Performing Arts

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

dance

• COMPANY B Come boogey to the sounds with Company B with dances set to WWII hits like the "Pennsylvania Polka" and "Booge-Woogie Bugle Boy." Also, a performance of George Balanchine's "Concerto Barocco" and "As It's Going," a ballet set to the music of Demitri Shostakovich. Runs through Oct. 14, $19.50-$121.50, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-732-5446.
• THE OUTLET DANCE PROJECT Providing an opportunity for emerging female choreographers to showcase their work, the choreographed dances will incorporate the park's sculptural elements. Runs through Oct. 7, $10, Grounds For Sculpture, 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, NJ, 609-586-0616.
• PHILLY DANCE FEST This showcase features a unique selection of the area's finest dance and performing arts companies. Sat, Oct. 6, 1:30pm, $12.50-$18, Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, 610-622-1189.
• SUSANNE LINK DANCE PERFORMANCE German choreographer and dancer Susanne Linke makes her first visit to Philadelphia for a special lecture and performance event featuring the convergence of the styles of dance legends Mary Wigman and Martha Graham. Sat, Oct. 6, 5pm, $15-$50, The German Society of Pennsylvania, 611 Spring Garden St., 215-627-2332.

  theater

• AN ACT OF THE IMAGINATION When mystery writer Arthur Putnam's latest novel is devoid of mystery, but replete with steamy romance, his family, friends and editor begin to suspect the book was culled from Arthur's own romantic conquests. The ensuing blackmail and conspiracy spice up this edge-of-your seat-thriller. Runs through Nov. 17, $10-$25, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.
• AMADEUS Peter Shaffer's Mozart fantasy-drama pits the wunderkind against a bitter court composer, Antonio Salieri. Dismayed by Mozart's adolescent behavior and charmless self-confidence, Salieri vows to do everything in his power to take Mozart down. Directed by Jiri Zizka. Runs through Oct. 27, $19-$60, Wilma Theater, Broad & Spruce sts., 215-546-0895.
• ASSASSINS In Stephen Sondheim's most controversial musical, various Presidential assassins and would-be assassins, from John Wilkes Booth to Squeaky Fromme, tell their versions of the story — and then influence Lee Harvey Oswald's decision to murder John F. Kennedy. Directed by Terrence J. Nolen. Runs through Oct. 21, $27-$45, Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1122.
• BEYOND THERAPY In Christopher Durang's zany comedy, Bruce and Prudence are single Manhattanites who just want to find a nice date. On advice from their very eccentric psychiatrists, each places a personal ad, and they find each other. But several obstacles — including the therapists themselves and the wrath of Bruce's live-in lover, Bob — ensure the romance will be anything but easy. Directed by Dina Amin. Runs through Oct. 14, $20-$80, Villanova Theatre, Villanova University, Vasey Hall, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, 610-519-7474.
• CRIMES OF THE HEART This dark comedy is the story of three sisters, considered good country people, whose lives have gone terribly wrong. Runs through Oct. 6, $25-$30, The Ritz Theatre Company, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon, NJ, 856-858-5230.
• THE CRUCIBLE Set in the Salem, MA in 1692, Arthur Miller's classic drama chronicles the witch trial of one woman's ex-lover's wife. Runs through Oct. 20, $15, Town and Country Players, 4158 York Rd., Buckingham, 215-348-7566.
• DEATH AND THE MAIDEN Written by Ariel Dorfman, this political thriller explores the effects of a totalitarian dictatorship on the hearts and souls of its citizens. Runs through Oct. 27, $10-$22, Curio Theatre Company, 815 S. 48th St., 215-525-1350.
• DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN Broadway's longest-running solo show returns to the Innovation Studio after several successful runs here in the last few years. This comedy about men and women stars local actor Vince Valentine. Runs through Oct. 7, $47, Innovation Studio, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.
• DOG SEES GOD CB's loyal canine succumbs to rabies, leading him to question the existence of life after death. CB looks to friends and family for guidance, but they are either too high, too goth, too drunk or too crazy to provide any real any sort of solace. Directed by Bill Egan. Runs through Oct. 13, $20-$25, Plays & Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St., 215-735-0630.
• AN EMPTY PLATE IN THE CAFé DU GRAND BOEUF Victor, an American expatriate living in Paris, owns the world's greatest restaurant, the Cafe du Grand Boeuf, and keeps it all to himself for his own private dining pleasure. After returning from a summer holiday in Madrid, Victor announces his plan to starve himself to death. This dark comedy celebrates cooking, bullfighting and the collected works of Hemingway. Runs through Dec. 9, $27-$45, Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1122.
• THE FULL MONTY After a group of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo, New York realize how much money male strippers make, they decide to change careers. Their new profession makes them plenty of new friends and boosts their booty-shaking confidence. Directed by Tom Quinn. Runs through Oct. 6, $16-$24, Montgomery Theater, 124 Main St., Souderton, 215-723-9984.
• GILGAMESH This stage adaptation of the ancient Sumerian epic explores themes of mortality, humanity, friendship, the nature of death and the quest for knowledge. Runs through Oct. 6, $2-$5, Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center, Ursinus College, Collegeville, 610-409-3000.
• GUYS AND DOLLS Nathan Detroit, holding the dubious title of organizer of the oldest floating craps game in New York, takes on fellow gambler Sky Masterson and a pure-at-heart Salvation Army reformer. Of course, hijinx ensue. Directed by J. Everett Rihel. Runs through Oct. 6, $13-$20, Barnstormer's Theater, Ward & Tome sts., Ridley Park, 610-461-9969.
• I DO! I DO! This two-person musical takes us between the sheets of Agnes and Michael, as they try to keep the marital flame alive through the good, the bad and the ugly of their 50-year odyssey together. Runs through Oct. 21, $15-$39, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Radcliffe & Market sts., Bristol, 215-785-0100.
• IN CONFLICT Based on the book by Yvonne Latty, this drama chronicles the unheard voices and experiences of Iraq War veterans as they speak about duty, loss and the fight to stay alive. Runs through Oct. 13, $20, Randall Theater, Temple University, 13th & Norris sts., 215-204-1122.
• THE LONESOME WEST This play by Martin McDonagh is like Sam Shepard's "True West" as viewed through Irish eyes: Brothers Coleman and Valene manufacture brawlish arguments from even the smallest of topics following the (accidental?) death of their father. Directed by David O'Connor. Runs through Oct. 14, $15-$104, Lantern Theater, 10th & Ludlow sts., 215-829-9002.
• MISS SAIGON In this theatrical spectacle, heartstrings are pulled to their breaking point as an American soldier and his Vietnamese girlfriend are forever separated during the fall of Saigon, but hopes remains for the soldier and the child he never knew. Runs through Oct. 14, $8-$39, Media Theater for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media, 610-891-0100.
• MAN OF LA MANCHA Based on Cervantes' "Adventures of Don Quixote" and set during the Spanish Inquisition, this heartfelt musical is the story of a man who just wants to be a chivalrous knight errant in an era where there's no such thing. Runs through Oct. 21, $10-$67.50, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• A NIGHT IN THE OLD MARKETPLACE This world premiere musical adaptation of Yiddish playwright I.L. Peretz's famous work puts a Klezmer spin on a magical tale of men trying to right past wrongs and rediscover the meaning of faith along the way. Directed by Alexandra Aron. Runs through Oct. 21, $35-$55, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700.
• THE PHILADELPHIA STORY On the eve of her second marriage, Main Line socialite Tracy Lord finds herself dancing with four men: her father, her fiancee, her ex-husband and an aggressive, but charming reporter. Amid this melieu, Tracy comes to realize that "the time to make up your mind about people is never." Runs through Oct. 7, $8-$16, Philadelphia Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad St., 215-545-0630.
• RECKLESS This dark comedy begins with a hit man trying to snuff out a man's wife at his request, on Christmas Eve no less. What follows is a fantastic and nightmarish journey of escape. Directed by Jeff Stanley. Runs through Oct. 6, $15-$25, Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, 85 George St., New Brunswick, NJ, 732-932-7511.
• RHINOCEROS Eugene Ionesco's great play is brought to life by puppets. The entire population of a country is turned into rhinoceroses and the town misfit tries to stop the stampeding madness before all is lost. Directed by Robert Smythe. Runs through Dec. 31, $5-$30, Mum Puppettheatre, 115 Arch St., 215-925-7686.
• SAY GOODNIGHT GRACIE The genius of George Burns is brought back to life in this one-man tour de force. Come relive the wit, wisdom, and unique comic timing of this entertainment legend. Directed by Kevin Glaccum. Runs through Oct. 21, $25-$40, Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, 215-654-0200.
• THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE This one-woman show features 16 characters representing all walks of contemporary female American life — from prostitutes to soccer moms and, of course, Trudy the bag lady. Starring Jennifer Childs, directed by Mary Jackman Carpenter. Runs through Oct. 28, $12-$34, Walnut Street Theatre — Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St., 215-592-9560.
• SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR In Luigi Pirandello's master work, six characters suddenly invade the rehearsal of another play and demand that their stories are told, raising questions about the nature of reality versus illusion and truth versus fiction. Runs through Nov. 4, $29-$48, People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, 610-644-3500.
• THEOPHILUS NORTH Based on Thornton Wilder's autobiographical novel, Theophilus North quits his teaching job and sets off to see the world only to have his car break down in the affluent town of Newport, RI. Here he is forced to fend for himself, mixing with rich and poor alike, and ultimately realizes his life's purpose. Directed by Abigail Adams. Runs through Oct. 7, $29-$48, People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, 610-644-3500.
• THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T SAY PAST MIDNIGHT Peter Ackerman's comedic sex-crazed romp features the perfect lover with a beautiful smile, great personality and sexual prowess — but who suddenly reveals a shocking secret between moans. Runs through Oct. 20, $15, Allens Lane Theater, Allens Lane & McCallum St., Mt. Airy, 215-248-0546.
• THREE TALL WOMEN Edward Albee's Pulitzer Prize-winning play is about the triumphs and woes of an elderly dame trying to save her sanity. With the help of a caregiver and a lawyer, she revisits her past to find the "happiest time." Runs through Oct. 27, $16-$21, Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St., 215-923-0210.
• THE WHY Convicted school-shooter Robert tries to explain his actions amidst a fearful, manipulated world where the demise of others turns a profit for media conglomerates. Runs through Oct. 28, $12-$15, Second Stage Theatre at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-923-2766.