Few documents have inspired as much conversation, argument and adoration as the U.S. Constitution.

It’s surely open to interpretation, but one thing is clear: the Constitution deserves one heck of a celebration to honor its 225 anniversary, and its getting one from the place bested suited for the occasion, the National Constitution Center.

The center is marking the historic occasion with programs and events running throughout the year until September. Check out the center’s brand new commercial, above, for a stirring reminder of both the power of the document itself and the immersive experience that awaits you when you visit the NCC in person.

A sampling:

• Sign the Constitution: The center invites you to reaffirm your commitment to American freedom by signing the Constitution. Not the actual parchment, mind you, they’ve set up a web application online. If you visit the center in person you can also sign a special commemorative 225th anniversary Constitution on display in Signers’ Hall.

• Share Your Freedom Story: Come springtime the center invites you share your American pride by submitting a 90-second video about someone (or a group) who has answered the call of freedom, and thus contributed to the story of “We the People.” Submissions air on the Center’s website and viewers select their favorite entries via online voting. The top three will earn a starring role in the Constitution Day extravaganza in September.

• ElectNext in Voting Booths: In partnership with ElectNext, the Center revolutionizes how we vote. Like online dating for voters, the interactive technology inside these voting booths will feature issues-based questions to match visitors to the presidential candidate who best fits their political values. Screens outside the booths display live, on-site poll results, highlighting issues that are most important to visitors.

• Election Lounge: As the 2012 election heats up the NCC will present its own campaign headquarters on the Grand Hall Overlook. Here you can watch presidential campaign ads, cast a vote in a gumball poll, track primary results, create campaign buttons and more.

• Constitution Day and Liberty Medal 2012: The 225th anniversary closes out with a bang in September, when the center welcomes audiences nationwide to participate in programs and star-studded events during the weeklong Constitution Day celebration and the 2012 Liberty Medal ceremony. This special event always draws distinguished guests. Perhaps you’ll be one of them.

Next up in the Annenberg Center's 2011/12 season is an eccentric circus-like dance performance from renowned Israeli Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company. (Photo courtesy Annenberg Center)

Crack open Oyster, presented by Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company at the Annenberg Center on February 9-11, and you’ll discover a bizarre fantasy world.

With obvious nods to both Fellini and Tim Burton, the show presents a circus set-up where beauties and freaks vie for your attention.

The characters inhabit surreal scenes where mimes, acrobats and ballerinas become puppets and puppeteers. It’s a dark yet whimsical place that will surely capture your attention, because you’ve not likely seen contemporary dance quite like this.

The Israeli-based Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company has an international reputation for innovation, and Oyster is a shining example of their individual style that presents stellar physical prowess within a highly theatrical and visual production. They’re musical collagists, too; Oyster’s score includes opera (Pagliacci), tango (Piazzolla), Harry James, Yma Sumac and Tuvan throat singers.

The troupe made its Philadelphia debut at the Annenberg Center in 2008 and it’s great to have them back to entrance us once more. This is dance-theater you won’t soon forget. Get tickets online.

Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company’s Oyster
Where: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut Street
When: February 9-11
Cost: $20-$75
More info: www.annenbergcenter.org

Commemorate Ben Franklin's 306th birthday with a special ceremony and wreath-laying at his grave, plus the man himself! (Photo courtesy "Celebration! Benjamin Franklin, Founder")

These days we take it for granted that lightning is a form of electrical current, but it took one of our most famous Revolutionary patriots to prove it.

Yes, that would be Ben Franklin, whose kite-flying adventure during a thunderstorm led to his invention of the lightning rod. The kite tale is sure to crop up during the celebration commemorating the 306th anniversary of Franklin’s birthday, on January 20.

The event, organized annually by the group “Celebration! Benjamin Franklin Founder,” includes a free seminar at Benjamin Franklin Hall called “Franklin & Energy: Resources, Uses & Efficiencies,” which will shine a light on various energy-related topics that date from Franklin’s time to the present.

Guest speakers include Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer at the Franklin Institute, PECO President & CEO Denis P. O’Brie and more.

After the seminar everyone is invited to join a lively procession with flags and music that leads to Franklin’s grave at Christ Church Burial Ground for a wreath-laying ceremony that pays tribute to Ben’s contributions.

Then it’s time to break bread at a luncheon at the Down Town Club, where U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu will be presented with the Franklin Founder Award in recognition of his activities and research devoted to finding new solutions to long-term energy problems.

Check out the full schedule, and register, online.

Celebration of Benjamin Franklin’s 306th Birthday
When: Friday, January 20, seminar at 9 a.m., procession at 11 a.m., luncheon at noon
Where: Seminar at Benjamin Franklin Hall, 427 Chestnut Street; grave at 5th & Arch Streets; luncheon at Down Town Club, 600 S. Chestnut Street
Cost: Seminar, procession and wreath laying are free, luncheon is $65 per person.
More info: www.ushistory.org

Toes will be tapping and souls will be stirred when Memphis hits the Academy of Music stage, January 17-22.

The 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Best Original SCore, Best Book and Best Orchestrations is a rollicking blast of rhythm and blues tunes that you may find yourself humming on the way out.

The time is the 1950s and America at-large hasn’t caught on to R&B music. The county is segregated and so is the music. Then along comes upstart DJ Huey Calhoun, who happens into a black club along Beale Street: He’s transfixed by the sounds heard within, as well as a female singer who grabs his ear, and later, his heart.

The music evokes early greats of the R&B genre, such as Chuck Berry and the Platters, and the costumes capture the era in bright Broadway fashion.

The production is here on a limited engagement, so get your tickets now to ensure your seat to this show with a rockin’ soul beat. Check out a photo from the production below.

Memphis
Where: Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets
When: January 17-22
Cost: $20-$100
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org

From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage, in town just January 17-22. (Photo by Paul Kolnik courtesy Kimmel Center)

The storyline of Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons, the musical that’s causing heads to bob and bodies to sway in seats at the Forrest Theatre, seems too good to be true.

The show, which runs though January 14, is about four working-class street tough Jersey guys (what up!) who become pop music sensations.

But the main reason Jersey Boys is so enjoyable, and why it won the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Album, are those wonderful Four Seasons and Frankie Valli songs (the show highlights how Valli sustained both a group and solo career).

“Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “C’mon Marianne”; the hits just keep coming.

If you grew up listening to the Four Seasons the show brings back memories. If you missed out on the real deal, here’s your chance to find out why they’re in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

And it’s only a few times a year you get the opportunity to see a show at the gorgeous Forrest Theatre. Don’t miss out! Tickets are available online.

Jersey Boys
When: December 6-January 14
Where: Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street
Cost: Tickets begin at $52.50
More info: www.forrest-theatre.com

Previously: The Forrest Theatre Brings Back Jersey Boys, December 6-January 14, After A Record-Breaking Run In Philadelphia Last Season

Before there was Rent, The Wiz, Jesus Christ Superstar, Spiderman or any other rock musical, there was the one that started it all: HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical.

The show, which makes a limited run engagement January 3-8 at the Academy of Music, is like a time capsule that continues to entertain with is message of peace, love and understanding. So much so, that a new edition of HAIR scored a 2009 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival.

The costumes and choreography offer a trip down memory lane. Many of the songs, including “Good Morning Starshine,” “Aquarius,” “Easy to be Hard” and the title track, are so well known, don’t be surprised if you see people in the audience singing along.

HAIR is tame by today’s standards, but it sure made waves when it opened more than 40 years ago. Created during the time of the Vietnam War, when our country still had a draft for armed services, it hit a nerve with its anti-war stance.

The characters, representing facets of hippie culture, espouse messages of free love and anti-establishmentarianism.

Times have sure changed since then, but HAIR’s underlying themes of tolerance and hope continue to resonate with new generations. You can get tickets online.

HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
Where: Academy of Music, Broad & Locust Streets
When: January 3-8
Cost: $20-$100
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org

The Arden Theatre Company kicks off its 2011-2012 season’s Children’s Theatre series with a tried and true classic, Charlotte’s Web, running through January 29 February 12.

This delightful tale by E.B. White about a pig, a spider and their barnyard friends, dates back to the 50’s, but its messages of loneliness, friendship and the cycle of life continue to touch hearts both young and old.

The Arden first presented a stage version of Charlotte’s Web 13 years ago and the company does a mighty fine reprisal. The entire production — costumes, props, scenery, music and lighting — is done with the same degree of thoughtful care and attention that Arden gives to its main stage works.

After each performance of Charlotte’s Web, there’s in a question and answer session with the cast, and children also have an opportunity to meet the actors in the lobby.

Kids love the post-show interaction as well as the free commemorative show poster they get to take home as a souvenir of their theater adventure.

Tickets are available online.

Arden Theatre’s Charlotte’s Web
Where: 40 N. Second Street
When: Now through January 29 February 12
Cost: $16-$32
More info: www.ardentheatre.org

If you think the political theater in Washington is out of hand, then be sure to catch 1812 Productions’ This Is The Week That Is, where you can witness uproarious political theater of another kind: comedy.

The show features both rehearsed segments and portions that are re-written on the fly to reflect the most current events. Rest assured, this crew is in no danger of running out of material.

1812 has presented This Is the Week That Is for six years, and this season’s is one of the best yet. As usual, a This Is the Week That Is news segment wittily skewers political people and events from around the world.

In this run the newscast is expanded to take up nearly the entire second half of the show and it’s a hoot throughout (a guest visit by exercise maven Richard Simmons will have you busting a gut). Also, the street talkin’ South Philly pontificator, Patsy, returns with her one-of-a-kind political commentary.

Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma is hilariously revised with a timelier theme song “Oh, Foreclosure.” Dr. Seuss gets a new twist: All the characters in this cockeyed story represent Republican presidential candidates, to include Newt Gingrinch. Superhero Obamaman does his best to battle the powerful, tough to kill, Recessionator.

So even if you’ve had your fill of politics, and even if you’ve seen this production in the past, go see this year’s edition. It’s fresh and funny and some of the best theater you’ll enjoy in Philly, period.

1812 Productions’ This Is The Week That Is
Where: Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street
When: Through December 31
Cost: $20-$36
More info: www.1812productions.org

The Prohibition Taproom is having a holiday roast. Only they’re not dishing out food, but rather toasting one of their favorite beer men, at the Holiday Roast of Steve Mashington on Tuesday, December 13.

Mashington, operations manager for local Yards Brewing Company, is a fun-loving guy who’s known to many by the nicknames “Mittens” and “Smashington.”

Those monikers are just two indications of how much folks like to jest with Mashington, and there’s plenty more where that came from at the holiday roast, where the guest of honor will sit in a comfy chair as pals poke fun at him Comedy Central-style.

The roasters are a who’s-who of our local micro-brew beer scene, including Casey Hughes (Flying Fish), Andy Farrell (City Tap House), Rich Colli (Varga Bar), Curt Decker (Nodding Head), Casey Parker (Jose Pistola’s) plus several unannounced guests.

Santa Claus will be there — ok, it’s really Tom Kehoe, Yard’s founder and brewmaster dressed up in a big red suit — and you’re welcome to sit on his lap and get your picture taken.

The taps will flow with limited edition drafts, including holiday firkins, which according to Jon Lyons, General Manager of Prohibition Taproom, is “Beer in its purest form; unfiltered, unpasteurized and naturally fermented. It’s a huge beer snob thing.”

Between the roast and the superfine potables this one’s sure to be a rowdy fun night and a beer geek’s delight.

Prohibition Taproom Holiday Roast of Steve Mashington
Where: 501 N. 13th Street
When: December 13, beginning at 7 p.m.
Cost: No cost for the event, pay as you go for the beer you consume
More info: www.prohibitiontaproom.com

Comcast Emmy-Award winning television journalist and photographer Arthur Fennell exhibits 25 photos that capture in sharp relief and breathtaking color the people of Maasai Mara in East Africa. (Photo by Arthur Fennell)

Comcast’s Emmy-award winning journalist Arthur Fennell is known for having a nose for a good story.

He’s also got a great eye, and you can see just how sharp his vision is at The People of Maasai Mara, a photo exhibit and fundraising event for the Art Sanctuary, happening on November 30.

The exhibit features 25 images Fennell took while on a trip to East Africa, where the native Maasai tribe is recognized for its distinctive culture, traditions and nomadic lifestyle.

The Maasai Mara is a large game reserve in Kenya, named after the Maasai and the word “mara” which means spotted, a reference to the fact that the area is dotted with clusters of trees, savanna and cloud shadows. You can also spot stunning landscapes, gorgeous sunsets and wild animals.

The Maasai, who still live according to age-old customs and rituals, are known for colorful attire, woven and beaded jewelry and body paint. You’ll see all that and more in Fennell’s striking photos, which capture the essence of these special ethnic people.

At the evening’s reception Fennell will give a gallery talk about his experiences capturing the images as well as his homecoming. There will be live music by Dolomite and the Signifying Monkeys, drinks, snacks and the opportunity to procure signed and numbered prints of Fennell’s photos. The latter will surely make for an extra special holiday gift.

Proceeds benefit the Art Sanctuary, which promotes the power of black art in the inner city.

The People of Maasai Mara at Art Sanctuary
Where: 628 S. 16th Street
When: Wednesday, November 30, 7-9 p.m.
Cost: $25
More info: www.artsanctuary.org

Life is a cabaret, old chum, and with Wide Awake: A Civil War Cabaret, appearing at the Wilma Theater, November 17–19 and December 1–3, things get really lively thanks to a coterie of characters concocted by the experimental performance group Bearded Ladies.

There’s Dixie, the not so quintessential Southern Belle, who’s trapped in the world’s largest dress. Elmer Elsworth leads a precision-trained military brigade, but it’s far from a reverential re-enactment.

The full cast adds up to a gaggle of geeks, many in drag, who let their freak flag fly high and mighty.

It’s a touch of Gone With the Wind meshed with over-the-top folk-punk antics. This being a cabaret, there’s much singing of songs, and these include classics by Stephen Foster, Hoagy Carmichael, Elton John and Levon Helm.

Tickets are available online.

Wide Awake: A Civil War Cabaret
Where: Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street
When: November 17–19 and December 1–3, 10:45 p.m.
Cost: $20-$25
More info: www.wilmatheater.org

This is an international spectacle not to be missed, in town for one night only. (Photo courtesy National Acrobats of The People's Republic of China, Columbia Management)

The National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China bring acts both old and new for their Philadelphia premiere at the Kimmel Center on November 20.

And they do mean old acts: “Flying Meteors,” featuring fast-moving tumblers, dates back 2,000 years. It was a big hit with Chinese Emperors of yore, and it continues to excite crowds today.

The performing troupe is made up of the crème de la crème of Chinese acrobats, who are recognized worldwide as masters of the form. Cirque du Soleil cherry picks students from in their training school, but the country keeps the very best for this international touring ensemble.

The National Acrobats’ tricks of the trade include juggling, tumbling, contortion, plate spinning, balancing, trapeze, cycling, hoop diving and more.

The plate spinner keeps adding saucers till he’s twirling 10 at a time. The juggler tosses nine balls at once, while running up and down stairs. There are several daredevil balancing routines, including “Wings of the Wind,” performed on bicycles; it features a stunt where 24 performers create a magnificent “peacock’s spreading tail.”

Meanwhile, the extreme flexibility of the contortionists will have you wondering if these acrobats have real bones in their bodies.

With colorful costumes, lighting, set design and music to dazzle the senses, this is a spectacular made-in-China extravaganza. Their appearance here is a one day only deal, so catch them while you can. Tickets are available online.

National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China
Where: Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce streets
When: Sunday, November 20, 3 p.m.
Cost: $15-$45
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org