Performing Arts

theater

• CANDIDE After a few decades, Leonard Bernstein's musical based off of Voltaire's philosophical comedy gets dusted off and updated with a new version by John Caird. Directed by Terrence J. Nolan. Runs through Oct. 12, $29-$48, Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1122.

 

 

• CYMBELINE One of Shakespeare's less well-known works, director Kevin Kittle's production is peopled by Mason Gross' acting class fresh from their semester abroad at the Globe in London. Runs through Sept. 13, $10-$15, Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, 85 George St., New Brunswick, NJ, 732-932-7511.

 

 

• DRIVING MISS DAISY Before Miss Daisy graced the silver screen, her stage version won playwright Alfred Uhry the Pulitzer Prize. This tale of dignity and friendship has lost none of its potency, nor has its message against prejudice. Director Peter Reynolds is a Barrymore Emerging Artist. Runs through Oct. 5, $12-$30, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.

 

 

• THE HOTHOUSE One of the early works by Nobel-prize winning playwright Harold Pinter, this dark comedy explores a state institution from the point of view of its more-than-slightly unhinged staff with sharp dialogue and an even sharper message. Directed by Kathryn MacMillan. Runs through Oct. 12, $20-$35, St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow sts., 215-829-0395.

 

 

• LIVE ARTS FESTIVAL AND PHILLY FRINGE Now in its 11th year, Fringe is back with 194 performances scattered across 16 days. That's a lot of theater. And dance. Not to mention the occasional mimed gay mummy opera. We might have made that one up, but it's not far off. We've reviewed quite a few at citypaper.net, but you can check out the full schedule and get yourself some tickets at livearts-fringe.org. Runs through Sept. 13.

 

 

• PARENTING 101: THE MUSICAL An exploration of the trials and little victories in raising children, this musical parody/extremely effective form of birth control starts with labor pains and ends with grandchildren. Written by Nancy Holson and Jay Falzone; directed and choreographed by Jay Falzone. Runs through Sept. 14, $47, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-731-3333.

 

 

• ROCK 'N' ROLL The latest gem from Tom Stoppard explores what happens when love, politics and poetry meet in the Eastern Bloc. Director Blanka Zizka worked with fellow Czech native Stoppard on the script, so expect extra treats. Soundtrack includes The Beatles and Syd Barrett. Runs through Oct. 26, $44-$60, Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St., 215-546-7824.

 

 

• SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM A revue of early songs by one of musical theatrer's giants (with contributions from a few others including Leonard Bernstein), this production by the Stagecrafters features an assortment of familiar tunes, so feel free to sing along. No Sweeney Todd or Into the Woods though, alas. Directed by Steve Pollack. Runs through Sept. 28, $15-$20, Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Ave., 215-247-8881.

 

 

• STATE FAIR Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical is unapologetically, well, a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical: Set at the Iowa state fair, this love story includes numbers such as "It Might As Well Be Spring," "You Never Had it So Good" and "It's a Grand Night for Singing." Indeed. Runs through Oct. 19, $10-$70, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.

 

 

• STONES IN HIS POCKETS An award-winning Irish piece, this satire features only two actors in a panoply of roles, laying out the story of a big-budget movie being filmed in a small Irish village. An amusing take on the Hollywood attempt to be "authentic" in the modern age. Directed by William Roudebush. Runs through Sept. 27, $25-$30, Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, 215-654-0200.

  cabaret

• MARCOVICCI SINGS RODGERS & HART Cabaret chanteuse Andrea Marcovicci makes her Philadelphia debut with an assortment of Rodgers & Hart tunes as part of the Prince Music Theatre's Morgan's Cabaret series. Runs through Sept. 28, $41-$54, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700.

 

 

• THE MARTHA GRAHAM CRACKER CABARET Join Martha — aka Dito van Reigersberg — for an evening of everything from classic Judy to Prince. Every second Thu, 9pm, $10, L'Etage, 624 S. 6th Street, 215-592-0656.