Weekly Entertainment Guide – ‘Bold Strokes,’ ‘Outside In,’ 20 Years of Asian Arts
A retrospective exhibition of artist Quita Brodhead is on display at Woodmere Art Museum through June 1. This year's PHS Philadelphia Flower Show features a display inspired by "From a Peach Orchard" (pictured).
Looking for something to do to beat the cold this winter season? WHYY’s Robin Bloom has some recommendations on what’s happening around the Philadelphia region. Here are her picks:
Art Appreciation
Asian Arts Initiative’s 20th anniversary
Asian Arts Initiative celebrates two decades of community building through art with a four month visual art experience, “Participate.” The interactive, evolving visual art project is divided into three parts – a multimedia group show that addresses what it means to be Asian American; a visual timeline of the institution’s history that invites viewers to add personal elements; and public programs on First Fridays in March, April, and May. AAI’s 20th anniversary exhibition kicks off this Friday, February 7, 6pm-8pm, with an opening reception celebrating the lunar new year, and is on view through May 23, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia.
Quita Brodhead: Bold Strokes at Woodmere Art Museum
“Bold Strokes,” a new exhibit at Woodmere Art Museum, explores the eight decade career of the late Philadelphia abstract painter Quita Brodhead, opening February 8 through June 1. While the artist was at the center of the development of abstraction during the 1940s and 1950s both in Philadelphia and internationally, she was not well-known until very late in her life. The display features 56 paintings from every decade of her 80 year career – she died at the age of 101 – and showcases her vibrant style and signature bright color palette, from early figurative work into bold abstraction, 9201 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill. Running concurrently is “Women and Biography,” highlighting the museum’s collection of work by female Philadelphia artists. An open house is Monday, February 17, 1pm-4pm, with related programs and events during the run of the exhibition. This year’s PHS Philadelphia Flower Show features a display inspired by Brodhead’s “From a Peach Orchard.”
Violet Oakley’s The Angel of Victory at Delaware Art Museum
Delaware Art Museum provides an opportunity to view the exhibit “Blessed are the Peacemakers: Violet Oakley’s The Angel of Victory (1941), February 8 through May 25. The wartime altarpiece by the illustrator, stained-glass designer and first American woman to find fame in the field of public mural painting, is now in the museum’s permanent collection, which includes 53 works by the artist, representing all facets of her career. “The Angel of Victory” was originally painted for Brooklyn’s Floyd Bennett Airfield, the first of her 25 wartime altarpieces, completed just two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE.
Onstage
The contemporary ballet company BalletX’s “Winter Series 2014” offers six performances February 12-16 at the Wilma Theater. The diverse program features the work of three well-known choreographers, set to an eclectic mix of world, pop, and classical music. Joshua L. Peugh makes his BalletX debut with the company premiere of his 2012 work Slump and a world premiere pas de deux. Jodie Gates brings back her “Delicate Balance” from 2012 and James Gregg introduces a world premiere, 265 South Broad Street, Philadelphia. Go behind the scenes with the X-Process, interactive lectures and events, conversations with the artists, “A Pie, A Pint, and the Process,” and more.
Inis Nua Theatre Company’s “Trousers”
Inis Nua Theatre Company continues its tradition of presenting contemporary plays from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales with the Philadelphia premiere of “Trousers” by Paul Meade and David Parnell. The comedy debuted in Dublin in 2006 and is about friendship and its hazards, from the exciting adventures of youth to the big steps of adulthood. Directed by Inis Nua founder Tom Reing and starring Jared Michael Delaney and Adam Rzepka, through February 23 at Off-Broad Street Theater in the First Baptist Church, 1636 Sansom Street, Philadelphia. Opening night is Friday, February 7, 8pm. Catch “Setting the Scene,” a pre-show exploration of the play’s themes and relevant events with guest theater scholars and practitioners on select nights at 6pm.
“4000 Miles” at Montgomery Theater
Montgomery Theater presents Amy Herzog’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play, “4000 Miles.” After a traumatic cross-country bike trip, Leo moves into his feisty 91 year old grandmother’s small West Village apartment. Herzog’s personal and perceptive play follows this unlikely pair through a month of clashes and connections as the grandson and grandmother rebuild their relationships with one another and the world at large. Directed by Tom Quinn through February 23 at 124 N. Main Street, Souderton, PA. Opening night on February 7 includes an after-party sponsored by Round Guys Brewing. To foster intergenerational conversation, Montgomery Theater is offering a free ticket for a grandchild with every full-priced adult or senior ticket purchased.
“The School for Lies” at Villanova Theatre
Villanova Theatre takes on David Ives’ “The School for Lies,” an off-color, farcical re-write of Molière’s “The Misanthrope,” February 11-23. Villanova alum and Lantern Theatre Associate Artistic Director Kathryn MacMillan guest directs the ensemble cast of nine theater students with scenic design by Thom Weaver and costumes by Janus Stefanowicz, Vasey Hall, Lancaster and Ithan Avenues, Villanova, PA. Speaker’s Night post-show discussion on Thursday, February 20.
Music
“Classics and Silent Comedies” with Relâche
The music ensemble Relâche performs a “Classics and Silent Comedies” series Sunday, February 9, 3pm, with “Comix Trips Meets Buster,” musical accompaniment to the Buster Keaton silent film “The General.” The afternoon features selections by Philip Glass, Raymond Scott, Fred Ho, and more, plus the octet’s own versions of period pieces like Ashokan Farewell and Battle Hymn of the Republic, Widener Hall, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia.
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott at Steel City
Legendary folk musician Ramblin’ Jack Elliott has influenced generations of musicians. He comes to Steel City Coffee House to perform, Saturday, February 8, 8pm, 203 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA. Doors open at 7pm.
Michael Feinstein leads the Princeton Symphony Orchestra
Michael Feinstein celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s Broadway POPS! Saturday, February 8, 8pm, Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University Campus. Conducted by Sam Kriger, the concert features popular favorites from the Great American Songbook. Feinstein will also guest conduct the PSO.
With the Kids
“Outside In” reopens at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University reopens its children’s nature discovery center, “Outside In,” this Saturday, February 8. The hands-on exhibit is designed for ages 3-8, offering the opportunity to learn basic science with new play areas and activities, a hands-on nature lab (with a live legless lizard & Madagascar hissing cockroach), new eagle’s nest to climb, a special microscope with large screen to examine objects, and much more. The Academy, the oldest natural sciences institution in the Western Hemisphere, was founded in 1812 with the mission of advancing “useful” learning. The Please Touch Museum started there in 1976.
Fleisher Art Memorial’s “Print Love In”
Fleisher Art Memorial’s 14th annual “Print Love In” returns with an opportunity to learn about the printmaking process while creating your own Valentine’s Day cards from designs by Philadelphia artists, this Sunday, February 9, with 3 sessions, 10am-7pm, at 719 Catharine Street, Philadelphia. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Also, Cartooning for Families: A Storytelling Workshop is Thursday, February 13, 5:30pm-7pm, for ages 3 and up.
Medieval Festival at Glencairn
Glencairn hosts its annual Medieval Festival this Sunday, February 9, 1pm-5pm, a journey back to a time of “heavenly inspiration,” showing stained glass windows being assembled by hand, a Gutenberg-style printing press in use, and music played on period instruments. Visitors can learn about religion’s influence on medieval weaponry, view a sword battle, and get a chance to spin wool, 1001 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA. Dress in medieval costume for a prize.
Valentine’s Day
Tin Angel hosts special Valentine events including 1812’s Funny Valentine: “Hate Mail” with Jen Childs and Scott Greer, Monday, February 10, 8:30pm, and the 7th annual Hoots & Hellmouth Valentine’s Day Show, Thursday, February 14, with two shows at 7:30pm and 10pm, 20 S. 2nd Street, Old City, Philadelphia.
Salsa with Pablo Batista’s Mambo Syndicate
Painted Bride hosts a salsa dance party with Grammy Award winner and master percussionist Pablo Batista’s Mambo Syndicate, Friday, February 14, with salsa lessons at 7pm with Maestro Flaco and concert at 8pm, 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia.
Celebrate love at the Barnes Foundation with an intimate performance in the galleries with cellist Daniel de Jesús, Friday, February 14, 6:30pm-9pm, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Champagne and chocolate offered. de Jesús is also Visitor Services Associate at the Barnes.
To submit an event to be considered for the Weekly Entertainment Guide email Robin Bloom at artscalendar@whyy.org.
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