Winter Arts Guide: 10 Arty Things to Do in Philly During the Chilly Season

Contrary to popular belief, the amazing cultural scene in Philly doesn’t slow down during the winter season: There’s a host of wonderful dance, theater, music, and visual arts events that are lined up during the region’s most frosty months. We surveyed the offerings and picked our ten best Philly bets that will sure to keep you entertained and inspired, even if you have to wear your toastiest winter gear to the venue!

Motown: The Musical, Academy of Music

It's been an insane success on the Great White Way. Now, the musical that CBS called "More than a Broadway show … a celebration of music that transformed America" is on the way to Philly's Academy of Music. Motown: The Musical features over 40 top hits from the likes of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations. It is clearly the highlight of the touring Broadway season here in the city. Don't miss our interview with one of the stars of the show, Jesse Nager. (January 6-January 18, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia)—Bryan Buttler

The Body of an American, Wilma Theater

Award-winning writer Dan O'Brien brings his gripping, essentially autobiographical, drama The Body of an American to the Wilma Theatre. The work is based on O'Brien's own interactions and friendship with Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Paul Watson, who took a photograph of a dead American being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu. Two actors, Harry Smith and Ian Merrill Peakes, play over twenty roles in what's being billed as a work that breaks all theatrical conventions. (January 7-February 1, Wilma Theatre, 265 S. Broad St., Philadelphia)

Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre

Direct from a much warmer Miami comes a dance event that almost defies definition: Is it dance? Theater? Performance art? Drag? Contemporary Ballet? The answer is all of the above. Rosie Herrera Dance has enthralled audiences since 2009; critics have called the troupe's performances "so innovative, searing and disturbing" that they warrant “repeat viewings." The group will be performing their numbers "Various Stages of Drowning" and "Dining Alone" at the Annenberg Center's Zellerbach Theatre. January 15-January 17, Zellerback Theatre, 3680 Walnut Street. —Bryan Buttler

Philly Orchestra's Saint Petersburg Festival

The Fabulous Philadelphians are lead by the incomparable Yannick Nezet-Seguin for a three-week celebration of master Russian composers during the Philadelphia Orchestra's St. Petersburg Festival. Listeners will be treated to works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich, as well as the North American premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage's "Piano Concerto." January 15-January 30, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street. —Bryan Buttler

Under the Skin Opens at the Arden

This world-premiere production at the Arden Theatre Company is sure to cause lots of thought-provoking discussion: a man dying of kidney failure asks his estranged daughter to give him one of hers. Under the Skin, written by award-winning playwright and Villanova professor Michael Hollinger, poses questions about organ donation, forgiveness, inheritance and family. January 15-March 15, Arden Theatre, 40 North 2nd Street. —Bryan Buttler

Tribute to Julius Baker, Dolce Suono Ensemble

You've probably heard world-renowned flutist Julius Baker at one point or another and just haven't realized it: The Curtis and Juilliard professor is featured on the soundtracks to Fame, Beauty and the Beast, and West Side Story. Now, the Philadelphia-based Dolce Suono Ensemble, lead by one of Baker's top prodigies, Mimi Stillman, will present the first major tribute to Baker after his 2003 death. The concert at the Trinity Center for Urban Life will feature eight new world premieres with guest artist Jeffrey Khaner, principle flute of The Philadelphia Orchestra, who also studied under Baker. January 18, Trinity Center for Urban Life, South 22nd. and Spruce streets. —Bryan Buttler.

"Underline," University of the Arts

Two University of the Arts alumni will present their unique and thought-provoking fibers and textile works for the Philadelphia community. Underline features the works of Maggie Casey, a Pennsylvania native and current Philadelphia resident whose award-winning work has been recognized by the American Craft Council and the Rhode Island School of Design, and South Korea native Yunjung Kang, whose studies have taken her literally around the world. Don't miss the opening reception on January 22 at 5PM. (January 21-February 24, University of the Arts, 333 S. Broad St., Philadelphia)

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.

 

Oscar with Opera

David Daniels is widely regarded as the world's leading countertenor, who has performed in opera houses around the globe. Now, Opera Philadelphia brings Daniels to the Academy of Music in Oscar, a new opera that had its world premiere in Santa Fe in 2013. The work is based on the trials and tribulations of iconic literary figure Oscar Wilde, whose private life ultimately became devastated after his affair with Lord Alfred Douglas. February 6th - 15th, 8pm, $19-$239, Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street. —Bryan Buttler.

"Ink and Gold: Art of Kano" Opens at PMA

The legendary Japanese Kano painters, who created intricate large-scale works made of gold leaf and other materials, established a tradition of artistic excellence in their native country. Now, the Philadelphia Museum of Art presents the first exhibition outside of Japan to fully examine the Kano painters' works. Ink and Gold: Art of the Kano will feature over 120 works that explore the Kano's academy of professional artists and their various patrons. Expect to see stunning sliding doors and folding screens fit for Japanese royalty. Opens Monday, February 16, 10am, $14-20, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway