15 Things to Do in Philly This Week

That morning dance party in Rittenhouse, Madea comes to town, Theatre Horizon's Black Nativity and more to add to your calendar this week.

If stories are your thing, this week promises a variety of ways to take in a good tale. The First Person Arts Festival rolls into week two, plus Madea herself is coming to town to share her newest stage play, filled with plenty of disastrous antics. Several new regional theater productions also open this week, including Temple’s A Free Man of Color, and FringeArts is discovering what it means to be an aging burnt-out choreographer in Miguel Gutierrez’s Age & Beauty. Check out these and our other picks for top things to do this week below:

First Person Arts Festival

The celebration of storytelling continues this week, including a interactive session from Welcome to Night Vale and the valiant Women’s Voices on the RevolutionNow through Sunday, November 15th, various times, prices, and locations.

"Bonnie and Clyde" roar into The Eagle Theatre.

“Bonnie and Clyde” roar into The Eagle Theatre.

Bonnie and Clyde at the Eagle Theatre

South Jersey’s only Equity theater presents the rarely produced Frank Wildhorn musical at its Hammonton home. It’s the soaring tale of Bonnie and Clyde, set to a gorgeous score. Now through December 12th, various times, $30-40, Eagle Theatre.

Gabriel Martinez’s Bayside Revisited

Gay activist and artist Gabriel Martinez presents a dramatic and immersive multi-media exhibition at The Print Center, including a cite-specific film installation. Now through December 19th, various times, free, The Print Center.

Lisa Randall at the Free Library

The famed author and theoretical physicist will be in Philly to discuss her newest book, Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs: The Astounding Interconnectedness of the UniverseMonday, November 9th, 7:30 pm, free, Free Library of Philadelphia.

"Age and Beauty: Part 1" at FringeArts.

“Age and Beauty: Part 1” at FringeArts. | Photo by Eric McNatt

Age & Beauty Part 1: Mid-Career Artist/Suicide Note or &:-/

FringeArts presents the first in a suite of performance pieces by Miguel Gutierrez, which tackles mid-life anxieties, an aging gay choreographer, and artistic burnout. Tuesday, November 10th and Wednesday, November 11th, 8 pm, $29, FringeArts.

Tyler Perry’s Madea on the Run

What involves hip surgery, a crazy-ass grandmother hiding from the police, and home improvement? That would be Tyler Perry’s newest volume in his popular Madea series, and it’s here in Philly this week. Tuesday, November 10th through Sunday, November 15th, various times, $48-68, Merriam Theatre.

John Moreland at World Café Live

John Moreland has been writing since he was 10 years old. The singer-songwriter from Tulsa is playing a one-night-only set this week here at Philly’s World Café Live. Tuesday, November 10th, 8pm, $15, World Cafe Live.

Singer/songwriter John Mooreland will jam out at World Cafe Live.

Singer-songwriter John Mooreland will jam out at World Café Live.

A Free Man of Color at Temple Theaters

John Guare’s satirical drama opens at Temple’s Randall Theatre. Part history lesson, part Restoration comedy, and part sex farce, the production features the University’s MFA candidates. Wednesday, November 11th through Sunday, November 22nd, various times, $10-25, Randall Theatre at Temple University.

Screening of American Promise

Penn’s Graduate School of Education is featuring this documentary which took over 13 years to make. It examines the lives of two middle class black families and the education of their sons. Wednesday, November 11th, 5:30 pm, free, University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education.

Morning Dance Party in Rittenhosuse

“I Woke Up Like This” is a bright-and-early dance party in Rittenhouse that benefits Big Brothers and Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania. It will feature IKEA cinnamon buns, Saxbys coffee, and chair massages. Thursday, November 12th, 7 am, $15, Coda.

Storm Large will sing from the Broadway songbook at the Rrazz Room.

Storm Large will sing from the Broadway songbook at the Rrazz Room.

Regions of France Wine Tasting

Chloe Johnson will present this evening of regional French wines and cheeses, led by Brett Barrett, the senior wine advisor at Wine Spectrum. There will also be trivia and games throughout the interactive event. Thursday, November 12th, 6 pm, $55, The Union League.

Storm Large at the Rrazz Room

She’s described as two parts Adele and one part Bette Midler. Storm will be taking the Prince Theater’s cabaret stage this Thursday to perform a mix of Broadway classics and modern American songbook tunes. Thursday, November 12th, 8 pm, $40-55, Prince Theatre.

Bi Jean Ngo and Ashton Carter in Lights Rise on Grace | Photo by AustinArt.Org

Bi Jean Ngo and Ashton Carter in Lights Rise on Grace | Photo by AustinArt.Org

Black Nativity at Theatre Horizon

A reimagining of the Langston Hughes musical, which was itself a retelling of the Nativity story in the Bible. November 12-December 13, 401 DeKalb Street, Norristown.

Lights Rise on Grace at Adrienne

Kevin Glaccum directs this world premiere for Azuka Theatre, examining issues of incarceration and sexuality. Read our review here. Through November 22nd.

“The Museum of Ornamental Leaves” at Locks Gallery

A solo exhibition of the monochromatic works of Brooklyn-based artist Ellen Harvey, whose large-form Metal Painting is on display at the Barnes through January 4th.

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