The Arden Theatre presents…

My husband gave me a subscription to Arden Theater for a Christmas present. My children were fortunate to have seen plays there growing up and now it's our turn to see what Arden has in store. We spent this past Friday night braving the cold while venturing into Philadelphia to see the first of three plays at the theater. We grabbed a bite to eat at Wedge and Fig on 3rd Street (you have to try their grilled sandwiches) and headed over to the Arden to see Water By The Spoonful, the Pulitzer Prize winning play set in Philadelphia by Quiara Alegria Hudes. Immediately after the first actor appears, you get the sense that this is not going to be a play with the usual stage set and design, but one of dialogue and intense drama between the characters, who come on and off stage in tandem. The play begins with an injured war veteran whose life is in flux and becomes especially troubled when he learns of his aunt's death. His cousin is there to be a comfort but faces her own issues with connection and family. All the while there are four other characters who are struggling with the realization that connection between people is the bind that can set them free.

The acting was first rate and there was even an after play discussion of the themes and topics which we didn't stay for, but it looked like a many did. Looking forward to play # 2 which starts in March.