James Leitner News

Act II Playhouse in Ambler presents the world premiere of My Very Own Polar Bear, a new children's show for the holidays by local playwright Bill D'Agostino, on stage Dec. 16-31.

To launch its 2017-18 season, Act II Playhouse in Ambler is premiering Which Reminds Me, a brand new laugh-out-loud show from its beloved Artistic Director Tony Braithwaite, on stage Aug. 29-Oct. 1.

Act II Playhouse in Ambler presents Neil Simon's masterpiece Brighton Beach Memoirs, directed by William Roudebush, on stage now through June 18, 2017. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Act II Playhouse in Ambler presents Neil Simon's masterpiece Brighton Beach Memoirs, directed by William Roudebush, on stage May 16-June 18, 2017.

This particular production of TOMFOOLERY shines at Act II Playhouse due to director, Tony Braithwaite's treatment of the show. Where some of the musical numbers and lyrics can seem outdated, the show is treated as a history lesson based on the importance of Tom Lehrer and his music. In addition, the show is handled as if it is a period piece. The costumes and set all are reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s, and take the audience on a journey back in time with the music of Lehrer. Also, throughout the show there is commentary about the songs and about Lehrer and his lyrics, which I found interesting. The spirited cast makes TOMFOOLERY an entertaining evening of theatre.

Act II Playhouse presents Tomfoolery, a revue of the witty, wicked and thoroughly twisted world of famed satirical songwriter Tom Lehrer, on stage in Ambler from Feb. 28-April 2, 2017.

Act II Playhouse presents Tomfoolery, a revue of the witty, wicked and thoroughly twisted world of famed satirical songwriter Tom Lehrer, on stage in Ambler from Feb. 28-April 2, 2017.

Act II Playhouse's production of KISS ME, KATE is a show that is imbued with energy and full of delightful musical numbers. It has a sensational score by Cole Porter that will please audiences. This show, under the direction of Peter Reynolds and with the incredible choreography by Maggie Anderson, is a reminder of the timeless melodies of Porter and it has a cast that will entertain audiences. KISS ME, KATE at Act II Playhouse shines and will have members of the audience smiling from start to finish.

It's 'Too Darn Hot!' Act II Playhouse in Ambler presents the Tony Award-winning musical Kiss Me, Kate, on stage from May 17-June 19, 2016. The classic musical comedy features a book by Sam and Bella Spewack and an iconic score by Cole Porter.

This past weekend, Act II Playhouse opened a new play for children, SLEEPING HANDSOME. This play is a new story with a twist on the classic fairy tale, SLEEPING BEAUTY. This was my first time attending one of Act II's productions for kids, and I was delighted by not only the quality of the play, but also the originality of the story. SLEEPING HANDSOME is interactive and energetic, and children will be captivated by this enchanting play as this fantastical tale comes to life on stage.

Almost thirty years after DRIVING MISS DAISY had its premiere Off-Broadway, this play still feels remarkably relevant today. The intimate setting at Act II Playhouse works well for this play as the audience immediately connects with the story. DRIVING MISS DAISY focuses on an older Southern woman, Daisy, and her chauffer, Hoke Colburn. At its heart, this play is about companionship and how friendship can transcend any barrier of race or creed. In addition, this show's cast is perfectly suited to their roles as they draw the audience into the story while heartwarmingly depicting the growing friendship between Daisy and Hoke. DRIVING MISS DAISY at Act II Playhouse, under the direction of James J. Christy, is a brilliant production complete with masterful performances.

Act II Playhouse presents Alfred Uhry's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Driving Miss Daisy, on stage in Ambler from March 1-26, 2016. Carla Belver, Brian Anthony Wilson, and Artistic Director Tony Braithwaite are a 'can't-miss cast,' according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Big Apple Circus will host its annual Holiday Season Family Benefit, a special event that raises funds for the nonprofit performing arts institution's community programs, tonight, November 21, 2015 under the Big Top in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center (62nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues), featuring comedian Jim Gaffigan as Guest Ringmaster.

Big Apple Circus will host its annual Holiday Season Family Benefit, a special event that raises funds for the nonprofit performing arts institution's community programs, on Saturday, November 21, 2015 under the Big Top in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center (62nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues), featuring comedian Jim Gaffigan as Guest Ringmaster.

THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY is a show that will provide audiences with hearty laughter and an entertaining evening of theatre. Ken Ludwig's THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY is the current show at Act II Playhouse, and it is a show that will delight audiences with its zaniness. The show is about life, love and the love of golf. Although, from personal experience, I can say that you do not need a great deal of knowledge about golf to enjoy this comedy. The production of THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY, under the direction of William Roudebush, at Act II Playhouse is a fast paced comedy with an energetic cast that will amuse audiences.

Act II Playhouse in Ambler presents Ken Ludwig's The Fox on the Fairway, a zany comedy from the author of Lend Me a Tenor, on stage from tonight, Oct. 27 to Nov. 22.

Act II Playhouse in Ambler presents Ken Ludwig's The Fox on the Fairway, a zany comedy from the author of Lend Me a Tenor, on stage from Oct. 27 to Nov. 22.

Act II Playhouse's production of UNNECESSARY FARCE by Paul Smith Slade is boisterous, funny, chaotic and a wonderfully done farce. According to a press release from Act II Playhouse, this show has 'Two Cops. Three Crooks. Eight Doors. One Killer in a Kilt.' Without giving too much away, this show is about an undercover cop and a rookie cop who are prepared to take down a corrupt mayor, but just like in any good farce, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. UNNECESSARY FARCE at Act II Playhouse is a delightfully amusing show that will have audiences laughing throughout the show.

Mark Twain is not only one of the most beloved and widely read American authors, but he is also a gifted raconteur and distinctive humorist. MARK TWAIN UNPLUGGED, the latest show at Act II Playhouse, wonderfully captures all these characteristics of Twain and brings him to life in this show. This production, which is like spending an evening with Twain in the form of a stop on his small town speaking circuit, beautifully captures the essence of Twain with a dialogue that is witty, passionate and clever.

The classic Tennessee Williams play THE GLASS MENAGERIE is a show that paints a picture from personal truth and the emotional watercolors of memory. It is a beautifully written play with affecting dialog and themes. This show draws the audience into the story as soon as Tom, the narrator, steps on the stage to explain what the audience is about to see is a "memory play," where each scene is a crucial memory in Tom's life. Tom discloses, "I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion." The production of THE GLASS MENAGERIE at Act II Playhouse, under the direction of James J. Christy, is seamless and it captures the essence of Williams's work with graceful precision.