On Stage: Batten makes rare area appearance

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Jennifer Batten To land the gig as lead guitarist for Michael Jackson’s world tours during the height of his world-wide popularity, you had to be an amazing musician – a musician who could handle the complexities of the pop legend’s arrangements. To be able to tour and record with Jeff Beck, one of rock’s all-time great guitarists, you had to be a guitarist...

On Stage: Hairspray returns to Delaware Valley

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times  “Hairspray” started out many years ago as a John Waters movie – a typically off-beat Waters piece that eventually became a cult favorite. In 2002, the musical version of “Hairspray” made its debut at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre. Two months later, it opened on Broadway to rave reviews and went on to win eight 2003 Tony Awards – including “Best...