26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia Museum of Art Secret Life of Buildings
Thurs-Sun, 10 a.m. - 5.p.m, $8 with Student ID
(215) 684-7500
www.philamuseum.org
A person has facial expressions and bodily gestures, but a building has atmosphere, an essence that can mean just as much, if not more, than anything a person could say or do. These photographs by Clarence John Laughlin from the years 1940 to the mid-1960s seek to uncover architectural meaning by portraying buildings from around the world, particularly locations in New Orleans, as strikingly haunting and vibrant. The exhibition takes the phrase "If these walls could talk" to a whole new level.
Focus: Philadelphia 2006
Solmesson Court
Dorrance Hamilton Hall
University of the Arts
320 S. Broad Street
Thurs, 6:30 p.m., free
(215) 717-6000
www.asmpphilly.com
What is the essence of Philadelphia? Is it the "brotherly love?" The cheesesteak? Or maybe the Liberty Bell? A group of photographers pondered the same question and answered it through film. At Solmesson Court, you can view these intriguing photos, which embody Philadelphia at its finest. Among the 50 entries chosen are children's faces and buildings in the artists' neighborhood. So take a look at Philly, it'll change your opinion on what the city's all about.
Nan Goldin
Philadelphia Academy of the Fine Arts
118-128 N. Broad Street
Fri & Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
$4 with Student ID
(215) 972-7600
http://www.pafa.org/contemporaryGalleries.jsp
Some of the haunting allure behind the work of photographers such as Diane Arbus is their ability to capture the ethereal and shockingly tangible essence of society's most marginalized groups. Nan Goldin falls squarely in this investigative sort of photography, portraying the cultures of drag queens, drug addiction and New York City's bohemia with candor and an insider's view. The newest exhibition at the Philadelphia Academy of the Fine Arts displays 30 years of Goldin's work and is here in Philly until February 12.
The Price is Right live Stage Show
Bally's Atlantic City
Park Place & the Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
Fri, 7 p.m. & 10 p.m., $25
(609) 340-2000
Remember when you were home sick from school and the only thing to watch on TV was The Price is Right? How we marveled at Bob Barker's skinny microphone, the shag carpeting on the stage, the fact that one showcase was always so much worse than the other one. How badly we wanted to have our names called and guess the price of a washer and dryer set. Thankfully, you don't have to go to California to seek out the prizes -- just come on down to Atlantic City.
Enigma Variations
Walnut Street Theatre
Independence Studio on 3
825 Walnut Street
Thurs-Sun, 7:30 p.m., $26
(215) 574-3550
www.wstonline.org
What's better than a play with a character named Abel Znorko? Nothing! If there's one thing that makes for good plays, it's "haughty, playful and somewhat sadistic Nobel prize-winning" authors. Think Interview with the Vampire, but less vampires and more caustic wit. If you liked David Bowie in Labyrinth, you'll love Abel Znorko in "Enigma Variations."
Brigitte and Brigitte
International House of Philadelphia
3701 Chestnut Street
Fri, 7 p.m., $5 with Student ID
(215) 387-5125
http://www.ihousephilly.org/
Brigitte and Brigitte is an opportunity to see what it was like for two girls in 1960s France to leave their tiny towns for the Sorbonne in Paris. There is something engrossing about seeing how others handle the difficulties we must go through as college students -- living in a city for the first time, studying, looking for an apartment. We can laugh at the girls and commiserate with them at the same time because we are going through the same things, too, and we know how frustrating, surprising, and exhilarating this life can be.
A Philadelphia First: Choosical! You Choose the Title --
We Create a Musical!
Triangle Theater
1220 N. Lawrence Street
Thurs-Sat, 8 p.m., $15
(215) 849-1881
www.triangletheater.com
Sick of those "traditional" shows that tell you what you're about to see? Ever wish that you could tell those pretentious actors what "real" art looks like? Well, your dreams have become reality. Triangle Theater's "Choosical!" allows you (yes, you) to create a musical that you want to see. Just invent an interesting title, and the actors will do the rest. It's funny, and it allows you to participate -- what better way to exercise your creative spirit?
The Mousetrap
Old Academy Theatre
3540 Indian Queen Lane
Fri & Sat, 8 p.m., $12
(215) 843-1109
www.oldacademyplayers.org
It's the classic Agatha Christie play about several people stranded inside an inn during a snowstorm with a murderer on the loose (apparently they haven't heard about our string of good weather recently). In typical murder mystery fashion, each person comes under suspicion, leaving you and the characters to solve the crime. Think of it as Clue acted out on stage. It's also the longest running play in theatrical history, and millions of satisfied theatregoers can't be too wrong.
Bus Stop
Stagecrafters Theater
8130 Germantown Avenue
Thurs-Sat, 8 p.m., $15
(215) 247-8881
http://www.thestagecrafters.org/0506/busstop.php
Scene: A group of people stranded at a coffee shop during a snowstorm. The inclement weather forces the inhabitants to bond in ways that are surprisingly touching. Yes, this sounds cliche, but this ensemble comedy at the Stagecrafters Theatre is sharper than your average play. The show was so popular that it was even made into a film starring Marilyn Monroe, so rent the film if you feel like doing some research beforehand.
Topdog/Underdog
Cheltenham Art Center
439 Ashbourne Road, Cheltenham
Fri & Sat, 8 p.m., $10 with Student ID
(215) 379-4660
http://www.actionarts.net/currentseason.php#Three
Lincoln and Booth are two brothers (yes, Lincoln and Booth; their names were given as a joke). One wants to be a street hustler and the other wants to get his life straight. Confounded by this conflict, the tow must navigate through the destructive headwaters of race, gender, and class in America. Winner of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for drama, Topdog/Underdog investigates just how deeply sibling rivalry can run.
Pottruck Climbing Wall
Pottruck Center
3701 Walnut Street
Friday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m., free
http://www.upenn.edu/recreation/index.htm
So, you want to be a rock climber. You picture yourself harnessed in, climbing up the face of a mountain with your own bare hands. Who knows? Maybe you'll take Kilamanjaro next. Well, that would be true if you'd ever gone rock climbing before. So here's your chance: Pottruck is having demo sessions at their very own rock wall. So give it a shot. Heck, after your climb, you can try Everest.
Moe (includes Melissa Ferrick)
Electric Factory
421 N. 7th Street
Fri & Sat, 7:45 p.m., $25
(215) LOVE-222
http://www.electricfactory.com
The rock band Moe has been compared to many other better bands such as R.E.M., Zappa, Phish, Simon and Garfunkel and the Beatles. They are known, however, for their strong live presence and are sure to provide an entertaining night of hybrid jam-band rock.
"We Brought Peace Upon Us" -- An evening of Arab,
Jewish, and American Harmony
The National
Constitution
Center
National Constitution Center
5th & Arch Streets
Sat, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m., $10
www.thetimehascomeforpeace.com
For many years, the Middle East has been a region of instability and unrest. Israelis and Palestinians fight, leaving many to wonder if there will ever be a solution. Well, a group of Arabs and Jews seeks to change that. Made up of Philadelphia's favorite musicians, "We Brought Peace Upon Us" is a performance that conveys their struggle for peace. Proceeds go to Peace Child Israel, so come and support their cause.
Adder
Trocadero
1003 Arch Street
Sat, 6 p.m., $10
(215) 922-LIVE
http://www.thetroc.com
Rarely is New Jersey considered a center of creativity. However, heavy-metal band Adder (of the Garden State) proves otherwise. Adder has been likened to such bands as Slayer, so you have a chance to bang your head to their music when they headline at the Trocadero. Bands Landmine, Decomposed, and Rivers Divided will also share the stage during the concert.
Reading Symphony Orchestra -- Classical Gold
Sovereign Performing Arts Center
136 N. 6th Street, Reading
Sat, 8 p.m., $15-$56 with Student ID
(610) 898-7299
It may be too late for classical music to increase your intelligence, but it is never too late to simply enjoy it. Take advantage of this opportunity to see one of the longest-operating symphonies in the U.S., the Reading Symphony Orchestra. Currently in its 93rd season, this performance will consist of pieces by Mozart and Mendelssohn, with Francine Black as soprano.
Rain: The Beatles Experience
Kimmel Center
Academy of Music
Broad & Locust Streets
Thurs-Sat, 8 p.m., $34-$49
(215) 731-3333
http://www.raintribute.com/
Are you offended that you missed Beatlemania by being born in the 1980s? If so, don't fret. The '60s have been revived thanks to Rain, the world's greatest Beatles tribute band. The band embodies the original Beatles in all aspects, from their outward appearance to their vocal harmonies. So if you want to live in a yellow submarine, this performance cannot be missed.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Marsalis and More
Verizon Hall
Kimmel Center
Broad & Spruce Streets
Thurs-Sat, 8 p.m., $27-$112
(215) 893-1999
http://www.kimmelcenter.org
The Philadelphia Orchestra, entering its 106th season, is a cultural staple in the City of Brotherly Love. This longevity may be due, in part, to the orchestra constantly adding to its program to maintain its "freshness." This time, the freshness is because of saxophones. Not only are they the center of the performance, but Grammy-award winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis stars. All can enjoy this new twist on an old favorite.
Massenet's La Navarraise and Puccini's Le Villi
The Academy of Vocal Arts Perelman Theater
Kimmel Center
Broad & Spruce Streets
Thurs & Fri, 7:30 p.m., $25 with Student ID
http://www.avaopera.com/
If you're down for some classic opera this weekend, then this is the event for you. Despite the fact that the operas are in another lanugage, their meaning is far from lost: the soaring melodies of Massenet and Puccini transcend language barriers (and it doesn't hurt that the theater provides a translation). The themes of love and death present in La Navarraise and Le Villi are still relevant today. Even though you may not even be able to hear for the next week, you should still go for it.
Flyers vs. Boston
Wachovia Center
3601 S. Broad Street
Thurs, 7 p.m., $20-$170
(215) 336-3600
http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com
As the NFC and AFC champions are decided, parties are planned, and fans anxiously await the best 30-second spots companies have to offer, it's clear -- hockey season is still in full swing. The Flyers are the top ranked team in the ATL, and last Saturday, Sylvester Stallone showed up and gave a wave to the crowd, all good reasons to take a break from the pigskin and venture out to the rink.
76ers vs. Memphis
Wachovia Center
3601 S. Broad Street
Fri, 7 p.m., $15-$600
(215) 336-3600
http://www.philadelphia76ers.com
Memphis has a 23-12 record vs. the 76ers 18-19. Personally, I'd rather watch Penn smack Cornell again 84-44 while standing next to a dude wearing a hotdog costume, the way sports are meant to be watched. The 76ers have an uphill battle with Chris Webber bitching about a backache. Ben Franklin would still play if he had a back problem. The man couldn't see, so he invented his own special glasses. He walked barefoot in the snow uphill to print "Poor Richard's Almanac." That's wicked hard core man, wicked hardcore.
