Zoo Story

Fri., Nov. 9, 8 p.m. and Sat., Nov. 10, 2 and 8 p.m., $15, Annenberg Center, for the Performing Arts 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, pennpresents.org.

by David Anthony Fox

theater

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What's this? A version of Edward Albee's landmark play — in sign language? Words and rhythms are Albee's parry-and-thrust. Isn't this a strange idea? More like strangely brilliant. Zoo Story, a modernist masterpiece, is a dangerous control game played out on a park bench. The language here is as much in the bodies as in the text — and audiences will now get a chance to experience the eerie sense of agitation in a whole new way. Better yet, this Zoo Story comes from Los Angeles' renowned Deaf West Theatre, a spectacularly innovative company. A few years ago, DWT's production of Big River illuminated Broadway. I'm expecting them to do similarly marvelous things here, especially since Tyrone Giordano, the sensational star of River, is back now to play Jerry, Zoo Story's enigmatic Everyman. Trust me: This is not-to-be-missed, edge-of-your seat stuff.

Fri., Nov. 9, 8 p.m. and Sat., Nov. 10, 2 and 8 p.m., $15, Annenberg Center, for the Performing Arts 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, pennpresents.org.