Main Line Cheerleader: Act II Playhouse Artistic Director Tony Braithwaite

Act II Playhouse may be in Ambler, but Braithwaite has lots to love on the Main Line.

Tony Braithwaite, Rosemont
artistic director of Act II Playhouse in Ambler

They’re at it again. Tony Braithwaite and Jennifer Childs are the most prolific, award-winning acting team in the Philadelphia area. Let’s Pretend We’re Famous, written and performed by Braithwaite and Childs [1], premieres at Act II Playhouse on Jan. 7.

 

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The story behind Let’s Pretend We’re Famous: It’s a follow-up to Let’s Pretend We’re Married, a comedy cabaret we wrote several years ago about the ties that bind—and gag. It was quite popular with audiences. This time, we decided to focus on fame.  Where he grew up: Bala Cynwyd. I went to St. Joe’s Prep.  Favorite Main Line town: Narberth has everything you could want—a movie theater, bar, restaurant, Mapes. All of that in a town with one traffic light and a stop sign.  Coolest event on the Main Line: The St. Denis Family Fun Fair [2] in Havertown. We went when I was a kid, and every year, I got so incredibly excited about it. There were games, rides and food, plus we got to hang out with our friends—without our parents.  Must-do outdoor activity on the Main Line: I’ve taken to walking to lower my blood pressure. I go on the trail through Haverford College, or down Wynnewood Road in Wynnewood. I do three to four miles per day, several times a week.  Favorite hobby: It sounds trite, but I love going to the theater. I still love it as much as I did when I was a kid. I’m really excited to see 700 Sundays, Billy Crystal’s one-man show. He’s an idol of mine.  The last thing he ate that he loved: A stromboli at Campus Corner [3] in Villanova. When I come home late from working in a show, there’s not a lot open, so I head there. The place serves delicious comfort food.  Top local spot for date night: Gullifty’s [4] is my default, because it is awesome for all occasions.  Biggest local traffic headache: The intersection of Lancaster Avenue and 476. Why, oh, why is it always so congested? It’s like there’s a constant bridge closing or a continual parade passing.  If he had 30 minutes to himself, he would: Take a nap.  If he didn’t live here, he’d live in: Washington, D.C. Like Philadelphia, D.C. has a great regional theater scene. Visit act2.org.

Our Best of the Main Line Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!