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

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