{"id":38317,"date":"2023-03-31T08:59:34","date_gmt":"2023-03-31T12:59:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/?p=38317"},"modified":"2023-03-31T08:59:37","modified_gmt":"2023-03-31T12:59:37","slug":"what-to-do-spring-into-outdoor-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/?p=38317","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: ‘Spring’ into outdoor activities"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"

Nemours Estate<\/p><\/div>\n

Spring has officially arrived, and things are coming back to life. Flowers are blooming and outdoor attractions are beginning to open for the 2023 season.<\/p>\n

April 1 is \u201cOpening Day 2023\u201d for Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, nemoursestate.org<\/a>). The entrance is located on the campus of Nemours Children’s Health, follow signs for Nemours Estate.<\/p>\n

Originally constructed in 1910,\u00a0Nemours\u00a0Mansion is one of Delaware\u2019s grandest buildings and includes the largest formal French garden in North America. <\/p>\n

Nemours\u00a0Estate comprises an exquisite, 77-room Mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur’s Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles, and 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.<\/p>\n

Nemours\u00a0was the estate of Alfred I. duPont.<\/p>\n

Alfred named the estate\u00a0Nemours, after the French town that his great-great-grandfather represented in the French Estates General. While looking to the past and his ancestors for inspiration, Alfred also ensured that his new home was thoroughly modern by incorporating the latest technology and many of his own inventions.<\/p>\n

The Gardens is one of the estate\u2019s prime attractions.<\/p>\n

The two elk at the top of the Vista are the work of French sculptor Prosper Lecourtier (1855\u20131924), a specialist in animal figures. Lined with Japanese\u00a0cryptomeria, pink flowering horse chestnuts and pin oaks, the Long Walk extends from the Mansion to the Reflecting Pool.<\/p>\n

The 157 jets at the center of the one-acre pool shoot water 12 feet into the air; when they are turned off, the entire “Long Walk” is reflected in the pool. The pool, five and a half feet deep in its deepest section, holds 800,000 gallons of water and takes three days to fill. The Art Nouveau-style, classical mythology-based \u201cFour Seasons\u201d around the pool are by French-born American sculptor Henri Crenier (1873\u20131948).<\/p>\n

Admission to\u00a0Nemours\u00a0is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for children.<\/p>\n

This weekend will mark the opening of a new exhibition at the\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel Foundation (1124 East Seventh Street, Wilmington, Delaware, www.kalmarnyckel.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The unveiling of \u201cBattle of Buchan Ness: Epitaph for an Exceptional Ship\u201d is scheduled for April 1 from noon-4 p.m. The event includes tours and hands-on activities for all ages.<\/p>\n

\u201cBattle of Buchan Ness: Epitaph for an Exceptional Ship\u201d exhibit tells the story of the original Kalmar Nyckel\u2019s last battle when she was sunk off the coast of Scotland in 1652.<\/p>\n

The exhibit focus is a newly commissioned oil painting by renowned marine artist Patrick O\u2019Brien. The Foundation\u2019s\u00a0 and guides will interpret the exhibit and answer questions.<\/p>\n

Some of the featured activities at the free event will be \u201cWinter Ship Tours\u201d of the\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel, sail handling, cannon loading (model), LEGO ship building, scavenger hunts, and face painting.<\/p>\n

On April 2, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822\u00a0Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200,\u00a0www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org<\/a>) will present two special events.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Sweet Souls<\/p><\/div>\n

The first activity will be \u201cSweet Souls: Laurel Hill West’s Confectionery Connections\u201d which runs from 10-11:30 a.m. on Sunday.<\/p>\n

On this walking tour, guests will be treated to the sweet knowledge of the individuals and families who invented delicious products which we still consume today.<\/p>\n

The Tour Guide for this activity will be Linda Blowney.<\/p>\n

The second activity will be \u201cBeautiful Blooms: Spring Arbor Tour at Laurel Hill East,\u201d which is scheduled for 1-3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Azaleas, cherries, and dogwoods will provide the horticultural splendor. Participants can enjoy the splendor of Laurel Hill\u2019s certified arboretum in all of its spring glory.<\/p>\n

Aaron Greenberg, Board Certified Master Arborist and Arboretum Manager, will lead guests on a tour of spectacular flowering trees and shrubs of Laurel Hill East.<\/p>\n

April 1 is the opening date for Chanticleer (786 Church Street, Wayne, www.chanticleergarden.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Chanticleer<\/p><\/div>\n

The Chanticleer estate dates from the early 20th-century, when land along the Main Line of the Pennsylvania Railroad was developed for summer homes to escape the heat of Philadelphia. Adolph Rosengarten, Sr., and his wife Christine chose the Wayne-St. Davids area to build their country retreat. The family’s pharmaceutical firm would become part of Merck & Company in the 1920s.<\/p>\n

The Rosengartens hired architect and former classmate Charles L. Borie to design the house, which was completed in 1913. Landscape architect Thomas Sears designed the terraces as extensions of the house. A 1924 addition converted the summer home into a year-round residence and the family moved here permanently.<\/p>\n

Rosengarten\u2019s humor is evident in naming his home after the estate \u201cChanticlere\u201d in Thackeray’s 1855 novel \u201cThe Newcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adolph and Christine gave their two children homes as wedding presents. They purchased a neighboring property for son Adolph, Jr. and his bride Janet Newlin in 1933. It is now the site of the Ruin. Daughter Emily\u2019s house, located at today\u2019s visitor entrance, was built for her in 1935. It is presently used for offices and classrooms.<\/p>\n

Adolph, Jr., bought his sister\u2019s portion of the estate following her death in the 1980s. He didn\u2019t move into the main house but used it for entertaining and kept it as it was when the family lived there. The house is open for tours by reservation.<\/p>\n

Adolph, Jr., left the entire property for the enjoyment and education of the public following his death in 1990. A nine-member Board of Directors, six of whom are Rosengarten relatives, oversees The Chanticleer Foundation. The garden opened to the public in 1993. There are 20 full-time staff, of whom two manage facilities and 14 are gardeners and groundskeepers.<\/p>\n

The garden has evolved greatly since the death of the owner in 1990. As the home of the Rosengartens, Chanticleer was beautiful and green with impressive trees and lawns. Most of the floral and garden development you see today has occurred since 1990 — designed by Chanticleer staff and consultants.<\/p>\n

There are seven horticulturists, each responsible for the design, planting, and maintenance of an area. The areas are continually evolving, each with its own feel, yet joined together as one complete unit. The Teacup Garden and Chanticleer Terraces feature seasonal plants and bold-textured tropical and subtropical plants. These areas change greatly from year to year. Non-hardy plants overwinter in greenhouses and basements.<\/p>\n

The Tennis Court, Ruin, Gravel Garden, and Pond Garden focus on hardy perennials, both woody and herbaceous. The Tennis Court builds on the idea of foliar display introduced in the Teacup. The Ruin is a folly, built on the foundation of Adolph Rosengarten, Jr.\u2019s home. It is meant to look as if the house fell into disrepair. The Gravel Garden is hot and dry, a touch of the Mediterranean in Pennsylvania. The Pond area is exuberantly floriferous.<\/p>\n

Asian Woods and Bell\u2019s Woodland are shady areas. The former features natives of China, Korea, and Japan; the latter, plants of eastern North America. The Serpentine celebrates the beauty of agricultural crops. The cut flower and vegetable gardens produce flowers for arrangements and food for the table. Admission to Chanticleer is $12 for adults and free for pre-teen children (12 years and under).<\/p>\n

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Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum<\/p><\/div>\n

Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum (1237 State Road, Andalusia, www.andalusia house.org<\/a>) will have its \u201cSeason Opening\u201d on April 3<\/p>\n

Located on a wooded promontory overlooking the Delaware River, Andalusia has been a stately presence on this stretch of water, just north of Philadelphia, for more than 200 years. The ancestral home of the Biddle family, Andalusia\u00a0is\u00a0also a natural paradise of native woodlands and spectacular gardens that have evolved over time.<\/p>\n

Placed on the National Register\u00a0of Historic Landmarks\u00a0in 1966, the Big House\u00a0— one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States — provides an unparalleled look into our nation’s past, while also offering a glimpse into the life\u00a0of\u00a0a family\u00a0that helped to shape its future.<\/p>\n

Its surrounding gardens delight the senses all through the year, from the tumbling, brightly colored leaves of fall to the floral extravaganza of spring and the abundance and scent of summer.<\/p>\n

Self-Guided Garden Tours will be available Mondays through Wednesdays through November 4 (excluding holidays) at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

Visitors can stroll the spectacular formal gardens and native woodlands during a self-guided garden tour at their leisure and enjoy sweeping views from the banks of the Delaware River. Picnics are allowed on the grounds (with have a “carry-in, carry-out” policy).<\/p>\n

The Greater Philadelphia Expo\u00a0Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, 610-232-5718,\u00a0www.phillyexpocenter.com<\/a>) is hosting the \u201cSEPOS Orchid Show and Sale\u201d now through April 2.<\/p>\n

SEPOS (Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society) is a non-profit organization featuring a diverse group of individuals who share a common interest in the large and intriguing\u00a0plant family known as Orchidaceae \u2026 the orchids.<\/p>\n

The group is one of more than 400 affiliates of the American Orchid Society (AOS) and traces its origin to the 1940\u2019s in suburban Philadelphia. The organization\u2019s main focus is orchid culture, education and conservation. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in orchids.<\/p>\n

\u201cSEPOS Orchid Show and Sale\u201d features thousands of orchids on display, international vendors, free guided tours, free lectures, fragrance judging and flower arranging competition.<\/p>\n

Hours are noon-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15.<\/p>\n

Peddler\u2019s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000,\u00a0www.peddlersvillage.com<\/a>) will present the fourth\u00a0Annual\u00a0\u201cPEEPS\u00ae\u00a0in the Village\u201d\u00a0now through April 23 (except on Easter Sunday).<\/p>\n

The popular event showcases the creative talents of regional residents\u2013and the longstanding allure of the colorful candies. There will be more than 130 marshmallow masterpieces carefully crafted with bright bunnies and chicks in inspired, inventive settings.<\/p>\n

The event will start at 10 a.m. each day except on Sundays when it opens at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

Weekday and weekday evening visits are strongly encouraged. Lines and wait times can be long on weekends.<\/p>\n

Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119,\u00a0www.historicodessa.org<\/a>) is both a scenic and an historic site in Delaware.<\/p>\n

Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell\u2019s Bridge, Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port.<\/p>\n

Today, visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in one of the best-preserved towns in Delaware. They can also tour a remarkable collection of antiques and Americana preserved in period room settings and quaint exhibits.<\/p>\n

Historic Odessa is open to the public from March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.\u00a0 The site is also open Monday by reservation.<\/p>\n

Easter events are starting to pop up like daffodils and hyacinths.<\/p>\n

\u201cEaster Brunch at Elmwood Park Zoo\u201d (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org<\/a>) kicks off this weekend and runs through April 9.<\/p>\n

Participants can enjoy a delicious breakfast, participate in Easter activities, and meet one of the zoo\u2019s beloved education animals. They can also take a picture with the Easter Bunny and then enjoy exploring the Zoo.<\/p>\n

On April 1, 2, 8 and 9, there will be four brunch sessions each day \u2013 10 and 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 and 1:45 p.m. Tickets include admission to the Zoo, brunch, a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny and more.<\/p>\n

The Easter menu features Strip Steak, Pork Loin, Carved Turkey, Sausage, Turkey Sausage, Red bliss Potatoes, Waffle Bar with Fried Chicken, Pasta Primavera, Mac and Cheese Shells, Omelette Bar, Scrambled Eggs, Quiche Danish, Cinnamon Buns, Dessert Cart, and various beverages.<\/p>\n

Prices start at $99.95 for a table of two.<\/p>\n

The Easter Bunny is known for hopping around but not always. Sometimes, he opts for a different form of locomotion \u2013 with real locomotives.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, instead of bouncing along the ground, the big happy rabbit rides a train. This weekend, the holiday bunny will start his three-weekend stint of riding trains all around the area.<\/p>\n

The New Hope and Ivyland Railroad (32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332,\u00a0www.newhoperailroad.com<\/a>) is running its annual Easter Bunny Express beginning on March 25 with departures at starting at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

The Easter Bunny is going to ride onboard the train where he will visit with each child, hand out special treats and pose for pictures. Coach tickets start at $45 for adults and $43 for children (ages 12-plus) and $10 for toddlers (under 2).<\/p>\n

The train ride departs from and returns to the New Hope Train Station. Riders can take in the sights of early spring as the Easter Bunny visits with all of the children handing out special candy treats and posing for photos taken by the railroad staff.<\/p>\n

The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com<\/a>) is running its \u201cEaster Bunny Train\u201d from April 7-9.<\/p>\n

Excitement is in the air at America\u2019s oldest continuously operating railroad. Easter weekend brings a sense of renewal, from the smell of the fresh country air and spring flowers to the anticipation on the faces of little ones as they prepare for a journey they won\u2019t soon forget.<\/p>\n

The rail line\u2019s Easter Bunny Train is a fun and memorable way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. This train is extra special because the conductor is none other than Peter Cottontail.<\/p>\n

On the train is on its way, the Easter Bunny will hop from car to car spreading Easter happiness to the little ones on board.<\/p>\n

Riders need to remember to bring a camera to capture the moment. They can also shoot a few selfies to share on Facebook and Instagram.<\/p>\n

Prior to that, the Strasburg Rail Road is running a special train on Saturday and Sunday \u2013 the \u201cWine & Cheese Train.\u201d<\/p>\n

Passengers can enjoy the luxurious, climate-controlled first-class accommodations and a tasting of select wine, cheese, and crackers as they travel in style down the tracks from Strasburg to Paradise and back. The train departs at 6 p.m. and the total trip time is 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWine & Cheese Train\u201d boarding is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Riders must be 21 or older and have their photo ID ready when they board.<\/p>\n

Featured wines are carefully selected from Waltz Vineyards, and cheeses are paired accordingly. Beer and select non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase upon request. Riders can purchase a souvenir wine glass on board the train if desired. Glasses are $7 each.<\/p>\n

In accordance with Pennsylvania law, alcohol is only served during the train ride. We are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages while the train is berthed in the station.<\/p>\n

This popular train is available on select Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the season. Tickets are $65.<\/p>\n

Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com<\/a>) may be closed for park rides and activities but there\u2019s still furry fun to be had.<\/p>\n

The amusement park in Bucks County will celebrate Elmo’s Eggstravaganza now through April 10.<\/p>\n

Guests can visit Sesame Place Philadelphia for a hoppin\u2019 good time with exciting rides, entertaining shows, the Sesame Street Party Parade and special Easter fun with everyone\u2019s favorite furry friends.<\/p>\n

Visitors can enjoy soaring, spinning, whirling and twirling on Sesame Street-themed rides, get photos with your favorite friends in their Eggstravaganza attire, meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny, go on a scavenger hunt for Easter Eggs around the park, and so much more.<\/p>\n

They also will be able to dance and sing along to the Sesame Street Party Parade, the Furry Friends Bunny Hop Dance Party and The Magic of Art.<\/p>\n

Theme Park admission and parking fees are not required for entry.<\/p>\n

Every Saturday and Sunday in March and April, the Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http:\/\/www.chaddsford.com<\/a>) is presenting \u201cReserve Tastings \u2013 Wine & Cheese.\u201d<\/p>\n

Guests will join the CFW Crew for an intimate and educational 60-minute experience in the Barrel Room.\u00a0The trained staff will guide them through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse and award-winning wines from across our portfolio. The selections will be paired alongside seasonal local cheeses and other accoutrements to enhance your tasting experience.<\/p>\n

The staff will also discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at our partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.<\/p>\n

The 2023 Pairing Line Up is Greeting Wine: 2021 Sparkling White; 2021 Presage with First Light Honey Ch\u00e8vre & an apple slice; 2021 Dry Ros\u00e9: Redux with Caulkins Creamery Noblette Hibiscus Petals; 2020 Mar\u00e9chal Foch with Highlander and Sour Cherry spread; and Niagara with Goat Rodeo Bamboozled<\/p>\n

Reserve seatings are $35 per person.<\/p>\n

The \u201cWine and Cupcake Pairings\u201d at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, http:\/\/www.pennswoodsevents.com<\/a>) will host a \u201cWine & Cupcake Pairing\u201d on April 1.<\/p>\n

It will mark the 11th Annual Wine & Cupcake pairing and will be held each weekend in March.<\/p>\n

This pairing includes a tasting of four premium wines paired perfectly with four delicious cupcakes from\u00a0Dia Doce.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $36 and reservations are required.<\/p>\n

Harvest Ridge Winery (1140 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, harvestridgewinery.com<\/a>) is hosting two special events this weekend.<\/p>\n

\u201cWine & Comedy Night\u201d is scheduled for April 1 at 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Billed as \u201cKricket Comedy,\u201d the show will feature three comedians \u2013 Bob Marsdale, Chica Loca and Gabby Lovelane.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $30.<\/p>\n

On April 2, it will be time for \u201cEaster Candy Pairing.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the event, which runs from 1-2 p.m., the winery will be pairing four different Easter inspired candies with four of its delicious wines.<\/p>\n

The winery\u2019s website offers this advice \u2013 \u201cThis is a self-guided pairing so make sure to bring your sweet tooth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tickets are $25.<\/p>\n

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org<\/a>) just opened its 2023 season.<\/p>\n

Visitors are invited to celebrate the early bulb display of the March Bank with self-guided garden tours.<\/p>\n

On Saturdays and Sundays in March, Winterthur is hosting an event called \u201cTake a\u00a0Hike!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hikers will be able to explore the site\u2019s trails with Winterthur estate guides. Winterthur\u2019s 1,000-acre estate features 25 miles of walking paths and trails and 10 miles of roads to discover.<\/p>\n

The walk, which runs from 2:30-4 p.m., is included with admission.<\/p>\n

The white arrow tour has returned for the season!\u00a0When the Winterthur Garden was first opened to the public, Henry Francis du Pont had white wooden arrows\u00a0placed in the garden to direct visitors during spring tour to the\u00a0\u201cmust-see\u201d flowers that week. The self-guided tour starts at the Visitor Center Patio and winds through the garden, highlighting the changing colors of spring and leading guests back to the Visitor Center. The path will change weekly as the color progression dictates.<\/p>\n

Admission to Winterthur is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (age 62 and older) and students, and $8 for children (ages 2-11).<\/p>\n

Another venue where you can enjoy flowers up close is Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134,\u00a0www.tylerarboretum.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The arboretum\u2019s schedule for this weekend features the \u201cSaturday Wildflower Walk,\u201d on March 25 at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

At the \u201cSaturday Wildflower Walk,\u201d wildflower expert Joanne Landau will lead an informative two-hour hike that will take visitors through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside. These walks are for those who have a love of plants, their role in ecology, or for those who want to learn more.<\/p>\n

Admission to Tyler Arboretum is $18 for adults (ages 18-64), $15 for Seniors\u00a0(65+) and $10 for children (ages 3-17) and Military with valid ID.<\/p>\n

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/a>) is now featuring one of its popular annual special events \u2013 \u201cSpring Blooms.\u201d<\/p>\n

Right now, the \u201cstar\u201d bloom is the Blue Poppy a.k.a. \u201cMeconopsis\u00a0\u2032Lingholm\u2032.\u201d<\/p>\n

Longwood Gardens forces blue-poppies to flower every year in March. This cultivar, ‘Lingholm’, produces large flowers that are four inches in diameter on average. Blue-poppies, native to the high elevations of the Himalayan Mountains, are infrequently cultivated outside their native habitat. Given the right conditions, however, they can thrive in gardens located in the northern regions of North America and Europe.<\/p>\n

Other showcase blooms this week are Glory-of-the-snow (upward facing, sky blue flowers), Silver-squill (small, bulbous plants that are a striking dark gray with vivid green patches and a deep violet underside), Yulan Magnolia (a deciduous tree native to central and eastern China), Clivia (lightly fragrant, buttery yellow flowers with overlapping petals that produce a beautiful floral display) and Star Magnolia (early blooming\u00a0deciduous with fragrant, double white flowers).<\/p>\n

Visitors to Longwood Gardens can embark on a poignant journey with\u00a0\u201cVoices in the Landscape: Deeply Rooted with Storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston.\u201d This is a series of 10 stops throughout the Gardens which honor the contributions of the African American community through the lens of horticulture and the power of story.<\/p>\n

Participants will follow along as storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston honors and celebrates the strength, resilience, and contributions of the African American community through the lens of horticulture and the power of story.<\/p>\n

Those taking the tour can hear an ancient Zulu creation myth paired with the oldest plant on Earth in the Conservatory; make their way to the Lookout Loft Treehouse and learn the story of the significance and symbolism of woods and meadows; and call out the name of an ancestor in remembrance at the Large Lake while a traditional spiritual soothes your soul.<\/p>\n

\u201cVoices in the Landscape\u201d signage is at each stop. Each audio recording ranges between three and eight minutes in length. The estimated time to experience the entire Voices in the Landscape exhibit is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.<\/p>\n

Inside Longwood’s Conservatory, visitors can check out the towering Clerodendrum schmidtii (chains of glory) as well as nearly 300 blooming orchids on display in the site\u2019s newly renovated Orchid House.<\/p>\n

A new attraction this year is Longwood Gardens\u2019 \u201cScience Saturdays\u201d series.<\/p>\n

Beyond the boundaries of the formal gardens, Longwood stewards a rich variety of natural habitats. The rolling terrain of the Pennsylvania piedmont and changing ways people have used land over time provide us with diverse conditions for plant and animal life. Dr. Lea Johnson, Associate Director, Land Stewardship and Ecology, will reveal how patterns in the landscape reveal both history and potential futures for biodiversity.<\/p>\n

As always, admission by \u201cTimed Ticket\u201d — tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience.<\/p>\n

You may enter the Gardens up to 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after your designated time. Make every effort to arrive at your designated reservation time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated.<\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and college students, $18 for active military and veterans and $13 for youth (ages 5-18).<\/p>\n

Hagley Museum and Library (Route 141, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400,\u00a0www.hagley.org<\/a>), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, has just opened a new attraction \u2013 \u201cNation of Inventors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the \u201cgolden age\u201d of American invention, in the late 1800s. The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley\u2019s unique collection highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.<\/p>\n

Patent models are scaled representations of inventions and were part of the patent application process for nearly 100 years.\u00a0\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0showcases patent models representing innovations in a variety of industries from transportation and manufacturing to food preservation and medical devices.<\/p>\n

In the exhibition, visitors will enjoy engaging experiences around every corner, testing their knowledge of innovation and hearing personal accounts from inventors.<\/p>\n

The patent models in\u00a0\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0were created between 1833 and 1886. \u201cNation of Inventors\u201d not only features patent models submitted by inventors from the United States, but also models from inventors in England, France, Ireland, Russia, and Spain, demonstrating an international interest in America\u2019s intellectual property system.<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d includes patent models from well-known inventors and companies like Ball (Mason Jars), Jim Beam, Bissell, Corliss, Steinway, and Westinghouse. The exhibit presents important topics and timely themes including women inventors, Black inventors, immigrant inventors, improvements in urban living, and the ways Americans learn about and understand progress and change.<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d is located on the first two floors of Hagley\u2019s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.<\/p>\n

Beginning on March 1, all guest areas (Nation of Inventors, the historic powder yard, the historic home and garden, etc.) are open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. \u00a0Last admission is at 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Admission to Hagley Museum is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $6 for children (ages 6-14). Victorine\u2019s Valentine activities are included with regular admission.<\/p>\n

The newest exhibition at the Brandywine Museum of Art (1 Hoffman Mill Road, Chadds Ford, brandywine.org<\/a>), \u201cAndrew Wyeth: Home Places,\u201d opened last weekend and will run through July 13.<\/p>\n

This exhibition\u00a0is a presentation of nearly 50 paintings and drawings of local buildings that inspired Wyeth time and again over seven decades of his career.<\/p>\n

The artworks in this exhibition are drawn exclusively from the nearly 7,000-object Andrew and Betsy Wyeth Collection of the Wyeth Foundation for American Art, now managed by the Brandywine. Many of these pieces have never before been exhibited, offering a first glimpse at a significant treasure trove that will shed new light on the collaborative creative process of Andrew and Betsy Wyeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cAndrew Wyeth: Home Places\u201d\u00a0shares the story of a remarkable immersive and intensive artistic practice that ranged across the full array of media Andrew Wyeth practiced. Over the course of a long and diverse career of many chapters, Wyeth repeatedly depicted a small group of historic houses in the vicinity of his hometown of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

In these weathered buildings others might have overlooked or even scorned in the face of gentrification and commercial development of the region, Wyeth found layers of emotion and association. These structures\u2014both venerable and vulnerable in a changing Brandywine Valley\u2014served as a means of pursuing his abiding attention to that which lies beneath the surface of things.<\/p>\n

Through living in this landscape his whole life, he engaged in an artistic practice of uncommon focus over an extended timescale, coming to know deeply the evocative buildings in a radius of just a few square miles and rendering them in an astonishing variety of compositions, handlings and approaches. As Wyeth said, \u201cYou can be in a place for years and years and not see something, and then when it dawns, all sorts of nuggets of richness start popping all over the place. You\u2019ve gotten below the obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Among the previously unexhibited works on view are the charming early oil\u00a0\u201cThe Miller\u2019s Son,\u201d\u00a0painted when Wyeth was just 17 years old, and the stunning watercolor\u00a0\u201cNoah\u2019s Ark Study\u201d\u00a0made at age 87\u2014both depicting the same property, Brinton\u2019s Mill.<\/p>\n

That the Wyeths came to own and restore this property for use as their primary residence is among the many contributions of Betsy James Wyeth, whose distinct role in stewarding historic properties in Pennsylvania and Maine, which informed her husband\u2019s painting practice, is a key context of this exhibition.<\/p>\n

Museum admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors (65+), $6\u00a0children (ages 6-18) and students with ID\u00a0and free for children (ages five and under).<\/p>\n

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, ansp.org<\/a>) celebrates the remarkable diversity of birds, their important role in ecosystems, and people\u2019s relationships with our avian friends with a special exhibition, \u201cConversations with Birds.\u201d<\/p>\n

The exhibition, which runs through May 21, spotlights familiar local birds, such as house sparrows and cardinals, and goes beyond to introduce the variety of migrators that pass through on astounding epic journeys across the globe.<\/p>\n

\u201cConversations With Birds\u201d features amazing avian photography and video by local birders and wildlife photographers, including Anwar Abdul-Qawi<\/a>, an Academy educator, and Tom Johnson<\/a>of Cape May, N.J., a Field Guides birding tour leader; nest cam video footage of a peregrine falcon nest from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and of a bald eagle nest courtesy of HDOnTap.com<\/a> and the Pennsylvania Game Commission; hands-on activities that explain the body architecture that enables birds to do what they do; gorgeous taxidermy mounts of familiar local birds and also migrators that visit the area; and BirdCast animations from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology showing live bird migration forecasts<\/a><\/p>\n

Also featured will be bird-tracking products by Cellular Tracking Technologies<\/a> that use cell towers, GPS, big birds, small birds, and what\u2019s being used in research projects; an interactive media exhibit that shows five migratory birds that pass through the Philadelphia region on their seasonal passage between North and South America; live or video demonstrations (depending on the day) of Academy ornithologists and volunteers preparing specimens from the Bird Safe Philly<\/a> project for research and storage in the Academy’s world-renowned Ornithology Collection; and informal presentations by a diverse range of regional birding groups and participatory poetry workshops by Drexel\u2019s Writer\u2019s Room on select Saturday afternoons.<\/p>\n

\u201cConversations With Birds\u201d opens just ahead of spring migration when millions of birds will wing through the Atlantic Flyway north to their breeding grounds. During this period, April 1\u2013May 31, the partnership of Bird Safe Philly asks communities to participate in \u201cLights Out Philly<\/a>\u201d to minimize unnecessary lights by turning off, blocking or dimming artificial lights from midnight-6 a.m. to help keep birds from becoming confused by the lights and colliding with buildings.<\/p>\n

The exhibition shows that there are engineering solutions that can go a long way to helping prevent window strikes. Visitors also will learn about local birding groups such as In Color Birding<\/a>and Bird Philly<\/a>, as well as birding app options for the adventurous birder and the backyard kitchen-table pigeon watcher alike.<\/p>\n

\u201cConversations With Birds,\u201d which is on view through May 21, is free with general museum admission \u2013 adults, $25; seniors, military and students, $22; and children, $21.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a fun family activity \u2013 an indoor activity unaffected by the weather — Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com<\/a>) has something just for you — \u201cBunnyland,\u201d which runs now through April 8.<\/p>\n

Guests will hop aboard a hayride as it carries them through the woods to visit the Easter Bunny\u2019s house where all will have the chance to meet Linvilla’s Easter Bunny. During the visit, one of Linvilla\u2019s Bunny’s friends will tell a magical story and provide special treats for all.<\/p>\n

If you would like to capture your special visit; be sure to bring your camera since the Easter Bunny likes to take pictures with all special guests!<\/p>\n

Our staff will not handle cellphones to take photos. Plan on taking a selfie or having one member of your group take the photo. Please be respectful of the other families on the wagon while taking your photos with the bunny.<\/p>\n

This hayride lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.<\/p>\n

Just down the road from Linvilla Orchards is a site featuring an event that is good for kids of all ages.<\/p>\n

Newlin Grist Mill (219 South Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, 610-459-2359, www.newlingristmill.org<\/a>) will celebrate \u201cTrout Fishing Opening Day\u201d from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 1.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Mortimer Newlin, founder of the Nicholas Newlin Foundation, was an enthusiastic fly fisherman who immediately recognized the possibilities of the trout stream \u2013 the West Branch of the Chester Creek \u2013 that runs through the property. Trout fishing has become a well-loved and enjoyable feature of the park.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) established a single, statewide Opening Day of Trout Season that will occur annually on the first Saturday in April beginning in 2022.<\/p>\n

    The trout fishing season opens at 8 a.m. on April 1 for all anglers in the 18 southeastern regional counties \u2013 including Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York.<\/p>\n

    From April 1 through Labor Day, anglers may keep five trout — each at least seven inches long, per day.<\/p>\n

    Both pond and stream fishing are available starting on opening day of the Delaware County, Pennsylvania trout fishing season. Pond fishing remains open through October 31, and stream fishing is open through December 31st (conditions permitting).<\/p>\n

    The \u201cFRIENDS™ Experience: The One Near Philadelphia\u201d is running now through May 29 at the King of Prussia Mall, 640 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia,<\/p>\n

    Visitors can step into the iconic TV show like never before in this interactive experience.<\/p>\n

    They will be able to explore set recreations including Joey and Chandler\u2019s apartment, Monica and Rachel\u2019s kitchen, and Central Perk!
    \nVisitors to the attraction can dance in front of the fountain and pose on the iconic orange couch.<\/p>\n

    Participants will be able to see a wide array of props and costumes from the show which will bring them one step closer to their favorite characters.<\/p>\n

    And they can shop exclusive items at\u00a0The FRIENDS™ Experience\u00a0Retail Store which features an array of clothes, accessories, collectibles and more.<\/p>\n

    The interactive exhibit is open from noon-7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.<\/p>\n

    The exact location is at The Pavilion, which is on the third floor above Cheesecake Factory and Urban Outfitters and across from Ethan Allen)
    \nAll ages are welcome. Children 3 and younger don\u2019t need a ticket when accompanied by a parent or guardian.<\/p>\n

    Adult ticket prices start at $32.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBanksy Was Here\u201d was scheduled to run until January 31 at a location in Fashion District Philadelphia (901 Market Street, Philadelphia, banksyexpo.com\/philadelphia\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n

    Fortunately, the exhibition\u2019s stay in Philadelphia has now been extended until April 17.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBanksy Was Here\u201d features the work of elusive, anonymous street artist Banksy. It is an immersive, multisensory\u00a0exhibit\u00a0featuring original works, projections, virtual reality and more to plunge you into Banksy\u2019s world.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBanksy Was Here,\u201d the \u201cunauthorized exhibition\u201d features a plethora of original works and installations, as well as interactivity, in galleries that pay homage to the artist\u2019s themes, works, and sense of chaos, satire and controversy.<\/p>\n

    Banksy, the British artist whose identity is still unknown, is considered one of the main contemporary street art icons. In Philadelphia, an \u201cunauthorized\u201d Banksy\u2019s exhibition lets visitors\u00a0dive into the controversial artistic universe\u00a0of the most influential creator of present time.<\/p>\n

    The exhibition will\u00a0include over 80 original works, sculptures, installations, videos and photos including the now classics of the artist (presumed to be British). These pieces come from private collections and – with the collaboration of Lilley Fine Art \/ Contemporary Art Gallery –\u00a0will be exhibited in Philadelphia\u00a0for the first time.<\/p>\n

    Banksy\u00a0is a\u00a0pseudonymous\u00a0England based street artist, political activist and film director whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation.\u00a0Active since the 1990s, his satirical\u00a0street art\u00a0and subversive\u00a0epigrams\u00a0combine\u00a0dark humor\u00a0with\u00a0graffiti\u00a0executed in a distinctive\u00a0stenciling\u00a0technique. His works of political and social commentary have appeared on streets, walls and bridges throughout the world.<\/p>\n

    Banksy\u2019s work grew out of the\u00a0Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians. Much of his work can be classified as\u00a0temporary art.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBanksy Was Here\u201d is running now through April 17 in Fashion District Philadelphia.\u00a0Timed tickets are $37.90 for adults (ages 13 and up), $28.90 for seniors, students and military and $22.90 for kids (ages 4-12).<\/p>\n

    There is also another popular destination in the Fashion District.<\/p>\n

    Wonderspaces\u00a0at the Fashion District (27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia,\u00a0philadelphia.wonderspaces.com<\/a>) is an experiential, interactive arts venue.<\/p>\n

    Building on the success of annual pop-up shows in San Diego, and its first permanent location in Scottsdale, Arizona,\u00a0Wonderspaces\u00a0opened a 24,000 square foot gallery space in Philly a year ago.<\/p>\n

    Wonderspaces\u00a0features 14 art installations that all play with the idea of perspective.\u00a0 The artwork ranges from award-winning virtual reality short film about a dinner party-turned-alien abduction, to a room where visitors digitally paint the walls with the movement of their bodies.<\/p>\n

    New artworks rotate in every few months, creating an ever-evolving, year-round show.<\/p>\n

    Tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they please during operating hours.\u00a0The average time spent experiencing the show is 90 minutes.<\/p>\n

    A few installations contain flashing lights, images, and patterns that may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. All visitors must sign a waiver prior to being admitted into the space. Adult supervision is required for visitors under 16.<\/p>\n

    Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Philadelphia (215-413-1997,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>),\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster (717-687-6687,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) and\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg (717-687-6687,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true\u00a0ghost\u00a0stories and real haunted houses.<\/p>\n

    The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,\u201d is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where\u00a0ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.<\/p>\n

    Participants can discover the ghost lore of America\u2019s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn\u2019s colony to present-day hauntings.<\/p>\n

    The activity is open year-round \u2013 weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.<\/p>\n

    The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Lancaster, PA.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Participants in the\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America\u2019s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The\u00a0tour\u00a0provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City\u2019s thorny past. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

    The\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed\u00a0tour\u00a0guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night \u2026 in a town lost in time. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

    Grim\u00a0Philly\u2019s \u201cDark Philly History Tour\u201d (www.grimphilly.com<\/a>) will be held every evening throughout the winter.<\/p>\n

    Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers. The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way. This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.<\/p>\n

    Tickets are $35.<\/p>\n

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     <\/p>\n

    By DENNY DYROFF<\/p>\n

    Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/p>\n

    For the most part, springtime means that it\u2019s time to throw open the windows and put winter coats in the closet \u2013 time to get out and enjoy the outdoors<\/p>\n

    With early spring weather that fluctuates often \u2013 and often dramatically, it\u2019s not a bad idea to occasionally put outdoor activities on the back burner and look to indoor activities as alternatives.<\/p>\n

    Attending live theater is a great alternative.<\/p>\n

    Fortunately, there are three very good theatrical presentations on the current calendar \u2013 topflight productions of \u201cSIX,\u201d \u201cI Love You, You\u2019re Perfect, Now Change\u201d and \u201cInto the Woods.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cInto the Woods,\u201d which is running from April 4-9 at the Miller Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus (250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia,\u202fwww.kimmelculturalcampus.org<\/a>), is a musical with music and lyrics by\u00a0Stephen Sondheim\u00a0and book by\u00a0James Lapine.<\/p>\n

    The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization present the hugely acclaimed Broadway production of\u00a0Stephen Sondheim\u00a0and\u00a0James Lapine\u2019s\u00a0Tony Award\u00ae-winning musical as part of a strictly limited engagement.<\/p>\n

    Direct from Broadway comes an all-star cast, including reprisals from\u00a0Montego Glover\u00a0as The Witch,\u00a0Stephanie J. Block\u00a0as The Baker\u2019s Wife,\u00a0Diane Phelan\u00a0as Cinderella, Sebastian Arcelus\u00a0as The Baker, and\u00a0Gavin Creel\u00a0as Cinderella\u2019s Prince\/Wolf.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMost of the Broadway cast has come out on tour,\u201d said Phelan, during a phone interview last week from a tour stop in Boston. \u201cIt\u2019s a unique experience for audiences.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe tour started in February \u2013 a few weeks after we closed on Broadway. The finals show on Broadway was on January 8. We all came together and started rehearsals two weeks later. Then, we were off to Buffalo for tech on February 14.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMost of us weren\u2019t finished bringing this show to people. This is something we\u2019re excited to share with audiences. It\u2019s been great so far and we\u2019re not done yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cInto the Woods,\u201d which became the first Broadway hit of the 2022-2023 season after its sold-out run at New York City Center Encores!, is directed by\u00a0Lear deBessonet,\u00a0with music supervision by\u00a0Rob Berman,\u00a0and choreography by\u00a0Lorin Latarro. This production is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Sondheim.<\/p>\n

    Into the Woods\u00a0first premiered on Broadway in 1987, winning three Tony Awards including Best Score and Best Book. It has since been produced throughout the world and was adapted into a major motion picture in 2014.<\/p>\n

    Following a sold-out New York City Center Encores! run in May 2022, the production transferred to Broadway as a limited engagement beginning July 2022, marking its first time on Broadway in 20 years. Following tremendous critical acclaim and audience demand, it was extended twice and concluded its Broadway run on January 8, 2023.<\/p>\n

    The creative team for\u00a0Into the Woods\u00a0includes Tony Award winner\u00a0David Rockwell\u00a0(Scenic Design),\u00a0Andrea Hood\u00a0(Costume Design),\u00a0Tyler Micoleau\u00a0(Lighting Design), Tony Award winner\u00a0Scott Lehrer & Alex Neumann\u00a0(Co-Sound Designers),\u00a0James Ortiz\u00a0(Puppet Design),\u00a0Cookie Jordan\u00a0(Hair, Wigs & Makeup Design), and\u00a0John Bell\u00a0(Music Director). Casting is by Telsey & Co. with Production Supervision by\u00a0Cody Renard Richard\u00a0and Production Stage Manager is\u00a0Scott Rowen.<\/p>\n

    The musical intertwines the plots of which several\u00a0Brothers Grimm\u00a0and\u00a0Charles Perrault\u00a0fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters\u2019 wishes and quests. The main characters are taken from \u201cLittle Red Riding Hood,\u201d \u201cJack and the Beanstalk,\u201d \u201cRapunzel,\u201d\u00a0\u201cCinderella\u201d and several others.<\/p>\n

    The musical \u201cInto the Woods\u201d debuted in San Diego at the\u00a0Old Globe Theatre\u00a0in 1986 and premiered on\u00a0Broadway\u00a0on November 5, 1987, where it won several\u00a0Tony Awards, including\u00a0Best Score,\u00a0Best Book, and\u00a0Best Actress in a Musical\u00a0in a year dominated by \u201cThe Phantom of the Opera\u201d (1988).<\/p>\n

    The musical has since been produced many times, with a 1988 US national tour, a 1990 West End production, a 1997 tenth anniversary concert, a 2002 Broadway revival, a 2010 London revival, and in 2012 as part of New York City\u2019s outdoor Shakespeare in the Park series.<\/p>\n

    James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone\u2019s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece\u2026 and a rare modern classic. The Tony\u00a0Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe show itself is so dense \u2013 it can be a lot of story to sift through,\u201d said Phelan, who grew up in Taipei and later New Haven, Connecticut.<\/p>\n

    \u201cTake out what you know, evaluate, and then follow what happens next. It\u2019s daunting \u2013 but it\u2019s so well laid out. This production makes it clear \u2013 makes it easy to follow.\u201d<\/p>\n

    The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King\u2019s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch\u2019s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse.<\/p>\n

    Everyone\u2019s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. \u201cInto the Woods\u201d is a musically sophisticated show with the opportunity to feature actors who are adept at dark comedy.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat I like about Cinderella is how she finds her voice at the end — and what she becomes,\u201d said Phelan. \u201cShe has the largest arc of any character.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s an incredible journey what these characters go through. What\u2019s great is that we get to learn what happens behind the scenes.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Phelan is a somewhat atypical Cinderella.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m a Filipino\/Irish American actress and we\u2019re not usually cast as Cinderella,\u201d said Phelan, who had also considered pursuing a career in immunology.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI got top perform it on Broadway \u2013 and to work with three other incredible women of color. I closed it. I was the fourth person in the Broadway run.<\/p>\n

    \u201cCinderella was the role I wanted most. It\u2019s been a dream to play Cinderella. It\u2019s great to play in this sandbox.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Video link for \u201cInto the Woods\u201d \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/XLOn5zoVd24<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    \u201cInto the Woods\u201d is running now through April 9 at the Miller Theater. Ticket prices start at $49.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSIX\u201d is a musical that has reached legendary status in just a few years.<\/p>\n

    Now through April 9, the Kimmel Cultural Campus is presenting \u201cSIX\u201d at the Academy of Music as part of its 2022-2023 Broadway series, (Broad and Locust streets, Philadelphia,www.kimmelculturalcampus.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

    \u201cSIX\u201d is a British\u00a0musical\u00a0comedy\u00a0with music, book, and lyrics by\u00a0Toby Marlow\u00a0and\u00a0Lucy Moss.\u00a0It is a modern retelling of the lives of the six\u00a0wives of Henry VIII, presented in the form of a pop concert. In the show, each of the wives (Catherine of Aragon,\u00a0Anne Boleyn,\u00a0Jane Seymour,\u00a0Anna of Cleves,\u00a0Katherine Howard, and\u00a0Catherine Parr) takes a turn telling her story to see who suffered the most because of Henry VIII.<\/p>\n

    The musical premiered at the\u00a0Edinburgh Festival Fringe\u00a0in 2017, where it was performed by students from\u00a0Cambridge University. \u201cSIX\u201d\u00a0premiered on the\u00a0West End\u00a0in January 2019, and has since embarked on a UK tour, been produced in Australia at the\u00a0Sydney Opera House\u00a0in January 2020, and premiered on\u00a0Broadway\u00a0in March 2020.<\/p>\n

    After the break for the COVID pandemic, it officially opened at the\u00a0Lena Horne Theatre\u00a0in October 2021. Now, \u201cSIX\u201d is out on two North American national tours — the \u201cAragon\u201d and \u201cBoleyn\u201d tours, both of which began in 2022.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSIX\u201d tells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII in a very different way. At the beginning of the show, the six women argue with one another as they try to claim that they had it worse. But as they listen to their stories, they open their hearts to each other and realize it\u2019s better to stick together.<\/p>\n

    Marlow and Lucy Moss came up with the idea to create a musical based on Henry VIII\u2019s wives while studying at the University of Cambridge \u2013 and then bring the characters to life based on the personas of current pop divas.<\/p>\n

    Catherine of Aragon, who was Henry VIII\u2019s first wife, was married to Henry VIII from 1509-1523. Their divorce led to the creation of the Church of England. Beyonc\u00e9 and Jennifer Lopez inspired the Catherine of Aragon character.<\/p>\n

    Anne Boleyn, who was the King\u2019s second wife, was married to him from 1533-1536 when Boleyn was beheaded on accusation of incest and adultery. Avril Lavigne inspired the Anne Boleyn\u00a0character.<\/p>\n

    Jane Seymour, the third wife, was only married for one year, but she did provide Henry VIII with his first son, Edward. Jane Seymour died in childbirth. Adele inspired the Jane Seymour character.<\/p>\n

    Anna of Cleves was Henry VIII\u2019s fourth wife, and they were only married for seven months in the early part of 1540. Rihanna and Nicki Minaj inspired the Anna of Cleves\u00a0Six\u00a0character.<\/p>\n

    Katherine Howard, Henry VIII\u2019s fifth wife, married days after and were wed from July 1540 to February 1542. She was beheaded because of her extramarital affairs. Ariana Grande and Britney Spears inspired the Katherine Howard character.<\/p>\n

    Catherine Parr, the King\u2019s sixth and final wife, got married in 1543 and stayed together until 1547 when Henry VIII passed away. Alicia Keys inspired the Catherine Parr\u00a0character.<\/p>\n

    The show in Philadelphia is the \u201cBoleyn Tour,\u201d which features Gerianne P\u00e9rez\u00a0as Catherine of Aragon; Zan Berube as Anne Boleyn; Amina Faye as Jane Seymour; Terica Marie as Anna of Cleves; Aline Mayagoitia as Katherine Howard; and Sydney Parra as Catherine Parr.<\/p>\n

    Both P\u00e9rez\u00a0and Mayagoitia have Latin roots.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI was born in Mexico City,\u201d said Mayagoitia, during a phone interview Wednesday morning from a tour stop in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe moved to Austin, Texas when I was 10. Then, I studied musical theater at the University of Michigan. I was also interested in comedy.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMexico City still feels like home. My mom is a theater director in Mexico City and I\u2019m still very connected. I\u2019m still a fan of \u00a0UNAM (one f Mexico\u2019s top soccer clubs) along with the rest of my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

    P\u00e9rez said, \u201cI was born in Tampa. I was an Army brat and we lived in Massachusetts, Washington State, Georgia and Kentucky. New York and Florida are the main places I call home.\u201d<\/p>\n

    For P\u00e9rez, it’s also an opportunity to integrate her Puerto Rican heritage into the role \u2013 especially with the Jennifer Lopez aspects of the role adding to the Boricua vibe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI first heard the \u2018SIX\u2019 album in 2019,\u201d said P\u00e9rez. \u201cIt\u2019s an incredible concept album. The second I heard it, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It\u2019s a musical like no other. I get to play the role in a very concert style.\u201d<\/p>\n

    One by one, the queens take the stage in a solo song, each wife channeling a different modern pop act as she makes the case that her trauma was the worst trauma. Even when\u00a0Six\u2019s song pairings don\u2019t make much historical sense, they can still be fun.<\/p>\n

    \u201cCatherine of Aragon was his first wife,\u201d said P\u00e9rez. \u201cThe pressure of her not giving the King a male child fractured their marriage. She was a spectacular woman \u2013 very fiery. She was a badass woman. Henry couldn\u2019t outsmart her.\u201d<\/p>\n

    In this play, all the queens are color-coded.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI play the King\u2019s second wife, Katherine Howard,\u201d said Mayagoitia. \u201cI\u2019m color-coded and I wear pink. The color is based on the vocals but mainly the vibe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe show was written by history students at Cambridge. What my queen is known for is being promiscuous — but she was groomed for it when she was 14.\u201d<\/p>\n

    The play deals with abuse, feminism, women\u2019s rights and the trials women faced back in the Tudor age. In that respect, it has a lot of similarities to the present time.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSometimes, it\u2019s sad that a lot of things women dealt with then are still happening now \u2013 assault, harassment, problems in the workplace,\u201d said Mayagoitia.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s 2023 \u2013 why are we still putting pregnant women at risk? Looking at these problems is sad but it\u2019s also healing.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cSIX\u201d is a combination of a high voltage pop music show and an intriguing history lesson.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s incapable to do this show at less than 90 percent,\u201d said P\u00e9rez. \u201cWith some Broadway shows you can do 70 per cent and it still works — not this show. Everything is high energy. We break the fourth wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Video link for \u201cSIX\u201d \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/Tucw-hVaU3o<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSIX\u201d will run from March 21 through April 9 at the Academy of Music. Ticket prices start at $35.<\/p>\n

    The Candlelight\u00a0Theater (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware,\u00a0302- 475-2313,\u00a0www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org<\/a>) had opening night for its production of \u201cI Love You, You\u2019re Perfect, Now Change\u201d \u2013 a show that will run through April 29.<\/p>\n

    The show is billed as \u201cA musical presented in the form of a series of vignettes, connected by a central theme of love and relationships. Everything you have secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit!\u00a0For mature audiences. Adult content.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change\u201d\u00a0is a\u00a0musical\u00a0comedy with book and lyrics by\u00a0Joe DiPietro\u00a0and music by\u00a0Jimmy Roberts. It is the second-longest running\u00a0Off-Broadway\u00a0musical. The musical was nominated for the\u00a0Outer Critics Circle Award\u00a0as Outstanding Off-Broadway musical in 1997.<\/p>\n

    The musical premiered Off-Broadway on August 1, 1996, and closed on July 27, 2008, after 5,003 performances.\u00a0It was first produced in the town where playwright Joe DiPietro was born, Teaneck, New Jersey. This production ran from February 24 to March 12, 1995 at the American Stage Company Theater.<\/p>\n

    Despite the large number of characters, the show is typically done with a comparatively small cast: the original Off-Broadway production uses a cast of four.<\/p>\n

    The production at the Candlelight features a standout cast of Jessica Ball, Jared Calhoun, Tori Healy and Max Redman.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI saw the show many years ago when it was playing in New York, so I was familiar with the original,\u201d said Ball, during a phone interview Wednesday evening from her home in Philadelphia\u2019s Overbrook Farms section. \u201cI took the bus to New York from Allentown.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Ball, who grew up in Coral Springs, Florida, was in Allentown studying for a degree in theater and dance from Muhlenberg College.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI had a high school friend in Coral Springs who found Muhlenberg,\u201d said Ball. \u201cThey have a really active summer program where the students work with equity actors.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI Love You, You\u2019re Perfect, Now Change\u201d is presented in the form of a series of vignettes connected by the central theme of love and relationships. The play’s tagline is “Everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit.”<\/p>\n

    With few exceptions, the scenes stand independent of the others, but progress in a fashion designed to suggest an overall arc to relationships throughout the course of one’s life. A first date, for example, comes before scenes dealing with marriage, and scenes dealing with marriage come before those dealing with childbearing.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIn the current show, there are many updates from the original,\u201d said Ball, recognizing how much the world has changed from 1996 to 2023.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMost of the bones stayed similar but a lot of references were changed \u2013 references to things that were popular in the 1990s and 2000s. For example, they added a song about cell phones.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThere was an update done in 2018 but it was only updated for regional theater. I looked at all the YouTube videos, but most were old Broadway videos. It was the only way for me to hear the music. We\u2019re doing the entire script as of the updates \u2013 20 scenes with 11 in the first act and nine in the second.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m not in all the scenes \u2013 probably about half. But, if I\u2019m not onstage then I\u2019m probably in the back doing a quick costume change. You\u2019re on this train and you have to ride it. There\u2019s no getting off.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Watching this production is similar to watching a show by a comedy troupe like Second City \u2013 watching a rapid series of scenes that are intense, loosely related and very funny.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe overarching theme is real emotions about love that we\u2019ve all experienced,\u201d said Ball, whose first post-college gig was the National Tour of \u201cOklahoma!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAudiences love the show because we\u2019ve all been in one or more of these scenes in real life.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ve been pleasantly surprised by the audiences. It seems like they have enjoyed even the scenes that are racier. They didn\u2019t have any previous expectations and really enjoyed what they saw.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI Love You, You\u2019re Perfect, Now Change\u201d is running now through April 29. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings (doors 6 p.m.\/show, 8 p.m.) and Sunday afternoons (doors, 1 p.m.\/show, 3 p.m.). Tickets, which include dinner and show, are $69.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Spring has officially arrived, and things are coming back to life. Flowers are blooming and outdoor attractions are beginning to open for the 2023 season. April 1 is \u201cOpening Day 2023\u201d for Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, nemoursestate.org). The entrance is located on the campus of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38313,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[13798,11389,6269,7630,4907],"class_list":["post-38317","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-andalusia","tag-chanticleer","tag-featured","tag-laurel-hill","tag-nemours"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=38317"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38317\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38318,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38317\/revisions\/38318"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/38313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=38317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=38317"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=38317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}