Performing Arts

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

dance

• AFRICAN FOOTPRINT Hailed as South Africa's "Riverdance" or "Stomp," this combination of Kwela-jive, traditional gumboot, tap, contemporary ballet and hip-hop pantsula is performed by 30 South African dancers and explores the diverse and violent history of the country. Runs through March 2, $20-$67.50, Academy of Music, Broad & Locust sts., 215-893-1999.
• BIPED AND EYESPACE Merce Cunningham Dance Co.performs these modern avant-garde pieces that mesh dancing and technology. BYO iPod so you can listen to the sound from your own player. Runs through Feb. 29, $30-$50, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-6791.
• ETC. PERFORMANCE SERIES This month's featured artists include Annex Dance Co., Twins & Friends Dance Co., Underground DanceWorks, VADA Dance Collective and more. Sat-Sun, March 2-3, 8-9:30pm, $5-$7, University City Arts League, 4226 Spruce St., 215-382-7811.
• KORESH DANCE COMPANY In celebration of their 15th season, the group premieres two new works by artistic director Ronen Koresh as well as "Things I Told Nobody" by guest choreographer Itzik Galili. Runs through March 9, $20-$30, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., 215-985-0420.
• MESSIAH The Pennsylvania Ballet Company brings Handel's celebrated score to life. Choreographed by Robert Weiss, ths piece blends old world atmosphere with contemporary movement and imagery. Runs through March 9, $22-$124, Academy of Music, Broad & Locust sts., 215-893-1999.
• NIKOLAIS DANCE THEATRE Utah-based Ririe-Woodbury Dance Co. presents this psychadelic program in celebration of choreographer Alwin Nikolais. Pieces include "Tent," "Noumenon Mobilus" and "Liturgies." Runs through March 8, $32-$46, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-6791.
• ROMEO and JULIET The Russian Tchaikovsky Ballet and Orchestra perform this interpretation of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. Runs through March 2, $21-$79, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, One Center St., Newark, NJ, 888-GO-NJPAC.

  theater

• AFFLUENZA! Playwright James Sherman's comedy of manners tells the story of multimillionaire William Moore. When he brings home his new girlfriend, his son and ex-wife are threatened by the potential new heir to the family fortune. Runs through March 8, $16-$33, Montgomery Theater, 124 Main St., Souderton, 215-723-9984.
• BABY In this musical, three couples — in their 40s, 30s and college years — prepare for new (and not necessarily planned) additions to their families. Directed by Peter Reynolds. Runs through March 2, $20-$80, Villanova Theatre, Villanova University, Vasey Hall, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, 610-519-7474.
• ENCHANTED APRIL Adapted from the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim, this play by Matthew Barber tells the story of two London housewives who decide to rent a villa in Italy for a break from their unhappy marriages. Runs through March 8, $12, Footlighters Theater, 58 Main Ave., Berwyn, 610-296-9245.
• ETHEL WATERS, HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW Bristol Riverside Theatre's production tells the story of Ethel Waters, an African-American jazz singer. Born in to poverty, she became both a Broadway and Hollywood star. Directed by Susan Atkinson. Runs through March 1, $10-$22, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.
• GETTING OUT Simpatico Theatre Project presents this drama about a prostitute who, after being released from jail for manslaughter, must figure out how to go about her new life. Directed by Carol Laratonda. Runs through March 30, $12, 2nd Stage @ the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-563-4330.
• THE GLASS MENAGERIE In Tennessee Williams' classic, Tom is torn between a fierce loyalty to his painfully shy sister and his desire to be free of his family and meaningless job. Runs through March 22, $29-$48, People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, 610-644-3500.
• HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE This drama by Paula Vogel follows the destructive relationship between a young girl and her too-close uncle, who wants to teach her much more than how to drive. Runs through March 8, $10, Players Club of Swarthmore, Rt. 320 & Fairview Rd., Swarthmore, 610-328-4271.
• THE LOVE PROJECT This multi-disciplinary production is a little bit house party and a little bit talk show with a healthy dose of cabaret. Starring Rhodessa Jones and Idris Ackamoor and written by Pearl Cleage and Zaron Burnett. Runs through March 8, $25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914.
• MARY'S WEDDING In Stephen Massicotte's romance, young lovers Charlie and Mary are torn apart by Charlie's call to duty in World War I. Directed by Anne Marie Cammarato. Runs through March 16, $31-$220.50, Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington, DE, 302-594-1100.
• MELANGE There's a little bit for everyone at this "eclectic musical journey" featuring broadway tunes, belly dancing, orignal theater, sideshow acts and everything in between. Reservations recommended. Runs through Feb. 29, 8:30pm, $10, Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-573-3234.
• MEMORY HOUSE Flashpoint Theatre Co. presents the Philadelphia premiere of Kathleen Tolan's comedy about the special (but strained) relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter as they attempt to work out their past and futures in addition to their current situation. Runs through March 1, $12-$18, 2nd Stage @ the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-563-4330.
• MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL This celebration of hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, chocolate binges and "The Change" follows four women of a certain age shopping at a Bloomingdale's lingerie sale. Runs through March 16, $45, Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St., 215-923-0210.
• MINOR DEMONS In this mystery by Bruce Graham, a disillusioned lawyer returns home to small-town Pennsylvania to find some peace of mind. When his best friend from childhood (now a not very competent police chief) starts to investigate a gruesome murder, the two are at odds. Directed by Paul Muscarella. Runs through March 16, $12, Old Academy Players, 3544 Indian Queen Lane, 215-843-1109.
• MR. BAILEY'S MINDER Written by Debra Oswald, this story follows Mr. Bailey, whose binge-drinking and self-loathing threatens to destroy his gig as a famous artist. When his daughter hires him a babysitter of sorts (who recently spent time in prison), the troubled man begins to understand friendship and forgiveness. Runs through March 9, $28, Walnut Street Theatre — Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St., 215-952-9560.
• O YES I WILL This comedy by Deb Margolin follows a woman who, while under anesthesia, reveals her true self to the doctors about to operate on her. Unfortunately, she doesn't remember a thing and can't benefit from her own 12-minute confession. Runs through March 16, $15-$20, The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-568-8077.
• THE ODYSSEY This fast-paced, spoken-word performance puts a new spin on Odysseus' adventures and battles on the high seas as he struggles to return home. Runs through March 15, $10-$22, Curio Theatre Co., 815 S. 48th St., 215-525-1350.
• OH, FOR THE LOVE OF LOVE The Idiopathic Ridiculopathy Consortium presents three short plays on the absurdity of love: "Ohio Impromptu" by Samuel Beckett, "Frenzy For Two Or More" by Eugene Ionesco and "Wanda's Visit" by Christopher Durang. Runs through Feb. 28, $15, Beau Monde, 624 S. 6th St., 215-592-0656.
• PAJAMA GAME In this Broadway musical, labor troubles in a pajama factory lead to love. Bring new and lightly used pajamas to the performance to be donated to the Methodist Home for Children in Wynnefield. Runs through March 8, $20-$25, Jewish Community Center — Bnai Aaron, 560 Mill Rd., Havertown, 215-832-0577.
• PHILADELPHIA YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS PRESENTS Philadelphia high school students Marquis Herrin and Nia Davis, winners of the Young Playwrights' Annual Playwriting Festival, present two semi-autobiographical plays exploring how young people struggle to overcome the violence of our city. Recommended for audiences 13 and up. Runs through March 1, $12-$15, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., 215-985-0420.
• THE PIANO LESSON August Wilson's drama chronicles the experiences of siblings in 1936 Pittsburgh who are haunted by memories of their past and debating the future of a treasured heirloom: the piano carved by their grandfather, an enslaved plantation carpenter. Directed by Walter Dallas. Runs through April 6, $27-$45, Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1122.
• THE PRICE This new production of Arthur Miller's classic features Philadelphia native and Tony Award-nominee Robert Prosky. After not speaking for 16 years, two brothers come together to sell their parents' posessions. They end up battling about much more than heirlooms and are forced to go over painful memories in front of the furniture dealer. Directed by Michael Carleton. Runs through March 2, $10-$57.50, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• QUARTET Four aging former opera stars plan a comeback of sorts in this play by Ronald Harwood. But as they rehearse the classic quartet from Rigoletto, drama ensues. Directed by Christopher Sarnowski. Runs through March 15, $15, Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Ave., 215-247-8881.
• THE SCENE This comedy by Theresa Rebeck follows a group of New Yorkers trying to make it big, including a young startlet with a thing for men and money. Directed by Jeremy Cohen. Runs through March 23, $28-$62, George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ, 732-246-7717.
• SKYLIGHT David Hare's drama concerns the reunion of east London school teacher Kyra and posh restaurateur Tom. Although they had a steamy affair years earlier, dramatically different lifestyles may not permit a rekindling. Directed by Dan Kern. Runs through March 2, $15-$104, Lantern Theater, 10th & Ludlow sts., 215-829-9002.
• SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN Reverend Oglethorpe has invited the Sanders Family Singers to provide an uplifting evening in 1938 North Carolina, but they prefer some more upbeat vintage pop. Directed by Peter Reynolds. Runs through April 13, $10-$30, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.
• SOMETHING CLOUDY SOMETHING CLEAR One of Tennessee Williams' last plays is a dark glimpse of an aging man recalling past loves and enemies, as well as his seduction of a young male dancer. Directed by Brenna Geffers. Runs through March 22, $15-$28, The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-568-8077.
• SPRING AWAKENING Perfect for anyone who's ever gone through those sex-starved angst-filled teenage years, this play follows a group of 14-year-olds as they grapple with their sexuality in Victorian Europe. Runs through March 9, $5-$10, Tohill Theatre, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd., Glassboro, NJ, 856-256-4545.
• WITTENBERG Set in 1517, this battle of wits features the imaginary meeting of a man of God (church reformer Martin Luther), a man rebelling against God (Dr. Faustus) and a young man searching for moral guidance (Shakespeare's Hamlet himself). Directed by J.R. Sullivan. Runs through March 16, $27-$45, Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1122.
• THE WIZARD OF OZ This musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic is perfect for little Dorothys and Tin Men. Runs through March 15, $14-$18, Narberth Community Theater, Price & Essex sts., Narberth, 610-352-4823.
• YING TONG — A WALK WITH THE GOONS This inherently absurd play by Roy Smiles takes a look behind the wild scenes of "The Goon Show," a 1950s BBC radio sketch show. Creator Spike Milligan is losing his mind revolutionizing comedy, while his fellow goons (who include Peter Sellers) aren't doing that much better. Directed by Jiri Zizka. Runs through March 16, $37-$60, Wilma Theater, Broad & Spruce sts., 215-893-9456.

  opera

• FRA DIAVOLO Auber's operatic romantic comedy features a gentleman bandit, an innkeeper's daughter and her impoverished lover. Sung in Italian wth English supertitles. Runs through March 8, $15-$25, Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Sq., 215-735-3456.
• KAT'A KABANOVA Set in a small village in Russia, this opera by Leos Janace is about a married woman whose life is dominated by her distant husband and emotionally abusive mother-in-law. Sung in Czech with English supertitles. Runs through March 1, $28-$48, AVA Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St., 215-735-1685.

  cabaret

• AN EVENING OF CABARET WITH CURTIS This night of jazz, musical theatre and bluegrass is performed by the rising stars of the Curtis Institute of Music. Tickets include dinner and cocktails. Runs through March 2, $125-$250, Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust St., 215-717-3141.