Best Bets: 'Philomena,' a Philly Last Waltz, 'Beauty and the Beast'

New This Week: Philomena (***1/2 out of four stars). This tough yet tender tale, from the steady hand of director Stephen Frears, features the great Judi Dench as a 70-something Irish woman forced to give her child up for adoption when she was an unwed teen confined to a convent. She goes to a haughty British newsman (played by Steve Coogan) for help, and the odd-couple journey of discovery begins. Coogan is understated and watchful, and Dench is just hopelessly inspiring. This story of resilience, resolution, and human kindness is perfect for the holidays. PG-13 (profanity, adult themes).

Tribute to the Last Waltz. The Last Waltz, the final concert by the Band, was held on Thanksgiving Day 1976 at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, and was made into a movie directed by Martin Scorsese. Philadelphia publican Fergus Carey gives an all-Philly redo at the Trocadero benefiting Philadelphia schools. Among the acts: John Train, Slo-Mo, Toy Soldiers, Ali Wadsworth, Alec Ounsworth, and Wesley Stace. A bonus: original Band keyboard player Garth Hudson will play a preshow acoustic set for VIP ticket holders, who pay $100.

- Dan DeLuca

"Beauty and the Beast" at Academy of Music. The Beauty and the Beast stage production, based on the Disney screenplay written by Linda Woolverton, portrays a young woman and a beast who is actually a prince trapped by a spell. To end the curse, the beast must learn quickly how to love and be loved. - Monica Peters