15 Things to Do in Philly This Week
The Christmas tree at City Hall will be lit this Thursday. | Photo by Kevin Burkett / Flickr
The holidays are in full swing as the Philadelphia Museum of Art throws an ugly sweater bash, plus East Passyunk Avenue lights their tree and Choral Arts presents the world premiere of seven new Advent works. There’s also plenty of theater, performance, and author meet-and-greets this week.
Cast of This Is The Week That Is | Photo by John Flak
This Is The Week That Is With 1812 Productions
The city’s funniest theater troupe is celebrating 10 years of this annual send-up of politics and media. Through December 31st, various times and prices, Plays & Players Theater.
Pop-Up Play in a Pub
Inis Nua Theatre presents Last Christmas, a tale starring Adam Altman and written by Welsh playwright Matthew Bulgo. Tickets include the performance, plus a beverage and a meat or veggie pie. December 1-3, 6 pm, $15, Fergie’s Pub.
The Book of Mormon at the Forrest Theatre
What musical has a magical AIDS frog, a spooky Mormon Hell dream song, and a supporting character called General Butt F*cking Naked? This one, which plays an extended Philadelphia run. Through Sunday, December 27th, various times, $67-177, Forrest Theatre.
Leonard Pitts Jr. and Margo Jefferson
The acclaimed authors will present a free reading this Tuesday at the Free Library’s Central Branch. Mr. Pitts is the writer of the recent book Grant Park, and Ms. Jefferson will present selections from Negroland. Tuesday, December 1st, 7:30 pm, free, Central Branch of the Free Library.
Jesse Hale Moore at Boot & Saddle
The Philadelphia-based singer, who is influenced by the styles of everyone from Rhye to Fleetwood Mac, plays a holiday set here in town early this week. Tuesday, December 1st, 9 pm, $10, Boot and Saddle.
Curio Theatre Company’s “The Bald Soprano” opens this week.
The Bald Soprano with Curio Theatre Company
Director Charlotte Northeast takes on Eugene Ionesco’s classic comedy of manners and small talk in an innovative new staging. Wednesday, December 2nd through Saturday, December 19th, various times, $15-25, Curio Theatre Company.
Ugly Sweater Party at the Art Museum
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is throwing a lively mid-week mixer, featuring a hot chocolate beverage bar, live music by Jessi Teich, a photo booth, and a holiday-card-making station. Wednesday, December 2nd, 5:30 pm, free after admission, Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Meet and Greet with Amanda Peet
The author of Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein, will be at the National Museum of American Jewish History for one night only. The event celebrates the children’s book, and kids are welcome. Wednesday, December 2nd, 6 pm, $15, National Museum of American Jewish History.
O Antiphons with Choral Arts of Philadelphia
The renowned vocal ensemble is presenting the world premiere of seven Advent works by seven Philadelphia composers. The work will be juxtaposed with Bach’s Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland. Wednesday, December 2nd, 7 pm, pay what you wish, Saint Clement’s Church.
A holiday-themed film series at the Roxy kicks off this week with “Lethal Weapon.”
‘Tis the Season Film Series at the Roxy
A monthlong holiday-themed film series begins this week at the Rittenhouse cinema with Lethal Weapon. Other highlights throughout the season include Home Alone (December 16th), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Dec. 23rd), and Edward Scissorhands (Dec. 30th.) Wednesday, December 2nd, 7:30 pm, The Roxy.
Deck the Ave Tree Lighting Party
Head down to East Passyunk Avenue to celebrate the holidays. There will be live performances from the Alphabet Academy, Andrew Jackson School, the Joe King Trio, and, of course, Santa himself. Thursday, December 3rd, 5 pm, free, Singing Fountain.
100th Anniversary of The Print Center
Join Moon and Arrow and RareCo. for an evening of cocktails and book signings featuring a variety of local and nationally-known authors. Photographs and prints will be available for sale. Thursday, December 3rd, 5:30 pm, pay as you go, The Print Center.
Guests are invited to Deck Passyunk Avenue this week with Santa. | Photo courtesy of East Passyunk Business Improvement District
City Hall Tree Lighting
Mayor Nutter’s last time with his finger on the switch. The event will be festooned with performances by Philly R&B queen Jasmine Sullivan and young soprano Bobby Hill. Thursday, December 3rd, 6 pm, Courtyard at City Hall.
Greg Louganis at Philadelpia FIGHT
The Olympic gold medalist and renowned HIV/AIDS advocate will be in town to celebrate the work of Philadelphia FIGHT. He’ll be giving a presentation on HIV stigma and education at FIGHT’s annual gala. Read G Philly‘s interview with him here. Thursday, December 3rd, 6 pm, $175-250, Loews Philadelphia.
Curtis Presents duende with the Curtis 20/21 Ensemble
The innovative Curtis 20/21 Ensemble returns to the Kimmel Center’s SEI Studio for an evening of song and dance. Your ticket includes a complimentary beverage. Thursday, December 3rd, 6 pm and 9 pm, $10, Kimmel Center.
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