We’re reflecting on our favorite moments, designs and performances from Philly Theater in 2017…
1. Hello! Sadness! at Fringe Arts.
Mary Tuomanen’s defiant and human insistence that she exists was the experience that gave us the strength to face the most horrifying reality of early 2017
2. Production design in Sans Everyting from Strange Attractor and Lighting Rod Special
The attention to detail and true originality in Masha Tsimring’s imagining of humanity as seen through the eyes of distant and future strangers was unforgettable, especially when paired with Brad Pouliot’s otherworldly sound design.
3. Corinna Burns in Inis Nua’s Swallow
The criminally underappreciated Corinna Burns broke our hearts with her honest, nuanced performance as Anna.
4. J. Hernandez in How to Use A Knife
In a play that we agreed was very problematic, J. Hernandez offered a multi layered performance as Carlos that transcended the material.
5. Thomas Choinacky in Peacable Kingdom from Orbiter 3
Thomas Choinacky’s native squirrel, under the direction of Rebecca Wright, was a subtle and understated performance that told the story of abusive relationships with compassion and dignity.
6. Running Numbers from Theater in the X
New playwright Cheyenne Barboza’s Running Numbers was well structured, thoughtful, reflective, funny and important. Theater in the X was right to get it in front of appreciative audiences under the skilled direction of Christina May. Niya Colbert killed it as Mouse in a performance that was hilarious and surprising.
7. Litany of names in AGAIN for the Bridge Festival
The listing of black victims of brutality to a hauntingly steady beat at the end of the Bridge PHL Festival was an unforgettable moment. Playwright TS Hawkins’ relentless reminders of the realities of black life are crucial, as are efforts like Bridge PHL to get the work produced.
8. Scape-ing at Kaleid Theater
Gabriela Sanchez, Pratima Agrawal, Vanessa Ogbuehi and Kaitlyn Pribulsky gave standout performances directed by Sarah Mitteldorf, and we look forward to seeking more from this WOC directed company.
9. Props and costume design for Orbiter 3’s The Brownings
Marie Chiment’s costumes set the scene and told the story, especially in conjunction with props by Emily Schuman- notably the historical couple’s pens (and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s pockets!)
10. Representation Pushback to the Barrymores and Institutions
Our favorite theater moments of 2017 didn’t happen on stage. They happened in conversations on and offline. We started to really feel the momentum as women and POC in Philly theater demand representation, recognition and resources. The bravery of those who stood up, spoke up, opted out and pushed back was at the heart of this theater year.
*Note, Vanessa Ogbuehi was originally not included in the cast of Scaping. This was an oversight and we apologize.
bonaly 