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The Forrest Theatre: Broadway on Walnut Street

March 13, 2014 by

You don’t have to go to the Big Apple to experience the thrill of a Broadway production. Philadelphia's premier venue for Broadway plays, the Forrest Theatre has hosted touring productions of The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, Les Miserables and Rock of Ages in recent years. The classically designed theatre opened in 1927 and was one of the more opulent of the venues built by famous theatrical impresarios the Shubert brothers. Over the years a myriad of performers have taken the stage in a variety of productions, including Yiddish theatre, Gilbert & Sullivan, and the Philadelphia orchestra. Currently on the calendar of performances are West Side Story and Beauty and the Beast. Visit their website for ticket information.

1114 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 923-1515
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Society Hill Playhouse: Theater for All

August 7, 2013 by

Society Hill Playhouse advertises itself as ‘theatre for people who don’t think they like theatre.’ No angst ridden, hard to decipher dramas hit the stage here, in fact, comedies are the majority of their productions, because after all, few people object to having a good laugh. Their long-running production of Lafferty’s Wake is an interactive play that uses audience involvement to pull off its theatrical hijinks. Upcoming productions include Motherhood, the Musical: the Good, the Bad and the Laundry and Cooking with the Calamari Sisters. The small, intimate theatre is housed in a Victorian building with pressed tin walls and high ceilings, which lends a charming, cabaret-style ambiance. 

507 S. 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-0210
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Arden Theatre Company: Take The Stage

February 6, 2013 by

The City of Brotherly Love has no shortage of world-class theatrical companies, but few have won as much acclaim as the Arden Theatre. This Old City institution has been presenting exceptional dramatic and comedic works since 1988. Since then, they have racked up a truly impressive slate of awards, including 250 Barrymore Award nominations and 53 wins. In 1995, they purchased their current building, which they renovated to house two auditoriums. The 360-seat F. Otto Haas is the main stage, while the smaller Arcadia Stage is used for more intimate productions. Both have exceptional sightlines and excellent acoustics. The Arden presents a very diverse collection of works every year, including all-ages performances and new works commissioned especially for the group. The company also supports the Arden Drama School and the Arden For All program, which provides theatre tickets and books to underserved children. It’s well worth a visit, no matter what is on stage.

Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-1122
http://www.yelp.com/biz/arden-theatre-company-philadelphia

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The Kelly Writers House: Pick Up The Pen

September 25, 2012 by

Philadelphia has been home to many of the greatest men of American letters, so it’s no surprise that the city is seeking to keep its literary tradition alive at the Kelly Writers House. Founded in 1995 by a group of students, teachers, and alumni at the University of Pennsylvania, the facility is a thriving hotspot for the literary arts in all their forms, staging over 300 events yearly. Some of the biggest events include the Fellows program, which brings nationally famous writers in for a brief residency where they discuss their work, speaking with students during the day and then hosting a panel at night. These are typically packed to the gills. The interesting thing about the Writers House is that it actually is a house – events take place in the living room, and seats are often at a premium. Everything is free, but for popular programs it’s wise to RSVP.

The Kelly Writers House
University of Pennsylvania
3805 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 573-9748
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kelly-writers-house-philadelphia

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The Prince Music Theater

September 5, 2012 by

Named for renowned Broadway producer/director Hal Prince, the Prince Music Theater is housed in a restored 1920’s movie house. A visit to the theater is a fantastic way to support the arts, enjoy the thrill of live performance, and spend time in a gorgeously updated historic venue. Upcoming shows include a screening of La Boehme filmed on opening night at Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu, a cabaret benefit of Broadway musical performances, and a comedy called Defending the Caveman. Visit the Prince Music Theater's website for performance schedules and ticket info. 

1412 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 569-9700
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