superduperstar
Attention all musical fanatics: Jesus Christ Superstar, acclaimed show that epitomizes the '70s rock opera genre, is playing through Saturday at the Keswick Theater in Glenside. Check it out at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at both 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets range from $19.50 to $31.50, and playgoers are asked to bring one can of non-perishable food to donate to the needy; you know you have a spare can of something sitting behind the Ramen in your cupboard. Saturday marks Andrew Lloyd Webber's 60th birthday, so if you're a fan of crashing chandeliers or people dressed as singing cats, show your appreciation and attend his testament to the New Testament at this production's closing night. BYO birthday celebration after, anyone?
- Laura Minskoff
it's better in the dark
Fact: Friday nights at Penn usually suck. Fact: Somewhere between Soulja Boy and obscure bands you only like because no one else has ever heard of them there is some incredible music out there just waiting for you. Fear not, young Quaker. We've got the fix for this classic Penn dilemma. Check out "Art after 5" with Rachael Price at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Every Friday night, the museum takes a new approach to art, combining jazz with international influences. Price, a native Australian raised in Nashville, Tennessee and inspired by singers such as Anita O'Day and Doris Day, garnered major hype at music festivals including the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. In the museum's small, personal setting, you can enjoy live music while feasting on snacks and cocktails. Price, currently under the teaching of singer Dominique Eade, is sure to give you a unique music experience. Guided tours are available if you are in the mood to discover a masterpiece or two and explore your artistic side.
- Julie Stein
CHINUA ACHEBE
AUTHOR EVENT
If you're looking to avoid the sweaty-crowd sticky-floor frat parties and do something that will expand your horizons this Thursday, head to the Free Library of Philadelphia at 8 p.m. for the 50th anniversary of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. His 1958 novel is the most frequently read book in African American lit and one of the most widely read books in the world. The Nigerian author made the controversial decision to write all of his books in English, and his daring works are still influential today. Achebe most recently won the 2007 Man Booker International Prize for fiction. Head to the Library at 19th and Vine to see Achebe, who will be interviewed by Lorene Cary. Tickets are $7 for students and $14 for adults.
- Melissa Gad
