FLEETWOOD

Fleetwood Community Theater presents Dinner and a show  -- “Leading Ladies,” a comedy by Ken Ludwig Saturday Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's UCC,5 West Arch St, Fleetwood, 19522. For reservations, call 610-944-3610.

READING 

Reading Civic Theatre presents "Eat to the Beat" from 5 until 8 p.m.Saturday Nov. 3 at Immanuel UCC Church Social Hall in Shillington.This findraiser features an all-you-can-eat spaghetti Dinner with a Show. RCT Members will perform upbeat Broadway and pop music numbers.Cost: $10 for adults; $6 for children 5 to 11 years old and kids 4 years and under are free! Reservations can be requested by calling 610-373-3311.

COLLEGEVILLE 

COLLEGEVILLE  – Six actors. Twenty-four shows in a row. No breaks. No kidding. Brat Productions’ A 24-Hour “The Bald Soprano” will be performed by Ursinus College students in the Black Box Studio Theater at Ursinus College Nov. 2 through 3, making it the first college production of the Brat concept.  Eugene Ionesco’s hour-long absurd comedy is repeated every hour on the hour. Grab some coffee, grab  a pillow, because once the curtain rises at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2 in the Black Box Studio in the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center at Ursinus College, it won’t fall again until 8 p.m. the next night. Audiences are welcome to come and go, entering and re-entering this screwy world. Tickets ($2) are sold in two-hour blocks, but can also be used for other time slots as long as seats are available. Tickets are available at boxoffice@ursinus.edu and by calling 610-409-3030. A family time is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday when there is no charge for kids under 12 with a paying adult. During this time, families can come for an hour or stay for all four as the play is repeated.

BIRDSBORO

The Alpha/Omega Players present an Alpha Kidz production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid." Nov. 23 & 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 24, 25 Dec 1, 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are: Adults $22; Students (12 & under) $15.  Shows are in the Alpha/Omega Performing Arts Center, 301 E. First Street, Birdsboro, 19508. For reservations, contact the Players at 610-404-4844.

POTTSTOWN

Steel River Playhouse (formerly the Tri-County Performing Arts Center) presents Senior Follies
(Education Department – Senior Theater Project) Nov. 17 – 18. Saturday Curtain Time  – 7 p.m., Sunday Curtain Time   – 3 p.m.More information and a ticketing link are available at www.steelriver.org or by calling 610.970.1199.

Encore Theater Company presents a performance of “Romeo and Harriet, a Musical Tragical Comedy in Two and A Half Acts” at Berean Bible Church, 2675 East High St,Pottstown, on Nov. 16 and 17. Encore Theater Company (ETC), a non-profit, volunteer run children’s theater company. This hilarious musical spoof puts the “shake” in Shakespeare.
ETC’s production includes children in grades K-12 from several school districts in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.  The goal of this group is to enable its members to gain experience in all aspects of the performing arts. Tickets are available in advance ($10 adult, $8 child/senior) by calling 484-599-0187 or at the  door ($12 adult, $10 child/senior.)
For information regarding productions and contact information, visit the ETC website www.encoretheatercompany.org or on Facebook: Encore Theater  group – PA.

Other area theater productions

ALLENTOWN
Pines Dinner Theatre, 448 N. 17th St., Allentown (610-433-2333) presents “The Miracle of Christmas,” Nov. 3 through Dec. 30.

AMBLER
Act II Playhouse, Ambler presents “Gutenberg! The Musical” through Nov. 4. (215-654-0200) or www.act2.org

CENTER VALLEY
Act 1 presents “A Christmas Story," a Christmas classic by Phil Grecian based on the motion picture written by Jean Shepheard, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark, Nov. 28 to Dec. 9, at DeSales University Center for Performing Arts, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, PA 18034 (610-282-3192) www.desales.edu/act1

EPHRATA
Ephrata Performing Arts Center's Sharadin-Bigler Theater, Cocalico Street, Ephrata (717-733-7966) presents "Spring Awakening" through Nov. 10.

GLENSIDE
Arcadia University’s theater program presents "On the Verge," Nov. 29 - Dec. 9.
The theater is located at Spruance Fine Arts Center, 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside. For more information call 215-572-2112 or visit arcadiatheatre@arcadia.edu

MALVERN
People’s Light & Theatre, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern (610-644-3500) presents  "Mark Twain: Sacred Cows Make the Best Hamburgers" through Nov. 4 on the Steinbright Stage.For more information go to http://peopleslight.org/.

PHILADELPHIA
The Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, presents "War Horse" Nov. 20 through Dec. 2. The Box Office is open daily from 10 a.m. to  6 p.m. The Call Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 215-893-1999 to purchase tickets by phone. Visit http://www.kimmelcenter.org for more information.

Lantern Theater Company at St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow streets, Philadelphia, presents  David Ives "The Liar," Nov. 1 through 25. For tickets call 215-829-0395 or visit www.lanterntheater.org.

Plays and Players Theater 1812 Productions presents "This Is the Week That Is: The Election Special!" through Nov. 4 at 1714 Delancey St., Philadelphia (215-735-7356)

Walnut Street Theatre presents the classic “The  Music Man” Nov. 6 through Jan. 6 on the WST main stage. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

READING
Domino Players present "Bedroom Farce" Nov. 9-17 at Albright College, Wachovia Theatre, Center for the Arts, 13th and Bern streets (610-921-7547)

"Black Ice" at 8 p.m. Nov. 1-4, 8-11; 2 p.m. Nov. 4 and 11 at Perkins Student Center Auditorium, Penn State Berks, Spring Township (610-396-6371)

Reading Area Community College, Miller Center for the Arts, 4 N. Second St., Reading (610-301-9068) For children:
* Lightwire Theater with Corbian Visual Arts presents "The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise & The Hare"; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 3
* Circo Aereo and Gandini Juggling present "Motet"; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17

Reading Eagle Theatre at the Sovereign Center, 700 Penn St., presents "Disney's Phineas & Ferb: The Best Live Tour Ever" at 4 and 7 p.m. Nov. 30  (1-800-745-3000)

Fall Festival of the Arts presents "The Dead"; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2-3 at WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St. (610-607-6270)

SKIPPACK
Playcrafters of Skippack present "Zombie Prom" Nov. 2 at 8 p.m., Nov, 3 at 2p.m. and 8 p.m.and Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. at 2011 Store Road, Skippack, (610-584-4005) http://www.playcrafters.org

SWARTHMORE
Players Club of Swarthmore present “Once Upon A Mattress” through Nov. 3 at 614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore PA 19081 (610-328-4271) www.pcstheater.org


To have your production listed here, email information to Cheryl Thornburg at cthornburg@pottsmerc.com

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The cast of "War of the Worlds" took the audience back in time to 193

By Cheryl Thornburg

It was Oct. 30, 1938 when Orson Wells first broadcast the now historic “War of the Worlds” on the radio. Based on the H.G. Wells science fiction novella, the radio drama captivated its audience – and panicked some because they had not heard the intro and thought the Martian invasion was real.
Reading Community Players’ current production about that show gives the audience an inside look at how such shows were produced with cast members creating the sound effects and taking turns stepping up to a microphone to deliver their lines.
It took me back to a kinder, gentler time, even though America was on the verge of war. Radio staffers and actors at WRCP greeted each other warmly as they arrived at work and set about to entertain their unseen audience.
And entertain they did – as do the current actors as they take on Wells’ characters and story.
Director Pat Perfect has assembled a talented cast of both veterans and newcomers to the RCP stage.

Charles Gallagher

Veteran Charles Gallagher does double duty for this show, playing both Orson Wells and an observer, with his usual skill and control. Playing a well-known actor is not easy and Gallagher nails it.

Newcomer Scott Kunkle turns in a dynamite performance as Dr. Pierson, the scientist called in to try and explain what’s happening with the “explosion” on Mars and the subsequent object the crashes into a farmer’s field in Virginville near Allentown.  The use of familiar local place names is a nice touch.

Cheryl Crummett

Another newcomer, Cheryl Crummett, who plays a broadcaster, shows versatility and a flair for comedy as she turns in versions of different characters.

Bill Brosey is impressive as the Secretary of the Interior trying to keep things under control;

Geoff Littlefield plays both a CBS executive and the farmer who owns the field and particularly shines  as the latter as he tries to tell his story.

Diann Stewart, Ruth Martelli and Jen Glass seem to be having as much fun on stage as the sound technicians as the audience does watching them and how the various sounds are made.

Many of the actors play multiple roles and through subtle voice changes create different characters.  Rounding out this versatile cast are Kevin Wade as Carl Phillips and a stranger, Chad Heim as a broadcsater, and John Plummer as a policeman and General Smith.

 

Almost in a little play of their own, Jerre Boyer Richards and Maggie Perfect, Pat’s granddaughter, “listen” to the broadcast on a small set to the side of the stage.  They stay in character throughout the show, even before the other actors take the stage.

Also adding tremendously to the show is Sid Watts who produces all the musical interludes. His re-creation of the big band sounds of the era adds another dimension to the production.

This show was really fun to watch, but to be honest, I might like to see it again – but with my eyes closed so I could experience what “War of the Worlds” sounded like to the listeners so long ago.

"War of The Worlds" continues this weekend at the RCP theater, 403 North 11th St., Reading.  Shows start at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday.  There is a free shuttle from the Citadel on 12th Street (smaller parking lot, not the gated one) that transports patrons to and from the theater.  All tickets for this show are $10. For more information, call 610-375-9106

Note: With special permission, RCP was able to collaborate with Berks Community TV in a very unique way.  A camera crew from BCTV taped a dress rehearsal of War of the Worlds on Sept. 26 for rebroadcast on the local station as a special Halloween treat.

Mandalee Flannery and Nathan Patton in "The Rocky: Horror Show"

By Cheryl Thornburg

There’s nothing quite like the bizarre rock musical “The Rocky Horror Show” to get the blood pumping and the audience jumping to the “Time Warp” and Alpha/Omega Players’ current production doesn’t disappoint.

The show, which must have been shocking and controversial when it opened in the early ’70s, got off to a “rocky” start – its U.S. debut in L.A. lasted only three previews and 45 shows. Since  then, the musical and the subsequent movie have developed a passionate and loyal fan base that not only come to see the show, but participate in it. Be prepared to be sitting next to someone in a skimpy Burlesque costume or some bizarre regalia.

The show, with its sexual content and strong language, is definitely not for children, but for adults who enjoy racy and raucous humor, this show fills the bill. One of the song titles says it all.  “Sweet Transvestite” delivered with camp and style by Jacob Cowan as Frank ”N” Furter, is one of the highlights of the show.

The character is at the heart of this zany production as the mad scientist who is  surrounded by some sexy and uninhibited followers.

Stumbling into this unusual household is a young, newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, whose car has broken down on a dark and stormy night.

Nathan Patton and Mandalee Flannery play the couple with a sweet sincerity and even sweeter voices as they are drawn into the dark goings-on in the Frankenstein-like setting.  Their duet, “Damn It,  Janet,” showcases the purity of their voices.  Later on, Flannery gets to rock it out in “Touch-A-Touch-A-Touch Me” and she does so with equal skill.

There are many standout roles and numbers in this show, giving each performer a turn in the spotlight.

Sharon Ruegsegger, James Barksdale and Kirsten Heim get the joint jumping with “Time Warp” as Magenta, Riff Raff and Columbia.  Their powerful voices and stage presence bring these memorable characters to life.

Speaking of bringing to life, there’s Frank ”N” Furter’s creation,  Rocky, played with enthusiasm by Morgan Eppenstein.

Tyler Reppert plays both Eddie and Dr. Scott and delivers arguably one of the most fun performances of the night as Eddie gets things rockin’ with “Hot Patootie.”

Tying everything together is Randy Miller as the Narrator.  Tongue firmly implanted in cheek, Miller recounts the story with just the right touch of bemusement.

In addition the cast also includes talented singer/dancer/comedians whose energy gives the show its momentum. They are Destiny Hepner, Jess Pennington, Melissa Kaufmann, Jewell Brown, Megan Centeno, Meghan Austin, and Elizabeth Limper as the Phantoms.

As always in a small theater, the choreography can be challenging and Melissa Kauffman has met the challenge by using not only the stage, but the aisles to make the most of each routine.

At the close of the show, audience members are invited to join the cast to do the “Time Warp” and many of them do. The entire show encourages audience participation. Special goodie bags can be purchased before the show with items to be used on cue at various times throughout the production.

The audience is encouraged to come in costume and there is a contest at every performance.
The show is directed by Mark A. Drey with Nathan Patton as musical director.  The pit band includes Mark Drey (conductor), Jim Kauffman, Jeff Schmidt and J.P. Feenstra.

Part science fiction, part B-horror movie, this over-the top musical is not just a show, it’s an experience. Remaining shows are Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 27at 8 p.m. and midnight in the Alpha/Omega Performing Arts Center, 301 E. First Street, Birdsboro, PA  19508. For reservations, contact Alpha Omega Players at 610-404-4844.  Tickets are $22.

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The Seance.  Photos by Jphn Daggett

By Cheryl Thornburg

It takes very talented comedic actors to bring Noel Coward’s classic “Blithe Spirit” to life – or death as the case may be -- and director Neal Newman has rounded up some of the best this area has to offer. From a ghostly first wife to an other-worldly medium to a well-meaning, but awkward new maid, the characters in this play are guaranteed to make you laugh.

Carl Heyde and Tara McFalls

The show opened Friday and will be haunting Steel River Playhouse through Sunday Oct. 28.  

Set in the home of the well-to-do writer Charles Condomine and his second wife, Ruth, “Blithe Spirit” opens with the couple planning to host a séance that Charles hopes to use as research for his next novel. They have invited local psychic Madame Arcati and friends Dr. and Mrs. Bradman. Thus the stage is set for an outrageously funny encounter that brings Charles’ first wife Elvira back to haunt him.

Tara McFalls is mesmerizing as the capricious and flirty Elvira who is only visible to Charles, played with debonair flair by Carl Heyde, a newcomer to Steel River Playhouse.

Steel River veteran Deborah Snow is over-the-top entertaining as the flamboyant Madame Arcati.  She has a gift for physical comedy and scene-stealing.

Carl Heyde and Jennifer Dinan

Also gifted in that department is Rebecca Shoemaker who plays Edith, a clumsy, newly promoted maid. Shoemaker’s Edith is one you won’t soon forget.

Jennifer Dinan, plays the second wife, Ruth, who seems fairly normal, if snobbish, at first, but gets a chance to show her funny side in the second act after an unforeseen accident. 

The chemistry with the bigamous Condomine trio is electric. They play off of each other extremely well – especially when Ruth can’t see Elvira.

Rounding out the cast are Aaron Gould as Dr. Bradman and Teri Maxwell as his wife, who offer subtle performances that offset the key players. Betsy Chapman adds a new dimension to the production using her harp to create different moods and sound effects.

Part of the magic of a black box theater is that you never know what you’re going to walk into when you enter – it can be theater-in-the-round where the actors are totally exposed from all angles, such as in “Toys in the Attic,” or with the audience on either side of an elongated stage such as in the “The Crucible.”

This time the black box has been transformed into an old-fashioned theater setting complete with a scalloped proscenium that immediately transports you a time long ago. The set itself, designed by technical director Trop Cooper, becomes a character in the play as mysterious things begin to happen in the Condomine drawing room.

 Perfectly appointed with period furniture, it sets the tone for the entire production.

 “Blithe Spirit” continues through Oct. 28 on the main stage at the newly renovated (and renamed) Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High St. in Pottstown. Former patrons will remember it as the Tri-County Performing Arts Center.  Remaining performances are Thursdays (Oct. 18 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., Fridays (Oct. 19 and 26 at 8 p.m.), Saturdays (Oct. 20 and 27 at 8 p.m.) and Sundays (Oct. 21 and 28 at 3 p.m

Tickets range from $17-$23.  More information and a ticketing link are available at www.steelriver.org or by calling 610-970-1199.

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James Damore  and  Katie Rose Spencer, both Exeter High School students, are featured in "What's Your Favorite Color."

By Cheryl Thornburg

With bullying being a major issue in today’s society, parents and teachers are always looking for ways to deal with the problem.

Conrad Weiser graduate Landon Scott Heimbach, along with Ray Rhoads, a Reading High grad, and Amy Jenson, formerly of York County, has come up with a creative way to address the issue and get kids talking.

Last week I attended the premier performance of a new musical “What’s Your Favorite Color?” at Conrad Weiser East Elementary School in Wernersville. This Theatre for Young Audiences musical delivers an important anti-bullying message through songs and jokes that engage the students and keeps them involved through interaction with the actors.

There was lots of laughter and enthusiastic responses from the young crowd and the tunes are catchy.  You may find yourself singing along and humming them as you head home.

The cast is comprised of talented area high school students portraying younger children as they act out scenes of what happens in school and on the playground.  The story centers around School Spirit Day where kids are asked to wear their favorite color to school. Not surprisingly, most of the girls decide to wear pink and the boys, blue -- except for one boy, Arthur, who says his favorite color is pink. He is then taunted and ridiculed by both boys and girls.

Arthur is played by Exeter High School student James Damore whose vocal and comedic skills make Arthur likeable and relatable to the young audience.  As he is being bullied, his best friend, a girl named Indigo, stands up for him and the bullies back off.  Indigo is played by Exeter High School Student Katie Rose Spencer. The two shine in their duet “I Have A Friend.” Spencer also shows off her dynamic vocal skills in  “Liking Blues Blues.”

Bringing the bullies to life are Olivia Damore (Exeter High School), Kassandra Scheese (Exeter High School), Jake Hangen (Exeter High School) and Joshua Sell (Oley Valley High School). Their high-energy performances in such numbers as “Homework ” and “Playtime” keep the kids focused on the stage, which is major coup when you’ve got 500 kids sitting on the floor in a cafetorium.

The adult characters are all played by Maria Damore and Debbi Silas. Quick costume changes take them from teacher to parent and back again.  Both have great voices and even better over-the-top comedic skills that evoked lots of laughter from the young crowd.

What this new musical does is present a very serious topic in a form that is entertaining for students in elementary and middle schools, yet still delivers the underlying anti-bullying message. It provides a perfect jumping-off point for further discussion in the classroom or with parents.  It also offers suggestions for students on what to do if they are being bullied.

The production is directed by Heimbach with musical direction by Sarah Weiser McGrory , the music teacher at Conrad Weiser West Elementary School, and choreography by Debbi Silas.

Heimbach and Rhoads have been writing musicals for years. Jensen, a New Jersey music teacher, joined the team this year.  Heimbach and Jenson worked together through emails over a few  months to create the lyrics and then Rhoads wrote the musical score based on their lyrics.

The cast and creative team are eager to secure additional productions at other local school districts and venues. For more information and details on “What’s Your Favorite Color?,” email  FavoriteColorMusical@Gmail.com.

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BIRDSBORO

The Alpha/Omega Players will usher in the Halloween season with the cult classic “The Rocky Horror show,” Oct. 19, 20, 26 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. and midnight in the Alpha/Omega Performing Arts Center, 301 E. First Street, Birdsboro, PA  19508. The audience is encouraged to come dressed up (there will be a costume contest every performance) and participate in the production. “Rocky Horror” is an uproarious good time but not recommended for audience members under the age of 13 as it does deal with mature subject matter. For reservations, contact the Players at 610-404-4844.

POTTSTOWN

Steel River Playhouse (formerly the Tri-County Performing Arts Center) presents Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” Oct. 11Blithe Spirit will be performed Thursdays (Oct. 11, 18, 25 at 7:30 p.m.), Fridays (Oct.  12, 19, 26 at 8 p.m.), Saturdays (Oct. 13, 20, 27 at 8 p.m.), and Sundays (Oct. 14, 21, 28 at 3 p.m.)  on the Main Stage. Special Event: Sunday, October 14 – Talkback with the director and cast. Tickets range from $17-$23. More information and a ticketing link are available at www.steelriver.org or by calling 610.970.1199.

READING

Genesius Theatre continues its season of classics with Agatha Christie’s “Witness For The Prosecution” Through Sunday Oct. 7 at Genesius Theatre, 153 Walnut St. (10th and Walnut streets). To purchase tickets with all major credit cards and get more information please visit the website at www.genesiustheatre.org or call 610-373-9500 to purchase tickets with credit cards only. For more information contact the theater at 610-371-8151. Genesius Theatre is handicap accessible and there is free parking next to the theater (limited spaces available).

Also at Genesius is “Money Is Honey” a musical revue Fun-Raiser for Genesius Theatre to raise money for the theater’s Scene Shop. “Money is Honey” will feature Pop and Broadway Songs that are all about America’s favorite pastime – MONEY!!! The show runs for two-performances only, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. Also at Genesius is 12 & 13 at 8 p.m. at the 10th and Walnut venue. Featuring pop songs like the Beatles hit, “Money Can’t Buy Me Love,” to Broadway songs such as, “Money Makes The World Go Round” from the hit Broadway Show “Cabaret” and everything in between. To purchase tickets with all major credit cards and get more information visit the website at www.genesiustheatre.org or call 610-373-9500 to purchase tickets with credit cards only. If you need more information, contact the theater at 610-371-8151. GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING ONLY. Tickets purchased in advance are only $15 and credit card fees apply and $20 at the door. Genesius Theatre is handicap accessible and there is free parking next to the theater (limited spaces available) and handicap accessible. Rated PG – Excellent for ages 10 years old and up. Reading Community Players presents the radio version performance of  "War of The Worlds" at the theater, 403 North 11th St., Reading, from Oct. 19 - 28.   Shows start at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sundays.  There is a free shuttle from the Citadel, on 12th Street, that transports patrons to and from the theater.  All tickets for this show are $10. The novella “War of the Worlds” was written by H. G. Wells in 1898 and was immediately acclaimed as another science fiction masterpiece by Mr. Wells. Orson Wells and the Mercury Theater first performed the radio show of “War of the Worlds” live, on air October 30, 1938.  Some people missed the introduction, which stated it was a “theater” piece and not real life.  Panic struck and many people believed the end was near.  Such was the power of radio and a person’s imagination, that mass hysteria was prevalent all around the country. For more information, call 610-375-9106. COLLEGEVILLE The play “J.B.” by American poet and playwright Archibald MacLeish will be performed through Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center’s Lenfest Theater at Ursinus University. “J.B.”  is a modern re-telling of the story of Job, is a play in free verse that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play in 1959. Tickets are $5 for general admission, and $2 for students and senior citizens. For information and reservations, please contact the Box Office at 610-409-3030.

Other area theater productions

ALLENTOWN

Pines Dinner Theatre, 448 N. 17th St., Allentown (610-433-2333) presents “The marvelous Wonderettes,”  featuring classic '50s songs through Oct. 28.

AMBLER

Act II Playhouse, Ambler presents “Gutenberg! The Musical” from Oct. 9-Nov. 4. (215-654-0200) or www.act2.org

CENTER VALLEY

Act 1 presents “Arsenic and Old Lace,” through Oct. 7 at DeSales University Center for Performing Arts, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, PA 18034 (610-282-3192) www.desales.edu/act1

EPHRATA

Ephrata Performing Arts Center's Sharadin-Bigler Theater, Cocalico Street, Ephrata (717-733-7966) presents "Spring Awakening" Oct. 25 through Nov. 10.

GLENSIDE

Arcadia University’s theater program presents “Meshuggah Nuns” on Arcadias MainStage Oct. 11 through Oct. 21.  This time Dan Goggins nuns board a crise ship and when the cast of the ship’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” gets sick, the nuns make sure the show goes on. The theater is located at Spruance Fine Arts Center, 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, Pa. For more information call 215-572-2112 or visit arcadiatheatre@arcadia.edu

MALVERN

People’s Light & Theatre, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern (610-644-3500) presents  "Seven Guitars” through Oct. 7.

PHILADELPHIA
The Kimmel Center presents  C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” Oct. 19-20 at the Merriam Theater, 250 Broad St., Philadelphia. To purchase tickets, go to www.ScrewtapeonStage.com or call 215-893-1999.

Plays and Players Theater 1812 Productions presents "This Is the Week That Is: The Election Special!" through Nov. 4 at 1714 Delancey St., Philadelphia (215-735-7356)

Walnut Street Theatre opens its 204th season with the American premiere of  “Love Story, the Musical” through Oct. 21 on the WST main stage. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

SKIPPACK

Playcrafters of Skippack present ‘Allo Allo’ through Oct. 6 at 2011 Store Road, Skippack, (610-584-4005) http://www.playcrafters.org

READING

Broadway on 6^th Street presents “Under the Streetlamp,” featuring music of the 50s, 60s and 70s, Sunday Oct. 28 at 7 p.m, at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center. For more information go to SovereignCenter.com or call (610) 898-7229.

SWARTHMORE

Players Club of Swarthmore present “Once Upon A Mattress” Oct. 19 through Nov. 3 at 614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore PA 19081 (610-328-4271) www.pcstheater.org

TRAPPE

Family Stages brings “The Wizard of Oz” to Augustus Lutheran Church, 717 W. Main St. in Trappe Sunday Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. and Monday Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. Two actors bring all the beloved characters to life -- the girl plays Dorothy and the guy plays everyone else. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 215-886-9341 or at familystages@gmail.com.  For a complete schedule of season perfroamnces, go to www.familystages.org

To have your production listed here, email information to Cheryl Thornburg at cthornburg@pottsmerc.com