Things We Like
Target Underwear and a Vera Wang Gown: Notes from a Single Girl’s Closet
By Adena Halpern (Gotham, 256 pages)
Bryn Mawr native Adena Halpern’s first novel, Target Underwear and a Vera Wang Dress, is a funny collection of fashion-drenched memories with local references (Lord & Taylor’s Birdcage, shopping “Up Lancaster”) sewn in. You’ll grin at credos like “love unconditionally, but never lend your best outfit,” and become addicted to her stylish, confessional writing style.
The Pillowman
By Martin McDonagh
When The New Yorker devotes several-thousand words to a playwright, you shouldn’t miss his show. In this case, the playwright is Anglo-Irish misfit Martin McDonagh, and his black humor in The Pillowman isn’t for everyone. But it’s sure to put a spell on anyone fascinated with wickedness.
At the Wilma Theater Oct. 4-Nov. 5.
The Gladhouse
Derek Chafin (Air Records)
Essentially an acoustic performance with chamber orchestra accompaniment, the Media resident’s solo debut echoes Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks and Led Zeppelin III with its haunting strings, intense guitar and beautiful melodies. The moody “Come with Me” and “Huntington” will linger in your soul.
Chafin performs Oct. 7 at World Café Live and Oct. 18 at the Tin Angel.
