Annie and the Fur Trappers is dedicated to performing and preserving the music of the 1920s and 30s today. The band plays traditional jazz, delta blues, ragtime, and swing music. Annie and the Fur Trappers have performed at a variety of music festivals including the Big Muddy Blues Festival, The Whitaker Jazz festival The Apple Butter Festival, Cherokee Street Jazz Fest, HONK!TX, Musikfest, The Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl, and The Rosebud Cafe Music Festival, to name a few. This band first performed for Tri-state in 2023.
Performance at Community Arts Center, 414 Plush Mill Road, Wallingford, PA 1908
Member admission is $10, general admission is $20. Introductory offer – start a new, first-time TSJS annual membership ($20) at the door and receive free admission to this concert (this offer not applicable to renewing or re-activating membership.) Full-time students with ID, or children accompanied by a paying adult, are free. There are no advance sales or reservations.
Walnut Street Theatre (WST) is thrilled to bring the acclaimed award-winning musical “Dreamgirls”to life as they close their 216th season of dreams. This dazzling production begins previews on March 25, opens April 2, and runs through May 4.
Stars rise and fall… but dreams live forever! This sensational Broadway musical tells the story of a 1960s Supremes-like girl group that catches its big break during an amateur competition. But will their friendship – and their music – survive the rapid rise from obscurity to pop super stardom? Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, “Dreamgirls”is a sweeping and inspirational journey with a dazzling production, powerhouse vocal performances, and an unforgettable score filled with pop, R&B, gospel, disco and more!
First premiering on Broadway in 1981, “Dreamgirls” took the theatre world by storm, earning six Tony Awards, including Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Book. With book and lyrics by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger, the show’s infectious score and dazzling spectacle quickly cemented it as a Broadway classic. Following its acclaimed original run, “Dreamgirls”was reimagined for a new generation in a star-studded 2006 film adaptation, which won two Academy Awards. In 2016, the show made its long-awaited West End debut at London’s Savoy Theatre, where it played to sold-out crowds and earned critical acclaim, including two Olivier Awards for acting performances. Decades after its debut, “Dreamgirls”continues to shine as a beloved staple of musical theatre, capturing the soul and spirit of an era.
Leading the cast as The Dreams, the trio at the heart of the story, are AVEENA SAWYER as the powerhouse Effie White, GABRIELLE BECKFORD as the ambitious Deena Jones, and KHALIFA WHITE as the lively Lorrell Robinson; all three are making their Walnut debuts in these roles. CHALI COOKE (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical) joins as Michelle, rounding out the evolving girl group as they navigate the music industry’s highs and lows.
CLAYTON CORNELIOUS makes his Walnut debut as he takes on the role of the electrifying James “Thunder” Early, with JARRAN MUSE also making his debut as the smooth yet ruthless Curtis Taylor Jr. DEVIN L. ROBERTS (Hairspray) portrays C.C. White, the young songwriter with big dreams, while Tony Award nominee (The Scottsboro Boys) FORREST MCCLENDON (Finian’s Rainbow) brings to life Marty, the group’s steadfast advocate and mentor.
If You Go:
Previews begin March 25, 2025 and the show runs through May 4, 2025. Open captioning will be available on Sunday, April 6 for the 7 pm performance; audio description will be available on Thursday, April 17 for the 2pm performance.
Walnut Street Theatre at 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 PHONE: 215-574-3550
Music and Lyrics by Jeffrey Barg & Book by Sally Ollove; Conceived by Benjamin Kamine
Directed by: Mike Sokolowski
You never knew Shakespeare was all about the hootenanny. This raucous original new musical presents the Bard’s classic tale of a prince’s coming-of-age as it was intended–with all the foot-stomping, harmonica-blowing, acoustic-throwdown tunes your boxcar-riding bones can handle. The Ballad of King Henry adapts Shakespeare’s story of Henry IV, Prince Hal, Hotspur and Falstaff–arguably the greatest character the Bard ever wrote–to the sound of folk music.
Kamine, Barg and Ollove—who first collaborated more than 20 years ago in their college Shakespeare troupe—hatched this Henry IV adaptation as a Fringe show, whose original presentation married Shakespeare’s text with Barg’s original music and lyrics. Following that 2011 production, Barg added a slew of additional songs, while Ollove replaced Shakespeare’s text with a wholly original book that still follows the Bard’s story.
“Folk music has always seemed like the right vehicle for my favorite Shakespeare play,” says Barg. “Long before he goes on to be the towering Henry V, Prince Hal spends his time hanging out in bars with Falstaff—very much a man of the people. So it makes sense for him to be singing the people’s music. And Shakespeare himself is no elitist—his plays were truly popular entertainment.”
Ollove is associate artistic director of the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, and Barg also wrote the music and lyrics for The Angry Grammarian, which had a sold-out world premiere run in Philadelphia in 2024.
Prince Hal: Scott Berkowitz
King Henry: Harley Diamond
Falstaff: Max Segarnick
Hotspur: Zachary Zalis
Lady Percy: Amanda Strydio
The Douglas: Abrham Bogale
Blunt: Robert Correas-Rivera
Worcester: Bill Thomer
Quickley: Maura Taylor
Bardolph: Isaac William Anderson
Poins: Taylor Kellar
Ensemble: Aleeza Furman, Geoffrey Pizzuto, Kayla Bowe & Madison Claus
Performance Dates
Dates: Friday March 28, 7:30PM
Saturday March 29, 7:30pm
Sunday March 30, 2PM
Thursday April 3, 7:30PM
Friday April 4, 7:30PM
Saturday April 5, 7:30PM
The Inn at Grace Winery (formerly Sweetwater Farm Bed and Breakfast) is a tranquil haven situated on fifty acres in the historic Brandywine Valley located at 50 Sweetwater Rd, Glen Mills, Pa.
Comedy Nights: Every Third Thursday
Enjoy a 90 min show, with third different comedies. Bar available. Click here for your tickets.The event is 21 years old +
Line Daning: Every Fourth Thursday 6 pm- 10 pm
Every Fourth Thursday is a night filled with wine and line dancing. Doors open at 6 and a prompt lesson for beginners at the start! With food, wine, beer, and canned cocktails, there is no better way to dance the night away here at Grace Winery. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $11. 21+ event. Boots and attire are not necessary but always fun!
Enjoy an afternoon of fun at Designer Bag Bingo where you can win fabulous designer bags while helping to save rhinos from extinction!
Win fabulous designer bags while also contributing to the protection of rhinos. Your ticket includes 12 regular rounds for bags from Coach, Kate Spade, Dooney & Bourke, and more. Each regular round includes 3 bingo cards and additional cards are available to purchase. Purchase separate cards for 3 high end rounds (Tory Burch and 3.1 Philip Lim) for $10. Daubers available to purchase. Tickets at the door are $35.
Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring snacks and drinks to enjoy. Wine and beer (no liquor) must be poured by staff. Soft pretzels, water, and coffee will be available for a nominal fee.
Where: Marple Presbyterian Church, 105 North Sproul Road Broomall, PA 19008
… The verse is Isaiah 64:6. As translated in the King James Version, the verse reads: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
I’m writing about Leonard Cohen’s “If It Be Your Will” and Billy Joe Shaver’s “If You Don’t Love Jesus.”
Most people who’ve heard the songs haven’t encountered the verse directly (and most of this column’s readers haven’t heard the Billy Joe Shaver song).
In the Leonard Cohen song, Isaiah 64:6 is alluded to in the line: “In our rags of light, all dressed to kill.”
In the Billy Joe Shaver song, an allusion to the verse appears as: “Take your rotten rags of righteousness and stuff ’em up your self.”
The official video for ‘Wildfire,’ Kip Moore’s latest song, has been released; the first batch of Kip Moore’s international tour dates for 2025 has been announced
By Steven Brodsky
Enjoy:
From a press release:
November 26, 2024 – Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore has announced his first batch of international tour dates for 2025. Kicking off in May, Moore will storm through Europe, including Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, and the UK throughout the spring. The tour announcement arrives on the heels of his 2024 International Artist Achievement Award received last week at The 58th Annual CMA Awards. Moore also earned a nomination for the award in 2023. The accolade caps off a busy year on the road for Moore as he continues to cement his place as one of country music’s top global powerhouses. Tickets and VIP packages will go on-sale this Friday, November 29th at 10:00am local time. For more information or to purchase tickets, see below or visit his website.
Moore also shared today the official video for his latest song “Wildfire,” a raw and poignant visual to accompany the soaring, wistful tune, co-produced with Oscar Charles and co-written with Charles, Dan Couch, and Hank Born.
Posted 11-27-24
On Joni Mitchell’s 81st birthday
By Steven Brodsky
Joni Mitchell was born on November 7, 1943 in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada.
Happy birthday wishes go out to Joni Mitchell!
Let’s celebrate her birthday by listening to this iconic album:
Posted 11-7-24
Mea culpas
By Steven Brodsky
… are present in this exceedingly relatable John Denver song:
John Denver’s recording of “I’m Sorry” was at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart 49 years ago, on September 27, 1975.
Many people have been in the same sort of sorry state that the speaker in the song is in (the song’s success is proof of that).
Most of them have gotten better.
And others will; no mea culpa will be needed when that happens!
Posted 9-27-24
With another heating season near
By Steven Brodsky
Fireplace Photo by Steven Brodsky
… for most of this column’s readers, let’s revisit the characters in Bill Morrissey’s “Birches”:
Warren’s wife (in the song) chooses to burn “birches” on a cold night for emotional and physical warmth.
Let’s hope that she will have warmth of both kinds during the upcoming heating season.
And let’s hope that we’ll have that too.
Posted 9-25-24
When the fall geese migration period coincides with a seasonal urge that some people have to go away
By Steven Brodsky
…you might find that it’s opportune to listen to Joni Mitchell’s “Urge for Going” and Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese” poem.
Take notice when you next “see the geese in chevron flight” during the migration period.
Those geese may be “heading home again.”
Some of this column’s readers will be acting upon a seasonal urge to go.
Best wishes, of course, to those who will stay and to those who will go.
Posted 9-6-24
He ran scared
By Steven Brodsky
… but the final line of the song that arrived on the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart 63 years ago on June 5, 1961 reveals that his (the protagonist’s) fears were seemingly ungrounded: “You turned around and walked away with me.”
That song, written and recorded by Roy Orbison:
Scary, indeed, is that 63 years have gone by!
Posted 6-5-24
The video for K.T. Oslin’s ‘Hold Me’
By Steven Brodsky
… is embedded here today in commemoration of the birthday of three-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter K.T. Oslin.
K.T. Oslin was born on May 15, 1942.
‘Hold Me” was released on a single in 1988.
K.T. Oslin passed away on December 21, 2020 age 78.
Posted 5-15-24
Bob Dylan’s ‘Ain’t No Man Righteous, No Not One’
By Steven Brodsky
…was recorded on May 3, 1979, 45 years ago.
Bob Dylan wrote the biblically congruent “Ain’t No Man Righteous, No Not One” (read Romans 3:10, Psalm 14:1-3, Psalm 53:1-3, and the entire Bible).
Recorded at a November 16, 1979 Bob Dylan concert:
Many of this column’s readers who were fortunate to have been graced by “mother’s tender love” will recall that special kind of love when listening to Billy Joe Shaver’s “Magnolia Mother’s Love” (the lyrics are autobiographical).
Jelly Roll’s (Jason DeFord’s) opening statement at a Senate committee hearing
By Steven Brodsky
Thank you, Jelly Roll!
Posted 1-12-24
In tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett
By Steven Brodsky
… I’m pleased to share links to a nearly one-hour phone interview that Clay Eals did with Jimmy Buffett on October 26, 2000 for Clay’s book Steve Goodman: Facing the Music.
… many people have experienced that at some point(s) in their lives.
Jackson C. Frank experienced the blues and other painful challenges in extremis.
He was last referenced here in August 2019; too long ago.
Prompted by an admirable cover of the Jackson C. Frank-penned song “Blues Run the Game” that aired yesterday on a public radio station, I’m sharing this link: Blues Run the Game (2001 – Remaster) – YouTube.
Only one official album by Jackson C. Frank was released during Frank’s lifetime. It came out in 1965. That eponymous album was produced by Paul Simon.
Posted 1-23-23
‘And he did not know how well he sang; it just made him whole.’
Familiarity with the song ought to be a prerequisite for reviewing the arts.
This is being posted on Harry Chapin’s birthday.
Harry Chapin was born on December 7, 1942. (He passed away on July 16, 1981 at age 38 as the result of a car accident, while en route to perform a benefit concert.)
If Harry Chapin were alive today, he’d be 80 years old.
I never interviewed Harry Chapin, though I did long-form radio interviews that aired live with two immediate family members of his and with the person who had been Harry Chapin’s best friend.
Had I interviewed Harry Chapin, would certainly have asked him about “Mr. Tanner” and would have thanked him for his humanitarian efforts.
Harry Chapin accomplished much in the short life he had; he made the world “a better place to be” for many people.
Posted 12-7-22
A Conversation With April Verch
By Steven Brodsky
April Verch is one of the most admired fiddlers worldwide. It’s not only extraordinary fiddle playing that endears her to fans, however. It’s also her stepdancing, singing, music composition and lyric writing, and a unique and wonderful artistic expression that flavors the various traditional fiddle music styles that she performs and records.
April had prodigious talent with the fiddle at an early age. At an even younger age, she demonstrated remarkable ability in stepdancing. Her talent continued to grow and brought her recognition in her native Ottawa Valley, Canada and later on far beyond. In 1997 she won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship. At the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, her performance with five other fiddlers in a segment that presented Canadian fiddle music was broadcast to millions of viewers. She has performed in many countries, and is a concert and festival favorite. In the greater Philadelphia region, April performed last year at the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival. She received a rousing reception. Last month, April performed at the Lansdowne Folk Club. Some of our readers were in attendance; they thoroughly enjoyed the concert.
April, you were 3 years old when you began stepdancing. At age 6 you started learning to play the fiddle. What was going on in your life and surroundings that contributed to those learning choices?
My parents are both fans of our local (Ottawa Valley) music and dance traditions. I grew up attending square dances, festivals and jamborees with them and listening to my dad’s country band practice. My older sister, Tawnya, was taking stepdancing lessons and I wanted to do everything she did, so I started taking stepdancing lessons at the age of 3. We took lessons from a local teacher, Buster Brown, who taught the style with his wife Pauline 5 days a week in different communities around the Ottawa Valley.
I’ve heard that you wanted to take up the fiddle earlier. Why didn’t you do so?
We were dancing to fiddle music and I was drawn to it, so I decided I wanted to play fiddle, too. I think I also liked the fact that every time there was fiddle music people were happy and having a good time. I believe I decided when I was 3 that I wanted a fiddle, but my parents didn’t really think I knew what I wanted for sure, and they were also worried that I wouldn’t have time and attention to practice both fiddle and dance, so I had to wait until I was 6 for my first fiddle. It was my birthday present. I think I had finally bugged them long enough at that point that they figured it wasn’t something that was going to pass!
You sometimes stepdance and play fiddle concurrently. When did you first start doing this?
When I was competing in Ontario fiddle and stepdancing competitions as a young girl, which we often did, though it was more about the social gathering than the actual “contest,” I saw a woman by the name of Cindy Thompson fiddle and stepdance at the same time. I don’t know exactly how old I was, maybe 9 or 10, and I was blown away. I figured “if she can do it, I can do it!” So I started working on it on my own and gradually taught myself to combine the two.
The opening track on The April Verch Anthology CD is “Canadian Reel Medley: Trip to Windsor, Back Up and Push, Dusty Miller, Woodchoppers Breakdown.” How old were you when this was recorded?
This track starts with an old recording from the late 1980s (I was around 10 years old at the time) and then it melds into a recording of me playing the same tune from a CD entitled Verchuosity which was released on Rounder Records in 2001.
What were the circumstances?
My dad and my sister and I had gone to play on CHIP radio in Fort-Coulonge, Quebec. It was a station we listened to a lot.—They played a lot of old country music and a lot of local artists. One of the hosts at the time was Red Bennett, and we had met him at a few events and he had invited us to come and play live on his show.
What do you recall about the experience?
It was my first live radio experience and I was pretty excited! We played a few tunes and he interviewed us in between.
Please talk about what is to be heard on the track.
The track starts with Red asking me about what we were going to play next and I say something like “some of my favorites, maybe yours too, eh?” I sound like I’m trying to be very grown up but really I just sound like a kid who’s thrilled to be playing on live radio. And then I tear into a tune much too fast, which I think a lot of kids do—tend to play too quickly.… So when it melds into the “current day” version of the same tune, the pace slows considerably to where the tune can groove a bit more!
The anthology CD allowed you to choose from tracks that were on 10 of your previously released recordings. What specific memories arose when you revisited some of the songs selected for inclusion on the CD?
It was amazing to listen back to each recording, because each one reminded me of a different phase of my life and my career. Remembering not just who was in the band or the studio at that time, but what was happening in my life, what my hopes and dreams were for that recording… For me personally, listening back was like seeing snapshots in a photo album.
Please tell us about the current members of your band.
Not a day goes by that I do not feel extremely grateful to have such amazing bandmates. Cody Walters plays bass and clawhammer banjo. He resides in Asheville, NC. And from Boston, MA, Alex Rubin joins us on guitar. Both Cody and Alex also contribute vocals. They are fantastic musicians and really wonderful human beings to hang out with offstage as well. I have tremendous respect for them.
You started full-time touring in 2000. Please tell us about several of your most memorable performance-related experiences.
Performing in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver was definitely a highlight and a huge production. I feel so fortunate to be able to play in so many different parts of the world and also so many different types of venues and events. Each one is different and special in its own way, and the the most memorable experiences for me as a performer come from the connections that we make in sharing our music with an audience. Hearing their stories after the show, seeing their faces and reactions. That’s what means the most. That can happen in a tiny space of a big hall, but it’s what sticks with me always.
How do you occupy your time while traveling to performance venues?
In all honesty, I spend almost all of my time working on the “business” aspect of my career when we are in the van, at the hotel, or between tours. I do have hobbies too, but right now my focus is mostly on doing what I can to keep us touring and doing what we love, and I’m okay with that, even if it’s sometimes a heavy load to keep up with. I feel fortunate to be able to do it.
You perform a variety of traditional fiddle styles. How are some of them similar to one another and how are they different?
A lot of the differences lie in the bowing patterns and ornamentation. Some styles are more articulate while others use longer bows and more notes slurred together. The ornamentation in the left hand also differs from style to style. In the fiddle styles that I play, the thing that ties them all together in my mind is that they are intended for dancing. They have a driving rhythm and how you achieve the dance groove might be different, but that is the ultimate goal for the music.
What formal and informal training and music exposure has been most helpful to you?
I first learned from local fiddlers that taught me “by ear.” Later I studied classical violin as well and learned to read music. Both methods and experiences were invaluable and I am glad to have both. More than anything have passionate, patient and dedicated teachers been my greatest asset.
You attended Berklee College of Music. How did that experience benefit you as a musician?
Attending Berklee really opened up my ears to styles of music I had never been exposed to before and made me realize how vast the possibilities are for my instrument, or any instrument for that matter. It was also great to be surrounded by so many musicians that were passionate about their craft and to learn about the business aspect of the industry. I still refer to some of my music business course books to this day.
Other than the styles of music that you perform and record, which do you most enjoy?
That’s a difficult question for me—I seem to go through phases and love a lot of genres. I don’t know that I would say that there are any that I love that I haven’t tried, because I tend to try most of them when I get really passionate about them. Right now I can’t seem to get enough of old classic country music.
When not on the road on in the studio, what are some of the activities that you most like doing?
I enjoy reading, walking, gardening and crafts. And hanging out with my family and neighbors. I’ve so much to learn from them.
Are you giving thought to your next CD?
I am! We will be recording this fall for a new CD to be released in 2019.
What do you expect might be on it?
I’m leaning towards that old classic country sound and thinking of going more in that direction. You heard it here first!
April Verch’s New Album ‘Once A Day’ Released Today
By Steven Brodsky
Once A Day is retro-wonderful, a masterful romp into the classic country music sound and heart that has largely vanished from today’s mainstream “country” genre. Fans of classic country music of the ’50s and ’60s will love this album. (I am one and I do.)
April Verch had this to say about Once A Day: “In many ways, making this album was not a choice. It was something I felt I had to do. It has been more daunting than any other project I’ve embarked on, because these songs, these artists, the history of this music matters to me on the deepest level. It is a love letter and a thank you letter in one, to the artists, songwriters, musicians, and industry professionals who created, perhaps in some cases without even realizing it, an era of music that speaks to me in a way that no other music does. If someone hears a song on this album and that prompts them to look up and love the original that will be the highest compliment I could receive.”
Information about April Verch’s overseas and U.S. concert tour is available at: www.AprilVerch.com.
Celebrate Earth Day Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day the Brandywine Zoo way by joining us for our annual Party for the Planet event! Hosted alongside the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and other AZA-accredited institutions, Party for the Planet is one of the largest combined Earth Day celebrations in North America. Partake in fun Earth Day themed activities, keeper talks, and more!
Discounted March Rates
Admission in March is discounted due to limited visibility of the animals. The avian influenza has been identified in the Eastern United States and out of abundance of caution and care, many of the birds have moved indoors or covered to eliminate contace with wild birds.
NEW ZOO ANIMAL RESIDENTS – Giant Anteater and Caracal.
The Giant Anteater is a unique creature from South America with a 2-foot-long tongue that sweeps up as many as 30,000 ants and termites a day. Giant Anteaters reach 6-8 feet in length from elongated nose to bushy tail. Habitat loss is a large threat to anteater populations, as fires, agricultural production, and urbanization damage their grassland habitats. It is estimated that only 5,000 giant anteaters are left in the wilderness, while a small number (around 90) live in zoos in the US.
Caracals arethe largest and fastest of the small cats and can be found over much of Africa and southwestern Asia. They can leap up to 10 feet. The Caracal is a short-haired cat with reddish-brown fur and black tufts of hair on their pointed ears. The trademark features of caracals are their elongated and black-tufted ears. Predation on small livestock has resulted in the extermination of thousands of caracals annually. Habitat destruction is a threat to caracals in central, west, north, and northeast Africa.
If You Go:
Brandywine Zoo, 1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington, Del. 19802. (302) 571-7788.
The zoo is less than five acres and located in Wilmington, Delaware, along the Brandywine River in beautiful Brandywine Park. The Zoo is open 10am to 4pm (last admission at 3:30pm).
Children (3-17 yrs.) $7. Adults (18-61 yrs.) $9. Seniors (62+yrs) $8. The zoo is free to Delaware Zoological Society members with cards and children under 3 years.
The Little Mermaid comes to SALT Performing Arts with two casts March 27 – April 27, 2025.
“The Little Mermaid” is based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid. It is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.”
The Little Mermaid will be performed by two casts: Acting Antics All-Abilities performers and actors from SALT Performing Arts.
In 2018, a group of leaders at SALT Performing Arts sat around a table and talked about dreams for how the vision for SALT’s theatre company could grow and make a larger impact in the community. One idea that was generated was to start a program whereby people of all-abilities could have the chance to experience the magic of storytelling in community with others through a stage production. After this idea was announced to the community, it was brought to SALT’s attention that an organization doing exactly that was already in existence in Chester County, and had been for over a decade, but they needed a new home for rehearsals and productions. This birthed the partnership between SALT and Acting Antics.
Acting Antics was founded in 2007 and offers unique opportunities for children, teens, and adults who have difficulty with social skills or a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, or who simply want to make friends in a safe and truly welcoming environment. They believe in using the creative arts to encourage social skills and communication growth. For the past 5 years, SALT has opened its doors for Acting Antics to rehearse their show in the Fall and Winter, and then partners to help produce the show with a set and the technical aspects of lights, sound, and special effects in the Spring.
If You Go:
This production takes place at the West Chester location: 19 Hagerty Blvd., West Chester PA 19382
Show runs March 27 – April 27, 2025.
Show schedule:
Friday, April 4, 7, 7 PM | Dressy Attire & Champagne Opening Night
If you need handicap accessibility, please choose seats in the Front Row D for handicapped accessible seating (ground level) and email jelliott@saltpa.com to confirm.
Due to the “in the round” seating setup, latecomers cannot be seated right away. Once the show has begun, there are limited opportunities to be seated until the ship docks at intermission. Please plan to arrive at SALT West Chester early enough to be seated prior to showtime.
If you book your tickets on a mobile device, the system will choose the best available for you. If you book your tickets on a computer, you have the option of choosing your own seats.
SALT is mask-optional for audience members. Performers will not be wearing masks.
As part of a 10-year partnership with Chester County Food Bank, SALT will be collecting canned/pouch tuna in water for the Chester County Food Bank at every performance, as we believe everyone in Chester County should have “SALT” on their table. $1.00 from every ticket sale is directly donated to the Chester County Food Bank.
It is a busy spring season at Tyler Arboretum. Click on the links below for information on these upcoming events. For more information, visit tylerarboretum.org/calendar/
The annual Plant Sale be open to the public on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4. The Plant Sale offers a wide variety of plants that not only beautify your garden but also provide essential resources for local wildlife. Be a part of the solution by choosing plants that play a vital role in supporting native wildlife populations and fostering a thriving ecosystem. By shopping at Tyler Arboretum, you’re helping our mission of connecting people with the natural world and conserving our historic landscapes.
Act II Playhouse announces its latest production, “Dial M For Murder” adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the Frederick Knott original.
The classic thriller, which originally premiered in 1952, finds disgruntled husband Tony Wendice convinced that this wife, Margot, is having an affair. In his jealousy, he will concoct a scheme to commit the perfect murder. His plan goes horribly awry guaranteeing edge-of-your-seat suspense in this tale of deception and murder. The play was memorably adapted to film in 1954 by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Grace Kelly.
Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher adapted the original with a scrupulous eye for detail, using Frederick Knott’s original notes to put a modern twist on the 70-year-old play. “The Frederick Knott Estate was particularly moved by my adaptation,” said Hatcher. “I was well acquainted with the original play and the film and it was a pleasure to find new plot twists in this time-honored material.”
Dial M For Murder is being performed in the tradition of last season’s sumptuous production of ‘Gaslight’ at the Playhouse. Playhouse audiences will delight in untangling the mystery of this suspenseful thriller and find themselves pushed to the edge of their seat.” – Act II Artistic Director, Tony Braithwaite
Several members of the “Gaslight” production team reunite for this production including director Kate Brennan who also directed Act II’s beloved production of “Eleanor” (2022). On stage, Jessica Dalcanton (Mrs. Manningham in “Gaslight”) returns to the Playhouse in the role of femme fatale, Maxine Hadley.
The cast is rounded out by Jamison Foreman as Tony Wendice, Anna Marie Sell as Margot Wendice, Mark Swift as Captain Lesgate, and Paul L. Nolan as Inspector Hubbard. Sell, Swift, and Nolan are all making their Act II Playhouse debuts.
If You Go
Previews begin Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Opens Friday, March 28, 2025.
The production closes on April 27, 2025.
Ticket prices start at $32 and are available online at act2.org, by calling the Act II Box Office at 215-654-0200, or in-person at the Box Office at 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA. The Box Office is open Mon-Sat, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Student tickets are $15 and group discounts are available.
