Shipley Theater Takes Center Stage at Philly Fringe Festival

It’s been a busy summer for members of Shipley’s Theater Department as Directors Tony Morinelli, Phillip Brown, and Emma Gibson gear up for this summer’s Philadelphia Fringe Festival. And they’re not alone. Shipley students and alumni have joined in the efforts to help share Shipley’s theatrical talent with people in the greater Philadelphia area – and beyond.

When Lilacs Last, an original play written by Tony Morinelli, will enjoy a two-week run in Shipley’s very own Riely Theatre as part of the Philly Fringe festivities. Current students Christian Santilli, Helen Schultz, and Max Weigel, along with alumni Jake Deitrich ’10 and Ansley White ’00 will all perform in the production. Alum Danny Bedrossian ’09 is the production’s lighting manager. When Lilacs Last was written by Morinelli based on weeks of student improvisation. It was originally performed as part of the Upper School’s Fall Plays and was also chosen for inclusion in the New York Fringe Festival. Get more information about the play.

Emma Gibson is the Producing Artistic Director of KAPOW Productions, a Malvern-based theater company which presents the works of contemporary British playwrights. She and Phillip Brown have teamed up on stage to perform in the U.S. premiere of Tiny Dynamite, written by Welsh playwright Abi Morgan. They have also been joined by alumni Megan Mount ’09 and Danny Bedrossian ’09, who are working as the production’s stage manager and lighting director. The play will run for two weeks at the Adrienne Theater2nd Stage in Philadelphia. Get more information about the play.

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