April 22 is Earth Day, and a number of outdoor opportunities exist to give Mother Nature a nice boost. Aside from that, there's a chance to flex your funny bone in Phoenixville hooting at a cheesy 1960s beach flick. Art, drama, children's theater and comic book heroes are also in the mix.
Annual Student Exhibition - Berman Museum of Art
April 21-May 13
Celebrating 26 years of student art achievement at Ursinus College, this annual showcase introduces attendees to new work by talented art students. Media on display at the Berman represent expertise in the disciplines of painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, installation, mixed media and photography.
The Bad Seed - DCP Theatre
April 22-May 1
The Bad Seed has had much success on stage, where it was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and on screen, where it received four Academy Award nominations. The DCP Theatre production brings the full-force of suspense in this edge-of-your-seat thriller. Is eight-year-old Rhoda Penmark the perfect child with a perfect life? Or does the death of one of her classmates reveal something more sinister?
Comic Con - Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
April 22-24
Holy superheroes! It's time once again to heed the Bat-signal, high against the skyline over Oaks, and zoom over to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center for the 2016 Comic Con. The Power Rangers will be there, along with cast members from Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Star Trek. Vendors will be offering all kinds of collectibles, and yes, there will be cosplay competitions. So get that cape out of the dry cleaner's and celebrate your inner hero.
Sleeping Handsome - Act II Playhouse
April 23-24, Closing Weekend
It's the familiar tale of Sleeping Beauty with an interesting twist, provided by the writer, director and costar of the seasonal Murray the Elf mysteries that provide giggles each December at Act II. Kids will love the silly plot; adults will appreciate the multitasking required of the two solo actors, as they take on roles that include a loyal dog, magical fairies, a queen, a prince and a brave girl. Showtimes on Saturdays and Sundays are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
MSTK3 - The Colonial Theatre
April 23
The film being skewered this time at The Colonial Theatre is the 1967 release Catalina Caper, a botched blend of beach party a go-go and gangster flick. Just when things can't be more random, Little Richard shows up for a quick song. His cameo has little to do with the plot about a stolen scroll, but by the time he appears, it doesn't matter much anyway. Let the commentary fly!
Earth Day Work Day - Green Lane Park
April 23
Come out and celebrate Earth Week by removing invasive plants along the trails of Green Lane Park. Targeted brush includes the Japanese Barberry, a spiny shrub with blue-green leaves (no worries; the park's naturists will show you exactly what to pull). Appropriate dress is recommended and bringing tools like shears and rakes is a good idea.
Earth Day Festival - Upper Merion Township Building Park
April 23
The grounds of Upper Merion Township Building Park invite nature lovers to come out in the sunshine and enjoy a fine spring morning. Programming includes educational sessions, demos, an art sale and food. Kids can enter a poster contest, learn how to fly a kite like an ace or tackle a take-home project. The Friends of Valley Forge Park host a bird walk.
Party for the Planet - Elmwood Park Zoo
April 23
Sure, it features clowns, music, a kid-centric play, an eco-friendly expo and plenty of animals. But Elmwood Park Zoo's annual Earth Day event also hosts Green Drop Charitable Donations, where attendees can bring clothing, kitchen items, books and baby items (but please, no appliances) to be recycled.
Norristown Project - Riverfront Park
April 23
This beautification project will prepare one of Norristown's idyllic sites - Riverfront Park - for its oncoming summer traffic. Volunteers are needed to clean the river banks and green areas of litter, preventing harmful items from going into the Schuylkill River and causing more damage to the environment.
Sacred Arts Festival - Glencairn Museum
April 24
The Sacred Arts Festival at Glencairn Museum (part of the Bryn Athyn Historic District) brings together artists from a variety of faiths to create and display their works. Demonstrations include ink drawings and paintings, music, and the creation of a traditional Tibetan sand mandala. Audio tours of the museum galleries will also be available throughout the day.
Bird Walk - Lorimer Park
April 24
Spring migrants are returning to Montgomery County's skies, making this Earth Day Weekend event a great opportunity to see species that generally don't come to backyard bird feeders. Your guides at Lorimer Park are the experienced members of the Wyncote Audubon Society. Binoculars are recommended.
You can also reduce your carbon footprint this weekend by spending Friday, Saturday and Sunday in a convenient hotel. After all, while you're being surrounded in comfort, your washer, dryer, TV, stove and other appliances at home are remaining dormant. Plus when a chef cooks large quantities, the food prep is more energy efficient. Let us recommend a place to stay or eat, and make the weekend an eco-friendly getaway.
