Looking for some fun, unique and safe ways to spend your weekend? In the age of social distancing, Metro has you covered. A few Philly establishments have come up with inventive ways to still have fun this weekend while staying healthy.
“The Nutcracker”
The Pennsylvania Ballet’s holiday tradition of “The Nutcracker” can still be enjoyed this holiday season. The archived production will stream exclusively on paballet.org starting Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. until Friday, Dec. 25. On top of the streamed show, the company will also host a series of virtual Nutcracker Tea Parties starting this Saturday, Dec. 19. During the event, families will get to enjoy tea with some of their favorite characters from the show, including the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier (Dec. 19), Candy Cane (Dec. 20), Dewdrop (Dec. 22) and Mother Ginger (Dec. 24). Both single and bundle tickets are available for purchase. Single tickets for each virtual Tea are available for purchase for $15, and a bundle ticket for all four Teas is available for $50. A ‘Party Pack’ consisting of one Tea and one Nutcracker viewing is also available for $35 and a value deal for all four Teas and unlimited online viewing of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” is available for $70 as well.
“Apres-Ski” at The Good King Tavern
Take a trip to the French Alps without ever leaving Philly this weekend. Running every Thursday through Sunday, diners can head to the Bella Vista eatery to check out their own version of a Mont Blanc (Chamonix) chalet. Philadelphians will be able to indulge and enjoy all things surrounding Alpine winter culture including munching on specialty treats. Apres-Ski will be serving up raclettes, vin chaud, cheesy French hot dogs and much more. If you’re thirsty for wine, le Caveau will also be popping up as a bottle shop downstairs at the Tavern as well with wines under $20- $40 or “fancy forever” wines for special occasions. This winter-time pop-up will consist of insulated pods with infrared wall-mounted heaters, plus patio and street seating with propane heaters. Philadelphians can enjoy Apres-Ski every Thursday through Sunday with hours varying on the day.
614 S. 7th St., thegoodkingtavern.com
A Soul Full Celebration
Actor, writer, singer, educator and activist Tamara Della Anderson recently just announced the launch of Gumbo Lab, a mentorship and professional development lab and virtual showcase for Black female, trans, queer, and femme theatre artists. One of the Lab’s first events is this Saturday, Dec. 19, in collaboration with Juniper Productions titled A Soulf Full Celebration for The Solo Lab. According to a release, The Solo Lab Residency provides free professional developmental workshops for four Black female theatre artists, who are paired with a Black director-dramaturg and cinematographer. The four theatre artists in the first cohort are: Ang Bey (Philadelphia), Nikki Gee (Chicago), Deja Morgan (Philadelphia), and Vida (New York City). The Lab’s first cohort will showcase their work, through Gumbo Lab to audiences and producers in February 2021. The collaboration begins with an evening of “soul-stirring” entertainment hosted by Philadelphia’s own Starfire. The performance has tickets for $25 before and $30 the day of the show and will feature live and taped performances by Tayo Aluko, Tamara Della Anderson, Bethlehem the Artist, Jennifer Fouche, Marquis Gibson, Donnie Hammond, Joilet Harris, Daniela Paz, Bethlehem Roberson, Victor Rodriguez, and Brian Anthony Wilson. The evening will act as a fundraiser for Gumbo Lab.
JOYFUL Fridays on Philly Live Weekends
Visit Philadelphia and NBC10’s highly-successful virtual series Philly Live Weekends is teaming up with with REC Philly, nicethingsMUSIC and We the People Stage to highlight local talent and spread some cheer during this unprecedented holiday season. JOYFUL Fridays on Philly Live Weekends is a special virtual caroling series that can be streamed live at facebook.com/visitphilly every Friday at 5 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2021. Upcoming acts include Balmour (Dec. 18); Natalie Imani (Dec. 25). The final act scheduled for New Year’s Day will be announced at a later date.
The Little Princess
Quintessence Theatre Group will still be putting on their annual holiday show, “The Little Princess,” just through a digital format this year. The show will feature a four-person ensemble cast directed by founding member of Pig Iron Theatre Company Suli Holum and in true quarantine style, the actors will perform live from specially designed home studios. The at-home sets were created byYou-Shin Chen, original music by Liz Filios, and Priyanka Shetty also joined Suli Holum as a cultural consultant and co-adaptor for this particular production. The release states that playing multiple roles, the acting ensemble will include Quintessence favorite Leigha Kato who will also be joined by Simran Bal, Renea Brown and Jacinta Yelland. Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “The Little Princess” started virtual screenings on Dec. 9 and they will run through Dec. 27. Philadelphians can visit QTG’s website or call 215-987-4450 to purchase tickets. General admission tickets are available Dec. 11 – 27.
