The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, January 8-14, 2026
UNBOUND, When the Day Comes, and Poor Judge
The new year begins with offerings from Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery, Pig Iron Theatre Company, FringeArts, and more. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
You're invited to Party with the Critics: 20 years of Broad Street Review
Celebrate two decades of independent arts journalism on January 15!
If you love BSR, it's time to get your tickets to our 20th anniversary event, Party with the Critics, at Indy Hall on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Previews
3 minute read
The Citywide James Ijames Pass adds theater to Philly’s 250th celebrations
Three plays, three theaters, and one prize-winning playwright
The Arden, Philadelphia Theatre Company, and the Wilma are teaming up for a first-of-its-kind Philly theater pass featuring three James Ijames productions. Wendy Univer finds out how it all came together.
Features
6 minute read
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The Philadelphia Art Museum presents Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100
Celebrating a Surrealist centennial with 70 artists
Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100 gets its only US stop at the Philadelphia Art Museum. K.A. McFadden reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
The Month of Philly Dance, January 2025
Another look at Petrushka, a visit from Dance Theater of Harlem, and Sacred Earth
Camille Bacon-Smith previews Philly’s dance performances that start the new year.
Previews
3 minute read
PCMS presents the Dover Quartet, playing Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate and Melissa Dunphy
Fresh music for a new year
PCMS and the Dover Quartet kicked off the new year with a fresh program of contemporary composers, including notable premieres from Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate and Philly’s own Melissa Dunphy. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
The BSR Podcast: Darnelle speaks on his path to theater, the state of new work, and lots more
Hear from the new director of Theatre Philadelphia!
Darnelle Radford takes the hot seat as BSR editor Alaina Johns interviews him about his theater backstory and where he's going as the new executive director of Theatre Philadelphia.
Podcast
1 minute read
The BSR January 2026 Philadelphia repertory movie roundup
Zohran’s mom, more David Lynch, and a Rob Reiner classic
Philadelphia Film Society celebrates Mira Nair, more David Lynch, and a screening of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Stephen Silver previews.
Previews
6 minute read
Without strong leadership, Philadelphians must turn to each other in 2026
Mayor Parker, we can’t sit back until the fight is at our doorstep
This will be a tumultuous year in Philly, with elections, global sports events, and the eyes of the world on America’s 250th birthday. But we must brace for even bigger challenges. Alaina Johns looks ahead.
Editorials
6 minute read
BSR Classical Interludes, January 2026
The Chenaults organ duo, Bach’s Wedding Cantana, and more
Opening the new year with classical music happening in the Philly area. Gail Obenreder previews.
Previews
4 minute read
The Science History Institute presents Lunchtime: The History of Science on the School Food Tray
When Philly led the country on lunch
A new exhibition at the Science History Institute serves up a fascinating history of the school lunch, a topic with deep ties to Philly, as well as women on the front lines of food science. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
6 minute read
Arden Children’s Theatre presents Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, adapted by John Glore
Tesseracts, travel, and time
The Arden’s latest production for children is beautifully designed and respectfully adapted, if occasionally hard to follow. Jill Ivey reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
The Trump regime’s cultural cuts have come for our poetry
The national Poetry Out Loud program’s anthology looks very different this year.
The anthology for students participating in the annual nationwide Poetry Out Loud program now excludes poems by Langston Hughes and many others. Anndee Hochman looks closer.
Essays
6 minute read
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Opera Philadelphia presents Antonio Vivaldi and Sarah Ruhl’s The Seasons
Changes in the weather
Sarah Ruhl partners with Opera Philadelphia’s Anthony Roth Costanzo and Antonio Vivaldi for a visually spectacular new work that ultimately lacks dramatic structure. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
Curio Theatre Company presents Hansel & Gretel, adapted by Paul Kuhn
Curio’s Make & Partake theater series is a treat for all ages
Curio Theatre Company’s Hansel & Gretel is a truly interactive arts experience for all ages, letting kids join in and even create a performance for everyone. Melissa Strong reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
Fabric Workshop and Museum presents The Living Temple: The World of Moki Cherry
Art to alter the course of humanity
Moki Cherry, an interdisciplinary 20th-century Swedish-born artist whose revolutionary work has gained recognition in recent years, gets a new show at the Fabric Workshop and Museum. Aaron Pond reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, December 18-24, 2025
Celebrating the solstice, Kwanzaa, and the HoliGAYS
Wrapping up the scene in Philly before Christmas and beyond, with performances, solstice festivals, and more. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
The boos at the Linc are the sound of self-hatred. David Lynch knew better.
When the Eagles self-destruct, what do we learn about us?
Growing up in Paris, Julien Suaudeau knew how to stand behind his team. Why are the fans in his adopted city so quick to turn on theirs? They don’t understand Philly the way David Lynch did.
Essays
5 minute read
Theatre in the X presents Richard LaMonte Pierce’s Ordinary People/Extraordinary People
A Christmas visit
Theatre in the X presents its first holiday show with Ordinary People/Extraordinary People by Richard LaMonte Pierce, a captivating story of faith, family, and miracles during Christmas. A. Lewis reviews.
Arthur Ross Gallery presents The Postigo Express: Documenting the Basque Conflict in San Sebastián
Capturing the aftermath of fascism
Fernando Postigo Silva fled fascism in Spain to work, study, and start a family in Philadelphia, but returned to Spain for decades as a groundbreaking photojournalist. A new show spotlights his work. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
BSR Classical Interludes: more in December 2025
More holiday cheer and beyond for the Philly area
A birthday party for Beethoven, music from Puerto Rico, and holiday feats decorate the rest of the month. Gail Obenreder previews.
Previews
4 minute read
Showcasing visibility and connection at the 2025 Trans Art Mart
Understanding identity
The 2025 Trans Art Mart highlights trans, non-binary, and gender expansive artists and makers in Philly. Erin Dohony previews.
Previews
3 minute read
Bringing improv to classrooms with the Unscripted Project
“Building confident young people”
The Unscripted Project brings improv comedy to high school classrooms, teaching students skills and values of confidence and community. Kiran Pandey profiles.
Profiles
3 minute read