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Dreamgirls Margaret Hoffman (Michelle), Syesha Mercado (Deena) and Adrienne Warren (Lorrell), Photo by Joan Marcus

The year is 1962 and The Dreamettes, a young group of female R&B singers—are hoping to break out and become famous. Innocent, but enthusiastic, they enter a talent competition… and walk away with a manager, who quickly earns them gigs. All seems to be going well, until they start to make it big—and quickly discover that life in the big leagues is no picnic.

This is the story of Dreamgirls, the Tony- and Drama Desk-award winning musical that has captivated audiences for nearly 30 years, and which debuted at the Academy of Music Tuesday night to grand enthusiasm. Everything about the production—from the music to the set—was exquisite—resulting in a truly unforgettable experience.

Moya Angela’s performance as Effie White, the plus-sized protagonist with a powerhouse voice was spot-on, the actress’s own pipes earning her a standing ovation. Chester Gregory had the audience laughing, crying, and dancing in their seats as the James Brown-esque Jimmy “Thunder” Early—while Syesha Mercado (of American Idol fame), played lead Dreamette Deena Jones with beauty and grace.

William Ivey Long’s costumes included more than 580 outfits (most of them sparkly) and 184 wigs (which made the production dazzle)—while Robin Wagner’s minimalist set used LED’s to show everything from cityscapes to pop charts. It all adds up to one absolute must-see—check it out, this week only!

Dream Girls at the Academy of Music, June 22-27, 2010
Broad and Locust Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 893-1999
www.academyofmusic.org

The lovely view @ Firecreek Restaurant

Looking for a place to escape from it all, enjoy a leisurely morning cocktail and maybe a fresh omelet in the sunshine? Look no further than Firecreek Restaurant in Downingtown, where brunch on the deck is all this, and more.

A new American eatery housed in a converted paper mill on the banks of the Brandywine—Firecreek is all about reinventing classics, with charm. Brunch is served buffet-style Sunday mornings for patrons indoors and on the deck—where the cheery orange umbrellas lend bursts of color to the outdoor scene. I visited Firecreek last Sunday, and was won over by the vibrant flavors and breezy calm.

Incredible brunch! Yum!

Buffet-style always means more options than you know what to do with—like spicy peel-and-eat shrimp, with homemade Bloody Mary cocktail sauce—and creamed chipped beef, with buttermilk biscuits. (Yum!) A hot carving station featured herb crusted sirloin, honey glazed ham, and more—being a seafood-lover, I chose the lemon dill salmon, which proved light, spring-y, and delicious. But my favorite dish was definitely the crab eggs benedict—made fresh to order from the chef and sooooo rich and flavorful.

Matt, my boyfriend and partner for all things culinary, indulged his sweet tooth with a fluffy Belgian waffle, topped with strawberries and whipped cream—and a heaping portion of cinnamon French toast. No matter what you’re seeking, Firecreek is sure to satisfy—check it out, and see for yourself!

Sunday Brunch at Firecreek Restaurant
20 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335
(610) 269-6000
www.firecreek-restaurant.com

Great comfort food and a happy hour menu @ Mixx

Flustered and famished on the Main Line? Fret no more. Get your nosh on comfort food-style at Mixx, the brand new restaurant, bar, and lounge in Villanova. I visited this fabulous new hotspot for dinner last week, and fell in love with its casual elegance.

The dinner menu is large and varied, with nothing over $18, and much under $10. To start, I tried the French onion soup—chef’s original recipe!—which came covered with warm, melted gruyere. Mmm! Between bites, I stole nibbles of my boyfriend’s calamari (fried with roasted peppers, jalepenos and spicy plum sauce), and was delighted by the tangy kick. It’s like comfort food with flair!

Drinks at Mixx

High ceilings and cozy brick make up the main dining room, with happy hour specials posted on blackboards. The beer list is varied and affordable—mixing local(ish) faves like Victory, Troegs, and Slyfox with quality domestics. There’s also an impressive cocktail list—I tried the Bellini (sparking wine, NUVO liquer and raspberry puree), and found it fruity AND intoxicating.

Dinner proved equally delectable—my beef brisket sandwich came with thick, doughy bread for dipping and a heaping pile of plump, peppery fries. The BF did the brioche burger and it was perfectly cooked (medium rare) and high-quality meat. Talk about an American classic!

Mixx desserts are all homemade; I chose the Choco Bomb: rich, warm chocolate cake with fresh berries compote and vanilla ice cream. Let’s just say I had no trouble polishing it off! I look forward to another delish visit soon.

Mixx Restaurant
789 E. Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085
(610) 527-0700
www.mixxrestaurant.com

I’m not sure why the owners of Center City’s Time decided to name it such, but I have a decent working theory: when you’re here, the hours start to slowly melt away, and before you know it, “time” seems to have vanished completely.

“Three concepts, one address,” boasts their website, and indeed, versatility is part of what makes Time so tantalizing. One part restaurant (tapas and large plates), one part whiskey bar and taproom, and one part sweet Parisian absinthe lounge, it’s easy to imagine one long, decadent evening at Time, where one moves, gradually, from one spot to the next.

Mmm!

Let’s start with the restaurant. A cheery 60-seater, Time Restaurant features carefully-chosen twists on grassroots American: think quail, duck, fresh fish and lamb chops… with oysters and fries, onion rings (above!) and sweet and sour meatballs.

Next door is the whiskey bar: dimly light, with cozy deep wooden booths (perfect for conversation!) and an impressive offering of more than 20 draft beers and over 100 whiskeys, ranging in price from affordable to expensive.

The absinthe lounge is upstairs, decorated to resemble a Parisian club, and provide a spot for patrons who want to dance—or possibly get acquainted with the Green Fairy! (Absinthe is technically served in the whiskey bar as well, but upstairs it’s more fun!) Order your absinthe straight and it comes with a glass fountain of water, a slotted spoon, and a sugar cube—or try one of Time’s many bohemian cocktails. I prefer the Death in the Afternoon, a Hemingway creation consisting of absinthe and champagne.

Time
1315 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 985-4800
www.timerestaurant.net

Ahh, the Last Drop. This hip Center City coffee house, located across the street from Leila Cafe on 13th and Pine, has been my go-to spot for years. And why not? This place has everything I look for in a good coffee shop: delicious brews, free wi-fi, and a comfy, laidback interior that’s perfect for hanging out with friends or getting some work done.

Last Drop is 2 floors: upstairs, there’s a large, wooden counter with a chalk board menus, high ceilings, dark paint, a smattering of mismatched tables, and a rather impressive selection of alternative literature (think CityPaper, show flyers, your roommate’s art magazine.) The focus here is definitely on the COFFEE (they brew La Colombe)— which means you won’t find gourmet paninis or homemade soups on the menu. They DO however offer fresh bagels (try the bagel melt with tomato and cheddar cheese… mmm) and a varying selection of pre-made sandwiches and baked goods.

Downstairs boasts more seating, some worn-in couches, and a low-key atmosphere for patrons looking for a quiet space to hole up. And of course, for those seeking fresh air, there are a half dozen outdoor tables (complete with umbrellas!), ideal for people-watching. And they’re open until 10:00 on weekdays! Whether you’re seeking a killer cup o’ Joe or just a relaxing study spot, this joint rules ‘til the last drop!

Last Drop Coffee House
1300 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 893-9262
www.lastdropcoffeehouse.com

Highlife Bottles on Lucy's Bar

I’ve always been a Miller High Life kinda girl – a little cheap, but undisputedly classy. It is, after all, the champagne of beers. So it should come as no surprise that I was psyched to learn about the Economic Stimulus Plan at Lucy’s Hat Shop in Old City: 50-cent High Lifes and High Life Lights every Thursday evening ‘til midnight.

Not a beer drinker? Lucy’s got you covered, with $1 well drinks from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. That’s right — $1 well drinks. They’ve also got $3 Tuaca and Jaeger shots, and $6 Jaeger and Redbull bombs, something I can’t even imagine and yet already want. There’s no cover AND there’s a DJ spinning fresh tunes – what more can you want? Grab 5 bucks, and a couple of friends and head down to Old City – being thrifty never felt so glorious!

Economic Stimulus, Every Thursday at Lucy’s Hat Shop
247 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-1433
www.lucys215.com

I’m a seafood-a-vore. If I had my way, I’d eat nothing but. From raw oysters to smoked salmon, if there’s seafood on the menu, you can bet I’ll be there, a napkin ‘round my neck, and a big smile on my face.

My new fave spot to gouge out on delish underwater delicacies? Seafood Unlimited in Rittenhouse Square, where every Monday evening for just $10.95, you can indulge in all the mussels you can eat.

That’s right: just $10.95! I checked out this killer special last Monday, and was blown away by the freshness and flavors. Mussels are steamed and served 2 ways: with marinara sauce, or with garlic and herbs. Being indecisive (and eager to devour multiple bowls), I tried both—and decided I couldn’t possibly choose between them. More of each, please!

Not a mollusk person? Not a problem. The small bites menu more than delivered, with tantalizing treasures like peel n’eat shrimp, spring mix goat cheese salad with mandarin oranges, and a blackened chicken quesadilla. All for just $5 or $6!

The BF loves shrimp, and so he satiated his craving with some popcorn and buffalo-fried varieties. Holy crustaceans! The popcorn shrimp were succulent and tasty, while the buffalo-fried lil’ guys were incredibly crispy and zesty. Hooray for kick-y flavors! You can bet I’ll return to Seafood Unlimited soon, before this unbelievable deal swims away.

Seafood Unlimited
270 S. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-SEA-FOOD
www.seafoodunlimited.com

As somewhat of an Internet enthusiast, I like to think you can find everything you need on Craigslist. Need a roommate? Check Housing. An electric grill? Check For Sale. A date for that party Friday night? Check the personals section – or if you just want something friendly, there’s “strictly platonic.” (“As if anything is strictly platonic,” one cast member jokes.)

These interactions form the backbone of Missed Connections: A Craigslist Fantasia, the latest Fringe Festival offering from West Philly’s Curio Theatre Company, running now through September 19.

From the minute the lights come up on set and we see Kaylee Goodwin (the “girl in the white dress”) plug a giant plug into a giant socket and illuminate a giant monitor displaying (what else?) Craigslist, we’re transported to a different world—where our everyday existences are affected and influenced by our interactions online.

The hour-long show covers just about every transaction known to Craigslist—from an irate 20-something lashing out against his roomie’s girlfriend (“Rants and Raves”) to the young girl hired—for $20—to bathe in a bathtub full of noodles (“Jobs” or maybe, “Creative Gigs.”)

Once a sketch is completed, the category is blurred on the monitor until we’re left with just “Help”, and Craigslist takes on a dangerously dark side.

And while finding love—or employment, or noodle baths—online can be gratifying, the production ultimately warns against passive online identity.

“Stop waiting around for something to happen,” declares one cast member, after perusing personal ads and Missed Connections. “Get out there and make it happen.”

Missed Connections: A Craigslist Fantasia
Through September 19, 2009
See the Philly Fringe site for official dates and times.

Calvary Center Sanctuary
4740 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143
( 215) 413-9006
www.livearts-fringe.org

It’s no secret that “Chuckleball”—the Jersey-based production company known for creative sports parody—is meant to be funny. And their fall 2009 production of Brotherly Glove is no exception. Laughs were plentiful at their Saturday night debut, as the actors paired lively tunes with hilarious portrayals of some of the most famous names in sports.

From a soulful Temptations’ take on George Foreman cooking products (“My Grill”) to a downtrodden Plaxico Burress crooning along to Daniel Powter’s “I had a bad day,” Chuckleball succeeds by taking tunes everyone knows, and infusing them with clever pop culture references.

I loved the spirited tribute to Veterans Stadium (“for it smelled like fish and poo,” declares the cast) and a jaunty Brett Favre, who, with the help of Billy Joel’s “We didn’t start the fire”, promised the crowd that he will NEVER retire (“I’ll just keep on playing while my arms are decaying”) had me in hysterics.

The 4-person cast proved particularly adapt at changing characters—with a little help from stick-on facial hair, actor Davon Williams became Donavan McNabb, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant and more; a few wigs and headpieces transformed Jill Jacobs from tennis star Michelle Wie to Danica Patrick to Posh Spice to Kendra Wilkinson.

The 90-minute performance covered just about every sport known to man, and even though I’m far from an ESPN addict, I found myself laughing along nonstop. Check out Chuckleball (every Saturday at Doc Watson’s Pub!), before it rolls out of town for good!

Brotherly Glove, every Saturday at 8 p.m. at Doc Watson’s Pub
216 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(646) 307-4410
www.chuckleball.com

You: Skinny punk with a fixie, at the Last Drop and riding down Pine Street
Me: Girl in a cardigan, too shy to say hi.

I noticed you were wearing a CBGB’s shirt. Wanna grab some 40’s and go to a house show?

I have a confession to make: I adore Craig’s List Missed Connections. I read them almost every day, in the hopes of discovering an amusing trinket, or, better yet, a post about someone I know. There’s something so fascinating about internet voyeurism, and this particular forum (where sometimes people talk IN ALL CAPITALS and/or misspell words) is particularly entertaining.

So entertaining in fact that it’s become the subject of its own show: Missed Connections: A Craig’s List Fantasia, the hilarious and all-too-true take on second chances and internet romances, as presented by the Curio Theatre Company.

Inspired by real posts from fellow Philadelphians, the show weaves together a story of internet-obsessed Gen-Y’ers, and touches on themes of culture, identity-formation, technology, and more. Prepare to laugh, cry, and be more than a little weirded out by these bizarre and touching texts, originally created by people who might just be referring to you.

Missed Connections: A Craig’s List Fantasia
September 3rd – 17th, 2009
See the Philly Fringe site for official dates and times

Calvary Center Sanctuary
4740 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143
( 215) 413-9006
www.livearts-fringe.org