Weekly Entertainment Guide – Puppet Manualfesto and the ‘Dog’ Days of Summer
From Center City to the Jersey Shore, we’ve got your week 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:
Reading Terminal Market’s Ice Cream Festival
Escape the heat with the Ultimate Philadelphia Ice Cream Festival at Reading Terminal Market, Saturday, July 21, 10am-4pm, with samples of delicious frozen desserts and other treats, live music, arts and crafts for the kids, games, and more, Center Court, 12th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia. Free. Hosted by Bassetts Ice Cream.
In celebration of National Hot Dog Month (July), the South Street Head House District presents “The Dog Days of Summer,” through July 23, with hot dog specials at businesses throughout the district, hot dog art opening, and more including the Hot Dog Block Party, Sunday, July 22, noon-5pm, with children’s activities, dog costume competition, and hot dog topping competition, along the 600 block of South Street, Philadelphia.
The Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival
The 6th annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival brings together jazz lovers of all ages for a day of free, live music, Saturday, July 21, 12-6pm, featuring Vertical Current, Doc Gibbs, and the West Powelton Steppers, with a craft marketplace, children’s activities, art exhibits, and more, Saunders Park on 39th and Powelton Avenue, Philadelphia. Organized by the People’s Emergency Center.
Puppet Manualfesto at Walking Fish Theatre
B. Someday Productions explores the newest medium with the “Puppet Manualfesto’s Summer Showcase,” a short-form puppetry slam and adult oriented puppeteer open-mic night, Saturday, July 21, 7pm and 9pm, the Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia. Tickets: General $15, In Advance $12.
Acting Without Boundaries, a creative forum for children, teenagers, and young adults with disabilities, comes to Philadelphia to revive Broadway’s Rodgers and Hammerstein with “AWB Goes Broadway: Some Enchanted Evening,” Sunday, July 22, at 4pm. This uplifting experience provides audiences the chance to enjoy the R&H classics by enhancing them through the talents and abilities of the AWB actors, at Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia. Tickets: Adult $10, Children under 12 $5, Family of Four $25. Includes reception and Actors “Meet and Greet” after the show.
“Our House” at Langhorne Players
Theresa Rebeck’s “Our House,” a comedy about a sociopath and his encounters in this media-obsessed world, is onstage at Langhorne Players through July 28, Spring Garden Mill in Tyler State Park, 1140 Newtown-Richboro Road, Newtown, Bucks County, PA. Tickets: $15-$17.
“The Poe Mysteries,” at East Lynne Theater Company
East Lynne Theater Company presents “The Poe Mysteries,” July 25-September 1, a World Premiere, adapted by James Rana, based on the first modern detective stories ever written, with six actors portraying 50 roles in Edgar Allen Poe’s famous mysteries, First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, New Jersey at 500 Hughes Street. Tickets $0-$30.
Philly’s annual “Illadelph” Legends Festival kicks off Thursday, July 26 through August 1, the longest continually run Hip Hop Festival dedicated to the evolution of Hip Hop music and dance, with panel discussions, lecture demonstrations, master classes, open jam sessions, and more at the Rock School, the Avenue of the Arts, 1101 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 9am-5pm daily.
The Annual New Jersey Peach Festival and Gloucester County 4-H Fair is Thursday, July 26 through Sunday, July 29, 4 days of peach activities for all ages along with live music, carnival rides, animal shows, craft fair, and much more at the 4-H Fairgrounds south of Mullica Hill, on Route 77, Bridgeton Pike. Parking donation of $10, good for all four days.
“Depth of Illusion” at St. Joseph’s University
St. Joseph’s University inspires meditation through a creative use of pattern and shape in “Depth of Illusion: Paintings by Laura Watt,” showcasing the yantra, a visual meditation tool composed of geometric forms used to represent the universe, through August 3, University Gallery, Merion Hall, Maguire Campus, 376 N. Latches Lane, Merion Station, PA.
“Come into My Garden” at Chester County Art Association
Artist Emmy Krick’s new exhibit, “Come into My Garden,” is on display at the Chester County Art Association’s Exton Square Studio through August 18. Krick’s work has been shown in solo exhibitions at Longwood Gardens and at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. She studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The studio is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 11am-5pm, first floor, Exton Square Mall, 260 Exton Square Parkway, Exton PA. Free.
Philly
The Global Fusion Festival celebrates Philadelphia’s diverse cultures Saturday, July 21, 12-8pm, with musical headliners Brandy, Elle Varner, Luke James, Kenny Lattimore, and more, ethnic food, crafts, and children’s activities, Great Plaza, Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia.
The African-American Museum in Philadelphia honors the original members of the Freedom Rides Saturday, July 21, 1pm, with a screening of the Emmy award-winning documentary film, “Freedom Riders,” followed by a panel discussion where the riders will share their stories and experiences. Tickets $8-$10. This event is part of the AAMP’s exhibit “Freedom Riders,” an exhibit of over 80 Bus Boycotter and Freedom Rider portraits by Charlotta Janssen, pinpointing the nonviolent actions of people of numerous races and religions during the Civil Rights Movement in the summer of 1961. Using acrylic, iron oxide, oil and edding, Janssen’s pieces include recreations of the mug shots of those jailed for participating in the protests, arrest records, sermons, Bible pages, segregation signs, protest letters and song lyrics, along with images of Rosa Parks, Ralph Abernathy and Martin Luther King, Jr., on view through September 30 at 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. Admission: adults $10, youth (4-12) $8, students w/ ID $8, senior citizens $8.
Slow Food Philadelphia continues to respect good, clean, and fair food in the 8th annual “Good Food, Good Beer, and the Rest is History” event, featuring an outdoor eatery with the food and beer of a variety of local producers, along with food demonstrations by markets and chefs, Saturday, July 21, 6-9pm, at The Shambles at Head House , 2nd and Lombard Streets, Philadelphia. Admission: In Advance $30, At the Door $35.
“The Thinker” once again broods over the Ben Franklin Parkway as the Rodin Museum has reopened after 3 years of comprehensive renovations. In celebration of this and the sculptor’s vision that inspired its founding, the museum will host two outdoor performances by two French pioneer composers of spectral music, Tristan Murail and Philippe Hurel, performing commissioned worked titled “Spectral Impressions,” Sunday, July 22 and Saturday, July 28, 5:30pm-8:30pm, in the museum’s gardens on the Ben Franklin Parkway, 22nd Street, Philadelphia. Tickets $25 ($20 members).
Shakespeare in Clark Park returns for another season with “Merry Wives of Windsor,” July 25-29, 7pm. The cast includes Jess Conda, is directed by Rebecca Wright, and features original music by Andrew Nelson, at “The Bowl,” 43rd Street & Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia. Free. Bring chairs and blankets. Rain location: Curio Theatre, 48th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia.
The Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust presents a concert of traditional and vintage jazz in “An Evening with Marty Grosz,” on Wednesday, July 25, 8pm, along with cornetist Dan Tobias and string bassist Ed Wise, at the Germantown Mennonite Meetinghouse, 6119 Germantown Avenue, Germantown, Philadelphia. Admission: Adults $10, Children Free.
The Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia welcomes the Philadelphia Master Chorale and the St. Thomas Chancel Choir for the “BIG SING//Schubert,” where the three choirs will explore multicultural traditions and join with local singers in the audience to perform Schubert’s “Mass in G,” Wednesday, July 25, 7pm, followed by an ice cream social, First Baptist Church, 17th and Samson Streets, Philadelphia. Tickets: Adults $23, Students $17.
Get into the “summer lovin’” spirit with the movie “Grease (the sing-a-long version),” Wednesday, July 25, 7pm, at the Philadelphia Theatre Company, as part of their Summer Film Series. Everyone knows the words to the hits like “You’re the One that I Want,” and “We Go Together,” but if not, there are subtitles so you can participate, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia. Tickets: Adults $8, Children $4.
The Philadelphia Orchestra kicks off the Friday Night Lights firework series on Penn’s Landing, as part of their Free Neighborhood Concerts, Friday, July 27, 8pm, on the Riverstage. Assistant conductor Cristian Macelaru will lead the performance, including classics such as Mendelssohn’s Nocturne from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and Dvorak’s “Carnival” overture, Columbus Blvd, between Market and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia. Additional concert at the Curtis Arboretum, Thursday, July 26, 7pm, 1250 W. Church Road, Wyncote, PA. Free.
B Square Gallery highlights the work of graphic designer Gretchen Diehl with the exhibit, “An Intimate Conversation in Public,” through July 28, displaying drawings, ink jet jewelry, and large scale drawings on ink jet shrink film, along with paintings and works by gallery owners Heather Bryson and Romy Burkus at 614 South Street, Philadelphia.
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts presents “Dive Deep: Eric Fischl and the Process of Painting,” through September 30, Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia. Admission: In Advance $10, At the Door $15.
PA Suburbs & Delaware
The Firefly Music Festival is July 20-22 featuring The Killers, The Black Keys, Jack White, Bassnectar, John Legend, Chiddy Bang, along with other entertainment, hot air balloons, food, and more, the Woodlands of Dover International Speedway, Dover, DE. Single day passes: $68-$88.
“Willy Wonka Jr.” opens this weekend through July 29 at Premier Centre for the Arts, 27 Anderson Street, Middletown, DE. Tickets: $15-$18.
Southeastern PA’s new theater company, Facetime Community Theatre, presents their first summer stage performance, “Oliver!” July 20-21, 7pm, at the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center, 601 E. Main Street, Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA. Tickets: Adults $12, Seniors and Children under 12 $8.
Linvilla Orchards Sweet Corn & Blackberry Festival is Saturday, July 21, 8am-7pm, with produce picking, hayrides, live entertainment, children’s activities, and more, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA.
The Celtic Heritage Festival returns for the 16th year at Graeme Park, Saturday, July 21, 10am-6pm, celebrating the Scottish Heritage of the Keith, Graeme, and Fergusson families from the 18th century, with original, traditional, and contemporary Irish music and dancing, along with Highland athletics, border collie demonstrations, Celtic crafts and storytelling, lessons in Gaelic, and a brand-new Beer Tent, 859 County Line Rd, Horsham, PA. Admission: Adults $10, Youth $5, Family $30.
Celebrate 30 years of the Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre with “Cinderella,” Tuesday, July 24, 11am, at the Baycenter for the Performing Arts, 124 Dickenson St. & Highway One, Dewey Beach, DE. Tickets: $9. Further performances through August 29; locations vary.
Brandywine River Museum offers a “Creative Escape” for adults who want to awaken their inner artist with a program focusing on “Fruits of Summer,” Wednesday, July 25, 7-9pm, beginning with a guided tour of paintings of still life subjects, followed by an opportunity to make your own work of art, Route 1, Chadds Ford, PA. Admission: General $20, Members $15, includes tour, art materials, and light refreshments.
Celebrate the Delaware Shakespeare Festival’s 10th anniversary with the comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the perfect play for a summer evening outdoors, through July 28, Rockwood Mansion Park, 610 Shipley Road, Wilmington, DE. Tickets: General $15, Seniors/Active Military $12, Students $10, Children 5 and under Free.
The Actors’ NET of Bucks County presents “Gypsy,” through July 29, The Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, PA. Tickets: Adults $20, Seniors $17, Children under 13 $10, WHYY Cards $15.
Robert Dubac brings his new one-man show “Free Range Thinking” to Act II Playhouse through August 12, 56 E. Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA. Tickets $22-$33.
New Jersey
The XPoNential Music Festival returns this weekend, July 20-22, featuring a lineup of established and up-and-coming artists, including Kasey Anderson, the Matt Santry Band, and more along the Camden waterfront. This year’s 3-Day Pass also includes lawn seat admission to the additional Saturday night performance featuring Wilco, The Avett Brothers, and Dr. Dog at the Susquehanna Bank Center. The Camden Children’s Garden will serve as the Kid’s Corner Area from 11:30am-6pm. Gates open at 5pm on Friday, July 20, 11:30am on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22, Wiggins Waterfront Park, Mickle Blvd, Camden, NJ. Tickets: 3 Day Festival Pass General $110, Member $55; Daily Tickets General $50, Member $25 Kids $5; Counting Crows Reserved Ticket $10 extra Festival Pass or Sunday Ticket.
The Summer in the City: Music Festival in the Park is Thursday, July 26, 5:30pm, featuring the Jimmy Jorge Latin Express, at Lanning Square Park, 4th & Clinton Streets, Camden, NJ, with free Rita’s Water Ice and children’s activities provided by the Garden State Discovery Museum.
The historic Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents “The Fiddler on the Roof,” through August 5, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ. Tickets: $25.
“Down the Shore”
The Atlantic City Carnival is July 20-21 featuring a Friday night kick-off Flag Party, 10pm; Parade on Saturday, July 21, noon, Boardwalk at Showboat Casino all the way to Bader Field where the party continues with musical performances, crafts, food and more, 600 Albany Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ.
The 23rd Annual Long Beach Island Juried Arts & Crafts Festival is Saturday, July 21, 10am-6pm, and Sunday, July 22, 9am-4pm, rain or shine. The Long Beach Island Foundation offers over 150 artists and crafters displaying jewelry, basketry, wood, photography, clothing, fine painting, and more, 120 Long Beach Blvd, Loveladies, NJ. Free.
The NJ Crab Festival is Saturday, July 21, 11am, with blue claw crabs, beer garden, vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, and more, along Park Boulevard, Wildwood, NJ.
The Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival is July 26-29, with celebrity chefs including Paula Deen, Anne Burrell, Robert Irvine, Buddy Valastro and Andrew Zimmerman along with events including The Grand Market, Book Store & Signings, Define “Cheese-Steak,” Blues Brews & BBQ, Sunset Sliders, Sushi & Saki and Sweet and Stylish, at various locations in Atlantic City, NJ. Tickets: $40-$149
Cape Island Theatre Company presents Ray Crew’s “1912,” through September 9, The Old Grange Restaurant, Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May, NJ. Tickets $12-$37 dinner or show only.
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.
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