{"id":26701,"date":"2017-11-24T15:31:17","date_gmt":"2017-11-24T20:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=26701"},"modified":"2017-11-24T15:31:27","modified_gmt":"2017-11-24T20:31:27","slug":"on-stage-something-better-than-bacon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=26701","title":{"rendered":"On Stage: Something ‘Better than Bacon’"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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Better Than Bacon<\/p><\/div>\n

Vegetarians looking for a breakfast choice will tell you that anything is \u201cBetter Than Bacon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fans of comedy throughout the Delaware Valley will tell you that \u201cBetter Than Bacon\u201d is a top-flight improvisational comedy act.<\/p>\n

For the last eight years, Better Than Bacon has been generating laughter at its shows and has become a local favorite with its monthly residence shows at the Uptown and Kennett Flash.<\/p>\n

On November 24 at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, http:\/\/uptownwestchester.org<\/a>, 610-356-ARTS), Better Than Bacon is presenting is a special \u201cBacon Gives Back\u201d performance benefiting Act in Faith of Greater West Chester, an interfaith organization that provides support for unemployed and under-employed members of our community.<\/p>\n

The cast includes comedians Lauren Burawski, Bob Curran, Jack Dibeler, Brett Heller, Lauren Henry, Amy Hitchcock, Gerry Kniezewski, Steve Murphy, Susan Price and Dan Stabb.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt all started as a happy little accident in 2010,\u201d said Stabb, during a phone interview Wednesday afterno0on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was teaching an improv class at Chester County Night School in West Chester. Jack Dibeler was signed up for another class and came to mine by accident. The other class wanted to start a troupe but didn\u2019t have a director.\u00a0 So, Lauren Harvey reached out to me to see if I\u2019d be interested.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn March 2011, we had our first show at the Great Valley Nature Center. All the members from the troupe then are still with it and we added one more member. We\u2019ve stayed with 11 for years \u2013 but we\u2019ll only have 10 at the Uptown.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve had a residency at the Kennett Flash since June 2011. We started a residency at Uptown this year and at Penn\u2019s Place in New Castle, Delaware in 2015.<\/p>\n

In a fashion similar to the TV show \u201cWhose Line Is It Anyway?,\u201d the members of the troupe make up every single word and perform every single action completely on-the-spot…and it\u2019s all driven by audience suggestions. Every show is a brand-new experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe still rehearse after all these years \u2013 two or three times a month,\u201d said Stabb, who is a director at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr. \u201cWe\u2019re always trying to hone our craft.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll improv games are rooted in improv fundamentals \u2013 two main words\u2026\u2019yes\u2019 and \u2018and.\u2019 We try not to say the word \u2018no.\u2019 It\u2019s all about agreement and building. Each improv game has a gimmick inherent to the game.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe use \u2018blind line\u2019 a lot. Two actors leave the stage. Then, we get a line of dialogue from the audience. The actors come back on stage and have to use that line of dialogue. We also use \u2018three things,\u2019 which is a guessing game.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur shows are always different. We know what game we\u2019re going to play but that\u2019s where the knowledge ends. To be funny, we have to listen to each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for Better Than Bacon \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/Y5sem4ZDsl4<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at the Uptown will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center are Dueling Pianos on December 7, the Uptown! Speakers Series featuring photographer Ted Goldman on December 19, Uptown!\u2019s \u201cThird Thursday Jazz\u201d with a holiday concert on December 21, and the \u201cNew Year\u2019s Eve Gala\u201d on December 31.<\/p>\n

From December 15-31, The Resident Theater Company will present \u201cA Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play\u201d with the audience playing the role of an old-time radio show\u2019s live audience — just like radio shows of the early 20th century. Charles Dickens\u2019 holiday classic will come to life as six actors perform a live 1940s radio broadcast, with vintage commercials and live sound effects.<\/p>\n

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DakhaBrakha<\/p><\/div>\n

One of the more interesting shows this weekend should be the concert by the Ukrainian band DakhaBrakha. The quartet, which is based in Kyiv (Kiev), will perform at the Grand Opera House (818 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-652-5577, www.thegrandwilmington.org<\/a>) on November 25.<\/p>\n

The veteran foursome includes Marko Halanevych (vocal<\/a>, goblet drum<\/a>, tabla<\/a>, didgeridoo<\/a>, harmonica<\/a>, accordion<\/a>, caj\u00f3n<\/a>), <\/u>Olena Tsybulska (vocal<\/a>, percussion instrument<\/a>),<\/u>Iryna Kovalenko (vocal<\/a>, djembe<\/a>, flute<\/a>, buhay<\/a>, piano<\/a>, ukulele<\/a>) and <\/u>Nina Harenetska (vocal<\/a>, cello<\/a>). <\/u>All of the members are graduates of the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The group’s name derives from Ukrainian verbs \u0414\u0430\u0432\u0430\u0442\u0438 and \u0411\u0440\u0430\u0442\u0438, meaning \u201cgive\u201d and \u201ctake.\u201d DakhaBrakha is world-music quartet that blends elements of sound and soul to create what it calls Ukrainian \u201cethnic chaos.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of our songs can be traced back to pre-Christian times,\u201d said Halanevych, during an interview through an interpreter the last time DakhaBrakha played Delaware.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery song has a traditional source \u2013 traditional lyrics about nature and harvest and things like that. Some songs get changed from traditional through unusual arrangements and some do not change much at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

DakhaBrakha was created in 2004 at the Kyiv Center of Contemporary Art \u201cDAKH\u201d by the avant-garde theatre director \u2013 Vladyslav Troitskiy. Theatre work has left its mark on the band. In addition to experimenting with Ukrainian folk music, DakhjaBrakha has added rhythms from around the world in its music.<\/p>\n

The band\u2019s discography includes \u201c\u041d\u0430 \u0434\u043e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u043d\u0456\u0447\u201d (2005), \u201c\u042f\u0433\u0443\u0434\u043a\u0438\u201d (2007),\u201d\u041d\u0430 \u043c\u0435\u0436\u0456\u201d (2009), \u201cLight<\/a>\u201d<\/u> (2010), \u201c\u0425\u043c\u0435\u043b\u0435\u0432\u0430 project\u201d (2012) and \u201c\u0428\u043b\u044f\u0445\u201d (2016). DakhaBrakha also has three soundtracks to its credit \u2013 \u201cBitter Harvest\u201d (2017 film, <\/a>Canada<\/a>), \u201cMavka. The Forest Song<\/a>\u201d<\/u> (2016, Ukraine<\/a>) and \u201cFargo\u201d (2017, TV series, <\/a>United States<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Accompanied by\u00a0Indian, Arabic, African, Russian and Australian traditional instrumentation, the Slavic foursome\u2019s powerful and uncompromising vocal range creates a\u00a0trans-national sound rooted in\u00a0Ukrainian culture.<\/p>\n

DakhaBrakha\u2019s three female vocalists have spent many summers traveling around Ukraine\u2019s villages collecting songs and learning from elder women in remote areas. Like these village tradition-bearers, they have spent years singing together, a fact that resonates in the beautifully close, effortlessly blended sound of their voices.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe core of our music is Ukrainian folk music,\u201d said Halanevych. \u201cAnd, we try to mix in other styles of music \u2013 different styles of folk music. We like different styles of music \u2013 especially world music.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also like classical 20th-century minimalist music like that of Philip Glass. That style of music had also influenced us a lot. The methods of minimalism helped us with our approach to traditional folk music. But, the main element is always the Ukrainian folk tradition.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for DakhaBrakha — https:\/\/youtu.be\/1a5ktK5xTkY<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at the Grand will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.<\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at the Grand are \u201cRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer\u201d on November 26 and Melissa Etheridge \u201cMerry Christmas, Baby\u201d on November 29.<\/p>\n

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West End Blend<\/p><\/div>\n

On November 24, West End Blend will bring its movement-inspiring music to MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 215- 925-6455, www.milkboyphilly.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Since the band\u2019s formation, funk\/soul band West End Blend has been playing its version of the music styles in venues all over the Northeast.<\/p>\n

The band\u2019s line-up features Erica T. Bryan (vocals), Sam Horan (drums), Tom Sullivan (bass), Paulie Philippone (keyboards), Jesse Combs (guitar),
\nMike Dipanfilo (guitar), John Mundy (trombone), and Mike Bafundo (trumpet, vocals).<\/p>\n

\u201cThe band is based out of Hartford, Connecticut,\u201d said Horan, during a phone interview Tuesday afternoon from his Connecticut home.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe formed the band right after college five years ago. We were students at the hart School of Music at the University of Hartford. I was studying jazz drumming and music management.<\/p>\n

\u201cI called some friends and asked them to start a band with me. We began by playing basement shows and local bars. After a while, we started getting dates outside the state.<\/p>\n

\u201cThree of us were really tight friends from previous bands we played in. It was an indie-rock band with jazz influences. We had gigging experience from doing shows around Hartford with that band. I met the rest of the band members through music school.<\/p>\n

\u201cWest End Blend\u2019s first show as a band was at Sully\u2019s Pub in Hartford\u2019s West End five years ago. There, I met a club owner who was opening a new club in downtown Hartford. I was in my senior year and needed a music management project. Me and him worked together opening the club and then West End Blend had a residency there every Thursday night for a year straight. That helped us cultivate a big following in Hartford. And, it helped us get our performance chops.\u201d<\/p>\n

West End Blend released its debut album, \u201cRewind\u201d, in fall 2015. The album was recorded at Telefunken Studios with Grammy Award winning engineer, Brendan Morawski.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a record out before that called \u2018What It\u2019s All About\u2019 that came out in 2014,\u201d said Horan. \u201cThen, we released \u2018Say Hey\u2019 in 2016 and we just put out our fourth album on October 30 \u2013 a six-song EP called \u2018Attitude.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was recorded at the Carriage House studio in Connecticut last January. We did all the instruments in the same room together. It was almost like a live show. It was recorded digitally but we were shooting for an analog sound the best we could.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe originally started with13 members and now we\u2019re at eight. Over the years, we started to refine our sound. Our original music is written by a number of people in the band with the majority by our singer Erica and our keyboard player Paulie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for West End Blend \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/rLI_34NY9xU<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at MilkBoy, which also features Nik Greeley & The Operators, will start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.<\/p>\n

The other show at MilkBoy this week features Soraia, Cold Roses, Lito and the Shepherds and The Hess Brothers on November 25.<\/p>\n

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Joe Deninzon<\/p><\/div>\n

Another show on November 24 featuring a band that gets its groove going big-time will be Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius at the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808,\u00a0www.st94.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The New York-based band Stratospheerius plays a style of music that defies categorization — a blend of straight-up rock, jazz, folk, fusion, prog-rock and funk. The group\u2019s founding member Joe Deninzon describes the band\u2019s sound as \u201cpsychojazz trip funk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deninzon & Stratospheerius is now touring in support of their new album \u201cGuilty of Innocence\u201d with a line-up featuring Joe Nardulli (guitar in Ad Astra), Paul Ranieri (bassist, Mark Wood), Tobias Ralph (drums, Adrian Belew) and Deninzon on electric violin, mandolin and vocals.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuilty of Innocence,\u201d which is available through Melodic Revolution Records, also features special appearances by Alex Skolnick (Testament), Rave Tesar (Renaissance) and Randy McStine (The Fringe).<\/p>\n

\u201cGuilty of Innocence\u201d highlights include a reimagined cover of muse\u2019s \u201cHysteria,\u201d a 12-minute prog epic titled \u201cSoul Food\u201d (which features Tesar, McStine and Skolnick), and \u201cDream Diary Cadenza,\u201d a solo electric violin extravaganza by Deninzon.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaking this album was a long process,\u201d said Deninzon, during a phone interview Tuesday from Long Island, where he was rehearsing with the band.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a new approach. Usually, we\u2019d get 10 or more songs together and book a studio. This time, we did one of two songs at a time and released them as singles. And, we revisited stiff from 2014 and tweaked it. It was cost-effective \u2013 a single here and there. Also, it allowed us to make each song the best it could be. We let it evolve naturally. The only real challenge was to make the album sound cohesive \u2013 and it does. Nowadays, people expect you to come up with new stuff all the time. But, as a musician, you want your music to be goo \u2013 and that takes time.\u201d<\/p>\n

There were other differences with Deninzon\u2019s approach to the new album.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to try some different engineers whose work I liked,\u201d said Deninzon. \u201cThe first four songs I had different people mix them. I ended up mixing a lot of the songs with Alex Saltzman. We tracked two songs at Alex\u2019s studio and a few other songs at Rave Tesar\u2019s studio.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deninzon, who plays a special seven-string Trident electric violin known as The Viper, has a diverse music background and a long history with his band Stratospheerius.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had the band for quite a while now — in a lot of configurations,\u201d said Deninzon. \u201cI recorded my first CD when I was in Cleveland. It was called \u2018Electric\/Blue\u2019 and it was a jazz fusion album. Over the years, I wanted to go in a more rock direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I moved to New York, I formed the Joe Deninzon Band and it later became Stratospheerius. I\u2019ve always loved rock and folk music. Back then, I had two things going — playing guitar and singing in coffee shops and playing jazz music with my band.<\/p>\n

\u201cI looked at artists like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and John Popper — bands that were instrumentally great and were fronted by a vocalist. I was also influenced by progressive rock bands from the 19780s such as Yes, the Mahavishnu Orchestra and King Crimson.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deninzon\u2019s current lineup could blow away audiences without a single line of vocals — but that\u2019s not what he wants to see happen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a big rock fan — always have been,\u201d said Deninzon, who was born in St. Petersburg (Russia) and moved to Cleveland when he was a boy and his father landed a position as violinist for the Cleveland Orchestra.<\/p>\n

\u201cI studied jazz in college but rock is what I wanted to play. Vocals are important. We have a lot of instrumentals but 70 per cent of our songs feature vocals. With all the different genres, I was finding my way over the years.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of the stuff I write about is a mix of politics and personal life. \u2018Guilty of Innocence\u2019 came from my stint on jury duty. We\u2019re quick to point our fingers but not so quick to look inside. Political and societal problems work their way into all my writing. Some of the songs are more personal \u2013 things like a lovers\u2019 quarrel or missing my kids when I\u2019m on the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cStratospheerius has grown into a progressive rock band — a progressive rock band with cool vocals. Our stuff has gotten more structured. But, I also like the element of freedom. I never play a song the same way twice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/RKp89PxikpQ<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at Sellersville, which also features Gary Hoey, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and $39.50.<\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at the Sellersville Theater are Almost Queen on November 25 and Herman\u2019s Hermits starring Peter Noone with AM Radio on November 26.<\/p>\n

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Postmodern Jukebox<\/p><\/div>\n

On November 25, Scott Bradlee\u2019s Postmodern Jukebox will make a tour stop at the Keswick Theater (291 N. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 215-572-7650,\u00a0www.keswicktheatre.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Scott Bradlee\u2019s Postmodern Jukebox is a genre-busting, rotating collective of musicians and vocalists that reimagines modern pop hits in the style of jazz, ragtime, and swing classics of the 1920s-1950s. As arranger and producer, Bradlee has assembled a multi-talented group of performers who rework versions of popular modern songs.<\/p>\n

The music videos of these collaborative covers have become viral sensations with millions of views on YouTube. An act that crosses all musical boundaries and generations, Postmodern Jukebox has developed a niche all its own, and performs a live show unlike any other \u2013 a must-see for anyone who loves jaw-dropping live performances.<\/p>\n

Postmodern Jukebox is now touring in support of \u201cThe New Classics,\u201d a 12-track album that was released on November 17 via Concord Records and Postmodern Jukebox Records. The album is the companion piece to a PBS special taped live at a Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) show in Las Vegas, which will air nationally in late November and will also be available on DVD initially through PBS.<\/p>\n

Bradlee is the only constant in a band that has featured more than 100 semi-permanent and guest musicians. One of the current vocalists is Dani Armstrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cI joined the band one-and-a-half years ago,\u201d said Anderson, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon from a tour stop in Reading, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was performing at a club in L.A. \u2013 the Dave Koz Lounge \u2013and sang one song. The Postmodern Jukebox manager heard me. He contacted me the next day and asked if I wanted to join Postmodern Jukebox. Obviously, I was interested and here I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

PMJ originally found massive success online, with new videos added weekly that continually find inventive new ways to put Bradlee\u2019s trademark vintage twist on modern pop hits.<\/p>\n

That \u201canything can, and will, happen\u201d vibe is fully captured on \u201cThe New Classics,\u201d which features lively performances of a wide range of reimagined hits in the party-like atmosphere that has come to characterize the band\u2019s shows. These include everything from the grunge rock of Soundgarden\u2019s \u201cBlack Hole Sun\u201d to the teen-like pop of Taylor Swift\u2019s \u201cBad Blood\u201d — from Cyndi Lauper\u2019s classic \u201880s ballad \u201cTime After Time\u201d to the disco anthem \u201cI Will Survive.\u201d<\/p>\n

The unique result of pianist\/arranger Bradlee\u2019s novel concept has generated over three million subscriptions to PMJ\u2019s YouTube channel since its 2013 inception, not to mention over one million Facebook likes and nearly 850 million views.<\/p>\n

With over one million views in its first week \u2013 and four million in its first year — Robyn Adele Anderson\u2019s cover of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ \u201cThrift Shop\u201d (2012) was Postmodern Jukebox\u2019s first viral music video. This success was followed by her cover of Miley Cyrus\u2019 \u201cWe Can’t Stop\u201d in 2013.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the biggest has been PMJ\u2019s version of Radiohead\u2019s \u2018Creep\u2019 single,\u201d said Anderson, who has lived in Los Angeles for the last 20 years<\/p>\n

\u201cThe video for that song has already had more than 40 million views. The first video I shot with them was \u2018Roxanne\u2019 and I\u2019ve been with them ever since. I also do Sia\u2019s \u2018Chandelier.\u2019 I also sang on the live PBS special.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m from Detroit and both of my parents are musicians. I grew up as a jazz fan and that\u2019s a reason I like this band so much. Also, Postmodern Jukebox is all live. The fact that it is all in-the-moment really attracted me to the music.\u201d<\/p>\n

That live feel is captured beautifully of PJM\u2019s new disc \u201cThe New Classics.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Bradlee, \u201c\u2018The New Classics\u2019 was all recorded live in front of an audience in the middle of the tour, so everybody got to know each other really well and feel the energy and camaraderie.<\/p>\n

\u201cListening to it now, it sounds like an amazing radio broadcast from Carnegie Hall from many years ago — a journey through all the vintage styles, whether it\u2019s 1920s hot jazz or \u201950s doo-wop or \u201960s soul and everything in between. So, it\u2019s a great way to experience PMJ if you haven\u2019t been to a live show, with some extraordinary performances by some of our best-known performers as well as some newer ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

As any of their legion of fans can tell you, the PMJ live experience is never the same twice, with new songs, new sounds, and new members added to the ever-growing family each time around.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the road now, we have a five-piece band, tap dancers and five singers,\u201d said Anderson. \u201cAnd, it\u2019s a different show every time you see it. It\u2019s even different form night-to-night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for Scott Bradlee\u2019s Postmodern Jukebox — https:\/\/youtu.be\/mphD90urEp4<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at the Keswick will start at 8 p.m. Ticket prices start at $39.<\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at the Keswick are \u201cThe Machine performs Pink Floyd\u201d on November 24 and Olate Dogs on November 26.<\/p>\n

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Finding Neverland<\/p><\/div>\n

Now through November 26, the Kimmel\u2019s Broadway Series is presenting \u201cFinding Neverland\u201d at the Academy of Music (Broad and Locust streets, Philadelphia, 215-731-3333, www.kimmelcenter.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\u201cFinding Neverland\u201d is a Broadway musical that tells the fascinating story of how Peter became Pan. Based on the Academy Award\u00ae-winning film of the same name, it has been brought to extraordinary life by the team behind \u201cShakespeare in Love,\u201d \u201cChicago\u201d and \u201cPippin.\u201d<\/p>\n

The show follows playwright J.M. Barrie, who needs a big hit to save his floundering career. He finds the inspiration he\u2019s been missing when he meets the beautiful widow Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and her four young sons — Jack, George, Michael and Peter.<\/p>\n

Delighted by the boys\u2019 hilarious escapades, Barrie conjures the magical world of Neverland and writes a play unlike any the high-society London theatergoers have ever seen. It\u2019s a tremendous risk, but as Barrie himself has discovered\u2014when you believe, you can fly.<\/p>\n

With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible, and the wonder of childhood lasts forever.<\/p>\n

Starring in the show are\u00a0Lael Van Keuren as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and Billy Harrigan Tighe as J.M. Barrie.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw the show once on Broadway and I loved it. It was so beautiful,\u201d said Van Keuren, during a phone interview last week from a tour stop in Cincinnati, Ohio. \u201cThe tour is different. They took the first 20 minutes and reworked it \u2013 revamped it and added new songs. Still, it\u2019s equally magical to the Broadway production.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many fans might already be familiar with \u201cFinding Neverland\u201d from the movie of the same name.
\n\u201cThe musical is similar to the movie,\u201d said Van Keuren. \u201cIt tells the same story \u2013 how J.M. interacts with the Sylvie and her family.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s very much a show about the power of belief\u2026of imagination\u2026of never growing up\u2026.and of flying. It\u2019s childlike in that way. For adults, it takes them back to their childhood \u2013 back to more innocent times. It\u2019s also a good \u2018date show\u2019 because it\u2019s a love story.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something exciting about seeing something that\u2019s new. This show is set in 1903 but it has a contemporary feel.<\/p>\n

\u201cAudiences love it. The story of Peter Pan is so fascinating and so beloved. What child doesn\u2019t dream of flying? And, it\u2019s a really simple tale \u2013 simple but beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cFinding Neverland\u201d \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/FEc0ZIkL73E<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show is running at the Academy of Music now through November 26. Ticket prices range from $25-$139.<\/p>\n

Another highly entertaining and whimsical show \u2013 and a show in which people fly — has touched down in Philadelphia for a run through the end of the holiday weekend.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Varekai<\/p><\/div>\n

Now through November 26, Cirque du Soleil\u2019s \u201cVarekai\u201d will be presented at the Liacouras Center (1776 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, http:\/\/www.liacourascenter.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

In the Romany language, “Vare-” is a prefix that corresponds to the English language suffix “ever”. “Kaj” or “Kai” is the Romany word for “where”. Put them together and you have “Varekai” — which means “wherever”.<\/p>\n

In the fantasy world of Cirque du Soleil, a land called Varekai exists at the summit of a volcano deep within a forest. From the sky, a solitary young man (Icarus) falls into the shadows of a magical forest and sets off on an adventure. In keeping with its name, this production pays tribute to the nomadic soul of the Romany gypsies and to the art of the circus tradition.<\/p>\n

In \u201cVareki,\u201d a young man falls from the sky and the story begins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures, a young man takes flight in an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of pure and undiluted possibility, begins an inspired incantation to a life rediscovered and to a newly found wonder in the mysteries of the world and the mind.<\/p>\n

In \u201cVarekai,\u201d Icarus descends into a populated forest full of curious creatures and is ensnared by a net, stripped of the wings that gave him flight, and hoisted high above the forest floor. In escaping his harsh enrapturement, Icarus flies once again across the heavens in celebration.<\/p>\n

But, as he touches the ground he finds himself face to face with a beautiful young creature. Unable to communicate, they begin to mime each other and then fall in love.<\/p>\n

Video link for Cirque du Soleil\u2019s \u201cVarekai\u201d \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/YKxyhNQkarc<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The production will be staged at the Liacouras Center now through November 26. Ticket prices start at $46.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The UniverSoul Circus (52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, 800-345-7000, www.universoulcircus.com<\/a>), will run through November 26, is offering something different for circus fans. The performances, which will be held in the UniverSoul Big Top next to the Mann Music Center, blend traditional circus attractions with urban culture, hip hop tunes and world beat music.<\/p>\n

Celebrating its 24th anniversary in Philadelphia, UniverSoul Circus has come full circle in its influence in the international entertainment marketplace — garnering the distinction of being known as a one-of-a-kind, must see attraction. Since its first performance in 1994, UniverSoul Circus has presented more than 10,000 performances to live audiences and has been seen in more than 60 million households on both local and national television networks.<\/p>\n

UniverSoul Circus connects with progressive, upwardly mobile, urban pop cultures from around the world. Celebrating more than two decades under the big top, UniverSoul Circus features music, theatrical performances and incredible circus acts.<\/p>\n

Leading the charge this year is Ringmaster Lucky Malatsi of South Africa, a multitalented entertainer who brings his unbridled energy to center ring. Malatsi has been with UniverSoul Circus in a wide range of capacities during his 15 years with the company \u2013 from contortionist and hip-hop dancer to trapeze artist. Joining him will be the pint-sized Ringmaster\u2019s Sidekick extraordinaire, Zeke.<\/p>\n

UniverSoul Circus is rated as one of the top two circuses along with Cirque du Soleil. UniverSoul\u2019s fresh approach to family-friendly live entertainment has garnered it a coveted spot as one of Ticketmaster\u2019s top ten most requested family events, along with other shows including Sesame Street Live, Disney on Ice, and Radio City Christmas Spectacular.<\/p>\n

Video link for UniverSoul Circus — https:\/\/youtu.be\/ht5EsnrW9uQ<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The circus will be in town now through November 26 at its site in Fairmount Park. Ticket prices range from $11-$35.<\/p>\n

Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295,\u00a0http:\/\/www.kennettflash.org<\/a>) \u00a0will have Francis Dunnery (solo performance) on November 24, Joe Trainor & Friends present an Evening of Billy Joel on November 25,<\/p>\n

\u201cWhiplash – Films & Words at The Flash\u201d and Bruce Klauber on November 26.<\/p>\n

The Steel City Coffee House (203 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, 610-933-4043, www.steelcitycoffeehouse.com<\/a>) will host Cliff Hillis\u2019 Friendsgiving and Corin Ashley on November 25.<\/p>\n

Chaplin\u2019s (66 North Main Street, Spring City, 610-792-4110,\u00a0http:\/\/chaplinslive.com<\/a>) will present Dads Wardrobe on November 24.<\/p>\n

The Ardmore Music Hall (23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, 610-649-8389,\u00a0www.ardmoremusic.com<\/a>) will have Cabinet —<\/p>\n

Mason Porter, Gatos Blanco featuring Pappy, Dylan Skursky, John Kimock, and Al Smith & Justin Mazer on November 24, and<\/p>\n

The Stanley Clarke Band and Dave Bakey on November 25.<\/p>\n

The Tower Theater (69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, 215-922-1011, www.thetowerphilly.com<\/a>) will host Kirk Franklin & Ledisi: The Rebel, The Soul & The Saint Tour on November 24.<\/p>\n

World Caf\u00e9 Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com<\/a>) will have Flightschool, Denizen and Matt Kelly on November 24; Beru Revue on November 25; Mardi Hub & The Sprockets on November 25; CupcakKe, Raw Elementz, and Tron Sagas on November 28; Loudon Wainwright III and Lucy Wainwright Roche on November 29; and Intersect: The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia with Andrew Lipke on November 29.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Vegetarians looking for a breakfast choice will tell you that anything is \u201cBetter Than Bacon.\u201d Fans of comedy throughout the Delaware Valley will tell you that \u201cBetter Than Bacon\u201d is a top-flight improvisational comedy act. For the last eight years, Better Than Bacon has been generating laughter at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26703,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7529],"tags":[2925,9732,6518,9727,9726,9730,9729,9728,9731],"class_list":["post-26701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-d-arts-entertainment","tag-better-than-bacon","tag-dakha-brakha","tag-featured","tag-finding-neverland","tag-joe-deninzon","tag-post-modern-jukebox","tag-universou-circus","tag-vareai","tag-west-end-blend"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26701","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=26701"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26701\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26702,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26701\/revisions\/26702"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/26703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=26701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=26701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=26701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}