Kelli Curtin - Page 3

The newest show at American Music Theatre is MUSIC OF THE NIGHT. This show highlights all the great music of Andrew Lloyd Webber who wrote the music for shows such as CATS and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. This newest show at American Music Theatre is a wonderful way to commemorate Andrew Lloyd Webber, and a reminded of why Webber is one of the great musical composers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This show celebrates the enchanting music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The Arden Theatre closes the 2013/14 season with a Michael Hollinger play, INCORRUPTIBLE. This play is a dark comedy, which is set in the dark ages, about 1250 A.D. According to the Arden Theatre Hollinger asks the burning question in this play, "What happens when faith alone can't pay the bills?" INCORRUPTIBLE has a balance of verbal and physical comedy as well as asks the audience to reflect on blind faith.

MAN OF LA MANCHA is one of the shows that has rarely been performed in recent years, and it is one that I have never seen before this performance. I feel fortunate that my first time seeing this musical, which is a well-known story, was at Act II Playhouse. MAN OF LA MANCHA at Act II Playhouse is a triumph on many levels beginning with the performances to the set. I was impressed with this production from start to finish, and this is one show that should not be missed at Act II Playhouse.

The Arden Theatre Company just opened the world premiere of a new translation of THREE SISTERS. Curt Columbus translates this play, originally written by Anton Chekhov. The Arden Theatre calls this new translation, "audacious, alive, and contemporary." I would have to agree with this, THREE SISTERS is a contemporary retelling of Chekhov's beloved play, but it also keeps with the tradition of Chekhov. The Arden's production is bold and honest with a strong cast.

The newest comedy to open at Act II Playhouse is Neil Simon's HOTEL SUITE. The show revolves around two unique story lines that provide a humorous glimpse into the lives of two separate couples that happened to stay in the same hotel suite. The show provides lots of laughs, but it also engages the audience in the storylines of each couple. Act II's production of HOTEL SUITE is a great way to spend an evening out and have a few laughs with friends and family.

Leslie Uggams will be gracing the stage at Bucks County Playhouse with her concert, AN EVENING WITH LESLIE UGGAMS. Uggams is best known for her role Kizzy in the 1977 mini-series, ROOTS, as well as many stage roles including Georgina in HALLELUJAH, BABY! According to Bucks County Playhouse audiences can expect "a variety of her classic, signature songs in an evening audiences won't forget." I had a chance to speak with Uggams about her concert as well as some of her most memorable roles.

This is the time of year when theatres produce shows that are emotionally moving and contain though provoking content that will have audiences talking and thinking about what they have just experienced on stage for days. WATER BY THE SPOONFUL is no exception to this. This show will remind audiences about the meaning of family, both the one we are born into and the ones that we create, and it will keep audiences engaged long after the show is over. The Arden's production of WATER BY THE SPOONFUL is a highly emotional and moving drama; the show is a well-acted production that should not be missed.

Currently on the stage at Act II Playhouse is the hilarious LET'S PRETEND WE'RE FAMOUS. This show stars two phenomenally talented actors, Tony Braithwaite and Jennifer Childs. The show encompasses humor, song, dance, and even some historical tidbits. This show will have audiences laughing throughout the show, and Braithwaite and Childs's performances are not to be missed.

It is the holiday season, and most theatres are putting on a production full of holiday cheer filling each of us with the holiday spirit. Act II Playhouse is no exception to this, except that THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS is about searching for love and being single during the holidays. Act II Playhouse's production of this show is pleasant and tells the story of how one woman tried to find true love over the course of a year.

This year the holiday show at Bucks County Playhouse is MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS: A RADIO PLAY. They are keeping with the tradition of performing a holiday themed radio play where the audience plays the part of a live studio audience of the radio show. MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS: A RADIO PLAY is based on the 1944 movie-musical of the same name that starred Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien. We had a chance to speak with one of the actors in the show at Bucks County Playhouse, Garth Kravits, about the musical, growing up in a theatre family and the importance of the arts to the community.

In the spirit of "High School Musical," "Glee" and "Mean Girls," Alpha/Omega Players presents 13, a musical about growing up. This show is a musical that tweens and teens will love, it is about the emotional roller coaster full of the highs and lows that all of us experienced while growing up. Alpha/Omega Players has put together a highly energetic group of teens who successfully depict the trials and tribulations that come with becoming a teenager.

The newest show in the Walnut Street Theatre's Independent Studio on 3 is SOPHIE TUCKER: THE LAST OF THE RED HOT MAMAS. On a basic level, the show is a musical revue, but it is so much more than that. The show features songs sung by Sophie Tucker, but it will make you laugh, warm your heart, and make you want to learn more about Sophie Tucker. SOPHIE TUCKER at the Walnut Street Theatre will delight audiences with her unique act and bold voice.

It is that time of year when the holiday shows are beginning in theatres all over the country. Some shows put us in the holiday spirit by singing catchy tunes such as "Holly Jolly Christmas" or "Frosty the Snowman." Others tell classic tales such as A Christmas Carol or 'Twas the Night before Christmas. In addition, some shows remind us about the true meaning of Christmas by telling the story of the First Christmas. The 2013 CHRISTMAS SHOW: THE FIRST NOEL at American Music Theatre does all of this, and they do it well.

Mystery, suspense, ghosts - this is what audiences can expect when they see Act II Playhouse's THE WOMAN IN BLACK. The show is a gothic ghost tale that will have audiences clinging to their seats. This play, originally a novella written by Susan Hill in 1983, has become a well-known play in both London and around the world. Act II's version of THE WOMAN IN BLACK is a brilliant production that pays so much attention to detail that audiences will feel as if they are part of the production.

The Arden Theatre is known for doing shows that make audiences think well after the show is over. Their latest production STICK FLY is no exception to this. This play will make you laugh, tear up with emotion, and encourage a discussion after the play is over. This, in my opinion, is a perfect theatrical experience. The characters in STICK FLY discuss issues such as class and race, but there are also plenty of laughs throughout the play.

The Arden Theatre opened their twenty-sixth season with a stellar production of PARADE. This musical takes place in 1913 and tells the story of Leo Frank who was accused of murdering a thirteen year old girl, Mary Phagan. This show grapples with the trial of Leo Frank, and the racial environment that surrounded the trial in Georgia. PARADE depicts the resentments and fears held by many Georgians during the early twentieth century. The Arden's production of PARADE, under the direction of Terrance Nolan, is powerful, thought provoking, and well executed.

The Walnut Street Theatre opened their 2013-2014 season with the energetic IN THE HEIGHTS. This show takes place in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, and tells the story of a "day' in the lives of those who live in this neighborhood. What is unique about this show is that each person not only has their own individual story, but when they sing throughout the show, they have their own style of music. For example, the character of Usnavi's songs are all rap where Nina's songs are all ballads. This show is full of energy and passion, and the Walnut Street Theatre's production of IN THE HEIGHTS is remarkable.

Act II Playhouse in Ambler, Pennsylvania opened their 2013-2014 season with a world premier play, DIDN'T YOUR FATHER HAVE THIS TALK WITH YOU? Tony Braithwaite wrote this original play, as well as stars in the show. In addition, Mary Carpenter directs the show. Braithwaite tells stories about his twelve years of teaching Theology and Sex Education to High School Freshman. This show is hilarious, and it is brilliant, but most of all it is a show that should not be missed.

The latest play at Bucks County Playhouse is THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE. Charles Busch wrote this play, and it opened on Broadway in 2000. Boyd Gaines directs the current production at Bucks County Playhouse. This show is full of comedy and emotion, and is definitely a night full of boisterous laughter.

THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE is the latest production at Bucks County Playhouse. The play tells the story of Marjorie Taub who lives on the upper west side of New York with her husband, Ira. Marjorie spends her time pursuing culture at lectures, museums and theatres. She is facing an epic mid-life crisis when a friend from her past visits her. Charles Busch wrote this play and it is directed by Boyd Gaines. THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE stars Marsha Mason, David Garrison, Marilu Henner, Ryan Shams and Emily Jon Mitchell.