Performing Arts

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

theater

• AGE OF AROUSAL In this play by Linda Griffiths, a disproportionate population — 500,000 more women than men — throws 1885 London into a tizzy. All of a sudden, women think they deserve rights! Directed by Blanka Zizka. Runs through Jan. 6, $37-$60, Wilma Theater, Broad & Spruce sts., 215-893-9456.
• CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECTACULAR New Tang Dynasty Television and the Greater Philadelphia Asian Culture Center present this celebration including live orchestral music, dancing, drumming and festive sets. Runs through Jan. 6, $38-$108, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-732-5446.
• CONFESSIONS OF A ONE MAN SIDESHOW During this mixture of monologues and circus stunts, Dave takes to the couch and tells his therapist about his love life, freakishness and loneliness. Not recommended for children. Fri, Jan. 4, 7 & 9pm, $5-$10, Greene Street Studio, 6122 Greene St., 215-849-1991.
• DOROTHY PARKER AND FRIENDS This celebration of the short story writer, critic and poet is staged in a party atmosphere. Directed by David O'Connor. Runs through Jan. 27, $10-$30, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.
• ETC. PERFORMANCE SERIES This month's performing arts showcase features Artists in Rhythm, Carl Moritz Jazz Ensemble, Nicole Labonde and Annex Dance Company and more. Sat-Sun, Jan. 5-6, 8-9:30pm, $5-$7, University City Arts League, 4226 Spruce St., 215-382-7811.
• EXTREMITIES Local playwright William Mastrosimone examines rape, the justice system and the unlikely relationship beween victim and attacker in the melodrama. When Marjorie is accosted by an intruder in her New Jersey farmhouse, she escapes and takes the law into her own hands. Runs through Jan. 20, $10-$18, Mum Puppettheatre, 115 Arch St., 215-563-7500.
• HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ON ICE Disney's peppy teenage sing-fest takes it to the ice. Sorry girls, Zac Efron doesn't skate. Runs through Jan. 6, $13-$78, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., 215-336-3600.
• JEFFREY This romantic comedy by Paul Rudnick tells the story of Jeffrey, a gay actor and waiter who has sworn off sex after too many fights with partners about what "safe" means. Soon after, he meets the man of his dreams, who also happens to be HIV-positive. Runs through Jan. 20, $12-$20, Walnut Street Theater, Studio 5, 825 Walnut St., 215-574-3550.
• THE MISANTHROPE The Maukingbird Theatre presents Moliere's comedy about the hypocrisies of 17th-century French aristocracy with an all-male cast set in a gay society. Dito Von Reigersberg (aka Martha Graham Cracker) stars as Alceste, who is disgusted by the insincere men around him yet relentlessly pursues a narcissistic pretty boy. Runs through Feb. 2, $15-$20, Second Stage Theatre at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-563-4330.
• PETER PAN J.M. Barrie's lost boys, hooked captains and hungry crocs get singing in the musical adaption. Runs through Jan. 6, $10-$67.50, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• RENT Set in the East Villiage, this Pulitzer Prize-winning musical follows a young group of NYC artists struggling to work and survive. Runs through Jan. 6, $25-$100, Academy of Music, Broad & Locust sts., 215-893-1999.
• THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS The Lantern Theater Company presents Anthony Lawton's stage adapation (complete with music and dance) of C.S. Lewis' novel. As mid-level demon Screwtape advises his up-and-coming nephew Wormwood on how to corrupt the human soul, he catalogues human frailties and wickedness. Runs through Jan. 13, $22-$30, St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow sts., 215-829-0395.
• SLEEPING BEAUTY The classic happily-ever-after gets a modern, comedic update in this production for families. Runs through Jan. 27, $14-$30, Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St., 215-922-1122.
• SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER Lantern Theater presents this staged reading of Tennessee William's classic in the latest installation of EGOPO's monthly series to honor the American playwright. Mon, Jan. 7, 8pm, $8, Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Sq., 215-735-3456.
• THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS Using the sketch, vaudeville, and variety show format, this comedy show responds to the changing landscape of American politics as the country prepares for the presidential election. Runs through Jan. 13, $12-$34, The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-568-8077.
• THREE DAYS OF RAIN In this love story by Richard Greenberg, a shy architect finds an unlikely match in an outspoken Southern belle. Thirty years later, their children sort out the story in a Manhattan loft. Runs through Jan. 19, $8-$15, Players Club of Swarthmore, Rt. 320 & Fairview Rd., Swarthmore, 610-328-4271.

  opera

• A BAYOU LEGEND Pennsylvania's only African-American opera company, Opera North Inc., presents this work by William Grant Still set in the swamp land of Mississippi. Sat, Jan. 5, 8pm, $30, Centennial Hall, The Haverford Center, 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, 215-204-7600.

  cabaret

• THE MARTHA GRAHAM CRACKER CABARET Pig Iron Theatre's Dito van Reigersberg stars as the fab Martha Graham Cracker at this night of cabaret featuring everything from the classic Judy to Prince. Every second Thu, 9pm, $10, L'Etage, 6th & Bainbridge sts., 215-592-0656.