Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Philadelphia

The American Revolution
Theater Unspeakable / Let's Make History Productions
Review by Rebecca Rendell

Also see Rebecca's recent review of Cabaret


The Cast
Photo Courtesy of Theater Unspeakable / Let's Make History Productions
With just 50 minutes, seven actors, and one three-by-seven-foot platform, Theater Unspeakable and Let's Make History Productions brought The American Revolution back to Philadelphia. Creative, clever, and lots of fun, the show blended silly physical comedy with artful movement to deliver a one-of-a-kind retelling of America's fight for independence. A little more narrative might have made the historical events depicted here easier to follow, but this on-stage history lesson was visually engaging and very funny from start to finish.

To bring The American Revolution to life, seven of Philadelphia's own actors used their bodies and voices to re-create the American fight for independence from Lexington to Yorktown. It is amazing how clearly director Marc Frost and his ensemble depicted massive ships, epic battles, and royal baths with no sets or props and only a tiny raised platform to work on. The mashup of slap-stick humor and lyrical movement was truly entertaining.

The American Revolution debuted to Philadelphia audiences in 2017 with a run at the Arden Theatre Company. This production will be back again beginning in May when the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board offers visitors the opportunity to watch The American Revolution for free during one of three performances at Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historical Park at 2000 Valley Forge Park Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

The American Revolution ran March 28 - April 1, 2023, at the Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 North American Street, Philadelphia PA.

Director: Marc Frost

Cast:
Myriam Bloom
Brooke Shilling
Craig Storrod
Connor Hogan
Frankie Ferrari
Kiersten M. Adams
Nathan Alford-Tate