15 Things to Do in Philly This Week
This week, take a holiday trolley tour to the different mansions in Fairmount Park. | Photo by R. Kennedy
There are multiple ways to ring in the holiday this week, including the remarkable Vienna Boys Choir who will be in town for a benefit performance for The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Don’t miss two early-evening young friends cocktail parties at Fleisher Art Memorial and National Museum of American Jewish History and a couple holiday trolley tours through Fairmount Park. Looking for tunes? No matter what your taste, you’ll find something to tap your feet to with a performance by The Philly Pops, Q102 Jingle Ball and a curious-sounding Star Wars rock-and-roll cabaret.
All-Female Glengarry Glen Ross Reading
Expect a million f-bombs as some of the region’s best actresses take on David Mamet’s signature work for one night only. Monday, December 7th, 8 pm, free, Theatre Exile.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Spectacular
The Philly Pops present their extremely popular holiday concert, featuring conductor David Charles Abell, back by popular demand. Broadway vocalist Lisa Vroman will join the huge musical forces. Now through Tuesday, December 22nd, various times, $35-148, Kimmel Center.
Elin Hilderbrand at Big Blue Marble Bookstore
Join the acclaimed author for a wine and cheese tasting to celebrate the publication of her newest work, Winter Stroll. Tuesday, December 8th, 5 pm, $6.27–27.37, Big Blue Marble Bookstore.
Marni Nixon Revealed at Bryn Mawr Film Festival
You may not know the name of Marni Nixon, the charming 85-year-old soprano, but you have likely heard her voice in one of the many iconic musicals of the 20th century. Nixon’s voice was dubbed over some of the silver screen’s biggest stars including Natalie Wood’s in West Side Story, Audrey Hepburn’s in My Fair Lady, Deborah Kerr’s in The King and I, and for the out-of-reach high notes for Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The Manhattan-based singer shares her stories this Tuesday during an evening of conversation moderated by former Paramount executive John Hersker — that will also include film clips and musical recordings — at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute. Tuesday, December 8th, 8 pm, $25, Bryn Mawr Film Institute. —Sarah Jordan
The Year We Thought About Love at National Constitution Center
This free screening of the touching documentary features narration from LGBTQ youth from Boston, plus guests are invited for a free tour of Speaking Out for Equality. Tuesday, December 8th, 7:30 pm, free, National Constitution Center.
Joanna Newsom at Union Transfer
It’s not often a harpist takes the stage of the city’s best rock club. Wednesday, December 9th, Union Transfer.
Hansel and Gretel at Quintessence Theatre Group
This family-friendly theater romp features the classic Brothers’ Grimm tale of giant gingerbread houses and runaway kids. It’s a modern take on the well-known story. Wednesday, December 9th through Sunday, January 3rd, various times, $27-34, The Sedgwick Theater.
Calvin Harris headlines this year’s Q102 Jingle Ball.
Q102 Jingle Ball
Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Calvin Harris, Selena Gomez, 5 Seconds of Summer, Shawn Mendes, Tove Lo, Charlie Puth, Hailee Steinfeld, R. City, Natalie La Rose, Conrad Sewell and Alessia Cara will be taking the stage this week for the popular holiday concert. Wednesday, December 9th, 7:30 pm, $26-176, Wells Fargo Center.
Festive Tradition Trolley Tour
Hop aboard to see some of Fairmount Park’s most glamorously decorated holiday houses in this guided tour. Each tour makes a stop at three historic houses. Thursday, December 10th through Sunday, December 13th, various times, $38, Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Young Friends Holiday Party at Fleisher Art Memorial
The Fleisher Art Memorial is the perfect backdrop for this festive gala, featuring food by Garces and plenty of mingling. Guests will leave with a $25 Garces gift card as a holiday token. Not too shabby. Thursday, December 10th, 7 pm, $45, Fleisher Art Memorial.
Candle Lighting Hanukkah Party
The Young Friends of the National Museum of American Jewish History are throwing a cocktail bash featuring a DJ, latkes, drinks, and Deputy Consul General Moran Birman. Thursday, December 10th, 7 pm, $30, National Museum of American Jewish History.
The Roddenberries Celebrate The Force Awakens at Underground Arts
In anticipation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Philadelphia’s premier and self-proclaimed Star Trek/sci-fi/multimedia/rock cabaret dares to mix the sounds of both Star Trek and Star Wars in this evening rock-&-roll cabaret with the ladies of Peek-A-Boo Revue. Thursday, December 10th, 8 pm, $10-$12, Underground Arts.
The acclaimed Vienna Boys Choir comes to town this week.
An Evening with the Vienna Boys Choir
One of the most well-known choirs of the world comes to town for a performance to benefit The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Guests can expect holiday favorites and classical masterpieces. Thursday, December 10th, 8 pm, $32-500, Kimmel Center.
Gentlemen Volunteers at Pig Iron Theatre Company
The acclaimed production returns to Philadelphia to celebrate Pig Iron’s 20th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of World War I. The award-winning theater performance features live music and classic romance. Thursday, December 10th through Sunday, December 27th, various times, $20-30, Christ Church Neighborhood House.
Abbot Adam: None at FringeArts
The No Face Performance Group returns to FringeArts to present the next part of their performance series, a “spare meditation on work in monastic life,” based loosely on the Liturgy of the Hours. Thursday, December 10th through Saturday, December 12th, various times, $20, FringeArts.
Keep up to date with our local arts and events coverage. Here’s how:
