Walnut Street Theatre, America’s Oldest Theatre and a National Historic Landmark, is excited to announce its 214th season of live entertainment, and its 40th season as a not-for-profit producing theatre company. The ‘Knockout’ line-up includes three stunning musicals, a hilarious comedy by Neil Simon, and an American masterpiece. As a self-producing regional theatre, the Walnut is the most popular theatre company in Philadelphia.
“There is nothing like live theatre,” says Producing Artistic Director Bernard Havard who is celebrating his 40th anniversary at the theatre this season, “and we are looking forward to the next season of exhilarating stories brought to life on our stage.” Havard continues, “For our 214th season, each of our five shows celebrates love in its own unique and entertaining way.”
ROCKY (October 4– October 30, 2022)
The wait is over! The highly anticipated Broadway musical version of ROCKY, a uniquely Philly saga, finally makes its triumphant premiere. Small-time boxer Rocky Balboa gets a one-in-a-lifetime shot to go from loan shark enforcer to heavyweight titleholder, but does this ultimate underdog have what it takes? Based on the Academy Award-winning film, ROCKY features new musical numbers, along with favorites including “Eye of the Tiger” and “Gonna Fly Now.” ROCKY, the Musical is a beautiful love story, and a heart-stopping, knock-out theatrical experience for everyone brave enough to follow their dreams.
CINDERELLA (November 22 – December 18, 2022)
Next, Celebrate the holiday season with one of the most beloved love stories of all time, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. This enchanting new Broadway adaptation features a lighthearted and romantic new book by Douglas Carter Beane (Sister Act), and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classics, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” CINDERELLA is a timeless, enchanting story of love and hope, and this imaginative and spectacular Walnut production will make your holidays even more magical. And not to worry, you’ll be home long before the stroke of midnight!
LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS (January 10 – February 5, 2023)
Up next, Neil Simon’s LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS will have you laughing from start to finish. Barney Cashman believes life is passing him by (maybe a mid-life crisis?) so he sets out to put some excitement into his life. His mother’s apartment is empty one afternoon each week, so he decides seduction – with three uniquely comedic women – is the answer. His failed attempts lead to hilarious results as Barney discovers he may not actually be the LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS. Neil Simon’s hit comedy is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud romantic romp.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (February 14 – March 12, 2023)
An American classic, Tennessee Williams’ CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF is set in the sweltering Mississippi Delta where Brick and his wife Maggie “the Cat” are celebrating the birthday of Brick’s father, Big Daddy. But Big Daddy is disturbed and disappointed by the tempestuous relationship between his prized son Brick, an aging football hero who is desperately trying to escape reality, and the beautiful and feisty Maggie. As the hot summer evening unfolds, the veneer of Southern gentility slips away, and long-hidden truths emerge. CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF is a powerful, not to be missed, Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece.
ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE (March 28 – April 23, 2023)
Finally, kick off your flip flops and set your clock to island time, as the Walnut is transformed into a tropical paradise where love and laughter are the keys to ‘growing older but not up.’ We’re going to Margaritaville. Leading our visit is Tully, a part-time bartender, part-time singer, and full-time charmer who thinks he’s got life all figured out – until a beautiful tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything. ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE is a heartwarming musical featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and many more!
The 2022-2023 Season starts October 4th. Open captioning will be available on select dates. The season is sponsored by PNC Arts Alive, Pennsylvania Cultural Alliance, and our official restaurant partner is Buca D’oro Ristorante. Media Sponsors are 6ABC, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Metro Philadelphia. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com. The only way to guarantee the best seats is to subscribe. Subscriptions are available now for as little as $25 per show – up to a 70% savings off regular ticket prices! Individual tickets go on sale Monday, September 12th. For information on season subscriptions, call the Walnut at 215-574-3550 ext. 6, or visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org.
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