On Stage: Wolf makes Philly debut at The Foundry

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Julia Wolf In this era of cookie-cutter copy-cat modern pop, finding an original artist is a rarity. Finding something that makes the ears perk up and the brain smile is like buying a lottery scratch-off with a six-figure payoff. Thankfully, every once in a while, a singer comes along who doesn’t follow the pack. Fortunately, 2023 is a year when there...

On Stage: Chesco native has key role in ‘Anastasia’

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Madeline Raube When the national tour of the hit musical “Anastasia” visits Wilmington this week for a four-day run at The Playhouse on Rodney Square (1007 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, www.thegrandwilmington.org/venues/the-playhouse/), an actress from Chester County will be playing one of the lead roles. The show, which is running...

On Stage: Deni Bonet brings special violin skills to Jamey’s

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Deni Bonet Deni Bonet takes the violin to places most musicians don’t even dream about – and gladly takes listeners along for the ride. On January 14, Bonet will be taking the audience at Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com) along for the ride – a thrilling ride that spans...

On Stage ‘Jagged Little Pill’ comes to Philly

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Jagged Little Pill The first touring Broadway presentation of 2023 has arrived – and it’s a good one. Now through January 15, the Kimmel Cultural Campus (250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, www.kimmelculturalcampus.org) is presenting the Philly premiere of the hit Broadway musical, “Jagged Little Pill” at the Academy of Music. “Jagged Little...

On Stage: Blue Man Group comes to Kimmel

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Blue Man Group Back in the late 1960s when a lot of British bands were playing songs by blues masters such as Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson, a question frequently asked was “Can white men sing the blues?” In 1968, a British music group called the Bonzo Dog Band countered with a song called “Can blue men sing the whites?” Years later, there...

On Stage: ‘Tina’ tops wide rage of theater options in the area

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Tina – the Tina Turner Musical The calendar for late November and December each year always features a plethora Christmas and holiday events. Fortunately, for those who seek a brief respite from the full onslaught of holiday activities, special sales and the endless ringing of Salvation Army bells, there are several top-flight theater productions scheduled...

On Stage: A fun ‘Panto’ from People’s Light

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto When the Christmas holidays arrive, it means it’s also time for a panto arrive at People’s Light (39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, peopleslight.org). This year, it’s “Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto,” which is running now through January 1, 2023. Each year, the People’s Light holiday panto transforms...

On Stage Extra: Julia Othmer returns to the Delaware Valley

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Julia Othmer In some ways, there are many similarities between Julia Othmer and Andy Reid. Both are Kansas City residents and are loved in that city. Both are former Philadelphia residents and are still loved in this city. Both excel at what they do and have built a legion of fans around the world over the last two decades. Reid may be more well-known...

On Stage: Channeling the spirit of Robin Williams

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Roger Kabler as Robin Williams While Halloween and El Dia de Los Muertos are still a little more than a week away, there will be a visit from a departed person this week. The spirit will be the spirit of Robin Williams and its destination will be the Candlelight Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org). More...

On Stage Extra: Villa Maria celebrates 150th anniversary with concert

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times This has been a very special week for Villa Maria Academy – and a week that will close with a very special event on September 30. Villa Maria Academy is celebrating its 150th anniversary and capping the celebration with a reception and concert at People’s Light (39 Conestoga Road, Malvern) on September 30. The concert will feature the husband-and-wife...