House of Jars: Poems, by Hester L. Furey

A flawed, ambitious collection of 20th- and 21st-century maladies

A new book of poetry from Philly’s Frayed Edge Press imagines characters like William Carlos Williams, Robert Oppenheimer, Rachel Carson, and Gertrude Stein in meditations on art, destruction, and unexpected connections. C.M. Crockford reviews.

C.M. Crockford

May 30, 2025 · Reviews · 3 minute read

A History of Philadelphia Sandwiches: Steaks, Hoagies, Iconic Eateries & More, by Mike Madaio

A sandwich manifesto stacked with research and local flavor

In A History of Philadelphia Sandwiches, Mike Madaio slices deep into the true origins, as well as the legends, of one of the region’s most hallowed foods, from Cooper Sharp to chicken cutlets. Neil Bardhan reviews.

Neil Bardhan

May 30, 2025 · Reviews · 4 minute read

Rebuilding Your Life After Trauma: A Coping Manual, by Aviva Perlo

Illustrating the different ways back

Aviva Perlo’s book brings real solutions, perspectives, research, and personal experiences to light for those forging new lives after real trauma. Anndee Hochman reviews.

Anndee Hochman

May 29, 2025 · Reviews · 4 minute read

Mural Arts presents Emilio Martínez Poppe’s Civic Views

A government of individuals

Civic Views, a new public art installation from Mural Arts on view in the City Hall Courtyard, offers engaging perspectives from city employees at a time when public-sector workers face increasing threats. Isabel Soisson reviews.

Isabel Soisson

May 27, 2025 · Reviews · 3 minute read

The Arden Theatre presents Jonathan Larson’s Rent

Rent is still relevant

The Arden leans into the political urgency and community spirit of Rent’s roots with a new production featuring interactive couch seats available only with $20 rush tickets. Josh Herren reviews.

Josh Herren

May 26, 2025 · Reviews · 3 minute read

Lantern Theater Company presents The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow

From bored to Bond

This stage adaptation of the classic story about an ordinary man plunged into the life of a spy fleeing across the Scottish Highlands gets an inventive and hilarious production at the Lantern. Mina Reinckens reviews.

Mina Reinckens

May 26, 2025 · Reviews · 3 minute read

The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Florence Price and Beethoven’s Ninth

Peerless Price, bold Beethoven

Yannick Nézet-Séguin continues to champion Florence Price by pairing her Piano Concerto in One Movement with Beethoven’s Ninth, that blockbuster of the classical music canon, heard here in a thrilling and surprising performance. Linda Holt reviews.

Linda Holt

May 26, 2025 · Reviews · 5 minute read

Ensemble Arts and the Shubert Organization present the national tour of Some Like It Hot

Joy without irony

The national tour of Some Like It Hot draws from the golden era of musical theater. Its full-throttle charm and commitment to the form, instead of winking at the audience, is a rare feat among movie-adapted musicals. Josh Herren reviews.

Josh Herren

May 22, 2025 · Reviews · 3 minute read

Network for New Music presents Songs Without Words Without Borders

Celebrating 40 years with 40 commissions

The Network for New Music is now one of Philly’s venerable music institutions, celebrating its 40th anniversary with an exciting slate of diverse commissions that honor the group’s eclectic style. Peter Burwasser reviews.

Peter Burwasser

May 20, 2025 · Reviews · 3 minute read

Hedgerow Theatre presents Celine Song’s Endlings

Diving deep into identity, memory, and artistic voice

Celine Strong’s Endlings, getting its regional premiere at Hedgerow, spans two generations of Korean women and poses a deceptively simple question: who gets to tell the story? Maya Arthur reviews.

Maya Arthur

May 20, 2025 · Reviews · 3 minute read