On Stage: ‘The Illusionists’ comes to Wilmington
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
The Illusionists
Magicians seem to be omnipresent and magic shows pop up on entertainment calendars on a regular basis. Some of the shows make you shake your head in amazement – not at the complexity of the act but rather that venues would even book the act.
There are some good shows featuring magic acts but it’s safe to say that they all pale in comparison...
On Stage: Hardly a Fish out of water
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
Samantha Fish
If you’re prone to believing stereotypes, then you probably envision an older black male if someone referred to a veteran blues artist – that a young, white female blues veteran would be a fish out of water.
And, you’d be very wrong – especially if you consider Samantha Fish.
Samantha Fish, who is headlining a show on December 9 at...
On Stage (Bonus): JoJo’s Holiday Variety Show ready to get you in the mood
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
Now that the holiday season has arrived, there are many, many concert options. But, it is also a good time to consider attending a stage production such as a play, a ballet performance or even a modern-day version of the old variety show.
On December 15, Joey Sweeney and a bunch of other artists from around the Delaware Valley will be presenting a modern-day...
On Stage: Aimee Mann comes to the Colonial
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
Aimee Mann
Aimee Mann has probably played more different area venues than any other act on the scene – starting with her formative days in ’til Tuesday and continuing through her long solo career.
Mann has played everywhere from huge arenas (the Spectrum) to outdoor venues (Mann Music Center, Philadelphia Zoo) to small clubs (Chestnut Cabaret, World...
On Stage: The Color Purple returns to Philadephia
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
The Color Purple
For the second time this season, area theater fans are being treated to an inaugural run of a hit Broadway show’s National Tour.
The North American Tour of the Tony Award®-winning revival of “The Color Purple” visits Philadelphia from December 12-17 as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series, which is presented collaboratively by...
On Stage Spotlight: Ryan Tennis is home for the holidays
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
Ryan Tennis
Ryan Tennis is a Philadelphia musician — a globe-trotting Philly musician.
He is a singer/songwriter/guitarist who in last two years has mounted successful tours through Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Colombia, and Argentina. He spent February 2017 doing a massive tour in Colombia from Bogota to Barranquilla and from Cali to Cartagena.
Tennis...
On Stage: Nothing like The Nutcracker to make it feel like Christmas
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
The Nutcracker by the Pennsylvania Ballet.
The Pennsylvania Ballet’s annual production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” is one of the most cherished—and longest running—family holiday traditions for families in the region. For many, a visit to Philadelphia to enjoy the lavish presentation by the world-famous Pennsylvania Ballet is a integral...
On Stage: Ventura fire forces cancellation of Phillips’ show
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
Veteran rock and jazz drummer Simon Phillips was forced to cancel his tour — including a local stop tonight — after his Venture County, Cal. home burned in a wildfire.
Two British musicians who first arrived on the scene in the late 1970s and have been going strong ever since have concerts scheduled in the area at different venues on December 6 – Gary...
On Stage: Kick off the holidays with the Kennett Symphony
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
The Kennett Symphony invites you to join with its musicians and special guests for a festive holiday celebration this weekend.
On December 2, the Kennett Symphony (http://kennettsymphony.org/) is presenting “Pops Goes the Holiday with Special Guest Philadanco” at 7:30 p.m. at Unionville High School (750 Unionville Road, Kennett Square).
On Stage: A chance to preview ‘Wolf-in-skins’
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
Wof-in-Skins
Years ago, Broadway shows would frequently open “out of town” prior to heading to New York. The productions would have week-long runs in Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington D.C. – sometimes even in Hartford, Wilmington or Baltimore.
The productions were in “partially-finished” stages — presented on stage to gauge audience reaction...
