{"id":22507,"date":"2016-12-22T08:41:08","date_gmt":"2016-12-22T13:41:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=22507"},"modified":"2016-12-22T08:41:13","modified_gmt":"2016-12-22T13:41:13","slug":"on-stage-disney-on-ice-skates-into-town","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=22507","title":{"rendered":"On Stage: Disney on Ice Skates into town"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Staff Writer, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Philadelphia has many popular holiday traditions that have been entertaining area families for years. The tradition of a spectacular Disney on Ice skating show visiting Philadelphia during the Christmas holiday stretches back for decades and it\u2019s still going \u2013 stronger than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

From December 23-January 2, the Wells Fargo Center (3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-336-3600, http:\/\/www.wellsfargocenterphilly.com<\/span><\/a>) will be hosting \u201cDisney on Ice presents Follow Your Heart\u201d with an array of morning, afternoon and evening shows.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show, which has a huge cast and a lot of big production numbers, features many of Disney\u2019s most popular characters — from Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck to Rapunzel from \u201cTangled\u201d to Ariel from \u201cThe Little Mermaid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Traditionally, Disney on Ice has been able to assemble shows using different segments that had been used in prior shows. There also have been ice shows like \u201cAladdin\u201d and \u201cToy Story\u201d that tell a full story. But, the producers have realized that it\u2019s harder to go with full-length shows because younger audience members get bored.<\/span><\/p>\n

The kids need something that is colorful and changes rapidly — something that tells a story in a couple of minutes. There is a definite need for the show to be structured around a mixture of action, movement and popular songs. \u201cFollow Your Heart\u201d fills the bill perfectly.<\/span><\/p>\n

This groundbreaking show features 60 characters including Olaf, Kristoff, Anna, Elsa, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Minnie Mouse and the legendary Disney Princesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

The touring ice spectacle has segments representing a variety of Disney\u2019s most popular movies in recent years. Kids will delight to on-ice appearances by Dory and new pal Hank from Disney\u2022Pixar\u2019s \u201cFinding Dory\u201d as they set out to find her parents. They\u2019ll be able to cheer with Joy, Sadness, and the rest of the Emotions from Disney\u2022Pixar\u2019s \u201cInside Out\u201d as they work together to boost Riley\u2019s spirit and win the big hockey game.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the more inventive acts in the show will be an aerial silks segment featuring the two main characters from \u201cTangled\u201d \u2013 Rapunzel, who is portrayed by Anna Bradshaw, and Flynn, who is brought to life by Luis Douglas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cComing into this new season, they started to build a new show,\u201d said Douglas, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon. \u201cIt\u2019s a mixture of a normal skating show and a really cool circus show built for ice. It combines traditional skating elements with circus acts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the first time they\u2019ve used both aerial silks and a Spanish Web, which is used for \u2018The Little Mermaid,\u2019 in the same production. The silks are used in the \u2018Tangled\u2019 section. I do the act with Rapunzel. There\u2019s one silk each and we do tricks together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Douglas\u2019 background is in the world of skating rather than performance art. He grew up in Prestwick, a town hear Glasgow, Scotland and began skating when he was nine. He spent 10 years competing as one of Scotland\u2019s national caliber skaters.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter high school, I thought I was done with skating,\u201d said Douglas, who is a big fan of the internationally-acclaimed Scottish football (soccer) team Glasgow Rangers. \u201cBut, my coach told me to send out some tapes. One of the Disney on Ice tours was in Scotland and they held auditions in Aberdeen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I went up to audition. It was at the tail end of the season. The casting director was there and talked to me about a new Disney on Ice show called \u2018Treasure Trove.\u2019 They hired me and I was in \u2018Treasure Trove\u2019 for five years until it closed last year. I was Peter Pan. I flew in for my entrance and used a harness to do front flips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith this new show, our aerial act starts on the ice and then we go up in the air. I was a little nervous the first couple times we did it. At the start, I didn\u2019t know what it would be like. We worked for eight weeks with a trainer from Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. On the first day of practice, she had us up in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so much fun. I\u2019m an adrenalin junkie so this is a real thrill. Anna and I practice a lot. We have a really good relationship.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Douglas was familiar with \u201cTangled\u201d before this production even began.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really loved the music in \u2018Tangled,\u2019\u201d said Douglas. \u201cThe characters are great and the music is great. I watched the movie a bit to study the characters. Flynn is fun to plat. He\u2019s a little cocky \u2013 a ladies\u2019 man. But, all he really wants to do is make Rapunzel happy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cDisney on Ice presents Follow Your Heart\u201d \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/V7m0UbcAqSA?t=6<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ticket prices range from $20-$123.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Mamma Mia!<\/p><\/div>\n

The Kimmel Center\u2019s 2016 Broadway season will draw to a close on the final five days of the year with a show that will soon have its final curtain after a 14-year run.<\/span><\/p>\n

From December 27-21, the Merriam Theater (250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org<\/span><\/a>) will host the \u201cFarewell Tour\u201d of the smash-hit musical \u201cMamma Mia!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The arrival of \u201cMamma Mia!\u201d means that the music of one of Sweden\u2019s all-time best-selling pop bands will be filling the air at the Merriam. The jukebox musical was written by British playwright Catherine Johnson. The lively show is based on the songs of ABBA \u2014 songs composed by Benny Andersson and Bj\u00f6rn Ulvaeus, former members of the band. The title of the musical is taken from the group\u2019s 1975 mega-hit \u201cMamma Mia!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ulvaeus and Andersson, who composed the original music for ABBA, were involved in the development of the show from the beginning. ABBA\u2019s Anni-Frid Lyngstad has been involved financially in the production and she has also been present at many of the premieres around the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

The musical includes such hits as \u201cSuper Trouper,\u201d \u201cLay All Your Love on Me,\u201d \u201cDancing Queen,\u201d \u201cKnowing Me, Knowing You,\u201d \u201cTake a Chance on Me,\u201d \u201cThank You for the Music,\u201d \u201cMoney, Money, Money,\u201d \u201cThe Winner Takes It All,\u201d \u201cVoulez-Vous,\u201d \u201cSOS\u201d and, of course, \u201cMamma Mia!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMamma Mia!\u201d has been credited with popularizing the genre of shows known as \u201cjukebox musicals.\u201d There is also a \u201cfull circle\u201d effect that happened with this show.<\/span><\/p>\n

The musical\u2019s plot is based on a film that predated it. And, the popularity of the stage show \u201cMamma Mia!\u201d , which had its debut in 1999, has been bolstered by the theater and DVD success of the movie \u201cMamma Mia!\u201d, which was released in 2008. The feature film adaptation is the most successful movie musical of all time having already grossed over $600 million worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had never seen the show but I had seen the movie,\u201d said Lizzie Markson, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon from her home in Allentown during a pre-holiday tour break. \u201cMy knowledge of the show was pretty thin. I only knew ABBA songs through the band a-teens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Markson, who plays the key role of Sophie, didn\u2019t need familiarity with \u201cMamma Mia!\u201d She landed the lead role of the bride on talent alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just graduated in May from Elon College in North Carolina,\u201d said Markson, who is a graduate of the Lehigh Valley\u2019s Parkland High. \u201cI chose that school because they have a really good musical theater program. \u201cIn our senior year, the school brought casting directors and agents to Elon to do audition simulations. One of the people they brought in was Joy Dewing, the casting director for \u2018Mamma Mia!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe called me in for a dance call. Then, I ended up making a couple callbacks in New York. I went back-and-forth between North Carolina and New York a couple times. I found out a couple weeks after graduation that I had gotten the role of Sophie. We rehearsed in New York for three weeks in September. After that, we teched the show in Orange, Texas and then opened in Houston.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As of 2016, the show has productions in London\u2019s West End, where it is the eighth longest-running show in West End history, as well as various international productions. Its Broadway incarnation closed in September 2015 after a 14-year run, making it the eighth longest-running show in Broadway history. It is estimated that close to 50 million people around the world have seen \u201cMamma Mia!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never watched any performances online by other companies,\u201d said Markson. \u201cI didn\u2019t want it to hinder my freedom as an actor \u2013 to have something influence me as to \u2018how it\u2019s supposed to be done.\u2019 I tried to just use the source material and the script. But, I did listen to a lot of ABBA music.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlaying Sophie is pretty demanding all around because I have to be on my game every show. There is the pressure of having to carry the show. Everyone carries the show but there is more pressure on me and Betsy (Padamonsky), who plays the role of Donna, my mom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI like everything about Sophie. I love that she is hopelessly optimistic. She thinks everything is going to be the way she needs it to go because it has to go that way. I think I relate to her in the belief that it will all work out. I love her spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show has evolved into one that brings audiences back to see it every time it comes to town and frequently numerous times during each run.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA big part of it is the nostalgia for ABBA\u2019s music,\u201d said Markson. \u201cIt brings back memories. And, it is so successfully woven into a fun story that keeps you guessing. Most importantly, it provides a rare opportunity to escape and have fun for two hours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cMamma Mia!\u201d — https:\/\/youtu.be\/bCuDZi0aR6Q?t=5<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Performances are scheduled for December 27, 7:30 p.m.; December 28-30, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and December 31, 2 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>There will be a real \u201cPhilly Vibe\u201d when Orrin Evans plays a series of shows from December 28-30 at Chris\u2019 Jazz Cafe<\/span><\/a> (1421 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, www.chrisjazzcafe.co<\/span>m<\/span><\/a>, 215-568-3131).<\/span><\/p>\n

Evans, who grew up in Philadelphia and now resides in the city\u2019s Mount Airy neighborhood, will be performing the songs from his brand-new album \u201c#knowingishalfthebattle\u201d live for the first time in Philly. Evans used two internationally-acclaimed guitarists from Philadelphia on the album \u2013 Kevin Eubanks and Kurt Rosenwinkel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI recorded the album back in April and it came out in October,\u201d said Evans, during a phone interview Wednesday from a family holiday gathering in Fort Myers, Florida. \u201cI started writing for the album two-ot-three months before the recording began. It was probably one of the easiest times I had to compose. I wrote tunes based on other compositions or ideas that I liked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI recorded it at Sear Sound in New York. It\u2019s a great studio. Almost every song was done with a maximum of two takes. For this project, I decided to get people who I\u2019ve wanted to play with for years. I wanted Kevin Eubanks and Kurt Rosenwinkel. Actually, it wasn\u2019t until later that I realized I had picked two Philly guys. Kevin is from Philadelphia and Kurt lives a few blocks away from me in Mount Airy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But, Evans didn\u2019t have a Philly vibe in mind when he was writing the tunes for \u201c#knowingishalfthebattle\u201d nor did he let the potential musicians on the project influence his compositions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I\u2019m writing \u2013 the minute I have a player in mind, I stop,\u201d said Evans. \u201cI don\u2019t want to restrict myself. I want the composition to develop on its own and not be influenced by who might be playing on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The album\u2019s title was taken from the closing moments of every \u201cG.I. Joe\u201d cartoon \u2013 the familiar refrain, \u201cAnd now you know\u2026 and knowing is half the battle!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

On \u201c#knowingishalfthebattle,\u201d his third release for Smoke Sessions Records, Evans shares his own lessons in life and music on a raw, electrifying session that also featured bassist Luques Curtis, drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr., saxophonist Caleb Wheeler Curtis and vocalist M\u2019Balia.<\/span><\/p>\n

#knowingishalfthebattle shows Evans coming to terms with what he\u2019s learned over his years on and off the bandstand \u2014 and more importantly, how to make use of that knowledge. In large part, the answer he\u2019s come to involves letting go, forgetting what\u2019s been learned and trusting the instincts that come along with it. By inviting such virtuosic musicians into his world, he\u2019s asking them to do the same and making new discoveries through a collective act of forgetting.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Evans, who graduated from Philadelphia\u2019s Martin Luther King High School, \u201cWe\u2019re taught that with knowledge comes power. Which is true, but we never really realize that with knowledge comes responsibility. Then we have to figure out how to forget. When you let go of everything that you\u2019ve been taught, the possibilities of what can happen on the bandstand are endless.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That kind of edge-walking spontaneity is familiar to anyone who\u2019s ever seen Evans perform live, but it truly shines through on this recording, which is invigorated by its thrilling sense of looseness and in-the-moment invention.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201canything could happen\u201d vibe draws visceral performances from the full ensemble, but especially from the two topo-flight guitarists. Rosenwinkel is one of the most revered and influential guitarists of his generation while Eubanks gained fame for his 15-year stint as the bandleader for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, but is also well respected for his work with a long list of jazz greats.<\/span><\/p>\n

The line-up for the six shows in Philadelphia features Eubanks on guitar, Curtis on bass, Whitfield, Jr. on drums and Evans on piano.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI started studying piano at a very young age,\u201d said Evans, a Rutgers alum whose father was a professor at Trenton State University. \u201cMy mother was a singer and my father was a teacher and a playwright so I was always surrounded by the arts. My sister played piano as a hobby and I had an uncle who played jazz saxophone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGrowing up in Philly around that time, there were so many things going on \u2013 Trudy Pitts, Shirley Scott. It was exciting \u2013 just hearing music and letting my mind wander \u2013 relating Steely Dan to Ronnie Laws. It was connecting all the dots together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI graduated from Martin Luther King but before that I went to GAMP (a Philly arts high school named Girard Academic Music Project) where I studied piano \u2013 and clarinet for a little while. When I got to GAMP, I decided that this was going to be my thing. Being in the pit band for \u2018Godspell\u2019 was my first time getting paid to play music. One of my first gigs on my own was a little non-alcoholic club in Philly when I was 16 or 17.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Evans embarked on his music career, he never looked back. He released his debut album \u201cThe Trio\u201d in 1995. \u201c#knowingishalfthebattle\u201d was his second album release in 2016 and his 22nd album over the last 21 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Orrin Evans \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/sUaEj-HQxlI?t=9<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be shows each night at 8 and 10 p.m. Admission is $35 per show — all nights.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Mojo Stu<\/p><\/div>\n

Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295,\u00a0http:\/\/www.kennettflash.org<\/span><\/a>) presents Vinyl Artifacts, and Mojo Stu on December 22, Old Soul Revival on December 23, and Rusty Blue, Arden Kind, and Blues Reincarnation Project on December 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Steel City Coffee House (203 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, 610-933-4043, www.steelcitycoffeehouse.com<\/span><\/a>) will present Emily Jubb on December 23, House Plant and Qwirk on December 30 and Ben Arnold & Friends on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chaplin\u2019s (66 North Main Street, Spring City, 610-792-4110,\u00a0http:\/\/chaplinslive.com<\/span><\/a>) will have Silver Dress Pants, Kristina D\u2019Amico and Alex LeVlanc on December 30 and Slave Dog, Pharohs and the Lizard People on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Ardmore Music Hall (23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, 610-649-8389,\u00a0www.ardmoremusic.com<\/span><\/a>) will host Splintered Sunlight and Dr. Slothclaw on December 22, Electron (Marc Brownstein & Aron Magner of The Disco Biscuits, Mike Greenfield of Lotus, Tom Hamilton of JRAD) and Catullus on December 23, John Kadlecik Band (of Furthur & Dark Star Orchestra) and Old Soul Revival on December 28, Rusted Root and Rad & Kell on December 29, The James Brown Dance Party Feat. Clyde Stubblefield of James Brown Band, Elise Testone (American Idol), Members of Tedeschi Trucks, Charles Bradley & More along with Nik Greeley & The Operators on December 30 and Start Making Sense and Band From Mars on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

Valley Forge Casino (1160 First Avenue, King Of Prussia, 610-354-8118, www.vfcasino.com<\/span><\/a>) will present \u00a0Sublime with Rome on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Tower Theater (69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, 215-922-1011, www.thetowerphilly.com<\/span><\/a>) will feature Cedric the Entertainer on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Keswick Theater (291 N. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 215-572-7650,\u00a0www.keswicktheatre.com<\/span><\/a>) presents Chrisette Michelle and Raheem Devaughn on December 29, and The Wall on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808,\u00a0www.st94.com<\/span><\/a>) will have John Flynn Family & Friends: Holiday Concert on December 22, Whiskeyhickon Boys<\/span><\/a> and The Hoppin’ Boxcars<\/span><\/a> on December 23, Raymond The Amish Comic<\/span><\/a> and\u00a0 Michael Aronin<\/span><\/a> on December 26, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.<\/span><\/a> on December 28, Lotus Land on December 29, Live Wire on December 30, Rubix Cube on December 31, and Cherry Poppin’ Daddies<\/span><\/a> and Slicked Up 9s<\/span><\/a> on January 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

World Caf\u00e9 Live at the Queen (500 North Market Street, Wilmington, 302- 994-1400,\u00a0www.queen.worldcafelive.com<\/span><\/a>) will have Mad-Sweet Pangs on December 23, Montana Wildaxe on December 29, and Urban Shaman Attack feat. Ron Sutton Jr + The Late Saints on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

World Caf\u00e9 Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com<\/span><\/a>) will host Livvie Forbes, Christopher Burkholder, Soundcheck, Brooke Falls w\/ Millennium and The Current<\/span><\/a> on December 23, Mistletoe Jam 2016 with Soraia<\/span><\/a>, John Fay, JDT<\/span><\/a>, Robbie Casablanca<\/span><\/a>, Scarlet Sunrise<\/span><\/a>, and Curtis Jr.<\/span><\/a> on December 29, Slambovian Circus of Dreams on December 30, and New Year\u2019s Eve with the David Bromberg Quintet<\/span><\/a> on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

Theatre of the Living Arts (334 South Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1011, http:\/\/www.lnphilly.com<\/span><\/a>) will present Matisyahu on December 27, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong on December 28, Dag Nasty on December 30, Cabinet on December 31, and August Burns Red on January 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

Johnny Brenda\u2019s (1201 North Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-739-9684,\u00a0<\/span>www.johnnybrendas.com<\/a><\/span>) has a schedule that includes Secret Pants presents “Federally Mandated Christmas Variety Show” on December 22, Philly Loves James Brown on December 23, Grubby Little Hands, Tutlie, and Raindeer on December 30, and New Year’s Eve with David Wax Museum, Kevin Manning, and Auld Lang Syne on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>

The Ben Vaughn Quintet<\/p><\/div>\n

Boot and Saddle (1131 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-639-4528, www.bootandsaddlephilly.com<\/span><\/a>) is hosting A Very Arbor Christmas Featuring It’s A King Thing, Endor Endor, Bacio, and The Classic Brown on December 22, The Ben Vaughn Quintet on December 23, Chris Cardillo, Ryan Petrillo and Kevin Large on December 27, Hillary Wallace and the Death Spot \u00a0and Collins on December 28, The Sun & The Moon Band and Rush 2.0 on December 29, Oh, Are They?, Belgrade, and Honeytiger on December 30 and \u00a0TJ Kong And The Atomic Bomb, Mercury Radio Theater, and Levee Drivers on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Trocadero (10th and Arch streets, Philadelphia, 215-922-6888, www.thetroc.com<\/span><\/a>) will have The Weekend Riot on December 23 and Elanor Kerrigan and Friends — Cassandra Dee, Joe Conklin, and Rocco Stowe on December 27.<\/span><\/p>\n

Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, 215-232-2100, www.utphilly.com<\/span><\/a>) will host Making Time New Year\u2019s Eve 2017<\/span><\/a> on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fillmore Philadelphia (1100 Canal Street, Philadelphia, 215-309-0150, www.thefillmorephilly.com<\/span><\/a>) will present Valencia on December 28, Gramatik on December 30, and Kurt Vile on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

Electric Factory (421 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, 215-627-1332, www.electricfactory.info<\/span><\/a>) has Lotus and theNEWDEAL on December 29 and Dark Star Orchestra and Keller Williams on December 30 and Dark Star Orchestra on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tin Angel (20 South Second Street, Philadelphia, 215-928-0770, http:\/\/www.tinangel.com<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Stephen Kellogg and Megan Burtt on December 27, and Mary Fahl on December 31<\/span><\/p>\n

Kung Fu Necktie (1248 North Front Street, Philadelphia, 215-291-4919, kungfunecktie.com<\/span><\/a>) hosts<\/span><\/p>\n

Playing Makeup, and Wearing Guitar<\/a><\/span> on December 22, Los Campeones<\/span><\/a>, The Mad Splatter, and Old Scratch<\/span><\/a> on December 23, Deflector, Speaking Parts, and Slow Tongued Beauty<\/span><\/a> on December 23 (late show), Voltheque<\/span><\/a>, Doll Face, and Tropical Taste<\/span><\/a> on December 26, Pink Slip Daddy<\/span><\/a>, \u00a0Gibbous Moon, and She Hates Me<\/span><\/a> on December 29, Green Jelly<\/span><\/a>, Triple Goddess, and Riverside Odds<\/span><\/a> on December 30, Dysentery<\/span><\/a>, Iron Price, Ether, The Virgin Birth, Eaten Alive, and Knives<\/span><\/a> on December 31 and Residuels<\/span><\/a>, The Nude Party, and The Robotrippers<\/span><\/a> on January 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, http:\/\/undergroundarts.org<\/span><\/a>) presents<\/span><\/p>\n

The Slackers, The Scotch Bonnets, and The Bullbuckers<\/a><\/span> on December 22, Hot Snakes<\/span><\/a> on December 28,<\/span><\/p>\n

Diarrhea Planet<\/a><\/span> and Straw Hat<\/span><\/a> on December 29, Guided By Voices<\/span><\/a> and The Moles<\/span><\/a> on December 30, and West Philadelphia Orchestra + Johnny Showcase, Minka, and Muscle Tough<\/span><\/a> on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fire (412 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, 267-671-9298, thefirephilly.com<\/span><\/a>) will have Lavva Girl<\/span><\/a>, Kil Confirmed<\/span><\/a>, Kid the Great<\/span><\/a> and Scottie Kash<\/span><\/a> on December 22, LYVE Harmon<\/span><\/a>, James Allen, Janay Keys<\/span><\/a>, Dahi Divine<\/span><\/a>, Sima Young<\/span><\/a>, Destiny X, and B-roc The Prophecy<\/span><\/a> on December 23, Better Machines<\/span><\/a>, Tie Goes To The Runner<\/span><\/a>, Your Persona<\/span><\/a>, Pines and My Lonely Heart<\/span><\/a> on December 28, and The Last Brontosaurus<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Gab Abramson<\/span><\/a> and Carmen Costa <\/span>on December 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

Punch Line Philly (33 East Laurel Street, Philadelphia, 215-606-6555<\/span><\/a>, http:\/\/www.punchlinephilly.com<\/span><\/a>) will have Jay Black on December 23 and Comedy Countdown with Jimmy Shubert & Friends from December 29-31.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bourbon and Branch (705 North Second Street, Philadelphia, 215-238-0660, bourbonandbranchphilly.com<\/span><\/a>) hosts<\/span><\/p>\n

Tesselations<\/a><\/span>, Elephant Jake, Korean Large, and Minor Setbacks<\/span><\/a> on December 28, Impressionist<\/span><\/a>, Slophouse, Tranche, and Edenspore<\/span><\/a> on December 29, and Chalk & the Beige Americans<\/span><\/a>, Shy Boyz, and Dirty Soap Blues Band<\/span><\/a> on December 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coda (1712 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 267- 639-4630, http:\/\/www.codaphilly.com\/<\/span><\/a>) will have Speaker of the House <\/span><\/a>on December 23, The Skints with Suburban Sensi <\/span><\/a>on December 28 and New Year’s Eve 2017 <\/span><\/a>on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Voltage Lounge (421 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, 215- 964-9602, www.Voltagelounge.com<\/span><\/a>) hosts Huey Mack, Cal Mobley, Fis Geez The Rapper, A.V.A, \u00a0and Squid Mchale on December 29, and Marvel Years on December 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 215- 925-6455, www.milkboyphilly.com<\/span><\/a>) presents Ben Aire & Handsome Sam on December 22, The Once Was<\/span><\/a>, Pet Cheetah, and The Wonder Bars<\/span><\/a> on December 23, Peelander-Z<\/span><\/a>, Toranavox, and Honah Lee<\/span><\/a> on December 28, HR of Bad Brains<\/span><\/a>, Dubb Agents<\/span><\/a>, Kingsound<\/span><\/a> and on December 30, GhettoSongBird<\/span><\/a> on December 30 (late show), and Scot Sax Soul Revue and Suzie Brown<\/span><\/a> on January 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

The American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 800-0 648-4102, www.AMTshows.com<\/span><\/a>) is presenting its 2016 Christmas show \u201cWinter Wonderland\u201d now through December 30, \u201cBonded: A Tribute to James Bond\u201d on December 31, and \u201cDancing with the Stars: Live! \u2013 We Came to Dance\u201d on January 4 and 5.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tellus 360 (24 East King Street, Lancaster, 717-393-1660, www.tellus360.com<\/span><\/a>) has The Willie Marble Xperience<\/span><\/a> on December 22,<\/span><\/p>\n

Andy Mowatt Steely Jam with Younger Me<\/a><\/span> on December 23, A Celtic Christmas at Tellus360<\/span><\/a> on December 26, Diarrhea Planet with Straw Hats & High Heels<\/span><\/a> on December 28, Dabby Paddy Allstars with Higher Education<\/span><\/a> on December 30 and \u201cAcappellus360!<\/span><\/a>\u201d on January 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chameleon Club (223 North Water Street, Lancaster, 717-299-9684, http:\/\/www.chameleonclub.net<\/span><\/a>) presents <\/span>The Skiffs, Humandala and Up and Up <\/span>on December 23, <\/span>Laura Luce featuring Ton Taun, The Vivien Leigh Documentary, and Dan Zdilla <\/span>on December 27,<\/span><\/p>\n

Galactic Empire<\/a>, The Stonewall Vessels, and Blind\/Bird<\/span> on December 28, <\/span>The Holiday Jam <\/span>on December 29, and Reservoir<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Magnolia, Meg and The Right Sound, Avery, and Guilt Trip <\/span>on December 30<\/span><\/p>\n

Reverb (1402 North Ninth Street, Reading, 610-743-3069, www.reverbconcerts.com<\/span><\/a>) will present Rivers of Nihil with a special free show on December 23.<\/span><\/p>\n

SteelStacks (101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, 610-332-1300, http:\/\/www.steelstacks.org<\/span><\/a>) will have Swingin\u2019 the Holidays with The Rob Stoneback Big Band on December 22, The Lou Franco Project Guitar Show on December 26,\u00a0 Jimmy & the Parrots: Holiday Parrot Party on December 27, The Sofa Kings on December 28, The Philadelphia Funk Authority on December 29 and The Red Elvises\u2019 New Year’s Eve Spectacular on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Sands Bethlehem Event Center (77 Sands Boulevard, Bethlehem, 610-297-7400,\u00a0http:\/\/sandseventcenter.com<\/span><\/a>) will present Clutch on December 29 and Jerry Blavat on December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rainbow Comedy Theatre (3065 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, 800-292-4301, http:\/\/www.rainbowcomedy.com<\/span><\/a>) is presenting \u201cGreen Holly and Gray Potatoes\u201d now through December 28. Matinee performances are every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and selected Saturdays with an 11:30 a.m. lunch and a 1 p.m. curtain. Evening performances are every Friday, Saturday and selected Thursdays with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the show following at 8 p.m. There will also be \u201cTwilight Performances\u201d on selected Sundays with dinner at 2:30 p.m. and the show at 4 p.m. Ticket prices range from $30-$55.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff,\u00a0Staff Writer, The Times Philadelphia has many popular holiday traditions that have been entertaining area families for years. The tradition of a spectacular Disney on Ice skating show visiting Philadelphia during the Christmas holiday stretches back for decades and it\u2019s still going \u2013 stronger than ever. From December 23-January 2, the Wells Fargo […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22509,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7529],"tags":[8350,8351,8355,6518,8352,8354,8353],"class_list":["post-22507","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-d-arts-entertainment","tag-ben-vaughn-quintet","tag-disney-on-ice","tag-emily-jubb","tag-featured","tag-mamma-mia","tag-mojo-stu","tag-orrin-evans"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22507","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=22507"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22507\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22508,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22507\/revisions\/22508"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/22509"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=22507"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=22507"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=22507"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}