Performing Arts

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

theater
• ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR Sir Alan Ayckbourn's comedy follows three couples on Christmas Eve, from the highest point to the lowest. God bless us, everyone. Runs through Nov. 30, $29-$36, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Radcliffe & Market sts., Bristol, 215-785-0100.
• DARK PLAY, OR STORIES FOR BOYS The latest offering from Theatre Exile has an ominous title and an even more ominous plot. Directed by Deborah Block and written by Carlos Murillo. Runs through Dec. 7, $15-$30, Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, 2111 Sansom St., 215-922-4462.
• A FEW GOOD MEN Before it was a Tom Cruise movie, it was a kickass play. The Players Club presents Aaron Sorkin's well-known Marine legal drama. Directed by Joseph Southard. Runs through Dec. 1, $8-$15, the Players Club of Swarthmore, Fairview Rd., off Rt. 320, Swarthmore, 610-328-4271.
• GEE'S BEND In tandem with the PMA's exhibit on Southern quiltmaking, the Arden presents Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder's drama about women from the community of Gee's Bend, Alabama. The piece navigates black women's history in the south, threading it together with the town's longstanding quilting tradition. Directed by Eleanor Holdridge. Runs through Dec. 7, $29-$48, Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1122.
• THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR Adapted for the stage by Armina LaManna and David O'Connor (who also directs), this piece by Russian playwright Nikolai Gogol sees its Philadelphia premiere at the Lantern. The satirical comedy explores what happens when small town officials hear that the inspector is coming to visit. Runs through Dec. 28, $20-$50, Lantern Theater, 10th & Ludlow sts., 215-829-0395.
• HAIRSPRAY Good morning, Baltimore! The classic film that became a musical that became a film again will be gracing the stage at Walnut Street for the next two months. Runs through Jan. 4, $10-$70, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• IMAGINING THE WORLD OF CARL JUNG Ray Gray brings Carl Jung's writings to life through oral storytelling. This deeply personal performance explores how Jung affected Gray's growth as an artist. Sat, Nov. 22, 8-10pm, $5-$10, Philadelphia Society for Art, Literature & Music, 5841 Overbrook Ave., 215-477-7578.
• AN IMPENDING RUPTURE OF THE BELLY Matt Pelfrey's dark comedy makes its Philadelphia debut. Directed by Flashpoint's Michael Osinski, the piece centers on one man's struggle with suburban paranoia — the kind where you worry about nuclear terrorism instead of what's going on in your own home. Runs through Nov. 22, $5-$18, 2nd Stage @ the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-665-9720.
• INCORRUPTIBLE Estelle Schaeffer's production of this dark and witty comedy follows a group of down-on-their-luck monks who commit some sacrilege to earn some cash when miracles are in short supply. Runs through Nov. 30, $15, Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Ave., 215-247-8881.
• THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO A Tony Award-winner Alfred Uhry's piece explores life and discrimination in Atlanta on the eve of WWII. Runs through Dec. 6, $16-$33, Montgomery Theatre, 124 Main St., 215-723-9984.
• LE DINDON (AN ABSOLUTE TURKEY) The Parisian father of farce, Georges Fayreau's classic revolves around a number of scandalous affairs and vengeful gambits between a group of backstabbing frienemies. Runs through Nov. 23, $20-$24, Villanova Theatre, Villanova University, Vasey Hall, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, 610-519-7474.
• MAMBO ITALIANO In this heartwarming little number from Steve Galluccio, two "roommates" reveal that they're more than just friends, and some good Italian-style family mayhem ensues. Directed by Travis Whitaker. Runs through Dec. 9, $13-$15, Allens Lane Theater, Allens Lane & McCallum St., 215-248-0546.
• MY FAIR LADY Girl meets guy, guy tries to "civilize" girl, guy falls in love, girl falls in love, and they're so very British. The Media Theatre's production will have all the songs and trappings you remember — lov-er-ly. Runs through Nov. 2, $22-$42.50, the Media Theatre, 104 E. State St., Media, 610-891-0100.
• THE MYSTERY PLAYS Bill Felty's production of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's somewhat unsettling production centers on two people whose lives are touched by ghosts — the scary kind with unfinished business. Runs through Nov. 30, $15-$18, Walnut Street Theater, Studio 5, 825 Walnut St., 215-316-1361.
• OLEANNA One of David Mamet's masterpieces, this drama centers on the interaction between a male college professor and the female student accusing him of harassment. Director Daniel Student has given a "laboratory" twist to the setting, making the rawness of the acting stand out that much more. Runs through Dec. 7, $20-$25, Plays and Players Club, 1714 Delancey St., 3rd Floor, 215-735-0630.
• ROCK DOVES Set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland and the "Troubles," the tragicomic latest from Marie Jones pits four Belfasters against their world of violence and patriotism. Runs through Dec. 7, $45, Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-564-2431.
• THE SANTALAND DIARIES John Rea performs this piece by David Sedaris, which recounts his not-so-jolly experience as an elf for the Macy's SantaLand. Runs through Nov. 23, $5-$10, Plays and Players Club, 1714 Delancey Street, 3rd Floor, 215-922-1141.
• UNUSUAL ACTS OF DEVOTION After Kathy Bates' unfortunate departure last season before the show could run, PTC is once again producing the latest from playwright Terrence McNally. Leonard Foglia directs this meditation on love and fidelity in all its forms. Runs through Nov. 23, $10-$59, Philadelphia Theatre Company, 230 S. 15th St., 215-985-0420.
• THE WAR PARTY Vincent Delaney's work, presented by InterAct and directed by Rebecca Wright, deals with what happens when a conservative Republican woman loses her office. Runs through Nov. 23, $15-$28, InterAct Theater Co., 2030 Sansom St., 215-568-8079.