PhilaMOCA features 'The End of the World (Again!)'

IT SEEMS as if the world is always ending, and PhilaMOCA is taking on the perpetual apocalypse with "The End of the World (Again!)."

Whether it was the sun and the earth colliding in 1603, Y2k or the Mayan calendar some say predicted the world would end Friday, mankind is constantly anticipating doomsday.

What's the best way to say goodbye? PhilaMOCA would say a three-day celebratory symposium that climaxes Friday night with a party and a panel discussion, "The End of World, Again: The Apocalypse in Media, Science, and Culture."

The panel includes a handful of academic types led by Barry Vacker, a professor at Temple University who recently published a book by the same name. "I'm counting on a lot of people to survive," said Vacker.

After asking the panel your final questions, join the midnight countdown while raging to the cyber-glam-rock sounds of S.T.A.R.W.O.O.D. The party will feature "end of the world"-themed artwork and, to ease your anxiety, complementary drinks from the Philadelphia Brewing Co. and Hendrick's Gin.

Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Arts, 531 N. 12th St., panel discussion 7 p.m., party (21-plus only) 9 p.m. Friday, $10, 267-519-9651, philamoca.org.

- Amanda V. Wagner

Riffing with Hodgson

The cinema may be a great way to escape from the world, but not when the movie turns out to be horrible. To make the most of your ticket stub in such cases, try mocking the film. "Mystery Science Theater 3000" creator Joel Hodgson said that this was the premise for his show.

He'll discuss the show's creation and other ways he's tried to entertain himself and his audiences during a presentation called "Riffing Myself," which will be followed by a showing of the show's take on "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians."

He described the film as a "really charming movie" that his Disney-loving parents never let him see. It's revered as one of the show's best riffs - and also their first Christmas movie - and provides a great counter for those who are a little sick of the holiday season.

Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville, $15, $13 students and seniors, 610-917-0223, thecolonialtheatre.com.

- Kailey Kluge