September 16-22, 2004

fall arts calendar

Theater

The Underpants at Arden Theatre Co.

by David Anthony Fox

Is there life after Fringe? Certainly! Philly's fall theater is just beginning. Common themes include war, capitalism, racial tension and just plain fun. Here's some of what you can enjoy from now through New Year's.

The Last of the Boys
In Steven Dietz's new play (which gets its world premiere in a production directed by Emily Mann), two Vietnam vets come together 30 years later and find they can't forget the past. Dietz's previous successes include the lovely Lonely Planet.
Through Oct. 17, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, N.J., 609-258-2787.

The Underpants
A lost pair of underpants leads to (what else?) instant fame for a young wife in this classic German comedy by Carl Sternheim, adapted here by Steve Martin. Director Aaron Posner will populate the Arden stage with some of Philly's funniest, including Jen Childs, Scott Greer and Anthony Lawton.
Through Oct. 31, Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St., 215-922-1122.

The Big Bang
In Jed Feuer and Boyd Graham's play, here directed by Richard Parison Jr. and starring Ben Dibble and Tony Braithwaite, two entrepreneurs will do whatever it takes to find producers for their Broadway play. It's a promising premise, and Act II supplies two of our best local comic actors.
Through Oct. 10, Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Pike, Ambler, 215-654-0200.

The Mise
For their production of the classic Moliére comedy, PL&T have a new translation/adaptation (by James Magruder). In the right hands (here, we hope, Abigail Adams'), no play is more amusing and more trenchant.
Through Oct. 24, People's Light & Theatre Co., 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, 610-644-3500.

Night and Day
Tom Stoppard's 1978 play (getting a rare production here by Stoppardmeister Jiri Zizka) takes on the British living in Africa as a vehicle to examine government and journalism in wartime. And (since it's Stoppard) all this is adorned with the brightest of banter.
Sept. 22-Oct. 31, Wilma Theater, 265 S. Spruce St., 215-546-7824.

Gaslight
What better way to celebrate autumn (and Halloween!) than a trip to this enchanting, tiny old theater on a genuine country lane — and a chance to enjoy one of the creepiest thrillers of all time.
Oct. 6-Nov. 14, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.

Arabian Nights
These are perhaps the sexiest fables ever written — and who better to bring them to theatrical life than Mary Zimmerman, whose Metamorphoses adaptation was so divine? Count on director Terry Nolan to provide oodles of visual panache.
Oct. 7-Nov. 7, Arden Theatre Co.

Trumbo
Christopher Trumbo's play is a loving tribute to his dad, superb screenwriter and Hollywood Ten victim Dalton Trumbo. At PTC, Bill Irwin takes on the title role.
Oct. 8-Nov. 14, Philadelphia Theatre Co., Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St., 215-569-9700.

Gemini
Nearly 30 years ago, playwright Albert Innaurato charmed the theater with his Gemini, the funny/sad story of a Harvard boy summering at home in South Philly. Now Innaurato is back to turn Gemini into a musical, with the help of UArts veteran Charles Gilbert.
Oct. 9-31, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700.

Playboy of the Western World
A rare chance to see Ireland's national theater company right here in Philadelphia. Their vehicle is J.M Synge's hot-blooded comedy that, in 1911, shocked the Western world.
Oct. 12-17, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900.

Homeland Security
A couple is taken out of line at an airport — and the nightmare begins. Stuart Flack's play examines the delicate balance between safety and civil rights in our precarious times.
Oct. 22-Nov. 21, InterAct Theatre Co. at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-568-8079.

The Puppetmaster of Lodz
Mixing live actors and puppets in a way that illuminates some very serious plays is a Robert Smythe specialty. Here the vehicle is Gilles Segal's moving tale of a Polish survivor in WWII who can't imagine the war is actually over.
Oct. 26-Nov. 20, Mum Puppettheatre, 115 Arch St., 215-925-7686.

Death and the King's Horsemen
Nobel Prize-winning playwright Wole Soyinka has adapted Yoruba folk tales — and modern history — into a riveting mix of dance, ritual and theater. Horsemen is a Philadelphia premiere.
Nov. 5-Dec. 12, Lantern Theater, St. Stephen's Theater, 10th and Ludlow sts., 215-829-9002.

The Visit
If (God help me) I was asked to nominate a single best play since 1950, it would probably be Friedrich Dörrenmatt's sensational tragicomedy about postwar reconstruction. Last year, The Visit received a highly successful production from Mum Puppettheatre — now comes another, from Villanova.
Nov. 9-21, Villanova Theatre, Lancaster and Ithan aves., Villanova, 610-519-7474.

Thoroughly Modern Millie
This delightful Broadway hit, set in the Roaring '20s, is an old-fashioned musical in the best ways, including a heroine you care about, a score you can leave the theater humming and even a tap-dancing chorus! Truly, it's fun for the whole family.
Nov. 16-21, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-732-5446

Big River
This charming musicalization of Huck Finn brought me to tears of joy last year, in a Broadway production that incorporated singing, speaking and American Sign Language. Now's your chance to be equally moved.
Nov. 23-28, Academy of Music, Broad and Locust sts., 215-893-1999.

Always a Lady
Nothing says "holidays" like the funny ladies from 1812. Here, two of their best — Jen Childs and Jilline Ringle — will dazzle us with a comic tribute to beloved dames of the past, including legends (Lucille Ball, Mae West) and the undeservedly unfamiliar (Trixie Friganza).
Dec. 3-Jan. 2,1812 Productions at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-592-9560.