March is a busy month for Philadelphia theater, with modern portrayals on centuries-old productions alongside shows with new perspectives on American history.
The upcoming month also brings three plays from William Shakespeare: a one-woman version of “Hamlet” at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, “Twelfth Night” at People’s Light in Malvern and “Romeo and Juliet” at the Arden Theatre Co. In other spins on classics, the Kammerspiel also has a fresh take on Molière’s “Tartuffe.”
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Coming off the success of “Good Bones,” the Wilma Theater is putting on another show from Philadelphia playwright James Ijames, this time with the story of Martha Washington as she confronts her role in slavery in America. Lantern Theater Co. is also sharing Black history with “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” which unpacks the plight of artists from the Harlem Renaissance as the tide turns into the Great Depression.
Here’s what else coming to the theater this month.
Tartuffe
Now-March 8 | The Kammerspiel | 1515 Brandywine St.
Molière’s “Tartuffe” is reimagined for modern audiences in Bob Sloan’s new adaption. The show follows Orgon, a wealthy aristocrat, whose family is infiltrated by a religious con man. Tickets start at $17.85.
Blues for an Alabama Sky
Now-March 15 | Lantern Theater Co. | 923 Ludlow St.
During the Harlem Renaissance and the start of the Great Depression, singer Angel meets a Southern stranger. As their romance unfolds, she and her fellow creatives have to decide whether to make the most of the moment or abandon their ambitions. Tickets start at $25.
A Delicate Balance
Now-March 29 | Walnut Street Theatre | 825 Walnut St.
In Edward Albee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning show, a couple shows up unannounced at the doorstep of their longtime friends and ask to stay the night. They’re caught up in an unnamed fear, and the chaos that unfolds upsets the delicate balance in their friends’ home. Tickets start at $31.50.
Twelfth Night
Feb. 25 -March 29 | People’s Light | Malvern, Chester County
In William Shakespeare’s classic play, twins Viola and Sebastian both survive a shipwreck — each unbeknownst to the other. After disguising herself as a man, Viola is sent to win the heart of Lady Olivia, and sets off a chain of events full of love, rebellion and mistaken identity. Tickets start at $49.
Hamlet
March 4-8 | Ensemble Arts | 480 S. Broad St.
Actress Eddie Izzard performs a one-woman version of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. In her show, Izzard plays all 23 roles to tell the story of a Danish prince driven crazy by his thirst for revenge. Tickets start at $113.
Romeo and Juliet
March 5-April 5 | Arden Theatre Co. | 40 N. 2nd St.
Two young lovers fall in love even though their families are sworn enemies in Shakespeare’s most famous play. As they attempt to make their star-crossed romance work despite the blood feud, tragedy unfolds in a story of love, loss and family. Tickets start at $55.
Tiny Beautiful Things
Weekends, March 6-22 | Old Academy Players | 3544 Indian Queen Ln.
This staged version of Cheryl Strayed’s “Tiny Beautiful Things” adds a human element to an advice column published between 2010-2012. In her tenure as Sugar, the anonymous columnist, Strayed pulled from her own personal experiences to help people work through their problems. Tickets are $25.
The Weir
March 13-29 | Irish Heritage Theatre | 1714 Delancey St.
At a pub in rural Ireland, a group of locals share ghost stories and folklore to a newcomer, Valerie. In response, Valerie reveals her own tragic backstory, which bonds her with her new acquaintances. Tickets are $25.
The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington
March 17-April 5 | The Wilma Theater | 265 S. Broad St.
For fans of “Good Bones,” the Wilma is putting on another James Ijames show, this time telling the story of the first first lady. As she lays on her deathbed with a fever, surrounded by slaves who will gain freedom upon her demise, Martha Washington hallucinates a trial on her role in slave ownership and America’s legacy of slavery. Tickets start at $56.
Can’t Forget About You
March 21-April 5 | Inis Nua Theatre Co. | 302 S. Hicks St.
Following a tough breakup, 20-something Stevie meets 40-something Martha at a cafe in Belfast. When their unlikely romance ensues, Stevie’s mother and older sister threaten the relationship with their disapproval. Tickets are $36.
