14 Things to Do in Philly This Week

Matilda makes her debut at the Academy of Music, free standup from The Daily Show’s Adam Lowitt, BalletX's Fall Series begins and more.

A scene from "Matilda: The Musical."

Go, Matilda, it’s your birthday. A scene from the latest, kid-friendly Broadway musical at Kimmel Center.

The international hit Matilda: The Musical will have adults and children alike in awe this week as it makes its Philadelphia debut, plus the Moth Story Slam makes a November appearance at World Café Live. For those who are into indulging, don’t miss an evening of sweets for a good cause at The Innovation Loft.

Open Streets Film Screening and Panel Discussion

In their mission to spread the word about creating a pope weekend-like traffic-free-streets event in Philadelphia, Open Streets is hosting a series of short films about the benefits of their endeavor. Stick around afterward for a discussion with Penn professors, authors, community activists, and leaders. Monday, November 16th, 6 pm, free, Meyerson Hall at University of Pennsylvania.

See "The Daily Show"'s Adam Lowitt for free at Drexel Tuesday night.

See “The Daily Show”‘s Adam Lowitt for free at Drexel Tuesday night.

The Daily Show’s Adam Lowitt at Drexel

Adam Lowitt, producer and writer of Comedy Central’s satirical news program The Daily Show is coming to Drexel this week for a free (!) standup routine followed by a chit-chat with the audience about his journey from interning at The Daily Show to becoming one of the show’s senior writers and eventually executive producer. Tuesday, November 17th, 6:30 pm, free, Bossone Research Center’s Mitchell Auditorium at Drexel University. 

#YouAreBeautiful Project Sips and Sweets

It’s the official launch of the #YouAreBeautiful Project, which raises funds for homeless youth. Enjoy sweet treats and sparkling cocktails, and ladies are encouraged to enter the “hottest shoes contest” at the event. Tuesday, November 17th, 7:30 pm, $25-45, Benjamin’s Desk at The Innovation Loft.

Philadelphia Moth Story Slam

The national phenomena returns to World Café Live with a theme of “Gifted.” Storytellers will share tales of their “inherited or divinely inspired gifts,” or “gifts of a material nature.” Tuesday, November 17th, 7:30 pm, $8-16, World Café Live.

Matilda: The Musical

The insanely popular Broadway show that swept both New York and U.K. audiences off their feets swings into the Academy of Music this week for a limited engagement. Take the kids. Tuesday, November 17th through Sunday, November 29th, various times, $20-110, Academy of Music.

BalletX Fall Series at Wilma

For its autumn performance, BalletX has tapped choreographer Nicolo Fonte to create a new evening-length work. You may have seen the company perform his Beautiful Decay in 2013. Read our Q&A with Fonte here. November 18-22, various times and prices, Wilma Theater. 

Full House Cabaret Series

No, they are not based on the 90s sitcom. These unique evenings, presented by Quince Productions, feature some of the area’s hottest singers, storytellers, and actors giving intimate performances. Wednesday, November 18th through Sunday, November 22nd, various times, $20, SkyBox at The Adrienne.


Dichotomy Gallery Reception

Saxbys Coffee at the University of Penn’s campus will be opening a new art exhibit curated and created by Gina DeCanga and Terrill Warrenburg. The evening celebrates not only the show, but the newly remodeled Saxbys location. Wednesday, November 18th, 6pm, free, Saxbys Coffee at Penn.

Doogie Horner at Helium

Winner of the 2010 Philly’s Phunniest Competition, Doogie Horner will be recording his newest live album, A Delicate Man, during this mid-week set at Helium. Wednesday, November 18th, 8pm, $15-23, Helium Comedy Club.

Creepy Collections and Cocktails Party

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania knows Halloween was last month, but they are concocting a one-night-only document display that features ghoulish items, like photos of the dead, for brave souls to ponder. Thursday, November 19th, 6:30 pm, $25, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Home/S. 9th Street at FringeArts

South Philly-based dance troupe Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers explores concepts of citizenship and homeland in this new work. Get tickets ASAP; some shows are already sold out. November 19-21, various times, $29, FringeArts. 

American Sardine Uncanned

The go-to South Philly bar is hosting their monthly improv and standup show this Thursday, featuring Where the Trees Are, Nicole Yates, Jake Mattera, That Was Your Captain, and The Sardines. Thursday, November 19th, 8:30 pm, pay as you go, American Sardine Bar.

Cory Wade will be performing at Tin Angel later this week.

Cory Wade will be performing at Tin Angel later this week.

Cory Wade at Tin Angel

The America’s Next Top Model star and emerging singer-songwriter will be playing a one-night only set at Tin Angel, featuring his band and trademark sass. Thursday, November 19th, 9pm $10, Tin Angel.

Tchaikovsky’s Winter Dreams with the Philadelphia Orchestra

Gianandrea Noseda leads the fabulous Philadelphians with this seasonally appropriate program of classics, featuring world-renowned violinist Leonidas Kavakos. Thursday, November 19th through Saturday, November 21st, various times, $56-98, Kimmel Center.

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