Philadelphia Theater Reviews

BWW Reviews: Philadelphia Theatre Company's VENUS IN FUR

David Ives tells the seductive yet funny tale of Vanda, an actress on an unwavering quest to win the lead in Thomas' new play, based on the classic erotic novel, Venus in Fur. Vanda's eager and captivating depiction electrifies the room and leads the pair into a whirlwind power struggle that teeters between reality and fantasy. (more...)

BWW Reviews: 'Dinner and a Show'- Eagle Theater's URINETOWN and Rocco's Townhouse, Hammonton, NJ

When "you gotta go- you gotta go!" Eagle Theater takes a chance on a bizarre, Broadway blockbuster and comes out a winner! (more...)

BWW Reviews: The Arden Theatre's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is a Night to Remember

The word 'brilliant' is the word that came to mind as I left the Arden Theatre after seeing their production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics for this musical and Hugh Wheeler wrote the book. The Ingmar Bergman film, SMILE OF A SUMMER NIGHT, inspired this musical. Terrance J. Nolan directs this current production, and the Arden's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is astounding. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM

Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, all brought to you "Cirque-style" in a heart stopping thrill show of acrobatics, special effects and incredible sets and costumes. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Walnut's GREASE Warms Up Those 'Summer Nights'

Bring out your bobby sock and leather jackets. The gang from Rydel High is taking over Philly for the summer. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Bucks County Playhouse's MAME is a Triumph

Bucks County Playhouse kicks off its 2013 season with an inspired and exceptionally executed production of MAME. This production of MAME was originally produced at the Media Theatre in Media, Pennsylvania. Jesse Cline directs the show, and MAME stars Andrea McArdle as Mame and Lea DeLaria as Vera Charles. Bucks County Playhouse's MAME will delight audiences with its exceptional choreography, powerful singing, and its heartwarming plot. If you have not gotten tickets to MAME at Bucks County Playhouse, I advise you to do so now before it is too late. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Act II Playhouse's LEND ME A TENOR is a Spirited Theatrical Event

LEND ME A TENOR is the latest play at Act II Playhouse, and this show hits all the right notes. Ken Ludwig's LEND ME A TENOR received nine Tony nominations when it opened on Broadway in 1989, and three Tony nominations for its revival in 2010. The play is a classic farce with doors slamming, storylines getting inter-tangled, and gags. The night is an evening full of laughter and entertainment and Act II Playhouse's production of this show does not disappoint. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Ritz Theater's DROWSY CHAPERONE Almost Dazzles

Wake up! No time to dose or you'll miss the fun. Winner of 11 Tony's including Best Musical, score, book and more, this audience was in for a real treat, but someone forgot to set the 'time to laugh alarm'. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Villanova's SALOME - A Stunning Performance of an Underperformed Classic

David Cregan directs a new translation of Wilde's classic in a performance that is literally 'up in the air' (more...)

BWW Reviews: VAINGLORIOUS is Glorious Performance Art

Meet Napoleon, Beethoven, and Madame de Stael in person at Applied Mechanics' PIFA offering commemorating the coronation of Napoleon. Wear your comfortable shoes and prepare to be invited for a drink before the Congress of Vienna hits. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Strong Ensemble Makes the Most of Philadelphia Theatre Company's SEMINAR

Theresa Rebeck's (Pulitzer Prize nominee and creator of NBC's Smash) Seminar follows four aspiring novelists in Manhattan who form a weekly writing seminar under the fallible guidance of a renowned and callous literary expert. Sharing chapters from a few hours' work or several years' worth of painstaking effort leads to brutal critiques and new revelations. Vulnerabilities are exposed, loyalties shift and plots are afoot - the creative process has never been so fictitiously juicy. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Bristol's PIRATES OF PENZANCE - 'Tis a Glorious Thing to be a Pirate King!'

The Pirates of Penzance just might be the wackiest operetta ever written and Bristol's director Keith Baker has a magnificent command of the piece. (more...)

BWW Reviews: A RAISIN IN THE SUN at the Arden Is a Dream Not Deferred

Walter Dallas, former director of Freedom Theatre, brings a perfectly staged production of Hansberry's American classic to the Arden. (more...)

BWW Reviews: ASSASSIN Emotionally Tackles Audiences at Act II Playhouse

ASSASSIN is a play that speaks to a culture in which people revere professional football players. It also addresses the brutality the game inspires in its players and fans. ASSASSIN is a fictional play, which is inspired by true events that occurred in 1978. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Wilma Theater's ASSISTANCE is Funny and Authentic

Everyone's got to start somewhere. Unfortunately for Nick and Nora, that means working as office assistants for a demeaning and demanding boss. Juggling the never-ending phone calls, impossible expectations and nasty insults creates an office full of 20-somethings blinded by ambition and hooked on the need to succeed. Some thrive, while others are burned by the pressure of following their misguided dreams of success. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Bucks County Playhouse's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY is the perfect show for the holiday season. The show is inspired by the 1946 Frank Capra film IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY was written by Joe Landry. Gordon Greenberg directs this holiday play, and Lorin Latarro choreographs the show. This play transports its audience back to the 1940s where a live radio broadcast is being performed in front of a live studio audience. The show is complete with the cast performing their own sound effects as well as responsible for their own musical accompaniment. Also, to capture the nostalgia of by gone eras there are ads from the radio's sponsors. The cast at Bucks County Playhouse successfully takes its audience back to 1946, and provides exquisite entertainment. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Walnut Street's THE MUSIC MAN Marches in the Holidays

Walnut Street Theatre is at it again this holiday season with a delightful production of Meredith Willlson's The Music Man jam packed with a stellar cast. (more...)

BWW Reviews: InterAct Theatre's THE EXIT INTERVIEW Shows Talent and Versatility

Having been laid off from his university faculty position, Bertolt Brecht scholar Dick Fig (Dan Hodge) is forced to endure an exit interview with Eunice (Cheryl Williams), an eccentric and ultra-religious administrator. When faced with his personal pet peeve, small talk, Dick dives into discussions on science and religion that culminate in an encounter with a masked gunman. Product placement, ex-girlfriend drama, offensive cheerleaders, political agendas and a visit from a priest combine in this comedic and abrasive new play. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Philadelphia Theatre Company's World Premiere Musical STARS OF DAVID

Stars of David is a world premiere musical based on Abigail Pogrebin's book, Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish. Nancy is a journalist who doesn't feel a connection with her Jewish heritage and decides to embark on a book project to interview well-known figures about their cultural identity. The interviews result in words, videos and musical portrayals of Gloria Steinem, Leonard Nimoy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Joan Rivers, Aaron Sorkin, Tony Kushner, Fran Drescher and more. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Arden Theatre's NEXT TO NORMAL - Compelling, Intimate Musical Drama

Terrence Nolan brings a visually stunning yet minimalist set and a powerhouse cast to a new interpretation of the Pulitzer-winning musical drama about mental illness (more...)

BWW Reviews: Non-Stop Fun in COOKING WITH THE CALAMARI SISTERS at Society Hill

Julia Childs has nothing on these two bosomy sisters from Bay Ridge, New York when it comes to a hilarious presentation of the culinary arts. Yes, The Calamari Sisters have found their way to the city of Brotherly Love. (more...)

BWW Review: Wilma Theater's ANGELS IN AMERICA, PART TWO

It's not often we get to revisit characters and a story from a previous evening at the theatre. Luckily for Philadelphia theatre audiences, The Wilma Theater took on both parts of the epic Angels in America saga by Tony Kushner. The Wilma's Millennium Approaches was a powerful closure to the 2011/12 theatre season. Perestroika kicks off their 2012/13 season with an equally resounding force. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Walnut Street Theatre's LOVE STORY - Charming Yet Heartbreaking

Based on Erich Segal's novel, Love Story tells the tale of upper-class Harvard student, Oliver Barrett IV, and his life-changing encounter with Radcliffe music major, Jenny Cavilleri. (more...)

BWW 'Dinner and a Show' Review: Eagle Theater's MY WAY Tribute to Frank Sinatra

We enjoyed an evening of Sinatra music and dined at a restaurant that is surrounded by glimpses of Ole Blue Eyes himself both in the heart of South Jersey. (more...)

BWW Reviews: A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING and Lambertville Station Restaurant

This was indeed a "Grand Night for Singing" and celebrating for the town of New Hope as they welcome all to the re-opening their cultural jewel The Buck's County Playhouse. (more...)