Ways Awesome Fiesta could turn out to be not so awesome:
1.   Gown purchased from “Oops, All the Ruffles!” on Passyunk Avenue
2.   Cummerbunds over-starched
3.   Tequila worms still alive

Ways Awesome Fiesta could be even more totally awesome:
1.    Frank Rizzo Jr. invites Frank Sinatra Jr…. and Sinatra Jr. actually shows
2.    Online theater critic meets a reader
3.    Actor playing seedy uncle gets really into the part and brings actual “funny cigarettes"

How refreshing the journey/play/ritual is! (Not, you know, a musical by Journey, although that would be absolutely bitchin’.) It’s rare that this theater scene forces me to travel anywhere but Center City. But over the last few months I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Act II, in Ambler; Curio, in West Philly; and the Walking Fish up here in good ol’ Kensington (that’s “The Kenzo” to savvy locals like me). Indie theater is spreading into the neighborhoods of this city as fast as totally excellent burritos. (What’s with that, anyway? Maybe they’re connected.) This week let’s head down to Third and Reed. Sorry, there’s no time to review this one for you; Pig Iron Theater Co.’s Come to my Awesome Fiesta is a two-day-only event. But I can almost guarantee that it will be pretty… um, good. Director Alex Torra has returned to the Pig after leaving in 2002. Fresh from New York with a pretty sweet (kinda awesome) grant, he’s decided to create a theatrical event around a very particular Latino right-of-passage. Quinceanera, or just the Quinces for short, is almost exactly like a sweet-16 party, but for 15-year-olds it usually implies a more formal, prom-like affair. Torra is working with Pig members to create a simulated event in an Episcopal church in South Philly. It should be a funny, frilly affair. Remember, it isn’t a play exactly; it’s more of an experience. And Taqueria Puerto Veracruzano (great burritos) is nearby at Eigthth and Dickinson.       

$15, May 9 and 10, 8pm., Church of St. John the Evangelist, 1332 S. Third St. (between Reed and Wharton), 215.627.1883, www.pigiron.org


Mail-bag(ged)
The official Aroundphilly.com theater critic answers your e-mail (walsh.bruce@gmail.com)

This week’s e-mail is from Jeff Talley in Washington D.C.  I was really perplexed by this one, and I found myself thinking about his bizarre comments at random moments during the week. I’m not so sure about Jeff. Might be a stalker. But I’m also enthralled with the idea of this column going national! You’re my gateway, Jeff. Spread the word to all your crazy-pantz buddies (no stalkers). Below are the highlights.


“Bruce,
Upon reading your most recent article for Aroundphilly.com I became even more confused with what makes theater(re) different than let's say a movie or a postcard if you will."

"Jeff,
Movies are rectangular. TV is square. Postcards can be either. Plays are 3-D. "

"Bruce,
I don't understand why I shouldn't just pop in my Betamax tape of Silence of the Lambs as opposed to going to see Frozen or turn on USA or TNT and catch SVU or CSI any time of the day or night.”

"Jeff,
Find the other three remaining Betamax owners in the D.C. area. Invite them over for chips and beer. Sit in a circle and hold hands. Ask everyone to think of the same virtuous word--say, compassion--and close your eyes. That’s why you should go to the theater."

"Bruce,
Why even leave the house? If I can get all the same (if not better) subtle emotions conveyed through skilled actors lilke Ice-T and Ludacris.”

Got me there. Keep that mail commin’ in!