8 Gay Things to Do in Philly This Week: The Book of Mormon Opens, Mimi Imfurst and Josh Schonewolf’s Zombie Wedding, Phreak N Queer Kicks Off, and More
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The Book of Mormon at The Forrest Theatre
To simply call Trey Parker and Matt Stone's The Book of Mormon “a broadway hit” might be a bit of an understatement. The musical was the winner of nine Tony Awards–including Best Musical–and now you can finally witness the hilarity in Philadelphia. The musical comedy will play a limited seven week engagement at the Forrest Theatre, beginning this Tuesday, July 29th. If you’re feeling lucky, there will be a ticket lottery prior to each performance, offering a limited number of tickets to names drawn at random for only $27 apiece. Tickets are available to purchase online and at the box office as well. The price tag is definitely worth it. Tuesday, July 29th-September 14th, Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street.—Marquesa Rotuski


IBA ConnX LGBT Mixer
Philly's pro-gay-business organization Independence Business Alliance (IBA) is hosting an Our Night Out-esque mixer on 12th Street Gym's outdoor sundeck. Don't let the gym locale full you, though. IBA suggests this is all about networking, so dress to impress and bring a business card or 50. Tuesday, July 29th, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $10, 12th Street Gym, 204 South 12th Street.


Summer Kamp
This week's iteration of Summer Kamp, the contest to find Philly's No. 1 triple threat, is "Disney," so come prepared for some animated shenanigans. The Facebook event says The Book of Mormon cast will be there, but host Brittany Lynn tells me they probably won't make it tonight, since their show is opening at the Forrest Theatre. "But Tabu has a deal with them for the summer to make the bar their home base, to hang out and get discounts on food and drink," she says. Tuesday, July 29th, 9 p.m., Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, 200 South 12th Street.


Wednesday Night at the Drive-In
Screen divas abound at this week's Wednesday Night at the Drive-In at Tavern on Camac, presenting a Death Becomes Her and First Wives Club double feature. Regular host Ashley Coleman won't be there this evening, so be sure to say hello to brand new bartender Jay Ro. Wednesday, July 30th, 9 p.m., Tavern On Camac, 243 South Camac Street.


Sandra Moran Reading
Queer Books, LLC will play host to author Sandra Moran, who will read excerpts from her latest work Letters Never Sent. The story follows a woman who finds letters written by her mother in the 1930s that reveal her love for another woman, and how she navigated the affair during a time when being gay was taboo. The novel has a 2013 Rainbow Award under its belt (bind?) in the Best Lesbian Historical Fiction and Best Lesbian Debut Novel categories. Besides reading excerpts Moran will discuss the research she did to accurately portray the political and social climate of gender identity in the 1930s, '40s and '50s. Thursday, July 31st, 5:30 p.m., free, William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street.


PNQ IV: Ground Zero
The fourth annual Phreak N’ Queer Arts and Music Festival kicks off Thursday with a 4-day itinerary of music, poetry, and art meant to “push the creative boundaries of local LGBTQ artists.” Thursday's opener is a dance/art party at PhilaMoca. The evening includes sounds from a handful of Philly acts, like Disco Hootenany, Murmuration Improv, The Feverfiew, and Vita and the Wolf. There will also be spoken word from [Extra]Ordinary, and visuals from Marie Alacron. The festival continues through August 3rd in venues across Philadelphia. For more information, go here. Thursday, July 31st, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., $5, PhilaMoca, 531 North 12th Street.


Drag Wars 4: The Zombie Edition
The remaining contestants in Mimi Imfurst's Drag Wars 4 are getting into zombie gear for this week's competition. That'll be fun and all, but the real draw is the half-time entertainment: Imfurst and party producer Josh Schonewolf tie the knot in a zombie wedding. The drama! Thursday, July 31st, 10 p.m., Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James Street.


Mondo Trasho: The Agenda
Fresh off his stint at this weekend's Indigogo party, Mondo Trasho's Corey Griffith is getting things rolling this week at his monthly, straight-friendly dance party in Fishtown. Themed "The Agenda," he's welcoming special guest DJ Ghostpvnch. Check out her Soundcloud profile to get in the mood. Thursday, July 31st, 10 p.m., free, The Barbary, 951 Frankford Avenue.
