Reviews

1117 results
Page 1
Bond, a white woman wearing a white sheath and large sunglasses, poses glamorously on a satin-draped lounge chair.

Opera Philadelphia presents Michael R. Jackson’s Complications in Sue

One opera, 10 composers
With Complications in Sue, a groundbreaking world premiere with a libretto by Michael R. Jackson and music from 10 world-class composers, Opera Philadelphia chronicles one woman’s usual unusual life. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Gail Obenreder

Gail Obenreder

Reviews 6 minute read
Large rectangular mosaic, mostly blue with highlights of red, depicts seven people in a compelling abstract style.

Philadelphia Magic Gardens presents Face to Face: Isaiah Zagar’s Mosaicked Portraits

Piecing together an artist’s inspirations
A new show at Philadelphia Magic Gardens shines an often-mysterious spotlight on the people who have influenced iconic Philly mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.

Pamela J. Forsythe

Reviews 4 minute read
In a spotless, affluent modern kitchen with a large island, the actors cuddle at center, smiling, on wooden stools.

Arden Theatre Company presents James Ijames’s Good Bones

A haunting debate in the shadow of the Sixers arena
The Philadelphia premiere of James Ijames’s Good Bones, onstage at the Arden, has unmistakable resonance for Philly in the aftermath of the Sixers stadium debacle. Josh Herren reviews.
Josh Herren

Josh Herren

Reviews 4 minute read
View of musicians on the chancel in a beautifully lit sanctuary space with classical and art deco vibes, and a full audience.

Filament presents Consorts Reframed

Beautiful music from a broken consort
The period instrument trio, Filament, invited three guest artists to form a broken consort, featuring music from 16th- and 17th-century England with a premiere from a modern Philly composer. Peter Burwasser reviews.

Peter Burwasser

Reviews 3 minute read
Interior view of a dynamic two-story stone hall with large rectangular windows and mosaics visible beneath glass in the floor

After more than five years, the Princeton University Art Museum reopens

The vibes are great at a long-awaited revamp of Princeton’s campus museum
Princeton University Art Museum closed down at the start of the pandemic, and it’s finally reopened with beautiful updates that are free for all to visit. K.A. McFadden reviews.
K.A. McFadden

K.A. McFadden

Reviews 4 minute read
The blue & yellow album book, with a silhouette of Dickerson wearing headphones, on the cement beside bright autumn leaves

Armstead Dickerson presents When I Saw the Sun

Connecting in the polycrisis era
Philadelphia artist Armstead Dickerson explores new modes of expression in his immersive language album When I Saw the Sun, which combines a visual and audio experience. Melissa Strong reviews.
Melissa Strong

Melissa Strong

Reviews 3 minute read
Saunders, with short gray hair and brown overalls, speaks to Lamm, wearing turquoise, who does Inie-Richards’ bouffant updo.

People’s Light presents Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias

A welcome return to Truvy’s
Programming Steel Magnolias could be a risky choice, but a new production at People’s Light never becomes syrupy. Emily Schilling reviews.
Emily Schilling

Emily Schilling

Reviews 3 minute read
Van Horn sits at left by a faux stage campfire; Smith stands proudly in a blue plaid suit and brown plaid greatcoat.

The Walnut presents Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective, adapted by Bill Van Horn

A worthy homage to the world’s most famous sleuth
Bill Van Horn adapts two classic Sherlock Holmes stories with a warmth and passion worthy of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original vision, along with plenty of laughs. C.M. Crockford reviews.
C.M. Crockford

C.M. Crockford

Reviews 4 minute read
Ahmed, a Southeast Asian person seen in profile wearing a leather jacket, dumps something out of a small black bag.

Hedgerow Theatre Company presents Mashuq Mushtaq Deen’s Draw the Circle

Celebrating trans immigrant artists’ fight to be seen
Trans playwright Mashuq Mushtaq Deen’s Draw the Circle gets its regional premiere at Hedgerow, starring local actor Joseph Ahmed. It’s an ode to the persistence and power of love in a frightening time. Krista Mar reviews.
Krista Mar

Krista Mar

Reviews 3 minute read
Kidwell, in leopard-print leggings & fur coat, sits by Kazen-Maddox, in bloomers & corset, gesturing for an audience response

FringeArts presents Jenn Kidwell’s we come to collect: a flirtation, with capitalism

Paying the price for attention
Jenn Kidwell brought her latest show, we come to collect, spoken and performed in ASL in partnership with Brandon Kazen-Maddox, to FringeArts. Josh Herren reviews.
Josh Herren

Josh Herren

Reviews 4 minute read