10 Things to Do in Philly This Week: German Cookbooks, Franz Kafka and No More Wire Hangers
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Mommie Queerest with Martha and Bearded Ladies
Don’t f*ck with me, fellas! This ain’t my first time at the rodeo! I am willing to take bets that we’ll be hearing this line, plus many others, at the upcoming collaboration between The Bearded Ladies and Dito van Reigersberg. The dynamic duo will be camping it up for their final performance of their aptly titled special benefit Mommie Queerest, where Bearded Ladies Artistic Director John Jarboe and van Reigersberg will fight to the finish (Bring me the axe!) to see who will star as Joan Crawford in their show within a show. Audience members are encouraged to come "dressed" for the occasion don’t don’t be surprised when you see people getting fake bitch-slapped in the lobby. February 2nd, 6:15-8:30, Wilma Theater, 265 South Broad Street. —Bryan Butler.
Leslie Guy: Finding Our Way
Eastern State Penitentiary welcomes Leslie Guy this Tuesday to be featured in their Searchlight Series. She is the director of curatorial services at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. She will be discussing the accomplishments of the museum and what challenges it faces when attempting to teach contemporary human rights issues. February 3rd, 6-7pm, free, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue.
German Cookbook Release Party at Brauhaus Schmitz
From Foobooz: Brauhaus Schmitz, the South Street German restaurant and beer hall, is hosting a book event for exec chef Jeremy Nolen and pastry chef Jessica Nolen on Wednesday Feb. 4 at 6 pm. As we have mentioned before, the Nolens just released a cookbook called New German Cooking: Recipes for Classics Revisited on Jan. 27, which they’re celebrating with a release party. Light appetizers and dishes featured in the book will be served in the restaurant’s Bauer Bund room, complimentary for all those purchasing a copy of New German Cooking. More here.
Paul Oberst: "Illuminations, Jogged Perspective and Banded Measures"
"The Illuminations" series creates a library out of Bridgette Mayer’s North Gallery, providing a study-like atmosphere where visitors can easily contemplate the history behind each piece. There will be an opening reception for this event on February 6th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., as well. February 4th - February 28th, 10am - 6pm, Bridgette Mayer Gallery, 709 Walnut Street.
"Dina Wind: Transformations"
Dina Wind is an Israeli artist that came to the U.S. in 1963. Sadly, she passed away last September, leaving a legacy of hundreds of sculptures, paintings, and installations. Staring on February 2nd, Bridgette Mayer Gallery will pay homage to her work by displaying more than 20 of her sculptures from the 1980s and 1990s. There will also be a main installation featured in the vault room. The opening reception takes place on February 6th from 6pm to 8pm. February 4th - February 28th, 10am - 6pm, Bridgette Mayer Gallery, 709 Walnut Street.
Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis with Quintessence
Quintessence puts on Metamorphosis, Kafka's play about traveling salesman Gregor Samsa who mystically mutates into a huge insect-like creature. Will Gregor be able to keep up his life despite his new body? Will his family, who have always lived off Gregor's success, continue to love him despite the change? Lots of ideas here. Come with your thinking cap on. February 4th - March 1st, 7pm, $27-$34 for General Admission, The Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Avenue.
Long Live the Little Knife with Inis Nua
According to The Guardian, "You need to keep your wits about you, but you will still be taken in by this hugely enjoyable romp." This tale is about trickery and fake identities when a couple decides to attempt to be the best art forgers this world has ever seen. Come join their shocking, exciting, and hilarious adventure. February 4th - February 22nd, 7pm - 9pm, $25, Off-Broad Street Theater at First Baptist Church, 1636 Sansom Street.
Barbara Kasten: “Stages" at ICA
Since the 1970s, Barbara Kasten has continued to develop her artwork through many disciplines, including installation, sculpture, textile, painting, and theater. Her use of mixing 3-D and 2-D art, her approach of staging and using props, and her look at abstraction and materiality are spotlighted in the exhibit, as well as her influence on future generations of artists. February 4th - August 16th, Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 South 36th Street.
Into the Woods with Theatre Horizon
Come find out what happens after happily ever after. In this tale, a baker and his wife (Steve Pacek and Rachel Camp, pictured) go into the woods to try to break a curse that a witch put on them. When they run into Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack, and Little Red Riding Hood, the fairytales get all mixed up and they learn that there is a price to pay when wishes come true. Directed by Matthew Decker. February 5th - March 1st, 7:30pm, $5 to $35, Theatre Horizon, 401 DeKalb Pike, Norristown.
Prodigal Son with Pennsylvania Ballet
Matthew Neenan has been called "one of today's foremost dance poets" by The New York Times. Now, Philadelphians will have a chance to see the choreographer in action during the Pennsylvania Ballet's upcoming program Prodigal Son. The performance will feature Balanchine's ballet that tells the well-known biblical story, along with works by the world-renowned Christopher Wheeldon and Gyorgy Ligeti. February 5-February 8, Merriam Theatre, 250 Soutj Broad Street. Bryan Buttler.
Submit Your Event
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information at least two weeks in advance to Josh Middleton at jmiddleton@phillymag.com.
