Theater Calendar


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Published: Jan 13, 2010

Gagarin Way

This Irish comedy was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, and now it arrives here in an intriguing co-production by two of our most imaginative theater companies. Jan. 19-Feb. 7, Amaryllis/Inis Nua at Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-454-9776, inisnuatheatre.org.

Golden Age

Playwright Terrence McNally — famously an opera lover — should be on home turf for this new play (a world première) about Vincenzo Bellini, the Italian master of bel canto. Jan. 22-Feb. 14, Philadelphia Theatre Co. at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., 215-985-0420, philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.

Any Given Monday

A brand-new play by Philly favorite Bruce Graham is always an occasion, and two local companies are sharing the première production. Monday, directed by Harriet Power, promises to explore class conflict, faith and Walmart. Feb. 4-28, Theatre Exile at Plays & Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St., 215-218-4022, theatreexile.org. March 3-28, Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, 215-654-0200, act2.org.

Happily Ever After …

A cabaret evening with Philly's wonderful Mary Martello, in which the (dare we say?) veteran actress surveys her career in story and song. March 4-28, 1812 Productions at the Adrienne, 215-592-9560, 1812productions.org.

Romeo and Juliet/King Lear/Macbeth/Henry IV, Part I/A Midsummer Night's Dream

The abundance of Thanksgiving will come in spring this year for lovers of the Bard, with no less than five of his greatest plays gracing our stages, courtesy of four fine local companies. Think of it as an unofficial Shakespeare festival. Romeo and Juliet, Feb. 25-April 11, Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St., 215-922-1122, ardentheatre.org. King Lear, March 3-28, People's Light & Theatre, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, 610-644-3500, peopleslight.org. Henry IV, Part I, April 1-May 2, Lantern Theater Co. at St. Stephen's Theatre, 923 Ludlow St., 215-829-0395, lanterntheater.org. Macbeth, March 19-May 8 and Midsummer Night's Dream, April 7-May 9, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom St., 215- 496-9722, phillyshakespeare.org.

When We Go Upon the Sea

Tony nominee Lee Blessing's new play imagines George W. Bush on trial for international war crimes. (We can dream, can't we?) April 9-May 9, InterAct Theatre Co. at the Adrienne, 215-568-8079, interacttheatre.org.

August: Osage County

The large size and scope of Tracy Letts' scintillating dark comedy — winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize — make it unlikely for many local companies. So we're lucky to get a short stop on the national tour, which features the legendary Estelle Parsons. It's also a rare opportunity to see the beautiful Forrest Theatre. April 27-May 2, Broadway at the Academy, Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St., 215-893-1999, kimmelcenter.org.

Leaving

Czech writer and activist Václav Havel's first play in 20 years is a tragicomedy with Chekhovian undertones, and Havel's compatriot, Jiri Zizka, is in the driver's seat. May 19-June 20, Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St., 215-546-7824, wilmatheater.org.

Sunday in the Park with George

Terry Nolen continues his directorial journey through the works of Sondheim as the Arden presents this extraordinary story of the artist Georges Seurat. May 27-July 4, Arden Theatre Co.