{"id":37766,"date":"2022-12-03T09:08:15","date_gmt":"2022-12-03T14:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/?p=37766"},"modified":"2022-12-03T09:08:17","modified_gmt":"2022-12-03T14:08:17","slug":"on-stage-extra-the-butterfingers-angel-at-uptown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/?p=37766","title":{"rendered":"On Stage Extra: ‘The Butterfingers Angel’ at Uptown!"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org<\/a>) is bringing live theater to its stage with a rarely seen production of \u201cThe Butterfingers Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

The official opening night for the comedic show is December 3. The show will run through December 23.<\/p>\n

Created by William Gibson (The Miracle Worker),\u00a0one of America\u2019s major dramatists, this touching, funny and highly imaginative retelling of the Nativity story is presented from a fresh and richly creative point-of-view.<\/p>\n

The action follows a free-spirited Mary who had decided that men and marriage were not for her, a suddenly cautious Joseph who contends that he is too old for his intended, and a flustered boy-angel who directs each scene from a prompt book and can only manage to get the most strangled, bleating sounds from his trumpet. <\/p>\n

Enhanced by a talking tree, sheep and a donkey, along with traditional Christmas music, this wholly original theatre piece is both secular and sacred – often antic, but the spirit of reverence, joy, and the true significance of the occasion is never lost.<\/p>\n

According to Uptown Artistic Director Carmen Khan, \u201cThis is the story of Mary and Joseph and the Nativity. It defies the traditional telling of the story by creating a rich tapestry of characters and mood that are fresh and creative. The feel of the play is one of ridiculous hilarity and joy, but underlying that is a sense of the reverent, forgiveness, the miracle of the birth of a child and the hope and love that accompanies that.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to find a holiday show that was highly entertaining and also moving. This play does both those things. It is filled with Christmas songs and fun, but the true significance of the occasion is never lost.”<\/p>\n

This story is an original, funny and heartfelt retelling of the greatest story ever told. A fumbling young Angel announces to Mary that she has been chosen to become a mother. But Mary is a free spirit, and her plans do not include marriage, or motherhood. Once a bewildered Joseph is won over, an antic pageant of Tree, Sheep, Donkey, Cow, Kings, and others set off on the road to Bethlehem.<\/p>\n

The Music Director is Ryan Touhey, an eight-time Barrymore Award nominee. He recently led the music for The Arden Theatre\u2019s \u201cInto the Woods.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI actually didn\u2019t know this play existed at all,\u201d said Touhey, during a phone interview this week from the theater.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had known William Gibson from \u2018The Miracle Worker,\u2019 but I never knew this one existed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Carmen Khan talked to me about doing this show, I was intrigued about working on it but mystified how it would play. It was a challenge figuring out how it would work and how the music would figure into it. It has a lot of different elements.\u201d<\/p>\n

The show is a Christmas story with a twist.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt centers around the Nativity,\u201d said Touhey, who grew up in Sanford, Delaware and then graduated form the University of the Arts in 2009.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a familiar story that people know. Some of it does speaks to \u2018What Is God To Us?\u2019 There is an element of hope that runs through the whole plot and all the scenes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt also deals with choices about bringing a child into the world. Mary looks inside and trusts in herself. There are so many different elements.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if it borders on sacrilegious. I\u2019d call it highly theatrical poking fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

The show has an original script but no original music.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are 12 familiar and not-so-familiar carols that people will know,\u201d said Touhey. \u201cSome tunes work as transitional. Other tunes \u2013 they are there to hammer home the moral part of the play.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are no original songs, but I have created some original arrangements to infuse them with new life. I\u2019d say that 95 per cent of the songs everyone will know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cThe Butterfingers Angel\u201d \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/de1ihz8FvZo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show will run now through December 23.<\/p>\n

Ticket prices start at $40.<\/p>\n

There is another show this weekend that will feature traditional holiday music along with a selection of non-holiday songs.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Chris Ruggerio<\/p><\/div>\n

On December 5, Chris Ruggerio will bring his holiday concert show\u00a0\u201cChristmas with Chris Ruggiero\u201d to the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808,\u00a0www.st94.com<\/a>). The following day, he will be making\u00a0his first\u00a0national TV appearance\u00a0performing on\u00a0Good Morning America with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and music legend\u00a0Darlene Love.<\/p>\n

Ruggerio\u2019s music and performance style is an anachronism. The 23-year-old singer takes his audiences on a journey through the golden age of rock and roll, breathing new life into the timeless music of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. He has been described as an \u201cold soul\u201d, a millennial whose approach to his concert appearances is more in line with that of a bygone era than it is the artists of his generation.<\/p>\n

Ruggerio just released a Christmas album \u2013 \u201cChristmas with Chris Ruggerio.\u201d He has four prior album releases \u2013 \u201cTime Was,\u201d \u201cI Am Chris Ruggiero,\u201d \u201cQuiet Nights,\u201d and \u201cDuets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo years ago, I decided I wanted to be a professional singer,\u201d said Ruggerio, during a phone inter Tuesday from Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was watching Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons singing and I saw the audience so happy. When I perform, I try to sing every song with a touch of class that reminds the audience of a time when entertainers put their heart and soul into their songs and delivering an exceptional concert was really important.\u201d<\/p>\n

No stranger to live audiences and television audiences in the Northeast, Ruggerio first came to national attention when he performed in concert on one of PBS-TV\u2019s coast-to-coast broadcast specials, which still airs to this day. Since then, he has been traveling around the country delivering his unique brand of vintage rock and roll and sharing his passion for the classics.<\/p>\n

According to Ruggerio, \u201cWhen I\u2019m on stage singing a classic love song and I look out into the audience and see that twinkle in their eyes, I know they\u2019re thinking about a special time and place in their life – or maybe their first kiss. It\u2019s magic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ruggerio grew up in Somers, a small town located in northern Westchester County, New\u00a0York.<\/p>\n

\u201cI went to college in West Chester County and majored in finance,\u201d said Ruggerio. \u201cLooking back, I wish I hadn\u2019t done that. I should have started singing earlier. The first time was a PBS special when I was 18. That was my first time playing with a live band. Now, I perform with my own six-piece band that includes two horns and me singing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I decided I was going to be a professional singer, it was March 2021 \u2013 two days prior to the COVID shutdown. On a positive side, the shutdown gave me a chance to work on singing and performance. I spent a lot of time working on my own show. I spent a year-and-a-half on stagecraft and finding my own voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore that, I was just doing covers. Then, I discovered my own voice and had time to work on my show. Working with legendary arranger\u00a0Charlie Calello\u00a0really helped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sang with my own voice telling my own stories. My repertoire is full of vintage rock-and-roll \u2013 a lot from the 1950s and 1960s and some 1970s. I like singing songs about love.\u201d<\/p>\n

At Sellersville, Ruggerio will be singing songs about love and songs about Christmas.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the Christmas show, I\u2019ll be singing a lot of traditional Christmas songs along with songs from my other albums,\u201d said Ruggerio. \u201cIt\u2019s half Christmas and half album.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ruggerio\u2019s holiday album includes \u201cThis Christmas,\u201d \u201cSleigh Ride,\u201d \u201cMerry Christmas Darling,\u201d \u201cChristmas (Baby Please Come Home),\u201d \u201cThe Christmas Song,\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,\u201d \u201cPlease Come Home for Christmas,\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s Christmas Once Again,\u201d \u201cHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,\u201d \u201cI\u2019ll Be Home for Christmas,\u201d \u201cSilent Night\u201d and a song he performed with Darlene Love, \u201cGrown-Up Christmas List.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just released the Christmas album on November 1,\u201d said Ruggerio, who now lives in Fort Lauderdale. \u201cWe recorded it at Power Station in New York City. We also did some recording in Florida \u2013 in Pompano Beach. And we got to record a track with Darlene Love.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the \u2018must play\u2019 songs in my live show are \u2018Unchained Melody,\u2019 \u2018Can\u2019t Take my Eyes Off You,\u2019 \u2018My Cherie Amour\u2019 and \u2018Betcha By Golly Wow.\u2019 I grew up listening to this music and nothing else from when I was 12 until now.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to see why Ruggerio has been described as an \u201cold soul\u201d whose approach to music is more in line with that of a bygone era than it is to the artists of his generation.<\/p>\n

Video link for Chris Ruggerio — https:\/\/youtu.be\/0DMc_CubxT8<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at the Sellersville Theater on December 5 will start at 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $39.50 and $47.50.<\/p>\n

Another music concert this weekend will feature music from the past \u2013 music by 18th-century classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Joshua Hong<\/p><\/div>\n

Symphony in C\u2019s symphonic series at the Gordon Theater, Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts (North Third Street and Pearl Avenue, Camden, New Jersey, www.symphonyinc.org<\/a>) opens on December 3 at 8 p.m. The Guest Conductor will be Joshua Hong who will be joined by Metropolitan Opera soprano Alexandra Nowakowski and pianist Clayton Stephenson.<\/p>\n

The program will feature three very diverse Mozart works \u2013 Exsultate Jubilate, K. 165; Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488; and Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550.<\/p>\n

Mozart composed Exsultate for the Italian castrato, Venanzio Rauzzini in 1773 while in Milan. In modern times, the motet is usually sung by a female soprano. Soprano\u00a0Alexandra Nowakowski<\/a>, a recent graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts, is appearing courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera, where she is covering roles in Verdi\u2019s\u00a0\u201cDon Carlo\u201d\u00a0and Puts\u2019\u00a0\u201cThe Hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExsultate is a motet,\u201d said Hong, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon from his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s celebratory so it\u2019s a good work to be performed close to Christmas. It\u2019s exciting. It\u2019s as joyful as Mozart gets. Joy emanates through the whole piece.\u201d<\/p>\n

A two-time recipient of The Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, Hong graduated in 2020 from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. At Rice, Hong served as Music Director of the Campanile Orchestra and appeared in performance regularly with the Shepherd School Orchestras. He previously served as Music Director of the Baltimore-based Occasional Symphony and Assistant Conductor of the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra.<\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up in Southern California \u2013 in Westlake Village,\u201d said Hong. \u201cI have a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from the Juilliard School. I\u2019ve played piano and violin since I was six. In my last year at Juilliard, I put together an orchestra with my friends. I did readings and went to conductor master classes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI auditioned at a few schools and ended up at Peabody Institute in Baltimore. It was great. I had a great mentor, and he gave me a lot of podium experience. I spent four years in Baltimore. It\u2019s my favorite city in America.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hong is now living and teaching in Ann Arbor, Michigan.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Hart from Symphony in C reached out to me in 2019 about doing this program,\u201d said Hong. \u201cThat was pre-COVID. That\u2019s why we\u2019re just doing this now.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is the story that Mozart wants to tell you? Joe and his staff sent me this idea and I went with it. As a pianist and violinist, Mozart is bread and butter. It\u2019s basic. It\u2019s like vitamins. It\u2019s perfection \u2013 and it has so much depth.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never done an all-Mozart program before. They suggested this exact program to me. I thought it was good. The three pieces are from quite different times in his life. Exultated is very early.\u201d<\/p>\n

The second piece in the program — Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488 — is a\u00a0concerto<\/a>\u00a0scored for piano solo and an orchestra consisting of one\u00a0flute<\/a>, two\u00a0clarinets<\/a>, two\u00a0bassoons<\/a>, two\u00a0horns<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0strings<\/a>. The\u00a0piano concerto<\/a>\u00a0has three\u00a0movements<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first movement is intimate \u2013 calm and so lyrical. The second movement is in the realm of sadness and depression. The last movement is more energetic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550\u00a0is sometimes referred to as the \u201cGreat\u00a0G minor<\/a>\u00a0symphony,\u201d to distinguish it from the \u201cLittle G minor symphony,\u00a0No.\u00a025<\/a>.\u201d The two are the only extant\u00a0minor key<\/a>\u00a0symphonies<\/a>\u00a0Mozart wrote.<\/p>\n

The work is in four\u00a0movements<\/a>, in the usual arrangement for a\u00a0classical-style<\/a>\u00a0symphony (fast movement, slow movement,\u00a0minuet<\/a>, fast movement).<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first movement is instantly recognizable,\u201d said Hong. \u201cPeople will recognize it from commercials and TV movies. It\u2019s dark. There is a lot of atmosphere and drama. It builds up to this wild contrapuntal flurry. It may have been inspired by Bach.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe second movement is more relaxed and gentler. The third is a minuet with a trio. It has a lot of weight to it. In the fourth, the dark brooding atmosphere is gone and it\u2019s very exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for Joshua Hong — https:\/\/youtu.be\/eEy7e3JFWKA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The concert on December 3 will start at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Ticket prices range from $25-$52.<\/p>\n

The world currently is in crazy shape \u2013 on so many levels. So, now more than ever, it\u2019s important to keep humor in our lives.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where comedy comes in.<\/p>\n

If a comedian touches your funny bone, it\u2019s a positive. If a comedy \u2013 on stage or on television \u2013 can make you laugh, it\u2019s a good thing.<\/p>\n

People in the Delaware Valley should be very grateful for 1812 Productions.<\/p>\n

1812 Productions (1812productions.org<\/a>) is dedicated to creating theatrical works of comedy and comedic works of theater that explore and celebrate our sense of community, our history, and our humanity.<\/p>\n

1812 Productions was founded in 1997 by Jennifer Childs and Peter Pryor, two long-time friends and artistic collaborators, with a dedication to comedy, theater, and Philadelphia artists.\u00a0 In 1998 the company premiered with The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged) and was promptly named \u201cBest of Philly \u2013 Theater in Infancy\u201d by Philadelphia Magazine.<\/p>\n

1812 Productions is the only professional theater company in the country dedicated to comedy and was the recipient of an honorary citation from the City of Philadelphia for outstanding work and commitment to the Philadelphia arts community.<\/p>\n

In 2000, they presented the company\u2019s first original piece created by Childs, \u201cThe Big Time: Vaudeville for the Holidays.\u201d It was a critical and box office success and was the beginning of what would become a holiday tradition \u2013 an original piece each year that focused on an era or area of comedic history.\u00a0 It introduced a unique comedic style that is signature 1812 and was the first of now over 35 original works created by the company.<\/p>\n

Since then, 1812 has continued to combine their original work with plays and devised theater pieces by established and emerging playwrights and artists, producing three mainstage shows and several limited engagement comedy events each season.<\/p>\n

This weekend, 1812 Productions, Philadelphia\u2019s all comedy theatre company, begins its 2022-2023 season with the return of their popular political satire, \u201cTHIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS.\u201d<\/p>\n

A celebrated part of the Philadelphia theatre season for the past 17 years, the show delivers sharp satire and content that changes with the headlines. This year\u2019s production will run now through December 31 at Plays & Players Theatre, which is located at 1714 Delancey Place in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe present \u2018THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS\u2019 every December except during election year,\u201d said Childs, during a phone interview Friday afternoon.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn election years, we do the show every night in October and all the way to election night.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is our 26th season. I\u2019m a huge comedy history nerd. I co-founded 1812 with my friend Peter Pryor in 1997. We did a series that looked at eras of comedy history.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inspired by the 1960s British television satire, \u201cThat Was The Week That Was,\u201d 1812 Productions continues its mission to “Tell the truth and make it funny”\u2014an edict given by comedy legend Mort Sahl.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe sat down with Mort Sahl and Dick Gregory at a Starbucks,\u201d said Childs. \u201cThey were on tour with Robert Klein. They gave us advice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first production of the show was a huge hit. Contemporary political humor filtered in over the years. It became \u2018the Daily Show meets the Carol Burnett Show.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cPolitical humor changes. For example, Bush\u2019s stupid was low-hanging fruit. We try to dig deeper and find the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

The show\u2019s content changes from year-to-year…from week-to-week\u2026from day-to-day.<\/p>\n

According to Childs, \u201c\u2018THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS\u2019 continues its mission to tell the truth and make it funny with a performance ensemble that is also a writers\u2019 room. I\u2019m so thrilled by the collection of new voices and TW vets around the table.\u00a0 I think we are all looking for hope amidst news that is often really difficult.\u00a0That\u2019s a big part of what this show is every year\u2014hope.”<\/p>\n

Inspired by the 1960s British television satire \u201cThat Was The Week That Was,\u201d and created by Childs, \u201cTHIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS\u201d features a script that changes nightly, improvised comedy, musical parodies, and a versatile cast of comedy pros.<\/p>\n

Childs is a Co-Founder of 1812 Productions and has served as the company\u2019s sole Artistic Director since 2006. For 1812 she has created more than 20 original works of comedic theater including \u201cThe Carols,\u201d \u201cTo the Moon,\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s My Party: The Women,\u201d \u201cBroken Biscuits\u201d and \u201cCherry Bomb.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her solo shows, \u201cWhy I\u2019m Scared of Dance\u201d and \u201cI Will Not Go Gently\u201d have been performed at City Theatre in Pittsburgh, Act II Playhouse, the Kohler Center for the Performing Arts in Wisconsin, People\u2019s Light and Delaware Theatre Company. She is the recipient of three Barrymore Awards (Best Supporting Actress in a Play 1996; F. Otto Haas Award for an Emerging Theatre Artist 1999 and Best Actress in a Musical 2016).<\/p>\n

A native of Columbus, Ohio, she came to Philadelphia in 1986 to study at the University of the Arts. She earned a degree in theater and opted to remain in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

\u201cTHIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS\u201d is directed by Tanaquil M\u00e1rquez.\u00a0The show features Childs, Sean Close, Pax Ressler, Brenson Thomas, Robyn Unger, Lexi Thammavong, and Jackie Soro.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first act is mostly songs and sketches,\u201d said Childs. \u201cThey are evergreen sketches that look back on 2022. \u00a0There are 2022 versions of holiday classics such as \u2018A White Christmas\u2019 and \u2018It\u2019s a Wonderful Life.\u2019 The second half features weekly \u2013 and sometimes daily \u2013 changes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dealing with political figures has challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Trump, how do you parody something that is a parody itself,\u201d said Childs. \u201cOnce he became president, we ddin\u2019t want to give him a platform so we had our actor stop playing him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur comedy is a celebration that acknowledges there is darkness but also acknowledges the fact that we\u2019re together. When people are laughing, they are open.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year, our show is a celebration after the pandemic. There is a lot of joy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Show times are December 1 at 7 p.m., December 4 at 2 p.m., December 8 at 7 p.m., December 11 at 2 p.m., December 15 at 7 p.m., December 16 at 8 p.m., December 22 at 7 p.m. and December 29 at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Ticket prices are $40-$45.\u00a0Select performances are mask-required.<\/p>\n

Childs is also involved in a local show \u2013 also a show filled with laughter.<\/p>\n

People\u2019s Light (39 Conestoga Road, Malvern,\u00a0peopleslight.org<\/a>) is presenting \u201cAlice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto,\u201d which is running now through January 1, 2023.<\/p>\n

Each year, the People\u2019s Light holiday panto transforms a beloved children\u2019s story into a musical extravaganza filled with outrageous characters, toe-tapping original music, slapstick comedy, and topical humor for both kids and adults.<\/p>\n

The beloved holiday tradition returns to People\u2019s Light with the world premiere of \u201cAlice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto.\u201d The show, which is directed by Bill Fennelly, features book by Jennifer Childs and music and lyrics by Alex Bechtel.<\/p>\n

People\u2019s Light has adapted the theatrical form of British pantomime into its own unique brand of holiday hilarity. Audiences of all ages gather to partake in the songs, dances, topical jokes, and jovial camaraderie of this longstanding tradition.<\/p>\n

This year, People\u2019s Light is welcoming two Philadelphia icons to the panto family — comedy legend Jennifer Childs writes the book and award-winning drag performer Eric Jaffe is the audience\u2019s new guide through the magical mayhem \u2013 and two veterans — Bill Fennelly, who also directed 2019\u2019s\u00a0\u201cLittle Red Robin Hood<\/a>,\u201d and composer\/lyricist Alex Bechtel, who penned the music and lyrics for 2016\u2019s\u00a0\u201cSleeping\u00a0<\/a>Beauty<\/a>\u201d\u00a0and has appeared as an actor in multiple past pantos.<\/p>\n

The People\u2019s Light panto is entertainment for the entire family, and the audience is part of the action.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a family event,\u201d said Childs. \u201cIt has something for all ages. There are opportunities in panto for audience interaction. There are contemporary references. It keeps it very live.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI used the Alice story as a jumping off point. It\u2019s set in middle school. Alice is running away from a situation \u2013 similar to the \u2018Wizard Oz.\u2019 Why does she have to go to Wonderland? There is something specific she has to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a very inclusive show. The extra sparkle is born out of this. We want a really joyful explosion.\u201d<\/p>\n

The show at People\u2019s Light will through January 1. Ticket prices start at $47.<\/p>\n

Childs brings joy and laughter into people\u2019s lives. The world needs more people like her.<\/p>\n

The local schedule features more productions that are serving up large doses of humor and laughter.<\/p>\n

There are lot of choices for those looking to attend live theater this weekend.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Playhouse\u00a0on Rodney Square (1007 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware,\u00a0www.thegrandwilmington.org\/venues\/the-playhouse\/<\/a>)\u00a0is presenting \u201cHairspray\u201d now through December 4.<\/p>\n

The show\u2019s 20th\u00a0Anniversary is this year, and this is the first time\u00a0\u201cHairspray\u201d has toured since 2009. The show\u2019s messages of inclusivity are as timely and relevant as ever, whether it be about self-acceptance and body positivity or the resonance with the experiences of people of color today.<\/p>\n

\u201cHairspray\u201d started out many years ago as a John Waters movie \u2013 a typically off-beat Waters piece that eventually became a cult favorite.\u00a0Set in 1962\u00a0in Baltimore,\u00a0Maryland (Waters\u2019 hometown), the production follows teenage Tracy Turnblad’s dream to dance on\u00a0The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life\u00a0Buddy Deane Show.<\/p>\n

The show is a lavish production with great singing, sparkling dance routines, top-notch acting and colorful sets and costumes. It is also a thought-provoking story that is set in the early 1960s and deals with prejudices against blacks and fat people.<\/p>\n

The story has a lot of messages \u2013 especially about discrimination and desegregation. But it\u2019s not a heavy show \u2013 it\u2019s a feel-good show. The main thing is that people have a good time when they come to this show.<\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cHairspray\u201d — https:\/\/youtu.be\/1wO6h8AuOks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cHairspray\u201d will run through December 4 at the Playhouse. Ticket prices start at $48.<\/p>\n

Now through December 4, \u201cTina \u2013 the Tina Turner Musical\u201d is running on Philadelphia\u2019s Kimmel Cultural Campus at the historic Academy of Music. This engagement is hosted by the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization.<\/p>\n

\u201cTina — The Tina Turner Musical\u201d\u00a0is a\u00a0jukebox musical\u00a0featuring the music of\u00a0Tina Turner\u00a0and depicting her life from her humble beginnings in\u00a0Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into a\u00a0rock and roll\u00a0star.<\/p>\n

The production at the Academy of Music has a great story \u2013 and great music performed by highly talented actors. The sets are colorful and inspiring, and the audience responds energetically to such classic hits as \u201cA Fool in Love,\u201d \u201cProud Mary,\u201d \u201cPrivate Dancer,\u201d \u201cWhat\u2019s Love Got to Do With It,\u201d \u201cWe Don\u2019t Need Another Hero\u201d and, of course, \u201c(Simply) The Best.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cTina — The Tina Turner Musical\u201d — https:\/\/youtu.be\/Q4xlsuaZ6To<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cTina — The Tina Turner Musical\u201d is running now through December 4 at the Academy of Music.<\/p>\n

Ticket prices start at $20.<\/p>\n

Now through December 23, The Candlelight Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware,\u00a0www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org<\/a>) is presenting \u201cIrving Berlin’s White Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

The successful song-and-dance act of army buddies Bob Wallace and Phil Davis follow a duo of singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. Filled with laughter, romance, spectacular dance numbers and the unforgettable songs of Irving Berlin, it\u2019s clear to see why this is a holiday favorite for the whole family.<\/p>\n

The American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, www.AMTshows.com<\/a>) is presenting its annual Christmas production \u201cThe 2022 Christmas Show: Home for the Holidays\u201d now through December 30.<\/p>\n

This live, original musical experience features a new cast delivering the same high-quality, Broadway-caliber performances as in years past \u2013 and it all begins the moment you arrive!<\/p>\n

Inspired by the warm, cherished memories of family Christmases spent together with loved ones,\u00a0\u201cHome for the Holidays\u201d\u00a0opens on the joyous gathering of family and friends who celebrate with a rich tapestry of song, dance, and holiday traditions. Next, we take you to Santa\u2019s Candy Factory where you\u2019ll be transported to a dream world of bright colors and Candy Elves! Finally, you\u2019ll join us at a \u201cmidnight\u201d candlelight service for some songs of worship, traditional carols, and the powerful, harmony-filled rendition of \u201cO Holy Night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ticket prices start at $23.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org) is bringing live theater to its stage with a rarely seen production of \u201cThe Butterfingers Angel.\u201d The official opening night for the comedic show is December 3. The show will run through December 23. Created by […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37768,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[14234,6269,14235,14233],"class_list":["post-37766","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-chris-ruggerio","tag-featured","tag-joshua-hong","tag-the-butterfingers-angel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37766","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=37766"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37766\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37767,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37766\/revisions\/37767"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/37768"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=37766"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=37766"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=37766"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}