EgoPo Classic Theatre presents Albert Innaurato’s Gemini
A South Philly birthday bash for the ages
EgoPo captures the pulse of the neighborhood with Gemini, set in a South Philly backyard in the summer of 1976, with plenty of resonance for our Semiquincentennial. Josh Herren reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
Opera Philadelphia presents Michael R. Jackson’s Complications in Sue
One opera, 10 composers
With Complications in Sue, a groundbreaking world premiere with a libretto by Michael R. Jackson and music from 10 world-class composers, Opera Philadelphia chronicles one woman’s usual unusual life. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
6 minute read
Broadway Cabaret at Rittenhouse Grill is back for a third year
In Philly, life is a cabaret again
A star-studded Broadway cabaret in Philly is back for its third season at Rittenhouse Grill, with a performance featuring Christine Andreas and Martin Silvestri on February 16. Cameron Kelsall visits.
Features
4 minute read
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Boys to Fame and The Philly Special are two new must-watch documentaries for Eagles fans
New films tackle top moments of the Eagles’ legacy
Two new documentaries featuring legendary sportswriter Ray Didinger and The Philly Special won’t have many surprises for Eagles fans, but they’re still hugely enjoyable. Stephen Silver reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
Curio Theatre presents Richard Lamont Pierce’s Sojourner
Looking back helps us move forward
Richard Lamont Pierce’s one-woman show about famous abolitionist Sojourner Truth has toured for more than 20 years, starring Zuhairah McGill. Catch it at Curio for Black History Month 2026. An Nichols reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
The BSR Podcast: Dive into February theater with Jesus Hopped the A Train and Plantation Black
Darnelle goes behind the scenes as the 2025-2026 season continues
It's another exciting month on Philly's theater scene, and BSR Podcast host Darnelle Radford takes you behind the curtain with the artists of new productions at InterAct and Stagecrafters.
Podcast
2 minute read
Yes, Bridgerton does mirror real life with its diverse cast. Here’s the history.
Exploring the real-life inspiration for a multiracial society in the hit Regency romance
Some commentators criticize Bridgerton for its racially diverse representation of the upper classes in 19th-century London. But An Nichols, who knows the real history, loves this aspect of the show.
Essays
6 minute read
MAGA orders Philly exhibits on slavery torn down. We at BSR are not afraid of our history.
History at the President’s House can be taken from the walls, but not from our minds.
Members of the BSR community were shocked when the exhibit documenting slavery at George Washington’s Philly house was dismantled last week. We'll keep standing up for Black history at BSR.
Editorials
4 minute read
After a freezing New Year, the Mummers String Band Spectacular debuts at the Linc
Mayor Parker teases a new Philly tradition of Mummers at the stadium
The String Band Division competition of the 2026 Mummers Parade was postponed due to bad weather, but it returned in full glory for a special show at Lincoln Financial Field. Isa Segolovich was there.
Features
4 minute read
Arden Theatre Company presents James Ijames’s Good Bones
A haunting debate in the shadow of the Sixers arena
The Philadelphia premiere of James Ijames’s Good Bones, onstage at the Arden, has unmistakable resonance for Philly in the aftermath of the Sixers stadium debacle. Josh Herren reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Playhouse West presents Michael Quinn’s Get It Together
The art of reconnecting
Michael Quinn’s Get It Together puts on a witty, whimsical performance about love and self-exploration. An Nichols previews.
Previews
3 minute read
Philadelphia Magic Gardens presents Face to Face: Isaiah Zagar’s Mosaicked Portraits
Piecing together an artist’s inspirations
A new show at Philadelphia Magic Gardens shines an often-mysterious spotlight on the people who have influenced iconic Philly mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Remembering Dan McQuade, a Philly journalist like no other
Texts with Dan
Philly journalist Dan McQuade died this week from neuroendocrine cancer. He has been honored by publications and sports teams alike. Jill Ivey shares reflections on their friendship and Dan’s legacy.
Essays
4 minute read
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Also on BSR
BSR Classical Interludes, February 2026
The Siren’s Grove, This Is America, and PhilOrch’s new season
Philadelphia Orchestra opens its new season, early music from Duo Silvio, and a collection of US-made works decorate the first half of February 2026. Gail Obenreder previews.
Previews
3 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, February 5-11, 2026
Night, Night, SOJOURNER, Gemini, and more
A few events open Black History Month, Broadway comes to South Philly, and a solo exhibition gets dreamy. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
Filament presents Consorts Reframed
Beautiful music from a broken consort
The period instrument trio, Filament, invited three guest artists to form a broken consort, featuring music from 16th- and 17th-century England with a premiere from a modern Philly composer. Peter Burwasser reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
After more than five years, the Princeton University Art Museum reopens
The vibes are great at a long-awaited revamp of Princeton’s campus museum
Princeton University Art Museum closed down at the start of the pandemic, and it’s finally reopened with beautiful updates that are free for all to visit. K.A. McFadden reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Armstead Dickerson presents When I Saw the Sun
Connecting in the polycrisis era
Philadelphia artist Armstead Dickerson explores new modes of expression in his immersive language album When I Saw the Sun, which combines a visual and audio experience. Melissa Strong reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, January 29-February 4, 2026
CultureFest!, art and gardens, and reopening Indy Hall
Penn Museum kicks off the Year of the Horse, 1980s art at Arthur Ross, and Independence Hall celebrates its reopening. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau announce legislation to protect Philly from abuses by ICE
Locals brave the cold to say “ICE OUT”
Locals gathered in below-freezing temps on January 27 for the announcement of new “ICE OUT” legislation cosponsored by Councilmembers Rue Landau and Kendra Brooks. Alaina Johns reports.
Features
4 minute read
The BSR February 2026 repertory movie roundup
John Waters, Gaslight, and obsessive love at the Film Society
Films for Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and more populate February screenings. Stephen Silver rounds up.
Previews
5 minute read
The Month in Philly Dance, February 2026
Fall in Love, Don't Stop Me Now, and The Evolution Tour
Warming up for the stage with dance performances in the Philly area in February. Camille Bacon-Smith rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
Vivian Allvin presents Everybody Loves Italians
The truth about stereotypes
The newest work from writer and performer Vivian Allvin examines what makes stereotypes complicated and the complexity of the cultural markers they represent. Anna Fiscarelli-Mintz previews.
Previews
2 minute read