Performing Arts

Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information.

dance
• COURT A performance by Paule Turner's Philadelphia-based dance troupe. Runs through 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.

• IN PLAIN CLOTHES U.K. choreographer Siobhan Davies presents her montage of dance fragments set to Italian folk songs and incorporating themes of anatomy, language, engineering, architecture and landscaping. Thu-Fri, Oct. 5-6, 8pm, $7.50-$15, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914.
  theater

• 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 80 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 through 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 through 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 through Oct. 8, $18-$24, Villanova Theatre, Vasey Hall, Villanova University, 610-519-7474.

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

• 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 through 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.

• HIP-HOP THEATER: AN EVENING WITH DANNY HOCH Performing a selection of pieces from HBO's "Def Poetry," his acclaimed play "Jails, Hospitals & Hip-Hop," and his latest play, "Til the Break of Dawn," Hoch takes audiences on a tour of hip-hop culture, politics and aesthetics. Fri, Sept. 29, 8pm, Pearson Hall Theatre, Lang Performing Arts Center, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, www.swarthmore.edu.

• 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 through 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.

• 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.

• PATIENT A Simpatico Theatre Company presents Lee Blessing's reality-based study of Kimberly Bergalis' death as a result of AIDS, which subsequently resulted in a political firestorm. Directed by Angela S. Zuck, Runs through Oct. 29, $12-$15, Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St., 215-514-7508.

• 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 through Sept. 30, FREE, Tomlinson Theater, Temple University, 1301 W. Norris St., 215-665-9226.

• THE PILLOWMAN Martin McDonagh's play has received various awards, including two Tonys and the Laurence Olivier Award for "Best London Play." It's about a writer who's being questioned on a series of murders that closely resemble his unpublished writings. Directed by Jiri Zizka. Runs through Nov. 5, $35-$50, Wilma Theater, Broad & Spruce sts., 215-546-STAGE.

• 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.

• PROOF When Hal finds a brilliant mathematical proof, he must determine who it is written by. Was it Catherine, the self-taught mathematical genius, or her father Robert, Hal's former teacher and himself a mathematical wizard in the throes of a mental breakdown? Written by David Auburn and directed by William Carden. Runs through Oct. 7, $20-$25, Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, 85 George St., New Brunswick, 732-932-7511.

• 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, $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.

• THE SEA James Sugg's rock opera was so popular at this year's Fringe Festival, he decided to bring it back. The show revolves around a captain whose life at sea is examined through an eclectic mix of music. Followed by live music from T. Griffin Coraline and The Brothers Suggarllo, Fri, Sept. 29, 9:30pm, $10-$12, Johnny Brenda's, Frankford and Girard aves., 215-739-9684.

• 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 through Nov. 19, $10-$25, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.

• THE THINGS YOU LEAST EXPECT Clare, going on 60, sets out to discover herself again. When she falls in love with a much younger man, her views on life change. Will they hold up when she returns home? Starring James Dickey, Mary Beth Piel and Pamela Payton-Wright. Directed by David Saint. Runs Oct 3-29, George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ, 732-246-7717.

• 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! Call 1-800-660-TINA for tickets. 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 through Oct. 1, $25-$64.50, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-336-1234.

• 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.
  opera

• THE MOTHER OF US ALL This 1947 opera chronicles the life of Susan B. Anthony, a major figure in the fight for women's suffrage in America. Written by Virgil Thomson with a librello by Gertrude Stein, Fri, Sept. 29, 7:30pm, $10-$25, Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, 85 George St., New Brunswick, 732-932-7511.
  cabaret

• EDIE New York's best drag performer (as voted by HX magazine) arrives for this one-night-only show. Thu, Sept. 28, 9pm, $10, L'Etage, Beau Monde, 2nd Fl., 6th & Bainbridge sts., 215-592-0656.

• 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.

• MARTHA GRAHAM CRACKER CABARET Starring Pig Iron Theatre's Dito van Reigersberg as the one-and-only Martha Graham Cracker. This month's cabaret is also the 215 Festival's official kickoff after-party, and features special guests The Walking Hellos and The Absinthe Drinkers. Thu, Oct. 5, 9pm, $10, L'Etage, Beau Monde, 2nd Fl., 6th & Bainbridge sts., 215-592-0656.