I like everything… seriously there’s not a movie, musical or piece of art that I haven’t liked.  Rarely do I LOVE something, but holy shit, No Attitude Productions / The Prince Theatre have put together a piece of theatre I am in love with.  A Quick description? Hairspray meets Thoroughly Modern Millie meets Hamilton. 

I, like every other musical nut, am patiently waiting for New York’s  HAMILTON The Musical to become affordable. In the mean time I’ve discovered a passion for theatre rooted in history.  When I passed by the poster for “The Three Maries”  while finishing some  christmas shopping I was intrigued.  There stood William Penn / City hall high and proud in the center of this bright poster.  A quick google search informed me of the NEW musical about a Mummer Family in the 1920’s and their interactions with Queen Marie, who actually visited Philadelphia in 1926.  

The brief synopsis – THE THREE MARIES is narrated from a Mummer's clubhouse on Dock Street in South Philadelphia. Touted as a "Philadelphia Phable," it is a fictional account of an historical event. The year is 1926, and Queen Marie of Romania announces a visit to the City of Philadelphia for the celebration of the sesquicentennial, changing the lives of one South Philadelphia family forever.

My lips are sore from the amount of smiling that occurred throughout the entire show. I was amazed at the use of Projections that aided without distracting, and every costume had glitter and sequins in true Mummer Fashion.

The cast of THE THREE MARIES features estemed locals Jeff Coon, Mary Martello, Rachel Brennan, Paul Nolan, Deirdre Finnegan, Neill Hartley, John Monforto, Josh Totora and Jenna Rogalski and Broadway veterans Kathy Deitch (Wicked and Footloose) and Mindy Dougherty (the revival of Gypsy with Patti LuPone.)

Even better, this is one of Philly’s most affordable Theatre Tickets (Tried to buy Book of Mormon tickets… $178)  You won’t need anywhere need that to see a much more enjoyable show.  PLUS The Three Maries has a photo wall you can hop in with a friend or two and make some photo magic. 

THE THREE MARIES began previews on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:30pm, opens to the press on Thursday, December 17, 2015, and runs through Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 2:30pm. Find tickets and a full schedule of performance dates and times at http://princetheater.org/events/three-maries and at www.thethreemaries.com.

A Pay What You Can performance on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 2:30pm benefits the Mummer's Museum.

Single ticket prices are $27-$52 depending on date and whether front or rear orchestra seats are chosen. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 or more. Student Rush tickets are available for $15. Call the Prince Theater Box Office at 215.422.4580, order online at www.princetheater.org or visit the box office at 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.