Filling the Void

by David Anthony Fox

theater

Remember what mother said: "It's nice to share." In the theater, it's more than nice. It's a strategy that rewards and enriches good productions, and benefits theater companies and audiences.

Case in point: Holes, a show adapted by Louis Sachar from his Newberry Medal-winning book for children and young adults (and popular with a lot of folks in the older set). Good idea: Holes, the tale of a young boy sentenced to 18 months at Camp Green Lake in Texas, where he must dig holes in the scorching desert, melds a coming-of-age story with a clever mystery and is ripe for theatrical treatment.

A production of Holes featured prominently last season at People's Light and Theatre in Malvern. Directed by David Bradley, with an ensemble of young actors (high-schooler P.J. McCabe) and PL&T's seasoned pros (Jake DeLaurier, Susan McKey), the show captivated critics, earning plaudits like "a highly engaging little gem of a theater piece."

It might have ended there but for the clever people at the Kimmel Center. This month, they will resurrect the show for performances as part of the prestigious Broadway at the Academy series (where it rubs shoulders with the likes of Big River and Peter Pan). Once again, Holes is directed by David Bradley and will feature many of the same performers as at People's Light.

Holes will get the greater exposure it deserves, provide more support for its worthy creators and, best of all, be available to a whole new audience.

Sharing. It's a win-win situation.

Holes, Wed., Jan. 19, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Thu., Jan. 20, 10 a.m.; Fri., Jan. 21, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 22, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 23, 2 p.m.; $5-$32.50, Academy of Music, Broad and Locust sts., 215-893-1999.