5 fun things to do in Philly this week

Looking for great, cool things to do in Philly this week? We’ve got you covered with Elton John, jazz, comedy classes and a family look at a J.M. Barrie classic.

Things to do in Philly this week

The Philadelphia Comedy Academy

The first class of stand-up comic Brad Trackman’s monthly workshop on developing and honing a solid five minute set starts tonight.  Perhaps, he will explain the two drink minimum that all comedy clubs require from its audience.

Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m., Punch Line Philly,  33 E Laurel St., bradscomedyacademy.com

Soft opening of P.J. Clarke’s

Sure, the official grand opening is Sept. 21, but Philly has waited long enough for The Curtis Center’s  version of the NYC pub classic, P.J. Clarke’s, its richly woodsy design and its localized fare such as Pennsylvania Dutch chicken and dumplings, soft pretzel pigs in a blanket with Yard’s Brawler mustard, plus roasted porchetta sandwiches.

Sept. 10, P.J. Clarke’s Philadelphia, 601 Walnut St., pjclarkes.com/location/philadelphia

Donny McCaslin

Audiences may know saxophonist McCaslin and members of his band from their collaborative experience with the great, late David Bowie on his final album “Blackstar.” But, McCaslin & Co., have long been nu-lions of the Downtown NYC jazz electronic scene, and the reed man’s new album, “Blow,” shows that he’s still roaring.

Sept. 11,  8 p.m., The Foundry at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 East Allen St. $20, thefillmorephilly.com

Elton John 

The legendary British icon has promised that this tour – all three years of it – will be his last. If that’s not true, it’s no big deal. Cher, Ozzy and The Who have done the same repeatedly: announce the end, and milk the end. If it is a last time of touring, we’ll miss the grand theater and soulful pop of John. These dates come early in the tour, so we’re getting him fresh. Enjoy.

Sept. 11-12, 8 p.m., Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S Broad St., $99+, wellsfargocenterphilly.com

Mary Rose by The Philadelphia Artists Collective

Though this could also slide under “theater,” this Fringe Fest offering is one of the fleeting few (albeit darkly unconventional) family showcases in an offbeat location: “Peter Pan” creator, author J.M. Barrie writing about love and family with and immortality in a haunted Woodlands.

Sept. 12-22, 7 p.m., The Woodlands Mansion and Cemetery,  4000 Woodland Ave., $25, fringearts.com