Kelli Curtin

This particular production of TOMFOOLERY shines at Act II Playhouse due to director, Tony Braithwaite's treatment of the show. Where some of the musical numbers and lyrics can seem outdated, the show is treated as a history lesson based on the importance of Tom Lehrer and his music. In addition, the show is handled as if it is a period piece. The costumes and set all are reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s, and take the audience on a journey back in time with the music of Lehrer. Also, throughout the show there is commentary about the songs and about Lehrer and his lyrics, which I found interesting. The spirited cast makes TOMFOOLERY an entertaining evening of theatre.

Currently onstage at Act II Playhouse is the show I WILL NOT GO GENTLY, written and starring Jennifer Childs. This show, under the direction of Harriet Power, is a humorous and poignant exploration of getting older and how it affects everyone. This show premiered last spring at 1812 Productions and returns to Act II Playhouse for a limited engagement. I WILL Not Go Gently is a beautiful piece of theatre that highlights the multi-talents of Childs.

Frank Capra's holiday classic, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, is a movie that brings to mind so many cherished memories of the holiday season. People always seems to have a story about the first time they saw the movie, or how it is a holiday tradition. Currently at Act II Playhouse is the show THIS WONDERFUL LIFE written by Steve Murray, a one man show, which is the stage version of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, but with a twist. The twist is that all the roles are played by just one actor, the talented Tony Braithwaite. Braithwaite brings all the things people love about the film to the stage, and his performance is precise and heartwarmingly captures the emotional impact of the film.

THE CAROLS, the latest show onstage at 1812 Productions, is a delightful show that takes audiences back to the year 1944 in a small New Jersey town. Artistic Director, Jennifer Childs, wrote and directed this original play that is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of family and kindness. This production is an emotional and heartwarming story, and the writing and performances are full of warmth and sentiment. THE CAROLS at 1812 Productions is witty and truly a delightful production.

Passion, greed and danger play out in MAURITIUS, the current play onstage at Act II Playhouse. This intense show is about what one character calls "the crown jewel of philately," two rare stamps from the island of Mauritius that are worth many millions of dollars if sold. The play tells an action packed tale that will have audiences engaged throughout the show. Playwright Theresa Rebeck has created a suspenseful evening of entertainment that is full of twists and turns. This show, under the direction of David Bradley, is incredibly well done, and it is an intense story about what happens when a valuable stamp collection is at the center of a conflict between two family members. The production of MAURITIUS at Act II Playhouse is a fast-paced and intense production that pulls the audience into the action of the conflict between two sisters struggling over what to do with the rare stamps.

1812 Productions opens their 2016/17 season with the hilarious THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS: THE ELECTION SPECIAL. This show provides a respite from the chaos of this current election season, and delivers the gift of laughter to the audience no matter which side of the political aisle you are on. Personally, I felt this show provided a perfect escape from the madness of this year's political season, and it was a pure two hours of laughter. Everything about this show was brilliant from the writing to the use of digital media to the impersonations and skits. This is one show that you will be sorry if you miss this season, especially if you have the election time blues.

Act II Playhouse opens their 2016/17 season with the uproariously funny ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION. This comedy pokes fun at all sides of the political spectrum this election season. Audiences can expect an evening full of political parodying, musical hijinks and rib-tickling political impersonations. ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION at Act II Playhouse delivers the laughs and helps to lighten the current political season.

Act II Playhouse's production of KISS ME, KATE is a show that is imbued with energy and full of delightful musical numbers. It has a sensational score by Cole Porter that will please audiences. This show, under the direction of Peter Reynolds and with the incredible choreography by Maggie Anderson, is a reminder of the timeless melodies of Porter and it has a cast that will entertain audiences. KISS ME, KATE at Act II Playhouse shines and will have members of the audience smiling from start to finish.

This past weekend, Act II Playhouse opened a new play for children, SLEEPING HANDSOME. This play is a new story with a twist on the classic fairy tale, SLEEPING BEAUTY. This was my first time attending one of Act II's productions for kids, and I was delighted by not only the quality of the play, but also the originality of the story. SLEEPING HANDSOME is interactive and energetic, and children will be captivated by this enchanting play as this fantastical tale comes to life on stage.

Almost thirty years after DRIVING MISS DAISY had its premiere Off-Broadway, this play still feels remarkably relevant today. The intimate setting at Act II Playhouse works well for this play as the audience immediately connects with the story. DRIVING MISS DAISY focuses on an older Southern woman, Daisy, and her chauffer, Hoke Colburn. At its heart, this play is about companionship and how friendship can transcend any barrier of race or creed. In addition, this show's cast is perfectly suited to their roles as they draw the audience into the story while heartwarmingly depicting the growing friendship between Daisy and Hoke. DRIVING MISS DAISY at Act II Playhouse, under the direction of James J. Christy, is a brilliant production complete with masterful performances.

DRIVING MISS DAISY at Act II Playhouse is one of the most anticipated shows this spring in the Philadelphia area. People have been talking about this production because of the all-star cast comprised of Carla Belver, Brian Anthony Wilson and Tony Braithwaite, under the direction of James Christy. DRIVING MISS DAISY is about an older Southern woman, Daisy, and her driver, Hoke Colburn, who is employed by her son when he becomes concerned over her ability to drive. The play explores the friendship that forms between Daisy and Hoke over the years.

A brand new musical, A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME: UNDRESSING BETTY CROCKER ONE SONG AT A TIME, begins at Bucks County Playhouse on January 30, 2016. This show is about a group of friends who form a woman's cooking club in the 1950s. I had the opportunity to speak with Erin Mackey who is playing the role of Connie Olsen in the production. Mackey is best known for her Broadway credits playing Glinda in WICKED, Oona in CHAPLIN and most recently Mary Catlett in AMAZING GRACE. I spoke to Mackey about this brand new musical and what audiences can expect as well as her first role on stage.

Once again Jennifer Childs and Tony Braithwaite delight audiences with their newest show at Act II Playhouse, ON THE ROAD AGAIN. In this show Braithwaite and Childs take a look at traveling and the need to get away from it all. This world premiere comedy cabaret is a fast-paced and intelligently funny show, and it is a reminder why Childs and Braithwaite are Philly's funniest comedy duo.

The month of December is the time of year in which everyone seems to be rushing about to check things off their "things to do list." This time of year, when the bustle of the holiday season is upon us, we can all use a bit of holiday cheer and some time to sit back, relax and be entertained. BEHIND THE MUSIC: HOLIDAY TUNES at Act II Playhouse is wonderfully suited for this time of year. This show, under the direction of Matt Silva, entertains audiences as it tells the stories behind holiday standards through the show dialog and songs.

THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY is a show that will provide audiences with hearty laughter and an entertaining evening of theatre. Ken Ludwig's THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY is the current show at Act II Playhouse, and it is a show that will delight audiences with its zaniness. The show is about life, love and the love of golf. Although, from personal experience, I can say that you do not need a great deal of knowledge about golf to enjoy this comedy. The production of THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY, under the direction of William Roudebush, at Act II Playhouse is a fast paced comedy with an energetic cast that will amuse audiences.

The Walnut Street Theatre opens its 207th season with Cole Porter's HIGH SOCIETY. This musical transports audiences to an estate in Oyster Bay in the late 1930s where a New York socialite is about to be wed. This grand musical is a show that is highly entertaining for audiences as they watch the plot unfold. The Walnut Street Theatre brings HIGH SOCIETY to life with lots of laughs, dazzling performances and a beautiful score.

ACCORDING TO GOLDMAN is described as a "comedic drama." This show is brimming with comedic moments as well as many moments that are filled with emotion. However, there is a depth to this play through its twists and turns, and intense and engaging moments. This play moves very quickly, and from the time the play begins the audience is immersed in the story. The production of ACCORDING TO GOLDMAN at Act II Playhouse has a cast that engages the audience with their energy, and this is an element that draws the audience into the play. The play promises to have humor, charm and gripping moments, and this production at Act II Playhouse delivers on all counts.

I would describe Bucks County Playhouse's production of ON GOLDEN POND, under the direction of Jonathan Silverstein, as comforting. The show is a warm-hearted and beautiful production with a cast that skillfully crafts a portrait of a family. The story is nostalgic and takes the audience on a journey back to simpler times. ON GOLDEN POND sheds light on the complexities of relationships and how they change over time. ON GOLDEN POND at Bucks County Playhouse pays homage to aging and family relationships, and this production has a solid and outstanding cast.

'Phone rings, door chimes, in comes company.' This is how the title song from Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's musical, COMPANY, begins. This musical is about marriage and commitment, and it is set in New York City. COMPANY is considered one of the more challenging musicals for the cast, crew and orchestra, but if it is done well it provides for a highly enjoyable evening of theatrical entertainment. Bucks County Playhouse produces an entertaining production of COMPANY, with a strong cast.

If you enjoy Broadway musicals and hilarious satire, you will get a healthy dose of both of these in FORBIDDEN BROADWAY'S GREATEST HITS at Act II Playhouse. This show is the "best of the best." Not only is it a spoof of Broadway shows, but it also has a phenomenal cast, and it is set in the intimate setting of Act II Playhouse, which works as the perfect setting for this cabaret style show. This production of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY'S GREATEST HITS at Act II Playhouse tackles the best and brightest of Broadway with vigor and enthusiasm.