Arden Theatre Company presents James Ijames’s Good Bones
A haunting debate in the shadow of the Sixers arena
The Philadelphia premiere of James Ijames’s Good Bones, onstage at the Arden, has unmistakable resonance for Philly in the aftermath of the Sixers stadium debacle. Josh Herren reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Yes, Bridgerton does mirror real life with its diverse cast. Here’s the history.
Exploring the real-life inspiration for a multiracial society in the hit Regency romance
Some commentators criticize Bridgerton for its racially diverse representation of the upper classes in 19th-century London. But An Nichols, who knows the real history, loves this aspect of the show.
Essays
6 minute read
Philadelphia Magic Gardens presents Face to Face: Isaiah Zagar’s Mosaicked Portraits
Piecing together an artist’s inspirations
A new show at Philadelphia Magic Gardens shines an often-mysterious spotlight on the people who have influenced iconic Philly mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
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Pig Iron Theatre Company and the Wilma Theater present Poor Judge
Multitudes of Aimees
Amid adversity, Pig Iron Theatre Company and the Wilma Theater deliver a brilliant revival of Poor Judge, their hit Aimee Mann musical. Cameron Kelsall reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Filament presents Consorts Reframed
Beautiful music from a broken consort
The period instrument trio Filament invited three guest artists to form a broken consort, featuring music from 16th and 17th-century England with a premiere from a modern Philly composer. Peter Burwasser reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
Remembering Dan McQuade, a Philly journalist like no other
Texts with Dan
Philly journalist Dan McQuade died this week from neuroendocrine cancer. He has been honored by publications and sports teams alike. Jill Ivey shares reflections on their friendship, and Dan’s legacy.
Essays
4 minute read
After more than five years, the Princeton University Art Museum reopens
The vibes are great at a long-awaited revamp of Princeton’s campus museum
Princeton University Art Museum closed down at the start of the pandemic, and it’s finally reopened with beautiful updates that are free for all to visit. K.A. McFadden reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
The Month in Philly Dance, February 2026
Fall in Love, Don't Stop Me Now, and The Evolution Tour
Warming up for the stage with dance performances in the Philly area in February. Camille Bacon-Smith rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau announce legislation to protect Philly from abuses by ICE
Locals brave the cold to say “ICE OUT”
Locals gathered in below-freezing temps on January 27 for the announcement of new “ICE OUT” legislation cosponsored by Councilmembers Rue Landau and Kendra Brooks. Alaina Johns reports.
Features
4 minute read
The BSR February 2026 repertory movie roundup
John Waters, Gaslight, and obsessive love at the Film Society
Films for Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and more populate February screenings. Stephen Silver rounds up.
Previews
5 minute read
Armstead Dickerson presents When I Saw the Sun
Connecting in the polycrisis era
Philadelphia artist Armstead Dickerson explores new modes of expression in his immersive language album When I Saw the Sun, which combines a visual and audio experience. Melissa Strong reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
People’s Light presents Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias
A welcome return to Truvy’s
Programming Steel Magnolias could be a risky choice, but a new production at People’s Light never becomes syrupy. Emily Schilling reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
MAGA orders Philly exhibits on slavery torn down. We at BSR are not afraid of our history.
History at the President’s House can be taken from the walls, but not from our minds.
Members of the BSR community were shocked when the exhibit documenting slavery at George Washington’s Philly house was dismantled last week. We'll keep standing up for Black history at BSR.
Editorials
4 minute read
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Also on BSR
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, January 29-February 4, 2026
CultureFest!, art and gardens, and reopening Indy Hall
Penn Museum kicks off the Year of the Horse, 1980s art at Arthur Ross, and Independence Hall celebrates its reopening. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
Vivian Allvin presents Everybody Loves Italians
The truth about stereotypes
The newest work from writer and performer Vivian Allvin examines what makes stereotypes complicated and the complexity of the cultural markers they represent. Anna Fiscarelli-Mintz previews.
Previews
2 minute read
The Walnut presents Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective, adapted by Bill Van Horn
A worthy homage to the world’s most famous sleuth
Bill Van Horn adapts two classic Sherlock Holmes stories with a warmth and passion worthy of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original vision, along with plenty of laughs. C.M. Crockford reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Hedgerow Theatre Company presents Mashuq Mushtaq Deen’s Draw the Circle
Celebrating trans immigrant artists’ fight to be seen
Trans playwright Mashuq Mushtaq Deen’s Draw the Circle gets its regional premiere at Hedgerow, starring local actor Joseph Ahmed. It’s an ode to the persistence and power of love in a frightening time. Krista Mar reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
FringeArts presents Jenn Kidwell’s we come to collect: a flirtation, with capitalism
Paying the price for attention
Jenn Kidwell brought her latest show, we come to collect, spoken and performed in ASL in partnership with Brandon Kazen-Maddox, to FringeArts. Josh Herren reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Locals pack a No ICE Philly meetup at the Friends Center on January 21
Proof that Philly wants to protect our neighbors
Anti-ICE activists in Philly are organizing to protect our neighbors from unconstitutional abuses and pressure Governor Shapiro into action. Alaina Johns was at their January 21 meeting in Center City.
Editorials
8 minute read
Chaz T. Martin and R. Eric Thomas present Variety Pack
Making space for comedy
Variety Pack, an alt-comedy festival, returns for a second year with kid-friendly acts, workshops, and a range of experimental humor. Dara McBride previews.
Previews
2 minute read
BSR Classical Interludes, more in January 2026
Nearly 40 years with Andrea Clearfield, and more
Andrea Clearfield's Szalon opens this weekend, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society sets up at the American Philosophical Society, and more wrap up January. Gail Obenreder previews.
Previews
3 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, January 22-28, 2026
Sonic pictures, Good Bones, and flirting with capitalism
Good Bones from James Ijames comes to the Arden, a performance at the Rotunda plays the sound of photographs, and more highlight the weekend. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
Philadelphia Theatre Company presents Paige Hernandez’s Havana Hop
Self-esteem as shared discovery
Havana Hop, a touring show by Baltimore-based multidisciplinary solo artist Paige Hernandez, is a bold celebration of identity, confidence, and self-discovery during childhood. A. Lewis reviews.