‘SLAPHAPPY,’ Arden Cabaret, and Ali Stroker is back in Philly this weekend and beyond

This weekend and early next week features a handful of engaging performances, talks, and more. Villanova Theatre looks to heal with laughs, the Arden continues its cabaret series, and the Free Library hosts author Kaitlyn Greenidge. And if you haven’t seen two of the biggest shows from this week, Tiny Beautiful Things and Fat Ham, now’s your last chance!

Be well, everyone!

SLAPHAPPY: A Covid-Era Commedia

From Villanova Theatre comes a virtual ensemble-devised comic romp that aims to deliver “giddy delight in an age of anxiety.” Directed by Valerie Joyce, the show promises to be “stupid in all the best ways” as teams vie for glory in the high-stakes world of Commedia dell’Arte. Watch it online May 20-30.

Tiny Beautiful Things

In case you haven’t seen it yet, George Street Playhouse’s production of Tiny Beautiful Things streams through the weekend, closing on Sunday, May 23. The show based on the best-selling novel by Cheryl Strayed and her Dear Sugar advice column follows the relationships between an anonymous advice columnist named Sugar and the many real-life readers who pour out their hearts to her. Read our review if you haven’t already.

Fat Ham closes this weekend, too

If you haven’t been able to catch the show yet (which we reviewed), now’s your chance! The Hamlet-inspired show from James Ijames is now only $15 to stream through Sunday, May 23.

Libertie at the Free Library

Kaitlyn Greenidge will be in conversation with the Free Library of Philadelphia to talk about her new novel, Libertie. The story follows the journey of a Reconstruction-era Black doctor searching for equality in place, profession, and her family. The event is free and virtual on Monday, May 24 at 7:30pm.

Arden Cabaret Series

Join Joilet Harris and Mary Martello for an evening of tunes that span the American songbook. The duo’s performance can be streamed starting Monday, May 24 through June 6. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish.

They Still Want to Kill Us

Opera Philadelphia is streaming the short film They Still Want to Kill Us, a commemoration of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, for free starting Tuesday, May 25. The aria by composer and activist Daniel DBernard Roumain will be performed by mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges and is directed by Yoram Savion.

Ali Stroker with Philadelphia Theatre Company

Philadelphia Theatre Company is bringing Broadway star and Tony Award winner Ali Stroker back for a one-night-only virtual event on Wednesday, May 26 at 7pm. Live from the Suzanne Roberts Theatre stage, this marks Stroker’s first performance with PTC in 10 years.

Image Description: Ali Stroker sings on stage. Behind her, there are small lights wired on stage, and more similar bulbs illuminating on top of the empty seats in the theater. She's in a wheelchair, and is wearing a sparkling sequin dress. A piano is at the edge of the frame.