Around Town June 11

• The Longwood Gardens Fireworks and Fountains Show, Great American Composers, starts July 2 at 9:15 p.m. The show celebrates America 250 with jaw-dropping fireworks set to a dynamic soundscape of American music featuring iconic works that span classical brilliance, jazz innovation, and contemporary favorites from some of the nation’s most influential composers. The next fireworks show is Journey to Oz on July 18.
• It’s time to laugh. The City Theater Company’s house team creates fast-paced improv comedy with the help of the audience — no script, no safety net, no two shows ever the same. This show welcomes fans of all ages, but please note that sometimes, content may be inappropriate for audience members under 18. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show runs approximately 70-90 minutes. Audience members are welcome and encouraged to freely get up and purchase concessions at The Chancery Nectar Bar during the show. Advance tickets are $20 (plus fees); at-door tickets are $25. Youth (to age 12) tickets are $10. Fearless@ The Chancery is Friday, July 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets available here.

• Coming later this month to the Brandywine Museum of Art is “By Design: The Worlds of Betsy James Wyeth.” Betsy James Wyeth (1921–2020) was a designer of complex environments whose lasting legacy in visual art and landscape will be explored for the first time in this exhibition. Her practice extended to the restoration and adaptive reuse of dozens of historical buildings; the architectural design of new structures; an eclectic collecting practice that shaped highly original interior spaces; and the creation of large-format immersive environmental designs in the service of a consistent vision across two states and decades of practice. By Design: The Worlds of Betsy James Wyeth tells the story of these astonishing created worlds across hundreds of acres. It runs from June 27 through Jan. 10, 2027.

• The Brandywine Valley Symphony presents Masterworks 3: Made in America on June 25 at 730 p.m. at Longwood Gardens Open Air Theater. Experience the magic of music under the stars at Longwood Gardens with a world premiere arrangement, “An American Dream, A Symphonic Salute to America 250,” commissioned by the Brandywine Valley Symphony in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Performed alongside timeless favorites by Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein, and more. Bursting with joy, rhythm, and spirit, the music captures the energy and soul of America. Tickets include entrance to Longwood Gardens during the day. Tickets range in price from $20 to $60. Get tickets here.
• Chadds Ford Historical Society invites students entering 3rd to 6th grade to join an immersive summer camp that explores life in the 18th century and beyond. Each day, campers will explore the past through nature, the arts, and colonial life. Various camp activities include fabric dyeing, candle making, papermaking, colonial games, a nature scavenger hunt, a simulated archaeological dig, and bread baking at the 18th century home of John Chads. Campers will also participate in 18th century demonstrations, hike the Brandywine Trail, and take part in a Revolutionary War-themed escape room. In addition to these activities, plenty of time is provided for free play and unstructured fun. Campers will not want to miss this chance to experience Hands on History. Prices start at $350 for members, and $375 for nonmembers.

• The Delaware County Symphony presents a free concert at Rose Tree Park on Wednesday, June 17. This is billed as an uplifting celebration of American music to kick off the nation’s 250th Anniversary. The concert features a narrated performance of Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. Come and enjoy a varied and exciting night of music for the whole family. The program also includes Bernstein: Overture to Candide, Dvorak: American Suite Mvts. 1,2,5, Lorini: Hymn of America; and Sousa: Stars and Stripes Forever.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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