Performing Arts

Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information.

dance

• FIRST FRIDAY Headlong Dance Theater presents an informal performance of old, new and in-progress works. Runs through Dec. 31, 8pm, FREE , Spirit Wind Arts Center, 213 New St., 215-545-9195.

  theater

• ANYTHING GOES This charming Cole Porter musical recalls a simpler time, when "a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking." Lindsay Lohan, take note. Runs through Aug. 4, free with admission, Longwood Gardens, US Rt. 1, Kennett Sq., 302-478-3355.
• BLOOD BROTHERS This musical by Willy Russells' is propelled by the classic nature-vs.-nurture debate. Fraternal twins Eddie and Mickey, separated at birth, ultimately wind up in very different positions. But although one is Oxford educated and the other on the dole, they're too similar for their own good when it comes to matters of the heart. Runs through Aug. 11, $17-$28, The Ritz Theatre Company, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon, NJ, 856-858-5230.
• BLOOD THEATRE The Car Crash Club presents one-act horror plays drawn from the lineup of Paris Le Theatre du Grand-Guignol. Works include "The Final Kiss," "A Crime in the Madhouse!" and "11th Hour." Directed by Chris and Ed Seamans. Runs Aug.7-18, $15-$17.50, Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St., 215-514-7508.
• BROADWAY'S BEST This revue promises to touch on all the great moments from the Great White Way's history, from Gershwin to "Les Mis" to "Jersey Boys." Runs through Oct. 11, $37, American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 717-397-7700.
• CRAZY FOR YOU The King of Prussia Players present the latter-day Gershwin musical, which premiered in 1992. It's set in 1930 New York, and follows the story of Bobby Child's successes and foibles in the theater and in love. Runs through Aug. 4, $7.50-$15, Shannondell Performing Arts Center, 10000 Shannondell Dr., Audubon, 610-277-9505.
• IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY It's three days before Christmas in a London hospital, and Dr. David Mortimore just wants to perfect the lecture that could lead to his knighthood. But events spin wildly beyond his control in this madcap British farce, the sixth in Hedgerow's annual series of Ray Cooney slapsticks. Directed by Andrew Chown and Penelope Reed. Runs through Sept. 9, $10-$25, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.
• MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL This celebration of hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, chocolate binges and "The Change" follows four women shopping at a Bloomingdale's lingerie sale. It includes such chart-toppers as "I Heard It Thru the Grapevine; You No Longer See 39" and "Stayin' Awake! Stayin' Awake!" Ongoing. $45, Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St., 215-923-0210.
• THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP In this comedy inspired by horror and Gothic traditions, eight caricatures are played by just two actors. The campy farce is set in Mandacrest Estate, the home of Lord Edgar and Lady Enid Hillcrest, which is plagued by the too-real memory of Edgar's first wife. Directed by Jim Helsinger. Runs through Aug. 5, $27-$45, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley, 610-282-9455.
• ROMEO AND JULIET See the original star-crossed lovers under actual stars. Maybe this time those two crazy kids will work it all out. Presented by Shakespeare in Clark Park. Runs through Aug. 5, 7pm, FREE , Clark Park, 43rd St. & Baltimore Ave., 215-462-2115.
• THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shakespeare's timeless comedy is the story of two feisty sisters: one who refuses to marry, and one who can't until the other does. Directed by Russell Treyz. Runs through Aug. 5, $27-$45, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley, 610-282-9455.
• TONY 'N TINA'S WEDDING The original environmental theater show keeps chugging along. Join the happy couple and their wacky guests as they exchange vows on the water. Runs through Dec. 31, $89, Spirit of Philadelphia, Penn's Landing, Pier 3, 215-297-8540.
• WICKED: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE WITCHES OF OZ This Broadway hit based on Gregory Maguire's novel tells the story of Oz's resident witches and bitches before Dorothy started dropping houses.Runs through Sept. 9, $30-$138, Academy of Music, Broad & Locust sts., 215-731-3333.

  opera

• THE TALES OF HOFFMANN Jacques Offenbach's last work is told through the eyes of Hoffmann, a serial lover who relates the stories of the three women he has loved. Performed in English. Runs through Aug. 11, $16-$20, Delaware Valley Opera Company, Hermitage Mansion, 700 Hermit Lane, 215-725-4171.

  cabaret

• MARTHA GRAHAM CRACKER CABARET This night of music and mayhem stars the always fabulous Martha Graham Cracker. Every first Thu, 9pm, $10, L'Etage, Beau Monde, 2nd floor, 6th & Bainbridge sts., 215-592-0656.
• NICKI JAINE The Jersey chanteuse's smoky vocals grace the Great Stair Hall for an Art After 5 performance. Nicki sings traditional German cabaret songs and her own pieces and plays the musical saw, while the Museum offers table service, cocktails and light fare. Fri, Aug. 3, 5-9pm, FREE , Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. & the Parkway, 215-684-7506.