This weekend and next catch yet another show that proves that Philadelphia is ahead of the curve when it comes to the performing arts, as toads take to the streets in Roxborough in a balletic display that delves into the surreal and defies common sense (not the taking it to the streets so much as doing so in Roxborough).

That’s right, the yearly display of mass toad migration has arrived, as toads of all kinds come out of their domiciles, take over the streets of Roxborough and journey to the Roxborough Reservoir, where they say hi to friends, jump on top of one another, and deliver their distinctive call-and-response avant-garde vocalizations, which has influenced several choral groups in Austria.

Toad Detour is the presenter, and they facilitate the action as you walk with the toads up to the reservoir. Naturalists and volunteers from the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Schuylkill Center are there to interpret the meaning of the toads’ performance and to discuss their performative techniques.

Roxborough Reservoir
Port Royal Avenue & Lare Street (just off Ridge Avenue)
Parking is at the ball field on Port Royal Avenue just off Ridge Avenue.

6:30pm-7:30 pm
Friday, March 18
Saturday March 19
Friday, March 25
Saturday, March 26
Rain or shine. Bring a flashlight. Free.
www.toaddetour.com

–Josh McIlvain

Photos courtesy of Toad Detour.