Neighborhood Chatter: Joining ‘A Chorus Line’

By Bill Gelman

When the national tour of “A Chorus Line” begins on Jan. 24, Andrew Ruggieri, of the 2500 block of South Carlisle St., will be spending a lot of time on the road. He is set to play Mike when the show opens in California.

“I am super excited, Ruggeri said. “It’s a great show about what it’s like being in the business.”

He previously played the role in 2014 as part of a local version at the Broadway Theatre in Pitman, N.J. His new gig required auditioning in New York City and making several return appearances for callbacks. The 28-year-old, who was given the nickname “Hollywood” by Danceadelphia owner Jason Douglas, previously came close to playing Johnny Castle for the national tour of “Dirty Dancing,” but missed out as a result of his height.

Later this month, Ruggieri will be relocating to the Big Apple to begin daily eight-hour rehearsals. When the show finally does hit the road, the tour will include stops in Scranton and North Jersey. Stay tuned …

The Philadelphia Wings are coming back to South Philly, as last week, the franchise officially unveiled its name and logo. Comcast-Spectacor, owner of the Philadelphia Flyers, was granted ownership of the National Lacrosse League team in September. Home games will be played at the Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., beginning in the 2018–19 season. Visit wingslax.com. …

South Philly Traditions lecture and exhibition is taking place on Sunday (Dec. 10) from noon to 3 p.m. at 2015 S. 4th St. The event, which is free and open to the public, will include Harvey Finkle’s photographic journey of the Two Street Mummers that dates back to 1973, along with Levis Hot Dogs old original 50-year club membership plaques. For more information, email joelspivak@comcast.net or harvey3283@aol.com. …

Things are getting festive along East Passyunk Avenue as part of the Deck the Avenue: Month of Merrymaking. It includes a holiday-themed Second Saturday on Dec. 9. Visitors can take a ride on the bobtails’ wagon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy a pop-up ballet performance from the Megan Flynn Dance Co. at the Gateway, McKean Street and East Passyunk Avenue, at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., experience live ice carving from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various locations along the avenue, and visit the holiday headquarters, 1726 E. Passyunk Ave., where storytelling and craft-making will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit visiteastpassyunk.com/events. …

The Young Chances Foundation hosts a paint party on Saturdays, 2–6 p.m., at the YCF Community Engagement Center, 2703 Tasker St. The weekly sessions include painting, snacks, refreshments and games. Volunteers and supplies are needed. Call 267–585–2YCF. …

The True Gospel Tabernacle Family Church, 1606 Mifflin St., is hosting its annual Christmas Bazaar and Flea Market on Dec. 9 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at 1912 S. 16th St. on the second floor. There will be new and thrift items available for purchase, including clothing, shoes, toys, games and household items. Don’t worry, there will be food, too. Table spaces are limited. Call Sister Frances Emanuel, 215–334–3343, extension 10. …

The Fumo Family Library, 2437 S. Broad St., is looking for students in kindergarten through eighth grade to join its chess club. The group will meet Thursdays at 4 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. Lessons will be provided, if needed. Call 215–685–1758.