12 Things to Do in Philly This Week
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Cinedelphia Film Festival
I'm personally excited for "Mega-Bad Movie Night" (pictured): Join PhilaMOCA as they celebrate alternative film during their Cinedelphia Film Festival. There's themed evenings all this week, including a hate5six retrospective, several Philly film premieres, and, of course, a mega shark versus giant octopus night. Through April 25th, various times and prices, PhilaMOCA, 531 North 12th Street.
"Artists For All Seasons"
Project HOME and Drexel University are opening a unique exhibit this Monday evening called "Artists For All Seasons," featuring artwork by four formerly homeless Philadelphians. The opening reception will feature a chance to meet with the artists to discuss how creative expression helped break their cycles of poverty. All artwork featured at the show will be available for purchase. Monday, April 13th, 6:00 pm, free, URBN Center, 3501 Market Street.
Three Bassists and One Drummer at Free Library
This free concert on Monday evening at the Free Library is presented by the Philadelphia Jazz Project and the Producers' Guild. It is the series closer of the Mysterious Travelers Concert series, and the act, Three Bassists and One Drummer, is described as "a powerhouse supergroup working through the very low end of the sonic spectrum." Monday, April 13th, 7:00 pm, free, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street.
First Person Arts Story Slam: Big Time
It's Philly's favorite Monday night party: Get your finest story polished and head over to World Cafe Live for this week's First Person Arts Story Slam. The theme is "Big Time," which is obviously open to quite a bit of interpretation. Besides listening to some fantastic tales, enter your name into a drawing to get on stage to tell your own story. Monday, April 13th, 7:30 pm, $10, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
A Midsummer Night's Dream at Philly Shakespeare Theatre
"The course of true love never did run smooth." No truer words have been spoken or written, and, no doubt, that phrase accurately describes the zany tale in Shakespeare's classic comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream, currently playing the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre. This tale of four crossed lovers is a perfect early spring way to celebrate all things magical and mystical. Through May 17, various times, $20-35, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom Street..
The Jungle Book at Arden Theatre
Old City’s Arden had a huge hit with its last children’s theater presentation, Beauty and the Beast. Next up is this new play based on the Rudyard Kipling favorite. Expect a show appropriate for the kids but also one that you’ll enjoy. April 15th to June 21st, various times and prices, Arden Theatre Company, 40 North Second Street. —Victor Fiorillo
Sing For Your Supper at Hard Rock Cafe
This Wednesday is tax day, and if all the money you owe Uncle Sam is getting you down, head on over to the Hard Rock Cafe between 5 and 7 pm. If you're daring enough to jump on stage and perform, they'll buy you a Local Legendary Burger. Stay around after to watch the finale of Hard Rock Rising after you down that free meal. Wednesday, April 15th, 5:00 pm, free, Hard Rock Cafe, 1113 Market Street.
To the Moon at Christ Church
Fresh off his critically acclaimed portrayal of a 600-pound man in The Whale, Scott Greer returns to the stage in 1812 Productions’ world premiere based on the colorful life of Jackie Gleason. April 16th to May 17th, various times and prices, Christ Church Neighborhood House Theater, 20 North American Street. —Victor Fiorillo
Respect at Penn's Landing Playhouse
Over 60 top-40 songs make up the soundtrack to Respect at Penn's Landing Playhouse. This musical, which will have you singing and dancing in the aisles, tells the story of female rights throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, and includes the numbers "These Boots Are Made For Walking," "What's Love Got To Do With It?," and "I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar." Through May 31st, various times, $45-65, Penn's Landing Playhouse, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Plays and Players
This is your last week to see Edward Albee's classic play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, presented at Plays and Players Theatre by Theatre Exile. This ruthless examination of family, power, and psychology continues performances this week, and might we suggest that you show up to the theater sober, unlike the protagonists of this romp. Through May 17th, various times, $35, Plays and Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Preview Party
If you love the annual Rittenhouse Spring Festival, this Thursday evening, join the fun at the Rittenhouse Hotel for a preview party celebrating everything spring. Nibbles and drinks from Alma de Cuba, a.bar, Volver, and nearly a dozen other eateries will be available, and there will be a silent auction to benefit the Rittenhouse Row organization. Thursday, April 16th, 7:00 pm, $75, Rittenhouse Hotel, 210 West Rittenhouse Square.
Martha Graham Cracker at L'Etage
Martha Graham Cracker just returned from Kentucky, so I'm willing to bet she'll have plenty of hilarious tales to tell as she invades L'Etage this Thursday evening. Expect a night of debauchery from Martha and her crew as they cover mashups of songs from Prince to Motley Crue to Nina Simone, and everything in between. Thursday, April 16th, 8:00 pm, $15, L'Etage, 624 South 6th Street.
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 Bryan Buttler at bbuttler@phillymag.com.
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