April 23rd through 26th
Prince Music Theater
1412 Chestnut St
Like a Phoenix risen from its ashes, Mask and Wig made a glorious return to the stage this past week with their 120th annual production, West Wing Story. As a result of a fire at their Quince Street clubhouse back in March, the show debuted at the much larger Prince Music Theater.
Despite the change of venue, this show maintained the same quirky antics and charming musical numbers that have kept audiences coming back for over a century. Appropriate for an election year, this year's show centers around fictitious Senator Robert Roberts's campaign for the White House. This lighthearted political satire turns dramatic when we learn that the senator's campaign manager is actually a mob boss. It is up to the senator to decide whether his political aspirations are worth risking his life. If this seems too intense, don't worry - there are plenty of wisecracks along the way to keep the play upbeat.
The benefit of working on a professional stage is that the Mask and Wig boys seem more like men. The production quality is astounding, the patriotic backdrops superb and the singing is more impressive than ever. With five more showings (including a special bonus showing Saturday night), West Wing Story should not be missed.
Tickets ($12-25) available on the Walk or online at www.maskandwig.com.
