Our writers work hard year-round, but they really pull the stops out in September, welcoming us back to the season with a huge range of work, from an outdoor Fringe show by a first-time playwright to opulent, world-class opera. Below you can scope out our last flurry of Fringe reviews and coverage of Opera Philadelphia's annual festival (the Verdi verdict is in: don't miss it), plus reviews of the latest at Delaware Theatre Company, Quintessence, and Resident Ensemble Players. Lots more is on the way in the coming weeks.
I'm also taking a second look at Gunnar Montana's popular BLACK WOOD and his message about women's empowerment, and what empowerment means to me as a survivor of domestic abuse.
We'll be gathering in person this week for a fall mixer with our friends at Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and special guests, and the BSR community is invited! It's this Thursday, September 28 from 5-7pm at PVLA's Center City headquarters. Here's the link to RSVP. This is a wheelchair-accessible space, and masks are welcome -- I'll certainly be wearing one, because there's a lot of Covid out there!
It's probably not possible for most people to pause their lives the way many of us did a few years ago, but that doesn't mean we can't take precautions. Get your updated vax if you can, wear a mask whenever you can, and if you're feeling sick, stay home if you possibly can. Even if it's just a cold, why not save others the stress of catching it, too? This is especially important in performing arts spaces, both for the hardworking actors and singers, and for everyone in your row at the theater.
Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief
