Yury Urnov, director and written by Sasha Denisova of MY MAMA AND THE FULL-SCALE INVASION
MY MAMA AND THE FULL-SCALE INVASION opened last week at the Wilma Theater on the Avenue of the Arts. Each opening night they have a pre show reception for friends and supporters of the theater, which is also attended by the principles of each show.
Jerry Goldberg, Vice Chair Board of Wilma Theater, Mindy Goldberg, Sharon and Dan Camson
My mother was born on the very day when the Germans were bombing so, when I told her to go to the bomb shelter, the first thing she said was: ‘I’m not going there. I was born there.’ That gave the start to our ongoing fight because she didn’t let me come and take her out and, as you will see in the play, this is a woman of a strong character, as all Ukrainian women are.
– Sasha Denisova, The Guardian
Mari Shaw wearing a 3d printed DOVE representing peace
Iryna Mazur Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Managing Director: Leigh Goldenberg
MY MAMA AND THE FULL-SCALE INVASION
A co-production with Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
BY SASHA DENISOVA TRANSLATED BY MISHA KACHMAN ADAPTED BY KELLIE MECLEARY DIRECTED BY YURY URNOV
Sasha’s 82-year-old mother has lived in Kyiv her whole life. When Russia invades Ukraine in 2022, Sasha copes with her fears by imagining her mother in increasingly fantastical situations: strategizing with President Zelenskyy, striking Russian drones with jars of pickles, and even debating with God. Playwright Sasha Denisova was inspired by her online chats with her mother to write this darkly funny and deeply heartfelt new play.
Bill and Joan Goldstein
Yury Urnov’s direction, much like the piece itself, proves playfully frenetic and utterly refreshing.
– MD Theater Guide
Pat Adams and Jaylene Clark Owens, AUDELCO and Barrymore Award winning actress, as well as a highly acclaimed spoken word poet.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, join the Wilma Theater for a unique livestreaming experience!
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Yana Fefelova, Stas Prochutia and Ellie Freedman
State Rep Ben Waxman and Julie Wertheimer, Project Director at The Pew Charitable Trusts
Vesna Sacks, arts and cultural supporter and Morgan Green, Co-Artistic Director
Andrew Panebianco notes his favorite dish which reminds him of home = Pasta
I love the Wilma Workshops. My readers always ask me to recommend interesting things for them to do, and the Wilma has just what your looking for: Check out the schedule here.
Celebrity cook and Philly native Steve Martorano and his cousin, chef Ray, have prepared a special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for Wednesday, Feb. 14 at their new restaurant at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. The three-course meal is $135 per person and highlighted by Martorano’s surf and turf. The menu features the following choices:
Baltimore restaurateur Alex Smith addresses the crowd at the ribbon cutting, as developer Carl Dranoff looks on opening day October 12. Loch Bar is on the ground floor of his Arthaus condo building at Broad and Spruce Streets.
In October Loch Bar, a seafood house based in Baltimore, opened in Philadelphia at the corner of Broad and Spruce streets on the Avenue of the Arts. Andre Flewellen and I photographed the ribbon cutting and party. Since that time I have eaten there a dozen times.
Joe and Christine Sweeney
I’m a night owl. I like the nightlife, I like to boogie and that doesn’t always mean on the dance floor. I love the Philly vibe, smiles, laughter, and at Loch Bar I always find that.
Teri Vo,Anne , Marie Borns, Steve McGrath, and Deanna Frost
Plus they have live music but it’s not over whelming a conversation as you dine. It’s kinda a unique atmosphere. According to a Philadelphia Inquirer article: The live music — mainly solos or duos starting (during) dinnertime — plays into the Avenue of the Arts leitmotif. Arthaus is on the former site of Philadelphia International Records, where producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff created the sound of Philadelphia in the 1960s and ‘70s. The building was razed several years ago, making way for Arthaus. (Source)
Every time I go to Loch Bar, the bar is packed, and there’s always someone there I know. That’s a plus, especially since 4 square has ceased to exist.
Recently I ran into a few folks in the music industry at the bar: Luke Carlos O’Reilly, Eric Worthan and Durell Bottoms at Loch Bar. (12/28/23)
Chris Mullins, McGillin’s Ale House, David Blum, Montgomery McCracken and Bill Gehrman, board member of the Avenue of the Arts, and founder of EnRoute, was spotted celebrating the launch of the new Kimmel Center marketing project: NEWS: Ensemble Arts Philly Ensemble Arts Philly represents a wide variety of genres across the #KimmelCenter, #AcademyofMusic, and #MillerTheater in Philadelphia. The new brand from the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra for everything that you already know and love. For more information, visit www.EnsembleArtsPhilly.org
Sheila Hess, Philly’s City Rep, Michael DelBene, CEO Welcome America and Nicole Cashman, Ceo Cashman & Associates
I love potato skins and now with the combination of caviar I’m in heaven for under $20
Frank Smrcka, Avenue of the Arts, Patrick Mullen, First Lady of the Avenue of the Arts, Laura Burkhardt, executive director, and Council Person Mark Squilla
Chef Michael O’Halloran brings over 20 years of exceptional culinary having formerly worked as executive chef at The White Dog Café and Stella of New Hope.
Aly Green, Sharon Pinkenson, executive director GPFO and Lynn Rinaldi, General manager Lynn Rinaldi was chef-owner of Paradiso in South Philadelphia and recently did a stint at Dolce at the W Hotel.
People on my social media the other day were surprised when I raved about the fried chicken at Loch Bar. They were surprised it was on the menu. It was delicious. I’ve ordered it more than once on return trips. I also like the steak and the crab cake, which I just had on Wednesday night. So good. It comes with a choice of salad or fries. It’s January so I went with the salad.
I have had the fried lobster tail, so good. Never had it fried before.
Eric Settle, and Caron Graff
Happy Hour is Monday through Friday. Wouldn’t it be fun to do a Happy Hour crawl through Center City?
Marianne Harris and Barbara Gall of Art Haus Stop by to check out their units.
Philly’s night life mayor Raheem L.Manning and Salima Bradley checking out the night life at Loch Bar.
I think I am most excited about Loch Bar is it’s open later than most Center City restaurants ( another fav restaurant Steak 48 is across the street, but they close at 9ish most nights). It’s beautiful, there’s nothing like looking out of the expansive windows to see the ever changing movement on Broad Street. It’s great pre and post theater, and as I wrote last week Yannick Nézet-Séguin likes to head over after his gig at the orchestra, so you never know who might be on the scene. As for dining, I still have a long way to get thru the menu. I’m thinking the Seafood Tower is next on my dance card.
On November 8, RAIR (Recycled Artist In Residency) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its signature annual event – Trash Bash, last night at the beautiful Atelier FAS in North Philly. RAIR a unique, non-profit arts organization uniquely situated within a construction and demolition recycling center in Northeast Philadelphia. Ginger Rudolph, Sara McCorriston and Billy DuFala, co-founder of the Recycled Artist in Residency (RAIR) program in Philadelphia, which aims to raise awareness of sustainability through the creative reuse of materials. Dufala describes his work as an investigation of human beings and their relationships with themselves and others. Sarah M, Judy Wicks, author/activist , Christopher Plant, KISMET COWORK, RADIOKISMET, and Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at AIA Philadelphia, board member of PMA’s Collab Philly. Their annual event is happening Novermber 18, this year’s Design Excellence Award honoring American designer Stephen Burks. Samantha Wichen and Fern Gookin, Director of Sustainability, Revolution Recovery, and co-founder of Rair Philly, who’s mission is to continue challenging the perception of waste culture.
The whole concept of this creative organization is very unique and the work created is definitely one of a kind. An eclectic crowd gathered at this annual event, from business executives – Michael Newmius and Kevin Lessard, creatives Sarah H Gamble , philanthropists, politicians including Sen Shariff Street, entrepreneurs Lindsey Scannapieco,
Alexis Tuttleman and Max Tuttleman, Husband, Father, Philadelphian, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist.Rachel Zimmerman, Founding Artistic and Executive Director of InLiquid, Co-Chair Philadelphia chapter of ArtTable, Board Member of GPCA (Save the date March 9 for InLiquid’s annual fundraiser- InLiquid’s Art for the Cash Poor) and John Wind, founder and chief designer of Maximal Art, wearing a Andy Warhol inspired Campbell soup sweater from Joan Shepp. You can find his jewelry at the iconic fashion store on Chestnut Street as well.Blair M was happy to support Rair as well as to connect with old friends. Tony Diaz loves the unconventional items which are given a new purpose.Salt Design Studio = Angela Fleagle, Rian Herilla, Sara Pevaroff Schuler, Le Xu, Olivia Boon and Katrina RogusJason Kim, Ellen Houle, Leanne Weiner, Emilly Rollet, Kiet Tran, and Jon Wybar is the co-founder and owner of Revolution Recovery (the incredible company who created the material that built the temporary bridge on 95 which collapsed earlier this year, it makes sense he’s connected with a recyling art organization)Reny Beloff, Kristin Katz, Yameen Allworld and Liza Tedeschi, board member RAIR (Recycled Artist In Residency) is a non-profit arts organization uniquely situated within a construction and demolition recycling center in Northeast Philadelphia.The RAIR workspace includes a large project space, wood shop equipment, metalworking facilities, access to the waste stream for materials, and a material storage area. Artists-in-residence receive attentive support from RAIR’s staff who act as liaisons between the artist and the recycling facility. In addition to providing artists on-site access to recovered materials, construction equipment, and a fully-equipped studio space, RAIR’s residency program offers artists the opportunity to use the entire 3.5-acre facility as an expansive project space for the development and presentation of ambitious experimental work.
Lewis Wexler, and Sherri Apter Wexler owners of Wexler Gallery Celebrated The Opening Of Their New Philadelphia Location at 1811 Frankford avenue last month. It was formerly in the historic district of Old City where they opened in 2000.
Pei-ru Keh editor of Wallpaper Magazine, with gallery owners Lewis Wexler, and Sherri Apter Wexler and furniture designer Jomo Tariku, Jomo Design Furniture. The four of them participated in a panel discussion about current trends in design and art.
Wexler Gallery, opened a flagship showroom at 1811 Frankford Avenue in the heart of Philadelphia’s bustling Fishtown neighborhood, definitely Philly’s new vibrant art and cultural center.
The new gallery space will serve as Wexler’s flagship location and feature a roster of established and emerging artists, as well as the main offices for the Wexler staff complete with meeting space for clients and customers.
Lana Masor, Gallery Manager at Wexler Gallery NYC and Samantha Goldberg
They have another gallery in Manhattan 200 Lexington Ave.
Lauren Rufrano, Jomo Tariku, Justin Wesley, and Mark AllenNick Missel, contemporary Sculpture, patent attorney, artist Ben Gillespie, lighting designer and owner of Ovuud and Jessica Uphoff, URBN
Thanks to my photographer Talya Hailey who shot this for PCC as I had two other events. It was definitely a party I missed. So many fun and talented people attended. Being a creative brings such personal joy of accomplishment.
Marsha Moss, Public Art Curator & Consultant, Jill Sablosky, Sculptor and Crystal CuevasCrystal Cuevas, Claudia Volpe, and Micah Monroe
Occupying a former pretzel factory built in 1910, the 11,000-square-foot gallery features a dramatic, 35-foot-high central atrium topped by large skylights cut out of the timber ceiling.
Franz Rabauer, Brian Daggett, X, and KellyJerome Maury, Sherri Wexler, gallery owner, Stephanie Giesecke, and Nina Halper
The Wexlers aspire for the gallery to serve as a cornerstone, drawing in other artistic hubs like Corridor, and numerous others within the Crane Arts building vicinity (I always thank the Zimmerman sisters for really helping this area after they opened InLiquid nearly a decade ago in the Crane Arts Building), along with the Clay Studio and the recently inaugurated Ray Philly, a residential complex featuring artists’ studios on the ground floor, supported by collector Dasha Zhukova. It’s becoming a very exciting area, great for weekend strolls.
Chris Darway, Artist, designer, teacher, writer. Wayne Art Center and Nancy C. O’Meara – Director and Craft Show Manager
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show was founded in 1977 and was the first retail craft show established and organized by a volunteer committee for the benefit of a non-profit institution. This trailblazing show has served as a prototype for successful subsequent shows in cities such as Washington, D.C., and Glencoe, IL among others.
Ami Snyderman Lonner chair of this years show, her dad Rick Snyderman and brother Evan Snyderman of Manhattan, and Renee Cohen
The Show is presented each November by the Museum’s Women’s Committee and the Craft Show Committee for the benefit of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A portion of each year’s proceeds is dedicated to the purchase of a craft object for the Museum’s permanent collection. Funds raised are also used to underwrite education and publication projects within the Museum.
Martha Morris, Bryn Mawr, Linda Madara, Bryn Mawr, Linda Fuller of Haverford and Carole Jones of Philadelphia (I prepared some of these photos this way as they will go in the Main Line Today January issue. )Courtney Richards, Philly Pr Girl, Kate Marlys, Philly Pr Girl – Sunday Philly Pr Girls will be hosting their 8th annual Tailgate Party at the Eagles game. Catherine Joseph Booth 312 has great textiles.Henry Fader and Marjorie Rosenbluth Philips, who is wearing items she purchased at the craft show over a 12 year period.
Proceeds have enabled the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for the Audio-Visual and Conservation departments and monies have been contributed to the renovation of both Museum infrastructure and galleries as well as external installations such as the Rodin Museum and Mount Pleasant, an 18th century house in nearby Fairmount Park.
Joan Spain and Joan Pileggi, or the Joan’s as they have always been known on the social circuit, live spending time at the PMA Craft Show, as well as supporting many of the arts and cultural endeavors in the City. They were happy to see their friend Karen Morris a milliner , booth 410.Meghan Patrice Riley Studio of Broklyn NYThe Jane and Leonard Korman Family Prize for Excellence in Clay was awarded to Thomas Harris booth 606. Presented by the Korman daughters Susan Schurr, Cathy Altman and Alison Korman, and flanked by Philadelphia Museum of Arts Sasha Suda, director and CEO of the PMA
Hello readers. Social season is winding down. I think this is something I repeat every time Social Season ends, it’s kicked my butt. This year more than ever. It’s after the pandemic and people are excited to be out and about. More than once all three of us have been booked on a given night. Although a lot of the content appears on my media partners sites, CBSPhilly, Metro, and Tribune. I will be putting events here to catch you up as well, today though I just want to publish HughE Around Town stuff for those who might not see my Social Media posts. (I took this photo 12;30 10/31/23)
So many events happen in the fall season that I don’t have time to attend. For years Mike and I were volunteers for AIDS Walk Philly, but in the last decade I haven’t been able to make it. Mike, who had volunteered for 15 years, decided to walk with friends this year. Thanks to PR maven Cari Feiler Bender who snapped this photo for us to enjoy. 10/15 For 20 years it is has been my privilege to work with @aidswalkphilly and Robb Reichard. It’s not too late to donate at www.aidswalkphilly.org. What a beautiful Sunday morning! #aidswalkphillyCherri Gregg, WHYY, Karen Hua, NBC10, Pierre Robert WMMR, Cari and Rob Reichard.
Speaking of Karen Hua, she had another fabulous Hulaween Party this year. Heidi Klum move over.
Jane Fonda spotted in Philly late last month. Jane Fonda and Maura Tierney @mauratierney_ with the cast of Assassins at Arden Theatre Company which closed October 29. The Arden Theatre Company the show a genius work of Stephen Sondheim. Jane than appeared at a speaking engagement at the Kimmel Center on Monday October 23. (IG Post Arden Theatre)
Award winning Mister John’s Music, Music education for all, cut the ribbon on his new South Philly home at 761 S. 8th Street on Sunday, October 29th .
The building is still under construction, but the ribbon cutting, Halloween themed block party gave folks a sneak preview to what would come, another location for Mister John’s Music which offers an ever-expanding, wide variety of musical instruction for the whole family.
It was a fun day, where families dressed for Halloween, ate sweets, played games, music and sang along with Mr. John, Miss Angie, Miss Ashley, Mr Ben and other teachers at the music school.
Hey scarecrows
Many of the parents told me they love the atmosphere at Mister Johns, it’s very diverse, open and inclusive. A great social community for their kids, as well as developing their talent.
Shazam or is it SuperHero.io
I saw this couple Thursday night at Broad Street Ministry “Be Our Guest”
Vrommmm
The Shoap family
Little princess
Councilman Mark Squilla and Max Tuttleman
Mr John makes house calls: “Mr. John came to our house for a birthday party and my son said the best part of his day was, “Mr. John!” Mr. John played his favorite song and was so amazing and engaging with the children. He brought lots of instruments for the children to play along with. Would definitely hire him again!” client
A Message from Mr John:
Thank you everyone who was able to join us yesterday for our Halloween Party and Open House! 🎃🥳 It was so exciting to share what we’ve been working on for the past year.We’ve tried to create a space that is magical and beautiful for children of all ages. A space that will serve Philly families and musicians for generations to come.If you have the means, if MJM has created a space of creative expression, belonging and joy for you/your child/children, we’d love for you to consider putting your name on our donor wall on a custom brass plaque. You can purchase yours at the link in bio!
Caring People Alliance hosted its second annual Beer on the Pier at Cherry Street Pier on October 28. It will feature beers from 16 breweries.
Dori Senick, Caitlin Butrica, Jerry Macdonald, President & Ceo, Tanya Steinberg and Beth Grossman all of Caring People AllianceEric Taylor, HR Caring People Alliance pours Tröegs, one of 16 breweries on hand for tastings , With Halloween coming up I asked Eric what the scariest movie he saw- Lepercaun.Hey Yards!!Lois Hansen and Laura Fedock are ready for Halloween. Lois is giving out full size candy bars, Laura tells me the scariest movie she’s ever seen are all the Chuckie movies.Councilperson Mark Squilla and Folcroft Mayor Fran DiCiccoAt Caring People Alliance, we know that raising kids takes a village — so does managing your family’s needs, budget, work, and a million other things that life throws your way. That is why we are here to help. We provide convenient and responsive support to address issues and circumstances that threaten our communities’ wellbeing.Russ Fleisher and Scott CohenCaring People Alliance runs a teen program, here are the teens in their store at Beer on the Pier
Guests enjoying an unseasonably warm day, temps hit the 80F and it was a wonderful lazy Saturday raising money for a good cause.
Cherry Street Pier food vendors were open and folks enjoyed delicious fare.Hank Flynn, FOX29 was on hand to emcee, walked around and chit chatted with guests. You can catch him on Good Day Monday through Friday.There were great silent auction items.
It was a beautiful day. A great event. You have to go next year. There was a band, and dancing. Perfect day. Thanks for all you do Caring People Alliance. I love that Philly has so many incredible, helpful organization. They could use your support, financially, or people to volunteer. And if you need their services head here
Jimmy DeLaurentis officially opened his flagship location for his private label collection, James by Jimmy DeLaurentis, at 114 S. 19th St. yesterday.
A Philadelphia native and design trailblazer with more than 25 years of experience, Jimmy DeLaurentis is known for creating luxurious and memorable spaces through his unique design aesthetic that combines opulence with a touch of playfulness.
After honing his craft on the creative team at Ralph Lauren, he propelled his career by becoming an entrepreneur, designing stunning homes and businesses for A-list clientele. In 2016, he saw a void in the market for custom, luxury home furnishings and accessories with an element of surprise and launched JAMES by Jimmy DeLaurentis.
The showroom has stacks of eye catching books lined the shelves along with household accents, vintage black and white photos of James Dean, Paul Newman and race cars, welcomed guests to the new shop the showroom interior design and gift shop space. (Michael DelBene and Colin Burke)
Maryanne Harris and Stacey Kracher
Jimmy has other showrooms including one in Las Vegas, where his famous Bravo reality celebs, RHONJ Deloris Catania, Lisa Vanderpump of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and “Vanderpump Rules,” and her husband, Ken Todd, were all in attendance for the reveal of the Amalfi Furniture Collection and Poolside Pet Sofas at a Las Vegas, Nev. At the New York debut Teresa Giudice mentioned she has the Gabriella in her house. Don’t be surprised if you stop by his store and run into one of these ladies.
Sophisticated bar accessories
Jimmy also has these cute pet sofas which he debut in 2018 at a Union Trust party I covered.
Nicole Cashman of Cashman & Associates and Jimmy DeLaurentis.Author Thom Nickels stopped by to wish Jimmy well.Rick Mead and Tim Gresh
As for who, the event brought out the fashionable crowd, friends, family and Instagram Personalities including Ramillionaire Carr.
James offers a luxury candles and adorable “James” line of bears fashioned from upholstery fabric. Our James Bears are a stylish, yet playful accessory intended to add extra personality and an element of surprise to interiors, a key component of my design philosophy,” said Jimmy DeLaurentis. “Complete with leather collars, the bears are the perfect luxe accessory to add a little bit of my design aesthetic to a space.”
Lori and Brian GillBarbara Gall, Jimmy, Marianne Harris and guest.from Art Haus. Last year Jimmy DeLaurentis outfitted a Center City penthouse at Art Haus. (Inquirer) The new 1500 square ft. showroom highlights furniture and accessories from Jimmy’s private label collection. Pieces include upholstered furniture, an assortment of custom pet sofas – made with the same level of detail and quality as the furniture collections. Additional offerings include a full-service interior design studio as well as a curated collection of furnishings and gifts from his favorite designers including Interlude, Joe Cariati, etúHOME, Global Views and more. JAMES by Jimmy DeLaurentis
