How’s this for a Philadelphia Cultural Bouquet? Three great institutions; THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF THE FINE ARTS (PAFA), THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART (PMA), and THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER prove that Philly can satisfy everyone’s taste in Art and Music -We’ve seen them all and suggest you do too.
PAFA, 128 North Broad St. In Modern Spirit. PAFA offers the work of Henry Ossawa Tanner an influential Afro-American artist. Born in Philadelphia, educated at PAFA and a student of Thomas Eakins, Tanner became famous in Europe long before his American recognition. Over 100 of his works, including 12 never shown in the U.S. are displayed. Included are many of his religious paintings; among them “Resurrection Of Lazarus” an 1897 prize winner. To April 15: 215.972.7600. Free Sunday exhibition and programs admission.
PMA, 26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway This museum’s cultural contribution is Van Gogh Up Close. With one or two exceptions such as his famous 1889 “Sunflowers”, most of the 50 paintings will be new to viewers. Forget Van Gogh’s famous portraits or his wildly gyrating skies! What you will see at this unusual exhibit are vividly painted landscapes up close, in tightly cropped compositions, with focus on each small branch, each blade of grass, each tree limb. Although every painting is valued at millions it’s hard to believe he sold only one in his lifetime! To May 6: 215.763.8100.
THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER, 525 Arch Street. NCC supplements its on going offerings with From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: the Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen. This is the third flower in our bouquet! Springsteen memorabilia have long been confined to the Rock and Roll Museum and Hall of Fame. Now for the first time, the Boss returns to the streets of Philadelphia via this comprehensive look at his career. Mementos from his early days, including the original bands he formed and his first solo performances have never before been seen outside of the R & R Museum. We loved his 1960 Corvette (yes; you may take pictures but don’t go past the ropes or sit in the driver’s seat!). His 1980 Harley Davidson is a feast to the eyes but also an untouchable treat. Don’t miss his Fender Electric Guitar or the family childhood photos and hand written lyrics. Once you stop at the listening booths or the video displays of his archival early performances you may never want to leave. As an added extra attraction we were just a nose away from his 1993 Academy Award for the Streets of Philadelphia. This is as close as most of us will ever get. A discount of $2 per ticket if you bring a donation of food for Philabundance. To September 3:. 215.409.6700 .
1812 Productions at PLAYS & PLAYERS THEATRE, 1714 Delancey Street. Tony Braithwaite and Jennifer Childs are both creators and performers in the comedy cabaret Let’s Pretend We’re Famous. Philly’s favorite stage couple survey a hilarious world of American celebrity as they salute 1-hit wonders, lost innocence and reality TV. Expect unusual interpretations of songs like Fame, Swinging On A Star, and Everything’s Coming Up Roses (in a way Mama Rose never imagined!). Of course there will be sketches, anecdotes, a fantastic review or two; and as a no cost extra, a knockout Garland & Rooney medley. March 6-25: 215.592.9560.
ARDEN THEATRE COMPANY, 40 N. Second Street. Rostand’s Cyrano has been re-created in a new version translated by Michael Hollinger and co-adapted by director Aaron Posner. The most famous nose in literature enlists the dashing looks of Christian in order to woo Roxanne. The word play and sword play have long been a poetic inspiration inspiring writers and lovers. Although the cast of nine play several parts we must call attention to Luigi Sottile as Christian, Jessica Cummings as Roxane, and Eric Hissom as Cyrano. Playing soldiers, nuns, bakers and more are Philly favorites Scott Greer, Ben Lloyd, David Bardeen, Doug Hara, Justin Jain and Keith Smith. March 8-April 15: 215.922.1122.
BRISTOL RIVERSIDE THEATRE, 120 Radcliffe Street- Bristol, Pa. A beauty parlor is the single set for Steel Magnolias. A group of loveable, zany women in a Louisiana Parrish share love, laughs, joy, and even insults. These Southern women may be delicate as magnolias on the outside but they’re tough as steel inside. This is the story of six “Magnolias” who stand together, laughing in order to survive the tears. The 1987 off-Broadway hit was remade into a successful movie and then revived on Broadway in 2005. Susan D. Atkinson directs an ensemble cast of BRT favorites including Jennie Eisenhower, Diane Findlay, Laura C. Giknis, Barbara McCulloh, Susan Moses and Jo Twiss. March 20-April 8: 215.785.0100.
CURTIS OPERA THEATRE, at the Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad Street. Elegy For Young Lovers by Hans Werner Henze, one of the foremost modern composers, is rarely performed in the U.S. Take advantage of the opportunity to catch this new production of a powerful opera, sung in English with supertitles. The story unfolds in an isolated mountain inn surrounded by a deadly snowstorm. A ruthless poet manipulates the guests for the sake of his artistic inspiration, with deadly results. March 14, 16, and 18: 215.893.7902.
KIMMEL PRESENTS BROADWAY AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Broad & Locust Streets. The late Nigerian singer, composer and activist Fela Kuti is the subject of the award winning FELA!. Kuti created the music known as Afrobeat, a blend of jazz, funk, and African rhythm and harmonies. His lyrics were so incendiary that he was the target of 1,000 government soldiers trying to prevent his performance. Bill Jones directed and choreographed the original Broadway premiere and repeats his success in this hybrid of dance, theater and music. Olivier and Tony Award nominated Sahr Ngaujah will lead the cast, joined by Melanie Marshall and Paulette Ivory who starred in the Royal National Theatre production. March 20-25: 215.893.1999
PHILADELPHIA THEATRE COMPANY at the SUZANNE ROBERTS THEATRE, Broad & Lombard Streets. Award winning Bruce Graham, one of Philly’s own, is the author of The Outgoing Tide. This East Coast premiere is directed by James J. Christy (a long time Graham collaborator), with original music by Rob Maggio. In a summer cottage on Chesapeake Bay a father hatches a strange plan for his family’s future. His wife and grown son resist with plans of their own. Winter approaches and the family must find an understanding before the tide goes out. This new drama hums with dark humor and profound emotion. The three person cast features Anthony Lawton, Robin Moseley, and Richard Poe. March 23-April 22: 215.985.0420.
WALNUT STREET THEATRE, 825 Walnut Street. Barnard Havard (Walnut’s Artistic Producing Director) directs the Phila. premiere of the award winning comedy, God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza. This comedy of manners (without the manners!) begins when two children fight at a local park and one is injured. Their parents meet to discuss the matter calmly, in an adult manner. As time goes on the parents become increasingly childlike and the discussion sinks into savage chaos. Bad behavior has never been so good! The excellent casts consist of Julie Czarnecki, Ben Lipitz, Susan Riley Stevens, and Greg Wood (real life husband and wife). March 13 to April 29: 215.574.3550
WILMA THEATRE, 265 S. Broad St. Richard Hamburger directs Curse of The Starving Class, a classic by award winning Sam Shepard. Meet a wild & unpredictable family attempting to survive in pre-suburban Southern California. Each family member goes to fantastic extremes grappling with financial ruin, a chaotic farm and increasingly ruthless debt collectors. Written over 40 years ago, it seems almost prophetically attuned to today’s mortgage and home crisis. In spite of the plays tragic dimensions Shepherd displays an irresistible sense of humor. The cast features a mix of NY & Philly stars- Keith Conallen, Dave Blatt, Lorri Holt, Sam Henderson, Keira Keeley, Bruce McKenzie, Nate Miller, Peter Schmitz and Ed Swidely, plus believe it or not- a live lamb on stage! March 7 to April 8: 215.546.7824
