Mark Alhadeff and Jenni Putney in Venus in Fur.

Writer David Ives and the Philadelphia Theatre Company take the father of masochism’s 1870 erotic novel and transform it into the play VENUS IN FUR showing at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 South Broad Street (at Lombard). From May 24th to June 23rd, the play stars Vanda (Jenni Putney) a youthful, talented actress opposite Thomas (Mark Alhadeff) a writer/director devoted to finding the perfect leading actress for his adaptation of the Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s classic. We hear it’s laced with sexiness and wit, an electrifying game of cat and mouse that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, seduction and power, love and sex. Take a look at the trailer! (TIX) and read the review on Phindie.

On Saturday, join Philly artist Melissa Diane at The Arts Parlor, 1170 South Broad Street (at Federal) for a night of dance, one-woman-shows, photographs, videos, ventriloquist acts and clown extravaganzas. It’s called the South Philly Salon and it’s for local artists, wherever they may be in their artistic stages, to commune informally, share, and give feedback. The door opens for mingling at 7:30pm and performances by artists Meg Foley, David Konyk, Zorinitsa Stoyanova, Christina Zani, and Sheila Zagar begin at 8pm. Admission is free, but drink and snack donations are graciously accepted!

The 6th Annual Roots Picnic takes place at Festival Pier (Penn’s Landing), Columbus Blvd and Spring Garden Streets on Saturday, June 1st. For $40 to $50, enjoy the standing room only event from noon to through 8:30pm. Joining the legendary Roots are performers such as Grimes, Macklemore, Gary Clark, Jr., Naughty By Nature,  Solange, How To Dress Well, DJ Premier, ARAABMUZIK, Joey Bada$$, Hit-Boy, Sonnymoon,The Gaslamp Killer, Robert Glasper, and Lushlife. Tip: Head to Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street with 12 dollars in hand for the Heineken Green Room Official Roots Picnic After Party at 10pm (ages 21+).

However, if you were looking to spend a more intimate weekend with Questlove, check out Brooklyn Flea Philly, happening for the first time this Sunday, June 2nd at The Piazza at Schmidt’s, 1050 North Hancock Street. The Roots drummer is scheduled to perform at 2pm amid other music acts, food, and a total of 75 local Philly vendors. The flea opens at 10am and wraps up at 5pm, rain or shine.

Strapping young hip-hoppers give the “thumbs-up” on Philly Comic Con.
Photo courtesy of comicsbeat.com.

But truthfully, most hip-hop fans will be high tailing it to Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con. For $35 to $85, Anyone interested in graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys, and social networking is encouraged to attend. Already  underway, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street will host stars legit and lame, including John Cena, Norman Reedus, Stan Lee, Lou Ferrigno, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat ™, Gina Torres, John Barrowman, and a smattering of shiny faced, Mr. T and the T-Force wielding collectors from May 30th to June 2nd. (TIX)

–Maya Beale