Diversions
© 2007 Philadelphia Gay News

PGN Pick
Catch Morrissey as the UK rock icon performs at two area shows: 8 p.m. June 29 at the Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave.; (215) 893-1999, and 8 p.m. July 5 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000. The moody and introspective alternative rock superstar is on the road to support his new album, “Ringleader of the Tormentors,” but he has been known to whip out some favorites from his days fronting the legendary Smiths. Tickets are going fast, so don’t miss out. For more information, see www.morrisseymusic.com.

EARNEST GOES CAMP: See the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” June 29 at Walnut Street Theatre Studio 5, 825 Walnut St. The festival presents a fantastical rendition of one of Oscar Wilde’s most revered of plays with an anything-goes, no-holds-barred take on beloved characters Algy/Earnest (lesbian), Jackie (gay) and the indomitable Lady Bracknell (in drag) as skewer identity, social standing and the twists and turns of true love. For more information, see www.philagaylesbiantheatrefest.org or call (215) 922-1122.

“The Importance of Being Earnest”
The Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival sponsors a production of Oscar Wilde’s classic that skewers identity, social standing and the twists and turns of true love through June 29 at Walnut Street Theatre Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 627-6483.

“Iron Kisses”
The Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival sponsors a dramatic new work that touches on growing old, divorce, homosexuality and family secrets to reveal the sometimes-hidden love between parent and child through June 29 at the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom St.; (215) 627-6483.

“Menopause The Musical”
Society Hill Playhouse presents a hilarious celebration of women and “The Change” Wednesdays through Sundays indefinitely at 507 S. Eighth St.; (215) 923-0210.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents a 90-minute version of the bard’s most popular and delightful comedy through July 22 at the Greek Theater, 2 Convent Road, Morris Township; (973) 408-5600.

“The Play’s The Thing”
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents a farce-within-a-farce about love and the art of theater, set against the luxurious backdrop of the Italian Riviera of the 1920s, through July 1, 36 Madison Ave., Madison; (973) 408-5600.

“Theatre District”
The Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival sponsors a warm and moving examination of family, self-acceptance and love through June 30 at the Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122.

Music
The Polyphonic Spree
The symphonic rock choir band spreads cheer, love and happiness at 9 p.m. June 29 at the Filmore at TLA, 334 South St.; (215) 922-1011.

Heart & Music: An Evening with William Finn
Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival sponsors an evening of music from the three-time Tony award-winning composer that includes songs from his much-lauded musicals June 29-30 at the Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122.

Natalie Cole
The Grammy award-winning singer performs at 9 p.m. June 30 at Trump Marina, Huron and Brigantine Blvds., Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 441-2000.

Antigone Rising
The all-female rock group performs at 7:30 p.m. July 1 at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400.

Opera
“Die Fledermaus”
The Delaware Valley Opera Company presents Johann Strauss’ most popular operetta at 8 p.m. June 30 at the Hermitage Mansion, 700 Hermit Lane; (215) 725-4171.

Exhibits
“Advanced Painting”
The Knapp Gallery presents works by Jon Eckel, Tom Brady, Joseph Giampino and Adam Lee Farrell through July 1, 162 N. Third St.; (267) 455-0279.

“Constructions 2004-2007”
The University City Arts League presents local artist Jill Maio’s collection of wood/mixed-media works, sculpture and paintings through July 7, 4226 Spruce St.; (215) 382-7811.

“Different Strokes”
Hunterdon County artist Mike Mann presents his newest collection of watercolor and acrylic paintings through July 23 at Marcella Nord Italian Restaurant, 7 E. Ferry St., New Hope; (609) 397-0632.

“From the Sea and the Cities”
The Artesano Gallery presents an exhibition of paintings from Venezuelan artist Abraham Gustin through July 15, 4446 Cresson St.; (215) 483-9273.

“The Garden Railway: 10-Year Anniversary”
The Morris Arboretum presents replicas of some of our country’s original railroad stations including Gettysburg, where Lincoln arrived to deliver the Gettysburg Address, through Oct. 8, 100 Northwestern Ave., Chestnut Hill; (215) 247-5777.

“Hagley at Fifty: Exploding with History”
The Hagley Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary with a retrospective exhibit looking at Hagley’s evolution from an abandoned gunpowder mill to a museum and research library, on view through Dec. 31, Hagley Road, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 658-2400.

“In The Beginning”
The Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art presents a collection of paintings by Joshua Meyer through Aug. 10, 615 N. Broad St.; (215) 627-6747.

“Norman Rockwell: The Artist Behind the Image”
Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia presents an exhibition exploring the artistry of Norman Rockwell’s “Saturday Evening Post” covers and his place in American illustration through Sept. 2, 15 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-4830.

“Out Loud and Proud”
The William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center presents the work of over 30 local GLBT artists that span the generations through July 30, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220.

“Over The Edge”
Jodi Letizia performs a one-woman musical comedy show, which is part cabaret and part audience participation, through June 30 at the Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St.; (215) 498-0219.

“A Place in Time: The Shakers at Sabbathday Lake, Maine”
James A. Michener Art Museum presents a collection of more than 20 black and white photographs utilizing both the traditional silver gelatin process and the digital process known as Piezography through July 8, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 340-9800.

“Style Tribes v5.0”
The MYX Gallery in Old City presents an exhibit examining how the visual language of clothing makes us and our peers instantly recognizable to each other in today’s transient and global world through July 27, 110 Church St.; (215) 923-1415.

“Tibetan Ritual Arts”
The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of rarely seen Tibetan-Buddhist ritual images and implements through Nov. 30, 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.

“Trompe L’Oeil: The Art of Illusion”
The Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College brings together the work of 14 leading contemporary still-life painters whose compositions meld traditional and abstract imagery in fresh and imaginative ways through July 29, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville; (610) 409-3500.

“Ukrainian Riches”
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center features a variety of costumes, woodcarvings, pottery, jewelry and weavings brought from different regions in the Ukraine through Aug. 31, 1501 Glasstown Road, Millville, N.J.; (800) 998-4552.

“UOMO”
The Clay Studio presents Rob Raphael’s installation featuring ceramic medallions and peristyle-like structures with cushioned columns through July 1, 139 N. Second St.; (215) 925-3453.

“The Wonderful World of Radio”
Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia presents an exhibition of radios, a major product of the Philadelphia region in the first half of the 20th century, with early radio broadcasts to listen to, through Sept. 16, 15 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-4830.

“Yes, This is New Jersey”
This exhibition of landscape paintings by Joe Kazimierczyk will be presented at Bell’s Tavern through Aug. 2, 183 N. Union St., Lambertville, N.J.; (609) 419-5590.

Books
Christopher M. Finan
The author of “From the Palmer Raids to the Patriot Act: A History of the Fight for Free Speech in America” hosts a reading at 6 p.m. July 3 at Robin’s Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St.; (215) 735-9600.

Cabaret
Circus
DJ Deejay presents drag performer Miss Guy and gay performer/model Tommy Hottpants with his band, MachineBird, at 9 p.m. June 30 at the Manhattan Room, 15 W. Girard Ave.; (215) 288-8863.

Etc.
Liberty Belle Invitational
This gay and lesbian bowling tournament runs June 29-July 1 at Laurel Lanes, 2825 Route 73 S., Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 778-7467.

Debauchery: Masquerade
Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR and leatherboy 2007 present a mask and fetish event benefiting the Attic Youth Center 7-11 p.m. June 29 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; (215) 627-1662.

Dennis Miller
The sharp and witty comedian performs at 9 p.m. June 29 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000.

Fundraising Bowling Party
ACT-UP Philadelphia presents its 20th-anniversary fundraising event with unlimited bowling, free shoe rental, live DJ/dancing and complimentary refreshments from 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. June 29 at Gheris Bowling Center, 6505 Market St.; (215) 386-1981.

realizePhiladelphia Music and Arts Festival
A benefit for environmental advocacy nonprofit group PennFuture.org, this festival features music, multimedia, art installations, fashion, poetry, clowns, comedy, environmental and health advocates, spiritual groups, organizations and forward-thinking businesses 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 30 at Liberty Lands Park, Third and Poplar streets; http://realizePhiladelphia.net.

Wine, Women and Song
Ladies 2000 hosts a dance party with Philly’s hottest DJ, Carl Michaels, at 5 p.m. June 30 at Nassau Valley Vineyards, 32165 Winery Way, Lewes, Del.; (302) 645-9463.

Women’s Dance
The Lillith Grove Women’s Center hosts a BYOB dance featuring DJ James Oxley at 8 p.m. June 30, 2121 Bear-Corbitt Road, Bear, Del.; (302) 834-0586.

Pre-July 4th party at Rock Lobster
Holly Johnson and Stacey Vey of Tomboy present a pre-July 4th party under the lights of the Ben Franklin Bridge with DJs Melissa and Greg Weiss 9 p.m.-2 a.m. July 3 at Rock Lobster, 221 N. Columbus Blvd.; (215) 627-7625.

Gloss
Guest DJ Michael Anderer presides over the grand opening of a monthly night of hip, sexy and funky dance music featuring a fashion show from Matthew Izzo Boutique at 10 p.m. July 5 at Valanni Restaurant and Lounge, 1229 Spruce St.; (215) 790-9494.