MAC’s Playreading Series Continues April 10 With ‘Some Assembly Required’

Media Arts Council (MAC) continues its new playreading series with Some Assembly Required by Toby Teiger

When Madeline Munzel wakes up trapped with her estranged ex-husband, she assumes she’s in Hell. But when she discovers that they’re actually stuck in a mourning machine that saves copies of dead loved ones, she must work with her former spouse and the boy who put her there to figure out how to escape. A play about how far we will go to hold onto the things and people that we love… and what it means to let go.

Directed by Reva Stover

 Date: Thursday, April 10 reading begins 7:30 pm
Location: Media Fellowship House
Tickets:
Pay what you wish, suggested $10 donation

About the Playwright

Toby Tieger is a playwright and screenwriter based in Philadelphia. His script The Illuminati Kid was selected as a Finalist for the 2024 ScreenCraft Animation and Family Competition (top 10 out of ~900) and his work has recently placed in other competitions including PlayPenn’s Foundry program, Stowe Story Labs, and the Roadmap Writers’ Kids’ Television Competition. Toby writes humanist coming-of-age fantasy, often with a focus on LGBT+ characters.

Reading begins 7:30 PM

Tickets: $10.

More information: MAC Playreading Series: Family Business — Media Arts Council

Media Fellowship House, 302 S Jackson St, Media, PA

Spring Events at Colonial Theatre

This spring, the Colonial Theatre presents an exciting lineup of events designed to captivate and engage audiences.

Spring Entertainment: 

On April 5, as part of his 25th Anniversary Tour, music lovers can experience the Emmy Award-winning Spanish guitar and dance spectacular Benise. This milestone tour solidifies Benise as one of the longest running Latin-themed theatrical productions worldwide. The renowned composer, joined by an international ensemble of musicians and dancers, will dazzle audiences with a two-hour performance featuring brand-new material alongside fan favorites and electrifying renditions of rock classics like Led  Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” and AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” 

The excitement continues on April 11 with the return of Colonial 54: An Immersive Disco Experience Attendees can break out their sequins and platform shoes for a night of nonstop dancing with DJ Moshé, The Spin Therapist, and enjoy a show-stopping performance by Roxanne Rohls as the legendary Liza Minnelli. 

Meanwhile, the acclaimed Total Mass Retain YES Tribute Band returns to the Colonial on April 12 for another spectacular setlist featuring a dynamic mix of YES classics, epic tracks, and rare gems from the band’s most beloved albums. 

On April 26, join the celebration of local music and the creative arts community at the 6th Annual Earth Song Fest. The family-friendly event showcases live performances by talented Earth Song student bands and soloists, along with a vibrant marketplace featuring local artisan vendors. Attendees can also enjoy  raffles, face painting, and a variety of interactive activities, making it a perfect day of music, art, and community spirit. 

Fans of the ’80s are in for a nostalgic treat on May 3 during the Shannon Curtis: 80s Kids performance.  The high-energy synthpop concert  features songs from legendary bands like Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, and OMD.  

Special Movie Screenings and Events 

Blobfest enthusiasts won’t want to miss their chance to secure tickets for the highly anticipated horror themed festival, returning for its 26th year this summer. On April 2 and 3, both pre-sale and general admission tickets will go on sale, offering fans the opportunity to grab some of the hottest seats for this  year’s camp-themed Blobfest. Highlights include the annual stage show and legendary “runout,” special screenings of The Blob, and a lineup of thrilling, blob-filled events that celebrate the cult classic in all its  gooey glory. 

On April 13, in honor of National Poetry Month, join the Poets of Phoenixville for an inspiring evening of  spoken word and literary artistry.  

Book lovers can spend an unforgettable evening with Jennifer Weiner, the best-selling author of The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits, on April 17. Join the beloved author as she discusses one of her most anticipated novels to date, further solidifying her reputation as the queen of smart yet entertaining  poolside reads.  

On April 27, experience a night to remember full of Broadway magic during Broadway at the Colonial Theatre featuring stars from Wicked, Frozen, The Great Gatsby, Phantom of the Opera, and more.  Audiences will be treated to the extraordinary vocal talents of Broadway luminaries John Riddle (FrozenPhantom of the Opera), MaryKate Morrissey (Wicked, Mean Girls), and Noah J. Ricketts (The Great Gatsby, Beautiful). The evening will be expertly led and accompanied by the incomparable Dan Micciche, making for a night of dazzling performances audiences won’t want to miss. 

Enjoy an intimate acoustic concert like never before at the Colonial’s Songwriters in the Round performance on May 17. Grammy Award-winning songwriter Don Henry will take the stage alongside Phoenixville’s own Callahan & Fey for a truly personal musical experience.  

Tickets and info at The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA

The Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460), is situated in the heart of downtown Phoenixville.  

Local Hauntings Talk April 10

 

Delco Horror Haven is a non-profit horror arts organization that supports independent filmmakers, authors, artisans, and the community. They will host a Local Hauntings Talk by Laurie Hull at Widener University Freedom Hall.

Laurie Hull lives in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and has had a lifelong interest in ghosts and the supernatural that began while she was growing up in a very haunted house. She is the founder and director of Tri County Paranormal Research where she has had the good fortune to work with some of the best and most dedicated people in the field. Laurie’s experiences and investigations have been featured on local and national radio, television shows, and newspapers, including A Haunting and Ghost Hunters.

Her research on the paranormal has led her to travel throughout the United States and to England, Ireland, Scotland, and France to investigate haunted places. She has written four books: Brandywine Valley Ghosts, Philly’s Main Line Haunts, Supernatural Pennsylvania, Supernatural Mid Atlantic, and contributed to the books Media Gothic, Cape May Haunts, and the Dead of Winter series. Laurie currently works as a teacher and a psychic medium.

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Location: This event is in Freedom Hall in the theatre on the first floor. The parking lot by Freedom Hall is located at 17th and Chestnut Streets.

Tickets for this event are $15 and are available online.  All ticket sales are final.

Widener students are FREE.

 

 

 

‘Elizabeth Taylor and The Shadow of Her Smile’ at Bucks County Playhouse

Ann Talman: “Elizabeth Taylor and The Shadow of Her Smile” with Alex Rybeck on Piano

Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Venue: Playhouse Barn
Located next to the Playhouse, closest to Main Street

Ann Talman is an actor, singer, storyteller, award winning documentary filmmaker, and four-time Broadway and West End veteran. She joined Actors’ Equity with co-star Elizabeth Taylor in 1981 when she landed the plum role in The Little Foxes playing Taylor’s daughter on Broadway. The show traveled the world for eighteen months with stops in Ft. Lauderdale, Washington, D.C. (The Kennedy Center), New Orleans, LA’s Ahmanson Theatre as well as London’s West End. Their loving friendship lasted for the rest of Miss Taylor’s life.

Ann’s cabaret show, Elizabeth Taylor and The Shadow of Her Smile, is directed by Bistro and MAC Award winners Lina Koutrakos with musical direction by Alex Rybeck. The show received critical and audience acclaim when it debuted at 54 Below and won 2023 MAC and BISTROS and Times Square Chronicles Top 10 Cabarets of 2023!

Note: General admission table seating assigned by the host at the venue. An additional $25 beverage minimum is required for this event to be paid at venue. Cash and credit cards accepted.

‘Rabbit Hole’ at The Stagecrafters opens April 11

Is there a correct way to grieve? Five characters, each affected by a tragic accident, do their best to heal, each following their own path with humor, sensitivity and finally, grace. “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay-Abaire
is directed by Suki.

If You Go

The Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Ave, Phila, PA 19118

  • Performance dates: April 11-12 8pm, April 13 2pm
    April 17-19 8pm (No show Apr 20)
    April 24-26 8pm, Apr 26,27 2pm
  • Tickets $26 online, $30 at the door. Discounts available.

Visit:  http://www.thestagecrafters.org for more information or call 215-247-9913 for reservations

‘I Hate Hamlet’ at WDL April 4-13

Wilmington Drama League will present “I Hate Hamlet” by Paul Rudnick April 4-13, 2025, directed by Jenna Cole.

“I Hate Hamlet” takes an aspiring actor, his unfortunately chaste girlfriend, the ghost of actor, John Barrymore, a séance, a swordfight and general mayhem to produce a hysterical look at the vagaries of acting for a living!

In “I Hate Hamlet” at the WDL, the ghost of actor, John Barrymore (John Barker) returns in a comedy that looks at the vagaries of acting for a living!   Performances April 4 – 13, 2025.

The cast of “I Hate Hamlet”

Andrew Rally: Andrew Dluhy

John Barrymore: John Barker

Felicia Dantine: Pam Huxtable

Gary Peter Lefkowitz: Andy Weymouth

Deidre McDavey: Katie Gorman

Lillian Troy: Kathy Buterbaugh

The comedy will be presented April 3-14. Tickets are now available.

Wilmington Drama League is at 10 W. Lea Blvd., Wilmington, Del.

44th Annual Evening of Jazz is April 4

Haverford Music Department presents the 44th Annual Evening of Jazz on Friday, April 4, beginning at 6:30 pm in the Haverford High School Auditorium.  Tickets can be purchased at the door or online with this order form.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students/seniors in advance; $12 for adults and $6 for students/seniors at the door.  Family packages can be purchased for $25.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Haverford School District Jazz Program.

The Haverford High School Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, and Jazz Combo, and the Haverford Middle School Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Fords will perform.    Guest artist and 2025 Haverford Jazz Artist-in-Residence Greg Kettinger will perform on guitar with all of the ensembles.

About Guest Artist Greg Kettinger

In a career spanning 35 years, Philadelphia native and resident Greg Kettinger has performed with many jazz, pop, and R&B greats including Aretha Franklin, Shirley Scott, Johnny Coles, the Temptations and many more. As an original member of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia he has shared the stage with countless jazz legends. His recording credits include several John Vanore and Abstract Truth releases, the “Stolen Moments” tribute to Oliver Nelson, “Conjunto Philadelphia”, and his own release – “Could It Be…”.

As an educator, Greg Kettinger has enjoyed a thirty year career at Temple, St. Joseph’s, and Widener Universities and is chair of both jazz theory and jazz guitar at Temple.

He continues to perform and record locally and on the East Coast at concert halls, festivals, and clubs hundreds of times per year.

Spotlight Theatre Spins April 19

 

A Fundraiser Party will be held Saturday, April 19 from 7-9 p.m. Cost: $30 per ticket includes Hor D’oeuvres, Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks and Desserts. DJ, one live performance by dancers in costume, one audience participation dance lesson, one line dance, and one dress/costume contest. Open dance throughout.
Featuring choreography by Mariah Rose and live vocal performances.
Mini hustle lesson & demo

Note the new performance location: Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050

Ticket link: Spotlight Theatre (spotlighttheatrepa.org)

‘110 In The Shade’ at Footlighters

 

Footlighters Theater in Berwyn, PA, will present

April 4-13

 Music by Harvey Schmidt
Lyrics by Tom Jones
Book by N. Richard Nash

Based on Nash’s 1954 play “The Rainmaker” and written by the same team that wrote “The Fantastiks.” It was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical during its original 1964 run and for Best Revival in 2007.

 

 For tickets, visit AudienceView Professional
Footlighters is at 58 Main Ave, Berwyn, PA 

BRT Presents ‘In the Heights’

The electrifying rhythms of Washington Heights pulse through  Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) this spring as Lin-Manuel  Miranda’s groundbreaking musical, a genre-bending blend of hip-hop, salsa, merengue, and soul, In the  Heights, takes the stage March 25 through April 27. BRT’s production is directed by the visionary Carlos  Armesto, returning to BRT following his sensory-driven production Odd Man Out in 2023. This season,  Armesto brings the beloved hit musical set on the vibrant streets of New York to the stage.  

In the Heights celebrates community, and we feel like we are celebrating our own community by  inviting everyone over for a fiesta to celebrate the new theatre and the community that made building it  possible. – Co-Producing Director Ken Kaissar who serves as the show’s producer.  

Set over three transformative days, In the Heights captures the rhythm of a community on the brink of  change, where love, loss, and dreams collide under the sweltering summer sun. At the heart of it all is  Usnavi de la Vega, played by Daniel L. Melo, the neighborhood’s beloved bodega owner who dreams of  a better life while staying grounded by his love for his community.  

Usnavi’s bodega is the neighborhood’s heartbeat, where the colorful residents cross paths daily.  Vanessa (Sonya Hernández), Usnavi’s love interest, dreams of escaping her troubled home life to make it  downtown. Meanwhile, Benny (Wesley Hodges), who works for Kevin Rosario’s (Victor Rodríguez, Jr.) car service, fights for Nina’s (Paula Gaudier) love while navigating his place as an outsider in this close knit community. Suzanna Guzman brings to life the neighborhood’s matriarch, Abuela Claudia, who  embodies the community’s heart and history. The stakes rise with the summer heat, culminating in a  blackout that threatens to change everything. 

Since its Broadway debut at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (2008), following an Off-Broadway run at 37  Arts Theatre (2007), In the Heights has garnered critical acclaim, winning four Tony Awards in 2008,  including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography, and Best Orchestrations. The original  cast album later secured a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album in 2009, cementing its place in  the American musical canon. 

Latino Theatre Night

In the Heights is complemented by a Latino Theatre Night (En Español) special event presentation of the musical on April 5. Ticket purchasers are invited to an evening celebrating Latino and Hispanic theatre-
makers, community, and culture. Included with an individual ticket to this show, guests will enjoy ligh refreshments at a pre-show social mixer and an optional post-show conversation with director Carlos
Armesto, community leaders, and the cast.

Tickets are available at 215-785-0100, brtstage.org. 

On stage March 25 through April 27.

Bristol Riverside Theatre is at 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA