The Philadelphia Inquirer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 90

Walnut decides to do without Barrymores The area's largest nonprofit theatrical organization objects that its current play has been deemed ineligible. By Douglas J. Keating INQUIRER THEATER CRITIC Angry that its current show will not be eligible for a Barrymore Award, the head of the Walnut Street Theatre, the area's largest nonprofit theatrical organization, has withdrawn from participation in the annual awards program. "I was very disappointed and angry that Phantom had been deemed ineligible" for consideration for a Barrymore Award, Bernard Ha-vard, the Walnut's producing artistic director, said yesterday, noting that the show had been positively reviewed by most critics. "They don't have many qualified nominators," he said of the Barrymore selection process.

"It's been a problem for several years, and it's only gotten worse," he added, referring to changes in the process instituted this Over the five years the Barry- MTHMIfMHNl Gentle Dental gives you. Free Smile Evaluation Patient-Friendly Hours Dramatic Results Treat yourself to a professional whitening program for a Stunning, bright smile. PhillyCenter City 215732-5000 201 South 13th Street North Philly 215 228-8723 2656 Geimaniown Ave 215 1507 215 1335 West panel and is out of the running. While this two-panel system has been in place since the Barrymores were instituted, starting this theater season the size and makeup of the panels have been changed: the initial panel became larger, while the final panel got smaller. The Walnut is not the only theater to complain that its shows were not recognized by the first panel of nominators under the new system.

Both the Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival and Bristol Riverside Theatre complained that their respective productions of Hamlet and Blithe Spirit were shut out of consideration for awards. Rozin said the committee that oversees the Barrymore Awards looked into how the initial panel handled these plays it hasn't yet considered Phantom and determined that there was nothing amiss with the system. Both Rozin and Havard said they are willing to discuss the Walnut's grievances. Rozin said, though, that there is little chance that anything about the selection process or the way nominators are chosen will change this season. "We made a commitment to this through this season," he said of the new system.

"We don't have any evidence it is not working. If we do find there's a problem, we will make a change later." mores have been given out, the Walnut has garnered 61 nominations and won 13 awards. Even so, Ha-vard said he has never been satisfied with the selection process and has felt that worthy Walnut productions did not receive their due from the Barrymore judges. The decision by the Walnut to withdraw from the Barrymore program prompted Seth Rozin, chair of the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, which administers the awards, to send a letter to the theater asking it to reconsider. The Walnut claims by far the most subscribers 40,000 and largest budget of any theater in the Barrymore program, and Rozin conceded that the the awards would be less meaningful without the Walnut's participation.

"I think the Barrymores will continue, and they will continue to mean something, but they will mean a little less," he said. "When any of the theaters doesn't participate, it hurts the process." In the Barrymore selection process, an initial panel of nominators sees a show and, depending on how the individual panelists vote on its individual elements (acting, direction, lighting, the show is either eligible or ineligible for consid-, eration by a second panel of nominators that ultimately votes on the awards. Phantom didn't get past the first round of panelists; therefore, it was not seen by the second miio ci (i in out) mm South Philly 468-0220 West Passyur Ave Olney 548-8080 Tabor RrJ Sle 105 American Dental Care is West Philly 215 471-1600 51 39 Chestnut Street 610534-0300 875 Main Street I. 3 THE SERVICE. FEE MAY VARY IN MORE COMPLEX CASES.

PUBLICATION. MORRIS S0C0L0FF. ODS 1 ASSOCIATES. fie Inquirer iwi NOW ON SATURDAYS ,9:30 am. Your Schools! Your Teams! Your Friends! ill Torry, Maia Campbell, Michael Warren, Aloma Wright, Harold Sylvester, Bill Henderson.

Richmond is likable as a high school senior under pressure to get moving on college applications. But the film quickly descends into a series of stupid fantasy scenes that fail as parodies of black stereotypes. (language, nudity, violence). DVD available. Recent Movies New Rose Hotel (Sterling, '98) 93 minutes.

Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe, Annabella Sciorra, Gretchen Mol. "Cyberpunk" fantasy about a trio of low-lifes who plan to seduce a brilliant scientist. R. DVD available. The Simple life of Noah Dearborn (Trimark, '99) 87 minutes.

Sidney Poitier, Dianne Wiest, Mary-Louise Parker, George Newborn. Poitier stars as a master craftsman and farmer who defend his property and way of life against greedy real-estate developers. PG. (CC) For Children Steven Spielberg Presents Toonsylvania (Dreamworks, '99) $14.99. 82 minutes.

In this animated tale, Wayne Knight provides the voice for Igor, who must deal with Dr. Vic Frankenstein and Phil, a nearly brainless monster. (CC) Made for Television Hoods (Pioneer, '99) $59.98. 91 minutes. Joe Mantegna, Kevin Pollak, Joe Pantoliano, Jennifer Tilly.

A mob hitman, celebrating his 50th birthday, is assigned to kill the son of one of his father's rivals who is only 9 years old. DVD available. Stars Excellent Good Fair Poor (Videos with no stars were not reviewed by The Inquirer.) No suggested retail price was set for this video because its supplier deems It primarily for rental. MPAA ratings: Motion Picture Association of America ratings are included for all titles that received them. If the title was reviewed by The Inquirer, further parental warnings (violence, nudity, etc.) are included.

ICC): Closed captioned Next Week: Dick. 6th Consecutive St TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA FRIDAY AT 8:001 YES SUNDAY AT 8:001 FRIDAY DEC. 13 AT 8:001 Charge-by-phone (215) 336-2000 or (656) 338-9000 TOWER THEATER 89th A Ludlow, Upper Darby A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec. 2 31 at Sat. at 4 p.m.; Sun.

at 2p.m. NEW YEAR'S GALA-STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW HEDGEROW THEATRE Near Exit 2 of 1-476 610-565-4211 The Lantern Theater Co. BEYOND THERAPY by Christopher Durang December 8 January 9 "Pay what you will previewa Dec. 8 A 9" Don't Miss Our New Year's Eve Show A Party! Tue-Sat Sun (5 2:00 p.m. For Tlx Call: Upstages 215-569-9700: Ji 2 Info Call.

Lantern Theater 215-829-9002 at St. Stephen's Theater 10th and Ludlow St. A Divine Musical Comedy Great Holiday Family Fun "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" Frl Sat-8PMSun 3PM -aii seats $35 Student I Group Rates Fabulous Olnner Packages SOCIETY HILL PLAYHOUSE 507 South 8th St. Call 215-923-0210 Bucks County Playhouse presents The Rock Roll Musical GREASE December 2 December 19 Tickets $18 00 to $22.00 215-862-2041 Bucks County Playhouse New Hope, PA MARGARET CHO starring in "I'M THE ONE THAT I WANT" December 18th 8pm Tickets at the Box Oltlce or call 215-336-2000 Info. 215-732-5446 Merriam Theatre at the University of the Arte Warm, Touching Holiday Show I REMEMBER MAMA November 26 December 11 Sat.

8PM; Sun. 2PM Player's Club ot Swarthmore Near Exit 1 of I476 610-328-4271 PREMIERE SEASON BEGINS DEC. 111 Theatre for Kids K-6 THE LION KING OF MALI A musical, magtcal tale ot a young boy who leads ns people to victory! Saturday, December 11 Onlyl 10 am, 12:30 A 3 pm; Tkts $8-6 60 WALNUT STREET THEATRE 825 Walnut St. Call 215-574-3550 TODAY AT 2 A 8 SPECIAL FAMILY MATINEE Dec. 22nd at 2-4 seals $100 PHANTOM The American Musical Sensation! Sponsored by PMA Capital Now thru Jan.

9 Tkts $8 $50 WALNUT STREET THEATRE 825 Walnut St. Call 215-574-3550 "Great muslc.ullsfylng performed!" Philadelphia Inqutter THE TIN PAN ALLEY RAG A New Musical by Mark Saltzman Muelc and Lyrics by Scoll Joplln snd Irving Berlin Directed by Jlri Zizka Featuring favorite songs Ircm His Ragtime Era! 'The Maple Leal Rag' Alexander's Ragtime Band 'The Entertainer1! Love a Piano' GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY ONLY 10 DAYS LEFTI Now through December 1 9th! of the best shows of the young season." Philadelphia Weekly 215-S46-7824 www.wllmatheater.org THE WILMA THEATER Broad A Spruce Streets TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING "BACK Br POPULAR DEMAND OR THE SIXTH YEAR" "Ons of ths most successlul and imaginative hits In Off Broadway history" Lix Smith NY Dally News Christmas Gift Certificates end Special New Year's Eve Performance, Corporate Eventa, Group Discounts 215-297-8540 OR TICKETMASTER VENICE PLAZA 18th A Snyder Avenue, South Philadelphia www.tonyandtlna.com Season Your Host: BEA5LEYREECE Sponsored by: New on Video Two thoughtful films from France top this week's list of new movies on video. The School of Flesh (Columbia Tristar, '99) 101 minutes. Isabella Huppert, Vincent Martinez, Vincent Lindon, Marthe Keller. Huppert gives a startling, controlled and compelling performance as a Paris career woman who falls into a searing sexual relationship with a young hustler (Martinez).

From French filmmaker Benoit Jacquot, whose A Single Girl likewise explored the female psyche in cool, revelatory ways. In French with English subtitles. (nudity, sexual situations, adult themes). Marius and Jeannette (New Yorker, '99) 102 minutes. Smash-hit French comedy about midlife love that is wonderfully acted and richly enhanced by its setting in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Marseilles.

In French with English subtitles. No MPAA Rating (profanity, adult themes). Deep Blue Sea (Warner, '99) 103 minutes. Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows, LL Cool Samuel L. Jackson, Jacqueline McKenzie, Michael Rapaport, Stellan Skarsgard.

Pass-the-popcorri silliness from Renny Harlin with actors chewing the scenery, then getting chewed by genetically altered sharks In an underwater research station. (violence, profanity). DVD available. Inspector Gadget V4 (Disney, '99) $24.99. 78 minutes.

Matthew Broderick, Rupert Everett, Joely Fisher, Cheri Oteri, Dabney Coleman. A truly terrible, effects-driven, live-action adaptation of the '80s cartoon, with Broderick as the over-accessorized crime-fighter and Everett as his nemesis. Both look pained. PC (cartoon violence, groin gags). DVD available.

(CC) Trippin Vi (USA. '99) 92 minutes. Deon Richmond, Donald Adeosun Faison, Guy for convenient Inquirer home delivery: 665-1234 in Philadelphia 800-222-2765 in suburban PA 800-523-9068 In South Jersey 1 Frtf gcntlo S3 ADVERTISED FEE IS THE MINIMUM FEE CHARGED OFFER VALID FOR 60 DAYS FROM DATE OF miEmni how you New Low Price Clear Motorola digital cellular Weighs only 3.7 ounces and supports services like Voicemail Smart Button for easy, one-touch phone book access 17-1406 CwTW fcLw Mk, 810099 I With activation ww (1399.99 without) FOR '50 with Buy and Ericsson, or from RadioShack by mail to use have a wide and an expert You've I he Pnifaueiphia tnaunei unity News PENNSYLVANIA BALLET Performing Georgt Balanchlna's THE NUTCRACKER Philadelphia'! grandest holiday claulc performed with full orchestra and The Philadelphia Boys Choir Dec. 3 Jan. 2 Group sales: 21 $-551-7000 1213 or 1212 Academy ol Music Broad and Locust Streets (215) 893-1999 WHY PAY DOWNTOWN PRICES? The Largest, Most Elaborate Production anywhere in the Phila.

Suburbs! fan ANNIVERSARY YEAR! "THE NUTCRACKER" starring LARISSA PONOMARENKO A VIKTOR PLOTNIKOV (Principal Dancers -Boston Ballet) PRESENTED BY DANCE ELITE Live On Srage Cast ol 80! DEC. 10, 7:30 PM, SAT. DEC. 11 11 AM, 3 A 7:30 PM; DEC. 12, 3 PM $18 50 (special $14.60 price lor kids 12 under) DISCOUNT GROUP RATES AVAM.BLE (5, Box Phone-Charge 215-572-7650 KESWICK THEATRE EASTON RD.

A KESWICK GLENSIDE www.ke8wlcktheatre.com George Frederic Handel's MESSIAH Return to the classic that has adorned holiday memories for three centuries. Pro Muslca's 32nd annual performance of Handel's masterwork celebrates the original Covent Garden version Saturday Dec. 11, 1999 Tickets $5 to $60 Tickets, Info: 877-672-8674 Chapel of th Lutheran Church ol the Holy Communion 2110 Philadelphia THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA Wolfgang Sawallisch, Music Director Holiday Concerts Tomorrow, Dec. 11,141 16 it 6 pm and Dec. 15 at 7 pm Luis Biava, conductor Elissa Lee Koljonen, violin Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia ai rv.

nidi i rtdiiei, tviuatu unetiui Works by Mlzeeko, Glazunov, Vaughan Williams, Anderson, Ott snd Coots 1999-2000 The Season of a Lifetime! Call 215-893-1955 for your free Commemorative Brochure. BRAVO! At The Ballroom A delightful pre-concert dining experience at the Academy of Music. Call 215-893-1999 lor Information I reeervatione. ACADEMY OF MUSIC Broad A Locust Sts. Call AcademyCharge at 215-893-1999 Visit us at www.phllorch.org lama i THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS SCHOOL OF DANCE presents WINTER DANCES Friday and Saturday, December 10 1 11, 7 p.m.

Admission: Cjeneral $10, StudentsSeniors $7 THE MEHRIAM THEATER 250 S. Broad Street Winter Dances Into: 215-875-2269 NEW YEARS EVE TICKETS AVAILABLE ALL ABOARD Gilt Certificates Avanabie Hors douvres. Dinner Snow Fri Sat. Philadelphia Original Murder Mystery MYSTERY THEATRE AT BISTRO ROMANO 120 Lombard Street 215-238-1313 Tonight at 7PMI THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO Adapted from ihe Kalian by Louis Llppa A wild ride of outrageous escapades, hilarious heroee and villains snd that tell tale nose! With larger than life theatricality, thia classic story remains a heartfelt look at what It takes to be fully human Nov. 17- Jan.

2 Tickets Part of the AT A Family Discovery Series Sponsored by First Union Radius Communications 610-644-3500 The People's Light A Theatre Company Rt. 401 between Rte. 30 A 202, Malvern FROM THE THEATRE THAT BROUGHT YOU LAST SEASON'S HIT CHARLOTTE'S WEBII Arden Children's Theatre Presents In collaboration with Pig Iron Theatre Company THE SNOW QUEEN By Hans Christian Andersen Sponsored by Mellon Nov. 24, 1999-Jan. 2, 2000 Arden Theatre Company 40 N.

2nd St. CALL 215-922-1122 JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL 19 A Philadelphia Premiere SOLOMON GAENOR starring IO AN GRUFFUDD of the A Series Horario Hornblower Saturday, Dee. 11 Sunday, Dec. 12 Monday, Dec. 13 6 Co-sponsored by The Maxwell Stravbndge Charitable Trust Tickets $9 Sal.

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