Although Philadelphia isn't home to the white lights of Broadway, it still showcases a thriving theatre scene. And with spring just days away, a new season of performances is just beginning. Below are a few shows of interest; go forth, and indulge your inner thespian.
Arcadia
Players Club of Swarthmore The PCS Theater
614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore
Thu-Sat, 8 p.m., Sun, 2 p.m. $8-15, until April 1, 2006
(610)328-4271
www.pcstheatre.org
This Tom Stoppard comedy takes place inside a single household and two time periods. In the present day, the home is inhabited by a historical detective. In 1809, the manse is the site of a murder (and it's the home of a few nobles). In order to unravel the mysteries of how and why, the play moves back and forth between the two time periods, introducing intelligent characters such as the mathematician Thomasina. Arcadia's attention to the intricasies of human nature makes it a mystery worth unfolding.
Be Lie Ve
Green Light Theatrical Productions
The Playground at the Adrienne Theatre
2030 Sansom St.
Mon-Fri, 8 p.m, Sat-Sun, 2 p.m., $10-15
March 21-March 31
(215) 681-0211
www.greenlightplays.com
With the world premiere of Be Lie Ve right here in Philadelphia, it's hard not to go. A musical narrative based on fairy and folk tales from across the globe, the play explores the lost innocence of childhood and the sadness of broken faith. The performance combines original music and dance to tell the bittersweet stories of the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson and the ancient Celtic, Arabian, Norwegian and Indian cultures. The result is a bedtime story in which anything can happen.
Forrest: A Riot of Dreams
Walnut Street Theatre
Independence Studio on 3
825 Walnut St.
Tue-Sat, 7:30 p.m., Sun, 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., $26, until April 2
(215) 574-3550
www.wstonline.org
Winner of the Walnut Theatre's Edwin Forrest Playwrighting Competition, Forrest tells the story of famed Philadelphia actor Edwin Forrest. A Shakespearean performer, Forrest was the first actor to inspire tabloid "drama." From his rivalry with actor MacReady, to his divorce from the ever-so sophisticated Catherine Sinclaire, Forrest's story is one of class, romance, sex and money, combining the drama of his performances with the power of truth.
Trying
Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut St.
Tue-Fri, 8 p.m., Sat-Sun, 2 p.m., Sat, 8 p.m., Sun 7 p.m., $10-65, until April 30th
(215) 574-3550
www.wstonline.org
Another true story, Trying tells the story of Philadelphia-born Francis Biddle, the Attorney General under FDR. The story picks up with Biddle as an old man, trying to write his memoirs with the help of a blunt 25-year-old secretary named Sarah. The conflict between Biddle and Sarah proves to be a "trying" experience. A genuinely touching story, Trying evokes themes of friendship, aging and rebirth.
Wicked
Kimmel Center
260 S. Broad St.
Schedule Varies, $28-82.50
March 22-April 9
(215) 893-1999
www.kimmelcenter.org
Written by Steven Schwartz of Godspell fame, Wicked attempts to piece together the story of what happened before Dorothy dropped in on Oz. Based on the Gregory Maguire novel, the Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of Elphaba, a witch enrolled at Shiz University who is made an outcast by her green skin. Her roommate Galinda is a bubbly blonde who is repulsed by Elphaba. Although society rejects her, Elphaba ultimately befriends Galinda in a story which will forever change the way the world views The Wizard of Oz. (See story on page 9.)
