The Best Things You Can Possibly Do in Philly This Week

Singer Joyce DiDonato and a work by Alloyius Mcilwaine

I’m no meteorologist. Nor am I a groundhog. But I’m just going to go ahead and say that winter is over, my friends. We should hit the 70s weekend, and there’s plenty to get out and do. Whether you’re looking for a soaring soprano, lots of funky art, selfie opportunities with farm animals, or two good reasons to go to an actual movie theater (remember them?), it’s all right here in our compilation of the best things to do in Philadelphia this week, as carefully curated by Philly Mag’s arts and entertainment editor.

CONCERTS

Moe

The reliable jam band has managed to sell out all four nights, but you can join the waitlist. (I’m told that there’s a good chance you can still get in.)
March 4th through 7th at Ardmore Music Hall

Michael Shannon

If you’re thinking to yourself, isn’t there an actor named Michael Shannon?, the answer is yes, and this is the same guy. It turns out he’s also a musician and huge R.E.M. fan, and last year, he toured with singer-songwriter Jason Narducy to perform the entirety of R.E.M.’s Fables of the Reconstruction in honor of that album’s 40th anniversary. (Feeling old yet?) It was a huge success. This year, they’re back for the 40th anniversary of Lifes Rich Pageant. If my math is correct, you’ll have to wait five more years if you want to hear mega-hit “Losing My Religion.”
March 4th at Union Transfer

“Best of Gershwin”

Superstar Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino takes to the stage with George Gershwin’s classic “Rhapsody in Blue.” Also on the program: An American in Paris and selections from Porgy & Bess, as in “Summertime”.
March 5th at the Kimmel Center

The Philadelphia Orchestra

Featuring Yannick, the symphony, soprano extraordinaire Ying Fang, mezzo-soprano extraordinaire Joyce DiDonato, and the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, all team up for Mahler’s Symphony No. 2.
March 6th through 8th at the Kimmel Center

Photograph courtesy of Robert Glasper

Robert Glasper

One night with the Grammy-winning pianist, songwriter and producer, who has worked with everyone from the guy they used to call Kanye West to Mos Def to Jill Scott to Jennifer Hudson.
March 6th at Union Transfer

Cat Power

Performing her soulful The Greatest in its entirety to celebrate the critically-acclaimed album’s 20th anniversary.
March 8th at Union Transfer

COMEDY

Jo Koy

Definitely a better stage name than his given one: Joseph Glenn Herbert. For a taste of what he dishes out, here’s his Netflix special. Definitely has some strongly funny moments.
March 6th at Xfinity Mobile Arena

David Spade

Let’s not hold his performance in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star against the six-season SNL’er.
March 7th at Ocean Casino Resort

“It’s Always Punny in Philadelphia”

A competition featuring comedians and wannabe comedians who think they are really (sorry) punny. I groan at 90 percent of all puns, but to each their own.
March 7th at Helium Comedy Club

THEATER

Eddie Izzard in Hamlet / Photograph courtesy of Ensemble Arts Philly

Hamlet

But this time, performed solo by the incomparable Eddie Izzard. Dame Judi Dench called a performance of it in London “spectacular,” and if you can’t trust Dame Judi, who can you trust, really?
March 4th through 8th at Suzanne Roberts Theater

Romeo & Juliet

Barrymore-winning director Amina Robinson puts her own spin on Shakespeare’s tale of romance and violence.
March 5th through April 8th at the Arden

Twelfth Night

The Bard’s tale, set at an ultra-exclusive resort for the wealthiest of the wealthy.
Through March 29th at People’s Light

Blues for an Alabama Sky

Lantern Theater Company presents a tale from the Harlem Renaissance. Look for local talents Cookie Diorio and Kash Goins to shine.
Through March 15th at St. Stephen’s Theater

Good Bones

The latest play from South Philly Pulitzer winner James Ijames. It’s about a sports stadium controversially being built in the middle of a neighborhood. Sound familiar?
Through March 22nd at the Arden

Rare Accidents: The Escapades of Prince Hal & Falstaff

Mount Airy-based Quintessence Theatre Group presents an abridgment of parts one and two of the Bard’s Henry IV.
Through March 15th at the Sedgwick Theater

EXHIBITS

This work by international artist Alloyius Mcilwaine is one of the highlights of First Friday in Philadelphia

First Friday

When was the last time you headed out on that monthly art gallery tradition in Old City? It might hit 60 degrees that day, so just sayin’, this might be a good time to revisit.
March 6th in various locations

“Sebastian Errazuriz: Double Take”

Wild creations from the mind of the Chilean-born, New York-based designer.
Through August 16th at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition”

For a complete rundown on this brand-new exhibit that’s really more about STEM than it is about Jaws and Jurassic Park, check out this review by my colleague Laura Swartz.
Through September 7th at the Franklin Institute

MOVIES

Thelma & Louise

A modern classic, seen the way that director Ridley Scott wanted you to see it: on the big screen.
March 4th at the Philadelphia Film Society Center

A promotional image for Sinners

Sinners

I’m fine with streaming 95 percent of the time and have even adapted to watching most things on my phone, if I am watching them alone. But this Oscar fave is one you really want to see in a theater. Fortunately, you’re getting another chance.
March 6th through 12th at the Colonial Theatre

OUTDOORS

Bird Walk

This free event is exactly what it sounds like it is. You “wike” around with some seasoned birders and try to see as many species as you can. This place is home to more than 300!
March 7th at Heinz Wildlife Refuge

Maple Sugar Day

Learn all about the process of maple sugaring and buy local maple syrup while you’re taking selfies with adorable farm animals.
March 7th at Fox Chase Farm

SPORTS

76ers vs. Spurs

In which we take on one of the best teams in the NBA. You can get in for around $40.
March 3rd at Xfinity Mobile Arena

MISCELLANY

The Philadelphia Flower Show

It’s baaaack! For a fun data-driven look at this year’s show and the shows of years past (including, yes, the abomination known as the $15 “grilled vegetable hoagie”), go here. And to see what my colleague Laura Swartz had to say after attending the media preview on Friday, check this out.
Through March 8th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

Photograph courtesy of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Women’s History Month

There’s so much going on that we’re excited about, such as the fantastic Sisterly Love Sunday Supper benefit (for which Philly Mag is a media sponsor) at Four Seasons and the Badass Women History Walking Tour. For more celebratory and educational events, check out this comprehensive guide.
March 1st through 31st in various locations

LOOKING AHEAD

1. The Philadelphia Citizen’s third annual Citizen of the Year celebration and dinner is coming up in April at the Fitler Club. (In case you don’t know, Philly Mag and the Philadelphia Citizen are now sister publications.) You can see all the swell honorees here. Get tickets while you can!
2. You may have seen the movie Airplane, but almost certainly not like this. For this special screening at the Miller Theater in May, co-stars Julie Hagerty (flight attendant Elaine Dickinson) and Robert Hays (pilot Ted Striker) will be on hand to answer all your burning questions and tell behind-the-scene stories.
3. Nosebleeds to see the Foo Fighters at the Linc in August start at around $130. Never seen them live. Might go.
4. I really don’t think that Meatloaf needed a jukebox musical, but if you disagree, they recently announced that Bat Out of Hell: The Musical will be at the Miller for one night only.

That’s it for now, Philly. See you next week!

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