On Stage: ‘SMALL’ opens at People’s Light

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Robert Montano in SMALL “SMALL,” which opens this week at People’s Light (39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, www.peopleslight.org), is a one-man show that look at this man’s life from playground to paddock, from playhouse to publishing…to People’s Light. “SMALL” is written and performed by stage, film, and television star Robert Montano (“Cats” on...

On Stage: Broadway touring shows debut locally

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations The first two national tours of Broadway shows visiting the area have touched down this week. Coincidentally, both “firsts” have titles that start with the first letter of the alphabet – “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations” in Philadelphia and “Annie” in...

On Stage: Get ‘Slammed’ to ring in the new year

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Slambovian Circus of Dreams Music acts in all genres have special holiday shows and tours. Smooth jazz saxman Dave Koz is known for his seamless Christmas shows. Horror hip hop duo Twiztid shine through the darkness with their Halloween shows. Country acts go all out with Independence Day Weekend shows. Laura Cheadle, a rocker from New Jersey, slams...

On Stage: Cirque Dreams Holidaze comes to Philly

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Cirque Dreams Holidaze Chester County will be in the house – and on the stage — when the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization present “Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” a brilliant and whimsical holiday spectacular at the Campus’ Miller Theater (230 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, www.kimmelculturalcampus.org), from December 26-31. As...

On Stage (Holidays edition): The Nutcracker, Scrooge and so much more

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Brandywine Ballet Company With all the holiday craziness going on all around you – crowded stores, long waits at restaurants, heavy vehicular traffic, ridiculous lines at checkouts, Santa showing up everywhere and, of course, guys with cauldrons ringing bells to solicit donation everywhere you turn – it’s a normal reaction to seek respite. One...

On Stage: Laura Cheadle rocks holiday tunes at Jamey’s

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Laura Cheadle If you like Christmas music but would like to hear something other than the same old traditional songs done the same old traditional way, there is a show for you this weekend. If you want to enjoy the traditional songs and rock out at the same time, plan a trip to Lansdowne. On December 16, Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue,...

On Stage: Mary Fahl sings the songs of the season

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Mary Fahl Once you’ve heard Mary Fahl sing, you have her voice etched permanently into your memory bank. From that point on, if you hear a song by Fahl, you immediately know who is singing. When Fahl performs her annual Christmas shows, which she has been doing for more than a decade, those in the audience hear holiday music in a whole new way. On...

On Stage: ‘Company’ returns to local stage

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Company There’s a new show in town that’s not really a new show. The original production was in 1970 but this will be the first time this show has played Philadelphia. Now through December 10, The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization is presenting the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s and George Furth’s “Company” at the...

On Stage: Turkey’d out? Now feast of great music

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Gretchen Emery Band The day after Thanksgiving often demands extra motivation from those who are prone to sitting around the house recovering from the day before. November 24 is the day after Thanksgiving this year and there is definite motivation to get out and hear live music performed by a pair of top-flight acts — the Gretchen Emery Band and...

On Stage Extra: Mia X Ally put their twist on traditional instruments

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Mia X Ally If someone told you to check out an interesting music act – a duo featuring two young women playing violin and bagpipes – you’d probably envision a folky duo playing an acoustic blend of Celtic tunes and traditional Appalachian songs. If the group was Mia X Ally, you’d be in for a surprise. Mia X Ally, who are headlining a show at...