Theater Calendar

by Mark Cofta

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Published: Sep 10, 2008

Already extended a week, the Arden's fall musical features some of Philadelphia's favorite performers in the Royal National Theatre's rejuvenated version of Voltaire's 1759 satirical adventure. Music by Leonard Bernstein; lyrics by Richard Wilbur, Stephen Sondheim, Dorothy Parker and more — sounds like it ought to work, but people have been tinkering with it for 50 years.

Sept. 12-Oct. 19, Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St., 215-922-1122, ardentheatre.org.

We too seldom see 2005 Nobel Prize winner Harold Pinter's plays in local theaters, and no one ever does this 1958 black comedy set in a government-run mental institution. A treat for anyone who uses the word "Pinteresque."

Sept. 12-Oct. 12, Lantern Theater Co., St. Stephen's Theater, 19 S. 10th St., 215-829-0395, lanterntheater.org.

Straw Flower Productions assembles a fine team for this world-première comedy: local award-winning playwright Nicholas Wardigo, director and fight choreographer John Bellomo and very-much-in-demand Barrymore Award-winner Amanda Schoonover.

Oct. 2-19, Straw Flower Productions, Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-551-3376, strawflower.org.

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Comic mastermind Jennifer Childs takes 1812's news-spoof show to a bigger venue. Expect ripped-from-the-headlines laughs and welcome relief from the already relentless presidential campaign's final excruciating weeks.

Oct. 9-Nov. 2, 1812 Productions at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St., 215-592-9560, 1812productions.org.

Four-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally's new drama was supposed to open the Philadelphia Theatre Co.'s season last fall, but it looks worth the wait: Leonard Foglia's production features Faith Prince and Richard Thomas in a Manhattan-based relationship story. A Foglia production of McNally's Master Class also premièred here.

Oct. 22-Nov. 23, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., 215-985-0420, philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.

This little company's fifth season of Philadelphia premières begins with Matt Pelfrey's acclaimed 2007 twisted comedy about a man preparing for the apocalypse he believes is imminent and how our obsession with security warps us all.

Oct. 29-Nov. 22, Flashpoint Theatre Co., Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-665-9720, flashpointtheatre.org.

People's Light created its version of the traditional English panto — a family-friendly evening of song and silliness, loosely based on a fairy tale — four years ago, and they just get better and better. This year's again features Kathryn Petersen's writing, Michael Ogborn's music and lyrics (the creators of last year's Treasure Island) and Mark Lazar in a dress — plus, funnyman Peter Pryor directs. Take the kids!

Nov. 19-Jan. 4, People's Light & Theatre Co., 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, 610-644-3500, peopleslight.org.

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