PCS Theater is thrilled to present Legally Blonde, the fabulously fun and empowering musical based on the hit movie of the same name. With a book by Heather Hach and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, this dazzling production is directed and choreographed by Jessi Meisel with musical direction by Aimee Ferenz-Renna. Performances will run May 23 through June 7, 2025 at PCS Theater.

Follow the journey of Elle Woods (Rachel Catherine), a bubbly fashionista who seems to have it all — until her boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Craig Lauer) breaks up with her to pursue a more “serious” life at Harvard Law. Undeterred, Elle follows him to Harvard and discovers her true potential along the way. With the support of new friends and her own unstoppable spirit, Elle turns stereotypes on their head and shows the world — and herself — what she’s capable of.

Kylah Monet, Craig Lauer, Victoria Heppard, Rachel Catherine, Casey Lynch, Mikayla Cook and Bill Weir in PCS Theater’s “Legally Blonde”. Photo: Brian McCann

The cast also features Casey Bilger (Margot), Tess Coary (Serena), Amirah Pooree (Pilar), Casey Lynch (Emmett Forrest), Bill Weir (Professor Callahan), Victoria Heppard (Vivienne Kensington), Kathleen Moran (Paulette Buonofuonte), and Kylah Monet (Brooke Wyndham). They are joined by a dynamic ensemble including Mikayla Cook, Jason Boyer, Brian McCann, Amanda Reed, Danielle Lachall, Steven Tambon, Ellen Taylor, Claire Gower, Nina Kilgore, Laura Donnelly, J. Tyler Atkinson, Andrew SanFilippo, Christina Concilio, Nick Renna, Evan Alexander, and Aimee Ferenz-Renna. Together, this talented company brings to life Elle’s story of determination, friendship, and empowerment with infectious energy and humor.

If You Go

Special performances include:

• Friday, May 30: Aimee Ferenz-Renna as Paulette, Christina Concilio as Brooke
• Saturday, May 31 (7:30 PM): Amirah Pooree as Elle, Claire Gower as Pilar
• Thursday, June 5: Nick Renna as Emmett, J. Tyler Atkinson as Grandmaster Chad/Kyle
• Sunday, June 1: Post-show Talk Back with actors and production staff

Performance Schedule:

• Friday, May 23 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, May 25 at 2:00 PM
• Friday, May 30 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, May 31 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
• Sunday, June 1 at 2:00 PM (Talk Back)
• Thursday, June 5 at 7:30 PM
• Friday, June 6 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, June 7 at 7:30 PM

Content Advisory:
This production includes mild language, sexual innuendo, objectification, gender stereotypes, and brief depictions of harassment, presented with a comedic and empowering tone.

Tickets:
Tickets are available now at www.pcstheater.org. Save $5 on Friday May 23 with code OPENINGNIGHT.

About PCS Theater:
Founded in 1911, the Players Club of Swarthmore (PCS Theater) has been a beloved hub for community theater in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, for over a century. Entirely volunteer-run, PCS is committed to producing a diverse array of theatrical experiences, fostering local talent, and making the arts accessible to everyone. From beloved classics to innovative contemporary works, PCS Theater continues to be a vibrant center for creativity, collaboration, and community spirit.

Well-Strung

Saturday, May 31 at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 1 at 1:30 p.m.

Join us as Well-Strung returns to Bucks County Playhouse! This uber-talented, centerfold ready string quartet brilliantly fuses pop and classical for a uniquely engaging experience.

Playing universally recognized classical pieces while singing pop music hits from the likes of Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, and other pop stars, Well-Strung is, what Buzz Feed calls, “a hunky quartet that will give you a new reason to love classical music.”

Good Witch, Bad Witch

A concert of Diva Showstoppers featuring Alli Mauzey and Alyssa Fox, a former Glinda and Elphaba from the Broadway company of Wicked, Good Witch Bad Witch has been thrilling audiences coast to coast with stunning vocals and playful banter and is fun for the whole family!

VIP Upgrade Ticket: Special afternoon VIP reception (between the performances). Chance to meet the cast, photos and fun. Includes 1 signature cocktail. $90 inclusive (show and reception). 

Tickets at Home – Bucks County Playhouse

70 S. MAIN ST., NEW HOPE, PA 18938

BOX OFFICE: 215-862-2121

Philadelphia Theatre Company is pleased to announce its season-closing production, Small Ball. Commissioned and co-produced by Daryl Morey, President of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, Small Ball is an off-beat and surreal musical about a professional basketball team, a mysterious new recruit, a tiny island nation, and the big questions that bounce between them.

Featuring a book by Mickle Maher, an original score by Merel van Dijk and Anthony Barilla, and direction by PTC Co-Artistic Directors Taibi Magar and Tyler Dobrowsky, Small Ball runs June 6–29, 2025, at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. A special 50th Anniversary Gala will take place on opening night, Wednesday, June 11, at 7:30 PM. 

Joining PTC for the East Coast premiere of Small Ball is a dynamic cast of nationally and internationally acclaimed performers whose work spans Broadway, major national tours, film, and award-winning regional theatre.

If You Go:

Single tickets start at $25, plus applicable fees. Tickets are available at www.philatheatreco.org. They may also be purchased by phone at (215) 985-0420 or in person at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146. 

Please note: Small Ball contains strong language, adult themes, and surreal humor and is recommended for ages 13 and up. 

Performance Info:

• Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. 
• Additional shows each Saturday at 2 p.m. 
• Additional shows Sunday at 3 p.m. 
• Wednesday matinees at 1 p.m. on June 18 and June 25 

*The Wednesday, June 11 performance will be at 7:30 p.m. as part of PTC’s gala. *There will be no performance on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. 

• Student Matinee: Friday, June 13 at 10:30 a.m. 
• Black Theatre Night: Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m. 
• Childcare Matinee: Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. 
• Community Night: Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m. 
• Pre-Show Programming: Sunday, June 15 at 3 p.m. and Wednesday, June 18 at 1 p.m. Post-Show Conversations: Sunday, June 15 at 3 p.m. 
• Audio-Described Performance: Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. 
• Open-Captioned Performance: Wednesday, June 18 at 1 p.m. 
• ASL-Interpreted Performance: Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. 

Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company is thrilled to close out its 2024-25 season with the electrifying Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical RENT. Following its Broadway debut in 1996, where it earned four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, and Best Featured Actor in a Musical, RENT redefined musical theatre by taking audiences on an unforgettable journey of love, loss, hope, and resilience. The Arden brings Jonathan Larson’s iconic story to life on the F. Otto Haas Stage, in a powerful new production directed by Terrence J. Nolen and Steve Pacek. The production begins May 15, with opening night May 21. Due to popular demand, RENT has been extended through June 29. 

Matteo Scammel (Roger Davis) and Leigha Kato (Mimi Marquez) in Arden Theatre Company’s 2025 production of “Rent”. Photos by Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios.

With its unforgettable score and songs like “Seasons of Love” and “I’ll Cover You,” the production tells the story of a close group of young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create a life in New York City’s East Village during the height of the AIDS crisis.  

The dynamic cast features new and familiar faces to Arden audiences. 

 Tickets are available online at ardentheatre.org or at the box office at Arden Theatre Company (40 N. 2nd Street). . Single ticket prices vary by  performance and start at $65. 

 Note: $20 couch rush tickets, available exclusively through TKTS Philadelphia (at Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA) will be available for the first three weeks of the run.

Attend the dark, witty and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder, and revenge set against the backdrop of 19th century London. Sweeney Todd has become a bloody, worldwide success since being awarded eight Tony’s (including Best Musical) for its Broadway premiere. Stephen Sondheim’s tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat has simultaneously shocked, awed, and delighted audiences across the world. SALT is ecstatic to be presenting it with an all-star cast and a full 18-piece live orchestra at our West Chester location.

Sweeney Todd explores the dark side of human nature, the so-called bad wolf. Our production delves into the show’s dark themes through an intimate black-and-white lens that will draw you close to the characters while unflinchingly portraying the bloody heart of their tale. – Lauren McComas, President and Artistic Director of SALT Performing Arts.

If You Go:

• This production takes place at SALT’s West Chester location: 19 Hagerty Blvd, 19382.

• Seating is at full capacity.

• All ticket sales are final.

• If you need handicap accessibility, please choose seats in the Front Row A “handicapped section” and email jelliott@saltpa.com.

• 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.

• For more info check out our FAQ page.

• RATED R for adult content and violence.

• As part of a 10 year partnership with Chester County Food Bank, SALT will be collecting plastic bottles of ketchup for the Chester County Food Bank at every performance. No glass containers please. In addition, $1.00 from every ticket sale is directly donated to the Chester County Food Bank.

• Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.saltpa.com/sweenytodd

​

Show schedule: 

• Friday, May 30, 7 PM | Dressy Attire & Champagne Opening Night

• Saturday, May 31, 2 PM, 7 PM

• Sunday, June 1, 2 PM

• Friday, June 6, 7 PM

• Saturday, June 7, 2 PM & 7PM

• Sunday, June 8, 2 PM

• Friday, June 13, 7 PM

• Saturday, June 14, 2 PM, 7 PM

• Sunday, June 15 2 PM

Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) announces the return of its highly anticipated 2025 Mid Penn Bank Summer Music Fest. This year’s powerhouse lineup features a stellar mix, including  The Bronx Wanderers, Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown, and Purple Xperience, alongside the uproarious musical comedy Oy Vey! It’s The Calamari Sisters.

This year, the concerts are back at BRT’s historic, intimate, and recently renovated theater. The theater  offers an inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating, free on-site parking, wheelchair accessibility,  assisted listening devices, and a full range of concessions, including beer and wine.   

Get ready to kick off the summer with these unforgettable shows: 

The Bronx Wanderers | Thursday, May 8 – Sunday, May 11, 2025 

An electrifying journey through rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest hits, from Frankie Valli to Queen! The Bronx  Wanderers bring boundless energy, unmatched talent, and harmonious vocals, having earned standing  ovations throughout their Las Vegas residency. This high-octane tribute to classic rock will have the  audience dancing in the aisles from start to finish.

Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown | Wednesday, June 25 – Sunday, June 29, 2025 Which legendary band will reign supreme? In this one-of-a-kind “battle of the bands,” two world-class  tribute acts — Abbey Road and Satisfaction — go head-to-head, bringing the timeless music of The  Beatles and The Rolling Stones to life in alternating sets. The showdown concludes with an epic joint encore that no rock ‘n’ roll fan will want to miss! 

Purple Xperience | Wednesday, July 16 – Sunday, July 20, 2025 

Calling all Prince fans! Direct from Minneapolis, Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience deliver a tribute to the iconic superstar like no other. With jaw-dropping musicianship and electrifying showmanship, this unforgettable performance captures the magic of Prince’s greatest hits, blending  R&B, soul, and new wave in a mesmerizing live experience. 

Oy Vey! It’s The Calamari Sisters | Wednesday, July 23 – Sunday, July 27, 2025 

When the Calamari Sisters are hired to cater an event at a Jewish funeral home, culinary chaos and comedic brilliance ensue. From matzah balls to meatballs, challah bread to pizza dough, and gefilte fish  to baccala, the girls try desperately to bridge the cultural gap. This laugh-out-loud musical comedy blends Italian and Jewish traditions with side-splitting songs and outrageous antics, proving that family is the secret ingredient to making both death and dinner unforgettable.  

If You Go

Tickets are available at 215-785-0100, brtstage.org. Ticket prices start at $50 for adults or purchase a Mid Penn Bank Summer Music Fest 3-Pack Subscription and enjoy three incredible performances for as low as $135. 

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

Review by Lisa Panzer 

Darkness Rises, A Star Wars Inspired Horror Experience only at Lincoln Mill

Dare to traverse the ‘dark side’ at ‘Star Wars’ inspired Lincoln Mill Haunted House, where the Sith, some armed with light saber-saws, and their creepy cronies urge you to join them. Courageously crafted corridors of chilling horror filled scenarios await, carving the way through an alley-GORY-cal mythos of insanely morbid sci-fi infused macabre. Will you be convinced join the diablerie? 

This otherworldly frightening tour de ‘Force’ is inescapably all pervasive in its feel. Immense detail has been committed to creating an immersive environment via interaction with some stellar actors, eerie lighting, superb sound effects and theme song, forced air, and surprising moving, and sometimes gutsy, props that pop, and often plop! All combine to create an eerie atmosphere from a super spooky world populated with galactic ghouls. Fun times! 

If You Go

Look for the show to return in October 2025.

Darkness Rises

Lincoln Mills Haunted House

4100 Main St. 

Philadelphia, PA 19127

https://lincolnmillhaunt.com/

Run Time: 

20-30 minute tour

By Betty Lou Roselle

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is based on a 1934 detective novel by Agatha Christie featuring Hercule Poirot. It is adapted by Ken Ludwig adding his comedy talents to the production. Everyone knows Agatha Christie, detective novelist and playwright whose books have sold more than 100 million copies, translated into 100 languages. An interesting fact about Dame Agatha is that in 1926 Christie’s mother died, and her husband, Colonel Archibald Christie, requested a divorce. In a move she never fully explained, Christie disappeared and, after several highly publicized days, was discovered registered in a hotel under the name of the woman her husband wished to marry.

Who murdered Samuel Ratchett?

As the play opens just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.

Director Jennifer Wolfe has assembled an extraordinary cast that Christie would certainly approve of.

Bill Haburcak plays the role of Samuel Ratchett with a relish. He tries to enlist Hercule Poirot to help him discover who has been threatening his life. We quickly observe why someone would want to kill him. John Devine is solid as the proprietor of the Orient Express trying to keep his friend Poirot from frightening the other guests.

Meghan Hanson is mysterious as Mary Debenham as is her lover Colonel Arbuthnot played by Mickey Donahue. Jacob Ryan plays the clueless Hector MacQueen with enthusiasm. Kate Scanlon shines as Countess Andrenyl. Nick Squeri is good in his double roles as Michel the Conductor and the Headwaiter.

Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” includes these three suspects.

Stephanie Donahue’s charming as Greta Ohisson, assistant to Princess Dragomiroff royally played by Susan Wefel. It was wonderful watching Princess Dragomiroff square off against Helen Hubbard played with gusto by Barbara Scanlon (nice change of character when the truth comes out).

Bill King is excellent as Hercule Poirot, never missing a clue to solving this mystery. His monologue figuring everything out in the end is epic. Voiceovers were provided by Loic Barnieu and Connor Scanlon.

Kudos to director Jennifer Wolfe, Stage Manager Peggy Oleynick and the entire production staff for their great work. There are six performances left: May 9, 10, 11; 16,17 and 18.

Colonial Playhouse is at 522 West Magnolia Ave., Aldan, PA. Call 610-622-5773 or visit www.colonialplayhouse.net.

The King is back at Venice Island– and so is the music! Join us for a night of twisting and shouting with The Ghostlight Players for their spring musical, “All Shook Up!” You won’t want to miss all the pelvic thrustin’ and honkey tonkin’ from the talented cast – get your tickets today!

3 SHOWS ONLY!

Friday, May 9th at 7:30 PM

Saturday, May 10th at 2:00 PM

Saturday, May 10th at 7:30 PM

Tickets: Ludus – The Ghostlight Players Inc

$20 – General Admission (Adult)

$17 – General Admission (Child/Senior Citizen)

4th Annual Shoe Box Short Theatre Festival

Saturday, May 17

7:00-9:00 PM

The Shoe Box Short Theatre Festival highlights original assorted works by local and regional artists. This year features pieces by:

Thoughts by The Collective Mic Productions

Out Of The Heart Wicked Things Doth Come by Jaz

Smart Casinos by Brooke Shilling

La Diva Noire Speaks Love, Strength & Freedom by The Collective Mic Productions

We’re All Sad So Let’s Laugh by Teresa Nutter

General Admission $10.00 + $1.20 Service Fee at Shoe Box Short Theatre Festival in Philadelphia – Checkout

Venice Island Performing Arts Center is at 7 Lock Street, Philadelphia, PA

Beginning May 14, Hedgerow Theatre Company presents the regional premiere of “Endlings: by Korean-Canadian director, playwright, and screenwriter Celine Song. Directed by Kalina Ko, the play follows two generations of Korean women grappling with the weight of their pasts, the loss of their cultural heritage, and the complexities of identity, all while confronting the haunting question of what it means to be remembered.

Endlings is set to run from May 13 to June 1. 

Song has written and directed stage and film productions depicting beautiful explorations of the perils of the human condition. Audiences may recognize her as the writer and director of the 2023 romantic drama Past Lives, which earned Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Best Director. As a  playwright, she has received critical acclaim for her work, including her first major production,  Endlings, which premiered in 2019 at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  The play led to her becoming a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the oldest and largest  playwrighting prize for women writing for English-speaking theater. 

Endlings is set on two different islands. On the Korean island of Man-Jae, three elderly haenyeos – sea women – spend their dying days continuing a fading ancient tradition, diving into the sea to fish with nothing but a knife. On the Island of Manhattan, Korean-Canadian playwright Ha Young (Shin)  struggles to finish a new play as she navigates the expectation that she write more “authentic” stories inspired by her identity.  Endlings poses a thought-provoking question: who gets to tell stories, and how do those stories shape our  understanding of the world? 

Hedgerow’s regional premiere presentation of Endlings features an award-winning cast of stage actors.  Portraying the three haenyeos are Helen Hayes Award-winning Washington, D.C.-based actor Tuyết Thị Phạm as Go Min, New York-based actor Gray Choi as Sook Ja, and New York-based actor  and dancer Shigeko Sara Suga as Han Sol.  Sarah Shin appears as the play’s struggling playwright Ha Young. Rounding out the cast in various ensemble roles are Philadelphia-based actors Scott Berkowitz, Ethan Goonewardene, Paul Harrold,  John Harvey, and Kevin McCann.  

If You Go

• Preview Tuesday, May 13, at 7:30  p.m.
• Opens on Wednesday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. with post show reception
• Performances through Sunday, June 1.  Ticket link: Hedgerow Theatre Company
• Recommended for audiences ages 15 or older
• Approximate 100-minute runtime with no intermission.
• Pride Night May 22, at 7:30 p.m. for LGBTQIA+ audiences  
• Open-caption performances  available May 29- June 1
• Relaxed Performance on Saturday, May 31, at 2 p.m.