Author Archives: nealnewman

Review by Neal Newman March 13, 2023 The thrilling performance of SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, currently playing at Old Academy Players, is not quite the play the author intended. Some works become startlingly more relevant as time passes. Nottage began the play in 2011 when she discovered that Reading, Pennsylvania, was considered the poorest townContinue reading “SWEAT at Old Academy Players”

Review by Neal Newman March 2, 2023 Playgoers could rightly expect THURGOOD, the one-person show at People’s Light, to be a traditional lecture featuring a podium in a tiny space. Instead, they are treated to a phantasmagorical dream with amazing stage pictures, projections, and sound. This only enhances Brian Marable’s exceptional performance as Thurgood Marshall,Continue reading “THURGOOD at People’s Light”

Review by Neal Newman February 12, 2023 ASPECTS OF LOVE at the Media Theatre closes on February 19. This review is late due to the cancellation of the opening night due to illness. The cast is now in tip-top shape, but you only have one more week to see it. ASPECTS is Andrew Lloyd Webber’sContinue reading “ASPECTS OF LOVE at Media Theatre”

Review by Neal Newman February 10. 2023 GOOD GRIEF at Hedgerow Theatre is a beautifully written play. Ngozi Anyanwu has created a penetrating and powerful study of grief, recovery, family, and the awkwardness of growing up. It’s also about much more than that too. The lead character is named N. The name is Nkechi, butContinue reading “GOOD GRIEF AT HEDGEROW”

Review by Neal Newman February 4, 2023 Let’s get right to it. Act II Playhouse’s rendition of Robert Harling’s STEEL MAGNOLIAS, directed by Megan Bellwoar, is one of the best productions I’ve ever seen. And that includes at least three previous professional and community theatre versions. I considered it a very good play, but IContinue reading “STEEL MAGNOLIAS Act II Playhouse”

Review by Neal Newman January 21, 2023 Quintessence Theater is presenting WAITING FOR LEFTY by Clifford Odets. Having read and reread Harold Clurman’s THE FERVENT YEARS or A LIFE by Elia Kazan, any theater disciple knows this play. The 1935 opening night was one of the great violent openings in American Theater history. Sure, it’sContinue reading “Waiting for Lefty at Quintessence”

Column by Neal Newman January 15, 2023 What a night it was! The concert has come and gone, but you can still witness some of the magic and hear the great music at www.concert4caleb.com/live-stream. Three producers, Gina Giachero, Megan O’Brien, and Grayce Carson, pulled together a fantastic performance of local artists headed by Broadway starContinue reading “Concert for Caleb Part 2 The Performance”

Column by Neal Newman January 7, 2023 How does this sound.?  A concert with some of Broadway and Philadelphia’s finest musical artists. Sounds good, yes? Refreshments? Yes. How about a contest with prizes, including box seats for the Philadelphia Flyers, tickets to Broadway shows, restaurant gift cards, and more? Yes! And how about some ofContinue reading “Concert for Caleb”

By Neal Newman. November 27, 2022 The actors ask the audience: “Who here has read or seen Dicken’s CHRISTMAS CAROL?” The entire audience raises its hand. And why not? Hedgerow, and just about every other local theater, has continually performed this holiday favorite. You can see scenes from the traditional Hedgerow version on YouTube. So,Continue reading “A CHRISTMAS CAROL COMEDY AT HEDGEROW THEATRE”

Review by Neal Newman October 17, 2022 THE PILLOWMAN at Hedgerow Theatre is an overwhelming experience. Co-directed by Megan Bellwoar and Marcie Bramucci, the best words to describe it are “horrifying” and “hilarious.” But since Martin McDonagh wrote THE PILLOWMAN, this was to be expected. With plays such as HANGMAN and THE BEAUTY QUEEN OFContinue reading “THE PILLOWMAN at Hedgerow”