PAFA presents Making American Artists: Stories from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 1776-1976

Then and now, a center for contemporary art

What makes art American? PAFA explores this question in a major exhibition that spans 200 of our artistic years, debuting at home before a national tour. Gail Obenreder reviews.

Gail Obenreder

Nov 28, 2022 · Reviews · 5 minute read

Art Alliance at UArts presents New Typologies

Our convulsive moment

This interdisciplinary mosaic of work by David Hartt, James Hoff, and Kahlil Robert Irving challenges, interrogates, and transforms visitors at the Art Alliance galleries at UArts. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.

Pamela J. Forsythe

Nov 28, 2022 · Reviews · 5 minute read

The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Gustav Holst’s The Planets

A trip through the solar system

The Philadelphia Orchestra summoned the majesty of Gustav Holst’s The Planets, while remembering the legacy of a departed friend. Cameron Kelsall reviews.

Cameron Kelsall

Nov 22, 2022 · Reviews · 3 minute read

People’s Light presents Jennifer Childs and Alex Bechtel’s Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto

A land where everything is possible

Alice in Wonderland, the jubilant new holiday panto by Jennifer Childs and Alex Bechtel, engages both our children and our inner child. Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer reviews.

Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer

Nov 22, 2022 · Reviews · 4 minute read

Lantern Theater Company presents Marco Ramirez’s The Royale

An emotional punch

Now onstage at the Lantern, The Royale tells the true story of Jack Johnson, who defied Jim Crow laws with his historic boxing career. Gary Day reviews.

Gary L. Day

Nov 22, 2022 · Reviews · 2 minute read

Delaware Art Museum presents A Marriage of Arts & Crafts: Evelyn and William De Morgan

Rediscovering a Victorian power couple

Sidelined by art history, the works of Evelyn and William De Morgan, a Victorian power couple who integrated their artistic practice with social advocacy, make a stunning debut. Gail Obenreder reviews.

Gail Obenreder

Nov 22, 2022 · Reviews · 4 minute read

Woodmere Art Museum presents George Biddle: The Art of American Social Conscience

A mirror on the world

George Biddle, born into wealth and prestige in Philadelphia, made a career of traveling the world and showing it as it really was, from underrepresented figures to the ravages of war. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.

Pamela J. Forsythe

Nov 21, 2022 · Reviews · 5 minute read

Penn Live Arts presents Terence Blanchard and Andrew F. Scott’s Gordon Parks: An Empathetic Lens

A vision in sound

Gordon Parks: An Empathetic Lens uses music and images to celebrate a legendary artist. Melissa Strong reviews.

Melissa Strong

Nov 15, 2022 · Reviews · 4 minute read

The Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival presents Karaoke, A Radiant Girl, and America

PJFF celebrates 42 years

The 2022 Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival celebrates 42 years with screenings at the Weitzman and other venues November 12 through 19. Stephen Silver reviews three picks.

Stephen Silver

Nov 15, 2022 · Reviews · 3 minute read

The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen, by Isaac Blum

An Orthodox teen in a wider world

Philly author Isaac Blum’s debut YA novel, The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen, follows an Orthodox Jewish teen in a new town for a fully up-to-the minute story of conviction and contradiction. Anndee Hochman reviews.

Anndee Hochman

Nov 15, 2022 · Reviews · 4 minute read