Arden Theatre Company Presents Stefano Massini’s The Lehman Trilogy, adapted by Ben Power
When speculation trumps slavery
A well-acted, well-crafted new production of the epic Lehman Trilogy now getting its regional premiere at the Arden can’t overcome this play’s moral bankruptcy. C.M. Crockford reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Carl Orff’s Carmina burana
Springing ahead with a popular classic
The Philadelphia Orchestra teamed with conductor Fabio Luisi, the Mendelssohn
Chorus of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale, and Philadelphia Girls Choir for a much-anticipated Carmina Burana. Linda Holt reviews.
Chorus of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale, and Philadelphia Girls Choir for a much-anticipated Carmina Burana. Linda Holt reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Meet FRIEDA, where an intergenerational community (re)connects over food, arts, and culture
An antidote to the loneliness epidemic
With its versatile Walnut Street storefront in Old City, FRIEDA has become a magnet for transplants and Philly natives alike. Wendy Univer talks to the founders about this burgeoning cultural hub’s found family and latest exhibition, POMBAA.
Features
5 minute read
Inis Nua Theatre Company presents Sonya Kelly’s Once Upon a Bridge
Acts of violence, acts of kindness
Inis Nua’s Once Upon a Bridge dramatizes a random act of violence with empathy and suspense. Cameron Kelsall reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
Pleasurable sex re-education with DTF: Darryl & Timaree Fun Hour
Getting nerdy and dirty
Collaborators Timaree Schmit and Darryl Charles, hosts of DTF, talk sex, comedy, education, and being kindred souls. Daralyse Lyons profiles.
Profiles
4 minute read
The man who called me an optimist: Remembering writer Tom Purdom
“This is my editor.”
In January, the BSR community lost one of our founding members: science-fiction and music writer Tom Purdom. Near the end of his career, he never balked at having a youngster for his editor. Alaina Johns remembers a treasured friend and colleague.
Editorials
7 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, March 14-20, 2024
Intercultural Journeys, Power/Play, Embracing the Light, and more
Moving through the water with Water Speaks, animation for change, and finding light in dark places in this week’s roundup. Kyle V. Hiller previews.
Previews
3 minute read
The Fabric Workshop presents Risa Puno: Group Hug
The gamification of care work
In her first museum solo exhibition, Risa Puno creates a multimedia installation that gamifies care work while thoughtfully weaving in details about her cultural identity, personal history, and family dynamics. Alicia Link previews.
Previews
2 minute read
McCarter Theatre Center presents Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger’s Dreamgirls
Flashy Dreams
McCarter Theatre Center’s revival of Dreamgirls features an all-star cast, lots of glitz, and dynamic, dazzling hair and costumes. But can it overcome the show’s core flaws? Josh Herren reviews.
Reviews
2 minute read
Arthur Ross Gallery presents Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body
Carving with light
The layered, kaleidoscopic works of Barbara Earl Thomas, who ingeniously harnesses paper, light, and glass, are now on view at Arthur Ross Gallery. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens presents Ritual of Self: Isaiah Zagar’s Self-Portraits on Paper
Never the same man twice
Philly’s Isaiah Zagar is famous for his mosaic murals swirling on hundreds of public walls. Now, fans are invited home to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens for a new show selected from thousands of Zagar’s daily self-portraits. Anndee Hochman reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
The Barnes Foundation presents Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me
Surprising the eye
Twentieth-century designer and photographer Alexey Brodovitch revolutionized more than one field of visual arts, but he’s best known for his stint as art director at Harper’s Bazaar. His first major US exhibition, now at the Barnes, covers his entire career. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
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Also on BSR
BSR Classical Interludes, March 15-17, 2024
Music from 16th century France and Italy to the Harlem Renaissance
Classical music happening in the Philadelphia area this week, including performances from Piffaro, Artcinia, The Crossing, and Opera Philadelphia. Gail Obenreder previews.
Previews
3 minute read
Pier Players Theatre Company presents Jeffrey Barg and David Lee White’s The Angry Grammarian
Love languages
Jeffrey Barg, author of the Inquirer’s popular Angry Grammarian column, debuts a likable musical comedy by the same name in South Philly, about two grammar nerds languishing for language, and each other. Mike Fisher reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
Inis Nua Theatre presents Sonya Kelly's Once Upon a Bridge
Bridging perspectives, onstage and off
Theater-making couple anchors Inis Nua’s East Coast premier of Once Upon a Bridge. Dara McBride previews.
Previews
3 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, March 7-13, 2024
An Unfinished Herstory, CultureFest!, ROSE, and more
A variety of events including celebrations of women artists and performers in Philly this week. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
BSR Classical Interludes, March 5-23, 2024
A festival for organ music, honoring Marian Anderson, and more
Classical music in March in the Philly area is abundant, with performances from Brandywine Baroque, Curtis Symphony, and an entire festival dedicated to celebrating organ music. Gail Obenreder previews.
Previews
3 minute read
PHS presents the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show: United By Flowers
Your guide to attending the Flower Show on a budget, and supporting Philly gardens year-round
The Flower Show is here through Sunday, March 10! An Nichols has your guide to entry on a budget, plus suggestions for connecting with Philly gardens year-round, and Alaina Johns has a look at this year’s show.
Features
6 minute read
Ensemble Arts Philly and the Schubert Organization present Conor McPherson and Bob Dylan’s Girl from the North Country
A new kind of jukebox musical
Girl from the North Country, a Bob Dylan jukebox musical set during the Depression by acclaimed Irish playwright Conor McPherson, defies expectations. It stops in Philly on its North American tour. Josh Herren reviews.
Reviews
2 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, February 29-March 6, 2024
Vox Populi, Leap Day writings, Hand Me Downs, and Dolls, Idols, and Ideals
New exhibitions at Fuller Rosen, Vox Populi, and InLiquid highlight the week. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
2 minute read
The March 2024 repertory film roundup
Celebrating Women’s History Month in the cinemas
Agnes, Lady Bird, Foxy Brown, and more light up the screens in March. Stephen Silver previews.
Previews
4 minute read
Marian Anderson Museum presents Porgy and Bess
Preserving a legendary Philadelphia institute
The Marian Anderson Historical Society will host a performance of Porgy and Bess and looks to continue the museum’s challenging reconstruction project. An Nichols previews.
Previews
2 minute read