Weekly Entertainment Guide: Buddy Holly, Tony Auth and an Amsterdam hash bar

From Center City to the Jersey Shore, we’ve got your weekend covered. WHYY’s Arts Calendar curator Robin Bloom sorts through hundreds of listings each week to find out what’s happening in the Delaware Valley. Here are her picks and listings.

Buddy “Raves On” at Walnut Street Theatre

Get your nostalgia on with the crowd-pleasing production of “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story,” onstage at Walnut Street Theatre, directed and choreographed by Casey Hushion, with the music and lyrics of Buddy Holly. The play that has toured world-wide is in town through July 15 paying tribute to the seminal musician who at the young age of 22 had an immense impact on the music industry and changed the face of popular music. Featuring a host of his greatest hits including Peggy Sue, That’ll be the Day, Oh Boy, Maybe Baby, Not Fade Away, and much more – performed live onstage by a talented cast of actors/musicians – “Buddy” tells the story of the three years in which Buddy Holly became a music legend, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Tickets $10-$95

The Art of Tony Auth at the Michener Museum

Opening this weekend at the James A. Michener Art Museum is “To Stir, Inform and Inflame: The Art of Tony Auth,” an exhibit that documents the changing political and cultural landscape of our time through the editorial cartoons and illustrations of the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist. Organized in sections like a newspaper, visitors can explore the range and legacy of Auth’s art, including more than 100 original cartoons, sketches, paintings, newspaper pages, and children’s book illustrations. Presidential administrations function as a timeline for the show, with Auth’s drafting table in the center for his latest cartoons, through October 21, 138 St. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA. Tickets included with general museum entry. Adults $15, Seniors $13, Students w/ID $11, children 6-18 $7.50, members and children under 6 free.

Tulipomania at Arden Theatre Company

The Arden Theatre Company introduces the world premiere of Michael Ogborn’s musical, “Tulipomania,” a tale of six strangers in an Amsterdam hash bar, exploring the themes of greed, forgiveness, and redemption as they relate their lives to the Tulip craze of 1636. Ogborn’s contemporary score is seamlessly accompanied by the harmonies of 17th century folk, as well as subtle influences from Turkey and Afghanistan, where the tulip was first discovered. The strength of the show rests in the powerful voices of the cast, including stage veteran Adam Heller. Directed by Arden’s co-founder and Producing Artistic Director Terrence Nolan, “Tulipomania” encourages audiences to take risks without losing the support of those who care. Onstage through July 1st at 40 N. 2nd Street, Old City, Philadelphia. Tickets: $29-$45.

Casual Conversations on Identity at NMAJH

The National Museum of American Jewish History’s current exhibition, “Casual Conversations”, features photographs taken between 2007 and 2009 on the Brighton Beach Boardwalk in Brooklyn, by photographers Alina and Jeff Bliumus, examining identity. The subjects posed with signs signifying their unique identities, demonstrating how we grapple with the complexities of heritage and homeland. As part of the exhibit, visitors can personally engage in these conversations and take their own “identity” photo through August 19 at 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia. Tickets included with museum entry. $11-$12

Magical Visions: 10 Contemporary African American Artists

The University of Delaware presents “Magical Visions: Ten Contemporary African American Artists,” an exhibit featuring works spanning more than 50 years of African American artists who have mastered the rapid changes in the components of media, including fiber, painting, photography, printmaking, quilt making, sculpture, and video. Featured artists include Terry Adkins, Sonya Clark, Melvin Edwards, Sam Gilliam, Barkley L. Hendricks, Kalup Linzy, Odili Donald Odita, Karyn Olivier, Faith Ringgold and William T. Williams on view now through June 29, Mechanical Hall at the University of Delaware, 30 North College Avenue, Newark, DE. Admission is free.

MM2 Modern Dance’s “Conversations”

Nine dancers and choreographers explore how humans interact, relate, and communicate with one another in MM2 Modern Dance’s new season preview performance, “Conversations,” Saturday, June 2, 8pm, Chi Movement Arts Center, 1316 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia. Tickets $10.

 

 

Suburban Motel at Walking Fish Theatre

B. Someday Productions’ presents the first two plays of George F. Walker’s series “Suburban Motel,” featuring “The Wire” star Anthony Wilson. Previews begin on Sunday, June 3 at 4pm for the first play, “Featuring Loretta” followed by the “The End of Civilization” at 8pm. These raunchy, yet serio-comedies, run until June 30 at Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia. Tickets: $20 single tickets, $30 both shows, Wednesday show Pay-what-you-can.

Prism Quartet “Multiple Minimal”

The Prism Quartet performs “Multiple Minimal,” a concert honoring composers Terry Riley and Philip Glass, two originators of the new classical genre minimalism, Saturday, June 2, 7pm, First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Tickets: General $20, Students/Seniors $15.

 

SRUTI South Indian Classical Music and Dance

SRUTI, South Indian Classical Music and Dance Association, presents “Strings Attached,” a Violin/Veena duet by husband and wife, Jayanthi and Kumaresh, introducing the sound of the ancient Indian plucked string instrument, Saturday, June 2, 5:30pm, Drexel University-Mitchell Auditorium, 3128 Market Street, Philadelphia, followed by a tribute to Shri Palghat Mani Iyer at 4pm. Tickets: General $25, Members $20, Seniors/Students $15, Children $5.

Day at the Farm in Pennsville, NJ

The Pennsville Township Historical Society hosts the annual “Day at the Farm,” with activities for all ages including beekeeping, Victorian-era games, pony rides, exhibits, displays, and more, along with activities to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Saturday, June 2, 11am-2pm, 89 Church Landing Road, Pennsville, NJ. Free Admission.

 

Local music venue spotlight: Trocadero

Trocadero Theatre hosts concerts and events: Chikarasaurus Rex – How to Hatch a Dinosaur, Saturday, June 2, 7pm; Karaoke Gung Show, Saturday, June 2, 10:30pm; Mean Streets, The Divided, Pulling Punches, Andrew Winter, Sunday, June 3, 9pm; Movie Mondays “Labyrinth,” 8pm; Tights and High Heels Dance Party, Tuesday, June 5, 9pm; Pete Hanks, Oldboy, Jas, Thursday, June 7, 9pm; The Bouncing Souls, “Comet” Record Release Show with Cheap Girls, Static Radio NJ, Friday, June 8, 7:30pm; 1003 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Tickets $0-$25

Delaware River Waterfront hosts concerts and special events: Gavin DeGraw/Colbie Caillat presented by Live Nation, Friday, June 1, 6:20pm, Festival Pier, Great Plaza; Irish Festival, with music, dancing, food and entertainment, Sunday, June 3, 1-7pm, Great Plaza; Afrojack, Thursday, June 7, 7pm, Great Plaza, Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia.

11th Hour Theatre Company presents their final show of the season, “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” directed by Megan Nicole O’Brien. Set during Senior Prom in 1958, the four Wonderettes sing classics such as, “Lollipop,” “Stupid Cupid,” and over 20 other hits, June 1-24, Skybox at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia. Tickets: $28.

Philly Beer Week is June 1-10, a 10-day celebration of the “Best Beer-Drinking City in America,” the largest beer celebration of its kind in America, featuring hundreds of festivals, dinners, tours, pub crawls, tastings and meet-the-brewer nights to area bars, restaurants and other locations throughout Greater Philadelphia.

Celebrate 25 years of diverse traditions, cultural heritage, and folk arts at the Philadelphia Folklore Project’s Birthday Bash on Saturday, June 2, 6:30pm, with performances by Terrence Cameron, Fatu Gayflor, TAHIRA, and more, as well as food, awards, and more, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia. Tickets: $65.

Tyler Park Center for the Arts, in partnership with the Autism Cares Foundation, hosts the Mad Hatter’s Garden Party Art Auction, Benefit & Tasting to support art education and expression and to help raise funds for capital improvements and programs through silent and live auctions, wine, treats, and live music, plus prizes for the most original and ridiculous hats, Saturday, June 2, 7-11pm at the Barn Studio, 10 Stable Mill Trail, Richboro, PA. Tickets: $50 in advance, $60 at the door.

Over 25 local artists feature their work at the first Tyme Gallery & Haverford Guild of Craftsmen Art & Film Festival, Saturday, June 2, 10am-6pm, with a diverse showing of glass, pottery, jewelry, and paintings, as well as several independent short films, Connelly Center in Villanova University, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA. Free Admission.

The Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show once again “Circles the Square” June 1-3, featuring a diverse range of art for purchase. Originating as a “Clothesline Show” in 1932, it is now regarded as one of the most respected and active outdoor art shows in the country, 18th & Walnut Streets, Philadelphia. Hours: Friday and Saturday, June 1-2, 11am-7pm, Sunday, June 3, 11am-5pm.

The Savoy Company continues to honor the wit and work of Gilbert and Sullivan with this year’s production of “The Mikado,” directed by Ted Christopher. Performances take place June 1-2, 8pm at the DuPont Theatre on 1007 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE and June 29-30, 8:30pm in Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA. Tickets $17.50-$60.

In the midst of costumed fans, celebrities, tournaments, panels, and even trekkies, the Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con hosts a “Kids Day” on June 3, 10am-5pm, with activities designed especially for children. Highlights of the day include Superhero Improv, costume contests, face painting, soccer, and Chewbacca himself, Peter Mayhew, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia. Tickets: General $35, Children Under 10 Free.

The first annual ReelAbilities: Philadelphia Disabilities Film Festival, takes place June 3-10 to raise money for The Center for Special Needs and SpecialNeedsPhilly.org by providing a creative and informative venue to learn more about disabled members of our community. The festival includes films such as “Shooting Beauty,” and “Mary and Max,” as well as special events throughout the week. All films are followed by discussion. Locations Vary. Presented by the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia. Tickets: $10-$36.

VoxAmaDeus presents “Vivaldissimo: The Best of Antonio Vivaldi’s Greatest Hits,” conducted by Valentin Radu and performed by Camerata Ama Deus, Baroque Instrument Chamber Orchestra, Friday, June 1 at 8pm, Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia and Sunday, June 3 at 6pm, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA. Tickets: General $25, Seniors $20, Students $10.

Philadelphia Live Arts announces “Jumpstart,” a new series showcasing six new and emerging artists performing original, completed works, June 2, 7pm, at the Live Arts Studio, 919 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, as part of the organization’s expanding year-round programming. Admission $18 adults, $12 students and audience members 25 and under.

The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church hosts their annual Festival, bringing Greece to America, Tuesday, June 5 through Saturday, June 9, 11am-11pm, with homemade Greek foods and desserts, as well as ethnic music and performances, 9th and Broom Streets, Wilmington, DE. Free Admission.

Theatre of Living Arts (TLA) hosts concerts and events: StarKid Presents Apolcalyptour, Tuesday, June 5, 6:30pm; Queen Extravaganza, Thursday, June 7, 7pm; The PLUTO TOUR featuring FUTURE with special guest PUSHA-T, Friday, June 8, 8pm; 334 South Street, Philadelphia. Tickets $13-35

Center City District hosts lunchtime concerts every Wednesday at noon at various outdoor locations: Alligator Zydeco, June 6, 1601 Market Street; Gas Money, Centre Square, June 13; Minas, Café Cret, 16th Street & Ben Franklin Parkway, June 20; Chris Despo, The Shops at Liberty Place, 16th & Market Streets, June 27. Free

University City District presents “Heart & Soul: The University City Public Piano Project,” a public art exhibition intertwining visual and performance art through 8 artist-decorated pianos distributed among 8 locations. Musicians of all backgrounds are invited to share their creativity through impromptu performances in various spaces such as Clark or Drexel Park, June 7-17. Opening reception June 6, 6pm at The Porch at 30th Street Station, where all 8 pianos will be seen and heard for the first time. Check the website for a map of piano locations:

The Steel River Playhouse, formerly Village Productions, presents the 2003 Tony award-winning musical, “Hairspray,” based on the 1988 John Waters film, June 7-24, 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA. Tickets $13-$23.

The volunteer community theater organization Possum Point Players presents “I Remember Mama,” June 8-17, a heartwarming depiction of American life in 1910, directed by John Hulse, at Possum Hall, 441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown, DE. Tickets: General $18, Senior/Student $17, Children $5.

Morris Arboretum’s popular summer Garden Railway Display is back with the theme “Storytime Rail,” houses, palaces, and castles from beloved tales and classic storybooks all made of natural materials, through Labor Day at 100 Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill, PA. Included with regular admission: $7-$16, members and children 3 and under free.

On display at the Brandywine River Museum is “Pierced, Punched, Painted: Decorated Tinware from Winterthur,” through July 15 and “A Painter’s View: The Andrew Wyeth Studio,” featuring private collections that depict the interior and exterior of Andrew Wyeth’s studio as well as many of the artist’s major works, on view through October 28, U.S. Route 1, Chadds Ford, PA.

Camden Children’s Garden hosts a StrawBEARy Surprise & Nature in Art Day family Festival, Saturday & Sunday, June 9 & 10, 1-4pm, 3 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ. Admission $6 per person, free for children two and under.

Longwood Gardens hosts Fireworks and Fountains, illuminated fountain shows, fireworks and concerts scheduled throughout the summer on Route 1, Kennett Square, PA: Swan Lake, July 21, September 1, Stars and Strips, July 3, The Amazing ’80s!, August 11, September 29. Ages 16 and over $38 (members $31), Ages 15 and under $22 (members $18), 0-12 months free.

WheatonArts, a non-profit organization focusing on the craft of glass, presents Paperweight Fest 2012, including one-on-one workshops in the Glass Studio, artists and dealers fair, demonstrations, “Lunch and Learn” sessions, and more through Sunday, June 3, in Millville, Cumberland County, NJ. Pre-registration is required for the majority of the program.

In South Africa’s Robben Island, young prisoner Nelson Mandela performed the role of Creon in Sophocles’ “Antigone,” a play reinforcing the injustice of law. Inspired by this event, playwrights’ Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona created “The Island,” onstage now at Lantern Theater Company. The production opens with a startling alarm, as cellmates Winston and John, portrayed by U.R. and Frank X, immediately grab and maintain the attention of the audience as the performers of Sophocles’s play. Just before the climax, John tells Winston that the audience should “laugh at the beginning, but listen at the end,” a feat the Lantern Theater Company accomplished, proving theater can suspend suffering and simultaneously inform, whether in a South African prison or a small theater in Philadelphia. “The Island” runs through June 10 at the St. Stephen’s Theater, 10th & Ludlow Streets, Philadelphia. Tickets $28-$36.

The Philadelphia Art Alliance hosts summer exhibits including “Shiny Monsters: An Installation by Adam Wallacavage,” primarily showcases Wallacavage’s chandeliers and sculptures, inspired by the gothic designs of closed Catholic churches throughout Philadelphia, utilizing ornamental plastering techniques; “Flat Out: Screen Print Installation by Eva Wylie,” highlights Wylie’s unique work of using a four-color separation silkscreen process to analyze photographic duplication, while implementing craft traditions of the early 19th century, preserving and expanding traditional printmaking and decoupage techniques; “Periphery: Multimedia Works by Michael Fujita,” sculptures that mirror actual architectural sites throughout Philadelphia, including floor and pedestal pieces completed with his “kiln casting” technique, on view through July 15 at 251 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia. Admission: adults $5, students and seniors $3.

Onstage at Philadelphia Theatre Company is “Reasons to be Pretty,” the final installment in Neil LaBute’s critically acclaimed trilogy focusing on America’s modern day obsessions with physical appearance, directed by Maria Mileaf, through June 24 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard Streets, Philadelphia. Tickets start at $25.

InterAct Theatre Company’s drama “Etched in Skin on a Sunlit Night” explores the psyche of an African American painter in the age of Obama. Written by Kara Lee Corthron and directed by Whit MacLaughlin, the World Premiere commission opens Friday, June 1-24, on the Main Stage of the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia. Tickets: Previews $18-20, Opening Night $40, Regular $28-$35.

Wilma Theater concludes its season with the Tony Award winning epic “Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches,” by Tony Kushner, directed by Blanka Zizka, through July 1, 265 South Broad Street, Philadelphia. Tickets $39-$66

 

“Down the Shore”

The Atlantic City Multi-Cultural Heritage Festival is June 1-3, three days and two nights of music, parade, Beach Bash, Gospel Fest, jazz and more, at various locations in Atlantic City, NJ.

The Lighthouse International Film Festival (LIFF) returns to Long Beach Island, NJ for a fourth year, June 1-3, featuring 70 award-winning films from 16 countries, including For Ellen, Little Birds, Sleepwalk with Me, and The Ambassador. Locations vary. All Access Pass $99, Individual Tickets $10.

The Atlantic City Summer Concert Series at Gardner’s Basin kicks off with Third World, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Sensa Motion Band, Bob Sterling and Jackie Greggs this Saturday, June 2, 1-8pm, 800 North New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ. Free

Ocean City Flower Show is June 1-3 at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ, Friday, 2pm-9pm, Saturday, 10am-9pm, and Sunday, 10am-4pm.

The 23rd annual Cape May Music Festival is underway through June 14 with performances by the Bay-Atlantic Symphony, The New York Chamber Ensemble, Eilen Jewell and more at various locations in Cape May, NJ. Events range from free to $25

Experience Broadway at the Beach with the Surflight Theatre’s production, “All I Ask of You,” honoring composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and featuring classics from his musicals, including “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Evita,” performed by a cast of four, through June 16 at 201 Engleside Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ. Tickets $36-$54.

On display at Ocean Galleries is the exhibition, “Flowers of Light,” by Brian Davis, featuring his unique style known as “value painting,” through June 25 at 9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ.

Chicken Bone Beach Concerts continue on Thursdays in Atlantic City, NJ: Budesa Brothers, Thursday, June 7; Dahi Divine, Thursday, June 14; Michael Pedicin, Thursday, June 21; Ella Gahnt, Thursday, June 28 at Brighton Avenue and the Boardwalk. All shows at 7pm. Tickets $10.

Tuckerton Seaport hosts special events: Privateers and Pirates Festival, Saturday, June 9, 11am-5pm; Baymen’s Seafood and Music Festival, Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24, 11am-5pm; 10th Annual Red Wine and Blues Festival, June 30, 3-8pm; Tuckerton Creek, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ.

The Franklin Institute presents “Identity: An Exhibition of You,” focusing on how science can shed light on 2 areas of your identity: physical, psychological and social, open daily noon-7pm, through September 3, Trump Plaza, Boardwalk and Mississippi, Atlantic City, NJ. Tickets $10 adults, $8 children 12 and under.

 

To submit an event to be considered for the Weekly Entertainment Guide email Robin Bloom at artscalendar@whyy.org.

Kelly Hagerty and Pamela Seaton contributed reporting to this week’s guide.