The True Story, or Vicious and Multiple and Untrue After All
The title is a big clue: This show is complicated. Seven different women perform seven different interpretations of writer Amelia Longo’s based-on-a-true-story memoir/performance piece. Each version explores the conflicting truths about being a woman in a romantic relationship. Directed by Flashpoint Theatre Company’s Meghann Williams, True Story plays with the notion that sometimes the facts are malleable while tackling the difficulties, confusions, ambiguities and disappointments of romance. How does a woman maintain a sense of self while in a relationship? When should she compromise? When should she embrace, and when should she reject? —Elizabeth Gunto
Fri.-Sat., Nov. 9-10, 7 p.m., $12-$15, Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St.
The Adam Wade Family Hour
Depending upon the storyteller, the topic of family is either a fertile ground for tears and laughter, or a disastrous misstep inviting a barrage of rotten tomatoes. But have faith in Adam Wade (pictured); a winner of 18 StorySLAMs and two GrandSLAMs, he’s wooed audiences so far. The Adam Wade Family Hour recounts some cringeworthy moments from his childhood, including the time mom discovered his Playboy subscription. If the vulnerable old geek’s anxious embarrassment isn’t enough to break a few hearts, missing the show will be — both nights sold out last year, so order ahead to lock down seat. —Andrew Wimer
Fri.-Sat., Nov. 9-10, 9 p.m., $15, Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St.
Conversation and Song with Sonia Sanchez, Bernice Johnson Reagon and Toshi Reagon
The 1985 MOVE fire left 11 dead and 10,000 bullet casings scattered across Osage Avenue, a painful event in Philadelphia history that inspired Sonia Sanchez (pictured) to write: “Who anointeth this city with napalm? Who giveth this city in holy infanticide?” And of course, Philly remains a violent place. In this program of music and poetry, Sanchez — our city’s first poet laureate and a pioneer of the Black Arts Movement — looks to quell the storm of rationalizations and confront the torrential injustices we too often ignore. She’ll be joined by renaissance woman/singer Bernice Johnson Reagon and her daughter, folk/blues musician Toshi Reagon. —Dylan Thomas Peer
Wed., Nov. 14, 7 p.m., $35, Christ Church Sanctuary, 20 N. American St.
RISK!
If truth really is stranger than fiction, then RISK! True Tales Boldly Told promises to be a fascinating night of storytelling. The show features headliners Kevin Allison (The State, creator of RISK!) and Janeane Garofalo (24, The West Wing), as well as some homegrown talent playing with personal stories on the theme of “Thanks.” Local performers include Bernardo Morillo, a Colombian native who likes to weave jokes into unexpected places, and Jamie Brunson, with a heartbreaking tale of murder and her search for motherly love. Also featured will be Becca Trabin, Philly standup comedian and improviser, and R. Eric Thomas, a standup “dramedian” and playwright who has been lighting up the Philly arts scene and beyond with shows like Will You Accept This Friend Request?, which sold out at last year’s First Person Arts Festival and is currently on tour. —Nikki Black
Fri., Nov. 16, 8 p.m., $25, The Wolf Building, 1200 Callowhill St.
