May 5, 2009
Forbidden Broadway has been mocking the real deal since 1982. Formerly at a safe distance at the 47th Street Theater, the hilarious musical review has since closed in New York, bringing new productions to stages across the country. Annie, West Side Story, Les Miserables, Rent, Fiddler on the Roof and Mamma Mia! are just a few of the shows hilariously skewered. And now, they are at the Walnut Street Theater. The show seems like a great fit for Philly, a city that is no stranger to mocking New York.
Providing these amazingly funny spins on your favorite Broadway classics are some of Philadelphia’s top talents, including Best Supporting Actress Barrymore Award-winner Jennie Eisenhower, and Walnut Street Theater’s comedic gem Ellie Mooney, Forbidden Broadway will have you rolling in the aisles. Broadway better watch itself, this comedic review’s got claws.
Tickets are $30 and are now available at 215-574-3550 or 215-982-2787. Show runs May 5 – June 28, 2009. Tickets are also available at the theatre’s official website.
The Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-574-3550
www.walnutstreettheatre.org
May 1, 2009
Dinner at Smith’s
According to the U.S. Census, Smith is the most popular name in America. As if that weren’t enough, the ubiquitous surname also takes the title in the U.K. and Australia. This fact leads one to inquire how an establishment in such an overcrowded hub like Rittenhouse Square could survive with such common nomenclature.
Well, it would have to be one hell of a bar, wouldn’t it?
As soon as you walk in the door and see the po-mo stone decor, you will realize this Smith is the one you will remember. While the grayish slate and dark wood may sound sterile or foreboding, you will soon find a homey feel to the place, like the family room of a modern-day castle.
First of all, the place is plugged in with the usual hi-def celluloid shining in every dull corner. But more than just TV light, big windows at the front, tea-light candles and generous overhead lighting give Smith’s the perfect mood; enough light to see your friend’s faces and read the check at the end of the night, but not so much you feel like you are drinking on a soundstage.
With 11 taps and another 20 or so bottles, the place is no slouch for you hopheads out there, including some offerings not found everywhere (Rogue Chocolate Stout on tap, three different types of Saranac). But since we know you like to get classy every now and again, the varied and highly affordable wine list will allow you to put that pinky in the air where it belongs.
Smith’s interesting take on pub cuisine will keep you coming back as well. With a vast array of gourmet sandwiches and flatbread pizzas you can get your fill of all the traditional favorites, without feeling like you just got drivethru on ceramic. And by the time you get through the entire menu section of crock-potted soups and stews, you will be in love.
As if you weren’t convinced already, the rotating daily specials include $3 Hop Devils, $2 Yuinglings every Saturday and the occasional $3 Jameson shot special, served in the signature Smith’s square shot glasses. That may sound like a small detail but, hey, you will remember it.
As you enjoy Smith’s far-from-ordinary charms, you will be asking what’s in a name? Check out www.smiths-restaurant.com for daily specials.
Smith’s
41 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA
(267) 546-2669
www.smiths-restaurant.com
April 30, 2009
On the surface, it seems like an unlikely scenario: a brooding balladeer from the mid-nineties achieves commercial success by writing sappy love tunes and then disappears only to reemerge on Broadway and win several Tony awards. Sounds like the plot of a bad movie. But Duncan Sheik spent the nineties trying to get kids to make out. Now people pay hundreds of dollars to see it on stage. You could say he has come full circle.
After performing at Glenside’s Keswick Theater back in March, Sheik’s work will return again to Philadelphia as the Academy of Music hosts Spring Awakening. The play, which Sheik wrote all the music for, comes to the Academy for 8 performances beginning on June 23rd. Tickets go on sale today to coincide, fittingly, with the first day of spring.
Spring Awakening is the story of teenage sexual exploration in late 19th century Germany. Angry at their parents and teachers for not properly educating them on the ways of sex, a group of teens set out to learn for themselves.
The soundtrack has drawn crossover interest from fans not usually interested in musicals because of its accessible folk-rock and alt-rock tunes capable of standing on their own, out of the play’s context. It has also reignited the career of Duncan Sheik, who is now on a national tour.
We recommend you get your tickets quickly. This is a limited Broadway Series engagement, with only 8 performances over 5 days. So don’t miss your chance to see Broadway come to Broad Street with Spring Awakening, hitting the Academy of Music June 23rd.
Academy of Music
240 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 893-1935
www.academyofmusic.org
April 24, 2009
Of all the industries hit hardest by the recession, you would never think to roll out the pity parade for alcohol purveyors. After all, the best place to ride out a recession is at the bottom of a bottle, right? But with record job losses and fears about financial security still looming, drinkers all across the U.S. have taken to spending less and drinking at home.
So, in these hard times, Philly bar owners have done what they can to keep the doors swinging and the city’s stool-jocks swilling. This has included promotions, Philly Beer Week events and special games and guests all across the city. But sadly for many bars around town, the drink special has gone the way of the rotary telephone.
Lucky for you there is one South Street saloon still selling discount suds. Manny Brown’s has long been the pregame spot for so many music fans looking to kill time before a show at the TLA or trying to eat some succulent ribs. But while the place always has a better-than-average beer selection, it is not thought of as a specialty bar. Until now.
Since we are all fans of America’s Oldest Brewery, South Streeters will most likely forgive the lack of Belgian bottles for $2 Yuengling pints. Yes, you heard right. $2 Yuengling pints from 8pm to midnight every Thirsty Thursday. It’s a night you would be out anyway! And the deals don’t end there. With events like Taco Tuesday’s and 15 cent wings, Manny Brown’s ensures that you won’t go hungry riding out this recession.
Manny Brown’s
512 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 627-7427
www.manny-browns.com
April 17, 2009
Spring festivals are usually about relaxation; about enjoying the dewy air, cooking some good food and maybe throwing a Frisbee around. Injecting politics into an atmosphere like this would be a serious buzzkill, unless you are the folks of Clark Park, who have been bringing amusement side by side with activism for years.
Let’s run down the list: Live music and dance, speakers, spoken word, and great food. Definitely fun. Free workshops on health, sustainability, gardening, and social justice, green information booths: more about learning.
But like many things of this ilk, there are equal amounts of overlap, from the Food Trust Farmers’ Market to the vendors selling everything from antiques and collectibles, ethnic arts and crafts and fashion, to bikes, books, records.
As usual, the Uhuru Movement is making sure all funds raised by the flea market go to worthy causes. This particular event benefits the African Village Survival Initiative, developing collective food, water, energy survival and economic self-reliance programs in response to the deep economic crisis.
AVSI has done work in many African American communities, helping create self reliance and economic independence. AVSI hopes now more than ever that their practices will be duplicated in other cities and other parts of the world.
So come be part of a springtime festival that is equal parts empowerment and entertainment, learning and lounging. Because you can only throw a Frisbee for so long.
Earth Day Flea Market
Saturday, April 18th, 2009
Clark Park
4300-4398 Chester Ave, Philadelphia, PA
April 15, 2009
The Academy of Natural Sciences
The concept of “Going Green” has begun to mutate like a virus and attach its disingenuous connotations to other, more well-meaning concepts. There is no better example of this concept than the buy local movement. Somehow, “Buy Local” became a slogan and now seems lumped in with all the other enviro-fads floating around our ears. But understanding your local environment is a great first step to thinking in a more environmentally friendly way and creating real change.
From buying local produce to supporting your neighborhood to simply understanding what might be living just below your sidewalk, thinking locally can help you sort out the problems facing your local ecosystem and understand your place in the solution. The people at the Academy of Natural Sciences are hitting two birds with one stone as they celebrate Earth Day while helping people get a better glimpse at their local environment.
Learn how to test your local stream for bacteria with pollution tests from Academy scientists, then check out the notorious snakehead fish from South Philly. Local fishing techniques will be on display as you can climb aboard a real fish-shocking boat and see how to test crabs for chemicals. The chemists and botanists at the Academy monitor the local environment daily. Be there when they bring their fish tanks and equipment out of the lab and share with visitors how they can be stewards of their local ecosystem.
Earth Day is a great time to take a stand against greenwashing, against the business agenda of “going green.” Learn the tips and tricks of making your environment the best it can be. Then you will really be going green.
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.ansp.org
April 14, 2009
Moshulu
Pirates have skewered all realms of pop culture with a hook hand and a peg leg. National Talk Like A Pirate Day is celebrated in office parks and college classrooms across the nation. Johnny Depp’s role as the Keith-Richards-inspired Capt. Jack Sparrow has spawned 3 films. And it’s not hard to see why. After all, we love a good bottle of rum. We love the fantasy of getting aboard a ship and most of all, we are all looking for some sort of buried treasure.
Philadelphia’s thrifty Pirates couldn’t have it easier this summer because with the Moshulu’s Mojito Summer Kickoff Party, the treasure is already on the ship.
That’s right, the world’s oldest and longest clipper ship is back, bringing you great dance deals all summer long. And like any good Pirate, as soon as the anchor drops on this summer season, mayhem will ensue.
The Mojito Summer Kickoff Party features DJ’s Brandon Bring ‘Em and and Dirty on two outdoor decks. Just $5 if you RSVP and get there before 11. And why would you get there late when there is an open bar. That’s right, open bar from 10-11pm.
You know how this movie ends. Now that you have found the treasure, its time to drop anchor and party down. Drink some rum, rock an eye patch, and sing a shanty or two. The Moshulu is back in port and its time to hit the deck.
Mojito is docked at Penns Landing. Saturday, April 25th. Open bar from 10-11pm. RSVP for the $5 guestlist price here on Paperstreet.
Moshulu
401 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-2500
www.moshulu.com
April 6, 2009
Three tips for making your own Hudson Beach Glass Easter Egg.
1. Be creative: This Easter, Hudson Beach is offering the opportunity for all interested bunnies to hop on over and make their own glass Easter egg to celebrate this spring holiday. So don’t just make some silly white egg. Get creative. With endless patterns and a wide range of different colors, Hudson Beach has all the tools for you to make the perfect Easter decoration.
2. Allow time to dry: Walk-ins are welcome on the weekends from 12-5 and on weekdays by appointment. But if you are planning to have your egg for the big day, remember they take a day to cool. If you are from out of town, Hudson Beach can deliver it to you but make sure the Hudson Beach Bunny can get to your house in time. Lastly, gift cirtificates are available if you are worried your egg won’t fit comfortably in that special someone’s Easter basket.
3. Keep out of reach of children: Traditionally, Easter eggs contain jelly beans, marshmallow peeps, chocolate eggs and money. Seeing this beautiful Hudson Beach Easter Egg may give some well-meaning children the wrong idea about treasures hidden inside. To avoid an Easter disaster, keep your egg out of reach of children.
Follow these rules to happy, decorative Easter.
Head on over to Hudson Beach between now and the big day to see your egg design brought to life from molten glass. Learn glass blowing techniques from the experts and even help shape your egg. Eggs are just $30 each so they won’t break the basket or the bank. Come check out the bunnies of Hudson Beach and have a Happy Easter.
Hudson Beach Glass
26 S. Strawberry St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 279-7118
www.hudsonbeachglass.com
April 6, 2009
The ladies of Poetic Pilgrimage know that being an all-female Muslim rap group is controversial. But that is kinda what they are going for.
Both born in England to Jamaican parents, Muneera Rashida and Sukina Abdul Noor have been performing together as Poetic Pilgrimage since 2002. Unafraid to approach complicated issues and cultural misconceptions in their rhymes, the girls of PP know they are not the norm but its what makes them so intriguing. Their logo features a veiled woman holding a Kalashnikov with a flower in the barrel. So its no secret.
But when the novelty has faded, the rhymes are what keep you coming back. Starting out on the London poetry circuit, the words have always been first and foremost. Spreading a simple message of peace, freedom and tolerance, Rashida and Noor are workshop facilitators and highly value the ability to teach poetry and hip-hop to a younger generation who can use their own words to change their realities.
Once they added music to the equation, the goal was always to bridge the gap between the clandestine Muslim music communities and the mainstream hip-hop scene. But the pair are not tossing off their eclectic tastes in favor of some radio-friendly pop model. Their beats come from their traditional Muslim faith, their Caribbean background and their own jazz and afrobeat influences.
So if you wanna stick it to the fundamentalists, or just wanna have some fun getting mental, come check out Poetic Pilgrimage at the World Café for a sound a half a world away.
Poetic Pilgrimage at the World Café
Wednesday April 8. Doors open at 8:00pm. Tickets are $5.
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
www.worldcafelive.com
April 2, 2009
The Academy of Natural Sciences
Out of all the roles Oscar-winner Meryl Streep has played in her celebrated career, few of them required her to dive into the world’s deepest oceans and swim with humpback whales. As the narrator of the award-winning nature film Ocean Voyagers, Streep swam with the whales for one director only. His name is Feodor Pitcairn.
World-renowned nature director, Feodor Pitcairn will be premiering his new film Ocean Odyssey at the Academy of Natural Sciences during a special limited engagement in celebration of Earth Day and beginning April 6th.
Like Homer’s epic play, this Odyssey travels to some of the most remote and pristine stretches of ocean.
Pitcairn’s camera encounters some true ocean oddities from the only sea-going lizard, the marine iguanas of the Galapagos, to California’s Mola Mola, an ocean sunfish that reaches spans of up to 14 feet. See magical natural miracles like whale sharks at a spawning event in Belize. One of Pitcairn’s strengths is in his choice of location, finding some of the most pristine and untouched marine ecosystems.
A Bryn Athyn, Montgomery County resident, Pitcairn began photographing wildlife in his teens, and since 1967 has worked predominantly underwater, with a growing fascination for portraying marine animals within the context of the underwater seascape. He has spent more than 3,000 hours underwater, photographing and filming remote ocean wilds across the world.
The screening begins at 2pm on Monday, April 6th and will screen daily through April 19th. The film is free with museum admission.
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.ansp.org
