Arden Theatre Company — Attraction in Philadelphia

Absolutely Riveting! The Arden's "King Hedley II" is a Triumph! My wife and I were utterly captivated by The Arden Theatre Company's stunning production of August Wilson's "King Hedley II." From the moment the lights dimmed, we were transported to the gritty, vibrant world of 1980s Pittsburgh, and we remained completely engrossed until the final, powerful moments. This is not just theatre; it's an experience that resonates long after the curtain falls. The direction was masterful, navigating the complex layers of Wilson's powerful script with both sensitivity and unflinching honesty. The pacing was impeccable, allowing the tension to build organically and the emotional weight of each character's struggle to land with profound impact. But it was the cast that truly elevated this production to another level. Each and every actor delivered a performance of breathtaking depth and authenticity. They embodied their characters with such conviction that we felt as though we were witnessing real lives unfolding before us. The raw emotion, the simmering anger, the fragile hopes – it was all palpable. The chemistry between the actors was electric, creating a dynamic and believable tapestry of relationships. The set design was equally impressive, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the Hill District. The details were meticulous, creating a tangible sense of place that further immersed us in the story. The lighting and sound design were also expertly crafted, enhancing the mood and underscoring the emotional nuances of the play. "King Hedley II" is a challenging and important work, exploring themes of legacy, survival, and the enduring impact of systemic injustice. The Arden's production tackled these weighty issues with grace and power, leaving us with much to contemplate. It's a play that stays with you, prompting conversations and offering a deeper understanding of the human condition. My wife and I wholeheartedly recommend this production. It is a testament to the power of August Wilson's writing and the exceptional talent of The Arden Theatre Company. If you have the opportunity to see this production, do not miss it. It is a truly unforgettable theatrical experience. We left the theatre feeling moved, provoked, and deeply impressed. Bravo to the...

A very welcoming, cozy and we managed theatre. I love the announcement at the beginning of the show. Good marketing. Saw Tony Morrison's The Bluest Eyes. Adaption from the novel. Brilliant brilliant directing. Making the harsh, dirty moments so pure and transcending. Hats off to the director ! Nothing has ever made me feel like this. Time froze. I was on the edge of my seat at times grabbing my heart, at times wiping my nose, at times looking up to breathe. Nothing has ever made me feel like this and I know (and I hope not) it would be a long time before I ever see something like this again. This production, this adaptation, this bringing to life of a masterpiece with an all black cast infuses you with a complexities of emotions, aesthetic responses at any single moment, a fleeting moment that lasts longer than they are supposed to be, that hangs mid-air your heart, your brain, whatever you have brought here with you tonight to offer to the stage.

What I'm trying to say is, for other productions, you will feel certain things at certain times: this moment you feel wonder, this moment you feel pain, this moment you feel regret or joy, but with this production, what I experienced was so so rich; it was a multitude of you-name-its, happened and infused your whole being in any given moment. It was rich, so so rich in truths in history in humanity. It was way beyond me and it took me over.

I have to catch my breath writing this to you. I love the show, very much.

#ArdenBluest

Seeing black souls giving voices to their stories shook me...

It's been years since I last went to the Arden but I'm so glad I went back. Every show there is a true treasure. Part of it is the layout of the theaters; they're wonderfully designed to fully immerse the audience in the performance. The performers are definitely the best part though.

There's a certain quality about the performers at the Arden that I can't quite put my finger on but they put on the best shows in town. It's the little things about the performances that will stick with you forever. I still remember like it was yesterday when Erronius was jogging between the sections of chairs counting his laps in the 2006 performance of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Likewise, I'm sure a decade down the line I'll still remember the Emcee coming around to hold hands with audience members and the other stars of the Kit Kat Club coming around to chat (in character) before the show Cabaret began.

If you haven't been to the Arden yet or if you've been away a while like I was, I urge you to go. It's an experience not...