Circus with a Purpose
Cirque du Soleil’s tradition of spectacular performance art is alive and well with Dralion, a mind- and body-bending celebration of the search for harmony between past and future, sky and earth, humans and nature. From Dec. 21 to Jan. 2, 2011, the stage at the Liacouras Center will be transformed into a dreamscape of brilliantly costumed acrobats representing cultural figures, natural elements—air, water, fire and earth—and the Dralion, a dragon-lion hybrid symbolizing Eastern and Western philosophies. For even the most diehard of Soleil fanatics, the music alone ought to prove hypnotic. And newbies should come prepared to witness a mesmerizing display. $49-$99/adults, $40-$80/kids. 1776 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Call (800) 298-4200, or visit liacourascenter.com and cirquedusoleil.com. —Emily Riley
Main Line Merrymaking
Step into a scene from A Christmas Carol at the annual Narberth Dickens Festival on Dec. 11, complete with professional carolers and clip-clopping carriage rides. Lads and lasses will be on the lookout for Scrooge, Marley and more—all to win top hats and become their own 1840s London characters. Sip away the chill with hot toddies, coffee and hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, while enjoying period-appropriate food and wares like candles, wreaths and stained glass. No “Bah! Humbug!” here. Noon-4 p.m. Forrest and Haverford avenues, Narberth. Visit narberthonline.com. —Beth Ann Olesen
Family Matters
In My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy! at Society Hill Playhouse, stand-up comedy veteran Steve Soloman offers his take on what happens when you have double-trouble in your family tree. In this acclaimed one-man show running thru Dec. 12, Solomon puts a twisted, all-too-relatable spin on dysfunction through his 20-plus characters. You’ll appreciate the hilarious perspective Soloman offers—even if it means a guilt trip from Mom later. $40-$45. 507 S. Eighth St., Philadelphia. Visit societyhillplayhouse.org or call (215) 923-0210. —Emily Riley
