Deja Morgan of People’s Light | Photo by Philly Theatre Week
The fourth annual event offers 72 virtual and in-person plays, musicals, comedy improv and more performances, from arts groups in Center City and Philadelphia’s western suburbs.
People’s Light, Delaware Theater Company and Wilma Theater are just a few of the performing arts troupes offering virtual and in-person performances during Philly Theatre Week. The fourth annual event offers patrons a variety of ways to view live and recorded performances. “Some are outside, and some can be enjoyed on computers, TVs and other devices,” says LaNeshe Miller-White, Philly Theatre Week’s executive producer.
Many of the live performances are interactive, and some feature virtual post-show chats with actors. Cabaret, comedy improv and children’s theater are also on the schedule, and several live theater experiences will be held in person. EgoPo Classic Theater’s Nocturne will be staged in an abandoned parking lot lit by headlights. Patrons stay in their cars, and the actors’ dialog will be broadcast on an FM station. The spacious indoor garage at Philly PACK will host White Dress, a mother-daughter dance performance viewed through garage doors. Meanwhile, Val Dunn and Jenna Kuerzi will take their PPE (personalized punk experiences) to parks and other locations around Philadelphia.
Among the many premieres, Temple Theaters is set to debut two plays created during the pandemic. Theatre Horizon paired with local households for a new piece about family life during quarantine. And for the comedic musical Cockroaches & Cologne, a husband-and-wife duo rehearsed with a production team via Zoom, recording their performances on a green screen so art and orchestration could be added remotely.
For maximum accessibility, Philly Theatre Week offers a variety of price points and free performances. “This is a great way to engage with theater for the first time or experience new work from new theater groups—all from the comfort of your home,” Miller-White says.
For a schedule and registration info, visit theatrephiladelphia.org.
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