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Around Town May 21

Longwoo Carillon — It’s the 25th anniversary of the Longwood Carillon.

• This Memorial Day Weekend, enjoy two days of music and exploration as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Longwood Carillon. Enjoy live performances, explore the historic Chimes Tower and Longwood Carillon, and take part in festive moments designed for all ages, from family favorites played on the carillon to the lively sounds and sights of the Avalon String Band as they bring Philadelphia Mummers energy to our Gardens. It takes place on May 23 and 24, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information and tickets, go here.

• Registration for City Theater Company’s Improv Summer Camp for teens and tweens is open now. The camp is open for kids 11-14. They can make new friends, build confidence, and more. Camp runs from July 6 to July 10 at the Delaware Contemporary, 220 S. Madison Street in Wilmington, and costs $250. Register here.

The Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade is this Monday at 10 a.m.

• The Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade, recognized as the largest Memorial Day parade in Chester County, will return on Monday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m., with more participants and community groups than ever before. Thousands of spectators are expected to gather in downtown Kennett Square to honor the nation’s fallen service members while celebrating the community’s longstanding Memorial Day tradition. The parade will begin from at 10:00 a.m. from Kennett High School, with a performance of the National Anthem by Pollock Music vocal students in the center of town, at State & Union.

• The Chester County History Center is holding a special event at Taste and Sea in Chadds Ford on June 2, “True Crime on Trial.” The event takes a deep dive into one of Chester County’s most controversial cases, utilizing trial transcripts, newspaper reports, and evidence from the crime scene. Starting at 6 p.m., attendees can order craft beer, cocktails, and delicious bites from the regular menu (not included in ticket). Historians from the staff of CCHC will present the evidence and give you, the audience, a chance to reach a verdict. At the end, we’ll tell you how the case actually turned out. “You be the judge. Based on the evidence, did the jury in this real historical trial get it right?” Tickets are $20 and are available here.

From Howard Pyle, “My dear,” said Gen Washington, “Captain Prescott’s behavior was inexcusable. (Bequest of Betsy James Wyeth.)

• This weekend, a new exhibit opens at the Brandywine Museum of Art, “Treasures from the Family: The Gift of Betsy James Wyeth.” It officially opens on May 22 and runs through Nov. 6. Discover Betsy James Wyeth’s role as the curator and archivist of the Wyeth family’s rich history and collections in “Treasures from the Family: The Gift of Betsy James Wyeth.” The exhibition consists of art and archival material from the major bequest she left to the Brandywine Museum of Art upon her death in 2020.

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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Beatles Tribute Band Britain’s Finest to Headline Longwood’s Beatlemania Weekend

Arts & Entertainment

(3B)BF group with instruments — Beatles Tribute Band Britain’s Finest to Headline Longwood’s Beatlemania Weekend

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. — Fans of the Fab Four can relive Beatlemania this August as Longwood Gardens hosts Britain’s Finest: The Beatles Experience for three nights of nostalgic music and dazzling entertainment.

The tribute band Britain’s Finest will perform August 22, 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. in Longwood’s Open Air Theatre. Reserved seating tickets are $55, with discounted pricing of $27 available for Gardens1, Gardens2, Gardens5, Preferred, Premium Members and Innovators. All tickets include full-day Gardens admission.

The performances coincide with Longwood’s Beatlemania Fountain Fest Weekend, a celebration that continues after each concert with a special Get Back: The Beatles Illuminated Fountain Performance in the Main Fountain Garden at 9:15 p.m. Lawn seating is available, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for the best viewing experience.

Britain’s Finest is known for its charismatic and authentic renditions of Beatles classics. The group dresses in period costumes, uses vintage instruments, and channels the playful spirit of John, Paul, George and Ringo. Their performances cover every era of The Beatles’ legendary career—from the early rock ‘n’ roll hits like “Twist and Shout” to the psychedelic sounds of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Formed in Southern California, the band has gained international acclaim, including a featured performance at the world-famous Cavern Club during Liverpool’s International BeatleWeek. They have also been spotlighted on AXS TV’s World’s Greatest Tribute Bands.

“This is more than just a concert—it’s a full experience for Beatles fans of all ages,” said a Longwood Gardens spokesperson. “With live music, fountains, and the magic of Longwood, it’s a weekend to remember.”

Ticket quantities are limited and expected to sell out. According to new Federal Trade Commission regulations, Longwood Gardens now includes all ticket fees in the listed price to provide full pricing transparency.

Tickets are available now at longwoodgardens.org.

About George Rotsch

George is the publisher of Chadds Ford LIVE along with DelawareLIVE, MilfordLIVE, and TownSquareLIVE. He is a professional communicator and marketing consultant. He has worked national brand and local non-profits and contribute to editorial strategy and as a reporter from time to time. He can be reached at george@delawarelive.com.

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Brandywiners Bring Shakespearean Shenanigans to Longwood Gardens with ‘Something Rotten!’

Arts & Entertainment

OIP — Brandywiners Bring Shakespearean Shenanigans to Longwood Gardens with ‘Something Rotten!’

CHADDS FORD, PA — The Brandywiners Ltd. are trading tragedy for tap shoes and sonnets for slapstick in their 2025 summer production of Something Rotten!, the Broadway hit musical set to run July 23–26 at Longwood Gardens’ iconic Open Air Theatre.

A satirical love letter to musical theater, Something Rotten! catapults audiences back to 1595, where struggling playwright brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom embark on an ambitious quest to outshine William Shakespeare. With a little help from a misguided soothsayer named Thomas Nostradamus, the duo sets out to write the world’s first musical — resulting in a hilariously absurd production titled Omelette: The Musical.

The show, a 10-time Tony nominee, was created by Grammy winner Wayne Kirkpatrick and screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. It is praised for its clever wit, catchy numbers, and over-the-top Broadway homages. Audiences can expect Elizabethan antics, egg-themed tap-dancing numbers, and plenty of fourth-wall-breaking fun.

Tickets are $38 for general admission and $33 for Longwood Gardens members and students. Each ticket includes full-day access to the gardens, turning the evening into an immersive arts-and-nature experience. Performances begin at 8:00 p.m., with rain dates set for July 27 and 28.

This year’s production is helmed by director S. Lee Lewis, with musical direction by Betsy Conner, choreography by Tracy Friswell-Jacobs, and scenic design by Jeff Reim.

Now in its 93rd season, The Brandywiners Ltd. have become a staple of summer arts in the Brandywine Valley. Founded during the Great Depression by Frances Tatnall and William Winder “Chick” Laird, the troupe staged their first production — The Pirates of Penzance — in 1932 with the encouragement and support of Laird’s uncle, Longwood Gardens founder Pierre S. du Pont.

Since then, The Brandywiners have presented a Broadway-style musical each July, known for large singing-and-dancing casts, full orchestras, and elaborate multi-level sets. Their shows have included classics like Crazy for You, Oklahoma!, and Mame. Beyond the stage, the organization is deeply rooted in community service, donating proceeds to local arts and civic organizations across the Delaware Valley.

The group also maintains a robust year-round presence through the Brandywiners Chorale, a 70-member vocal ensemble performing at churches, retirement communities, and cultural venues such as Winterthur and the Grand Opera House.

Their continued success is made possible by a dedicated board of directors and a volunteer force managing everything from costumes and set design to hospitality and community outreach.

With Something Rotten!, the Brandywiners once again deliver their signature blend of theatrical excellence and community spirit — all against the lush, blooming backdrop of Longwood Gardens.

If You Go:

Dates: July 23–26, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
Rain Dates: July 27 & 28 at 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Open Air Theatre, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Tickets: $38 general admission; $33 for Longwood Gardens members and students
Includes: All-day access to Longwood Gardens
Tickets Available At: www.brandywiners.org