The BSR Weekly Roundup: September 30-October 7, 2026

Horsegirl & Cowdaddy
Running through October 4, 2026
Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street

Horsegirl & Cowdaddy surrounds a 30-something trans woman, Horsegirl, residing in rural Pennsylvania with her father, Cowdaddy, when falling in love triggers a physical transformation. This world premiere by DJ Hills was on everyone’s lips when I attended a 2026-2027 Philly theater season kick-off event. The Wilma's production team spoke to the positivity, warmth, and love embedded in the script. BSR critic Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer reviewed it. Get her take, and get your tickets before the short run closes on October 4.

Witch
Running September 30-October 25, 2026
Quintessence Theatre, 7137 Germantown Avenue

Cameron Kelsall mentioned this show in his October theater column (get all his picks here), but it’s high on my own list, too. Witch is a contemporary retelling of the 17th-century tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton. The original 1621 play was based upon the real-life Elizabeth Sawyer, an English villager, accused of witchcraft. The original text, written by a male collective, is surprisingly feminist. In it, the protagonist complains about class and age-based discrimination: "if she be poor, [she] must be called [prostitute] or witch." Playwright Jen Silverman's version, whose West Coast production starred Golden Globe winner Maura Tierney, potentially tightens the original script while adapting it for modern audiences. I love over-the-top, murderous 17th century-inspired plays with strong gender commentary and a generous dose of comedy.

Teen Dad
Running through October 11, 2026
Passage Theatre, 205 E. Front Street, Trenton, NJ

This multi-racial Gen-X/elder Millennial-inspired play about two high school exes who reluctantly share a beach house was a lighthearted delight (here’s my review). It felt like Reality Bites but with a diverse cast, and written from a modern perspective. This fun, funny play is worth the trip to Trenton.

Victorian Music Concert with Duo Fuerza
October 3, 2026
Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, 200 West Tulpehocken Street

Piano duo James D’León and Alwen Yeung will offer an intimate afternoon concert of Victorian-era music in the historic Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion's parlor. Both pianists will simultaneously play the 1865 Stieff square piano, for a four-handed ensemble. I recommend visiting the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood and taking advantage of its tours and many, many events.

Sarajevo Will Be (Everything Else Will Pass)
Running October 2-4 and 9-11, 2026
Deep End Studios, 1313 S. 33rd Street

Sarajevo Will Be (Everything Else Will Pass) is a physical theater piece about La Benevolencija, the Jewish humanitarian organization that operated through the 1992-95 siege of Sarajevo. Co-artistic directors and creators Danielle Levsky and Josh Levine traveled to Bosnia to interview workers. The resulting piece incorporates recorded voices, puppetry, and live music. I first encountered Levsky’s work in her Sappho’s Salon last spring (here’s my review), and I'm curious about this new show.

Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
October 7, 2026
Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street

Sometimes I'm up and down about Jeff Goldblum, but the 1980s geek and contemporary jazz lover in me is incredibly tempted by his one-night-only Midred Snitzer Orchestra concert. Maybe you are, too.

An Evening with Josephine Baker
Running October 1-11, 2026
Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts, 224 South 52nd Street, Philadelphia

This play follows Baker, after she assisted the French Resistance against Nazi Germany, as she faces a sheriff sale of her worldly goods. Bushfire Theatre showcases the works of African American playwrights in West Philadelphia. In these difficult times, let’s support artists of color and celebrate their historic work.

At top: Jeff Goldblum will play with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra at the Miller Theater on October 7, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Ensemble Arts Philly.)

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