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Mum Puppettheatre presents When the War is Over, a vaudeville tribute to family secrets

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2003

Philadelphia, PA - "You'll Laugh! You'll Cry! You'll Call Your Parents!" When the War is Over, 3-time Barrymore recipient Robert Smythe's tribute to the everyday ways our ancestors live through us, runs April 1st through April 26th, at Mum Puppettheatre, 115 Arch Street in Old City, Philadelphia . Opening night is Wednesday April 9 at 7pm. Ticket prices range from $20 to $24. Preview tickets are $12. Performances are Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday through Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm.. For tickets or information, please call 215-925-7686 or online at www.mumpuppet.org.

When Robert Smythe was 30 years old, he discovered some surprising truths about his family secrets. Grandma was a vaudeville-touring femme fatale before becoming Katharine Hepburn's cook. Milton Berle, the King of Television, killed his grandfather. Cigarette-smoking Nana wanted to be either a ballerina or a nun, and there was a gross secret in that box in the basement.

His response, after the initial shock, was to create When the War is Over, a play full of music and humor that has inspired families to learn more about their own histories. Smythe's provocative, funny and tragic story tells the story of two couples: two vaudeville performers and a mailman and his wife. They live very different lives, full of mysterious twists and glamorous turns. Though the couples never met, they are forever linked by the grandson who grew up to be an artist and turned their personal stories in a thrilling and moving testament to the lives of ancestors. Mum Puppettheatre is thrilled to bring this award-winning solo show, written and performed by Robert Smythe, with original music by Adam Wernick, to Old City for the first time. This is one of the most memorable shows Mum has ever produced!

Be sure to join Mum on Wednesday evenings for our moderated post-show coffee and conversation evening, sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Take a look behind the scenes and learn more about vaudeville all while enjoying a hot cup of java! Wednesday performances begin at 7pm. Tickets are $20.

Mum will announce its exciting season line-up for 2003-04 at the opening night performance of When the War is Over on April 9th, 2003 at 7pm.

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