Philadelphia is way more than just the Liberty Bell and cheesesteaks. As one of the oldest cities in the nation, it has easily become a hub for artistic development and historic theatres. Philly has long been rivaling other major cities like New York with tons of theatre companies popping up and more people interested in attending live shows. There are plenty of places to see a stage play in Philadelphia and we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best. Enjoy a night out with the family or plan the perfect date night with this list of theatres, companies and programs.
Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut St.
Founded in 1809, Walnut Street is America’s oldest theatre and is also the official state theatre of Pennsylvania. There are more than 55,000 season ticket holders and the house sits only 1,100 seats. The Walnut Street Theatre Company puts on musicals like Annie and South Pacific, but also hosts sophisticated plays like Jerry’s Girls and The Gift. Enjoy the tradition of professional theatre at this historic landmark!
Twitter: @WalnutStTheatre
The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts
Kimmel Center : 300 S. Broad St. | Merriam Theatre : 250 S. Broad St.
Academy of Music : 240 S. Broad St. | Forrest Theatre : 1114 Walnut St.
Various performing arts companies reside in the The Kimmel Center campus including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Pennsylvania Ballet, Opera Philadelphia, The Philly Pops and several others. Within this arts campus is the Kimmel Center (made up of a few smaller theatres), the Merriam Theatre, the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre. Catch a Broadway musical, a classic opera or that new play you’ve been dying to see. With so many theatres and types of performances in one place, there’s something perfect for everyone!
Twitter: @KimmelCenter
Arden Theatre Co.
40 N. 2nd St.
Found in 1988, Arden Theatre Company is dedicated to bringing great stories by great storytellers to life. As a full-service professional regional theatre, Arden offers educational programs to audiences, artists and students in the area. You can watch critically acclaimed plays or check out Children’s Theatre with the little ones. Either way, Arden Theatre Co. knowns how to put on a show!
Twitter: @ArdenTheatreCo
The Drake
302 S. Hicks St.
InterAct Theatre Co. PlayPenn, Simpatico Theatre Project, Azuka Theatre and Inis Nuar Theatre Co. have transformed the former University of Arts dance space into a new hub for contemporary plays called The Drake. With this partnership and new venue, resident partners will collectively host over 250 performances of world and Philadelphia premiers. Visit The Drake for cutting edge performances of thought-provoking and unique plays.
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Philadelphia Theatre Company
480 S. Broad St.
Looking for imaginative contemporary theatre and is both entertaining and intellectual? Then head over to the Suzanne Roberts theatre to catch a glimpse of the Philadelphia Theatre Co. You can also watch special performances by companies in-residence like Koresh Dance Company or other acclaimed companies. They focus on producing shows by American playwrights and continue to surprise audiences with captivating performances.
Twitter: @PhilaTheatreCo
So there really is something for everyone! What is your favorite place to see a stage play in Philadelphia? Let us know in the comments below!