A Guide To Broadway Theaters In Philadelphia
Welcome to the CBSPhilly.com guide to everything that makes Philadelphia and its visitors passionate about entertainment here.
On stage, at any time of the year, you will find award winning musical theater and drama, world famous orchestra concerts, stunningly produced opera and ballet, museums which dazzle with their renowned collections, cutting-edge live comedy, plus arena and outdoor performance venues certain to suit all of your cultural tastes.
Here is a list of theaters, concert halls, museums, arenas and other performance venues.
Broadway Theaters In Philadelphia
Academy of Music
S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 893-1935
www.academyofmusic.org
The Academy of Music has been and continues to be the focus of Philadelphia's cultural life. If the walls could only talk, or sing for that matter, you would hear the world's finest musicians and artists.
The Academy was built as the nation's first Grand Opera House. Artists and conductors have marveled at the acoustic sound.
The Academy is a popular venue for many, touring Broadway shows, the Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Ballet. An untold number of little girls in black patent leather shoes and petticoats saw their first "Nutcracker" here.
The Academy's red velvet seats and spectacular chandelier make seeing any performance here a classic experience.
Forrest Theatre
1114 Walnut Street
(between 11th and 12th Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
www.forrest-theatre.com
The Forrest is one of Philadelphia's premier venues for live theatre, presenting only the best plays and musicals that Broadway has to offer.
Built in 1927, the Forrest has played host to hundreds of theatrical productions, including touring Broadway musicals, comedies, dramas, Yiddish theatre, dance programs, and Gilbert & Sullivan productions.
The Forrest is a favorite of Philadelphia's theatre community.
Merriam Theater
250 S. Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 732-5446
www.merriam-theater.com
This 1,874-seat theater serves as the University of the Art's major performance hall for students in the College of Performing Arts. Both fall and spring semesters conclude with a number of performances staged by the College's Dance, Music and Theater departments.
The students are inspired knowing that Sir Laurence Olivia and Katharine Hepburn worked the same stage.
The Merriam is also home to a number of regional performing arts organizations.
Suzanne Roberts Theatre
480 S. Broad Street (Broad & Lombard Sts.)
Philadelphia, PA 19146
215.985.0420
www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org
The Suzanne Roberts Theatre is home to the Philadelphia Theater Company. It is the newest addition to the Avenue of the Arts. The PTC produces, develops and presents imaginative contemporary theater focused on the American experience.
It's known for presenting great plays in an intimate theater, where every seat feels like it's a front row seat.
Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-574-3550
www.walnutstreettheatre.org
The Walnut Street Theater, founded in 1809, is America's oldest theater. It is the official State Theater of Pennsylvania, and is best known for loyal subscription holders. They love the style and atmosphere of productions staged here.
A point of trivia -- President Thomas Jefferson, Bill Cosby and Groucho Marx have all been to a theater performance at the Walnut Street. Attending a performance here puts you in great company.
