Author Archives: nealnewman

Review by Neal Newman March 29, 2023 MISTAKES WERE MADE by Craig Wright at the ACT II Playhouse is an amusing 75-minute excursion into a day in the life of a theatrical producer who will do ANYTHING to get his show on. Directed by and starring Tony Braithwaite, this producer, Felix, is a consummate liar,Continue reading “MISTAKES WERE MADE at ACT II Playhouse”

Review by Neal Newman March l9, 2023 The New Light Theatre’s A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE production is exemplary. Directed by Megan Bellwoar, Arthur Miller’s classic family tragedy comes to life in a tiny circle surrounded by an enwrapped audience. This simple in-the-round performance may lack the grandeur of past realistic Broadway stagings. Still, onceContinue reading “A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at New Light Theatre”

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”