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Electric Relaxation, plays inspired by Shel Silverstein, Cecily Brown at Barnes, and more
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, March 6-12, 2025
Kyle V. Hiller
This week in Philly, we have new performances from a variety of theater companies, including The Beauty Queen of Leenane from Irish Heritage Theater, Confirmation from SideQuest, and An Adult Evening with Shel Silverstein from Casabuena Cultural Productions. Then, NoName Gallery opens up a chill exhibition, March PHEST brings the laughs, a huge collection arrives at the Barnes, and An Unfinished Herstory continues to unfold.
The Beauty Queen of Leenane
March 7-23
Plays & Players, 1714 Delancey Street
Irish Heritage Theatre presents its production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane on the mainstage of Plays & Players. The dark comedy tells the story of Maureen, who lives a lonely existence in an isolated community catering to her demanding mother’s every need. But when she meets the handsome Pato Dooley who may have a way out for her, her mother will stop at nothing to make sure Maureen’s dreams never become a reality.
Electric Relaxation
March 7-April 27, 2025
NoName Gallery, 8127 Germantown Avenue
This new exhibit invites you into a space where art and rhythm move together in harmony. The exhibition features the works of Andy Katz, Chanae Richards, and Ricky Watts. It encourages you to “slow down, tune into the vibe, and experience the balance between creative expression and the simple beauty of taking it easy.” That’s the kind of encouragement I like to hear. Opening night is on First Friday, March 7.
March PHEST
March 7-9
Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia
Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) is a weekend of improv featuring advanced students from PHIT and indie teams and shows from Philly and New York.
An Unfinished Herstory
March 7-8. 7pm
Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 North American Street
Catch our preview of this upcoming set of performances celebrating International Women’s Day. Featuring music, dance, theater, poetry, spoken word, clown, sketch and more from local artists, the festival celebrates its second year.
Confirmation
March 8, 2pm
SideQuest Theater, 2030 Sansom Street
Philly-based performer and screenwriter Tom England—who you’ve probably seen frequent the stage at ComedySportz Philly—brings a staged reading of his new comedy this week. The performance tells the story of a jaded former Catholic being dragged back into parish life after his deceased best friend’s son chooses him as his Confirmation sponsor.
Cecily Brown: Themes And Variations
March 9-May 25, 2025
The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Ben Franklin Parkway
The largest collection of British painter Cecily Brown’s works in the US visits the Parkway this spring. The exhibition features over 30 large-scale paintings and works on paper that highlight Brown’s subversion of gendered tropes in art history and popular culture.
An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein
March 10, March 12-14
Plays & Players, 1714 Delancey Street
Five plays come together in this collection of dark comedy pulled from the world of Shel Silverstein, coming from Casabuena Cultural Productions in Mt. Airy. Meet Lisa who’s got the best dad in the world who bought her a pony for her birthday—or did he? See how Bender and his henchmen search for the man responsible for the 70s smiley face and the phrase “have a nice day” and finally make him pay. See what comes up for Irwin and Celia in a lively conversation at a bus stop. Discover the deal of the century—that rhymes entirely. And make money singing the blues with Blind Willie and his talking dog. You know, everyday mundane sort of things.
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