UP to SPEED
Fall into Fun
Amtrak has your ticket to all the artful, musi- cal, historic and festive events happening around the Northeast Corridor this fall. All you need to do is decide—and then catch a ride. Check out special rail fares and earn points toward free travel (see Amtrak Guest Rewards info). Here’s a quick sample: An American idol “rocks on” in a smash Broadway show; escape to a film and food lovers week- end in Philly; celebrate Mardi Gras and All Hallows' Eve like never before; experience the future, and the past, of the American automobile (witness the rebirth of the Ford Mustang); and Disney’s A Christmas Carol train is rolling through a town near you. Find out more details on these and other events below. Climb aboard and let Amtrak deliver you to the fun. —Compiled by miChael hammett
Bang your
head to Rock
of Ages on
Broadway
Audacious Freedom:
Visitors to the African
American Museum experience cutting-edge technology with the opening
of “Audacious Freedom:
African Americans in
Philadelphia 1776-1876,”
presented by PECO. This
state-of-the-art interactive exhibit uses a blend of
technology, primary source
material, artifacts and stunning graphics to provide
insight into a perspective of
American history that has
rarely been told. 215-574-
0380; aampmuseum.org.
CONNECTICUT
Citywide Open Studios,
New Haven: During
the annual open studios
weekend—the largest of its
kind on the East Coast—
more than 500 artists open
their studio doors to the
public to showcase their
work and provide a “behind-
the-curtain” look into the
creative process. From
painting and pottery to col-
lage and sculpture, artwork
of every style and medium
is on view and for sale. Map
and main exhibition avail-
able at Artspace, 50 Orange
St., New Haven. Oct. 3-4.
203-772-2709; cwos.org.
For the Connecticut event, save 20 percent on the
best available (full) adult rail fare
for coach travel to New Haven.
This offer is valid for sale through
March 28 and for travel through
March 31, 2010. Request discount
code V266 by booking online at
Amtrak.com or calling 800-USA-
RAIL. See page 87 for blackout
dates and other restrictions.
PENNSYLVANIA
The “I’d rather be in
Philadelphia” great
escape: Talk Cinema and
Thomas Bond House invite
you to straddle history in
the heart of Society Hill.
Recharge in the beautifully
restored 1769 inn. Dine in
one of many award-winning
restaurants, and be among
the first to screen one of the
hot new films of the season.
The Getaway Package
includes a one-night stay
for two; a wine and cheese
reception; two passes to
Talk Cinema (past early
previews include Slumdog
Millionaire and The Reader);
a $50 gift certificate toward
fine dining in Philadelphia
(participating restaurants
only); and a full breakfast
for two at Thomas Bond
House. $195 (plus tax).
Available dates are Sept. 12,
Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Dec. 5 and
Dec. 19. Additional nights
on select weekends also
may be available. 800-551-
9221; talkcinema.com.
Humor Abuse: Following
a sold-out run at Manhattan Theatre Club, Humor
Abuse swept the awards
season. Honors included
winning a Best Solo Show
OBIE, Drama Desk, Lucille
Lortel and Outer Critics Circle award. Written
by Lorenzo Pisoni and
Erica Schmidt, based on
Pisoni’s vagabond life as
the youngest member of
his father’s famed “Pickle
Family Circus,” Humor
Abuse is one man’s candid
exploration of the relationship between father and
son, and the hopes, dreams
and disappointments that
lurk behind that red rubber nose. Pisoni, through
clowning and storytelling,
reveals that running away
with the circus isn’t always
fun and games. Philadelphia Theatre Company.
Sept. 25-Oct. 25. philadel
phiatheatrecompany.org.
