Hamilton — National Tour, Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Sweep on several levels accounts for the achievement and excitement of “Hamilton.” It’s no wonder it’s earned both critical acclaim and popular support since the Lin-Manuel Miranda burst of … Continue reading
Fly — Crossroads Theatre
The characters are sitting in simple faux metal chairs, the kind you can find at any Target or Staples, but they are miming tricky arm and hand maneuvers associated with … Continue reading
Richard III — People’s Light & Theatre Company
Shakespeare offers directors and performers multiple avenues by which to craft a production of his works. Concentration could be on a character, parallel patterns, or a theme. Samantha Reading leans … Continue reading
The Second Mrs. Wilson — George Street Playhouse
Heaven bless Joe DiPietro for eschewing the current penchant for 90-minute works that dwell on single issues or one character’s stifling neurosis in a staccato shorthand that barely scratches surfaces, … Continue reading
Henry V — Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
The more personal and intimate Matt Pfeiffer’s production of “Henry V” for Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is, the better it is. Among Shakespeare’s history plays, “Henry V” always seems most to … Continue reading
Ragtime — Bristol Riverside Theatre
In addition to telling a moving and compelling story, E.L. Doctorow scored two remarkable achievements when he published his novel, “Ragtime,” in 1975. He composed his novel in the rhythms … Continue reading
Henry V — Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre
Aaron Cromie specializes in giving plays kinetic motion. His productions always brim with life and, when possible, are set in an alternative time and place them offsets themes and often … Continue reading
Richard II — Quintessence Theatre Group
“Richard II” is a model for a history play. Although not as powerful or as varied as its natural sequel, “Henry IV,” “Richard” provides a platform through which Shakespeare supplies … Continue reading
Unconstitutional — Philadelphia Theatre Company at Suzanne Roberts Theatre
Colin Quinn is for abortion, for guns, for gay marriage, and for the death penalty. Besides crossing entrenched party lines to put some common sense into politics, Quinn says his … Continue reading
NealsPaper 
My Philadelphia Story: A Tourist in My Hometown
I am a traveler, and several factors make travel unlikely for the nonce. Yet I am lucky to live in a city, and region, with infinite variety. As much I … Continue reading →