City Theater's next production is "Dancing at Lughnasa," an Irish memory play. Joe del Tufo for Moonloop Photography.

How City Theater grounds ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ in Ireland

Ken MammarellaHeadlines, Culture

For Michael P. Toner, the vocal coach in the City Theater Company production of “Dancing at Lughnasa,” two of the most important things he offered coaching on were “dancing” and “lughnasa.” “Dancing” was important because it’s pronounced differently in Ireland, where the play is set. Think of a broad “a,” as in family or random, he explained, contrasting it with …

“Stompin’ at The Savoy” is a world premiere musical at the Delaware Theatre Company. Martin French illustration courtesy of Delaware Theatre Company.

Delaware Theatre Co. unveils fun, thoughtful ’24-25 season

Ken MammarellaHeadlines, Culture

The 2024-25 Delaware Theatre Company season features a world premiere musical, a Tony-winning musical, a play produced by DTC in 2005 but is newly relevant, a one-man show and a new holiday revue – plus multiple ways to create conversations and connect with the community. The season includes “Kinky Boots,” “Every Brilliant Thing,” “Home for the Holidays in the 302,” …

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” runs through April 21 at The Candlelight Theatre. Tisa DellaVolpe photo courtesy of Candlelight Theatre.

How Candlelight prepares for all those endings of ‘Drood’

Ken MammarellaHeadlines, Culture

“The Mystery Edwin Drood” poses an unusual mystery. It’s not because the musical has a complex plot that challenges the audience to outwit the playwright. It’s because the audience decides the ending. Director Jeff Reim figures there are about 480 endings, and each one deserved time and attention during rehearsals for the production, at The Candlelight Theatre in Ardentown through …

Abby Brewster (Kathleen Pirkl Tague) and her nephews Mortimer (Mic Matarrese, center) and Jonathan (Stephen Pelinski) in the University of Delaware Resident Ensemble Players production of “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

UD REP stages ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’

Ken MammarellaCulture, Entertainment, Headlines

Arsenic and Old Lace is a “bit of a love letter to the theater,” according to actor Mic Matarrese. “It does everything that’s nice and great about theater and is a good time.” The University of Delaware Resident Ensemble Players presents the 1941 comedy through Nov. 20. Matarrese said that his character, Mortimer Brewster, is the “engine” of the Joseph …