The Forrest Theater – Theaters in Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia is so rich in history, to even include the Theaters in Philadelphia. The Forrest Theater is one of America’s oldest theaters which sits in the Market East section of Philadelphia. Approximately six city blocks away from more Philadelphia History, such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, or the Independence Visitor’s Center.
History of Forrest Theater
It started with the Shubert family, who were very well known with owning Theaters all over America, to be excluded from a new playhouse at Market and 21st Streets. The Shuberts had managed the original Forrest Theater on Broad and Sansom Streets with A.I. Erlanger, where the Fidelity Bank building now stands. Once the Shuberts were excluded from the new playhouse, they retaliated by purchasing the site at 1114 Walnut Street, rebuilding the Forrest Theater in 1927 and vowing to be better than Erlanger’s new theater.
Ground was broken for the “New” Forrest Theatre September 1st, 1927 which was named after Edwin Forrest, the great Philadelphia born tragic actor of the nineteenth century. At a cost of over $2,000,000, construction was completed in time for a May 1st, 1928 opening. The Shubert organization still owns and operates the Forrest Theater.
The Forrest Theater Atmosphere & Experience
The Forrest Theater is still one of Philadelphia’s premier places for live theatre, presenting only the very best plays and musicals that Broadway has to offer. In past years, the Theater has been honored in hosting tour productions of Mamma Mia!, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Avenue Q, and more.
The Forrest Theater offers a beautiful, classic interior in which to enjoy the shows. It seats 1,851 total, to include 6 wheelchair spots, and almost any seat in the house offers a good view. Although the seats are a little tight, the theater is small enough that you can be up in the balcony and not be afraid of missing anything happening on the stage.
Since the 2007-08 season, the Forrest Theatre has joined with the Kimmel Center to offer a season of first class Broadway touring productions. The Theater is very well staffed with attendants and because the theater can become crowded very easily, I recommend arriving 30 minutes early to get to your seat. The large lobby offers a full bar and snack concession and there is Street and garage parking available.
The Forrest Theater in Philadehia is just a great place to see a show in which one has to experience. After you are done, don’t forget the many restaurants and bars or the historical sites of Philadelphia which are all in walking distance of the theater.
Location
1114 Walnut Street (between 11th & 12th Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hours
2:00 pm | 7:30 pm | 8:00 pm – Depending on the day of the week. Check schedules for each show.
Tickets
Ticket prices will vary per show and per seating area.
Phone
(215) 923-1515
Web Site
Places of Interest for Dinning & Bars near the Walnut Street Theater
Related Articles About Theaters in Philadelphia
- Academy of Music
- Arden Theatre Company
- Forrest Theater in Philadelphia
- Kimmel Center
- Walnut Street Theater
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