Performing Arts

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

• DANCEFUSION The company presents two historic works, "The Evolution of Ragtime (1952)" by Anna Sokolow and "The Women of Troy" by Mary Anthony, and a new work by Philadelphia choreographer Myra Bazell. Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers make its premiere performance as guest artists. Fri-Sat, Feb. 9-10, 8pm, $10-$25, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-222-7633.
• THE DIJAN TEI AFRICAN DANCE ENSEMBLE The Villanova Chamber Music Series celebrates Black History Month with a guest performance by the Dijan Tei African Dance Ensemble, Sun, Feb. 11, 3pm, FREE , St. Mary's Chapel of Villanova University, Spring Mill Rd. near County Line, Villanova, 610-519-6000.
• 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 through Feb. 10, $20-$79, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-339-2000.
• 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.
• OPEN STUDIO SERIES Miro Dance Theatre opens its creative process to the audience in this monthly series that showcases new works in progress as well as selections from the Miro repertoire. Thu, Feb. 15, 5:30-7:30pm, FREE , Girard College, Corinthian & Girard aves., 215-962-4773.
• SENIOR DANCE CONCERT Putting on a show: UArts senior dance students present their second dance concert of the season. Thu-Fri, Feb. 15-16, 7pm, FREE , UArts Dance Theater at the Drake, 1512 Spruce St., 215-717-6000.
• TIME STEPPIN Something old, something new: this year, Soundworks Tap Factory's performance features a number from tap master Gene Kelly's classic "Singin' in the Rain" and something from the recent movie "Step Up." Fri-Sat, Feb. 9-10, $5-$8, Iron Gate Theater, 3700 Chestnut St., 215-898-7038. theater
• ADDRESS UNKNOWN: A HOLOCAUST PLAY In 1932, Martin Schulse returns to Germany with his family and leaves his art gallery in the hands of a longtime Jewish friend, Max Einstein. The play follows Martin's seduction by and eventual embrace of Nazism through the correspondence of the two friends. Presented by Israel's Kibbutz Theatre Company, the play is performed in Hebrew with English supertitles, Sat, Feb. 10, 8pm, $20, Main Line Reform Temple, Beth Elohim, 410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood, 215-546-5556.
• 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 utilitarian 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.
• ARKADELPHIA Flashpoint Theatre presents this play about three friends struggling to live normal lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, lighting on the hypocrisy, both Northern and Southern, in America today. Part of the Philadelphia New Play Festival. Directed by Scott Harman, Mon, Feb. 12, 7pm, FREE , 2nd Stage @ the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-563-4330.
• BAREFOOT IN THE PARK Simon says love conquers even differences in lifestyle and philosophy: a Neil Simon play about a conservative young lawyer, an impulsive free spirit, and their wacky adventures together as newlyweds. (Plot to be cribbed 30 years later by "Dharma and Greg" producers.) Featuring former Miss New Jersey Erica Scanlon. Runs Feb. 9-17, 7:30pm, $12, Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ, 856-227-3091.
• BEEN SO LONG Breakthrough Theatre brings to Philly Che Walker's story about young people doing young people things. Directed by Rob Barron. Runs Feb. 14-25, $15-$20, Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 877-985-2844.
• 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 alike. Pay as you can. Runs Feb. 8-11, 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 through Feb. 15, $10, Perelman Theater, 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 through Feb. 26, $28, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• 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 through Feb. 17, $15-$25, Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, 85 George St., New Brunswick, NJ, 732-932-7511.
• 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. Post-show discussion with Schulman Thu., Feb. 15. Runs through 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.
• 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 through Feb. 24, $10-$15, 2nd Stage @ the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-563-4330.
• FREEZE FRAME Drexel Players stage this experimental play by Deborah Yarchun, winner of the Young Playwrights' Festival National Writing competition. The play tells the story of four students in a Philadelphia college struggling with issues of religion, science, loneliness and loss of control. Fri-Sat, Feb. 9-10, 8pm, FREE , Living Arts Lounge, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., 215-895-2535.
• FROM TEL AVIV TO RAMALLAH Beatbox impresario Yuri Lane unifies the sounds of the Middle East with hip-hop sensibilities and a human perspective to the Israeli-Palestine conflict in this one-man travelogue. Fri-Sat, Feb. 9-10, 8pm, $25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914.
• A GOOD LOOK AT BONEY KERN A middle-aged high school teacher/confirmed bachelor moves into an old house to study for his master's and ends up falling in love with his zany landlady's blind granddaughter. Runs Feb. 14-March 10, $12-$24, Montgomery Theater, 124 Main St., Souderton, 215-723-9984.
• GUNS AND TAMPONS: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN I KNOW In this multimedia solo show, spoken word artist/writer Hanalei Ramos performs a program of her original one-act plays based on the experiences of three women who have survived domestic violence, Fri, Feb. 9, 8:30pm, $5-$10, Asian Arts Initiative, 1315 Cherry St., 2nd floor, 215-557-0455.
• 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 through Feb. 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 through March 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 through Feb. 17, $20, Randall Theater, Temple University, 13th & Norris sts., 215-204-1122.
• KIL'ADELPHIA: WHO'S NEXT AND WHY To stop violence and to honor Black History Month, the Traveling Musical Reality Stage Play presents the story of three brothers who have never met one another or their father and the consequences of lives lacking a steady family life. Pay what you can, Fri, Feb. 9, 7:30pm, Sanctuary Church of the Open Door, 5923-41 Walnut St., 267-257-7883.
• 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 through Feb. 25, $15-$30, St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow sts., 215-829-9002.
• 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 through Feb. 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.
• MY COUSIN RACHEL The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater presents Daphne DuMaurier's story about a young man who inherits a mansion in Cornwall but suspects his uncle's new widow of foul play. Directed by Tanya Lazar. Runs Feb. 15-March 3, $8-$15, Players Club of Swarthmore, Rt. 320 & Fairview Rd., Swarthmore, 866-811-4111.
• 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 W. 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. Pay what you can. Runs Feb. 8-18, 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. Call 215-413-7150 or visit www.theatrealliance.org/newplayfestival for more info.
• 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.
• THE ROGUE MIME Madhouse Theater Company presents a reading that will make you think twice before you walk pass a mime you thought was harmless. Part of the Philadelphia New Play Festival. Directed by Karen Di Lossi, Sat, Feb. 10, 2pm, FREE , 2nd Stage @ the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-260-4968.
• 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.
• SEVEN GUITARS The Penn Performing Arts Council presents August Wilson's play about the African-American experience and sense of inevitable mortality in 20th-century American society. Directed by Stephanie Rolland and Jason Gray. Fri-Sat, Feb. 9-10, $7-$9, Houston Hall, University of Pennsylvania, 3417 Spruce St., 215-898-7038, www.vpul.upenn.edu/platthouse.
• SLAVE NARRATIVES REVISITED American Concert Theatre reprises Ed Shockley's nontraditional theatrical examination of the experience of enslavement, using the words of the world's dispossessed as gathered from letters, speeches, and court transcripts. Runs Feb. 9-11, $8-$10, Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave., 215-387-1911.
• THE SOLO WORKS FESTIVAL The Vagabond Acting Troupe hosts an evening of solo works, featuring approximately 16 local playwright and performers. Runs Feb. 13-20, 8pm, $15-$20, L2, 2201 South St., 215-563-4330.
• STORMY WEATHER: IMAGINING LENA HORNE Leslie Uggams stars in this world premiere musical production based on the life of Lena Horne, the first African American actress to be featured on a national magazine who struggled through tragedies and enjoyed triumphs during her forty-year-long career. Directed by Michael Bush. Runs Feb. 10-March 4, $38-$95, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700.
• 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 through Feb. 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.
• TROY STORY: YOU ODYSSEY IT TO BELIEVE IT Mask and Wig presents a story of myths and legends: following the death of her beloved father, an average Greek girl lands in the Trojan War after attempting to save her family estate from the Athenian government. Runs Feb. 9-March 30, 8pm, $12-$25, Mask and Wig Clubhouse, 310 S. Quince St., 215-923-4229.
• 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 really live life. Directed by Stephen Novelli. Runs through March 4, $28-$48, People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, 610-644-3500.
• 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 through Feb. 24, $15-$20, L2, 2201 South St., 215-563-4330.
• THE WHARTON FOLLIES Entirely written, produced and performed by the MBA students of Penn's Wharton School who take a break from academic, professional and community service pursuits to poke fun at themselves in an elaborately staged musical production. Thu, Feb. 8, 5 & 9pm; Fri, Feb. 9, 8pm, $35, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-6701. opera
• MACBETH Center City Opera Theater presents a semi-staged, easily accessible version of Verdi's dramatic story of murder, intrigue, and madness in the Scottish court. A free pre-performance discussion with general director Jonathan Loy and artistic director Andrew Kurtz starts at 1:30pm, Sun, Feb. 11, 2:30pm, $36, Innovation Studio, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.
• PORGY AND BESS George Gershwin's pop hits "Summertime," "It Ain't Necessarily So," and "I Got Plenty O' Nothin'" started out here, in the ultimate American opera about the residents of Catfish Row, their joys and their sorrows. Runs Feb. 9-24, $6-$170, Academy of Music, Broad & Locust sts., 215-893-1999.
• SOME ENCHANTED EVENING The Main Line Opera Guild presents an evening performance of favorite arias, Sat, Feb. 10, 7pm, FREE , Franklin Mint Credit Union, 100 W. State St., Media, 610-325-5100. 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.
• SONGS FROM THE HEART: THE MUSIC OF ELLINGTON & STRAYHORN Spanning the history of jazz, Allan Harris's performance highlights some of America's most popular and well-known pop standards. Runs Feb. 14-25, $35-$40, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700.
• VALENTINE'S DAY SUCKS 3 BCKSEET Production hosts an evening of rock performances and raffles, spotlighting local talents (such as Janice Rowland, markd and more) and offering drink specials to help the lonely get some action on the loneliest day of the year. Wed, Feb. 14, 8pm, $25, Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St., 215-923-0210, www.bckseet.com.
• 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.