185 stories by "Alaina Johns"
Lee Minora's new solo show, Baby Everything, takes aim at everyone melting down over the state of the world as seen through our screens. Alaina Johns reviews.
Lions, the latest Fringe entry from Lightning Rod Special, written and performed by Alice Yorke and Scott R. Sheppard, finds heartfelt laughs and reflection in "the business of letting our d…
An immersive theater experience from veteran Philly performer Nick Gillette and a large ensemble asks the audience pressing ethical questions about our American moment. Alaina Johns reviews.
If you want to get your butt to some art during this year's Fringe but don't know where to start, we're here for you. Editor-in-chief Alaina Johns shares some of her top picks for 2025.
A worsened healthcare crisis is about to hit Philadelphia. Artists are disproportionately affected, and they're speaking up on behalf of all of us in this year's Fringe. Alaina Johns helps y…
The Wanamaker Building in Center City has been standing empty since Macy's left, but the public is invited back soon for a new arts program, and the continuation of popular holiday events. A…
Are you an aspiring or emerging critic? Are you a journalist who is curious about getting started as a reviewer? Are you an arts-lover who wants an inside look at how critics work? These cla…
With partisan politics so toxically entrenched in America, it can be tough to admit that you're open to change. This Fourth of July, Alaina Johns is thinking about her conservative upbringin…
The June 14 No Kings Day, organized to reclaim the American flag and oppose unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration in favor of democracy and the rule of law, drew millions of m…
A "doomsday" budget that would slash SEPTA service by 45 percent and raise fares by more than 20 percent poses an existential threat to Philly's cultural sector. But if we all speak up now, …
In honor of our third annual BSR Book Week, the BSR team offers book recommendations on a theme: reading as an act of resistance. These books inspire us, help us focus and understand the wor…
The BSR team is excited for our third annual Book Week, running June 1-7, 2025. We have reviews, giveaways, recommendations, and a virtual panel event with awesome Philly authors. Here's eve…
When he first brought up pick-your-price tickets, Opera Philadelphia president Anthony Roth Costanzo says there were a lot of naysayers. He tells Alaina Johns how it all turned out, and why …
Recent reporting showed Philly's arts and culture budget is getting yet another proposed cut from the mayor, but arts leaders say the truth is more complicated, and they urge public advocacy…
Philly actors Jered McLenigan and Matteo Scammell trade off roles in Rift: or White Lies, now getting its rolling world premiere at InterAct, about two brothers with very different lives str…
Criticism or dismissals of the "Hands Off" protests sweeping the US this April aren't just coming from the right. Some left-wing voices are discounting the protest as well. Both sides are ig…
Philly author Liz Moore's bestselling novel Long Bright River, set in Kensington, is now a TV series streaming this week on Peacock. The show's stars and consultants joined a March 7 panel a…
Solidarity doesn't just mean supporting justice today. It means honoring the work of past activists and realizing that we stand with them. Alaina Johns asks if we will despair, or if we'll c…
Three hundred and sixty-four days a year, most of society puts romance above any other kind of relationship. Then, on Valentine's Day, the message gets even harder to escape. Alaina Johns lo…
Quixotic Professor Qiu, now getting its world premiere at InterAct, follows a Chinese American math professor targeted by the FBI in a satire with timely resonance for Philly. Alaina Johns r…
This is no time to wring your hands. If you care about US democracy and its role in our cultural sector, it's time to act. For some people, that means calling Congress for the first time. Al…
Two days after Trump was inaugurated again, City Council held a hearing on how Philly can protect vulnerable residents from the new administration, drawing testimony from civil-rights advoca…
Coping with fear of disasters, irrational thoughts, constant crisis, and crushing sadness is just an ordinary day in America. Folks who have been in psychiatric treatment have always known h…
After more than two years of painful controversy over a proposed arena on the edge of Philly's Chinatown and a massive legislative package, the Philadelphia 76ers joined hands with Comcast a…
Alaina Johns is not going to rate her favorite 2024 reads, but she will offer you some micro-reviews, so you can figure out if you'd like to read them, too! Everyone is different, and books …
