America's Oldest · Founded 1808

Walnut Street Theatre Announces A "Legendary" 215th Season

February 27, 2023

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Walnut Street Theatre, America's Oldest Theatre and a National Historic Landmark, is excited to announce its 215th season of live entertainment, and its 41st season as a not-for-profit producing theatre company. This season is packed with four stunning musicals and an explosive Tony-winning classic. As a self-producing regional theatre, the Walnut is the most popular theatre company in Philadelphia.

"When putting together the season, the word that kept coming to mind was ‘Legendary’," says President and Producing Artistic Director Bernard Havard who will be celebrating his 41st anniversary at the theatre next season, "For these ‘legendary’ stories, musicians, comedians, and playwrights, no word appeared more fitting.” Havard continues, “For our 215th season, each of our five shows is truly legendary in its own unique way."

The season begins with a new musical celebrating the cultural icon who changed the history of Rock and Roll, in Elvis – a Musical Revolution. For the holidays, we invite you to “Be Our Guest” with a ‘tale as old as time’ in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The season continues with Edward Albee’s explosive Tony Award-winning classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Then celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Marx Brothers’ historic three-month run at the Walnut with Groucho: A Life in Revue (A Musical Revue). The Walnut ends its 215th Season with the smash-hit Broadway sensation, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.

OUR 2023-24 SEASON

ELVIS – A Musical Revolution

This exciting new musical celebrates the cultural icon who changed the history of music. Experience Elvis’ pivotal moments with those who knew him best, including his parents Vernon and Gladys, Colonel Parker, Ann-Margret, Priscilla, and the R&B pioneers who influenced his music. You’ll be “All Shook Up,” with dozens of his greatest hits including “Hound Dog,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” Don’t miss ‘The King’ as you have never seen him before!

(October 3– October 29, 2023)

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

“Be Our Guest” for the most enchanting musical of all time, Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST! This ‘tale as old as time,’ based on Disney’s Academy Award-winning film, features the timeless story you love along with all your favorite characters and songs. Let the magic unfold in front of your eyes as dancing dishes, gorgeous costumes, and spectacular settings bring this Disney classic to life on stage. Celebrate your holidays with the most beautiful love story ever told! (November 21 – December 21, 2023)

Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Edward Albee took the theatrical world by storm with this celebrated Tony Award-winning Best Play. George and Martha have invited the young and naive Nick and Honey over for a late-night party—and their lives will never be the same. A stunning portrait of two American marriages, you will never forget this explosively comedic and profound masterpiece. Edward Albee's WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? promises to be the most talked about play of the season!

(January 9 – February 4, 2024)

Groucho: A Life in Revue

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Marx Brothers' historic three-month run at the Walnut with this hilarious and moving tribute to 'The Kings of Comedy.' Original New York and London star and Walnut favorite Frank Ferrante along with a versatile cast take you from The Marx Brothers' earliest days in vaudeville to film, stage, radio, and television stardom. This spirited musical comedy features classic songs and chronicles the remarkable rags-to-riches story of America's funniest entertainer. GROUCHO: A LIFE IN REVUE is a must-see for anyone who loves to laugh!

(February 13 – March 10, 2024)

BEAUTIFUL – The Carole King Musical

The inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable journey from a teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. From the pop classics King wrote for singers from Aretha Franklin to James Taylor, to her own chart-busting success as a solo artist, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring over two dozen hits, including “One Fine Day,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman,” this Broadway celebration is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget!

(March 26 – April 21, 2024)

Our 2023-2024 Season starts October 3rd. The Walnut is excited to announce we are keeping subscription prices the same for the 3rd straight season! But the only way to guarantee the best seats at the best prices is to subscribe. Subscriptions are available now for as little as $25 per show – up to a 70% savings off regular ticket prices! For information on season subscriptions, call the Walnut at 215-574-3550 ext. 6, or visit our website at WalnutStreetTheatre.org.

All show titles, dates, and subscription prices are subject to change.

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