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Dear BSR Subscriber,

Friday is Valentine's Day. Need an alternative to the romance?

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It's another week when I'm grateful for the range of our writers. Cameron Kelsall beautifully remembers our colleague Carrie Gorn, whom we lost suddenly in late January. Gail Obenreder reviews not one but two fascinating concerts: the latest from The Crossing (fresh from its fourth Grammy win) and early music trio Filament. Essayist Anndee Hochman shares why she's still marching, even after a friend said that this time, they're giving up. And Constance Garcia-Barrio explores heartful, expert tips and resources for folks who find that Valentine's Day sharpens whatever grief they are carrying. In between working on all these wonderful stories with our writers, I got over to InterAct to review its latest world premiere, Quixotic Professor Qiu.

On Monday, I had the privilege of guest-teaching a mix of undergrad and graduate students in an arts criticism course, which always reminds me that one of the most exciting things about our work at BSR is mentoring the next generation of arts writers in a curious, discerning, inclusive ethic. We're excited about several events we're planning for 2025 -- stay tuned!

And just like last week (probably even more so), it still bears saying: We are not living in ordinary times. Keep marching. Keep calling your reps. Keep standing up for the truth in your community, protect vulnerable neighbors, and never forget what our elected leaders owe us.

Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief

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Eight media picks to explore love outside of sex, romance, and marriage

Alaina Johns

Three hundred and sixty-four days a year, most of society puts romance above any other kind of relationship. Then, on Valentine’s Day, the message gets even harder to escape. Alaina Johns loves these alternatives.

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Attendees of a rally organized by New Sanctuary Movement march outside of Philly’s City Hall. (Photo by Rodney Atienza, courtesy of New Sanctuary Movement.)

“We’re gonna keep on moving forward”

Anndee Hochman

Anndee Hochman has spent years protesting for human rights. This year, some people are discouraged. A friend told her it doesn't make a difference. So Anndee shares the reasons she isn't going to stop marching.

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Carrie Gorn (right) with her theater-loving daughter Rosie. (Photo by Ashley Smith, courtesy of Chad Gorn.)

The woman who powered Philly theater from behind the scenes

Cameron Kelsall

For more than 10 years, theater critic Cameron Kelsall heard from publicist Carrie Gorn each week, tirelessly pitching clients’ work with her distinctive joy for the art form. Here at BSR, it’s painful to imagine our job without her.

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The Crossing in rehearsal for Sebastian Currier’s ‘Mysterium’, performed at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill on February 7, 2025. (Photo courtesy of The Crossing.)

“America’s most interesting choir” lives up to its reputation

Gail Obenreder

Following a fourth Grammy Award, The Crossing presented a concert in Chestnut Hill featuring the world premiere of Sebastian Currier’s Mysterium and the North American premiere of Linda Catlin Smith’s Folio. Gail Obenreder reviews.

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Naila Francis is a certified grief coach and death midwife based in Roxborough. (Photo courtesy of Naila Francis.)

Tips for navigating loss as everyone celebrates love

Constance Garcia-Barrio

Valentine’s Day can bring romance, tenderness, and fun, but it can also be a painful time if you’re experiencing grief. Constance Garcia-Barrio connects with Philly grief experts and resources to help you through this day and every day.

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Bi Jean Ngo and Justin Jain in ‘Quixotic Professor Qiu’ at InterAct. (Photo by Christopher Colucci.)

Continuing a streak of timely shows

Alaina Johns

Quixotic Professor Qiu, now getting its world premiere at InterAct, follows a Chinese American math professor targeted by the FBI in a satire with timely resonance for Philly. Alaina Johns reviews.

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The birth of the keyboard sonata

Gail Obenreder

Anne Louise Brillon de Jouy, a friend (and paramour?) of Benjamin Franklin, was famous in her time for her keyboard sonatas. Early music trio Filament gives her music a well-deserved modern premiere. Gail Obenreder reviews.

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(Photo by Conrad Benner, founder of StreetsDept.com.)

The narratives Philly loves—and the ones we escape

Kyle V. Hiller

Kyle V. Hiller's relationship with sports has always colored his relationship with Philly. We're a city of contradictions, always fighting that not-good-enough narrative. What can we learn about our city in the Eagles' latest shot at the Super Bowl?

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Go behind-the-scenes on The Half-God of Rainfall and Fires in the Mirror

Darnelle Radford

On these podcast episodes, Darnelle takes you inside two exciting regional productions: the Wilma's Half-God of Rainfall, by Inua Ellams, and BRT's Fires in the Mirror, by Anna Deavere Smith.

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If you hate picking up the phone, these tips are for you

Alaina Johns

This is no time to wring your hands. If you care about US democracy and its role in our cultural sector, it’s time to act. For some people, that means calling Congress for the first time. Alaina Johns has tips.

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From left: Councilmembers Mark Squilla, Rue Landau, and Katherine Gilmore Richardson at the January 22 Trump Preparedness Hearing to Protect Marginalized Groups. (Photo by Christopher Mansfield.)

Will Philly stand as a Sanctuary City in the MAGA era?

Alaina Johns

Two days after Trump was inaugurated again, City Council held a hearing on how Philly can protect vulnerable residents from the new administration, drawing testimony from civil-rights advocates. Alaina Johns tuned in.

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