Carve out some family time this holiday season by catching some great shows that are happening in the Philadelphia area this holiday season.

Upper Darby Summer Stage presents its crown jewel of the season, the mainstage production “42nd Street” on July 27, 28 and August 3, 4 at 7:30 p.m. andAugust 4 at 1:30 p.m. Performances take place at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.



The ultimate show-biz musical and multiple Tony-Award winner, “42nd Street” is a celebration of Broadway and the people who create the magic of musical theatre. Featuring show-stopping tap dance numbers, a classic musical score, and an electric Broadway style finale, “42nd Street” will dazzle theater lovers of all ages. With music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin and Johnny Mercer, audiences will recognize classics tunes like “Lullaby of Broadway,” “We’re in the Money,” and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”



Tickets for this production are affordable ranging from $14 to $17 enabling anyone to experience a professional, high standard production. Tickets may be purchased at udpac.org or by calling the box office at 610.622.1189.



The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is located at 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, minutes from the Main Line and Center City. The performance is approximately 2.5 hours, including intermission. Parking is free.


About the show:
Set in the early 1930s, aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer (Meghan Dietzler of Upper Darby) travels to the “Big Apple” from Allentown, Pennsylvania to audition for elite director Julian Marsh’s (Chris Monaco of Wallingford) Broadway production. With her natural sparkle and hoofing skills, she lands a job in the ensemble of Marsh’s “Pretty Lady,” starring Dorothy Brock (Rachel Medori of Drexel Hill) and Billy Lawlor (Danny Walsh of Aldan). Just before opening night, the leading lady Dorothy breaks her ankle taking her out of the show. Peggy might just have a shot at Broadway stardom.


For more information about “42nd Street” and Upper Darby Summer Stage’s 43rd season visit udpac.org.

Upper Darby Summer Stage kicks off its 43rd season with “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Jr.” Based on the beloved children’s book written by Jeff Brown, the musical tells the story of Stanley Lambchop, everyone’s favorite two-dimensional hero. Featuring infectious songs and non-stop adventure, this production is a perfect introduction to the magic of theater. Performances are July 3, 5, and 6 at 10:30 am and on July 5 at 7:30 pm at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.


Stanley Lambchop (Jack Williamson of Boothwyn) is an ordinary boy seeking adventure and a change from normal life. After wishing on a shooting star, Stanley’s bulletin board falls on him making him flat as a pancake. This gives him the opportunity to easily travel the world in an envelope. Throughout his travels, he meets the mail carrier, Mrs. Cartero (Audrey Shaw of Drexel Hill), the Hollywood Agent (Samantha Gregori of Havertown), and in France meets O’Jay D’ Art (Tommy Barnes of Havertown). In the end, Stanley realizes how much he misses his family and friends and learns that heroes can be any shape or size.



Tickets are affordably priced at $8-$12 and members of The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center save $1. Tickets may be purchased at udpac.org or by calling the box office at 610.622.1189. The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is located at 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, minutes from the Main Line and Center City.



The performance is approximately 60 minutes with no intermission. Parking is free. The show is recommended for ages four and up with free babysitting in the lobby offered for those who may be too young to sit quietly through the entire show.


A Summer Stage show is a unique experience for all ages. Prior to the children’s performances, young audience members can enjoy pre-show activities and a meet-and-greet with characters after each show. Autographs and pictures are encouraged!


For more information about “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Jr.” and Upper Darby Summer Stage’s 43rd season visit udpac.org.

Upper Darby Summer Stage kicks off its 42nd season as the irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved, award-winning musicals. 

Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Annie Jr. features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.




For more information:   https://www.udpac.org

Location:  Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N Lansdowne Ave, Drexel Hill, PA 19026

This event is appropriate for:   Recommended for ages 4 and up

Cost: $8-$12

Arden Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Light Princess, adapted from the story by George MacDonald, with book and lyrics by Tony Lawton and original music by Alex Bechtel. Steve Pacek is the director. It runs from April 5 – June 4, 2017. Based on the Scottish legend, The Light Princess tells the story of a teenager who has no gravity of any kind in addition to having no feelings for others, as she floats in the air, unable to ever touch the ground.


The Light Princess will delight kids and adults, they will be taken on an adventure of an evil witch who places a spell on the baby princess.  The spell takes gravity away from the princess and she floats in the air, it also robs her of taking anything seriously.  Until the day the princess falls in love with a prince.  The prince makes a brave sacrifice to save the princess. Will the princess learn to take life a little more seriously to save her prince?



This small ensemble of 5 actors will draw you into their adventure with their heartache, laughs, and singing.  The set design doesn't disappoint with the creative ways they make the princess float, costume changes and turning the stage into a lake.  The play was written for kids, but there definitely are jokes just for parents.  The songs are very catchy and will have you singing along.

The show is appropriate for kids ages 6  and up.  It's important to note that the subject of death comes up in the show.  The show is approximately 2 hours with an intermission.  At the conclusion of the show the cast has a short Q & A session with the audience.

For more information or the purchase tickets call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122 or visit www.ardentheatre.org or walk-up at the box office, 40 N. 2nd Street

The cost is $18 - $36 depending on age and the performance chosen.

Upper Darby Summer Stage proudly presents its crown jewel of the 41st season, the mainstage production, “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” Recently on Broadway starring Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara, this high-stepping musical recalls the golden age of American musicals, complete with extravagant dance numbers, glittering Broadway costumes and a treasure trove of George and Ira Gershwin’s most beloved songs.


WHEN: July 29, 30 and August 5, 6 at 7:30 pm and August 6 at 1:30 pm

WHERE: Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA

TICKETS: $12 - $16 - Available online: www.udpac.org or by calling 610.622.1189

Arden Theatre Company presents the World Premiere of HANS BRINKER AND THE SILVER SKATES by playwright, director and screenwriter Laura Eason and adapted from the novel by Mary Mapes Dodge. The first of two Children’s Theatre offerings during the 2015/16 Season, HANS BRINKER AND THE SILVER SKATES runs from November 24, 2015 – January 31, 2016, on the Arden’s F. Otto Haas stage at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia.






About the Show

My family and I had the chance to review the show this past weekend and as usual, the Arden Theatre doesn't disappoint.  We loved how the set design was done with making the stage look like an ice rink and the way they told the story. My kids loved how it looked like the cast was skating on real ice.   We also loved the lesson the show told about never giving up and being kind to others. Here is some background of the the story:

Sneak a peek into the "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal" of the outspoken and lovable Junie B. Jones! Based on the popular book series by Barbara Park, enjoy this colorful, funny, fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament, and other various first-grade angst-ridden situations. Follow the sassy little diva Junie B. on her adventures and read along with her as she writes down details of her journey through first grade.

Approximately 60 minutes. No intermission. Ages 4 and up.



For more information: www.udpac.org or by calling 610.622.1189


Location: Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 


Cost:  $7 - $11










Win a chance to Laugh Yourself Silly at Junie B. Jones: The Musical! In partnership with Upper Darby Summer Stage, we are giving away a Family 4 pack of tickets to the morning performance at 10:30 am on Thursday July 30th! Enter to win below! The winner will be announced on July 24th.

For more information: http://www.rustintheater.com/

About the Show
The King stinks. And the adults seem happy to do nothing about it. It's up to the kids to change things in the quiet hamlet of Blankety Blank Bay. But who knew revolution would prove so difficult?

Come 1/2 hour earlier for all shows for the Renaissance Circus


About Winter Sort of Thing

"Where do you go when the temperature drops and the snowflakes start to swirl? Where there's scarves and hats and coats and mittens on every boy and girl? What do you know when the cold old North Wind starts to sing? It's time for a Winter Sort of Thing!"

Every year near the end of January, when the wind is blowing and the flurries are falling, when the football season is down to two teams, when the glow of the holidays is near to worn off, Yes! And… Collaborative Arts and Eastern University Theatre break into your world with a brand new musical adventure – a Winter Sort of Thing!

Bring your entire family to see Willy Wonka, Jr. at the E O Bull Center Mainstage at West Chester University in West Chester, PA on June 1st and June 2nd. This captivating show will be perfomed by a group of talented children ages 8-16 who are members of Schmata Productions. Schmata Productions is a non profit theater company based in Malvern. Please visit us at schmataproductions.org and find out more about us and our exciting program.

For more information:  schmataproductions.org

 Location: E O Bull Center Mainstage Theatre at West Chester University

817 South High Street, West, Chester, PA 19383
 Cost: Tickets are only $8 and can be purchased by contacting Tix@SchmataProductions.org
Some seats may be available the day of the show but we recommend reserving yours as last year had several SOLD OUT shows!

Cinderella & Prince Sebastian

I recently had the chance to see Cinderella at the Arden Theater.  This is not your Disney Cinderella, but I love the twist that the Arden put on this show. It's still the basic Cinderella story about a young girl who loses her mother, her father remarries and Cinderella has new sisters.  The fairy godmother is a bird who helps to guide Cinderella throughout this difficult time in her life.  Cinderella becomes friends with a young boy that she doesn't know is really the prince.  One of my favorite characters was the Prince's friend Wolfgang, as in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  The King also stole the show with his crazy ideas that made every kid in the audience crack up.

Cinderella & Fairy Godmother

One of my favorite parts of the show was how they used shadows and light to tell the story.  .  This show is for the whole family, when boys hear Cinderella they think it's the typical story, but the show has many positive male role models that boys can relate to.  As usual the Arden theater puts on another amazing performance this holiday season!

Cinderella

For more information:  www.ardentheatre.org,


Location:    Arden Theatre Company 40 N. 2^nd Street, Old City Philadelphia 19106      


This event is appropriate for:   ages 5 and older


Cost: Weekday Performances (Tuesday – Friday, excluding Friday nights at 7pm)

Adults: $32; Teens (13-17 yrs): $20; Kids (12 yrs and under): $16

Weekend Performances (Friday nights at 7pm; Saturdays and Sundays)
Adults: $36; Teens (13-17 yrs): $22; Kids (12 yrs and under): $1