Archives for June 2014

EVITA comes to Philly @kimmelcenter #BWYPHL

This week I headed down into Philly for the opening night of the amazing musical EVITA at the Academy of  Music, in town now through this Sunday. An actress portraying Eva Peron stood on the balcony and welcomed us all before we headed inside for VIP treatment with several of our friends. Tango dancers strutted their fancy movies on the sidewalk below Eva for a fun and festive start to opening night.

Eva Peron Philly

Below I am here with two wonderful blogging friends, Jo-Lynne, who came into the city with me, and Julie. The show was amazing and a interesting look at Eva’s life and death and the history of the country at the time. The show did end on a strange note (a tidbit of Eva’s history) that I won’t spoil in my comments here but it did send us to our smartphones on the way home to look up what happened to her body after death. I love shows and movies that both entertain and educate and this one definitely fit that requirement. Eva was an amazing woman who shockingly only lived to 33 but what an impact she made on the world.

Kimmel Center Bloggers

The Kimmel Center is fully engaged in the summer portion of its 2013-2014 Broadway series and I have thoroughly enjoyed the rich variety of shows we have seen over this last year. It’s been an incredible experience to share with my daughters, my sister, my friends. The shows not only get me out the door of my house and into the Academy of Music but also into Philadelphia in general where we often enjoy a meal beforehand. They are a great addition to all that the Kimmel Center venues offer.

 

signature

Experience RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles followed by Evita @KimmelCenter #BWYPHL

In my ongoing efforts to share quality entertainment, my new love in life are the Broadway musicals at the Academy of Music and the Merriam Theater and all the venues under the umbrella of the Kimmel Center.

Right now at the Academy of Music, you can enjoy RAIN: A tribute to the Beatles and next week, the classic Evita – both of which sound wonderful. I have heard that RAIN will remind you of Beatles songs that you may even have forgotten they sung which I found true at Jersey Boys too – an ode to Franki Valli and his musical crew.

Buy tickets now for RAIN and EVITA.

Here is the information on RAIN and Evita below:

Broadway Philadelphia

 

EVITA Kimmel Center

 

signature

Catch The Wizard of Oz at the Kimmel Center this weekend! #BWYPHL

Wizard of Oz BroadwayLast night, we enjoyed a delightful evening down in Philadelphia soaking in the rich architecture of the Academy of Music as The Wizard of Oz blew into town for the week.

My official statement is that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz is in Philly for WAY too short. This adorable and enchanting adaptation really hits a familiar and fun cord and even inspired several “munchins” in the audience to come dressed as little Dorothy’s and to sing along during the production — which led to us changing seats at the intermission to hear the show itself but the show was so engaging that it moved along quickly and kept us all entranced.

wizard of oz

Before the show, we met with my sister for a lovely dinner across the street at the Perch Pub which had amazing burgers for a reasonable price. After dinner, we headed over to the show where the staff greeted us warmly and showed us to our seats.

Since the Kimmel Center started the Broadway show series, we have thoroughly enjoyed a range of musical selections that have awed and inspired my daughters as they grow in their own musical and creative skills. For me, it’s been a great opportunity to connect with family and enjoy Philadelphia. The ride into the city alone is such a deterant to making the trip in (last night it took 1 1/2 hrs in stop ‘n go traffic) but the experience itself makes it worth the effort and I appreciate all that the Kimmel Center is doing to bring quality entertainment to the city.

Looking around us at the show, I noticed that on the third night all the box seats were full and the season ticket holders were out in full force. Seats around the Academy were also well filled out showing the success of this attraction. The show brought in a range of ages and allowed children to enjoy a massive musical experience that really engaged and entertained (especially with a REAL Toto joining Dorothy throughout the performance.) The sets were phenomenal and perfectly complimented the flow of the show.

If you haven’t already become a Kimmel Center member, join today for discounts at local restaurants. Also, all patrons who make a contribution at any level to the Kimmel Center will receive Advance Purchase Opportunities on select Kimmel Center Presents and Broadway Philadelphia performances. Definitely worth the investment if you are going to head in for a couple of shows during the year.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

“We’re off to see…” the most magical adventure of them all. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage by the award-winning creative team that recently delighted London and Toronto audiences with the revival of The Sound of Music. Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this new production contains all the beloved songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy, and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family.

BUY TICKETS:
Head over to the Kimmel Center Broadway tickets website to purchase tickets now through Sunday at 1 pm.

WATCH THE TRAILER:

signature