As the summer officially begins, the season’s arts schedule starts to heat up. Here are some options to put on your calendar.
As the summer officially begins, the season’s arts schedule starts to heat up. Here are some options to put on your calendar.
National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall, Philadelphia; 215-923-3811; nmajh.org
Richard Avedon: Family Affairs Now though Aug. 2. There are still two months left to see this impressive collection of photographs by Avedon, the celebrated fashion and portrait photographer.
Liat Segal: Scattered Light ongoing. The Israeli artist creates her art using LED lights and texts including George Washington’s letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, R.I., to address issues of religious freedom.
’70s Summer Cinema Series: The films in this series were either made in or made about the 1970s. Each showing will be followed by a discussion with film critic Carrie Rickey.
July 1 Milk (2008): Sean Penn won an Oscar for his portrayal of slain gay activist Harvey Milk.
July 8 Shampoo (1975): Warren Beatty is an in-demand Beverly Hills hairdresser.
July 15 Being There (1979): Peter Sellers plays a gardener who becomes a political insider in this adaptation of Jerzy Kozinski’s novel.
July 22 The Candidate (1972): Robert Redford plays a California Senatorial candidate in this satire.
July 29 Funny Face (1957): Audrey Hepburn is a bookstore clerk-turned-fashion model in this musical romance.
National LGBT 50th Anniversary Celebration: National Legal Panel July 2. This event will include a discussion of the LGBT movement from the first Supreme Court brief to marriage equality.
Independence Day at NMAJH July 4. The museum is open for visitors to watch the parade or view the original 1790 letter written by George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, R.I.
Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia; 215-446-3021; gershmany.org
Jewish Treasures of the Caribbean June 25. Opening reception with Wyatt Gallery, who has photographed the Sephardic Jews of the Caribbean. A presentation by Rabbi Lance Sussman about Jewish pirates of the Caribbean will be held during the exhibit. Check website for date and time.
Celebrate Tu B’Av July 30. The ancient Jewish holiday of love will be celebrated with a wine- and chocolate-tasting event.
Milton and Betty Katz JCC, 501 N. Jerome Avenue, Margate, N.J.; 609-822-1167; jccatlantic.org
Forbidden Broadway July 9. The Broadway institution that lovingly mocks Broadway itself will send up some of your favorite musicals in this show.
Ladies’ Night Out Shopping July 15. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a fashion show and presentations from nutritionists to plastic surgeons as 50 vendors offer their goods and services for a benefit that funds the Katz JCC Early Childhood Education Center.
Comedy with Paula Poundstone July 30. The longtime comic and panelist on the NPR quiz show, Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me, brings her quick-witted sense of humor down the shore.
Broadway to Opera Aug. 6. This show offers a musical blend of Broadway musical and classic opera, and stars Ron Sharpe, Barbara Russell and Corrine Bach.
Comedy with Louie Anderson Aug. 27. One of the few high-profile comedians who can safely be called “family-friendly,” Anderson will perform an all-ages show.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and the Parkway, Philadelphia; 215-763-8100; philamuseum.org
Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel and the New Painting June 24 to Sept. 13. What do Manet, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and Degas have in common — other than being French artists who produced some of the world’s most glorious masterpieces? They were all “discovered” by Paul Durand-Ruel, an art dealer who developed their careers between 1865-1905. This exhibit showcases the work of the impressionists and the legacy of Durand-Ruel.
The Rosenbach Museum and Library, 2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia; 215-732-1600; rosenbach.org
Deciphering Ulysses: A Playful Introduction to Joyce’s Novel June 9 to Sept. 6. Get a jump on Bloomsday with this exhibit designed to unpack the “enigmas and puzzles” James Joyce created in his coded masterwork, then attend the daylong celebration June 16 at the museum from noon to 7 p.m.
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 118 North Broad Street (at Cherry), Philadelphia; 215-972-7600; pafa.org
July 2 to Oct. 11 There will be two exhibits showcasing work by PAFA alumni: “Traction Company” is an installation by the arts collective Traction, which includes a 1⁄6-scale miniature model of their studio space, full-scale structures from their studio and individual works by the artists. “Feast or Famine” features works by D. Read Lockhart, Mary McCann and Tiffany Tate that explore “the solitary experience and the collective, symbiotic whole” as the works consider “abundance and deprivation.”
The Michener Museum, 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown; 215-340-9800; michenerartmuseum.org
Iron and Coal, Petroleum and Steel: Industrial Art from the Steidle Collection July 11 to Oct. 25. This exhibition features several Pennsylvania-born artists who use industrial processes in their paintings. Many of the works were created during the Great Depression and depict workers, minerals and other related elements.
BOOKS
Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street; 215-686-5322; freelibrary.org
June 25 Etgar Keret, The Seven Good Years: A Memoir. The Israeli writer reads from his new book, about his father and being a father.
July 14 Kristen Miglore and Merrill Stubbs, Food52: Genius Recipes: 100 Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook. From the Genius Recipes column on the popular food52.com website, Miglore and Stubbs will delve into a celebration of food and cooking.
July 21 Gary Hart, The Republic of Conscience. The former senator will talk about how his book attempts to restore faith in American values.
FILM
Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; 610-527-9898; brynmawrfilm.org
BMFI is offering a series of classic films this summer, including:
July 29 Harold and Maude
Aug. 27 Casablanca
They will also be honoring W.C. Fields by screening three of his films:
Aug. 6 The Bank Dick
Aug. 13 My Little Chickadee
Aug. 20 It’s a Gift
The late Mike Nichols is honored with a program of three of his comedies:
Aug. 5 The Graduate
Aug. 12 Working Girl
Aug. 19 The Birdcage (full disclosure: the writer will introduce this film to the audience)
International House, 3801 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia; 215-287-5125; ihousephilly.org
Summer film highlights at I-House include:
June 26 The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
July 11 Salesman by Albert and David Maysles
July 23-24 Films of Agnès Varda from her California period, including Lions Love, Mur Murs and Black Panthers
August “Non-Putin” Russian Films (check website for titles and schedule)
QFlix, qflixphilly.com
July 7-12 The latest in LGBT cinema unspools at area theaters during this annual film festival. Philadelphia premieres include: Cape of Good Humor, Godless and Mala Mala plus a few films shot in Philadelphia by first-time filmmakers, including LUV: Don’t Live Here Anymore.
AT THE CASINOS
This summer’s lineup includes some of the biggest names in comedy and music.
COMEDY:
June 13 Whoopi Goldberg at Harrah’s Resort
July 17 Howie Mandel at the Borgata Music Box
July 25 An Evening with Bill Maher at Caesar’s
August 8 Jerry Seinfeld at the Borgata
MUSIC:
June 20 Aretha Franklin at Caesar’s
June 27 Daryl Hall and John Oates at the Borgata
July 10 Idina Menzel at the Borgata
July 24 Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga at the Borgata
July 30 Boz Scaggs at the Borgata Music Box
Aug. 1 James Taylor at the Borgata
CONCERTS
Keswick Theatre, 291 North Keswick Ave, Glenside; 215-572-7650; keswicktheatre.com
Shelby Lynne June 21
The Grammy-winner performs her albums I Am Shelby Lynne and I Can’t Imagine in their entirety.
Happy Together Tour 2015 June 24. This concert brings together The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, The Buckinghams, The Association, The Grass Roots, The Cowsills & Mark Lindsay (of Paul Revere and the Raiders).
The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes July 11. Westley talks his way through the hit film.
Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia; 215-893-1999; kimmelcenter.org
Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater Residency Program June 21 to July 2. Featuring the creation and development of new works by artists Daniel Alexander Jones, Ethan Lipton, Jamie Leonhart and Dito Van Reigersberg. On July 1 and 2, free public readings will take place with audience feedback and Q&A.
Sittin’ in Jam Sessions July 15, Aug. 12. From local students to DJ Phsh to a house band and select local artists, this session provides audiences the chance to hear great music and maybe even dance.
PNC Grow Up Great Musical Theater Program July 25, Aug. 15. An interactive workshop designed for children ages 3 to 5 to learn acting, singing, dancing and storytelling.
Mann Music Center, 5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia; manncenter.org
A Night of Gershwin with the Philadelphia Orchestra June 26. Rhapsodize under the stars as this program celebrates the music of one of the greatest Jewish — and American — composers, George Gershwin.
Brian Wilson with special guest Rodriguez June 29. The musician profiled in the documentary, Searching for Sugar Man, opens for the Beach Boy.
Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me! July 9. The wildly popular NPR quiz show brings its anything-can-happen vibe to Philadelphia.
Idina Menzel July 16. The singer/Broadway star (Rent, Wicked) lets her musical talents flow.
Diana Krall with the Philadelphia Orchestra July 24. The jazz performer will perform in support of her new album, Wallflower.
Susquehanna Bank Center, One Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.
Neil Young & Promise of the Real July 16. Another former member of CSNY will perform hits and lesser-known gems from his enormous catalog.
Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire Aug. 15. Two seminal ’70s bands perform their hits in one big show.
Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia; wellsfargocenterphilly.com
Barry Manilow with Dave Koz June 13. Fanilows, Unite! And Rejoice!
Bette Midler, Divine Intervention June 16. The Divine Miss M sings songs from all-female groups ranging from The Chiffons’ “One Fine Day” to “Waterfalls” by TLC.
Paul McCartney June 21. The cute Beatle performs hits from his illustrious career.
World Café Live, 3205 Walnut Street, Philadelphia; 215-222-1400; worldcafelive.com
Madeline Peyroux Trio June 19. The singer-songwriter performs fan favorites in her distinctive vocal stylings.
Janeane Garofalo July 8. The actress-comedian performs her unique brand of stand-up.
THEATRE
Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, Pa.; 215-654-0200; act2playhouse.org
More Broadway on Butler Through August 17. This revue of popular Broadway tunes from shows was created by Sonny Leo.
Arden Theater, 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia; 215-922-1122; ardentheatre.org
Passion Through June 28. Stephen Sondheim’s musical is based on the Ettore Scola film about a handsome man in 19th-century Italy who falls in love with a mysterious woman.
People’s Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd. Malvern, Pa.; 610-644-3500; peopleslight.org
Stella and Lou July 15 to Aug. 23. This new play, by Bruce Graham, is a romantic comedy about two older lonely people who meet in a South Philadelphia bar.
Town and Country Players, 4185 York Road, Buckingham, Pa.; 215-348-7566; townandcountryplayers.org
The Wizard of Oz July 10 to 25. Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Lion take to the yellow brick road in this musical adaptation of the classic film.
Good People Aug. 14 to 29. A comedy-drama about a down-on-her-luck woman in Boston who meets a man who may be her salvation.
The Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia; 215-574-3550; walnutstreettheatre.org
I Love a Piano Through June 26. This musical revue features more than 60 songs by Irving Berlin.
Memphis Through July 12. The Tony award-winning musical about a DJ and a club singer in the titular city, circa 1950.
Gary M. Kramer, the author of numerous books on the arts, is a longtime contributor to Inside Magazine and the Special Sections of the Jewish Exponent.
The Dread Pirate Westley will answer questions as you wish at the Keswick Theatre in July. Photo by Gage Skidmore.
Madeleine Peyroux brings her intoxicating voice to World Café Live in June.
