On Stage: Chesco resident Giddings made the journey from the UK and to the stage

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Some years ago, Susan Giddings made the 3,500-mile journey from the London area of England to the Philadelphia area – more specifically from Hartfordshire to Chester County. Once in America, Giddings became involved with theater. Now, she is playing one of the major roles in the production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” which is running...

On Stage: Candlelight celebrates the best of its performances

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Candlelight Theater (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, 302- 475-2313, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) is presenting its brand-new mainstage production – “The Best of the Candlelight Theatre” – now through October 31. The original production is just what its name implies – a series of arranged and choreographed numbers that were...

On Stage: Candlelight opens new season with ‘Clever Little Lies’

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Attending live performances of plays is nowhere near in the immediate future – in Pennsylvania. It is somewhat different in Delaware. Theater fans in the First State have reason to rejoice because a new season is starting at the Candlelight Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) this weekend. April 23 is...

On Stage: An exploration of ‘Dull Space’ at Candlelight

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Cast members (left & right) Rebecca Schalland Dan Healy and ‘Dull Space’ writer and director Brian McCole (center). Picture a couple living together who for the last year – because of the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown — have never been out of each other’s company. Both work at home and rarely leave the safe confines of their...

On Stage: Venues reopen briefly, but…close again, due to COVID-19

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times COVID-19 has almost completely wiped out live music and theater performances. There were glimmers of hope for live shows recently. Some venues actually hosted indoor performances in late July but the era of indoor live shows 2020 has drawn to a close. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has announced statewide mitigation efforts as COVID-19 cases surge in Pennsylvania. Some...

On Stage: Brigadoon makes a rare local visit

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times “Brigadoon” is a well-loved Broadway musical that had its debut on the Great White Way in March 1947 at the Ziegfeld Theatre, where it ran for 581 performances. Songs from the musical, such as “Almost Like Being in Love,” have become standards. Bur, “Brigadoon” is a show that is relatively unfamiliar to the last few generations of theater...

On Stage: ‘Boeing, Boeing’ hits Candlelight stage

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Candlelight Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, 302- 475-2313, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) is always a great place to enjoy an evening of top-flight musical theater entertainment along with a tasty buffet dinner. Each year, the comfortable theater, which is located a few miles south of Concordville, has an annual schedule that...

On Stage: Steel Magnolias at Candlelight

Plus, acts that stretch musical boundaries at local venues By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Hannah Parke stars in a new production of Steel Magnolias at The Candlelight Theater in Arden, Del. It may be hard to imagine having a good time by watching a story with a tragic ending — unless you have heavy sado-masochistic tendencies. But, just such a situation exists for all those who attend...

On Stage: Dar Williams at Bryn Mawr

Run River North and ‘Always Patsy Cline’ highlight weekend performances By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Singer-Songwriter Dar Williams performs July 27 at the Bryn Mawr Gazebo as part of the Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts. Dar Williams, who will be performing at 7 p.m. on July 27 at the Bryn Mawr Gazebo as part of the Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts series (9 South Bryn Mawr Avenue,...