Spring has officially sprung! The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is in full bloom with events this season. And in case you missed it, the 11-day annual Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) Festival and Street Fair returns during these months. Other performances range from stand-up comedy to the best of Broadway. There’s absolutely no shortage of culture and innovative art at the Kimmel Center, so check out the breakdown of May and June’s upcoming must-see shows.
May 2 – 6 | 2:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m.
Academy Of Music
Everyone is fixated with Carmen, an irresistible Spanish gypsy… except for Corporal Don Jose. But no one can withstand her seduction for long. Witness the story unfold as a dangerous web of love becomes entangled. A twisting tale of romance and disaster is embedded in this magnetic masterpiece. Come experience why Carmen has become one of the world’s most popular operas.
Mahagonny: Ein Songspiel & The Medium
May 3 – 6 | 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Perelman Theater
Enjoy this special double bill with Carlos Agreda conducting members of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra as Emma Griffin directs. The show combines Kurt Weill’s take on dystopia with Gian Carlo Menotti’s idea of deception. In Mahagonny: Ein Songspiel, the German opera takes the audience to fascinating city of pleasure that leads to disillusionment. While in Menotti’s The Medium, this drama that creates an imagined dialogue with the departed. An inexplicable yet truly supernatural event becomes the catalyst in this maddening storyline right before your eyes.
Friday, May 11 | 7:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
Merriam Theater
A king of comedy in his own right, highly recognized stand-up comedian D.L. Hughley hits the road. Today, he is an activist, television personality, and radio host on Philadelphia’s 100.3 WRNB-FM. With two shows in town, be a part of the audience in a live taping of his next special. Above all, come prepared for a knee-slapping time!
Saturday, May 19 | 8:00 p.m.
Academy Of Music
Jay Leno, former TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian and best-selling children’s author, is coming to the Kimmel stage. He hosts a night of storytelling and uproarious comedy that will have you laughing for the remainder of the weekend.
June 13 – July 1 | 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Academy Of Music
Discover a whole new world… in this thrilling new production filled with the unforgettable beauty, magic, and comedy. This extraordinary event showcases the infinite possibilities of just one wish and a lamp. USA Today dubbed the musical as “pure genie-us.” Sing along to all your favorite songs from the film, as well as new music written by Tony Award® winner Casey Nicholaw. Experience exactly why audience members and critics agree Aladdin is “exactly what you wish for!” (NBC-TV)
Men Are From Mars – Women Are From Venus
Saturday, June 23 | 4:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.
Perelman Theater
Based on The New York Times #1 best-selling book by John Gray, this show is a light-hearted theatrical comedy. The sexy, fast-paced show touches on the inevitable cycle of dating with comedy and sage wisdom from the book. It’s a perfect idea for date night, as you may be relating to a lot of the hysterical vignettes.
For a full list of events, visit the Kimmel Center’s website. For the latest news and updates, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
What show are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments!
