Ready to Explode
As you’d expect this July 4, fireworks abound throughout the region, so we’ve compiled a few events of note. Since 1942, Narberth has been putting on one heck of party, with a full day of games, food and music. The festivities in Radnor Township get bigger every year; this time, the township plopped down $14,000 for fireworks, which will explode over Radnor High School. In Tredyffrin/Easttown Township, the celebration also features live music by Canal Street Hot 6. For those headed to Center City, the fun and excitement of the week-long Welcome America! Philadelphia event reaches its crescendo with fireworks over the Art Museum. Radnor: $15/carload, $6/individual; Radnor High School, 130 King of Prussia Road. T/E: free; Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Road, Berwyn; (610) 408-3626, tredyffrin.org. Narberth: free; Narberth Park, 100 Conway Ave.; (610) 664-2840, narberthborough.com. Welcome America! Philadelphia: fireworks free; 600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; americasbirthday.com. All fireworks begin at nightfall. — Steve DiSantis
Charm School
Young Philadelphia fans get their shot at embracing the High School Musical phenomenon when the stage version of the outrageously popular Emmy-winning Disney Channel movie premieres July 11-22 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Not surprisingly, Disney Theatrical Productions, producers of Broadway hits The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, has adapted this youth-culture sensation for live audiences. The musical features a live orchestra and covers all the songs from the original soundtrack—winner of Billboard Music Awards’ Soundtrack of the Year—plus two new songs. Directed by Jeff Calhoun, the production features talented new cast members who just might have your kids swooning all over again. $28-$103. 260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. Call (215) 731-3333 or visit kimmelcenter.org. —S.D.
Go Dutch
Get in touch with the Pennsylvania Dutch at the Kutztown Folk Festival through July 8 and celebrate a colorful and integral part of Keystone State history and culture. Indulge in authentic food (ox roast, anyone?) and learn about the area’s living history and folk life as you browse the work of 200 juried folk artists—including more than 2,000 quilts. The festival also features a traditional country auction and six stages of live entertainment with fiddlers, folksingers and the like. Activities and entertainment for the kids include puppet shows, sing-alongs, a hay maze, petting zoo and horse-driven carousel. 9 a.m-6 p.m. daily. $20; $11/seniors, free/kids 12 and under. Kutztown Fairgrounds. Call (888) 674-6136 or visit kutztownfestival.com. —Benjamin Berliner
