WAITRESS: Broadway musical, in Philadelphia

WAITRESS is the first Broadway musical in history with an all-female creative team (including music and lyrics by beloved singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles). The cast is led by three incredible women, including Jisel Ayon Soleil, the first person of color to tour as Jenna!

This was my first time seeing a show since the global pandemic, and it was a welcome break. It was also my first time seeing Waitress, but I've heard a lot about it from watching Colleen Ballinger's Youtube channel. She had a chance to place Dawn in this production a few years back, so I was very excited to see what all the hype was about. 

While it wasn't as emotionally gripping as other shows I've seen (Les Miserables, Wicked etc) it had a good mixture of comedy and gravity. It was a tale of a woman stuck in an abusive relationship, finding herself pregnant, trying to find a way to escape the life she seemed trapped in. It was well done, and I really enjoyed it.

Buy tickets to see the show here: https://www.kimmelculturalcampus.org/

Want to see Hamilton in Philadelphia? $10!!!

Producer Jeffrey Seller, the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus, and the Shubert Organization have announced the digital lottery for HAMILTON tickets will begin in conjunction with the show’s first performance (Tuesday, August 27, 2019) in Philadelphia at the Forrest Theatre. Forty (40) tickets will be sold for every performance for $10 each. The digital lottery will open at 11:00 AM ET on Sunday, August 25 for tickets to the Tuesday, August 27 performance. Subsequent digital lotteries will begin two days prior to each performance.

HOW TO ENTER

• Use the official app for HAMILTON, now available for all iOS and Android devices in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store (http://hamiltonmusical.com/app)
• You can also visit http://hamiltonmusical.com/lottery to register.
• The lottery will open at 11:00 AM ET two days prior to the performance date and will close for entry at 9:00 AM ET the day prior to the performance.
• Winner and non-winner notifications will be sent at approximately 11:00 AM ET the day prior to the performance via email and SMS (if mobile number is provided).
• No purchase or payment necessary to enter or participate.
• Each winning entrant may purchase up to two (2) tickets.
• Only one entry per person. Repeat entries and disposable email addresses will be discarded.
• Tickets must be purchased online with a credit card by 4:00 PM ET the day prior to the performance using the purchase link and code in a customized notification email. Tickets not claimed by 4:00 PM ET the day prior to the performance are forfeited.
• Lottery tickets may be picked up at the Forrest Theatre box office beginning 1 ½ hours prior to the performance with a valid photo ID. Lottery tickets void if resold.

ADDITIONAL RULES

Patrons must be 18 years or older and have a valid, non-expired photo ID that matches the name used to enter. Tickets are non-transferable. Ticket limits and prices displayed are at the sole discretion of the show and are subject to change without notice.

Lottery prices are not valid on prior purchases. Lottery ticket offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. All sales final - no refunds or exchanges. Lottery may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve the chances of winning.

Tickets for HAMILTON are currently on sale.  Patrons are advised to check the official HAMILTON channels and Telecharge.com/Hamilton for late release seats which may become available at short notice.

HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.  

For information on HAMILTON, visit:

www.HamiltonMusical.com

www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical

www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical

www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical

THE LION KING comes to Philadelphia

The Lion King's Broadway show hit the Philadelphia stage this week, and I'm so glad I got to experience it. Many of you are familiar with Disney's movie, The Lion King and it's popular tunes. The Broadway version follows the same storyline with a few added scores, but it is not only for children, but adults of all ages.

Sitting in our seats I was surrounded by people of all ages, all cheering, laughing, and I saw a few dabbing at their eyes when the mood of the show grew sad. The costumes and make up are amazing, but amazing isn't a strong enough word. Stunning. Impressive. Awe-Inspiring.

The show begins with "animals" stomping down the aisles toward the stage. When I say "animals" I mean people dressed as animals, but you don't know how true to life they are until you see this show. They had animals that stood ceiling high and "birds" flying through the air. It's a truely impressive show and I think everyone should see it!

In Philadelphia, THE LION KING will play  at the Academy of Music, Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm, matinees Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sundays at 1:00 pm. Additional weekday matinees are scheduled for Thursday, May 21 at 2:00 pm and Thursday, June 11 at 1:00 pm.

THE ILLUSIONISTS – WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE™ - COMES TO PHILADELPHIA BEGINNING FEBRUARY 24

THE ILLUSIONISTS - WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE™ is the world’s best-selling touring magic show. The show comes directly from Broadway, where it recently finished a 6-week run.   THE ILLUSIONISTS is part of the Broadway Philadelphia season, presented by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization.

The seven stars, each a master in their own field, are:

·         The Manipulator, Yu Ho-Jin.  Considered a rising superstar in the world of magic; Yu Ho-Jin was recently named the 2014 “Magician of the Year,” by Academy of Magical Arts and was the first Asian to win the Grand Prix at the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques, also known as the “Olympics of Magic.”

·         The Anti-Conjuror, Dan Sperry. Described as Marilyn Manson meets David Copperfield, Dan combines the art of magic with the macabre and is one of the top-10 most Googled people, thanks to a legendary “America’s Got Talent” appearance.

·         The Trickster, Jeff Hobson is the epitome of glamour and showmanship. Don’t be fooled by his innocent appearance; Jeff has audiences laughing long after the curtain goes down.

·         The Escapologist, Andrew Basso. Italy’s star escape artist, Andrew considers Houdini his hero and is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular illusionists. He is the only person in the world to perform Houdini’s famous Water Torture Cell with absolutely no covers.

·         The Inventor, Kevin James, known for innovative illusions, is an inventor, comedian and collector of the strange and unusual. Kevin is one of the most prolific inventors of magic in the world and has created some of the most celebrated illusions of the last century.

·         The Warrior, Aaron Crow, a strong and silent type specializing in weapon magic, has mastered some of the most dangerous acts without saying a single word. Belgium’s international magic sensation, a first place finisher at the World Championships of Magic, he uses swords, paintball guns and powerful crossbows to keep fans on the edge of their seat.

·         The Futurist, Adam Trent, shatters stereotypes and brings a new generation of magic to fans fusing technology illusions, dancing and comedy with classic techniques.

If you want a night full of laughs, edge-of-your-seat moments and fun, you need to see this show! Andrew Basso had me covering my eyes, while simultaneously holding my breath, as he entered the water torture cell. The show had a smooth flow, with a great juxtaposition of comical light moments and serious, death-defying moments, but like most shows, I still had my favorites. They would be the trickster and the futurist. I'm not much of a thriller connoisseur; you could say I am a wuss, so the comical and mystifying acts were the ones I enjoyed most.

To learn more or purchase tickets visit: http://www.theillusionistslive.com/)

They may be coming to a city near you!!!

Phantom of the Opera Comes to the Academy of Music MARCH 19 – APRIL 12

PHANTOM plays at the Academy of Music March 19 – April 12, as part of BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA, presented by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization.  With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM is impressive to say the least. 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story behind the show, it is based on the novel Le Fantome de L'Opera by Gaston Leroux. It tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.

While I knew the music from this show, I had never seen it before. Although I was not a fan of the dark theme of this show, it was incredibly well done. The staging and effects alone are enough to impress, not to mention the skill of the actors/singers on stage. The main scene wall rotates around the stage and accounts for most of the various settings, and it was immensely impressive. At one point the phantom and Christine are climbing down from the top of this set, and stairs just appear from inside the wall as they are walking down. It reminded me of something out of an Indiana Jones movie. Not only was the stage set impressive, but also the chandelier, comprised of over 6,000 beads, 632 strands, and weighing in at 1 ton. Staging, lighting, and the pyrotechnic effects were amazing. Sparks were flying during this show, both literal, and figuratively speaking. It was an impressive show!

For more information on this production, or upcoming performances please visit: http://kimmelcenter.org/

Many thanks to Kimmel Center for providing me with the opportunity to attend this show, for review, but all opinions are my own.

Cirkopolis in Philadelphia from March 11-16!!!

BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA presents the Philadelphia premiere of Cirkopolis, the critically acclaimed show by Montreal-based troupe Cirque Eloize for a strictly limited engagement at the Merriam Theater from March 11 – March 16.

With Cirkopolis, Cirque Éloize takes their breathtaking blend of circus arts, theater, and dance to a highly-stylized metropolis setting, where twelve acrobats and multidisciplinary artists rebel against monotony, reinvent themselves and challenge the limits of the factory-city as only they can.

At first I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this performance. It started out with a laborer at an office desk in a sea of gray; gray backdrop, gray desk, gray suits etc. with very dark music. I get the symbolism of the day to day grind of a laborer being without color or excitement, but I kept wondering if this was anything like the other cirque shows I've seen with the juggling, death defying rope tricks, balancing acts and more. After a few minutes the jaw dropping stunts started and I was hooked! I was blown away by the muscle control and balance these individuals possessed. They went from spinning around a rope or pole to holding their body, stock still and parallel to the ground within seconds. It was very impressive. The show was full of contortionists, jugglers, acrobats, rope and trapeze choreography and so much more. I can only imagine the amount of trust the company members must have in each other.

Tickets ranging from $25 to $75 can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Merriam Theater box office, 250 S. Broad St. (open during performances only). 

Cirque Totem - AMAZING

TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations.

Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species.

Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

My Thoughts: If you crave adventure and adrenaline rushes, then this is the show for you. If you think you're going to see the ballet or a gymnastic performance, think again. This show will have to on the edge of your seat and holding your breath at times. The performers in this show defy death and put on such a visually spectacular show that it's unlike anything else. The creators of Cirque have such a wild imagination I can only imagine what they'll come up with next.

It was an amazing show, and you should definitely see it if you haven't already!

To find a location near you visit their website: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/default.aspx

WICKED

WICKED, 'Broadway's biggest blockbuster,' and when it played Philadelphia in 2006 and 2007, it broke box office records and sold out in record time. Winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, 'WICKED has every piece of the Great American Musical, and even defines the genre' (The Philadelphia Inquirer). Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One—born with emerald green skin—is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for 'the most complete, and completely satisfying, new musical in a long time' (USA Today).

I went to see Wicked in Philadelphia and I was absolutely blown away. The show is about what happened between Glenda and Elphaba (the wicked witch) before Dorothy entered the picture. I expected a light play with some comedy for children, but it was so much more. By the end of the musical I was moved to tears. I really didn't expect to be so moved by the show and the music, but it was so powerful I couldn't help it. The preformance and actors were incredible, and I can't say enough positive things about this show.

Even my husband who is not a fan of musicals loved it and said he would gladly go see it again!

Check their site for dates and times that Wicked will be in your area.

Shrek the Musical at Dupont Theatre

SHREK THE MUSICAL tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales.

Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings starting at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday evening performances start at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 pm.  Ticket prices start at $35.  To purchase tickets or for more information about group rates, call the DuPont Theatre Box Office at 302-656-4401 or 800-338-0881 or on the Internet, DuPont Theatre site: www.duponttheatre.com.

My thoughts:

This show was incredibly entertaining and fun for the whole family. Many people were there with their children and grand children, and similar to the movie, there were some jokes that the children got, and others that only the adults got. So if you think this is a show ONLY for kids, you are wrong! I was particularly impressed with the performances of Donkey (Jeremy Gaston) and Lord Farquaad (Christian Marriner). They were so true to character and hilarious to watch! Even my husband, who is not usually a fan of theater and musicals, found the evening to be truly enjoyable.

Beauty & The Beast - Academy of Music

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Philadelphia as part of theBroadway Season, presented by The Kimmel Center and The Shubert Organization.  Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the Academy of Music for 9 performances on June 4 – 10.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast features the animated film’s Academy Award®-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress.  If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

My thoughts:

It's been many years since I saw the cartoon version of Beauty and the Beast so I had forgotten much of the story line, so I was able to view this show with fresh eyes, not comparing it line by line to the movie, which I found to be helpful and made it more enjoyable. I was particularly impressed with Emily Behny (Belle) and Michael Haller (Lumiere). Lumiere's character is hysterical and I felt that Michael played it up perfectly, while Emily's voice was crystal clear with enough youth to sound like it could have been a fairy tale character. She played it well. The entire case did a fantastic job entertaining the audience, and I heard the children around me singing along to the songs, perhaps even a few adults too. I love musicals that have an emotional impact, but also entertain with comedy too, and this one had both. A job well done!

West Side Story

The national tour of West Side Story’s 2009 Broadway revival opened at the Academy of Music on Wednesday in a show full of terrific dancing and song, which  runs through April 8.

A show with such strong similarity to the well known story of Romeo and Juliet makes this performance one that anyone will enjoy. While not identical to Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story tells a story of Maria and Tony who comes from different worlds and different "sides of the street," whose families are feuding and will never see eye to eye. This show pits an American-born gang against a Puerto Rican one.

The storyline is compelling and strong, but a good part of the show is in Spanish so if you don't have a working knowledge of Spanish some of the dialogue and songs may be lost on you, but after taking 6 years of it in school I was able to pick up most of it, but fear others who don't have this base knowledge may have been lost at times.

Another beautiful and strong performance at the Academy of Music.

To purchase tickets visit kimmelcenter.org/broadway, visit the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 am to 6 pm)  or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Sts. (open during performances only) or by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947.

Gazillion Bubble Show

World renowned bubble artist Fan Yangbrings a brilliant and unique theatrical experience to audiences of all ages, and transforms beautiful bubbles into a thrilling interactive theatre experience.  This brilliant and unique theatrical experience will delight audiences of all ages, transforming a multitude of beautiful bubbles into a thrilling, interactive, multi-million dollar spectacular.  Audiences and critics will be wowed by bouncing bubbles, floating bubbles, misty, tiny and massive bubbles as they experience the world’s first live “snow globe” when millions of tiny bubbles fill the stage. Fan Yang’s extraordinary bubble masterpieces illuminated by his spellbinding laser magic will dazzle theatre-goers aged 2 to102.

Internationally acclaimed, Fan Yang has set an astounding 17 Guinness World Records and has been seen on Regis & Kelly, Ellen, and Oprah who proclaimed: “Fan Yang is amazing.  He will blow you away!”  David Letterman calls him “The greatest bubble artist in the world!”



I had a chance to see this show over the weekend. While I don't think it really appeals to the older crowds, if you attend with children (ages 3-10), you will catch their excitement. Bubble always fascinate children, but add in a fog machine, bright lights, music, people in bubbles, color and tricks and they are in for a real treat. One thing I enjoyed about the show as how interactive it was. They ask for volunteers, and at several points engage the entire audience in the fun. One downfall was that it was very hard to hear and sometimes understand Fan Yang, but it could have just been the sound of the theater we were in. I think that kids would really love this, and would go again.

Find out where to see this show here: http://gazillionbubbleshow.com/

disclaimer: tickets received for review

Miss Saigon at Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia



 Melinda Chua (Kim) and Eric Kunze (Chris)

Description

A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. In Miss Saigon, the creators of Les Misérables bring Puccini's Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit. In the turmoil of the Vietnam War, an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl fall in love, only to be separated during the fall of Saigon. Their struggles to find each other over the ensuing years end in tragedy for her and a fighting chance for the child he never knew he had. An international sensation, Miss Saigon is an epic musical masterpiece with a thrilling score.
 
My Thoughts:
It was a very well done preformance, although I had a hard time getting past the unrealistic storyline. Kim and Chris spend one night together and decide to get married, but then are seperated and mourn for each other for the next 3 years. I realize now all stories are "realistic" but this one took place during war time, and I know that Soldiers fall in love with local girls, so that does seem realistic, but the timeline and the ending just didn't. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't tell you how it ended. Walnut Street Theater did a great job with the delivery of the story and the music was beautiful, but I have to say it was not one of my favorite shows, but no fault of WST. I just didn't care for the storyline itself.
 
disclaimer: tickets provided for this review



STOMP

After creating new routines for STOMP OUT LOUD in Vegas, [co-creator] Luke Cresswell and I decided it was time to rework elements of our main production, STOMP,” said co-creator Steve McNicholas. “STOMP has evolved a great deal ever since its first incarnation at the Edinburgh Festival. Every reworking has involved losing some pieces and gaining new ones, but has always stayed true to the original premise of the show: to create rhythmic music with instantly recognizable objects, and do it with an eccentric sense of character and humor.”

Critics and audiences have raved: “STOMP is as crisp and exuberant as if it had opened yesterday,” says The New York Times. The San Francisco Chronicle declares “STOMP has a beat that just won’t quit!” The Los Angeles Times exclaims: “Electrifying! Triumphs in the infinite variety of the human experience.” “A phenomenal show! Bashing, crashing, smashing, swishing, banging and kicking – a joyous invention!” says the Chicago Tribune.

My Thoughts: This show was so much fun to watch. It's fascinating how all the components fit together to make such cool sounds and sound patterns. I wouldn't say it was "music" per say, but it was definitely enjoyable to listen to and watch. The audience was packed with old and young alike, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The concept of this show is very unique, and a nice change of pace from "typical" broadway preformance, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

disclaimer: tickets were provided for this review

BLUE MAN GROUP

BLUE MAN GROUP theatrical tour to visit MERRIAM THEATER in PHILADELPHIA from DEC. 22 to JAN. 2

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
About Blue Man Group



Blue Man Group is best known for its widely popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at the live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience.


Currently, Blue Man Group theatrical shows can be seen in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Berlin, Stockholm, Vienna and Tokyo.

As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media, appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. Learn more at www.blueman.com
Tickets ranging from $25 to $85 are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Merriam Theater box office (open during performances only). Groups of 10 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. 
 
Performances include: Tuesday – Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, except no evening performance on Fri. Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve); Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm; and an additional evening performance on Monday, Dec. 27 at 7:30 pm.  Weekend matinees are: Sunday, Dec. 26 at 1:00 pm; Sat. Jan. 1 at 2:00 pm; and Sunday, Jan. 2 at 1:00 pm. Weekday matinees are: Friday, Dec. 24 and Friday Dec. 21 at 2:00 pm.
 
My Thoughts:
This was one impressive show. Without saying a word these actors can tell a story and entertain the audience beyond belief. What made this performance even more impressive was the fact that my husband was selected to be part of the show. I really wish taking pictures were permitted, because how often is your husband on stage with the Blue Man Group? Maybe it will be a member of your family when you go!
 
disclaimer: tickets were provided for this show

Sight & Sound's "Joseph"

Sight & Sound Theatre, currently located in Lancaster PA & Branson Missouri, began as an organization nearly thirty years ago, and is a place where the Bible comes to Life.

The name "Sight & Sound" was inspired by the teaching of Jesus found in Matthew 13:10-23 where Jesus explains to the disciples why he spoke to the people in parables or stories. Sight & Sound’s purpose is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ by visualizing and dramatizing the
scriptures, through inspirational productions, encouraging others and seeking always to be dedicated and wise stewards of God-given talents and resources. While it is a ministry, the company is not affiliated with any external organization or any particular church denomination. It is a for-profit organization and operates without charitable support.

Premiering March 6th - October 30th, 2010 at the Lancaster, PA Theater is the show JOSEPH

Summary:
Of all the characters in the Bible, perhaps Joseph is the best parallel to the character of Jesus that can be found. During a time of an “eye-for-an-eye and a tooth-for-a-tooth” mentality, Joseph’s story of forgiveness and integrity has made this Bible story a timeless truth, inspiring generations of men and women to walk uprightly in the midst of great temptation.
Sight & Sound’s depiction of this classic story will magnify the many qualities that make this story appeal to all ages. Experience a cast of 45 professional adult and children actors, dozens of live animals gracing the aisles, several amazing dream sequences including Joseph in his colorful coat “flying” over the audience, larger-than-life staging which includes a spectacular Egyptian palace scene spanning 300 feet and wrapping around three sides of the audience, plus, twenty original songs.

This $3 million production of "Joseph" features:

* a state-of-the-art fly rig that allows audiences to witness Joseph's dreams come to life as he soars 45-feetabove the audience

* flight sequences choreographed by Broadway aerial choreographer Paul Rubin (credits include Peter Panwith Cathy Rigby, Wicked, and Curtains with David Hyde Pierce)

* an epic soundtrack with 13 original songs by composer Don Harper (credits include National Treasure,National Treasure 2, Disney's Lion King 1 1/2)

* over 70 elaborate set pieces, including 30-foot-high Egyptian palaces, featured on a 300-foot stage thatwraps around three sides of the audience

* dozens of live and exotic animals

* a family-friendly script appropriate for all ages

* Sight & Sound's own interpretation of Joseph's colorful coat

Let me just start by saying that this show was absolutely amazing! Pulling up to this theater you would think it was a mansion fit for a king as it is beautifully constructed, and inside is no different. The columns, tiling, brightly colored tapestries and carpeting add to the velour and majesty of this building. Not only is the building stunning, but the show is as well. From the moment the lights dimmed the entertainment began. The stage is almost always filled with larger than life sets and scenery with live animals and talented actors and actresses. There is never a lack of things to take in, especially with the almost 180 degree stage, and full use of the aisles. Kids would be thrilled with this show, as the live animals (camels, horses, goats etc.) walk down the aisles past the audience. And if you are wondering if the adults will enjoy the show as much as the children, I think that adults would enjoy this show even more than the children, if that is possible. Adults understand the Bible story behind this show, and the emotions involved with the guilt for leaving your brother behind, and selling him as a slave. The emotion in this show is very powerful, and I was left with tear filled eyes on several occasions.

Joseph” runs from March 6 through October 30, 2010.
Tickets to “Joseph” may be purchased by visiting the website (http://www.sight-sound.com/) or by calling 800-377-1277

---

Whats in store for 2010 at these two theaters?

2010 promises to be an outstanding season, as the Millennium Theatre in PA will host the premiere of our all-new original production, Joseph. Then, the holiday season brings Miracle of Christmas to the Millennium stage. At theLiving Waters Theatre, the music-packed Psalms of David plays once more, followed by a farewell run of Voices of Christmas.

The 2010 schedule in Branson brings Noah - the Musical and Miracle of Christmas, as our epic productions continue to stir audiences in two locations.

Disney’s THE LIONKING at Academy of Music

THE LIONKING continues to reign as one of the most popular shows on Broadway and around the world. Now in its 13th year, THE LIONKING is the eighth longest-running musical in Broadway history and the first American musical to welcome 50 million guests worldwide. The global phenomenon is the winner of more than 70 major awards worldwide, including the 1998 Tony Award® and NY Drama Critics Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.



For those of use who grew up on Disney films, the story of "The Lion King" is very familiar, as are the songs that run through the movie like "Circle of Life" and "Oh I just can't wait to be king." It's the story of a young lion cub who is the heir to the throne, but battling for that spot on the throne is his evil uncle "scar," who he must eventually face. It's a wonderful story that kids and adults alike would enjoy. The musical score in this show features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.

The first thing that you notice about this show is the costume design, so I have to congratulate those involved in this performance aspect on an excellent job. They find a way to make 5 or 6 foot human beings appear to be 9 foot tall giraffes, or gazelle's leaping through the African plains. I love the use of movement and texture in all of the costumes; it's an aesthetically interesting show for sure!

I loved how they used the tiers and the aisles to expand their stage. The show starts out with animals, big and small, coming down the aisles so you have a chance to see the costumes up close and the kids will absolutely love this part. They are close enough to touch, but I wouldn't recommend reaching out to do so. Elephants coming down the aisle, birds flying around in the air (with the actors on the second and third tiers). It's truly impressive!

I've seen a handful of shows on and off Broadway, and this one if probably one of my favorite shows. The set design and costume design is very impressive, and while the emotional impact of the show is not as high as some others such as Wicked and Les Miserables, it was incredibly entertaining and well done. I particularly enjoyed the actors who played the roles of Scar and Mufasa. Their voices and performance were impressive, and I enjoyed young Nala's performance as well. For such a young girl, she definitely has a gift of acting. I would definitely recommend seeing it-It will be well worth the money! Your kids will love pointing out all the familiar characters from the movie, and the humor of the show will be appreciated by the adults in the audience.



Tickets to THE LIONKING are by calling 215-731-3333, online at http://www.kimmelcenter.org/ at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or on performance days only at the Academy of Music box office. Ticket prices for the engagement start as low as $23. Premium Ticket Packages, which include prime seat locations, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.



For those of you who are NOT local to the Philadelphia, PA area here is some great news:
Following the Philadelphia engagement, THE LIONKING North American tour will also play the following venues and cities in 2010: the Overture Center in Madison, WI, the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, CA, Keller Auditorium in Portland, OR, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, B.C., the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City, UT, the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, IL and Schuster Hall in Dayton, OH. Future engagements to be announced. For more information and dates, please visit LionKing.com

Disclaimer: I was provided with 2 tickets in exchange for my review of this show, no monetary compensation