We love trying new things in our BSR coverage, so last week, I teamed up with my fellow theater critic Josh Herren to see all three opening nights of Theatre Exile's PHILLY GRIT showcase (running through this Sunday), and then we talked it out (spoiler-free) on the BSR Podcast. We cover all three solo shows (Johnny Depp: A Retrospective on Late Stage Capitalism, Catholic Guilt, and Good Person), plus the "rules" of being a critic (can you join the audience participation? we decided yes). You can click through and listen below, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or go anytime to the podcast section of the BSR site. There are some great conversations in there!
In other news, we're getting ready for a major new Mary Cassatt exhibition at the PMA, and we have an enlightening conversation with the curator ahead of the May 18 opening. We're also reviewing the latest from the Philadelphia Ballet, Woodmere Art Museum, and Piffaro, plus sitting down with the curator of a popular new cabaret series drawing Broadway stars to Philly.
BSR Book Week is kicking off in less than two weeks, and we can't wait for our June 6 publishing panel, featuring some top Philly authors and editors. Grab your seat here! It's on Zoom (and free for Friends of BSR!). And we're just two weeks out from BAD REVIEWS: How to write them, and why we need them. Thanks to everyone who has already registered! This is going to be a great session (and yes, free for our Friends).
If you're looking for another chance to hang with the BSR team, you're in luck. For the second year, we're proud to be a media partner for Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts' annual Arts Affair. We'll be there, enjoying drinks, dinner, and fabulous entertainment hosted by Cookie Diorio of the Bearded Ladies Cabaret. It's on June 5, and tickets start at $45.
Hope to see in the next few weeks!
Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief
