Mary Poppins soars into Philly later this month!

Mary Poppins herself soars into the Academy of Music from March 23 to April 17 as the next production in the Kimmel Center’s Broadway Series.

The adventures of the Banks children, the practically perfect Mary Poppins and a genial chimney sweep named Bert have enchanted audiences since the iconic Walt Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke was released in 1964. The stage production opened on the West End and then Broadway to critical and commercial success.

Now, Mary Poppins comes to Philadelphia for a spell, singing songs such as “Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” and of course, the delightful “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
The show has been described as a “roof raising, toe-tapping, high-flying extravaganza,” sweeping up 25 major theatre awards around the globe.

Tickets are available online, by phone at (215) 731-3333, or in person at the Kimmel Center box office.

Mary Poppins
When: March 23-April 17
Where: The Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets
Cost: Tickets range from $25-$150
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org

Ella comes to Philly!

Celebrate the “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald when the highly-acclaimed musical ELLA comes to Philadelphia for a limited engagement, March 22-27 at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
Featuring more than 24 hit songs, ELLA takes audience members on a stylish and sophisticated journey through the life of one of the greatest jazz singers of the 20th century. In her lifetime, Fitzgerald won 13 Grammy® Awards and sold over 40 million albums.

Broadway veteran Tina Fabrique captures the exuberance of the famed singer, performing memorable tunes like “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” “That Old Black Magic,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” and “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” The production follows Fitzgerald and her accompanying musicians and manager over a rehearsal and performance of one of the most pivotal concerts of her career, set in Nice, France, in 1966, when Fitzgerald was 51 years old.

Cool note: ELLA marks the first time the Annenberg Center has presented a musical as part of its theater series. Tickets are available online.

ELLA
When: March 22-27
Where: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut Street
Cost: Tickets range from $20-$50
More info: www.pennpresents.org

Oyster House Hosts Its 2nd annual shucking contest!

On Saturday, March 26 at 2 p.m., the popular center city bar and restaurant will be hosting its second annual Shucking Contest. Professional and amateur oyster shuckers from around the Philadelphia region will compete for huge cash prizes.

With $5 admission, you can watch the contest and enjoy the fruits of the competitors’ labor as shucked oysters are passed around the place between heats. Spectators will also have full access to Oyster House’s bar and a special firkin of a local craft beer (on a pay-as-you-go basis).

Where: 1516 Sansom Street
When: Saturday, March 26 at 2 p.m.
Cost: $5
More info: www.oysterhousephilly.com

Garrison Keillor coming to Philly Book Festival!

Garrison Keilor, author, storyteller, humorist, and radio personality, will be appearing at Philadelphia's Book Festival this April, promoting his new book Good Poems, American Place.

Who: Garrison Keilor
What: Reading, Q&A, signing
Where: Free Library of Philadelphia (1901 Vine)
When: April 11th at 7:30 P.M.
Cost: Simulcast tickets still available ($15 general admission, $7 students)

Michael Showalter to sign books in Philly!

Comedian Michael Showalter will be signing copies of his book this Friday at University of Penn, along with holding a Q&A. Check it out!

Who: Michael Showalter
What: Book signing and Q&A
Where: Barnes & Noble at University of Penn
When: February 25, 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.
Cost: $24.99 (list price)

da Vinci workshop!

How Things Work: Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop
When: Saturdays and Sundays, February 19 through March 27
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia
Cost: Event is free with museum admission ($15.50 adults, seniors and military personnel $14.50, and children $12) Tickets for Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop are $24.50 adults, $23.50 seniors and $17.50 for children.
More info: www2.fi.edu

Meet Ginuwine tonight!

Ginuwine is coming to Philly!


Who: Ginuwine
What: CD signing
Where: 100 S. Broad
When: Thursday, February 17th 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $17.98 (retail price, possible in-store discount)