Performing Arts :: Philadelphia City Paper. 25 Years of Independent Journalism.

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dance

'DANCO ON 'DANCO This concert features ballet pieces from emerging choreographers Tommie Evans, Gary Jeter, Zane Booker, Richard Moten and Donald Lunsford II. Thu-Fri, Sept. 21-22, 8pm, $11-$22, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914.

COURT A performance by Paule Turner's Philadelphia-based dance troupe. Runs Sept. 21-Oct. 1, 8pm, $5-$10, Rowan University, Studio Theater, Bunce Hall, 201 Mullica Hill Rd., Glassboro, NJ, 856-256-4030.

FROM THA HIP Chosen Dance Company presents a unique take on hip-hop dance. Live music by Subliminal Orphans. Created and choreographed by Clyde Evans, Jr. Runs through Oct. 1, $25-$40, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700.

THE WASH CYCLE Perpetual Mvmt>Snd presents its inaugural performance, which integrates modern dance and electronic music, and takes place in a functioning laundromat. Fri, Sept. 22, reception with photography by Bilwa, 8pm; performance, 9pm; 10th Street Laundromat, 10th & Ellsworth sts.

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theater

42ND STREET In this timeless tap dance musical, a once-great director attempts a comeback, an aging star wants to remain in the limelight and a young chorus girl makes it big on Broadway. Directed by Geoffrey Tangeman. Runs through Sept. 24, $30-$47, The New Candlelight Theatre, 2208 Millers Rd., Ardentown, DE, 302-475-2313.

ANGEL, A NIGHTMARE IN TWO ACTS Based on the account of Auschwitz survivor Olga Lenygal, Jo Davids Meyers' play tells the true story of Irma Grese, a Nazi guard who was executed at age 21 for crimes against humanity. Presented by New City Stage Company. Directed by Neill Hartley. Runs through Oct. 1, $10-$18, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.

AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS Phileas Fogg must sidestep a host of characters while he races to achieve his feat of going around the world in 80 days. Among the eccentric host of characters he encounters are a Chinese opium dealer and a Scotland Yard detective. Runs Sept. 26-Oct. 15, $29-$37, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Radcliffe & Market sts., Bristol, 215-785-0100.

BAD DATES In Theresa Rebeck's comedy, a thirtysomething single mom decides to re-enter the dating pool after a 12-year hiatus. She's sure to make all your courting fumbles pale in comparison. Directed by Ceal Phelan. Runs Sept. 22-Oct. 22, $25-$40, Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, 215-645-0200.

CAKEWALK Paul confesses to his boyfriend that he's pregnant, but nobody believes him. A comedic love story written by Tom Minter and directed by David Garone. Runs through Oct. 8, $20-$25, William Way Lesbian, Gay & Transgender Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., 215-732-2220.

THE CHAIRS This Eugene Ionesco comedy follows a couple who are isolated in a lighthouse. They pass the time playing various games but as their guests arrive it quickly becomes apparent that their simple life isn't quite that simple after all. Directed by Joanna Rotte. Runs Sept. 26-Oct. 8, $18-$24, Villanova Theatre, Vasey Hall, Villanova University, 610-519-7474.

CLUE The stage adaptation of the cult movie classic involves six suspicious characters holed up in a mansion trying to figure out who killed Mr. Body. The problem is each one of them is a suspect. Directed by Jim Kirkwood. Runs through Sept. 23, $15, Town and Country Players, 4158 York Rd., Buckingham, 215-348-7566.

CUPID & PSYCHE In Joseph Fisher's comedic spin on ancient Greek mythology, the god of love must destroy the most beautiful woman in the world, but he finds himself falling for her instead. Directed by Cameron Purdy. Runs through Sept. 23, $6-$10, Dutch Country Playhouse, Route 563, Telford, 215-234-0966.

DEADLY BELOVED Buzz and Alma Gahner just can't seem to get the nuptials right in this dinner theater murder mystery. Every Sat, through Oct. 28, 7pm-mid., $35, Fisher's Tudor House, 1858 Street Rd., Bensalem, 215-244-9777.

EAT YOUR HEART OUT Nick Hall's comedy follows a young unemployed actor who waits tables in NYC and meets a series of eccentric city folk. Starring Jared Johnston and directed by Benjamin Fried. Runs through Sept. 23, $12, Footlighters Theatre, 58 Main Ave., Berwyn, 610-296-9245.

FEIFFER'S PEOPLE Jules Feiffer offers various sketches, monologues and playlets that take a look at the state of the world. Directed by Mickey Lincoln. Runs Sept. 22-Oct. 7, $5-$10, The Barnstormers Theater, Ward & Tome sts., Ridley Park, 610-461-9969.

FOOLS This Neil Simon comedy involves a young teacher who moves to the Ukraine to become a teacher. When he meets the townspeople he learns that they are all the subject of a 200-year-old curse that makes them not so bright. He must break the curse or be subjected to its effects as well. Runs through Oct. 1, $12, Old Academy Players, 3544 Indian Queen Lane, 215-843-1109.

I CAN'T STOP LOVE YOU: THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES This musical features 36 hits, including "Georgia," "Hit the Road Jack" and "America the Beautiful," performed by a 12-piece onstage orchestra and full company of singers and dancers. Presented by Broadway at the Academy. Directed and choreographed by Gary Lloyd. Runs Sept. 26-Oct. 1, $25-$100, Academy of Music, Broad & Locust sts., 215-893-1999.

THE IMAGINARY INVALID Argan's medical problems are growing but he'll never be able to afford a doctor unless his daughter marries one. Too bad she's fallen for some schmo. James Magruder's update of Moliere's satire stays true to old themes: sex, love and greed. Directed by Lillian Groag. Runs through Oct. 22, People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, 610-644-3500.

THE LAST FIVE YEARS This musical takes a look at a five-year marriage from both parties' perspectives. Music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. Directed by Tom Quinn. Runs through Oct. 7, $11-$23, Montgomery Theater, 124 Main St., Suite 1, Souderton, 215-723-9984.

LEEWAY SALON: A ONE WOMAN SHOW Kumani Gantt's semi-autobiographical play explores the legacy of the African Diaspora, Fri, Sept. 22, 7pm, FREE, Church of the Advocate, 1801 W. Diamond St., 215-232-4485.

LOST IN YONKERS Neil Simon's comedy draws from his colorful childhood growing up in NYC. Runs through Oct. 7, $20-$25, The Ritz Theatre Company, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township, NJ, 856-858-5230.

MASTER HAROLD… AND THE BOYS Athol Fugard's coming-of-age story, set in 1950s South Africa, examines the impact of apartheid on the relationship between a white man and his black friend. Directed by David O'Connor. Runs through Oct. 8, $15-$30, Lantern Theater, 10th and Ludlow sts., 215-829-9002.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Jeanie Linder's show celebrates "women and The Change." Ongoing, $45, Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St., 215-923-0210.

MUMMY DEAREST Love and murder never get old at this mystery dinner theater. Hosted by Imma N. Denile. Runs through Sept. 30, $39, Peddler's Village, Rts. 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000.

MY ONE-NIGHT STAND WITH CANCER Author, performer and playwright Tania Katan presents her solo show, which she describes as a "lesbian-cancer version of 'Run, Lola, Run.'" Thu-Fri, Sept. 28-29, 7pm, $12.50-$25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914.

NUNSENSE! In this musical comedy, some nuns raise money to bury some other nuns who've been poisoned by the convent chef. Runs through Oct. 22, $15-$39, The Pines Dinner Theatre, 3045 High Hill Rd., Slatington, 610-926-3702.

PHILADELPHIA YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL Winners from the high school and middle school levels of the 2006 Annual Playwrighting Festival have their scripts turned into live-action plays by area professional and college theater artists. Plays include "Poetic Life" by Nia Davis of Northeast High School and "Three Simple Words" by Ngan Vo of Beverly Hills Middle School. Runs Sept. 28-30, various times, FREE, Tomlinson Theater, Temple University, 1301 W. Norris St., 215-665-9226.

A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY Simon Bent's adaptation of John Irving's novel is a provocative dark comedy about an accidental death and the friendship that comes out of it. Starring Doug Hara, Ian Merrill Peakes, Catharine K. Slusar and Scott Greer. Directed by Terrence J. Nolen. Runs through Oct. 15, $27-$45, Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1122.

RED HERRING Michael Hollinger's noir comedy takes a sharp-witted look at love and marriage, murder, Cold War espionage and McCarthyism. Directed by Patrick Martin. Runs through Sept. 30, 8pm, $15-$20, Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Ave., 215-247-8881.

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! This playful musical is based on the cartoon series that made learning fun. Directed by Vania Falen. Runs through Sept. 30, $10-$22, Players Club of Swarthmore, Rt. 320 & Fairview Rd., 610-328-4271.

SPIDER WEB Based on the novel by Agatha Christie, this play revolves around a girl whose dream of finding a dead body becomes a reality. Directed by Janet Kelsey. Runs Sept. 22-Nov. 19, $10-$25, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS Torchbearers Mainstage Productions presents Robert Harlan's story about six extraordinary women whose lives come together in a small Southern town. Directed by Bill Egan. Runs through Sept. 23, 8pm, $20-$25, Plays & Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St., 215-735-0630.

STRANGE RAIN Marian Yalini Thambynayagam uses her unique blend of movement, spoken word and storytelling to examine the issues that face displaced Sri Lankan war-torn communities. Her performance is followed by "Clenched Fists, Open Hands," which draws from the experiences of more than 30 youth and adult artists gathered during the Asian Arts Initiative's summer YouthArtWorks program, Fri, Sept. 22, 7:30pm, $5-$10, Asian Arts Initiative, 1315 Cherry St., 2nd floor, 215-557-0455.

TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING This comedy dinner show promises a wild and wacky nuptial. Come dressed for a wedding. That means no sneakers or jeans, people! Runs through Feb. 25, $83, Spirit of Philadelphia, Penn's Landing, Pier 3, 866-211-3808.

TWELVE ANGRY MEN When a panel of 12 jurors can't agree on a verdict, a heated debate ensues revealing each juror's hidden preconceptions and assumptions. This Broadway smash-hit and Roundabout Theatre production arrives in Philadelphia with a heady cast including Richard Thomas and George Wendt. Directed by Scott Ellis. Runs Sept. 26-Oct. 1, $25-$64.50, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-336-1234.

URSINUS FRINGE FESTIVAL The seventh anual performing arts fest features comedy improv troupe Lunch Lady Doris, sketch comedy troupe Bad Hair, street performer Brian McCann, aerialist Janette Hough-Fertig and dancer Chris Aiken, plus many student acts. All performances held in the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center. Runs Sept. 21-24, various times, FREE, Ursinus College, Collegeville, 610-409-3795.

WINDY CITY It's 1929 and Chicago-based reporter Hildy Johnson has one last story to write before he retires to a glamorous Hollywood life. Unfortunately, nothing goes according to plan. Music by Tony Macaulay and based on the play "Front Page" by Ben Hecht and Charles Macarthur. Directed and choreographed by Marc Robin. Runs through Oct. 22, $10-$67.50, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.

THE WINTER'S TALE Exclamation Theater presents this Shakespeare classic, in which a young princess returns to her birthplace to right the wrongs of the previous generation of royals. Runs through Sept. 29, $8-$10, Murrell Dobbins CTE High School, 2150 W. Lehigh Ave., 215-227-4421.

ZELDA AND SCOTT: BOATS AGAINST THE TIDE In honor of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 110th birthday, Green Light Productions presents a staged reading of Armen Pandola's play, which examines the literary couple's relationship, Sun, Sept. 24, 5pm, FREE, Voices & Visions, The Bourse, Lower Level, 4th & Ranstead sts., 215-625-4740.

opera

AIDA An Egyptian military commander falls in love with an Ethiopian princess slave in Verdi's four-act opera. Presented by Amici Opera Company. Directed by Raffaele Tudisco and Reese Revak, Sat, Sept. 23, 7:30pm, $10-$20, Bible Presbyterian Church, 1115 Haddon Ave. & Cuthbert Blvd., Collingswood, NJ, 215-224-0257.

cabaret

A BIRTHDAY CABARET Singer Andi Rose and her pals Joanne Joella and Irene Lambrou celebrate Andi's 50th b-day by singing Broadway showtunes. Birthday cake will be served. All are welcome to attend, Fri, Sept. 22, 8pm, $10, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-573-3234.

LE CABARET MELANGE A funky music, dance and performance art show. Every Fri, 8pm, $10, Monte Carlo Living Room, 150 South St., 267-456-3050.

SONGS FROM THE HEART Christopher Howatt, Beth Covell and Dana Merritt cover their favorite songs from a repertoire that includes hits from the '30s, '40s and today, Sat, Sept. 23, 8pm, $20, The Stockton Inn, 1 Main St., Stockton, NJ, 609-397-1250.