Age of Arousal
Wilma Theater
265 S. Broad Street
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., $37
(215) 893-9456
www.wilmatheater.org
Corsets seem mind-boggling to women these days; we don't understand how Victorian women put up with such small-waisted tyranny. But perhaps we don't know the whole story. Interested in seeing how things really went down? This week, check out the play Age of Arousal, a modern, spunky portrayal of feminist women in 19th century England. These gals have loosened those corsets and are out to get laid, get paid and no man can stand in their way. Well, except one. If you're going through one of those phases where you've lost faith in mankind, loosen up and go have a few laughs with these ladies. It's not your average tea party.
-Kristen Franke
The School for Wives
St. Stephen's Theater
10th & Ludlow Streets
Saturday, 8 p.m., $15-$35
(215) 829-0395
www.lanterntheater.org
Remember the good old days when women were docile, innocent and only concerned with important things like child-bearing, vacuuming and pressed powder? Not ringing a bell? This whole feminism thing may have made a few changes in the roles of women today, but if you are aching to remember a time when the cult of domesticity was alive and well, The School for Wives will satisfy your wish. An English translation of the renowned French play by MoliŠre, Wives is a 17th-century French version of any of today's primetime dramedies: boy meets girl, boy tries to shelter girl from becoming corrupted by dirty things like education, girl spots a hotter guy, trouble ensues. The play is sure to provide plenty of Marie Antoinette-style eye candy, and definitely some laughs, so head to St. Stephen's Theater to see if Arnolphe can hang onto his perfect wife.
-Annette D'Onofrio
Rock Matinee
PhilaFunk Live
8 N. Preston Street
Through Saturday, 2 p.m., $10
www.philafunklive.com
Want to hear great live music without venturing down to Center City? Lucky for you, a spacious concert venue called Philafunk Live is located right here in our own West Philly. Situated in the Historic Bell Telephone Exchange Building, this space strives to provide great entertainment while giving independent artists and record labels the chance to be seen and heard. One of Philafunk Live's events, Rock Matinee, features afternoon performances of indie bands. Not only is Rock Matinee a relaxing and fun alternative to the usual nighttime concert, this venue is also a BYO, making this event the most perfect concert. ever.
-Sabrina Benun
Kixx v. California
Wachovia Spectrum
3601 S. Broad Street
Friday, 7:05 p.m., $19-$75
(800) 298-4200
www.kixxonline.com
Americans never really understand soccer. Sure, we have David Beckham and we'll root vainly for our team in the World Cup, but soccer has yet to reach the popularity of the big three: baseball, basketball and football. Here's something that might change that: indoor soccer. The game's the same, but it's played in an arena, meaning higher scores and more drama. Think hockey minus the sticks, the ice and the fans stabbing each other. Instead of the usual lame 1-0, 1-2 scores, goal counts can reach as high as twenty in some games. The high scores come from indoor soccer's rougher and fast-paced nature: the size of the field is shrunk down by about a third and players can only play within the arena - meaning no outs. except for you if you don't go. Don't wait - the Philly Kixx need our support!
-Brian Mertens
Guitarist Alan Licht, presented by Kenny Goldsmith
Kelly Writers House
3805 Locust Walk
Thursday, 6 p.m., FREE
(215) 573-9748
www.writing.upenn.edu/~wh/
Unplug your Guitar Hero III tonight and channel your inner musician in this dimension at Kelly Writers House with a performance from Alan Licht. A renowned guitarist, Licht has dabbled in free jazz, electronica, turntables and a bevy of other experimental genres, working alongside noted New York City composers. Amidst his musical work, he has also been a contributor to Wire and Modern Painters magazines. Tonight's program, co-sponsored by the Institute of Contemporary Art, will be followed by a signing of Licht's new book: Sound Art: Beyond Music, Between Media with a reception to follow at the ICA. The program promises to give you a little of that cultural capital your sociology professor's been talking so much about all semester, or at least something to do before Thursday night festivities begin. And don't worry, your PS3 isn't going anywhere.
--Melissa Gad
