Performing Arts

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

dance

• BROWN BAG AND THE BALLET Roxey Ballet a lunchtime showcase of contemporary works like "For the Love of It" and dramatic story ballets like "Dracula" and "Cinderella" as the dancers polish their performances. Tue, Feb. 6, 11:30am, $10, Canal Rehearsal Studios, 243 N. Union St., Lambertville NJ, 609-397-7616.
• DANCEBRAZIL Music, dance and the Brazilian martial art form of Capoeira are fused together in this popular show. Runs Feb. 1-3, $29-$44, Zellerbach Theater, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900.
• GISELLE PA Ballet presents Marius Petipa's classic story about a peasant girl who succumbs to madness and death after discovering that her lover is a duke engaged to another, but saves him from vengeful spirits in a haunted forest. Runs Feb. 2-10, $20-$79, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-339-2000.
• 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.
• MICHAEL FLATLEY'S LORD OF THE DANCE Some of Ireland's most gifted stretch every boundary of that country's dance tradition for this 10-year-anniversary show, Fri, Feb. 2, 8-11pm, $35-$65, Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St., 215-204-2400.
• OLOGUNDE The program features warrior dance with elements of martial arts, sticks and machetes, and call-and-response singing, all with respect to the traditions of Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador, Bahia, Thu, Feb. 8, 7:30pm, $34-$40, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.
• ONE AND ONE Dancers Nicole Bindler and Michelle Stortz, bass clarinetist Gene Coleman and others perform original music/dance duos, including "The Drought," inspired by J.G. Ballard and featuring music composed by Andy Hayleck. Fri, Feb. 2, 8pm, $5-$10, Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave., www.bowerbird.org.
• RENNIE HARRIS: PUREMOVEMENT This retrospective program is a celebration of Harris' 15-year career, elevating hip-hop to high art. Scheduled performance pieces vary by date. Runs Feb. 2-4, $34-$46, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.
• SENIOR DANCE CONCERT UArts senior dance students perform in a variety of styles. Thu-Fri, Feb. 1-2, 7pm, FREE, UArts Dance Theater at the Drake, 1512 Spruce St., 800-616-2787.
• SITTING NAKED AT THE BOTTOM OF A WELL Part party, part dance performance choreographed by Megan Bridge and featuring experimental music and video from Erin Anderson, Gloria Justen and Peter Price, Fri, Feb. 2, 10pm, $10-$12, Johnny Brenda's, Frankford and Girard aves., 215-739-9684.
• UNDERGROUND DANCEWORKS As part of First Friday: A Main Line ARTitude, the dancers presents a brand-new piece titled "FAWHIP!" Fri, Feb. 2, 6-8pm, FREE, Dance Arts Main Line, 35 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore, www.firstfridaymainline.com.
• WE SHALL OVERCOME Commemorating Black History Month, Patti Harris and the Atlantic City Dance Theatre Mini-Workshop Company present a program of song and dance, with music by Raymond Wise and The Raise Choral, Tue, Feb. 6, 12:30pm, FREE, Walter Edge Theatre, Atlantic Community College, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ, 609-343-5010.

theater

• ANNE OF GREEN GABLES This new adaptation remains true to the classic tale of the Cuthbert's new farmhand Anne, who brings a bit more than just her utilatarian know-how when she arrives at the family farm. Directed by Shannon O'Donnell. Runs through Feb. 11, $20-$26, People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, 610-644-3500.
• BELMONT AVENUE SOCIAL CLUB Members of the original cast reunite for a reading of Theatre Exile's play of trust, betrayal and backroom politcs. Part of the Philadelphia New Play Festival. Directed by Joe Canuso, Mon, Feb. 5, 7pm, FREE, Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St., 215-922-4462.
• BERLIN TO BROADWAY The School of Theatre Arts presents a musical voyage of melodies from the pen of Kurt Weill, a stage composer whose music continues to be performed by Lou Reed, PJ Harvey, the New York Metropolitan Opera and The Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. Runs Feb. 8-11, pay-as-you-can, UArts, Black Box Theater, 313 S. Broad St., 215-545-1664.
• BLACK JOURNEY American Theater Arts for Youth presents this musical celebrating African-American heritage and tradition. Runs Feb. 6-15, $10, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-790-5800.
• BOOKENDS Walnut Street Independence Studio 3 presents the story of best friends Jake and Matt, the most successful director/playwright team in American theater until Jake was interrogated by the House of Un-American Activities in 1951. Years later, the two estranged friends reunite and begin another chapter in their lives. Directed by Tom Markus. Runs Feb. 6-26, $28, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) The Cliff Notes of all Shakespearean performances: 37 plays in 97 minutes, complete with four versions of "Hamlet." Directed by David Ament. Runs through Feb. 1, $5-$10, The Barnstormers Theater, Ward & Tome sts., Ridley Park, 610-461-9969.
• THE COUNTRY WIFE The Rutgers Theatre Company presents William Wycherley's whimsical story about a young and virtuous country girl's encounter with the seductive city of London. Runs Feb. 2-17, $15-$25, Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, 85 George St., New Brunswick, NJ, 732-932-7511.
• THE DAY & THE LIFE OF... Headline Theater makes an exercise in performance out of the life of a selected celebrity, company and/or audience member. Every first Sat, 6pm, $10, Arts Garage, 1516 Parrish St., 215-765-2702.
• DEX AND JULIE SITTIN' IN A TREE Arden Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Philly playwright Bruce Graham's two-actor production. Long-separated college sweethearts Dex (John Lumia) and Julie (Jennifer Childs) are reunited after 25 years and the old flame is rekindled. Runs through March 4, $27-$45, Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1122.
• DOUBLE JEOPARDY A "Jeopardy!" murder mystery over dinner and dessert. Runs through Feb. 28, 7pm, $39.95, Bistro Romano, 120 Lombard St., 215-925-8880.
• ENEMIES, A LOVE STORY Based on Isaac Bashevis Singer's award-winning novel, this play tells the story of a man caught between three women. One is his wife, another his lover and the third, the wife he thought the war had taken from him. Adapted for the stage by Sarah Schulman. Directed by Jiri Zizka. Runs Feb. 7-March 11, $38-$50, Wilma Theater, Broad & Spruce sts., 215-546-STAGE.
• ETHEL WATERS, HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW Two-time Tony Award nominee Ernestine Jackson stars in this musical biography of Philadelphia's legendary singer/actress. Directed by Susan D. Atkinson. Runs through Feb. 11, $15-$39, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Radcliffe & Market sts., Bristol, 215-785-0100.
• THE EXONERATED Awarded Time Magazine's "Best Play" award during its Broadway run, this humorous and painful tale tells the true story of six innocent death row inmates. Directed by Joseph Paprzycki. Produced by South Camden Theatre Co. Runs through Feb. 4, $12-$15, Sacred Heart Church, 1739 Ferry Ave., Camden, NJ, 856-456-2850.
• FAR AWAY The Philadelphia premiere of this Caryl Churchill-penned piece follows the maverick life of Joan as she navigates a world embroiled in bloody turmoil. Produced by Flashpoint Theatre. Directed by Michael Osinski. Runs Feb. 7-24, $10-$15, 2nd Stage @ the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-563-4330.
• GHOSTS AND WHISPERS: LISTEN TO THE VOICES This series of vignettes features historical figures Richard and Flora Allen, Pearl Clark, Sadie T.M. Alexander and Daniel Payne, who recount their connection with and influence of the founding and growth of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, Sun, Feb. 4, 2pm, FREE, Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 6th & Lombard sts., 215-925-0616.
• GYPSY The classic Broadway musical about the emotional relationships between an overbearing stage mother, Rose, and her two daughters, June and Louise, during the death of Vaudeville and the birth of burlesque in 1920s America. Directed by Jason Mangano. Fri-Sat, Feb. 2-3, 8pm, $25, Broadway Theatre, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ, 856-384-8381.
• HEARTS AND SOLES Theatre Exile presents this assortment of five short new works delving into the intricacies of human relationships. Directed by Joe Canuso. Runs Feb. 2-25, $15-$25, Christ Church, 20 N. American St., 215-922-4462.
• HOTEL ON MARVIN GARDENS The annual Monopoly game of the editor of ME Magazine and her friends is disrupted with hilarious results by an uninvited stranger. Directed by Nagle Jackson. Runs Feb. 2-Mar. 11, $22-$30, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.
• A HOUSE WITH NO WALLS This fictionalized account of a very real and local controversy follows the battle between two African-Americans as they battle over the proposed site for a new museum of liberty, which just so happens to be in the same spot where George Washington once lived and owned slaves. Written by Philadelphia playwright Thomas Gibbons. Directed by Seth Rozen. Runs through Feb. 18, $15-$25, InterAct Theater Company, 2030 Sansom St., 215-568-8079.
• I AM MY OWN WIFE This fictionalized story follows a young transvestite named Charlotte trying to survive in post-WWII fascist Germany. Written by Doug Wright and directed by Anders Cato. Runs through Feb. 11, $28-$62, George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ, 732-246-7717.
• THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Oscar Wilde's witty romantic farce about mistaken identities, high society shenanigans and famous one-liners. Directed by Dan Kern. Runs Feb. 7-17, $20, Randall Theater, Temple University, 13th & Norris sts., 215-204-1122.
• LA RONDE A provocative, stylish and erotic collection of stories about 10 characters (played by two actors) who exchange one lover for another. Performance includes nudity and is intended for a mature audience. Directed by Charles McMahon. Runs Feb. 2-25, $15-$30, St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow sts., 215-829-9002.
• THE LAST FIVE YEARS An unusual musical about two people falling in and out of love with each other, from the first date to the divorce, the story is told by two characters—one in chronological order, one in the reverse. Directed by Jo MacMahon. Runs through Feb. 3, $18, The Grand Theatre, 405 Main St., Williamstown NJ, 856-728-2120.
• LEBENSRAUM Set in the beginning of the 21st century, the new German Chancellor invites six million Jews from around the world to return to Germany. While everyone who returns has a different motivation, history appears to repeat itself as the story unfolds. Directed by Gregory Scott Campbell. Runs through Feb. 25, $10-$30, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-704-0033.
• LET FREEDOM RING A tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., performed by Brother Moses, Thu, Feb. 8, 12:30pm, FREE, Walter Edge Theatre, Atlantic Community College, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ, 609-343-5010.
• MACK & MABEL King of Prussia Players offers a romantic musical comedy based on the relationship of two important figures from the silent film era: slapstick comedy pioneer Mack Sennett and his leading lady Mabel Normand. Directed by Arnie Finkel. Runs Feb. 2-17, $10-$15, Shannondell Performing Arts Center, 10000 Shannondell Dr., Audubon, 610-277-9505.
• MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL This celebration of hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, chocolate binges and "The Change" includes such chart-toppers as "I Heard It Thru the Grapevine; You No Longer See 39" and "Stayin' Awake! Stayin' Awake!" Ongoing, $45, Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St., 215-923-0210.
• NERDS://A MUSICAL SOFTWARE SATIRE A new and funny take on the rise of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs from garage novices to mega-rich titans. Starring Andrew Cassese, Jim Poulos and Charlie Pollock. Directed by Philip Wm. Mckinley. Runs through Feb. 25, $15-$54, Plays & Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St., 215-735-0630.
• OF MICE AND MEN John Steinbeck's classic follows two lonely migrant workers, George and Lennie, as their dreams of a better life slowly and violently pass them by. Runs through March 4, $10-$57.50, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• OZONA PROJECT (A SERIAL DRAMA) Launched in 2005, Philadelphia Dramatists Center invites playwrights and other artists to collaborate in creating a fictional town. Part of the Philadelphia New Play Festival. Runs Feb. 8-18, pay-what-you-can, Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St., 215-592-0119.
• PHILADELPHIA NEW PLAY FESTIVAL The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia presents the first annual city-wide theatrical program aimed at debuting new works. This year's events include nine main stage world premiere productions, fourteen new play readings, and two symposia; festival passes provide discounts and special rates. Runs Feb. 8-18. Visit www.theatrealliance.org or call 215-413-7150 for a complete schedule and listing of participating theaters.
• PURLIE This Grammy and Tony Award winner is based on the book by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose and Peter Udell. Runs through Feb. 10, $17-$25, The Ritz Theatre Company, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township, NJ, 856-858-5230.
• THE RETREAT FROM MOSCOW A husband and wife's 33-year marriage comes to a close through the eyes of their 30-year-old son in this 2004 Tony-nominated play by William Nicholson. Directed by David Stradley. Runs through Feb. 11, $28-$48, Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington, DE, 302-594-1100.
• SCOTLAND ROAD An unusual and chilling drama set in the 1990s about a woman rescued in the North Atlantic dressed in 1900s clothing and will only say the word: "Titanic." Directed by Stephen Blumenthal. Runs through Feb. 18, $25-$40, Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, 215-645-0200.
• THREE SISTERS Villanova Theatre presents Anton Chekhov's story about the families, spouses and friends of a claustrophobic town whose lives are complicated by the arrival of a handsome stranger. Directed by Harriet Power. Runs Feb. 6-18, $18-$24, Villanova Theatre, Vasey Hall, Villanova University, 610-519-7474.
• THRILL ME Presented as theater-in-the-round, audience members get up-close and personal with the infamous 1924 trial of Leopold and Loeb, two teens from Chicago's uppercrust who murdered a young boy. This explicit production is for mature audiences. Directed by Jesse Cline. Runs through Feb. 11, $22-$29, The Media Theatre, 104 E. State St., Media, 610-891-0100.
• 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, 800-660-TINA.
• TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING Audience members get to play the roles of Tony and Tina's family and friends at this interactive dinner show and "wedding." Dress for the occasion! Presented by Broadway at the Academy. Runs through Feb. 18, $89, Innovation Studio, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.
• TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE This play is based on Mitch Albom's best-selling memoir about a kindly professor who spends his final days teaching his old student Mitch how to laugh, cry and truly live life. Directed by Stephen Novelli. Runs Feb. 7-Mar. 4, $28-$48, People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, 610-644-3500.
• URBAN COWBOY: THE MUSICAL Winwood Theatricals tells the story of Bud, a new breed of cowboy whose whirlwind romance plays out against a gritty landscape of oilfields, trailer parks and a sawdust-covered dance floor. Based on the 1980 John Travolta hit movie, Mon, Feb. 5, 8pm, $20-$40, Stockton Performing Arts Center, Jim Leeds Rd., Pomona, NJ, 609-652-9000.
• THE WEDDING CONSULTANT The Vagabond Acting Troupe stages a madcap comedy about a wedding consultant called in at the last minute to quell the chaos in a wedding of two grooms and no bride. Directed by Gerre Garrett. Runs Feb. 7-24, $15-$20, L2, 2201 South St., 215-563-4330.

opera

• AIDA The Delaware Valley Opera Company presents a narrated concert highlighting the well-loved Verdi opera about the love affair between Aida, an Ethiopian slave and the daughter of an Egyptian king, and Radames, the Egyptian Captain of the Guards who hopes to free his beloved. Sung in Italian with piano accompaniment, Fri, Feb. 2, 8pm, $16-$22, Hermitage Mansion, Henry Ave. & Hermit Ln., 215-725-4171.
• DIE LUSTIGE WITWE (THE MERRY WIDOW) Kyran Johns conducts Franz Lehr's romantic story about a rich widow and her attempts to find a husband. Performed in German with English supertitles. Runs through Feb. 4, $15-$25, Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, 85 George St., New Brunswick, NJ, 732-932-7511.

cabaret

• BOB'S BIG MONDAY SHOWCASE These weekly shows present performances by seven to eight singers, with two songs apiece. A special Monday menu is offered by the restaurant; a minimum $10 food or drink is required. Every Mon, 7:30pm, $8, The Stockton Inn, 1 Main St., Stockton, NJ, 609-397-1250.
• THE CABARET AT WORLD CAFE LIVE From the founders of Philly's Le Cabaret Melange, the program features performances by Jeffrey Marsh and Rick Sorkin, Thu, Feb. 1, 8:30pm, $11-$13, Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400.
• LOVE IS FOR SUCKERS The Peek-A-Boo Revue (Philly's premier neo-burlesque show) presents a special performance with guests Franzschubert and the Schuubs, Sat, Feb. 3, 9:30pm, $15-$20, The Five Spot, 5 S. Bank St., 215-574-0070.
• MARTHA GRAHAM CRACKER CABARET A night of music and mayhem starring Pig Iron Theatre's Dito van Reigersberg as the one-and-only Martha Graham Cracker. Every first Thu, 9pm, $10, L'Etage, Beau Monde, 2nd Fl., 6th & Bainbridge sts., 215-592-0656.
• VALENTINE'S SHOW The evening's program features performances by Anne Ellithorpe Luker, Sheila Weiler, Dan Gray, Gene Cavanaugh and Jeff McDonnell. A $10 minimum of food or drinks is required. Wed-Thu, Feb. 7-8, 8pm, $15, The Stockton Inn, 1 Main St., Stockton, NJ, 609-397-1250.