Nothing much going on here. Thom is at Sheldon and Gretchyn’s for the weekend. Sheldon has put together an RPG group that will meet periodically, and as I’m not into the whole gaming thing, I’ve opted to stay here in town. (Gretchyn is an amazing cook, though; I might’ve been persuaded to come along just for the food.) So yeah, this is like the proverbial poker night or fishing trip; I feel like I should call some girlfriends over for a game of bridge or a Tupperware party.
Next weekend we have plans to go to Philadelphia to see the Pennsylvania Ballet perform dance pieces set to Rufus Wainwright songs. I know, cool! The other night I was perusing the Rufus message board, which I hadn’t looked at in ages, and there was a thread about it. The full program consists of Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs, Peter Martin’s The Waltz Project, and
the world premiere of 11:11 by Pennsylvania Ballet member Matthew Neenan, choreographed to the music of popular singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright. With earth-tone costumes designed by Principal Dancer Martha Chamberlain, the six-song work will be performed with a cast of 20 to such songs as “Vibrate,” “Poses” and “Oh What a World.”
The other songs are “Natasha,” “Greek Song,” and “Sally Ann.” I’m totally looking forward to this! Thom’s been to Philly before, but I haven’t (just zoomed past it on the train to elsewhere); if anyone has any recommendations of other things to check out, do chime in. (I know that a major Dalí exhibition is coming to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but it doesn’t open until Feb. 16.)
[Addendum (Feb. 2): “Rufus Wainwright comes to the ballet,” Philadelphia Inquirer (registration required, or use bugmenot.com). (Via Queer Day.)]
6 replies on “Danse rebelle”
The dance sounds neat. Of course, it being set to Rufus’ music is probably what has me interested.
It sounds so lovely! Flights from SFO to Philadelphia are really inexpensive, but try as I might, ballet + Rufus = Shawn won’t touch it with a ten foot pole.
Add snow and I might as well kill him with my bare hands.
Alas. Have a great time, and I can’t wait to read about it next week!
I’m sorry, but ballet + rufus + snow = GOOD TIME FOR SINCA. I can’t believe I didn’t factor into this equation.
Jeff, I am totally jealous that you are going to this, please let us all know how it is.
Well, you simply must have a cheesesteak and some Tasty Kakes while you’re in town. I’ve never been a fan of scrapple, but if you’re feeling adventurous at breakfast, go for it.
The Philadelphia Museam of Art is always worth a visit. You may want to check out some of the historical attractions like Independence Hall or the Betsy Ross House.
If you like interactive museams, the Franklin Institute is tough to beat and was always a favorite of mine as a child.
Arts and culture? See if anything is playing at the Arden or Wilma Theatres. Both do exceptional work. Musical? See if Prince Music Theatre has any offerings.
And be sure to check out South Street and Olde City. They’re just kind of neat.
I am so jealous! I wish I had known about this!
You will have a great time in Philadelphia. I guarantee it. Make sure you hit the Franklin Institute just so you can say you walked through the Giant Heart.
Unfortunately, you won’t get to see one of my favorite sights in the city–Boathouse Row–all lit up since they are renovating the lights right now. My g/f’s brother lives just a few blocks from the Art Museum, and sometimes in the summer, when we go visit him, we’ll walk down to Boathouse Row to look at the lights at night. It’s gorgeous.
The other recommendation I would make is to see some of the historical sites. Go to the Liberty Bell. Go to Independence Hall. I didn’t appreciate it as a kid, but I do now.
And, if I don’t tell you that there is an Edgar Allan Poe House on Spring Garden Street (Poe spent time living in Philly briefly), they will take away my English Teacher Membership Card and Secret Decoder Ring.
And South Street. DEFINITELY South Street. LOTS of libations. 😉
telling half-tooths
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