Category: Reviews

Reviews

Book Review- “Up From South Philly” by Anthony A. Chiurco

-John Nacchio Everyone has a story to tell. South Philly has more than its share. From saints to celebrities, chock full of ties to Hollywood, professional sports, successful business juggernauts, signature cuisine, even touching the stars in NASA, and breakthroughs in medicine. Most important are the everyday people with extra-ordinary tales of family human interest that are sad, happy, inspiring and filled with stirring emotional … Continue reading Book Review- “Up From South Philly” by Anthony A. Chiurco

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Music and Arts, Reviews

Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale: A must-see at Wilma Theatre

-Brenda Hillegas Photo by Joanna Austin If the weather was a bit nicer today, I’d have my windows opened and I’d be able to hear the sounds of construction a few blocks behind my house. There are new condos coming and they’re about three times the price I paid for my own house just a few years ago. And just steps away from a nearly … Continue reading Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale: A must-see at Wilma Theatre

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Music and Arts, Reviews

Say “Hello” to Dolly at the Academy of Music through March 1st.

-Brenda Hillegas (feature photo by Julieta Cervantes) When I interviewed John Bolton (Hello, Dolly‘s Horace Vandergelder), he hoped that audiences would simply experience joy as they watch the production. And that’s exactly what you’ll feel. Joy. As Dolly Gallagher Levi walks elegantly down a red staircase in a stunning red dress you’ll truly feel the magic of theatre. This scene is the beginning of one … Continue reading Say “Hello” to Dolly at the Academy of Music through March 1st.

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Music and Arts, Reviews

InterAct Theatre Company’s Man of God has a few more performances left- DO NOT MISS THIS PLAY.

-Brenda Hillegas The good thing about Philadelphia’s theatre scene is how many options there are for people in the industry to share their stories. Big stages, small stages, new work, old work, local writers/producers/actors/directors have plenty of opportunities to share what they’ve created to eager and appreciative audiences. The bad thing is, I just can’t get to all of them. After seeing Man of God … Continue reading InterAct Theatre Company’s Man of God has a few more performances left- DO NOT MISS THIS PLAY.

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Music and Arts, Reviews

Describe the Night questions what’s real and what’s not in a mysterious fairy tale about Russian history.

-Brenda Hillegas PHOTO: Sarah Gliko as Yevgenia, Steven Rishard as Nikolai, and Ross Beschler as Isaac in Describe the Night. Credit: Johanna Austin. It makes perfect sense that playwright Rajiv Joseph introduces us to real-life storyteller Isaac Babel in the first act of Describe the Night. In this scene, Babel is in the woods alongside Nikolai Yezhov, also a real, historical figure. The year is … Continue reading Describe the Night questions what’s real and what’s not in a mysterious fairy tale about Russian history.

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Music and Arts, Reviews

Harriet Tubman guides audiences through time in My General Tubman, at Arden Theatre.

-Brenda Hillegas Damien J. Wallace, Danielle Leneé, Dax Richardson, and Aaron Bell in MY GENERAL TUBMAN. Photo by Wide Eyed Studios My General Tubman connects two stories. One is set in present day Philadelphia and highlights a scenario that happens all too often- a young man named Nelson (played by Brandon Pierce) is charged with a crime he didn’t commit; his story is ignored and … Continue reading Harriet Tubman guides audiences through time in My General Tubman, at Arden Theatre.

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Music and Arts, Reviews

Step on over to Merriam Theater to witness the magic of Riverdance’s 25th anniversary.

-Brenda Hillegas Photo by Jack Hartin Finding a family-friendly, indoor event in winter isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Riverdance is here at the Merriam Theater for a limited engagement (only through January 26th) and it’s guaranteed to be an experience everyone will love. Whether you see this show once or many times, you’ll never grow tired of the beautifully choreographed numbers and breathtaking … Continue reading Step on over to Merriam Theater to witness the magic of Riverdance’s 25th anniversary.

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Reviews

Watch the life of Thurgood Marshall unfold at Walnut Street Theatre.

-Brenda Hillegas (Photo by Mark Garvin) Thurgood is a crash course in the life and career of Thurgood Marshall. The Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 places audiences at Howard University School of Law as we witness Thurgood Marshall himself (channeled by actor Johnnie Hobbs, Jr.) give a lecture on his achievements. You can be a part of this lecture now through February 9th. … Continue reading Watch the life of Thurgood Marshall unfold at Walnut Street Theatre.

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Music and Arts, Reviews

Take a journey with The Band’s Visit, now through 1/19 at The Academy of Music

-Brenda Hillegas Feature image: The company of The Band’s Visit, North American Tour. Photo by Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade. The Band’s Visit, nominated for 11 Tony Awards (winning 10, including Best Musical), tells the tale of a group of people who end up in a small, unfamiliar town. Due to language barriers and a mispronunciation, an Egyptian police orchestra finds themselves far from where they are … Continue reading Take a journey with The Band’s Visit, now through 1/19 at The Academy of Music

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Music and Arts, Reviews

Wow your family with Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Merriam Theater- now through 12/29th!

-Brenda Hillegas In a word. WOW. If you’re looking for something to do this weekend in Philadelphia, do not look beyond Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater (until 12/29). This incredible show, now in its 12th touring season, brings together performers of all kinds- and from various parts of the world- to present a show unlike anything you have ever experienced before. … Continue reading Wow your family with Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Merriam Theater- now through 12/29th!

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