We’re sad to report that West Philly’s Curio Theatre Company has cancelled the final show of their 20th anniversary season due to unfortunate circumstances. The new production, A Funeral Farce, was scheduled to run from April 30 to May 17, but has been postponed indefinitely after a few key staff and family members were diagnosed with serious illnesses, according to an announcement posted on social media.

“After many hours of talks and weighing many options we must, with heavy hearts, cancel our last production of Season 20,” the announcement reads. “We have quite unexpectedly been hit with multiple serious family illnesses. Three of us who are deeply involved in many aspects of the show have been profoundly affected by cancer.”

The show is co-written by Jared Reed and Curio’s artistic director Paul Kuhn and directed by Curio’s managing director Gay Carducci-Kuhn. Curio members hope to do this show in the future, “hopefully with the same cast and crew.”

Purchased tickets will be reimbursed, but in its continuous effort to never turn away a child for financial reasons, Curio is asking to consider donating your purchased ticket to Curio’s Spotlight Fund which gives scholarships to children who cannot afford to attend Saturday classes and camp.

Spring is here and here’s a great opportunity to pre-order plants for your summer garden. The annual University City Garden Club Spring Plant Sale has kicked off this week and will continue through April 15. As always, the sale features a great selection of herbs, veggies, flowers, annuals, and perennials. You can also pick up the 2025 Vegetable Gardening Booklet from Penn State for free!

To access the online sale, click here. The pick-up date for orders is Saturday, May 3 (you will receive more details after placing your order).

If you want to shop in person, a Live Plant Sale will be held at the annual Spruce Hill May Fair in Clark Park (43rd and Chester) on Saturday, May 10. The May Fair kicks off at Noon, while the sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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UPDATE: SEPTA has adjusted the schedule for the 42nd Street Trolley Track Renewal project, which will replace the tracks between Spruce Street and Woodland Avenue. The project is now expected to begin today (Tuesday, April 1) and continue until June 13.

Trolley tracks will be replaced along 42nd Street between Spruce Street and Woodland Avenue, which is a portion of the trolley diversion route usually used in the summer during trolley tunnel maintenance. The project will affect parking and vehicular traffic.

During the project’s pre-construction phase, parking will be restricted on the portions of 42nd Street affected by work. 42nd Street will be closed in segments as the project moves along. Only one block at a time will be closed. The intersections of 42nd and Spruce, 42nd and Baltimore, 42nd and Chester, and 42nd and Woodland will not be affected by the project.

Construction hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (sometimes later). Occasional weekend work may also take place.

Additional information about this project is available here.

The newly opened period pantry is open to all community members.

A new period pantry has opened at the Health Partners Plans Community Wellness Center, located at 6232 Market Street. This new hub addresses period poverty that impacts two in five people who menstruate. The pantry will provide free menstrual products, education on menstrual health, and access to community health workers who can assist with scheduling women’s health appointments.

Period poverty occurs when individuals cannot access or afford menstrual hygiene products and is often linked to limited access to basic facilities and running water. People facing period poverty frequently have to choose between basic needs, like buying food or paying for utilities, and purchasing menstrual products, which can lead to significant health and mental health challenges. This issue is particularly prevalent in large cities like Philadelphia and disproportionately impacts Black and Latina women.

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The City is moving forward with the 47th Street Repaving and Traffic Safety project, which includes a new 47th street layout. Today, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) introduced legislation to move forward with the project that will improve traffic safety for pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists.

The project, which was introduced to the public in 2023 and underwent some revisions, will:

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The 67th annual Spruce Hill Community Association May Fair is set to return to Clark Park (43rd and Chester) on Saturday, May 10.

As always, vendors, local artisans, community groups and organizations seeking to do outreach and promotion are invited to to be part of this popular community event. The application process is currently open for interested vendors and groups. Space is limited and priority will be given to local community organizations and artisans.

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