First-Class Theater
In a period of war, “Time Stands Still” is a timely tale. Donald Margulies’ play, directed by Bud Martin, follows photojournalist Sarah and foreign correspondent James through the mad world of war as they try to tell the toughest of stories. Then their own story takes a turn, and they have to re-evaluate their life. The New York Times calls it “A powerful drama…crackles with bright wit and intelligence.” It plays at Delaware Theatre Company Jan. 18-Feb. 5. 594-1104, delawaretheatre.org
Yo, It’s Poe
Magazine writer, newspaper reporter, detective novelist, science fiction pioneer, poet—Edgar Allan Poe was many things, but perhaps most important, he is among the key figures in the American Romantic literary movement. On Jan. 19, hear Sarah Ferguson and Catherine Michalski read from some of his most famous works at the Kent County Public Library. Admission is free, but registration is require, so call soon. 698-6440, co.kent.de.us/Departments/CommunitySvcs/Library
No Strings Attached
We write about string ensembles all the time. Not so, woodwind groups, so here’s one: The Papillons Woodwind Quintet. The members have played together for about 15 years. Flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn and bassoon combine in a repertoire that includes works by Beethoven, Hadyn, Mozart, Handel and Bach—and a few show tunes. See the full range at The Smyrna Opera House Jan. 21, when The Papillons survey music from the 15th century to the present day. Enjoy. 653-4236, smyrnaoperahouse.org
Lions and Tygers and Bears—Oh My
The latest in The Arts at Trinity series, Jan. 21, is Musical Jungle Adventures, a fun family performance by teachers and students of The Music School of Delaware Faculty & Students. The program includes classics such as George’s “A Day in the Jungle,” Poulenc’s “The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant” (in honor of Babar’s 80th anniversary) and a setting of William Blake’s poem “The Tyger.” Visit Trinity Episcopal at 1108 N. Adams St. in Wilmington. 652-8605, www.theartsattrinity.org
From The New Yorker to Chadds Ford
As one opens, another closes. Starting Jan. 21, the work of Shrek creator William Steig will be shown at the Brandywine River Museum. Steig (1907-2003) rose to prominence via the cartoons and covers he created for The New Yorker, images that display a unique wit and insight into human behavior in an attempt to display inward feelings and often-contradictory behavior. See the evolution of his art and insight—as well as his work as author and illustrator of children’s books—through March 11. If you get there before Jan. 29, you’ll be able to see the last days of “Masterpieces by Andrew Wyeth from the Collections.” The show documents 75 years of the painter’s interaction with landscapes and people in the creation of some of the most important and memorable art in modern history. Some of these works have never been displayed before, so don’t miss this rare chance. 388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org
A Pyle of Fun
Also ongoing, through March 4, is “Howard Pyle: American Master Rediscovered” at the Delaware Art Museum—the venerable institution’s centenary celebration of Pyle’s death, which led to its founding. “Rediscovered” is a retrospective of one of America’s most popular illustrators and storytellers. See what made Pyle a favorite of magazines like Harper’s Monthly, Collier’s Weekly and Scribner’s Magazine, as well as how he created the paradigm for knights and pirates, and historical figures. It never gets old, especially with the curatorial staff’s constantly fresh takes on his work. “Rediscovered” firmly situates Pyle in the larger context of 19th century arts and letters. Go before it’s gone. 571-9590, delart.org
