March 30–April 6, 2000 theater Playing God A mother’s love: Mary (Christina DeAngelis) cradles Jesus (Sean Camoni). James J. Christy creates and directs a Passion play. by Toby Zinman The Passion of Christ Villanova Theatre, St. Mary’s Chapel at Villanova…

March 16–23, 2000 theater Bald and Beautiful Going all the way: Danson sans hair. photo: Maria Kotsikoros Actress Randy Danson sheds her locks for Wit. by Toby Zinman Note: Randy Danson is a New York actress (she was briefly married…

February 24–March 2, 2000 theater Triumph of Love Lover men: Martin Rayner, Mark Alhadeff and Ian Merrill in The Invention of Love. Tom Stoppard’s latest play gets a spectacular production at the Wilma. by Toby Zinman The Invention of Love…

November 18–25, 1999 theater Culture Clash White Americans and Latinos comically collide in Octavio Solis’ bizarre musical adventure. by Toby Zinman El Paso Blue Venture Theatre at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., through Dec. 5, 215-923-2766, ext. 22 El Paso…

January 28–February 4, 1999 theater Suite Memories By Toby Zinman Hotel Suite Walnut Street Theatre, Ninth and Walnut Sts., through Feb. 28, 215-574-3550, ext.4. Vintage Neil Simon. Which is to say both old and funny. Which is also to say…

January 14–21, 1999 cover story|theater Best Bets by Toby Zinman Frank Rich, known for years as The Butcher of Broadway, has written a book called Hot Seat about his departure from his job as the theater critic for The New…

November 5–12, 1998 theater Killer by Toby Zinman Chicago   Merry Murderesses: Ensemble members in Chicago. Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., through Dec. 6, 732-5446 Short review: It’s fabulous. Long review: Dark, glittery bandstand onstage. Bluesy trumpet. “5,6,7,8” and…

September 14–21, 1995 20 questions Hazel Bowers: Grandes Dames That’s french for women of presence and ability. By Toby Zinman Hazel Bowers, with her long red hair and elegant English accent, is a (heretofore) unsung stalwart of the Philadelphia theater…

September 14–21, 1995 20 questions Irene Worth: Grandes Dames That’s French for women of presence and ability. By Toby Zinman Irene Worth, born in 1916 in Nebraska, is one of the last of the generation of legendary actors of the…