October 30-November 5, 2003

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Artsquicks

More stuff going on this week...

It's a step away from being a formula for a teen slasher film, but really, what better place to spend Halloween than a former funeral parlor? Join forces of darkness Headlong Dance Theater, She-Haw, Rick Henderson, Liesel Euler and others in a spooky cabaret/dance-party benefit for The Parlor, an invaluable rehearsal and performance space made available at low rent for Philly artists (and low cost for audiences). Fri., Oct. 31, 8 p.m., $25 ($15 for artists), The Parlor, 1170 S. Broad St., 215-545-4289.

It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues was a hit on Broadway, and now acclaimed director Doug Wager and the Prince are looking to do the same here. Wager's the new director-in-residence at the Prince, and with 200 shows under his belt, he should have no problem making the history-driven musical Blues a foot-stomping, roof-raising good time. Nov. 5-23, $30-$48, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700.

Practically a pop star at this point, Denyce Graves will employ her bright mezzo-soprano in the service of gypsy songs, arias and spirituals this week at the Kimmel. Sun., Nov. 2, 2 p.m., $10-$68, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.

Former Daily News columnist and editor Chuck Stone has spread his wings (at age 79!) and written a children's book called Squizzy the Black Squirrel. It's a long way from Graterford Prison hostage negotiations to a book intended for the 5-to-9 set, but Stone's no stranger to a challenge. Sun., Nov. 2, 2 p.m., free, Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-665-0716.

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