Walnut Street Theatre – Theaters in Philadelphia
Oldest Continuously Operating Theater in United States
The Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia is America’s longest operating theater. The theater is celebrating its 204th anniversary this year. It is 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 Walnut Street Theatre
The Walnut Street Theatre was founded in 1809, but not to actors. The Theater opened as “The New Circus” and hosted equestrian acts. It wasn’t until 1812 when the building had been converted to a legitimate theater and the first theatrical production was The Rivals in 1812. President Thomas Jefferson was in attendance.
The Walnut Street Theatre was the first theater to install gas footlights in 1837. In 1855 it was also the first theatre to feature air conditioning. The theatre switched to electric chandeliers and footlights in 1892. The theatre has undergone many renovations since its opening.
On October 15, 1966, The Walnut Street Theatre was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now a non-profit theater.
To this day, the company produces five productions a season on the theatre’s main stage and is the most subscribed theatre company in the world with 56,000 season ticket holders.
The Walnut Street Theatre Atmosphere & Experience
The Walnut Street Theatre has three stages; the Main-stage, where the primary and larger productions are seen, the Independence Studio on 3, a studio located on the building’s third floor for smaller productions, and the Studio 5 on the fifth floor, which is rented out for independent productions. All seats in the theatre for the most part have good views, but when you go higher up, there will be less leg room. The theater has a capacity of 1,054.
America’s oldest theatre has seen the likes of Marlon Brando, George M. Cohan, The Marx Brothers, Robert Redford, Katharine Hepburn, Jack Lemmon, Jane Fonda, and many more. There has been an extensive list of classic musicals, as well as a few productions from upcoming theater groups. Such productions as Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver, Of Mice and Men, Miss Saigon, and many others. For more, click here
Want some tips or secrets? If you’re worried about waiting in line during intermission, you can order your snacks ahead of time. Did you know that if you waited until the same day of the production, that tickets are half price.
The Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia has offered so many excellent productions over the year. If you love a good play or musical, you are certainly to not only find a winner here, but the staff is very nice and will make you feel comfortable.
Location
825 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hours
Box Office Hours
Monday | 10am – 6pm
Tuesday – Saturday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on non-performance dates & 10:00 am – showtime on performance dates
Sunday | Closed on non-performance dates & 12:00 pm – showtime on performance dates
Tickets
Ticket prices will vary per show and per seating area.
Phone
(215) 574-3550
Web Site
- Walnut Street Theatre – Theaters in Philadelphia
Places of Interest for Dinning & Bars near the Walnut Street Theatre
Related Articles About Theaters in Philadelphia
- Academy of Music
- Arden Theatre Company
- Forrest Theater in Philadelphia
- Kimmel Center
- Walnut Street Theater
**Some of the information was gathered from the Walnut Street Theaters history section and from Wikipedia**
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