11 Things to Do in Philly This Week
The return of Broadway's The Lion King, a day to support pups, a library rooftop biergarten and more things to do in Philly this week.
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It's books and beer this Monday evening as the Free Library's Raven Society presents a rooftop biergarten on their Skyline Terrace. Young professionals are invited to take in stunning city views, beer, music, and entertainment throughout the night. Proceeds will benefit the Free Library, so it's a win-win opportunity to enjoy local ale and support the iconic organization. Monday, May 18th, 6:00 pm, $25, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street.
Oscar, Juno, and Golden Globe award winner Buffy Sante-Marie will be playing a one-night only concert at World Cafe Live this Monday evening. “I love words, I love thinking, and I recognize and value the core of a universal idea simplified into a three-minute song," she says about her music, and considering that she's been performing for over 50 years, she seems to know a thing or two about songs. Monday, May 18th, 8:00 pm, $25-27.50, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
Primal Scream, which was founded in 1982, will be bringing their sound to the TLA for a Tuesday evening gig this week. The Scottish rock band released a new album in 2013, More Light, on their own record label. Concert goers can expect to hear tunes from that, and hits from their three decades of music-making. Tuesday, May 19th, 8:00 pm, $25, Theatre of the Living Arts, 334 South Street.
Now that we've gotten your attention with the cute puppy picture, here's what's happening on Wednesday: Join over 100 local restaurants and shops throughout the Philly area who will donate 10% of their profits to Philly Loves PAWS. PAWS is the city's largest no-kill shelter, and provides thousands of animals new homes throughout the year. Wednesday, May 20th, various times and locations throughout Philadelphia.
Experience the grandeur of Disney's The Lion King during it's triumphant return to Philadelphia. Directed by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor, the musical has been a world-wide phenomenon, playing cities around the globe. It isn't just the for the kids: Adults will be wowed by the amazing stagecraft and athletic dancing that tells the story of the classic animated film. Through June 14th, various times, $23.50-169.50, Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street.
Tom Stoppard spared no words when writing what has arguably become his most well-known play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. The Wilma Theater tackles this intense dark comedy with the same cast that starred in their production of Hamlet, and many of the same characters from Shakespeare's drama make interesting appearances throughout Stoppard's work. Through June 14th, various times, $25, Wilma Theater, 265 South Broad Street.
The Kimmel Center's monthly jam session this Wednesday features youth jazz orchestras from The Creative Music Program and Camden Creative Arts. It's part dance party, part live show, and part hot jazz, featuring Emcee Ciarra and DJ ANT, plus an awesome opportunity to catch some emerging musical talent from the region's young performing artists. Wednesday, May 20th, 8:00 pm, free, SEI Innovation Studio at Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
The romantic and sweeping score of Stephen Sondheim's Passion invades the Arden Theatre, and on Wednesday, guests can pay-what-they-can to see this new production during it's final dress rehearsal. The theater will donate proceeds from this evening to the Old City District's fund to plant trees throughout the district. Wednesday, May 20th, 8:00 pm, pay what you can, Arden Theatre Company, 40 North 2nd Street.
Oh, it's going to be tacky and bad: The Academy of Natural Sciences is presenting The Fly on Thursday evening as part of their Mega-Bad Movie night. It's the first time that an all-female panel will take to the stage to explain the scientific absurdities in the film. You can even get a drink (via an open bar), tour the museum, and make a whole night out of the experience. Thursday, May 21st, 5:30 pm, $15-25, Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
If you love the city’s Mural Arts Program, get to its charity gala. Thursday, May 21st, 6 pm to 10 pm, Electric Factory, $25-$1,500, 421 North 7th Street.
Featuring a 13-person ensemble, Lightning Rod Special's Let the Dog See the Rabbit is a performance-art piece that investigates how humans examine animals. The theater group, which tries to create performance "from the ground up," will present an actor-driven piece that strives to break common metaphorical stereotypes of our favorite zoo friends. Through May 21st, various times, $20, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street.
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information at least two weeks in advance to Bryan Buttler at bbuttler@phillymag.com.
