This summer, Philadelphians can look forward to the copious amount of opportunities in their city to engage with all different types of performing arts. Whether it be watching free outdoor films under the stars, hearing live music, or enjoying hilarious comedy acts, it’s all available at a student price right at your fingertips. If you’re spending your summer in the city, take advantage of these inexpensive deals to watch some great acts and immerse yourself in the performing arts scene of Philly.
Idina Menzel at The Mann Center
When: Thursday, July 16, 8 – 10 p.m. Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue. Cost: $20.
Idina Menzel, Broadway star and the powerful voice behind the mulitplatinum hit song “Let It Go,” will perform in Philadelphia one night only at The Mann Center. Besides being the singer of the smash hit from Disney’s Frozen, Menzel has also starred in Wicked, Rent, If/Then and other Broadway favorites. Menzel will take audiences through a journey of pop songs, musical theater songs and her own personal favorites, surely making this a night of breathtaking voice that all audience members will remember.
Screening Under the Stars: The Wizard of Oz
When: Thursday, July 16, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 121 North Columbus Boulevard. Cost: Free.
Guests can enjoy the beauty of the waterfront at Penn’s Landing while watching the iconic film The Wizard of Oz on a huge screen set up on the Riverstage. This showing is part of Screening Under the Stars, a summer-long event where guests can enjoy a different film at Penn’s Landing every Thursday night, sponsored by Mix 106.1, CBS 3 and the CW Philly. Films begin at dusk and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a relaxing night of alfresco movies.
Improv Comedy: The N Crowd
When: Friday, July 17, 8 – 9:30 p.m. Where: The Actors Center, 257 North 3rd Street. Cost: $12 in advance.
The N Crowd, an uproarious Philly-based comedy improv troupe, is having a show Friday. Having performed over 500 times in Philly alone, the troupe of 19 comedians have perfected the art of making people laugh — and audiences love it. Each show is about 80 minutes long and filled with unscripted comedy, so get ready to call out wild suggestions and have a crazy, unpredictable night.
Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival
When: Saturday, July 18, 12 – 7 p.m. Where: Saunders Park Greene, 39th and Powelton Streets. Cost: Free.
Head out to the 9th annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival for a free day of jazz music and fun. Hosted by People’s Emergency Center, the festival will celebrate the rich history of jazz music and arts in Philadelphia and headline famous jazz musician Sonny Fortune. Along with the melodic tunes of Fortune, the event will also feature music by other national and local jazz performers, as well as vendors, tasty food trucks and other activities.
Five Dollar Comedy Week: As Seen on TV
When: Tuesday, July 21, 7 – 8 p.m. Where: Plays & Players Theater, 1714 Delancey Street. Cost: $5.
The Plays & Players Theater presents their Five Dollar Comedy Week, where comedy fans can stop by any night of the week to watch a wild comedy show for only $5 each. Some of Philly’s most hilarious comedians will host unscripted shows that rely heavily on audience participation. As Seen on TV skewers the art of the infomercial, with comedians aiming to desperately sell ridiculous products to the masses.
