The Philadelphia Chorus To Present April 5 Concert

The Philadelphia Chorus will present an exciting concert on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 4PM at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (19 S. 38th Street, Philadelphia).

The concert, “Remembrance”, will feature Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem.  Fauré, influenced by his practical upbringing and formal music education at the Niedermeyer School, composed a Requiem reflecting his peaceful attitude toward death, drawing on the traditions of sacred music and great masters like Palestrina and Bach.  This beloved composition’s atmosphere is one of depth and restraint; it is intimate, mystical, luminous and transcendent.

The Philadelphia Chorus posed for this photo in the fall of 2024.

This concert will also feature another setting of the Requiem.  Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen wrote the Requiem for Solace which was commissioned by the Nidaros Cathedral Boys’ Choir and premiered in 2014.  Using part of the original Requiem Mass text along with a poem by Emily Dickinson, it is a work that has been described as “a choral piece that aims to provide comfort to those who are grieving or in pain… Every movement has a beautiful and endearing melody that creates a strong emotional reaction in both the performer and the listener.”

Works by Z. Randall Stroope and others will also be performed.

If You Go:

A Concert Featuring:

Gabriel Fauré – Requiem with guest artist: Brenton Mattox-Scott, bass

Kim André Arnesen – Requiem for Solace

and other selections by Z. Randall Stroope and more

Saturday, April 5, 2025, 4:00 PM

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 19 S. 38th Street, Philadelphia, PA

Tickets: $30; $25 Seniors & Advance Sales; $15 Students

Information: 215-995-3118 or www.thephiladelphiachorus.org

Help Fund A New Web Series, ‘Plant Based’

“Plant Based” is a new video web series in the works. It was inspired by an idea Jess Stinson had for a stand-up comedy story about the impact a marijuana dispensary has on a conservative town. Tony Moore turned the idea into a 20-minute pilot for a video web series. The pilot was filmed in two locations: in Ms. Stinson’s Wallingford home and at the Blue Moon Theatre in Woodstown, N.J.

Jess Stinson at right, with John Paul Cappielo onstage in “The PlayMakers” at Colonial Playhouse in March 2024.

The creative team is asking for donations to edit the pilot and film future episodes. If you can help, donations can be made here: https://igg.me/at/plantbasedws

MAC’s Playreading Series Continues April 10 With ‘Some Assembly Required’

Media Arts Council (MAC) continues its new playreading series with Some Assembly Required by Toby Teiger

When Madeline Munzel wakes up trapped with her estranged ex-husband, she assumes she’s in Hell. But when she discovers that they’re actually stuck in a mourning machine that saves copies of dead loved ones, she must work with her former spouse and the boy who put her there to figure out how to escape. A play about how far we will go to hold onto the things and people that we love… and what it means to let go.

Directed by Reva Stover

 Date: Thursday, April 10 reading begins 7:30 pm
Location: Media Fellowship House
Tickets:
Pay what you wish, suggested $10 donation

About the Playwright

Toby Tieger is a playwright and screenwriter based in Philadelphia. His script The Illuminati Kid was selected as a Finalist for the 2024 ScreenCraft Animation and Family Competition (top 10 out of ~900) and his work has recently placed in other competitions including PlayPenn’s Foundry program, Stowe Story Labs, and the Roadmap Writers’ Kids’ Television Competition. Toby writes humanist coming-of-age fantasy, often with a focus on LGBT+ characters.

Reading begins 7:30 PM

Tickets: $10.

More information: MAC Playreading Series: Family Business — Media Arts Council

Media Fellowship House, 302 S Jackson St, Media, PA

Spring Events at Colonial Theatre

This spring, the Colonial Theatre presents an exciting lineup of events designed to captivate and engage audiences.

Spring Entertainment: 

On April 5, as part of his 25th Anniversary Tour, music lovers can experience the Emmy Award-winning Spanish guitar and dance spectacular Benise. This milestone tour solidifies Benise as one of the longest running Latin-themed theatrical productions worldwide. The renowned composer, joined by an international ensemble of musicians and dancers, will dazzle audiences with a two-hour performance featuring brand-new material alongside fan favorites and electrifying renditions of rock classics like Led  Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” and AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” 

The excitement continues on April 11 with the return of Colonial 54: An Immersive Disco Experience Attendees can break out their sequins and platform shoes for a night of nonstop dancing with DJ Moshé, The Spin Therapist, and enjoy a show-stopping performance by Roxanne Rohls as the legendary Liza Minnelli. 

Meanwhile, the acclaimed Total Mass Retain YES Tribute Band returns to the Colonial on April 12 for another spectacular setlist featuring a dynamic mix of YES classics, epic tracks, and rare gems from the band’s most beloved albums. 

On April 26, join the celebration of local music and the creative arts community at the 6th Annual Earth Song Fest. The family-friendly event showcases live performances by talented Earth Song student bands and soloists, along with a vibrant marketplace featuring local artisan vendors. Attendees can also enjoy  raffles, face painting, and a variety of interactive activities, making it a perfect day of music, art, and community spirit. 

Fans of the ’80s are in for a nostalgic treat on May 3 during the Shannon Curtis: 80s Kids performance.  The high-energy synthpop concert  features songs from legendary bands like Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, and OMD.  

Special Movie Screenings and Events 

Blobfest enthusiasts won’t want to miss their chance to secure tickets for the highly anticipated horror themed festival, returning for its 26th year this summer. On April 2 and 3, both pre-sale and general admission tickets will go on sale, offering fans the opportunity to grab some of the hottest seats for this  year’s camp-themed Blobfest. Highlights include the annual stage show and legendary “runout,” special screenings of The Blob, and a lineup of thrilling, blob-filled events that celebrate the cult classic in all its  gooey glory. 

On April 13, in honor of National Poetry Month, join the Poets of Phoenixville for an inspiring evening of  spoken word and literary artistry.  

Book lovers can spend an unforgettable evening with Jennifer Weiner, the best-selling author of The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits, on April 17. Join the beloved author as she discusses one of her most anticipated novels to date, further solidifying her reputation as the queen of smart yet entertaining  poolside reads.  

On April 27, experience a night to remember full of Broadway magic during Broadway at the Colonial Theatre featuring stars from Wicked, Frozen, The Great Gatsby, Phantom of the Opera, and more.  Audiences will be treated to the extraordinary vocal talents of Broadway luminaries John Riddle (FrozenPhantom of the Opera), MaryKate Morrissey (Wicked, Mean Girls), and Noah J. Ricketts (The Great Gatsby, Beautiful). The evening will be expertly led and accompanied by the incomparable Dan Micciche, making for a night of dazzling performances audiences won’t want to miss. 

Enjoy an intimate acoustic concert like never before at the Colonial’s Songwriters in the Round performance on May 17. Grammy Award-winning songwriter Don Henry will take the stage alongside Phoenixville’s own Callahan & Fey for a truly personal musical experience.  

Tickets and info at The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA

The Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460), is situated in the heart of downtown Phoenixville.