Performing Arts

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

dance
• BHARATHANATYAM Priya Govind presents a traditional Indian dance, accompanied by a live orchestra, Sat, Oct. 7, 6:30pm, $10-$20, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-6791.

• CONTRE JOUR Odile Duboc's dance company presents a lecture and dance demonstration, Tue, Oct. 10, 7:30-9pm, FREE, Lang Performing Arts Center, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, 610-328-8200.

• DONNA UCHIZONO COMPANY Award-winning choreographer Uchizono presents "Approaching Green," which features four dancers, an original sound score, set and video. Followed by discussion of the work, Fri, Oct. 6, 8pm, FREE, Pearson-Hall Theatre, Lang Performing Arts Center, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, 610-957-6164.

• FUSION The Eclipse Dance Company pairs classic rock with their second annual solo performance piece. Runs Oct. 7-8, $15, Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St., 610-836-1860.

• HEADLONG DANCE THEATER FIRST FRIDAY SERIES Works old, new and in the process of being perfected are performed in an open atmosphere that urges audience feedback. Every first Fri, 8pm, FREE, Spirit Wind Internal Arts Society, 213 New St., 215-545-9195.

• 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.

• A WINDOW ON THE WORK Meredith Rainey presents her new work-in-progress, "Fragments Unspoken," which incorporates spoken text into a ballet-based dance; and Ballet X performs new works by choreographers Jorma Elo and Matthew Neenan, Sun, Oct. 8, 3pm, FREE, Pearson-Hall Theatre, Lang Performing Arts Center, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, 382-8533.
  theater

• 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 through Oct. 15, $29-$37, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Radcliffe & Market sts., Bristol, 215-785-0100.

• ARSENIC AND OLD LACE Bridge Players Theatre Company presents this classic comedy revolving around a theater-hating drama critic who must deal with his family and local law enforcement as he decided whether or not he wants to marry the woman he loves. Runs Oct. 6-21, $15, Broad Street Methodist Church, 36 East Broad St., Burlington, NJ, 856-303-7620.

• 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.

• BEST OF: A 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL & THE CTC CARNIVALE Party it up beforehand with food, drinks and an auction at the venue. Then enjoy six 10-minute plays. Afterwords the festivities continue with music and a toast to the auction winners, Sat, Oct. 7, 7pm, $25-$30, The Baby Grand Theatre, 818 N. Market St., 800-37-GRAND.

• BLITHE SPIRIT Action Arts Theater presents this Noel Coward comedy focused on life and death in English society. Runs Oct. 6-14, 8pm, $10-$12, Cheltenham Art Center, 439 Ashbourne Rd., Cheltenham, 888-715-5589.

• 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.

• CATCH 22 The Curio Theater Company presents the staging of this classic novel written by Joseph Heller. It revolves around Yoassarian, an Assyrian pilot and a host of other wacky characters during WWII. Runs Oct. 6-28, $10-$22, Calvary Center, 48th St. & Baltimore Ave., 215-525-1350.

• 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.

• CHILDREN OF FATIMA Back by popular demand, this comedy, which had a run earlier in the summer, is about growing up Catholic during the Cold War, when death and damnation were an atom bomb and a mortal sin away. Written by local playwright Michael Friel and directed by Bud Martin. Runs through Oct. 15, $15-$22, Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St., 215-563-4330.

• COMING APART The Playmasters present this comedy about two novelist brothers and the rivalry between them. Directed by Bob Clothier. Runs through Oct. 8, $7-$8, Neshaminy State Park, 3401 State Rd., 215-245-7850.

• CRIME AND PUNISHMENT This classic novel about Raskolnikov's existential murder of a pawnbroker is adapted for the stage by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus. Directed by Aaron Posner. Runs Oct. 12-Dec. 3, $27-$45, Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1122.

• 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.

• ELTON JOHN'S AIDA Five-time Tony-winning dramatic romance based on Verdi's opera, in which a Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier hit it off. Directed by Jesse Cline. Runs through Oct. 29, $22-$39, Media Theater for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media, 610-891-0100.

• 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.

• THE GABRIELS This new play by Australian writer Van Badham explores family relationships, stem cell research and the Bible. Directed by Walter Bilderbeck. This dramatic reading is part of the Wilma Reading Series, Mon, Oct. 9, 7pm, FREE, Wilma Theater, Broad & Spruce sts., 215-546-STAGE.

• 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.

• LUCKY STIFF This musical comedy revolves around an unassuming show salesman who is forced to take the corpse of his recently murdered croupier uncle on a trip with him to Monte Carlo. Runs through Oct. 7, $12, Playcrafters of Skippack, 2011 Store Rd., Skippack, 610-584-4005.

• MADAME DOUCE-AMERE Presented by 1812 Productions and created and performed by Emmanuelle Delpech-Ramey and Claude Ferrie, this heartwarming tale follows a woman who must grapple with growing old and confronting the death of her musician husband. Directed by David Brick and Celine Rames. Runs Oct. 6-29, $10-$32, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-592-9560.

• 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. 15, $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.

• MURDERERS Gerald, Lucy and Minka are murderers happy living in a retirement community in Florida. They have no qualms about their transgressions, they just need to figure out why. This question leads to an evening of greed, revenge and hilarity. Runs Oct. 6-Nov. 5, $33-$51, Plays & Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St., 215-735-0630.

• 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 Oct. 5-29, $12-$15, Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St., 215-514-7508.

• 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.

• PIPPIN Based on the story "Pippin, Son of Charlemagne" by Roger O. Hirson, the play revolves around the play's namesake and his coming of age. Starring Mickey Dolenz of Monkees fame. Directed by Gabriel Barre. Runs Oct. 10-15, $47-$65, DuPont Theatre, Du Pont Building, Wilmington, DE, 302-656-4401.

• 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.

• RODGERS & HART: A CELEBRATION The King of Prussia Players presents this pastiche of Rodgers & Hart songs. Directed by Laurence Anderson. Runs Oct. 5-7, $10-$15, Upper Merion High School, 440 Crossfield Rd., King of Prussia, 610-277-9505.

• 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 through Oct. 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.

• TRANSLATIONS Brian Friel's look at cultural imperialism centers on a small 19th century Irish village that must accept the arrival of British soldiers. Soon thereafter a love affair between a village girl and soldier ensues. Directed by Garry Hynes. Runs Oct. 8-29. Runs through Oct. 29, $33-$46, Matthews Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ, 609-258-2787.

• TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA This take on Shakespeare's classic is retold and set in the 1960s. Directed by Domenick Scudera. Runs through Oct. 7, $2-$5, Kaleidoscope Theater, Ursinus College, Collegeville, 610-409-3795.

• VENUS Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan Lori-Parks, this play is loosely based on the story of a black woman, who in the 19th century was taken to London to be displayed in a circus. Directed by John Hobbs. Runs Oct. 6-14, Philadelphia Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad St., 215-545-1664.

• WAITING FOR GODOT Gate Theatre presents their internationally renowned production of Samuel Beckett's play, which cleverly explores the meaning of life. Directed by Walter Asmus. Runs Oct. 11-15, $25-$49, Zellerbach Theater, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900.

• 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.
  opera

• GIARGIARI BEL CANTO VOICE COMPETITION Featuring the Academy of Vocal Arts' young opera singers. The winner will be decided by a panel of judges and an audience vote, Fri, Oct. 6, 7:30pm, $32, Perelman Theater, The Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-790-5800.

• W.A. MOZART'S THE MAGIC FLUTE Arden Club Theatre reworks Mozart's opera with the visual style and dramatics of Japanese animation. Sung in English, $12-$18, Arden Club, Arden, DE, 302-475-3126.
  cabaret

• LE CABARET MELANGE A funky music, dance and performance art show. Every Fri. Ongoing, 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.

• MELANGE THEATRE LIVE This comedy-song cabaret features Penni Gould tearing through pop and Broadway standards, plus Tom Detrik, Bill Koegh, Conrad Lawson, Faye Massey and others. Every second Sun, 7pm, $7, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-573-3234.