during 2017’s Annie. His work includes the 1999 Broadway revival of Peter Pan, which received a Tony nomination for Best Revival of a Musical.  

Nichalas Parker assumes the main role of Shrek. Parker undergoes a costume and make-up process that takes up to an hour and a half in order to become the large green ogre. When he is not performing, Parker works as a resident teaching artist in Philadelphia, teaching students with multiple disabilities both at the Walnut Street Theatre and 1812 Productions.

The wise-cracking Donkey is played by fellow WST acting apprentice alum Dana Orange. Audiences may recognize Orange from his regional appearances in Sister Act (Walnut). Completing the lead trio is Julia Udine playing Princess Fiona. Udine was last seen on the Walnut stage in the one-woman show Tell Me on a Sunday. She has appeared in TV’s Law and Order: SVU and All My Children.

SHREK THE MUSICAL runs at the Walnut through January 5, 2020. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

Photo by Mark Garvin: Nichalas L. Parker and Julia Udine