Sunday Scoop Week of 8/15/20 - Live and Virtual Events Coming Up This Week or Soon Thereafter and More

1)Franklin Square's Summer Splash Now Open  

2) New York Historical Society's New Free Outdoor Exhibit, Hope Wanted Opens 8/14

3) Prospect Theater Company Presents The Answer, the First in Their Vision Series 8/14

4) Righteous, a New Play  by Jeff Cohen Virtual Reading 8/24

5) Theatre for One Announces First Virtual Residency Featuring Eight World Premiere Microplays

6) Theatre Resources  Unlimited August Panel Via Zoom Will Be Held 8/20

7) Two River Theater's Rising An Online Benefit Reading Series Continues with Hombres 8/19

1) Franklin Square Summer Splash 2020 Fact Sheet

6th & Race Streets, Philadelphia’s Historic District

www.historicphiladelphia.org or 215-629-4026

 

Welcome to Franklin Square, the beautiful oasis in Historic Philadelphia. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is the non-profit that manages and operates Franklin Square. Philly Mini Golf, Parx Liberty Carousel, both playgrounds, and SquareBurger are following new safety protocols and open for business. Between Franklin Square and other entities run by Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the non-profit lost $1.5 million in revenue and city funding this year. HPI welcomes visitors back to the special spot that is Franklin Square and reminds the public that everyone can still have fun while being safe.

 

FRANKLIN SQUARE SUMMER SPLASH

Safely-distanced, enhanced offerings abound in Franklin Square in August and early September:

Franklin Square Fountain Show Expanded Schedule –

Through Labor Day, September 7, the Franklin Square Fountain Show will run performances on an expanded schedule every 30 minutes from 12 noon – 9 pm daily. Beginning September 8, the Fountain Show, which debuted in Summer 2019, will return to its regular schedule with daily daytime performances every 30 minutes from 12 - 2 pm and evening performances beginning at 6 pm and running every 30 minutes until closing. Each performance is a selection of one of six songs that rotate from the list below:

·       “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti, Theme from Rocky

·       “Beautiful Day” by U2

·       “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

·       “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men

·       “Firework” by Katy Perry

·       “Under the Sea” by Howard Ashman from The Little Mermaid

Griot Tale Fridays: Stories for Little Ones

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is proudly partnering with Franklin Square and Keepers of the Culture to offer Griot Tale Fridays. A Griot is an African oral historian that passes on their culture through the practice of storytelling. Perfect for children ages 5 - 12. 

Through August 28, Fridays, 11 am – 12 pm

Yoga in the Square with Yoga Garden – Free and Paid

Vinyasa yoga comes to Franklin Square! The Yoga Garden offers a full range of classes from beginner to experienced. With locations in Philadelphia and Narberth, they currently have a full online schedule, an online library of classes, and now, outdoor classes in Franklin Square and Narberth Park. Pricing and registration at yogagardenphilly.com.

Beginning Tuesday, August 18 into the fall, weather permitting.

Thursdays 9:30 am, FREE, registration required

Tuesdays 9:30 am, Wednesdays 6 pm, Saturdays 10 am, paid classes, registration required

 

Oasis Cocktail Garden featuring The Franklin Bus – Visitors can enjoy a relaxing cocktail in the pop-up Oasis Cocktail Garden featuring The Franklin Bus operated by Cooperage.

Through September 5, Thursdays – Saturdays, 5 - 9 pm

Hand Crafted Cocktails

·       Liberty Lemonade (blueberries, vodka, and lemonade) - $11

·       Rocky Rita, Strawberry Margarita (strawberry purée, triple sec, tequila, and margarita mix) - $11

·       The 1776, Gin Mojito (gin, cucumber and mint, lime, and club soda) - $12

·       Parkway Punch (rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice) - $11

Frozen Cocktails

·       Frosé (rosé wine, strawberry-infused simple syrup) - $12

·       Franklin Freeze, Piña Colada (coconut rum, cream de coconut, pineapple juice, and cream) - $11

Canned Cocktails: White Claw (assorted flavors) - $8

Draft Beer

·       Von Trapp Bohemian Pilsner - $7

·       Von Trapp Helles Lager - $7

·       Daisy Cutter Pale Ale - $6

·       Neshaminy Wayward Wheat - $7

Soft Drinks: Water Bottle - $2, Fruit Punch - $2, Lemonade - $3

Chicken Slider purchase is required for every transaction - $1

Evening in Franklin Square presented by Parx – Help support this vital community treasure at a virtual event, celebrating Franklin Square and its important role as an oasis of beautiful public space with a virtual silent auction, Square Derby Carousel “Race,” and messages from special guests (tickets required). 

Thursday, September 17, 5:30 pm

 

Coming in October – Fall Fun arrives in Franklin Square!

Spooky Mini Golf, October 1 – 31, 6 - 9 pm – Philly Mini Golf is transformed into spooky fun for the season with fog, lights, music, and surprises. ($10 adults, $8 children). Plus, the Franklin Square Fountain runs shows every 30 minutes. In between the shows, the Fountain is colored to complement the fall atmosphere in the Square.

 

FRANKLIN SQUARE ATTRACTIONS

Healthy New Activities:

Throughout the Square, guests will find signage to help them experience the park in new and healthy ways:

·       Colorful ground decals will guide guests on a walking loop around the Square – conveying that three loops equals one mile.

·       Silly Square Stroll is a brand-new program with fun signage throughout the Square suggesting ways to get the littlest visitors up and moving (and their older friends, too).

Ongoing Attractions:

·       Philly Mini Golf: Putt around the city on this Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course. $10 adults/$8 children (3-12), FREE for children under 2

·       Parx Liberty Carousel: A zebra, a lion, an eagle, horses, and more! Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel with hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones. $3 per person (adult or child), FREE for children under 2

·       Playgrounds: Slides, swings, and spinners…bring the kids and enjoy two playgrounds! Open year-round and free.

·       Franklin Square Fountain Show – In 2006, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. restored the fountain for the first time in thirty years, renovating the vintage marble and surrounding wrought iron fence. In 2019, the 181-year-old historic fountain was renovated to dazzle while being enhanced with a spectacular choreographed by lights and water. Fountain jets dance magically with dramatic lighting and music as LED lights glisten for visitors. Guests fountain’s beauty while entertaining visitors. All of the additions serve to enhance and modernize the visiting the park day or night can enjoy choreographed “performances,” that showcase the historic infrastructure of the fountain, ensuring its longevity for generations to come. Each performance is a selection of one of six songs. Beginning September 8, daily daytime performances run every 30 minutes from 12 - 2 pm and evening performances begin at 6 pm and run every 30 minutes until closing. FREE.

·       SquareBurger: SquareBurger has a delicious menu operated by Cooperage. ALL NEW SQUAREBURGER MENU! Food options are Big Ben Burger, Betsy Ross Veggie Burger, Race Street Jumbo Hot Dog, Square Cheesesteak, Crispy Chicken Tenders, Caprese Panini, Jumbo Pretzels, Crispy Waffle Fries, Nachos. Treats are Classic Thick Milkshakes including the legendary Original Cake Shake with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets®; Chocolate, Vanilla, or Black and White Shakes; Hurricane Flurry; Soft Serve Chocolate or Vanilla with Oreos or M&Ms; Classic Root Beer Float; House Made Ice Cream Sandwich; Soft Serve Twist with Chocolate Wafer Cookie; Ice Cream Cones; Ice Cream Sundaes with Choice of Chocolate Syrup, Caramel, Pineapple, Strawberry, Whipped Cream, and Cotton Candy. Drink options are Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mist Twist, Orange Slice, Ginger Ale, Root Beer, Lemonade, and Sweetened Iced Tea. (PDF of menu available here: http://bit.ly/FSPressKit)

SquareBurger Summer Splash Lite Menu (available through the end of September): Chicken Salad Panini (House Made Chicken Salad, Roasted Peppers, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Ciabatta Bread) - $7, Strawberry Smoothie (Fresh Strawberries Blended with Ice) - $4.

 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

While Franklin Square’s attractions are well-known, HPI wants to encourage responsible recreation and healthy usage of this beautiful outdoor public environment. It is proven that being outdoors is beneficial both physically and mentally, and everyone is welcome. HPI is operating Franklin Square with the health and safety of guests and staff as its most important goal, while also providing peaceful green space and fun for guests. The expansive park provides safe and high-quality open space for the physical and mental well-being of Philadelphians and will keep the attractions open in accordance with City of Philadelphia Health Department recommendations. Some of the new protocols include:

·       All Franklin Square staff have daily health screenings and are required to wear masks and use gloves or regularly sanitize hands on site.

·       Hand sanitizing stations have been added throughout the Square as well as friendly distancing reminders.

·       Please stay home when sick. Guests (both children and adults) are strongly encouraged to travel with their own masks and hand sanitizer and use them while enjoying the park’s green space and playgrounds.

·       Contactless entrance is available for tickets purchased online in advance. Guests show the tickets on their phone in the Square. In-person ticketing is available as well.

·       Guests are required to wear masks while riding the Parx Liberty Carousel and playing Philly Mini Golf.

·       Health and safety measures are being implemented to maintain physical distancing while entering and playing Philly Mini Golf, buying tickets, or riding the Carousel. Mini-Golf clubs and balls are sanitized between uses.

·       Carousel animals are marked with masks of which ones can be ridden to ensure safe distancing. The animals that are closed are covered with a blanket and have a pennant that marks the horses that are “not in the race today.”

·       The Oasis Cocktail Garden has a capacity of 50 people at all times, with distanced picnic tables and chairs. Separate ordering and pickup windows, contactless payment options, and hand sanitizing stations are enhanced safety protocols in place. Masks required except when eating and drinking.

 

2020 OPERATING HOURS:

Through September 7: daily, 10 am - 9 pm

September 8 – 30: daily, 10 am - 8 pm

October 1 – 31: daily, 10 am - 7 pm; Thu - Sun, until 9 pm

November 1 – 11: daily, 10 am - 5 pm

November 12 – December 31: daily (closed Nov. 26 & Dec. 25), 10 am - 9 pm, Fri & Sat until 10 pm

Hours subject to change and are dependent on weather.

For further details, visit historicphiladelphia.org.

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2) Hope Wanted—Free Outdoor Exhibition 

Now Open at 

The New York Historical Society

Hope Wanted: New York City Under Quarantine, a free, outdoor exhibition about the COVID-19 pandemic at the height of its devastation of New York city’s neighborhoods is now open at the New York Historical Society . Using photographs and personal histories, the exhibition speaks to New York’s diversity while underscoring the importance of community. Though much has changed over the past five months, the institution’s commitment to engaging the broadest possible public in discussion and debate about our city’s and nation’s past has remained constant—as has their belief that democracy, equality, and compassion are all fundamental to the American idea. This exhibition also continues an important New-York Historical tradition of responding to history as it's happening, with major collecting efforts that have already vastly expanded the collections of this extraordinary Museum and Patricia D. Klingenstein Library.  Please note that Hope Wanted is free, but time-entry tickets are required to help maintain social distancing. Book tickets and read more about safety protocols here. For more go to https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/hopewanted

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3) Prospect Theater Company Presents

A New Music Video by InnissENT

 

 

BLACK AMERICA’S UNREQUITED LOVE LETTER

 

The Inaugural Release From Prospect’s

Prospect Theater Company recently launched their VISION Series of original music-theater works available for online streaming with The Answer, Black America’s unrequited love letter, a new music video by InnissENT.  Written and produced by brothers Charles Inniss and Christopher Inniss, The Answer premiere on Prospect’s YouTube on Friday, August 14^th .  A behind-the-scenes documentary on the creation of the socially-distanced music video is now available for viewing also on Prospect’s YouTube.

Prospect’s VISION Series is a new initiative through which the company will continue its mission of creating and presenting original musical theater works by emerging artists, while public gatherings are on pause.

 

Featuring movement from award-winning choreographer Kristen Brooks Sandler, The Answer spotlights seven dancers of color, J'royce Jata, Jon Joni, Maya Kitayama, Juanita Pearl, Yael Reich, Jamari Johnson Williams, and Imani Youngblood.  Sean Dolan was the director of photography for the project. 

Prospect will shortly announce the lineup of additional, short music-theater-on-film projects for its VISION Series, to be released throughout Fall 2020.

For more information on Prospect Theater Company, visit ProspectTheater.org.  For more information about InnissENT, visit InnissENT.com

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4) TEMPLE EMANU-EL STREICKER CENTER & BURKE-COHEN ENTERTAINMENT
PRESENT
TONY AWARD WINNERS
FRANK WOOD & DENIS O’HARE
TONY AWARD NOMINEES
JOHANNA DAY, JESSICA HECHT, DANIEL JENKINS & RICHARD KIND
TO LEAD AN ALL-STAR CAST
IN A FREE VIRTUAL READING OF

RIGHTEOUS

A NEW PLAY BY DRAMA DESK AWARD WINNER
JEFF COHEN
DIRECTED BY
SHANA COOPER

MONDAY, AUGUST 24 @ 7:30 PM EDT

The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center & Burke-Cohen Entertainment will present a live virtual reading of Jeff Cohen’s new play Righteous on Monday August 24 @ 7:30 pm EDT. The reading stars Tony Award-winners Frank Wood and Denis O’Hare, Tony Award-nominees Johanna Day, Jessica Hecht, Daniel Jenkins, and Richard Kind, SAG Award nominee Peter Jacobson and Drama Desk Award winner Ned Eisenberg. Also featured in the cast are Jimmy Burke and Dee Pelletier. Directed by Shana Cooper, the reading is free, although registration is required by visiting here.

What would you do if you learned that your country planned to exterminate an entire race of people? That is the horrible question faced by Eduard Schulte, a captain of German industry and member of Hitler’s inner circle. Righteous is the true story of the man who sounded the alarm of Hitler’s plan to murder all the Jews in Europe. Schulte’s warning reached the desk of President Roosevelt in December 1942.

His identity was a closely guarded secret for over forty years and his heroic act to stop the Holocaust was kept hidden from his family and from the world. Righteous tells his story through the lens of Priscilla Schulte, the American granddaughter who never knew him. She uncovers a compelling and poignant portrait of a man who risked his life and the lives of his family to stand up against evil. In 1988, Eduard Schulte was posthumously honored by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations – a Righteous Gentile.

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5) THEATRE FOR ONE: 

HERE WE ARE

 

FEATURING EIGHT WORLD PREMIERE MICROPLAYS

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY

BLACK, INDIGINEOUS, AND WOMEN OF COLOR

IN OBSERVANCE OF THE 100^TH ANNIVERSARY

OF PASSAGE OF THE 19^TH AMENDMENT

 

PLAYWRIGHTS TO INCLUDE

JACLYN BACKAUS

LYDIA R. DIAMOND

LYNN NOTTAGE

STACEY ROSE

NIKKOLE SALTER

DELANNA STUDI

REGINA TAYLOR

CARMELITA TROPICANA

 

PERFORMANCES BEGINS THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 

AT 6 PM ET

FOR SIX WEEKS ONLY

 

TICKET REGISTRATION WILL BE 

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

STARTING MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2020 AT 10 AM ET

Christine Jones (Creator and Artistic Director) and Mara Isaacs (Producer) announced recently that Theatre for One, the intimate theatrical experience that brings together one actor and one audience member, will launch its first ever virtual experience this month with Theatre for One: Here We Are, a commission by Arts Brookfield with additional support from Thomas M. Neff.  

Performances will begin on Thursday, August 20 from 6 – 7:30 PM ET through Brookfield Place’s #BFPLatHome initiative and will be held each subsequent Thursday through September 24. Registration will be free and open to the public starting Monday, August 17 at 10 AM ET. For more information and to sign up for updates, please visit: www.bfplny.com/theatre.

Theatre for One has answered the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic with a new performance venue in which the computer is the proscenium and the screen is the fourth wall artists and audiences are reaching through. Theatre for One: Here We Are is rooted in the belief that intimacy and human connection is possible at any moment, at any time, and with any person.

A laugh shared with a stranger, a world created by imagination, a soul nourished through storytelling: these are things only theater can accomplish. In eight world-premiere microplays, Theatre for One: Here We Are virtually brings together one actor and one audience member for a shared experience that connects us, anchors us, and boldly proclaims, “Here we are.”

 

Theatre for One: Here We Are will feature microplays all written and directed by black, indigenous, and women of color in observance of the 100^th anniversary of the ratification of the 19^th Amendment which granted the right to vote primarily to middle and upper-class White women, while still leaving overwhelming numbers of Black, Brown, and Indigenous women disenfranchised.

 

The eight writers who are contributing new works to Here We Are include Horton Foote Prize winner Jaclyn Backhaus, Lorraine Hansberry Award winner Lydia R. Diamond; two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage; Stacey Rose, who had two plays included in the prestigious 2019 Kilroy List; Obie Award winner Nikkole Salter; American Indian Movie Award winner DeLanna Studi; Golden Globe Award winner Regina Taylor; and Obie Award winner Carmelita Tropicana.

The directors for Theatre for One: Here We Are include two-time Drama League finalist Tiffany Nichole Greene; Lilly Award winner Candis C. Jones; Lilla Jewel Award winner Rebecca Martinez; Taylor Reynolds an artistic leader of the 2019 Obie Award-winning The Movement Theatre Company; and recently named Co-Artistic Director of the Working Theater Tamilla Woodard.

For more information go to www.theatreforone.com

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6) Theater Resources Unlimited

August Panel via Zoom

Free Introduction to the 

TRU Producer Development & Mentorship Program

Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 5:00pm

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents the August Panel, a free

Introduction to the TRU Producer Development & Mentorship Program (PDMP) onThursday, August 20, 2020 via Zoom. The panel will be led by instructors Erin Craig of La Vie Productions; and Broadway producers Jane Dubin and Jennifer Isaacson. Reserve a spot on the event page at truonline.org/events/intro-to-pdmp20/ or by emailing TRUStaff1@gmail.com - you will be put on a list to receive the Zoom link.

This free meet-and-greet info session is an opportunity to learn about TRU's premiere educational program, the Producer Development and Mentorship Program, the only ongoing theater production course to offer in-depth instruction from accomplished producers at an affordable price. Due to COVID, the entire course will be given virtually, and compressed into an every other week schedule starting end of September and running through early February. At this introductory evening, prospective applicants will have the opportunity to learn from and network with our commercial producer instructors, as well as meet and hear from successful program graduates.

The basic Foundations Class will be taughtby R. Erin Craig of La Vie Productions LLC (Austen's Pride, Mr Rickey Calls A Meeting, Into The Wild, In The Heights, Irena's Vow, Velocity of Autumn, High Fidelity, Stalking the Bogeyman, Beatsville, Right Before I Go ), and is open to all aspiring producers, artistic directors and self-producing artists. Our advanced Master Class will be taught by Broadway producers Jane Dubin (The Prom, Tony winning The Norman Conquests, Farinelli and the King, Bandstand, Peter and the Starcatcher and An American in Paris;  plus 

Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, The 39 Steps, Ann) and Jennifer Isaacson (Moulin Rouge!, An American in Paris, Hedwig and the Angry Inch starring Neil Patrick Harris, ANN, The Norman Conquests; off-Broadway The 39 Steps, Beebo Brinker Chronicles). Master Class is open to graduates of Foundations Class, and a limited number of producers with a high level of experience and a specific project they are working on.

PDMP's purpose is to give members the knowledge and resources to become commercial theater producers, non-profit theater producers and/or self-producing artists. There may come a time in every theater artist's life when you need to self-produce a show and create your own opportunities, and PDMP aims to provide the tools for that occasion. The program teaches necessary skills such as developing a business plan, raising money, marketing and putting together creative production teams. For more information, here is the link to the full program description, and application. 

For the upcoming term, and due to COVID isolation, both classes will meet virtually via Zoom, two nights every month for 5 months. The cost for Foundations is $295 for 10 sessions; Master Class costs $425 for 9 sessions, and has a highly competitive submission process. Inquire about discounts for college students and as well as financial aid for anyone in need of help. The informational session on August 20th is completely free. Reserve using the red ticketing box on the event page. 

For more information about TRU membership and programs, visit www.truonline.org.

For more information on Prospect Theater Company, visit ProspectTheater.org.  For more information about InnissENT, visit InnissENT.com

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7) Two River Rising 

An Online Benefit Series Continues With the World Premiere of 

Hombres

ABOUT THE READING

By Tony Meneses

Directed by Annie Tippe

Live Event: One Act Play with Q&A on Wed, Aug 19 at 7:00 PM EDT | Ticket sales will close four hours prior to event time

This new play by Tony Meneses is a fresh and nuanced look at the complexity and intimacy of male friendship. Set in New Jersey (“somewhere off the NJ Transit line”), the play follows Julián, a Latino yoga teacher, as he clashes with the Latino construction workers outside his studio—particularly the older head of the crew, Héctor, who seeks from Julián something he never expected. Two River co-commissioned and developed The Hombres with the NJPAC Stage Exchange, a program of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and through a reading at Two River’s 2018 Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) festival of plays and music by Latinx 

artists.

Benefiting Partner Organization

The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice is a statewide membership-based coalition of organizations that creates and achieves policies in New Jersey that welcome and support immigrants to become rooted economically, politically and socially within the state.

For more information or to purchase get tickets, visit https://tworivertheater.org/tworiverrising

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And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.