The Quintessence Theater Group, Philadelphia’s professional classical repertory theatre, continues Season XIII: Celebrating the Extraordinary with PL Travers’ Mary Poppins. Directed by Emily Trask, Mary Poppins, full of whimsy, laughter and timeless life lessons, previews begin November 23 with an opening night on Friday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.QTGrep.org or call 215.987.4450 to purchase tickets.
Celebrate your “Jolly Holiday” by flying over the rooftops of London on the whimsical and mystical Mary Poppins. The stage version of the classic Disney film, reimagined by Julian Fellows (the creator of Downton Abbey), retains Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman’s toe-tapping score while offering PL Travers’ fantastic tale of the dangers of capitalism, Privileges and forgotten the magic of childhood. This “Spoonful of Sugar” continues Quintessence’s tradition of reimagining children’s classics and is the perfect medicine for all families and especially for spoiled brats of all ages who need the visit of a good nanny.
Quintessence assembled an all-star cast for this production. Hanna Gaffney (Oliver!, One Man, Two Guvnors, The Alchemist) will lead the cast as the practically perfect Mary Poppins, and she’ll be joined by Steve Pacek (Arden’s Frog and Toad, Metamorphosis), who makes his Quintessence debut as Bert, chimney sweep. The cast also includes Quintessence favorites Jered McLenigan as George Banks (Wilma Hot House member and Quintessence Little Women, The Alchemist, Wizard of Oz); Marcia Saunders (Oliver!, My Fair Lady and The Seagull) as Mrs. Brill; Eleni Delopoulos (Little Women, Oliver!, The Winter’s Tale) as Queen Victoria and Katie Nanna; Lee Cortopassi (The Winter’s Tale, Awake and Sing!, Richard II) as Robertson Ay; and Daniel Miller (Oliver!, The Broken Heart, Mother Courage) as Neleus. They are joined by Deanna Gibson (as Winifred Banks), Taylor J. Mitchell (as Miss Lark) and Brooke Behmke (as Admiral Boom and Miss Andrews), all making their Quintessence debuts.
The youth cast, which rotates in the roles of Jane and Michael Banks, includes Sophie Aguilar, Fiona Griffin-Smith, Sara Church, Zachary Snyder and Raphael Sommer
Mary Poppins is brought to life by Pacific Conservatory Theater Associate Artistic Director Emily Trask, innovative choreographer Tuan Malinowski and music director Dave Barrus. The world of early 20th-century London is reimagined by set designer Ellen Moore, lighting designer Anthony Forchielli, costume designer Summer Lee Jack and props designer Shannon Kearns.
“We all need a little magic in our lives right now, and we believe there is no one better able to help us look our best than our beloved nanny, Mary Poppins,” says Artistic Director Alexander Burns. “With Quintessence, sing our favorite songs, enjoy saying delicious, ridiculous words and celebrate the power of imagination to bring families of all ages back together.” So, bring your family to Quintessence this holiday season! Spit spot!!!”
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Uptown! The Knauer Performing Arts Center is offering an authentic Celtic music experience this St. Patrick’s Day with the family-run band Cormorant’s Fancy. The group of 7 will perform for one show only in West Chester on Friday 17th March at 7.30pm.
Catch highlights of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof from the Walnut Street Theatre!
Theater Philadelphia will present the return of Philly Theater Week from March 23 through April 2, 2023 with over 100 theatrical performances and events across the region.
Motivational speaker Jen Croneberger and NBC10 host Tracy Davidson have teamed up to inspire and connect women from the Main Line, Philadelphia and South Jersey. The two inspirational leaders present Lifting Your Voice with two dates in 2023, Sunday March 19th and Sunday October 22nd at the Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne, PA.
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Arden Theater Company brings audiences back to the world of August Wilson’s ten-part series The American Century Cycle. This time, audiences will travel to Pittsburgh in the late 1990s to see the final play in the cycle, August Wilson’s Radio Golf. This bittersweet drama of assimilation and alienation in 1990s America traces the forces of change on a neighborhood and its residents caught between history and the 21st century. This is the fifth piece in the cycle that Arden has produced. Kash Goins, who was an actor in the Arden production of Two Trains Running, is returning as director. August Wilson’s Radio Golf runs March 23 through April 16.
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Celebrate Women’s History Month with “Lifting Your Voice” with announcer Jen Croneberger and NBC10 Tracy Davidson
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Motivational speaker Jen Croneberger and NBC10 host Tracy Davidson have teamed up to inspire and connect women from the Main Line, Philadelphia and South Jersey. The two inspirational leaders present Lifting Your Voice with two dates in 2023, Sunday March 19th and Sunday October 22nd at the Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne, PA.
The Hedgerow Theater Company welcomes LAST CHANCE back to theaters this month
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