Arden Children’s Theatre presents ‘Pinocchio’

Arden Children’s Theatre is bringing the classic tale of Pinocchio to life on the Arden’s intimate 175-seat Arcadia Stage at 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA starting April 10. This captivating production, by director Rebecca Wright, is full of twists and turns, ups and downs, and promises to delight children and adults ages four and up. The show begins previews April 10, opens Saturday, April 20, and runs through June 2.

Audiences may be familiar with Wright’s work at the Arden, where she previously directed An Illiad, Backing Track, and last season’s Red Riding Hood. Featuring four talented Philadelphia-based actors, Reese Castaldi, Izzy Sazak, Nathan Alford-Tate and Anthony Martinez-Briggs, the cast combines to play a dozen characters throughout the 90-minute show.

In this fast-paced reimagining of the classic tale, the show begins with four painters arriving on set seemingly prepared to paint the walls of an empty theatre, only to find an audience eagerly anticipating a production of Pinocchio. The four playfully scramble with their paint brushes, mops, ladders, and other tools to begin telling the exciting tale, eagerly asking for help from the audience to propel the story forward.

Ticket Link: Pinocchio – Arden Theatre Company

Delaware County 4-H Junior Master Gardener Summer Camp

Do you know a young person between the ages of 8 – 11 who is interested in gardening and learning more about native plants in our ecosystem? Are you looking for a great summer camp opportunity for your child? Then registering to attend the first annual Junior Master Gardener Summer Camp may be an ideal fit!

Cohosted by the Penn State Extension Delaware County 4-H and Master Gardeners, this camp, running from June 24 – June 27, will engage campers in hands-on gardening and learning activities on topics such as the importance of plants, parts of a plant and what it needs to grow, planning a garden, friends, and foes (insects) of the garden, and healthy eating choices.

This half-day camp will run from 8:30 am until noon each day at the Environmental Center at Smedley Park, 20 Papermill Rd., Springfield, PA 19064.

The cost for registration is $75 per camper. Families with two or more campers registering will receive a $15 per camper refund. All campers are encouraged to bring snacks if needed, and a water bottle. No food will be provided.

Camp is limited to 20 youth. Participants are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To learn more about the Junior Master Gardener Summer Camp and to register:

To register, contact Lauren Kauffman, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, lyr5015@psu.edu or call 484-472-5113

The registration deadline is June 1, 2024.

‘Next To Normal’ at Old Academy Players

As part of its 2023-2024 Season, The Old Academy Players is proud to present a powerful and poignant journey with the award-winning musical Next to Normal with book and lyrics by American playwright and lyricist Brian Yorkey and music by American composer Tom Kitt. Directed by OAP member Josh Tull, Next to Normal, The Old Academy Players’ 540th production, will run April 19–May 5, 2024; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm (no performance April 21).

In 1998 Brian Yorkey conceived of the idea for Next to Normal, first presenting it in the form of a ten-minute workshop called Feeling Electric. He brought the idea to Tom Kitt when both were students at the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Several readings later, Next to Normal was produced Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theatre. It ran from January 16 through March 16, 2008. The Broadway production opened on April 15, 2009, and closed on January 16, 2011, after over 750 performances.

In 2009, it was nominated for eleven Tony Awards and won three: Best Original Score, Best Orchestration, and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. In awarding the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Pulitzer Board called Next to Normal “a powerful rock musical that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family and expands the scope of subject matter for musicals.”

Next to Normal dives into the inner workings of a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness and loss. The father is a working architect; the mother rushes to get kids ready for school, the children are normal teenagers; appearing to be the typical American family. However, behind closed doors, their lives are anything but normal as the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Next to Normal explores how bipolar disorder impacts family dynamics and makes everyday issues immensely challenging to overcome. The show takes you into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with empathy and care.

Content Warning: Next to Normal contains adult themes and adult language, it is not suitable for young children. Viewer discretion is advised.

The cast includes: Christie Fischer as Diana, Nic Fallacaro as Gabe, Tom Stone portrays Dan, Casey Bilger as Natalie, Sean Tyrik as Henry, and Ryan Baber as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine.

If You Go

Parking for all performances is free. Ticket prices are: $25 per adult; $15 for students under 25 with valid ID; group rate (15 or more) $21 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.OldAcademyPlayers.org. Reservations and more information can be obtained by calling the Box Office at 215-843-1109.

About The Old Academy Players

The Old Academy Players has provided continuous community theater entertainment since 1923 and is a non-profit community theater in East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Constructed in 1819, the Old Academy building has been the OAP home since 1932. Old Academy Players is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Most notable alumni include Tony Award-nominated actor Robert Prosky and Hollywood icon, Grace Kelly. Support is provided by the “Philadelphia Cultural Fund”.