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Published: Apr 10, 2007

With her 2006 novel of frustration and globalization The Inheritance of Loss, Indian-born Kiran Desai became the youngest woman to ever win the Man Booker prize. Since then it's been a whirlwind of attention, and she's said she's felt more like a lecturer than a writer of fiction. Regardless, her appearance at the Free Library should be enlightening and memorable.

—Patrick Rapa

Thu., April 12, 7 p.m., free, Philadelphia Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341, www.library.phila.gov.

Eighty years before the intelligent design trial in Dover, the Scopes (or "Monkey") trial held America in thrall, as two of its greatest lawyers, Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, were locked in combat over the future of education. That trial was famously dramatized as Inherit the Wind, but the play and movie took many theatrical liberties. Now, the esteemed L.A. Theatre Works company goes back to the roots with The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial, based on the actual court transcripts, and promises more accuracy. Starring Ed Asner, John de Lancie and Jerry Hardin, it also promises theatrical fireworks.

—David Anthony Fox

April 18-22, $34-$44, Penn Presents at the Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, www.pennpresents.org.

The act of spitting, from lowbrow to high art: hawking phlegm on the sidewalk, splattering beer on screaming groupies, using the muscles of one's jaw to create street art that lasts only until it dries. That last one is a frequent practice of Albert Reyes, who will be exhibiting (and expectorating?) at Jinxed Gallery along with Adam5100, Nathan Thomas Wilson and Mildred (it's a dude, we think). Get out your handkerchiefs.

—Rachel Frankford

April 13-May. Opening Reception Fri., April 13, 7-10 p.m., Jinxed Clothing, 620 S. Fourth Street, 215-978-5469, www.jinxedclothing.com.

Tired of the same old (Western) music? Check out Gamelan Semara Santi, an ensemble of 25 musicians playing Indonesian instruments. These gongs, bells, drums and gangsa (a xylophone with bronze keys) create distinctive "waves" of sound that inspired Debussy back in 1889. The program includes three pieces by special guest I Wayan Dibia, a Balinese dancer and composer who will dance to the music with original choreography.

—Mickey Jou

Sun., April 15, 3 p.m., free, Scott Amphitheater, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, 610-328-8533, www.swarthmore.edu/Humanities/music/Gamelan.

Those born long after Swanee River and Mae West's figure passed into showbiz memory have a one-night-only opportunity to see the whole gang live again, with 1812 Productions' The Big Time: Vaudeville Bill Deluxe. This year's incarnation of the comedy troupe's annual fundraising gala, Eventa du Schmancy (these names, these names), reunites the original cast of 1812's vaudeville holiday show, which debuted in 2000. First dinner, then glory.

—Rachel Frankford

Mon., April 16, dinner 6:30 p.m., Konak Turkish Restaurant, 228 Vine St., The Big Time 8:30 p.m. at The Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., full evening $150, The Big Time only $35, 215-592-9560, www.1812productions.org.

 

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