The Play's the Thing

Philadelphia is a good theater town.  We have a lot of options, from Broadway quality and prices to local theater quality and prices. Here are a few of the better theater companies and some of their plays for this coming year.  Most have subscription packages that let you get tickets for groups of plays at a reduced cost.

Wilma Theater -- Among their offerings are Hamlet in March and April, followed by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.  The lead in Hamlet will be played by an African American woman, Zainab Jah.  In addition to established plays they are presenting two newer productions, The Body of an American, a contemporary war story, and Rapture, Blister, Burn, on the reunion of three women who were college friends.

People's Light -- They are offering three classics, three premieres, and two family plays, including their annual holiday panto.  Two of the premieres have local ties.  Row After Row is a dark comedy involving Battle of Gettysburg re-enactors.  Stella & Lou takes place in a South Philly bar.  One of the classics is August Wilson's Fences.  Another is The Cherry Orchard, which will star David Stratharin and Mary McDonnell.  (If you aren't acquainted with these two watch the movie Passion Fish; they were both in it.)  On a personal note, I've always enjoyed the People's Light performances and bought a four play package for this season.

Walnut Street Theater -- The oldest theater in American (opened in 1809) is showing 15 plays this season.  Five on the main stage, five on a smaller stage, and five family attractions.

There are a lot of other theaters in the area.  These are just the ones who send me flyers lately.