Stay in the Loop
BSR publishes on a weekly schedule, with an email newsletter every Wednesday and Thursday morning. There’s no paywall, and subscribing is always free.
‘Little Women,’ Slay Bells Ring, and the Philly Rare Book Fair
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, December 4-10, 2025
Kyle V. Hiller
This week, we’re getting into the season with a performance by Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus and the return of a staple spin on The Nutcracker by Chris Davis. Little Women takes the stage at Hedgerow, InterAct screens a pair of live performance films from National Theatre, and the Philadelphia Rare Book Fair returns.
Little Women
Now through December 28
Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media
Hedgerow’s adaptation of Little Women is on the stage after a holiday weekend opening. The classic from Louisa May Alcott follows the March sisters as they come of age during the American Civil War, with a story about family, identity, and the ties that hold communities together.
A Winkle In Time
December 3-January 25
Arden Theatre Company, 40 North 2nd Street
Arden’s Children’s Theatre adapts Madeline L’Engle’s book for the stage. Starting with previews on Wednesday, December 3 and opening night on December 13, the story follows Meg Murry, who feels more out of place than ever until a mysterious visitor appears at her door and sweeps her, her brother, and their friend on an adventure through time and space. With help from three celestial beings Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, the trio must face forces of darkness to rescue Meg’s missing father and restore light to the universe.
National Theatre Live: Frankenstein and Fleabag
December 4-5, 7pm
Proscenium Theatre at the Drake, 302 South Hicks Street
InterAct Theatre is dipping its toes into the art of film by hosting a pair of screenings of two productions filmed live by the National Theatre in London. First up is Frankenstein on Thursday, December 4, which was captured live on stage in 2011. Then, on Friday, December 5 is Fleabag, the one-woman show that inspired the BBC series and tells the story of a woman navigating family, friendship, and self-destruction. It was filmed in 2019.
Slay Bells Ring
December 4-6
Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus takes the stage at the Independence Seaport Museum for two nights of carols, pop anthems, and campy comedy.
Philadelphia Rare Book Fair
December 4-6
Trinity Memorial Church, 2212 Spruce Street
The Philadelphia Rare Book Fair enters the weekend with its fourth installment, bringing two dozen booksellers from around the country who will bring thousands of books, maps, historic documents, and ephemera. The fair opens on Thursday, December 4 from 5-8pm with a preview night party. The fair continues Friday from 12-8pm and Saturday from 11am-6pm.
One-Man Nutcracker
December 9-January 5
Proscenium Theatre at the Drake, 302 South Hicks Street
Chris Davis returns for his solo spin on the classic holiday show. One-Man Nutcracker is a family-friendly performance. We’ve covered it before, check out our review from the 2024 performance.
Sign up for our newsletter
All of the week's new articles, all in one place. Sign up for the free weekly BSR newsletters, and don't miss a conversation.
