“Disastrous” Fifty Shades of Grey Musical Coming to Kimmel Center

Ah, the Kimmel Center, that $235 million beacon of the arts that has graced Broad Street since the venue’s debut in December 2001. Named after Philadelphia-born philanthropist Sidney Kimmel, who has donated many of his millions to it over the years, the Kimmel Center is home to the great Philadelphia Orchestra — traditionally considered one of the “Big Five” symphonies of the United States — and has presented world class talent from both the classical and pop worlds. So last week, we were a little surprised to hear that the Kimmel Center will present Mike Tyson in a one man show (don’t worry: there are plenty of seats available, starting at just $20) at the Academy of Music, only to find out this week that the Kimmel will be hosting Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody, which the Chicago Tribune called “crummy”, “disastrous”, “a bottom-feeder” and “dazzlingly lousy”. What’s next: a special engagement with Honey Boo Boo?