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 January 15, 2026.
Previews
3 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
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
Piffaro and TENET Vocal Artists present Ein Kind Geborn: A German Christmas
Celebrating a Renaissance composer who is justly famous today
Piffaro teams with TENET Vocal Artists for a memorable
Christmas concert celebrating prolific Renaissance composer Michael Praetorius,
whose music is still beloved today. The concert will stream starting December
18. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
4 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
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
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 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
As 2026 approaches, why does Philly enforce health and safety codes, but not access codes?
Without access plans for America’s 250th anniversary in Philly, we risk exclusion, liability, and crisis.
Disability Pride PA leader Vicki Landers asks why the City can enforce health and safety violations, but ignores chronic shortfalls in disability access. As 2026 looms, time is running out to avert a crisis for locals and visitors alike.
Essays
5 minute read
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
The BSR Podcast: Dive into December theater with Darnelle
Sit down with the stars of the Walnut's 'Christmas Story' and 'Pirates of Penzance' at Quintessence
This December is full of theater options, and they're not all A Christmas Carol. Darnelle dives into productions at the Walnut and Quintessence with the stars of the show.
Podcast
1 minute read
The Barnes Foundation presents Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets
Enchanting mysteries endure
An enchanting new exhibition at the Barnes exploring the weird, unsettling, and captivating world of Henri Rousseau will travel to Paris next spring. Emily Schilling reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
Philly arts and culture PR is suffering. Here’s why that matters to audiences.
It’s getting harder for us to work with the arts institutions we cover.
With nearly 20 years as a journalist on Philly’s arts and culture scene, Alaina Johns has a clear eye on its trends, including a worrying situation with arts PR that affects everyone, including audiences.
Editorials
6 minute read
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Also on BSR
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
Theatre in the X presents Richard LaMonte Pierce’s Ordinary People/Extraordinary People
A Christmas visit
Theatre in 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.
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
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, December 11-17, 2025
Alice, Homeboyz In Innerspace, and reindeer games
Holiday performances in abundance, plus art sales supporting marginalized communities, and a new exhibit opens at TILT. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
4 minute read
PHILADANCO! presents Then and Now
After touring Germany, PHILADANCO! comes home
After a sold-out tour in Germany, PHILADANCO! brought a mix of popular, re-envisioned works and a premiere by rising choreographer Juel D. Lane to the Perelman stage. Camille Bacon-Smith reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
BalletX brings world premieres to Bryn Mawr this December
A knack for new voices
BalletX in Bryn Mawr features premieres by choreographic fellow Christian Denice and company dancers, along with an audience favorite. Melissa Strong previews.
Previews
3 minute read
1812 Productions presents This Is The Week That Is: 20th Anniversary Special
Can a stage show riff on today’s news cycle?
1812’s annual satirical variety show is back for its 20th year with a strong cast and design, but some missed opportunities in its sketches. Walt Maguire reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
Inis Nua and Tiny Dynamite present Ian Kershaw’s The Greatest Play in the History of the World…
A play, a pie, and a pleasure
The Greatest Play in the History of the World… brings together Inis Nua Theatre Company and Tiny Dynamite for a delightful mash-up of sci-fi and rom-com. Cameron Kelsall reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read