"Allies," a new play by Alexander Kventon, has appeared just as our society questions cultural identity.

It revolves around a group of six white men in a diversity meeting. The meeting takes up the whole ninety-minute play, although there is plenty of drama and a shocking ending, which I wont reveal here.

On July 7 and 8, Allentowns Between the Lines Theatre performed this drama in what it called an elevated reading, where the actors read their lines from the script but move about instead of just remaining in place. The format worked here, since the plot has the actors seated most of the time, and there was only one point where there was a pause to describe the action.

Read more: "Allies" debates cultural identity, at Between the Lines Studio Theatre

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festivals three-person comedy "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]" is inspired lunacy that pays tongue-in-cheek homage to all 37 of Shakespeares plays.

The chaotic craziness is presented outdoors on a new stage in front of the Trexler Library at DeSales University in Center Valley. through July 16.

The cast features the talented trio of Sean Close, Eli Lynn, and Sabrina Lynne Sawyer.

Read more: Pa Shakespeare Festival's "The Complete Works" inspired lunacy

"Tick, Tick ¦ Boom!" is a dynamic and exuberant musical filled with outstanding performances by its talented three-person cast. The show explodes on the stage of Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope through July 15.

The musical, a semi-autobiographical retelling of "Rent" composer Jonathan Larsons life before he wrote his hit rock musical, has a surprising number of local connections.

Bucks County Playhouse Executive Producer Robyn Goodman helped Larsen work on the show and is one of the original producers of "Tick, Tick ¦ Boom!" off-Broadway.

Read more: Thrilling "“Tick, Tick … Boom!” at Bucks County Playhouse

Strong leads anchor a tuneful and engaging "South Pacific" at Northampton Community College Summer Theatre. The classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is at the Bethlehem Township colleges Lipkin Theater through July 9.

Kenneth McMullen and Jennifer Brady are delightful together as middle-aged French expatriate Emile de Beque and naive young Navy nurse Nellie Forbush, who fall in love. McMullen is suave and charming as the wordly Frenchman who enchants the Arkansas-born Nellie.

Read more: Strong leads anchor a tuneful and engaging “South Pacific” at NCC

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festivals "In The Heights" is a buoyant, exuberant and vibrant musical that pulsates with energy. "In the Heights," on the Main Stage at Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley through July 2, boasts strong performances, soaring voices, thrilling dancing and spot-on direction.

As Usnavi, the bodega owner at the heart of the piece, Ryan Reyes is shyly charming as he wraps his tongue around Lin-Manuel Mirandas rapid-fire rap with ease, particularly in the opening title number in which he introduces the residents of his neighborhood in New Yorks Washington Heights.

Read more: PSF's "In the Heights" is thrilling and vibrant

More Articles …

  1. NCC Summer Theatre's "The Prom" heartfelt and uplifting
  2. Pa Playhouse stages delightful "A Drowsy Chaperone"
  3. "Pints, Pounds & Pilgrims" hilarious, manic farce
  4. "Henry IV, Part 2" great performances, powerful moments at Pa Shakespeare
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