Top Upcoming Theater Events In The Philadelphia Area
Shakespeare in Sister Cities Park
presented by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
18th St and Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 440-5500
www.centercityphila.org
Dates: August 8
The only summer theater experience that could be better than Shakespeare in the park is free Shakespeare in the park. You can bring a blanket and a picnic lunch and enjoy the spectacle put on by teens participating in Philadelphia Parks and Recreation's Young Performers Theater Camp. Come out at noon, and spend an afternoon watching performances from budding actors. Just keep in mind that the show only happens if the weather permits.
"Fiddler on the Roof"
presented by Broadway Theatre of Pitman
43 S Broadway
Pitman, NJ 08071
(856) 384-8381
www.thebroadwaytheatre.org
Dates: Now through August 5
If you don't mind making your way just over the Delaware River into New Jersey, you'll be rewarded with "Fiddler on the Roof," one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. "Fiddler on the Roof" follows Tevye, a poor father of five daughters, who tries to raise his girls in the Jewish tradition in the face of oppression in czarist Russia. With such famous songs as "Tradition," "Matchmaker Matchmaker," and "If I Were a Rich Man," you'll be humming along the whole drive home.
"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"
presented by Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
2755 Station Ave
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-9455
www.pashakespeare.org
Dates: July 19 through August 5
"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" is Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic. The play examines the relationships among the family of wealthy cotton tycoon Big Daddy, in particular Big Daddy's son, Brick, and Brick's wife, Maggie "the Cat." Maggie is still in love with her washed-up football star husband, but he is in a downward spiral to the bottom of a liquor bottle. "Cat on the Hot Tin Roof" is possibly the greatest achievement of one of America's most talented playwrights. Directed by Thomas Ouellette, this production is not to be missed.
(credit: Brandywiners/Facebook)
"Hello, Dolly"
presented by The Brandywiners
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
(302) 478-3355
www.brandywiners.org
Dates: July 26 through August 4
If you're looking for a relaxing and fun day, this is the event for you. The ticket price for the show also includes all-day admission to beautiful Longwood Gardens, so you can stroll through in the afternoon and then sit down for the performance in the evening. "Hello, Dolly" is a Tony Award-winning musical based on "The Matchmaker" by Thornton Wilder. With its catchy score and lovable characters, the show has become an enduring hit, with three Broadway revivals and productions around the world.
"Our Town"
presented by Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company
3701 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(610) 202-7878
www.commonwealthclassictheatre.org
Dates: Now through July 28
Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company has been producing free theater in and around Philadelphia for eight years. Each year, the company hosts a free show that travels around the Greater Philadelphia area. This year, that show is "Our Town." This play will come to Philadelphia's International House on July 22, but check out the full list of locations to find a venue that works for you. "Our Town" is a play by American playwright Thornton Wilder about an average town's citizens in the early 1900s. It's a classic, and since the price is free, it's not to be missed.
Katherine Ernst is a full-time novelist and freelance writer in Montgomery County. Follow her activity on her blog at katherineernstwrites.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
