“Art of Golf” exhibit at Philadelphia Museum of Art
“The Golfers” (1847), an iconic work by Scottish painter Charles Lees (1800-1880), is the centerpiece of “The Art of Golf,” an exhibition celebrating what has been called “a game of considerable passion” on the occasion of the U.S. Open Championships, which will be played in June at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. This installation explores the creation of Lees’ complex and ambitious masterpiece, bringing together related works, including sketches, a photograph and an engraving, alongside golf equipment and clothing that illuminate the sport.
Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
March 16 through July 7
Cost: Free with museum admission
www.philamuseum.org
Stargazing at The Franklin Institute
Please join chief astronomer Derrick Pitts for a very special Night Skies in the Observatory. The first-ever Franklin Institute-produced full-dome planetarium show makes its world premiere Monday, March 18. Attendees of the March 14 Night Skies in the Observatory were among the very first to see the visually stunning film, produced by the Franklin Institute together with SkySkan. Narrated by James May of the TV show “Top Gear,” this brand-new technologically advanced planetarium show explores the way each of us has been changed by the discoveries made by the international space program. From the devices we use every day to the tools that are breaking new ground in medicine and engineering, we can all thank space exploration for making our modern lives possible.
The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
Second Thursday of each month, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free for members, $5 for nonmembers
www2.fi.edu
“Under The Whaleback” playing at Wilma Theater
The year is 1965. Aboard the Kingston Jet docked in Hull, England, a new teenage sailor, Daz, receives shocking information about his lineage from a legendary deckhand. Flash forward to 1972. A violent storm off the Icelandic coast thrashes the James Joyce and its crew of merchant fishermen, including Daz, with fatal consequences. Flash forward again to 2002. Daz is now 54, a father and the curator of the Arctic Kestrel museum ship. A mysterious stranger unexpectedly enters after hours, making furious accusations and playing a dangerous game. Connecting three riveting snapshots of time with stunning twists, “Under the Whaleback” depicts one of the most dangerous occupations in the world with maritime theatricality, larger-than-life heroics and unrestrained dark comedy.
Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St.
Now through April 7
Cost: $23-46
www.wilmatheater.org
“Sister Act” comes to the Academy of Music
“Sister Act” is Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York Post calls it “ridiculously fun,” and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Little Shop of Horrors”), “Sister Act” tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look — a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, “Sister Act” is reason to rejoice!
The Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
April 2-7
Cost: $25-45
www.kimmelcenter.org
MANNA’s Shut Up & Dance Fundraiser turns 21
Shut Up & Dance is turning 21 and all grown up! Come out for a night on the town as Dancers of the Pennsylvania Ballet put on a one-night-only performance for the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance. Under the direction of Pennsylvania Ballet principal dancer Ian Hussey, the dancers will choreograph and perform original pieces that create a night of honor, excitement and creativity. Acclaimed WXPN morning show host Michaela Majoun will host this special evening for the 17th time with her witty remarks and vibrant energy. It will be a night you will not want to miss!
Forrest Theater, 1114 Walnut St.
Saturday, March 23, 8 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $25
www.mannapa.org