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REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES & More Lead Philadelphia's Summer 2026 Top Theatre Shows

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:28:09 PST

Philadelphia is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month.

We understand the importance of choosing the perfect show, especially for new theatregoers. That's why our experienced editorial team meticulously reviews a wide range of productions each month. We consider various factors including a producer's track record, audience reviews, and overall production value, to bring you the very best recommendations for the following month.

See what the experts recommend! Check out our editorial team's top picks for the best shows to see in Philadelphia for Summer 2026.

Real Women Have Curves

Bristol Riverside Theatre - Now through June 14, 2026

Real Women Have Curves stitches together the hilarious, heartfelt, and sometimes chaotic lives of five curvy Latina seamstresses striving to make ends meet—while fighting for their future. With a deadline looming to finish 200 dresses in just three weeks, the pressure is on, leading to nonstop gossip, laugh-out-loud moments, and the occasional sewing machine meltdown. As they navigate work, family pressures, and the curveballs life throws their way, this uplifting play celebrates sisterhood, self-love, and breaking free from society’s tight seams—one stitch at a time!

For tickets: click here.

Annie Get Your Gun

Act II Playhouse - Now through June 28, 2026

One of the most successful shows in Broadway history, the beloved musical tells the story of Western sharpshooter Annie Oakley and features an assortment of Broadway standards including: “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)” that is sure to have audiences singing along all night.

For tickets: click here.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Arden Theatre Company - Now through June 07, 2026

Classic fairy tales get mixed up and downright silly in The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. How about the Ugly Duckling growing up to be A Really Ugly Duck? Or the Princess kissing a frog only to end up with a mouthful of slime? With quirky characters, funny twists, and enough stinky cheese to go around, this hilarious adaptation of the beloved book will have kids and parents falling out of their seats.

For tickets: click here.

The Piano Lesson

Labuda Center for the Performing Arts - Now through June 14, 2026

August Wilson’s Pulitzer and Tony-winning masterwork unfolds in 1936 Pittsburgh, where the Charles family struggles over an heirloom piano carved with the faces of their enslaved ancestors. Boy Willie arrives from Mississippi, determined to sell it to claim his future, while his sister Berniece guards the instrument as a sacred altar to their history. As their clash intensifies, the ghosts of the past begin to stir, forcing a reckoning with a legacy they can neither sell nor escape. PSF is proud to present this production directed by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames (Fat Ham).

For tickets: click here.

Urinetown

Barn Playhouse - Now through June 13, 2026

In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he's had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! Inspired by the works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, Urinetown is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself!

For tickets: click here.

Million Dollar Quartet

Labuda Center for the Performing Arts - Now through June 28, 2026

On December 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins descend on Sun Studio in Memphis. What follows is one of the greatest impromptu jam sessions in music history. Guided by visionary producer Sam Phillips—the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll”—the night crackles with soaring music while careers hang in the balance. Featuring over 20 chart-topping hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and “I Walk the Line,” this is a toe-tapping celebration of friendship, rivalry, and a night that ignites a revolution. A family-friendly musical celebration suitable for all ages.

For tickets: click here.

MACBETH by William Shakespeare

ActorsNET of Bucks County - June 12, 2026 through June 28, 2026

A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become the King of Scotland. Fueled by his own ambition and spurred to action by his equally ambitious and exceedingly devious wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and fulfills the witches’ prophesy, but consumed by guilt and plagued by paranoia, he ultimately faces rebellion, torment, and his own bloody demise.

For tickets: click here.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The Stagecrafters Theater - June 12, 2026 through June 28, 2026

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s popular novel, opens on June 12th at The Stagecrafters. Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old, curious, brilliant, neurodivergent young man investigates the mysterious death of a neighbor’s dog. This decision leads him to discoveries that turn his life upside down, drawing him into an unfamiliar and overwhelming world. The play premiered at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2012; it won the Olivier Award in 2013 for Best New Play and five Tony Awards in 2015 including Best Play and Best Actor.

For tickets: click here.

The Outsiders

Ensemble Arts Philly - Now through June 07, 2026

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, Ponyboy Curtis, his Best Friend Johnny Cade and their Greaser family of “outsiders” battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. This thrilling new Broadway musical navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them. With a dynamic original score, The Outsiders is a story of friendship, family, belonging... and the realization that there is still “lots of good in the world.”

For tickets: click here.

Annie Get Your Gun

The Shawnee Playhouse - June 13, 2026 through July 05, 2026

Annie Get Your Gun, written by Irving Berlin, is directed and choreographed by Broadway alumna Naomi Naughton. The musical follows Annie Oakley, played by Megan Fry, a sharpshooter who joins Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and falls for fellow marksman Frank Butler, played by Max Kubiak, only to find that outshining him threatens their romance. The cast also includes Dante Giammarco as Buffalo Bill Cody, Deven Windisch as Charlie Davenport, Sean Cortes as Tommy Keeler, Anna Jeffries as Winnie Tate, and Stephen Hellman as Chief Sitting Bull, among many others. The production is presented by The Shawnee Playhouse in its forty-eighth season, produced by Charles and Ginny Kirkwood.

For tickets: click here.

Cirque du Soleil LUZIA

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center - Now through June 07, 2026

LUZIA is a Cirque du Soleil production written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, in association with Brigitte Poupart. The show takes audiences to an imaginary Mexico, where light and rain serve as poetic metaphors for the spirit and soul. It celebrates Mexico as a land of immense beauty and energy, where nature, movement, and myth intertwine into a deeply spiritual way of life.

For tickets: click here.

Big Fish

Players Club of Swarthmore - Now through June 13, 2026

Big Fish is a Broadway musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the film directed by Tim Burton, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by John August. The story follows Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose extraordinary tales captivate everyone around him, while his son Will sets out to uncover the truth behind the stories that have defined his father's life. Directed by Kayla Bowe, choreographed by Emily Engle, and featuring music direction by Jeff Smith, the production stars John B. Hedges as Edward Bloom and Gavin Wycuff as Young Edward Bloom, alongside Lauren Champlin-Moadeli as Sandra Bloom and Richie Izzo and Daniel Gorman sharing the role of Will Bloom. The production explores themes of family, legacy, forgiveness, and the power of storytelling.

For tickets: click here.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific

Bucks County Playhouse - June 18, 2026 through July 26, 2026

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific will return to the Bucks County Playhouse, directed and choreographed by Denis Jones. Set on a lush island during World War II, the musical follows a young nurse falling in love with a plantation owner amidst the backdrop of war. This production commemorates the nation's 250th anniversary and features timeless classics such as “Some Enchanted Evening” and “Younger Than Springtime.” With its rich emotional themes and historic roots in Bucks County, this enduring love story remains a significant piece of American theater.

For tickets: click here.

South Pacific

Bucks County Playhouse - Now through June 03, 2026

South Pacific is being presented at Bucks County Playhouse in a production with special local significance. Oscar Hammerstein wrote the lyrics while living in Doylestown, approximately 15 minutes from the Playhouse. The show is based on the written work of James Michener, who called Bucks County home.

For tickets: click here.

Idina Menzel with the Philly Pops

Independence Mall - July 03, 2026 through July 03, 2026

Idina Menzel with the Philly Pops takes place on July 3 at 7 p.m. on Independence Mall as part of Wawa Welcome America's Pops on Independence concert. The performance is conducted by Music Director Chris Dragon. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the outdoor setting.

For tickets: click here.

Looking to include your shows? Submit them to our listings here.

FRANKLIN'S KEY Returns to Philadelphia Following Award-Winning World Premiere

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:00:31 PST

Pig Iron Theatre Company's Barrymore Award-winning production Franklin's Key returns this summer following last year's breakout world premiere. Pig Iron remounts its hit sci-fi adventure June 11 to 28, 2026, at Plays & Players Theatre (1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103), an intimate, 220-seat venue.

Set across iconic Philadelphia landmarks and steeped in the city's real scientific legacy, Franklin's Key is an ideal cultural experience as the nation celebrates the Semiquincentennial. The show transforms Philadelphia's history of invention, revolution, and curiosity into a thrilling live adventure, making it a natural fit for theater lovers exploring the city during America's 250th commemoration. Fans of The Goonies, Stranger Things, Harry Potter, and National Treasure will enjoy the artistry and mystery of this thrilling live, immersive stage production. Last year's debut generated strong audience demand, extensive press attention, and praise for its inventive storytelling and visual ingenuity. Broad Street Review called the show “visually mesmerizing,” highlighting its blend of history, science, and myth as “a timely look at who wields power and knowledge.”

Co-Director Dan Rothenberg offers, “This love letter to Philadelphia brings together sci-fi fans, history nerds, and science enthusiasts. We were so delighted to hear audiences say it was the one show that they could bring grandparents and kids to, and nobody felt left out. While the show offers adventure and humor that keeps younger audiences engaged, the intrigue of secret societies and a story rooted deeply in Philadelphia's culture is sure to fascinate audiences of all ages. Our goal is to offer everyone a wild ride that makes history and science surprising and arresting and twisty.”

During the War of Independence, the British feared Benjamin Franklin could control the weather. Franklin's Key asks: What if that were true? A mystery unfolds for audiences in an alternate reality where Franklin's undiscovered technology has been hidden underneath some of Philadelphia's most treasured landmarks for centuries. Set in present-day Philadelphia, Franklin's Key follows two teenage prodigies: Temple (Jameka Monet Wilson), a self-taught scientist, and her brother Arturo (Alton Alburo), a gifted musician. The two uncover an ancient mystery, setting off a chain of events that draws them into a secret battle between rival factions seeking to harness the incredible yet volatile powers of Franklin's long-lost technology. Aided by a cast of misfit friends, Temple and Arturo traverse hidden tunnels under the city, leading them from abandoned subway platforms to the iconic statue of William Penn atop City Hall and the building-sized organ inside the old Wanamaker Department Store. With time running out, the team must navigate a labyrinth hidden underneath Philadelphia, evade powerful enemies, and unlock the secrets Franklin left behind before his discoveries fall into the wrong hands.

Almost all of the original Barrymore Award–winning cast returns for Franklin's Key, reuniting the celebrated ensemble that first brought the production to life and earned widespread critical acclaim in Philadelphia. Their return underscores the production's impact and the continued collaboration at the heart of Pig Iron's work.

Two performers lead the production as the story's teen heroes: Philadelphia-based actor Jameka Monet Wilson (The Drag, EgoPo; Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, Strides Collective; The Winter's Tale, Delshakes; Little Women, Hedgerow Theatre Company) and New York-based actor Alton Alburo, most recently seen as Howie in the world premiere of Nic Adams' NECK DOWN.

The supporting ensemble includes Alice Yorke, who portrays Diane Prentiss, a mysterious historian. Yorke is a Barrymore-nominated, Philadelphia-based actor, director, and producer. Yorke played the lead in Lightning Rod Special's acclaimed musical The Appointment (NYTW: Next Door; Best of 2019 Theatre, New York Times, New York Magazine, Time Out). New York actor Chris Thorn (Roundabout, Lincoln Center) returns as Bill Fordhook, the crypt-keeper at Franklin's grave. Actor Benjamin Bass (The Woodsman, 59E59 Theaters, NYC; We Own This City, HBO) plays Armantrout and Jimmy, and Izzy Sazak, a Philadelphia-based theatermaker, takes on the dual roles of scientists Persephone Poledoris and Bonnie Jenkins. Sazak's past credits include Pig Iron's Poor Judge (The Wilma, Philadelphia, PA) as well as Pinocchio (The Arden, Philadelphia, PA) and Head Over Heels (Theatre Horizon, Norristown, PA).

Also joining the cast this year is Michael A. Stahler, whose credits include his Off-Broadway debut in Granny Jackson's Dead (Big Telly/Tiny Dynamite/Inis Nua), winner of Best Production at the Origin 1st Irish Theatre Festival. He also performed as Jeremiah in SHIP (Azuka Theatre), winner of the American Theatre Critics Associations' New Play Award, and as Sean in the Barrymore Award-winning production, The Playboy of the Western World (Inis Nua Theatre).

The movement ensemble features Makoto Hirano, co-founder of Team Sunshine Performance Corporation; Ben Grinberg, co-artistic director of Almanac Dance Circus Theater; and Gabe Moses, whose regional theatre includes Rent, The Lehman Trilogy (Arden Theatre Company); A Christmas Carol, Illuminating Bayard Rustin (People's Light, Company Member); and Lovesong (Inis Nua Theatre).

Obie Award–winning Special Effects Designer Skylar Fox, known for his work on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway and internationally, brings his boundary-pushing approach to stage magic. His recent credits include Fat Ham (The Public/National Black Theatre), Boop! (Broadway), and You Will Get Sick (Roundabout Theatre Company). The production features an original score by award-winning composer Rosie Langabeer, whose collaborators include BalletX (Sunset, o639 Hours) and Pig Iron's Twelfth Night. Fans of Franklin's Key can listen to and purchase the soundtrack HERE.

The design team also includes Set Designer Anna Kiraly (Chekhov Lizardbrain; Pay Up), Tony-nominated Lighting Designer Amith Chandrashaker (Prayer for the French Republic; Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway), Co-Lighting Designer Stoli Stolnack, Video Designers David Tennent (A Period of Animate Existence) and Josh Higgason (BAM, Sufjan Stevens Tour, Spoleto), Sound Designer Chris Sannino (The Wilma, Opera Philadelphia), and Costume Designer Maiko Matsushima (Madame Butterfly, Pittsburgh Opera).

Co-writer Robert Quillen Camp previously wrote the text for Pig Iron's Pay Up and the OBIE-winning Chekhov Lizardbrain, while co-writer and co-director Dan Rothenberg, a founder of Pig Iron Theatre Company, has created more than 30 original works that have toured to 15 countries. Co-director Eva Steinmetz recently was promoted to Co-Artistic Director at Pig Iron; her directing work includes the multi-award-winning Penelope; the acclaimed Poor Judge at Pig Iron/Wilma; and the short film Marina, starring Grace McLean and Peter Friedman.

Franklin's Key runs approximately two hours with a short intermission and is recommended for children ages eight and up. Previews run from June 11 to 14, with an opening, invite-only performance set for Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m.

Ticket prices start at $45, with 20% discounts for patrons 18 and under or 65+, and group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased now. To book a group of 10 or more people, please email boxoffice@pigiron.org.

FRANKLIN'S KEY Returns to Philadelphia Following Award-Winning World Premiere

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:00:31 PST

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from May 2026

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:03:21 PST

Around the BroadwayWorld is our monthly snapshot of the biggest stories making waves across the global theatre community. In this May 2026 edition, we're bringing you a fresh batch of standout reviews from regional stages across the country - from Brigadoon at Pasadena Playhouse in Los Angeles to The Phantom of the Opera at Seattle's Paramount Theatre and Pippin at Signature Theatre in DC.

Diane Paulus directs an immersive, David Bowie-inspired Life on Mars at American Repertory Theater, the producers of Japan's Gypsy revival walk back a planned title change, and we go behind the scenes with interviews spanning Adam Fields of the Beetlejuice national tour, The Muny's casting director Michael Baxter, Richard Kind on finally taking on Edna in Hairspray, and BWW's Kid Reporters chatting with the touring Von Trapp kids of The Sound of Music. Plus, get a first look at exciting new productions through performance videos and photos, including Anastasia at La Mirada Theatre, Dear Evan Hansen at Arden Theatre, Pippin at Signature Theatre, and the Manila cast of Jesus Christ Superstar - and so much more from across the BroadwayWorld.

Diane Paulus Will Direct Immersive David Bowie Inspired LIFE ON MARS at American Repertory Theater

Joshua Wright | Boston

Diane Paulus will direct Life on Mars, an immersive theatrical production set to David Bowie's music, as the inaugural production at the Goel Center for Creativity & Performance in May.

GYPSY in Japan: Producers Walk Back Title Change Ahead of 2026 Revival

Joshua Wright | Japan

The Japanese revival of GYPSY will retain its original title when it returns to the stage in 2026, reversing an earlier decision to present the production under the name 'Rose.'

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Brock Mills | Jacksonville

For Adam Fields, returning to Jacksonville with the national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical isn’t just another stop, it’s a full-circle moment. The production will play in Jacksonville from May 12–17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Interview: BWW’s 'Kid Reporters' Chat With THE SOUND OF MUSIC’s Touring Von Trapp Kids

Melissa Heckscher | Los Angeles

BroadwayWorld Los Angeles' kid reporters talk with the young touring cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC to find out what it's like to be part of one of Broadway’s most iconic shows and what actually happens behind the curtain.

Interview: Chatting with The Muny's Casting Director Michael Baxter

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

Michael Baxter’s work will shine on The Muny stage during all 50 performances this summer. He led the efforts and had a hand in hiring every one of the 194 actors who will fill the principal and ensemble roles.

Interview: Richard Kind Talks Finally Taking on Edna in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

When The Muny opens their production of Hairspray on June 15, 2026, the legendary Richard Kind will don Edna Turnblad’s housecoat and step into her fuzzy house slippers. Kind, star of stage, screen and film, calls it bucket list moments to get to perform at The Muny and play Edna all at the same time.

Reviews

Review: BRIGADOON at Pasadena Playhouse

Andrew Child | Los Angeles

Brava to Alexandra Silber for capturing all the heart and humor of Lerner’s original book with her thoughtful new adaptation and brava to Katie Spelman for dreaming up a Brigadoon that is as ebullient and spirited as it is deeply human.

Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Paramount Theatre

Shelley Dean | Seattle

It’s almost unbelievable for me to admit that this was my first time seeing The Phantom of the Opera. Of course, I knew the iconic songs and had seen countless clips over the years, but experiencing the production live on stage for the first time was entirely different, haunting, and spine-chilling in the best way possible. From the chandelier drop to the monumental set pieces, the show truly lives up to its legendary reputation. The 2026 tour, directed by Harold Prince, serves as a revitalized version of the original production, featuring Maria Björnson’s iconic designs, musical staging, and choreography by Gillian Lynne. It is absolutely ravishing, and Seattle audiences are lining up hours early to witness the spectacle for themselves.

Review: PIPPIN at Signature Theatre

Aidan O'Connor | Washington, DC

Certain facets of the human condition are foundational to our very existence – change, connection, desire. One such particularly toxic universal truth is a constant need to be something more than we currently are. To search for happiness in external achievement rather than within ourselves, in our simple joys. Pippin at Signature Theatre breathes within that precise virulence, relatively orchestrated by a troupe of impeccably costumed and choreographed players. A feast for the eyes in all senses, Matthew Gardiner’s production surpasses even the highest of expectations.

Videos

Video: Watch La Mirada Theatre's ANASTASIA Star Lena Ceja Perform 'Journey to the Past'

Michael Major | Los Angeles

La Mirada Theatre has released new video footage of Lena Ceja rehearsing 'Journey to the Past' from their upcoming production of Anastasia. The production features Dillon Klena as Dmitry, a role first played on Broadway by his brother Derek Klena.

Photos/Video: DEAR EVAN HANSEN At Arden Theatre

A.A. Cristi | Philadelphia

Arden Theatre Company is now presenting DEAR EVAN HANSEN as the final production of its 2025/26 season, with performances continuing through July 5. New production photos and video have been released from the Philadelphia production, including footage of Evan A. Kaushesh performing “Waving Through a Window.”

Video: Watch 'Corner of the Sky' From Signature Theatre's PIPPIN

Michael Major | Washington, DC

Watch a video of Brayden Bambino performing 'Corner of the Sky' in Signature Theatre's production of Pippin. The in-the-round production is now running through July 26 with tickets available now.

Photos

Photos: Get a First Look at JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Manila

Oliver Oliveros | Philippines

The 2017 Olivier Award winner for Best Musical Revival, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' has officially opened at The Theatre at Solaire.

THE GREAT PRIVATION to Run at Theatre Exile in Philadelphia

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:05:49 PST

South Philadelphia's Theatre Exile (1340 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147) closes its season with the Philadelphia premiere of The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar) (The Great Privation), a powerful and darkly comic play by Nia Akilah Robinson. The production, directed by Ontaria Kim Wilson, extended from May 28 to June 20, with Opening Night June 4. The production confronts a troubling chapter of American history while exploring the ways the past continues to echo across generations. The U.S. premiere, a Soho Rep production, became a NYT Critic's Pick in 2025 and was extended twice.

In 1832, a mother (Rayne, they/them), and her daughter, Charity (Semaja Murphy, she/her) keep vigil beside a grave in the burial ground of the African Baptist Church in South Philadelphia. They are there guarding their loved one's resting place from a grave robber (Aidan McDonald), also known as a resurrectionist, who steals bodies for medical dissection. Nearly two centuries later, on the same ground, a mother (Rayne) and daughter (Murphy) navigate the challenges of a modern summer camp, singing camp songs as the mother tries to keep her daughter from getting expelled. As both matriarchs struggle to protect their families, both the living and the dead, timelines collide, and long-buried secrets rise to the surface.

Blending humor with unsettling history, The Great Privation examines a disturbing chapter of America's past with wit and sharp insight. As The New York Times noted, the play “rummages around in the tainted soil of the United States and pulls up some shameful old skeletons for inspection,” while still allowing “a defiant light” to shine through as comedy and unease coexist onstage.

For playwright Nia Akilah Robinson, that balance between confronting history and finding moments of levity was intentional. The idea for the play began with a conversation at her family's dinner table. “I remember being horrified and intrigued when the topic of grave robbing came up,” said Robinson. “...I wanted to create a story that explores this history while still allowing room for humor and joy.”

Robinson's play is rooted in a troubling chapter of Philadelphia's past. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the city's rapidly expanding medical schools created a demand for cadavers that far exceeded the legal supply. Until Pennsylvania's Anatomy Act of 1883 curtailed the practice, so-called “resurrectionists” were paid to rob graves and sell freshly buried bodies to anatomical halls for dissection. Poor and Black Philadelphians were particularly vulnerable to these crimes, leading many families to guard burial sites through the night to protect loved ones from being taken.

“The production brings into sharp focus how far a mother will go to protect her child, and how those instincts echo across generations,” said Deborah Block, Producing Artistic Director of Theatre Exile. Hailed by critics as both powerful and provocative, the play has drawn national praise for its fearless storytelling. The Boston Globe called the work “packs a powerful punch,” while The Washington Post described it as “audacious…an intriguing and often funny reflection on the weight of history, the joy and burden of responsibility, and the possibility of finding happiness in the now.”

Rayne (they/them) is an artist from Southwest Philadelphia and the founder of Upstream Performance Collaborative, a Barrymore Award–winning, scrappy theatre collective dedicated to new works by emerging and underrepresented artists. Rayne is a member of Ring of Keys, New Pages, The Foundry, and The WEB Du Bois Movement School for Abolition & Reconstruction's Spring Cohort. Rayne is an Independence Foundation Fellowship in the Arts recipient, F. Otto Haas Award finalist, Leeway Art & Change grant recipient, Wayne F. Milward '57 Prize winner, six-time Barrymore Award nominee, Barrymore-Award winner (Upstream Performance Collaborative; “Outstanding Original Production” for COMET), Leeway Foundation Art & Change Award recipient, and featured as "one of 18 young Philadelphians shaping the future of the city's creative class," by PhillyVoice. Additional credits include Private History Tour (Ministry of Awe), and On Buried Ground (Christ Church Preservation Trust & Pew Center for Arts and Heritage; Fringies Honorable Mention). Rayne is also known as Angela Bey.

Andre G. Brown (he/him) is a singer/actor and educator whose credits include: Griswold (Bridge Street Theatre), Midsummer (Pittsburgh Public), Choir Boy (Dezart Performs), Blues for an Alabama Sky (Playmakers), Afterwords (5th Avenue Theatre), The Mountaintop (AAPAC Albuquerque, Garry Marshall), Wine in the Wilderness (EgoPo), Milk Like Sugar (ArtsWest), And In This Corner Cassius Clay (Seattle Children's Theatre), Hooded: Or Being Black for Dummies (Theatre Battery), F*cking A (UW), Hoodoo Love (Sound Theatre). Brown currently teaches theater and performance at CSU Channel Islands, Long Beach City College, and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Aidan McDonald (they/he) is based in West Philadelphia, holds a B.A. in Theatre from Rowan University, attended the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, and has studied with Broken Mirror Studio. They have previously been seen in The Weir; Duffy's Cut (Irish Heritage Theatre), Ragtime (Candlelight Dinner Theatre), Flight Night Vegas (People's Light), Hamlet (Arden Shakespeare Gild), Dancing at Lughnasa; Assassins; Once (City Theater Company), and The AV Club.

Semaja Murphy (she/her) is a Philadelphia-based actor, singer, and storyteller, and a proud graduate of Temple University. Murphy won the 2024 BroadwayWorld Philadelphia Award for Best Supporting Performer in a Play (One Monkey Don't Stop No Show, Theatre in the X). This production marks Semaja's debut with Theatre Exile.

The production features support from Honorary Producers Susan and Ed Hoffman, Gayle and David Smith, and Dirk Allen and Glenn Sykes. The Community Partner is Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, URINETOWN & More Set fpr People's Light2026/27 Season

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:17:23 PST

People's Light has announced its 2026/27 season. Spanning Pulitzer Prize-winning dramas, a rolling world premiere adaptation of a beloved American classic, a wildly theatrical holiday panto, and a Tony Award-winning musical satire.

The season includes Topdog/Underdog, Cinderella: A Musical Panto, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, Harvey, and Urinetown.

"Family is where we first learn love, loyalty, competition, guilt, resilience and hope," said Zak Berkman, People's Light's Producing Artistic Director. "This season brings together stories that explore family in all its contradictions... the joy and the pain, the support and the pressure, the traditions we inherit and the futures we fight to create. These plays and musicals are deeply human, wildly entertaining and profoundly connected to the questions we are asking ourselves right now about belonging, identity and community. We can't wait to gather audiences together to experience them."

Topdog/Underdog

September 16 - October 11, 2026

By Suzan-Lori Parks
Directed by Amina Robinson

From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks comes a darkly comic fable of brotherly love and family identity. Lincoln and Booth, two brothers haunted by abandonment and shaped by rivalry, confront the painful realities of their past and future in a searing examination of manhood, survival, and familial bonds. Directed by acclaimed Philadelphia director Amina Robinson and starring People's Light Company Artist Akeem Davis, Topdog/Underdog is co-produced with Arden Theatre Company.

Cinderella: A Musical Panto

November 18, 2026 - January 3, 2027

By Kathryn Petersen
Music and Lyrics by Michael Ogborn
Directed by Liz Filios

Cinderella: A Musical Panto returns in a brand-new staging of People's Light's beloved holiday tradition. Packed with larger-than-life heroes and villains, outrageous shenanigans, audience participation, and plenty of festive cheer, this joyful musical adventure follows a determined young heroine as she strives to forge her own path despite the expectations of family and tradition. Directed by People's Light Company Artist and panto veteran Liz Filios, with Associate Director Andrew Watring, Cinderella promises a magical holiday experience filled with laughter, music, and fun for audiences of all ages.

Louisa May Alcott's Little Women

February 10 - March 14, 2027

Adapted by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Donya K. Washington

Lauren Gunderson's new adaptation of the cherished classic Little Women, co-commissioned by People's Light, comes to Malvern as the highly anticipated culmination of its rolling world premiere, directed by nationally acclaimed director Donya K. Washington. Set in 19th-century New England, the story follows ambitious Jo, traditional Meg, gentle Beth, and spirited Amy March as they navigate the expectations of their era while remaining bound by an unbreakable sisterhood. With their father away at war, the sisters support one another through hardship, friendship, romance, and loss. A timeless story of family, resilience, and a young writer forging her own path, Little Women celebrates the enduring power of love, courage, and the bonds that shape us.

Harvey

April 14 - May 9, 2027

By Mary Chase
Directed by Molly Rosa Houlahan

When the affable Elwood P. Dowd introduces his invisible Best Friend—an exceedingly tall rabbit named Harvey—to guests at a society gathering, his sister Veta becomes determined to spare the family further embarrassment. Her efforts to have Elwood committed set off a whirlwind of misunderstandings, mishaps, and unexpected revelations. As the line between sanity and eccentricity begins to blur, this Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy explores the tension between conformity and individuality, asking what happens when society's expectations outweigh a family's capacity for acceptance and love.

Directed by Producing Director Molly Rosa Houlahan and featuring beloved People's Light Company Artists, including David M. Lutken as Elwood, Harvey remains one of the American theatre's most enduring and heartwarming comedies. The play received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was later adapted into the classic film starring Jimmy Stewart and Josephine Hull.

Urinetown

July 8 - August 8, 2027

Book and Lyrics by Greg Kotis
Music by Mark Hollmann
Directed by Andrew Watring

Summer at People's Light launches with the three-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy Urinetown. Set in a drought-stricken future where citizens must pay to use public restrooms controlled by a powerful corporation, this satirical favorite follows a group of underdogs who challenge a system built to benefit the few at the expense of the many. Packed with unforgettable songs, sharp wit, and surprising heart, Urinetown explores what it takes to create lasting change and whether a new generation can break free from the failures and traditions of the past. Directed by Associate Artistic Director Andrew Watring, the production will feature an all-star cast of People's Light Company Artists.

Flight Nights at the Farmhouse Return for 2026/27

In addition to its five homegrown productions, People's Light will continue its popular Flight Nights at The Farmhouse series, transforming select Wednesday evenings into immersive experiences featuring original short-form performances, artist conversations, and themed drink and light-bite flights. These unique events offer audiences a lively mix of theatre, storytelling, and community in the intimate setting of the Farmhouse. Frequent Flyer passes are also available.

The 2026/27 Flight Nights lineup includes:

Fright Night — October 28, 2026
Holiday Hijinks — December 9, 2026
Canceled Flights — February 17, 2027
Sci-Flight — May 12, 2027
Murder at the Farmhouse — June 9, 2027

Additional details on upcoming Flight Nights may be found at peopleslight.org/flight-nights.

Subscription and Ticket Information

Season subscriptions for the 2026/27 season are on sale now and include a variety of flexible options for audiences, including Full Season Subscriptions, Preview Packages, Four-Play Subscriptions, and the popular 10-Ticket People's Pass. Subscribers receive exclusive benefits, flexible scheduling, and savings of up to 25%. Single tickets for the 2026/27 season will go on sale June 15, 2026.

Theatre Horizon Names Amina Robinson As New Artistic Director

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:18:08 PST

Theatre Horizon has named award-winning Philadelphia director, educator, performer, and artistic leader Amina Robinson as its new Artistic Director following her celebrated return to the company this spring to direct the musical revue Ain’t Misbehavin’. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the award-winning Montgomery County theater company as it expands its artistic and community-centered programming.

As Artistic Director, Robinson will oversee Theatre Horizon’s artistic programming, creative partnerships, and long-term artistic vision. She has already begun contributing to the company’s 2026/27 season planning and will officially begin her tenure in November 2026.

“Returning to Theatre Horizon this season to direct Ain’t Misbehavin’ was incredibly special for me, both artistically and personally,” said Robinson. “This theater has played an important role in my journey as a director, beginning with The Color Purple, and throughout this process, I was reminded once again of the creativity, generosity, and sense of community that defines this organization. I’m honored to step into this new role and excited to build deeper relationships with the artists, audiences, students, and neighbors who make Theatre Horizon such a vital part of Norristown and the region’s cultural landscape.”

Robinson brings more than two decades of experience spanning directing, performance, higher education, artistic administration, and new work development. In addition to her extensive directing work at organizations including the Wilma Theater, Arden Theatre Company, Philadelphia Theatre Company, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Robinson previously served as Artistic Director of The Centre Theater and is currently an Associate Professor of Acting and Musical Theater at Temple University. Robinson previously made history as the first Black woman to receive the Barrymore Award for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for Theatre Horizon’s production of The Color Purple.

Amina Robinson will partner with Executive Director Mydera Taliah Robinson, whose longstanding work in education, community engagement, and artist development has helped shape the organization’s recent evolution.

“Amina brings a rare combination of artistic excellence, generosity, vision, and community-centered leadership,” said Taliah Robinson. “As Theatre Horizon continues expanding how we serve artists and audiences in Norristown and throughout the region, I’m excited to partner with someone who believes deeply in theater as both an artistic home and a gathering place. Her leadership will help us continue building meaningful experiences on our stage, with our students, and throughout our community.”

Robinson succeeds the interim leadership of Theatre Horizon Co-Founder Matthew Decker, who resumed the role in 2024 following the departure of former Artistic Director Nell Bang-Jensen.

“Serving as Theatre Horizon’s Interim Artistic Director over the past two seasons has been both deeply rewarding and reaffirming,” said Decker. “I’m incredibly proud of what our team accomplished, and I can’t think of a better person to help lead Theatre Horizon into its next chapter. Amina is a visionary artist, a thoughtful collaborator, and someone who understands both the power of theater and the importance of community.”

Founded in 2005 by Decker and Erin Reilly, Theatre Horizon has grown into one of the region’s leading nonprofit theater companies, recognized for its bold productions, new work development, and community-centered programming. Robinson’s work as a director, educator, and artistic leader has earned her a reputation for collaborative storytelling and community-centered artistic practice, both in Philadelphia and beyond.

Theatre Horizon plans to officially welcome Robinson during a special fundraising and performance event on October 16, 2026, celebrating both her introduction as Artistic Director and a symbolic “passing of the torch” from Decker. The evening is expected to feature performances and reunions connected to past Theatre Horizon productions, including Ain’t Misbehavin’ and The Color Purple.

The 2026/27 season will emphasize artistic exploration, expanded community engagement, and new opportunities for audiences to connect with Theatre Horizon both on and beyond the mainstage.

Additional plans for the upcoming season include:

A HorizoNEXT “Season Sampler” series featuring staged readings, artistic gatherings, comedy events, open mics, and other community-centered programming introducing audiences to Robinson’s artistic vision
The launch of a permanent Theatre Horizon community choir initiative, with auditions and rehearsals beginning in summer 2026 ahead of a holiday concert in December
Expanded community-centered programming and partnerships, including potential Black History Month and Juneteenth programming in 2027
A continued evolution of THREAD (Theatre Horizon Residency for Educational Artistic Development), the company’s artist development initiative, including a planned “songs and story” engagement centered around returning artists and community storytelling
A spring 2027 mainstage musical directed by Robinson, currently TBD

Additional programming details and season announcements will be released at a later date.

Theatre Horizon Names Amina Robinson As New Artistic Director

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:18:08 PST

Robinson succeeds the interim leadership of Theatre Horizon Co-Founder Matthew Decker, who resumed the role in 2024 following the departure of former Artistic Director Nell Bang-Jensen.

The 2026/27 season will emphasize artistic exploration, expanded community engagement, and new opportunities for audiences to connect with Theatre Horizon both on and beyond the mainstage.

Additional plans for the upcoming season include:

A HorizoNEXT “Season Sampler” series featuring staged readings, artistic gatherings, comedy events, open mics, and other community-centered programming introducing audiences to Robinson’s artistic vision
The launch of a permanent Theatre Horizon community choir initiative, with auditions and rehearsals beginning in summer 2026 ahead of a holiday concert in December
Expanded community-centered programming and partnerships, including potential Black History Month and Juneteenth programming in 2027
A continued evolution of THREAD (Theatre Horizon Residency for Educational Artistic Development), the company’s artist development initiative, including a planned “songs and story” engagement centered around returning artists and community storytelling
A spring 2027 mainstage musical directed by Robinson, currently TBD

Additional programming details and season announcements will be released at a later date.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN Trailer Released for Arden Theatre Production Running Through July 5

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:06:48 PST

Arden Theatre Company has released a trailer for its current production of DEAR EVAN HANSEN, offering Philadelphia audiences a glimpse into the six-time Tony Award-winning musical before its run closes on July 5.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN centers on a socially anxious teenager whose private letter becomes the catalyst for a web of deception that grants him the sense of belonging he has always craved — at a profound cost. The musical features music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with a book by Steven Levenson. The show grapples with themes of mental health, grief, and the isolating effects of social media, and carries an advisory for mature content and strong language. THE WASHINGTON POST has called it "one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history."

The Arden Theatre production is directed by Terrence J. Nolen and serves as the final offering of the company's 2025/26 season. Performances continue through July 5 at the Philadelphia venue, with tickets available through the Arden's website.

BroadwayWorld has been following the show's regional surge this season. Earlier coverage of the Arden production highlighted star Evan A. Kaushesh performing "Waving Through a Window," while a recent review of Theatre Raleigh's production noted that the musical's exploration of loneliness and connection remains as resonant as ever nearly a decade after its Broadway debut.

Click Here to Play!

Philadelphia Orchestra Presents 2026 C. Hartman Kuhn Award to Bassist Nathaniel West

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 21:37:38 PST

The Philadelphia Orchestra recognized seven members of the Orchestra family for their exemplary contributions to the organization in a ceremony during the June 4 concert in Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Nathaniel West (bass) was presented with the 2026 C. Hartman Kuhn Award. Retiring musicians Boris Balter (violin), Holly Blake (contrabassoon), and Jonathan Blumenfeld (oboe) were honored after 115 years of combined service to the Orchestra. Che-Hung Chen (viola) was recognized for 25 years of service. Jonathan Beiler (violin) and Richard Harlow (cello) were recognized for 50 years of service.

Established in 1941 and named for a charter member of the Orchestra's Board of Trustees who served from 1901 to 1933, the C. Hartman Kuhn Award is given annually to “the member of The Philadelphia Orchestra who has shown ability and enterprise of such character as to enhance the standards and the reputation of the ensemble.” Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin selected bassist Nathaniel West, praising his high level of engagement in Orchestra activities on and off stage. “Nate represents the complete orchestra citizen,” said Nézet-Séguin. “He's an incredibly dedicated musician contributing every note to our legendary bass section with all of his intensity and musicality, but also by contributing to the greater good of the Orchestra.” West participated in an episode of the Orchestra's digital community outreach series, Our City, Your Orchestra and currently serves as vice chair of the Members Committee.

About the Kuhn Award recipient:

Nathaniel West joined The Philadelphia Orchestra's bass section in September 2017. He is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied with then-Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Bass Harold Robinson and Edgar Meyer. West is a former member of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, and he has performed in the bass sections of the Atlanta Symphony, the East Coast Chamber Orchestra, the San Antonio Symphony, and the National Symphony. He has also performed as guest principal with the Atlanta and Toronto symphonies and the Festival Teatro del Lago Orchestra in Frutillar, Chile. As a chamber musician, he has performed regularly with the quintet Ensemble39 in Philadelphia and the Jupiter Chamber Players in New York, and he spent three summers at the Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont. He has also performed chamber music at summer festivals such as Twickenham Fest in Huntsville, AL; the Vivo Music Festival in his hometown of Columbus, OH; and most recently at the Luzerne Music Festival in Lake Luzerne, NY, and with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in its annual residency in Saratoga Springs, NY.

About the retirees:

Boris Balter joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1985 after having been a member of the Baltimore Symphony since 1982. He was also a member of the Orchestra of New York, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, and the Mexico City Philharmonic. A native of the USSR, he began his musical studies at the Stolyarsky School for musically gifted children in Odessa. He obtained his degree in solo and orchestral performance and teaching from the Odessa State Conservatory.

Holly Blake joined The Philadelphia Orchestra's bassoon section in 1992. She is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and Temple University, where she was a student of then-Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Bassoon Bernard Garfield. She has performed as soloist for student concerts and with many local orchestras, as well as playing with numerous chamber music groups including on The Philadelphia Orchestra's Chamber series at Perelman Theater, the College of Physicians, and as part of residency activities on tour. She has also performed on the Sound All Around series, the Bassoon and Woodwind PlayINs, and various other educational endeavors with the Orchestra. She has taught privately and through the All City Fellowship program as well as teaching, coaching, and giving master classes on contrabassoon through the Curtis Institute and Temple University, and she has also coached Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and All City bassoon and woodwind sectionals. Additional Philadelphia Orchestra activities include serving as a musician Board member, a member of the Tour Committee for 12 years and its eventual chair, and on the Members Committee for 10 years. Before joining the Orchestra, she was a member of the Filarmónica de Caracas for two seasons and then freelanced and taught extensively in the Philadelphia area including as a frequent substitute with the Orchestra. She also served on the faculty of the College of New Jersey and the University of Delaware, where she was a member of the Del'Arte Woodwind Quintet.

Jonathan Blumenfeld joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1986. He was principal oboe with the Savannah Symphony from 1981 to 1984 and played with the Concerto Soloists (now the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia) from 1984 to 1986. He also participated in the Tanglewood, Blossom, and Spoleto festivals. A native of New York City, he is a graduate of Haverford College and the Curtis Institute of Music, where he was a student of former Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Oboe John de Lancie. He also attended Temple University where he studied with former Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Oboe Richard Woodhams. He currently teaches at Temple, has previously been on the oboe faculty at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, and at the former School of Orchestral Studies in Saratoga Springs, NY, which he attended as a high school student, and where he began his association with The Philadelphia Orchestra.

About the anniversary celebrants:

Jonathan Beiler joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1976. He previously played in the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the St. Louis Symphony. He grew up in the Philadelphia area and began his studies at the age of eight with Louis Gesensway, a former member of The Philadelphia Orchestra. He graduated from Friends Select School and went on to major in French at Yale University, where he studied violin with Broadus Erle and Syoko Aki. After graduating from Yale, Beiler studied violin with Josef Gingold at Indiana University. He and his wife, Lynne, live in Cherry Hill, NJ. Their two sons live in Chicago, IL, and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Che-Hung Chen joined The Philadelphia Orchestra at the age of 20, when he was hired by then-Music Director Wolfgang Sawallisch, becoming the first Taiwanese citizen ever to join the Orchestra. He has also served as acting associate principal viola under former Music Director Christoph Eschenbach. He was the first-prize winner at the Seventh Banff International String Quartet Competition as the founding member of the Daedalus Quartet; the Quartet was also awarded the Pièce de Concert prize for the best performance of a commissioned work and the Székely Prize for the best performance of a Beethoven quartet. A three-time top-prize winner at the Taiwan National Instrumental Competition, he is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with then-Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Viola Joseph dePasquale. Mr. Chen has appeared as guest principal viola with Japan's Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. His recording, Twelve Signs for solo viola on the Naxos label, part of composer Chiayu's album Journeys, was praised in Gramophone magazine's “Awards 2015” issue for its “mesmerizing intensity.” As a chamber musician, Mr. Chen was a participant at the Marlboro Music Festival, performing in its 50th anniversary concerts in Boston and at New York's Carnegie Hall, and in several “Musicians from Marlboro” national tours. In addition, he has appeared as guest violist with the Dover and Formosa quartets on their tours in Europe and the United States and has continued to perform as a founding member of the Clarosa Piano Quartet and Quartet Iris.

Richard Harlow joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1976, becoming fourth chair in 1985. Prior to coming to Philadelphia, he served as assistant principal cello of the Toledo Symphony. He is also a former member of the Dearborn Symphony and the Flint Symphony and has appeared as a chamber music recitalist. A native of Dearborn, MI, he was born into a musical family and began cello studies at the age of five. While earning a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Michigan, he studied with Oliver Edel and Samuel Mayes, former principal cello of The Philadelphia Orchestra. His hobbies include African violets and playing the harmonica.

ADRENALIZE to Kick Off Ohio Summer Concert Season with Def Leppard Tribute Shows

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:33:27 PST

Adrenalize - The Ultimate Def Leppard Experience is bringing the music of one of rock's most iconic bands to outdoor audiences across Ohio and beyond.

The nationally recognized tribute act will launch its summer outdoor concert schedule this weekend with two highly anticipated Ohio appearances. On Friday, June 5, Adrenalize will headline the season-opening concert of Wilmington's Friday Night Summer Concert Series, a popular downtown tradition that brings music fans together throughout the summer for free outdoor concerts in the heart of the city. As the featured performer launching the 2026 season, Adrenalize is proud to help begin another summer of live music and community celebration in Wilmington.

The following evening, Saturday, June 6, the band travels to LA-Z Acres Campground in Nashport, Ohio, one of the Midwest's most unique outdoor concert destinations.

Known for its impressive concert grounds, massive video wall, professional production, and enthusiastic crowds, LA-Z Acres Campground has become one of Ohio's most distinctive outdoor concert destinations. Throughout the season, campers from across the property make their way to the concert grounds - many arriving by golf cart - to experience the evening's entertainment. With its state-of-the-art presentation, community atmosphere, and passionate audience, the venue provides the perfect setting for Adrenalize's arena-sized tribute to Def Leppard.

Widely regarded as the country's leading Def Leppard tribute experience, Adrenalize recreates the sound, energy, and excitement of a classic Def Leppard concert with remarkable attention to detail. More than simply performing the songs, the band is committed to honoring the music, legacy, and spirit of one of rock's most influential and enduring acts. From the soaring harmonies and dual-guitar attack to the authentic visual presentation, Adrenalize delivers the music with the same passion, respect, and integrity that have made Def Leppard a global arena rock phenomenon for more than four decades.

Fans can expect performances featuring favorites such as "Photograph," "Rock of Ages," "Hysteria," "Animal," "Foolin'," "Rocket," "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," and, of course, "Pour Some Sugar On Me," presented with the power and precision that have earned Adrenalize a growing reputation among theaters, festivals, casinos, and concert venues nationwide.

The Ohio performances are just the beginning of a busy summer schedule that includes both outdoor festivals and headline theater appearances.

Upcoming Adrenalize Dates:

June 5 - Friday Night Concert Series - Wilmington, OH

June 6 - LA-Z Acres Campground - Nashport, OH

June 13 - Appalachian Harley-Davidson's 25th Birthday Bash - Mechanicsburg, PA

June 26 - Penn Theater - Butler, PA

June 27 - Pennsylvania Roundhouse Rally - Altoona, PA

Additional dates continue throughout the summer and fall.

For tickets, show information, and a complete tour schedule, visit AdrenalizeBand.com.

About Adrenalize

Adrenalize - The Ultimate Def Leppard Experience is dedicated to celebrating the music and legacy of Def Leppard through authentic live performances that capture the excitement of the band's legendary arena tours. Performing for audiences across the United States, Adrenalize has become the country's leading Def Leppard tribute experience, earning praise for its musicianship, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering a first-class concert experience.

BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:05 PST

Ever watched the weekly Broadway grosses roll in and thought you could pick the winners? Now you can put it to the test. BroadwayWorld has launched the Producer Fantasy Game, a free, season-long competition that lets theatre fans build a roster of Broadway shows and earn points based on how those productions actually perform at the box office. The draft window is open now.

How It Works

The setup is simple. During the draft window, you pick any six Broadway productions that opened this season. Drafting is non-exclusive, so there is no need to race a rival for a hot title. Any number of players can roster the same show.

From there, your shows go to work for you. Every week, each production on your roster earns fantasy points based on its reported box office grosses and capacity percentages. When Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations and wins are announced, your shows bank bonus points on top of that. And each week you can answer our Fantasy Forecast prediction questions for up to five bonus points per correct call.

Weekly Scoring

Each week, a show earns one base point for every $50,000 it grosses, so a $1 million week is worth 20 base points. On top of that, shows can earn bonuses: up to five points for filling seats (based on how close to full capacity the house ran), six points for grossing $2 million or more (or three points for grossing between $1 million and $2 million), and eight points if its gross jumped at least 15 percent from the week before. A show loses four points if its gross dropped at least 15 percent. If a show goes dark and reports no gross for a week, it scores zero for that week with no penalty.

The Fantasy Forecast

The Producer Fantasy Game is really two games in one. The first is the box office game: drafting shows and earning points from their weekly grosses and awards. The second is the Fantasy Forecast, a weekly set of prediction questions about what's happening on Broadway, where each correct answer is worth up to five points. You can play one or both.

We track them separately so you can shine at either. Your Producer score covers the box office game, your Forecast score covers your prediction results, and your Combined score adds the two together for the overall championship ranking. The leaderboard lets you toggle between Overall, Producers, and Forecasters, so a sharp predictor can top the Forecasters board even during a rough season for their roster, and a roster powerhouse can lead the Producers board without answering a single question.

Managing Your Roster

Your lineup stays at six shows all season, and you have plenty of room to maneuver. You get one free drop every week, three additional season drops to use anytime before the trade deadline, and free replacements whenever a show on your roster closes. New productions open throughout the season and become available the moment they start reporting grosses, so it pays to keep a transaction in your pocket for that buzzy new opening.

Join the Game

The Producer Fantasy Game is free for all BroadwayWorld users, and you can join any time the draft window is open. Draft within the first two weeks of the season and your roster is scored from opening week, so the earlier you get in, the more weeks you bank. Build your roster, make your predictions, and start climbing the leaderboard today.

THE PIANO LESSON to Open Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's 35th Anniversary Season

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:04:24 PST

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival will open its 2026 Summer Theatre Series and landmark 35th Anniversary Season with August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama The Piano Lesson, running now through June 14 in the Schubert Theatre at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University.

Directed by James Ijames, Pulitzer Prize winner for his play Fat Ham, a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, The Piano Lesson marks PSF's return to Wilson's acclaimed American Century Cycle, following its 2022 production of Fences.

Set in Pittsburgh's Hill District in 1936 in the aftermath of the Great Depression, the play centers on siblings Boy Willie and Berniece as they battle over a treasured family heirloom: a piano carved by their enslaved ancestor, bearing the faces of generations of family during the years of their enslavement. As tensions rise, the ghosts of the past begin to stir, and the piano becomes a powerful symbol of family history, sacrifice, and legacy.

Akeem Davis leads the cast as Boy Willie. A Philadelphia-based award-winning actor and PSF veteran, Davis directed last season's A Raisin in the Sun and has appeared in numerous PSF productions, including Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Regionally, he has performed leading roles at the Arden Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Theatre Horizon, Theatre Exile, Folger Theatre, and People's Light, where his performance in All My Sons earned him a Barrymore Award for Outstanding Supporting Performance. A Helen Hayes nominated artist, Davis was a recipient of the F. Otto Haas Award for Emerging Philadelphia Theatre Artist (2015).

Jessica Johnson returns to PSF to play Berniece, following her acclaimed turn as Celie in The Color Purple (2024). Her recent credits include Mayme in Intimate Apparel (Arden Theatre), Chris in POTUS (Arden Theatre), Opal in Fat Ham (Wilma Theatre), and Modúpé in Half God of Rainfall (Wilma Theatre). Johnson has received two Barrymore Awards for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical for The Color Purple (Theatre Horizon) and Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical for Once on This Island (Arden Theatre). In addition to her stage achievements, Johnson has been honored with several prestigious fellowships and residencies, such as the Independence Foundation Fellowship (2019), the Jilline Ringle Residency (2019), and the HATCH Residency (2021) to develop her independent work.

Kash Goins makes his PSF debut as Doaker, the siblings' steadfast uncle. Goins has performed in August Wilson's Two Trains Running, King Hedley II, and Joe Turner's Come and Gone (Arden Theatre).

Terrence Clowe plays Wining Boy, Doaker's wandering, piano-playing brother, a washed-up recording musician and gambler who drifts in and out of the family household. Clowe's select stage credits include tours of Fosse, Chicago, Rent, Miss Saigon, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Joining them in the cast are Christopher James Murray (Lymon), Johnnie Hobbs III (Avery), Jessica Money (Grace), and Leonice Diaz (Maretha).

Ijames, helming the production, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, director, and educator. A 2015 Pew Fellow for Playwriting, he received the 2015 Terrence McNally New Play Award for WHITE and a 2015 Kesselring Honorable Mention for ...Miz Martha. His honors also include a 2017 Whiting Award, the 2019 Kesselring Prize for Kill Move Paradise, Steinberg Playwright Awards in 2020 and 2022, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, and a 2023 Tony Award nomination for Best Play for Fat Ham. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Theatre and Head of Playwriting at Columbia University.

Joining Ijames on the creative team are Scenic and Lighting Designer Thom Weaver, Costume Designer Jerrilyn Lanier Duckworth, Sound Designer and Composer Liz Filios, Fight Director Eli Lynn, and Intimacy Director Kim Carson. Danielle Sellick serves as Production Stage Manager, with Karly Amato as Assistant Stage Manager.

The Piano Lesson previews May 27 and 28, officially opens Friday, May 29, and runs through June 14. An audio-described performance for the blind and visually impaired will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 2 p.m.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival invites audiences to join the cast for a champagne toast following the opening night performance on Friday, May 29. Post-show discussions will follow the June 4 and June 11 performances. "Epilogues" - a free behind-the-scenes discussion open to all - takes place at 10 a.m. on June 13, offering audiences a deeper look at the production and a chance to ask questions.

TOLL THE BELL to Lead Philadelphia's National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:28:02 PST

Penn Live Arts leads the Philadelphia region's observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, Friday, June 5, with Toll the Bell, a vigil commemorating lives lost to gun violence and a sound installation of bell ringing, horns, drums, and other sound-making taking place simultaneously at 50+ locations in Philadelphia and throughout the region.

Toll the Bell begins with an interfaith vigil service at the Annenberg Center, followed by a community walk of reflection during which bells will ring across the city and region for 10 minutes, and culminates in a gathering at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral where members of the community can learn more about anti-violence initiatives and creating safer, more compassionate communities in Philadelphia.

Toll the Bell is a collaboration of Penn Live Arts, Penn's Office of the Chaplain, Interfaith Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, and numerous faith-based organizations and community partners across the city and region. Sites participating in Toll the Bell span from the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City to St. John's Lutheran Church in Mayfair in NE Philly, and in Greater Philadelphia from Lutheran Church of God's Love in Newtown, Bucks County to Christ Church in Ridley Park.

ABOUT TOLL THE BELL:

Sound has been used for centuries to alert communities of danger and to call neighbors together to share moments of reflection, worship, or celebration. Through collective sound making, Toll the Bell provides a sonic disruption of the everyday that serves as a call to action, a warning, and an invitation to Philadelphians to stop and reflect on fellow citizens who have tragically lost their lives, and to get involved to catalyze change. Toll the Bell is not a profile of tragedy; it is a resounding call to action — a literal ringing of the bell — urging community members to work towards transformative change for the future of our city.

National Jewish Playwriting Contest Finals to Make Philadelphia Debut

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:16:16 PST

The Jewish Plays Project and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History will bring the Finals of the National Jewish Playwriting Contest to Philadelphia for the first time on Monday, June 29 at 7 pm. Thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, tickets are free to the public and may be reserved now.

The JPP, the nation's most influential development company for new Jewish plays, is proud to be partnering with the Weitzman, the Kaiserman JCC, Tribe 12, Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel and Society Hill Synagogue to present its signature event on Independence Mall during the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of our country.

Theatre Ariel, Philadelphia's only professional theatre dedicated to telling stories of the Jewish experience, is partnering with JPP to oversee casting and performances of excerpts from plays.

"Right now, we need positive and complex Jewish stories out in front of as audience members as we can," said Mr. Winitsky, "and these stunning new plays already making a difference. Now we need everyone to come out and help us choose which ones are the most important and the most compelling."

This one-of-a-kind event is a combination of a TED Talk, a play reading and American Idol. Artistic Director David Winitsky will speak on the state of new Jewish drama, three plays are introduced by a video from the playwright, 20-minute excerpts are read by a group of stellar Philadelphia actors, and then the audience gets to vote on the National Winner.

The National Finals are the culmination of a 10-city, 1,000 audience member process which the JPP calls Artistic Democracy. The finalists for the National Jewish Playwriting Contest were selected from over 355 submissions from 32 states and 8 countries by ppanels of arts and Jewish luminaries in New York, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Boston, Hartford, Tel Aviv, Houston, Philadelphia and Toronto.

The National Top 3 plays are:

· A Play about a Baby Carrot by Juliet Roll (she/her) - New York/Newton, MA

A grieving mother, over the 7 days of shiva, starts to see her child in a baby carrot.

· Flatbush Lysistrata by Lila Rachel Becker (she/her) - Brooklyn/Washington, D.C.

Leah, Gali, and Shoshi gather at an axe-throwing parlor to plan a sex strike. They kibbitz, they scheme, they hurl axes. Also, there are a lot of interesting birds. A play about fundamentalism: what draws us to it and how women carve spaces for themselves within it.

· Shura: The Mission of Identifying Life by Roee Joseph (he/him) - Tel Aviv

After October 7, a reservist assigned to identify the dead begins to write-quietly, obsessively-amid silence, violence, and routine. His documentation becomes an attempt to understand what it means to name the dead and remain among the living.

The winning play will be presented in a workshop reading at the Festival of New Jewish Plays in New York this fall. Past finalists and winners have gone on to be produced Off-Broadway, and at Atlantic (NYC), the Geffen (LA), the Alliance (Atlanta), Berkeley Rep (CA), and at dozens of theaters in the U.S., Israel, Canada and Mexico, playing for more than 140,000 audience members.

"Jewish playwrights have helped shape modern theater as we know it, and the Jewish Plays Project has been championing the next chapter of Jewish theater for years." said Mr. Samuels. "Hosting the National Playwriting Finals at The Weitzman during the height of Philadelphia's semiquin celebration is a powerful reminder that the Museum is a place where Jewish history is preserved AND cultivated. We couldn't be more excited."

About The Jewish Playwriting Contest

The Jewish Playwriting Contest seeks to discover, highlight, and nurture contemporary Jewish drama by engaging with artistic and Jewish communities throughout the English-speaking world. The Contest has received and vetted over 2,800 plays by 1,800 writers in 34 states and 10 countries. The JPP has actively developed 60 of those plays,419 of which have gone on to production in cities across the globe, including New York, Los Angeles, London, and Tel Aviv, playing for more than 100,000 audience members.

About The Jewish Plays Project

The Jewish Plays Project, founded in 2011, identifies, develops, and presents new works of theater via one-of-a-kind explorations of contemporary Jewish identity between audiences, artists, and patrons. The JPP's innovative and competitive development process engages Jewish communities in the vetting, selecting, and championing of new voices and secures mainstream production opportunities for the best new pla

The JPP has featured some of the best artists working in New York, including writers David Hein and Irene Sankoff (Come from Away), Robert Askins (Hand to God), and Lauren Yee (Cambodian Rock Band); directors Marc Bruni (Beautiful), Stephen (A Strange Loop), and Tamilla Woodard (Yale School of Drama); and actors Joshua Malina (The West Wing, Billions), Ronald Guttman (Mad Men, Homeland), Alysia Reiner (Orange is the New Black), and Obie and Drama Desk nominee Marcia Jean Kurtz.

Ryan Silverman & Alexandra Socha to Lead SOUTH PACIFIC at Bucks County Playhouse

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:25:56 PST

Bucks County Playhouse has announced the cast and creative team for its production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's ground-breaking musical “South Pacific,” running June 18 through July 26 at the historic New Hope theater. The official opening night is Saturday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Leading the cast are Ryan Silverman (Broadway's “Chicago,” “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Cry-Baby”) as Emile de Becque and Alexandra Socha (Broadway's “Wicked,” “Spring Awakening” and “Head Over Heels”) as Nellie Forbush.

The cast also features Ann Sanders (Broadway's “The Music Man” and BCP's “Elf: The Musical”) as Bloody Mary; Mike Schwitter (Broadway's “The Great Gatsby” and “Pippin”) as Lt. Joseph Cable; David Hess (Broadway's “Sunset Boulevard,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Annie Get Your Gun”) as Captain Brackett; Taylor Crousore (“Forbidden Broadway: Comes Out Swinging!” and “NEWSical The Musical”) as Luther Billis; Áine Dorman (Detroit Opera's “Ainadamar”) as Liat; Austin Wong Harper (National Tours of “Life of Pi” and “Tootsie”) as Henri; and Trevor Martin (“The Sound of Music,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Les Misérables”) as Commander Harbison.

The company also includes Lexie Brown, John Cuozzo, Andrew Eckert, Raphe Gilliam, Lauren Honderd, Elle Kim, Ayana Kjonaas, McGee Maddox, Kaitlyn Mayse, Lizz Picini, Scott Silagy, Markos Vazquez-Bostock, and Weston Wright.

The show will be directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award nominee Denis Jones, who returns to Bucks County Playhouse following last season's acclaimed production of “She Loves Me.” The creative team includes Music Director Matthew Smedal (“Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Clueless The Musical”); three-time Tony Award nominee, Scenic Designer and Bucks County Playhouse Artists Council member Anna Louizos (“School of Rock,” “In the Heights,” and over XX shows at BCP, including last season's “Elf: The Musical” and “She Loves Me”); Costume Designer Leon Dobkowski (“Rock and Roll Man,” “The Muny's “The Wiz”); Lighting Designer Yael Lubetzky (“Joy,” “Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812”); Sound Designer Joshua D. Reid (“The Color Purple,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” national tours); Hair, Wig and Makeup Designer J. Jared Janas (over 40 Broadway shows, and more than 25 productions at Bucks County Playhouse); and Production Stage Manager Jynelly Rosario (“Moulin Rouge!” National Tour and “Hamilton”). Casting is by Paul Hardt.

The musical also has deep roots in Bucks County. Oscar Hammerstein II wrote “South Pacific” while living in nearby Doylestown, where he spent many of his later years. The musical is based on “Tales of the South Pacific” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author James A. Michener, who was born in Doylestown, graduated from the former Doylestown High School, and maintained lifelong ties to Bucks County.

"As disappointed as Oscar would be about the seemingly everlasting timeliness of South Pacific, he would undoubtedly be heartened by the strength of feeling so many people have for the show these nearly 80 years after it first opened on Broadway,” said Will Hammerstein, grandson of Oscar Hammerstein II.

Serving as the centerpiece musical of Bucks County Playhouse's 2026 summer season, the production also marks the final show to be produced by the longtime leadership trio of Producing Director Alexander Fraser, Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, and Producer Josh Fiedler, concluding their 12-year tenure leading the artistic revitalization of Bucks County Playhouse. Following “South Pacific,” the producing team will pass the torch to incoming Producing Artistic Director BT McNicholl.

“Since we first arrived in 2014, I've dreamed of producing SP… one of the most romantic of the theatre canon,” said Producing Director Alexander Fraser. “It was the first musical I saw as a child, and I was furious my family did not let me move to Bali Hai. This is my chance! Denis Jones has assembled a top-notch cast and creative team, including Anna Louizos, our scenery designer for twelve shows.”

“‘South Pacific' is one of those musicals that audiences simply love experiencing together,” said Executive Producer Robyn Goodman. “The score is magnificent, the story is deeply moving, and the themes still feel incredibly relevant today. We are very proud to share this extraordinary musical with our audiences as part of our final season producing in New Hope.”

Widely considered a landmark of the American musical theater, the show premiered on Broadway in 1949, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and ten Tony Awards. The musical remains celebrated for its lush score, emotional storytelling, and groundbreaking examination of prejudice and humanity.

Set against the backdrop of World War II on a remote island in the South Pacific, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece intertwines romance, sacrifice and cultural conflict with a soaring score featuring classics including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Springtime,” and “There Is Nothin' Like a Dame.”

Ryan Silverman & Alexandra Socha to Lead SOUTH PACIFIC at Bucks County Playhouse

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:25:56 PST

Dito van Reigersberg, Pig Iron Theatre Co-Founder and Martha Graham Cracker Performer, Dies at 53

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:17:38 PST

Dito Van Reigersberg, Artistic Director Emeritus of Pig Iron Theatre Company, has passed awat at the age of 53, due to complications stemming from a 2023 bone marrow transplant related to an ongoing battle with cancer. He was a co-founder of Pig Iron Theatre Company, an acclaimed performer, educator, and one of Philadelphia's most influential and beloved cultural figures.

Few artists have shaped Philadelphia's contemporary theater landscape as profoundly as van Reigersberg. For more than three decades, he was a driving force behind Pig Iron's growth from a small ensemble of artists into one of the country's most respected experimental theater companies, serving as a performer, writer, creator, collaborator, teacher, and artistic leader. He was most widely known as the incandescent Martha Graham Cracker, a wise-cracking and golden-hearted drag queen who performed regularly across Philadelphia, at Joe's Pub in New York, and around the world.

“Dito was part of the very lifeblood of Pig Iron,” said Dan Rothenberg, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Pig Iron. “Back in the 90s, he said he wanted to make 'experimental theater with a heart.' So we did. And he carried the torch for that heart through all that we made together. So much of what I am proud of, so much of what makes the energy around Pig Iron's collaborations unique—it is without question due to Dito. His generosity, creative spark, and irreverence were incomparable.”

“Dito was a marvel in life—on stage, offstage, in rehearsal, on a walk in the woods, sitting in his garden, making Spanish tortillas, or singing his heart out—a supernova of joy and generosity,” said Quinn Bauriedel, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Pig Iron. “He made every show we worked on deeper, more layered, and more present. And he brought his immense gifts to every student at the Pig Iron School.”

Van Reigersberg co-founded Pig Iron with Dan Rothenberg, Quinn Bauriedel, and Suli Holum in 1995 and appeared in nearly every one of the theater's productions throughout the company's history. He helped transform the organization from an ambitious ensemble of young artists into one of the nation's most respected experimental theater companies, known for original works that blend movement, music, visual storytelling, and ensemble creation in unexpected ways. Since its inception, Pig Iron has produced more than 30 original works and toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.

A graduate of Swarthmore College who trained at The Neighborhood Playhouse and the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, van Reigersberg brought a rare combination of physicality, intelligence, humor, and emotional depth to the stage. His performances in acclaimed productions, including the OBIE Award-winning Hell Meets Henry Halfway and Chekhov Lizardbrain, helped establish Pig Iron's reputation as one of America's most inventive theater companies.

Over the course of his career, van Reigersberg earned recognition from audiences, critics, and peers alike for both his performances and creative contributions, including:

Barrymore Awards for Best Ensemble for Mission to Mercury
Barrymore Awards for Best Choreography for Cafeteria
Nine Barrymore Award nominations for Poor Judge, winning for Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical, Outstanding Media Design (Michael Long), and Outstanding Music Direction (Alex Bechtel)
Nominated for a Barrymore Award for Best Actor in a Musical for Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Best Leading Actor for Hell Meets Henry Halfway

Most recently, he performed in the acclaimed world premiere production of James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room at Quintessence Theatre Group, and was featured as a soloist in Heather Christian's acclaimed Oratorio for Living Things with Ars Nova and Signature Theatre Company, where the cast was honored with a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Ensemble.

Beyond Pig Iron, van Reigersberg became a Philadelphia icon through his celebrated alter ego, Martha Graham Cracker, affectionately known as "the tallest, hairiest drag queen in the world." Through the Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret, he created one of the city's most beloved onstage personas, blending live music, theater, comedy, and audience interaction into unforgettable experiences. What began in 2005 as a small cabaret act grew into a Philadelphia institution and into a recurring residency at Joe's Pub in New York City, with Martha Graham Cracker performances becoming a beloved tradition for audiences across generations. The character earned devoted audiences throughout the region for productions such as Jesus Drag Superstar, which challenged expectations while showcasing van Reigersberg's trademark wit, fearlessness, and artistry.

While his accomplishments on stage were considerable, van Reigersberg's impact extended equally through his work as a mentor, teacher, and advocate for the next generation of artists. Through Pig Iron's educational workshops, artistic collaborations, and graduate programs, he mentored emerging performers and encouraged generations of theatermakers to take risks, sing with abandon, and trust their creative instincts.

In 2021, van Reigersberg was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, forcing him to temporarily step away from the stage while undergoing intensive chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Even during treatment, he remained deeply engaged in the creative process, continuing to develop new work and collaborate with fellow artists. While creating Poor Judge with director and Pig Iron company member Eva Steinmetz, van Reigersberg described the production as "a lifeline," helping him focus on the future throughout his recovery. His determination to continue making art, even during the most challenging period of his life, reflected the resilience, optimism, and dedication that defined both his career and character.

In 2024, van Reigersberg emerged triumphant and cancer-free, going on to perform in Poor Judge's world premiere presentation at the Wilma Theater during the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. The production received rave reviews from critics, who called it “an unforgettable trip” (Philadelphia Inquirer) and “a triumph” (Philadelphia Magazine). In 2025, the Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special presentation at the Miller Theater, a milestone that reflected both the longevity of the character and van Reigersberg's singular connection with Philadelphia audiences.

Throughout his life, van Reigersberg approached theater not simply as an art form, but as a means of transformation and community-building. Whether as a writer, performer, teacher, collaborator, or as Martha Graham Cracker, he challenged audiences to embrace curiosity, poetry, and joy while demonstrating the magnetic power of live performance to bring people together.

His passing is a profound loss for Pig Iron Theatre Company and the broader Philadelphia arts community, but his legacy lives on through the institution he helped build, the artists he mentored and championed, and the countless audiences inspired by his work. Van Reigersberg brought people together through humor, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of live performance. His impact on Philadelphia theater will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Additional information regarding memorial plans and opportunities to celebrate van Reigersberg's life and legacy will be shared at a later date.

ABOUT PIG IRON

Pig Iron began as a “dance-clown-theater” ensemble in 1995, and their innovative productions garnered rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and then in the burgeoning arts scene of their hometown of Philadelphia. Now, over 25 years later, Pig Iron has emerged as a leader in the movement of alternative theater makers who seek to resituate how audiences encounter performance. The company is at the forefront of the “devised” theater movement, a practice of performance-making in which an ensemble of actor-creators begins its work in the studio rather than from a script. Their work moves between cabaret, site-specific / immersive theater, and highly choreographed physical and visual spectacles. Pig Iron collaborates with visionary artists who push the company in new directions.

Collaborators have included legendary director Joseph Chaikin; playwright Toshiki Okada; designers Mimi Lien (MacArthur “Genius”) and Machine Dazzle; the Grammy-winning choir The Crossing; indie rock outfit Dr. Dog; and filmmaker Josephine Decker. Pig Iron has toured 15 countries on four continents with notable appearances at The Public Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, the Humana Festival, TR Warszawa, and TPAM (Tokyo), among others. The company has won two OBIE Awards (NYC) and 14 Barrymore Awards, with over 60 nominations in Philadelphia. Learn more at pigiron.org.

Dito van Reigersberg, Pig Iron Theatre Co-Founder and Martha Graham Cracker Performer, Dies at 53

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:17:38 PST

Over the course of his career, van Reigersberg earned recognition from audiences, critics, and peers alike for both his performances and creative contributions, including:

Barrymore Awards for Best Ensemble for Mission to Mercury
Barrymore Awards for Best Choreography for Cafeteria
Nine Barrymore Award nominations for Poor Judge, winning for Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical, Outstanding Media Design (Michael Long), and Outstanding Music Direction (Alex Bechtel)
Nominated for a Barrymore Award for Best Actor in a Musical for Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Best Leading Actor for Hell Meets Henry Halfway

Additional information regarding memorial plans and opportunities to celebrate van Reigersberg's life and legacy will be shared at a later date.

ABOUT PIG IRON

Anne Ishii to Join Pew Center for Arts & Heritage as Director of Grantmaking Programs

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:29:29 PST

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage (the Center) has announced the appointment of Anne Ishii as Director of Grantmaking Programs, effective July 6.

A cultural leader with more than a decade of experience in nonprofit administration, philanthropy, and creative practice, Ishii will oversee the Center's grantmaking initiatives, encompassing Project and Evolving Futures Grants awarded to Philadelphia-area arts and culture organizations, and Pew Fellowships in the Arts awarded to artists.

Ishii joins the Center following a position as Program Director at United States Artists, where she led national grantmaking efforts that support artists across disciplines through unrestricted funding and professional services. From 2018 to 2024, she was Executive Director of Asian Arts Initiative, a community-based arts center and multidisciplinary presenter located in Philadelphia's Chinatown North/Callowhill neighborhood.

“I'm thrilled to have Anne step into this role and turn her wide-ranging cultural expertise toward the Philadelphia region once again,” said Christina Vassallo, the Center's Executive Director. “Her distinctive combination of leadership, artistic practice, and deep commitment to supporting the cultural sector and creative communities will contribute to our grantmaking work in meaningful ways.”

Ishii noted her admiration for in the arts and culture ecosystem of Philadelphia, saying, “It has had a profound impact on me, so I can think of no greater expression of gratitude than to work with the Center in protecting this region's creative ecology.”

Ishii's experience in creative fields extends to music, writing, and publishing. She has worked on and produced numerous publishing projects, with over 20 books to her credit. She was also the co-executive producer of Queer Japan, a culminating documentary representing the queer community in Japan that she represented at MASSIVE GOODS, an agency and lifestyle brand she co-founded with the filmmaker Graham Kolbeins. Ishii's service to the field includes co-chairship at the Asian American Writers Workshop and National Performance Network, as well as participation in various committees and advisories serving communities, regionally and nationally. Her writing has been featured in many publications such as the Village Voice, Japan Times, the Comics Journal, Slate magazine, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Additionally, Zach Blackwood has been named Program Officer for Fellowships, a role he began in April of this year. In this position, Blackwood is stewarding the Center's long-running Fellowships in the Arts program, which supports the Philadelphia region's artists with twelve unrestricted, annual grants of $85,000 and professional development opportunities.

“Zach's people-centered approach to decision-making and his ability to energize a group and generate new ideas will serve our Fellows, and the Center, well,” said Vassallo. “I'm excited about the perspective and energy he brings to this new role within the Center's grantmaking work.”

Blackwood previously served as the Center's Program Officer for Community Connections and Audience Participation since 2022, working across multiple funding areas with a specific focus on supporting grantees' audience experience and community-building efforts. From 2017 to 2021, he worked at FringeArts, where he produced the curated slate of performances for the annual Philadelphia Fringe Festival. During his tenure, he launched three new performing arts programs for the organization: the Blue Heaven Comedy Festival, Hand to Hand Circus, and High Pressure Fire Service, an incubator for new theatrical works by Philadelphia-based artists. In 2024, Blackwood was selected to represent Pennsylvania in the National Leaders of Color Fellowship program facilitated by Creative West. He also remains involved in the city's literary community and was the co-founder of Philadelphia's only poetry cookout, Franks O'Hara.

Anne Ishii to Join Pew Center for Arts & Heritage as Director of Grantmaking Programs

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:29:29 PST

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage (the Center) has announced the appointment of Anne Ishii as Director of Grantmaking Programs, effective July 6.

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS to Return for 12th Year With 39-City National Tour

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:57:07 PST

“A Drag Queen Christmas” will return for its 12th year, launching a 39-city national tour this November - December. The 2026 edition is hosted by returning fan favorite and theatre star Nina West, and features an all-new merry lineup of drag superstars from the Emmy-winning RuPaul's Drag Race franchise.

Artist pre-sale begins Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. (local time) with the code “TWELVE,” and general on sale begins Friday, June 5 at 10 a.m. (local time) at dragfans.com.

This year's cast includes:

Myki Meeks, Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Nini Coco, Runner-up, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Darlene Mitchell, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Juicy Love Dion, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Discord Addams, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Crystal Methyd, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026) & Drag Race Season 12 (2020)
Silky Ganache, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026), Drag Race All Stars Season 6 (2021), Drag Race Season 11 (2019)

“A Drag Queen Christmas” is the world's premiere holiday drag showcase and a sensational theatrical experience that delivers high camp, over-the-top lip-sync performances, side-splitting comedy, elaborate costumes, Broadway-style staging, and a whole lot of heart—something we all seek during the chaos of the holiday season. With plenty of spectacular surprises in store, the show offers audiences a chance to see drag queens at the top of their game perform showstopping numbers of epic holiday proportions on revered theater stages across America. Each year, “A Drag Queen Christmas” provides an annual tradition for folks from all walks of life to come together and connect, find community, and celebrate the season with joy and laughter.

This dazzling, 18+ holiday extravaganza runs two hours and offers fans the chance to add-on a VIP Meet & Greet Experience—including early access to the venue, photos with the queens on stage, autographs, and exclusive tour merchandise.

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

November 11 - Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre)

November 12 - Rochester, NY (Kodak Center)

November 13 - Rutland, VT (Paramount Theatre)

November 14 - Portland, ME (Merrill Auditorium)

November 15 - Boston, MA (Emerson Colonial Theatre)

November 17 - Red Bank, NJ (Count Basie Center for the Arts)

November 18 - Morristown, NJ (Mayo Performing Arts Center)

November 19 - Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)

November 20 - Durham, NC (Durham Performing Arts Center)

November 21 - Wilmington, NC (Wilson Center - Cape Fear Community College)

November 22 - Philadelphia, PA (Fillmore)

November 24 - Pittsburgh, PA (Byham Theater)

November 25 - Columbus, OH (Palace Theatre)

November 27 - Chicago, IL (Riviera Theatre)

November 28 - Appleton, WI (Fox Cities Performing Arts Center)

November 29 - Omaha, NE (Orpheum Theater)

November 30 - Oklahoma City, OK (The Criterion)

December 1 - Des Moines, IA (Hoyt Sherman Place)

December 2 - Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)

December 4 - Denver, CO (Paramount Theatre)

December 5 - Salt Lake City, UT (Kingsbury Hall)

December 7 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)

December 9 - Sacramento, CA (Channel 24)

December 10 - San Francisco, CA (Golden Gate Theatre)

December 11 - Stockton, CA (Bob Hope Theatre)

December 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Wiltern)

December 13 - Santa Rosa, CA (Luther Burbank Center)

December 15 - Mesa, AZ (Mesa Arts Center)

December 16 - Tucson, AZ (Fox Tucson Theatre)

December 17 - El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre)

December 19 - Austin, TX (ACL Live at The Moody Theater)

December 20 - Dallas, TX (Winspear Opera House)

December 21 - Wichita, KS (Orpheum Theatre)

December 22 - St.Louis, MO (The Factory)

December 23 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theatre)

December 26 - Tampa Bay, FL (Straz Center for the Performing Arts)

December 27 - Fort Myers, FL (Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall)

December 28 - West Palm Beach, FL (Kravis Center for the Performing Arts)

December 29 - Jacksonville, FL (Florida Theatre)

Previews: PHILADELPHIA BALLET'S 7TH ANNUAL SPRING FESTIVAL at Red Rose Farm

Fri, 29 May 2026 11:03:54 PST

In what has become a much-anticipated event to close each season, the Philadelphia Ballet returned to Board Chairman David F. Hoffman’s lovely Red Rose Farm for the seventh time in a celebration of dance and volunteers, and a chance for benefactors to enjoy fabulous dance in a pastoral setting and mingle with the talented members of the ballet.

Take a look at Broadway World's exclusive look at the benefit evening's scenes and performances, including the presentation of the 5th annual Anthony Haller Volunteer of the Year Award to Dale Sherman in recognition of her 20 years as Lead Performance Chaperone for the School of Philadelphia Ballet.

Picnic tickets for the Saturday show are still available here - Red Rose Tickets

Ensemble Arts Philly to Launch 2026-2027 Family Discovery Series With STOMP, RIVERDANCE, and More

Fri, 29 May 2026 05:12:01 PST

Ensemble Arts has announced the return of its popular Family Discovery Series for a new 2026–27 season. The annual series features an expansive lineup of performances designed to spark curiosity and joy for audiences of all ages, with programming covering high-energy percussion and dance to cinematic concert experiences and beloved orchestral traditions.

Multi-show packages are on sale now and start at $24 per performance.

“Across our Family Discovery Series, we have curated experiences for young people that are accessible, engaging, and designed to spark curiosity across genres and traditions,” said Ryan Fleur, president and CEO. “We love welcoming our youngest arts lovers into these moments, where a first performance can become the start of a lifelong connection with the arts – helping inspire the next generation of artists and audiences alike.”

The 2026-27 Family Discovery Series includes:

The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Children's Halloween Spectacular (October 10, 2026, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert (October 16–18, 2026, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Children's Holiday Spectacular (December 5, 2026, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
STOMP (December 29–January 3, Miller Theater)
The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Peter and the Wolf (February 20, 2027, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
MARVEL STUDIOS' Black Panther in Concert (February 27, 2027, Miller Theater)
Riverdance 30 – The New Generation (March 4–7, 2027, Miller Theater)
Chloé Arnold's Syncopated Ladies Live! (April 16, 2027, Miller Theater)
The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Green Eggs and Ham (May 1, 2027, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)

Ensemble Arts Philly to Launch 2026-2027 Family Discovery Series With STOMP, RIVERDANCE, and More

Fri, 29 May 2026 05:12:01 PST

Multi-show packages are on sale now and start at $24 per performance.

The 2026-27 Family Discovery Series includes:

The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Children's Halloween Spectacular (October 10, 2026, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert (October 16–18, 2026, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Children's Holiday Spectacular (December 5, 2026, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
STOMP (December 29–January 3, Miller Theater)
The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Peter and the Wolf (February 20, 2027, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
MARVEL STUDIOS' Black Panther in Concert (February 27, 2027, Miller Theater)
Riverdance 30 – The New Generation (March 4–7, 2027, Miller Theater)
Chloé Arnold's Syncopated Ladies Live! (April 16, 2027, Miller Theater)
The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Green Eggs and Ham (May 1, 2027, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)

Photos: SAME TEAM North American Premiere at Inis Nua Theatre Company

Thu, 28 May 2026 18:22:34 PST

Inis Nua Theatre Company has released new photos of Same Team by Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse, directed by Kittson O’Neill. The production runs now through June 14, 2026, at the Proscenium Theatre at The Drake.

Set against the backdrop of the Homeless World Cup, Same Team follows five women from vastly different walks of life who come together through a community-center soccer team representing Scotland. Each arrives carrying her own burdens and ambitions: Jo is determined to win, The B is desperate for a second chance, Noor balances talent with the pressures of school and family, Lorraine searches for meaning, and single mother Sammy hopes to make her sons proud.

What begins as a long-shot team effort becomes a fierce and deeply human story about resilience, dignity, and connection. Praised by Theatre Scotland as “electric…compassionate, hilarious, and honest,” the play shines a spotlight on women too often left out of both sports narratives and social conversations, while celebrating the transformative impact of teamwork.

As international football fever sweeps across North America, and Philadelphia during the 2026 World Cup, Same Team offers a timely reminder that the sport’s greatest power lies not only in competition, but in community. The cast features Asha Bagal Kelly, Leanna Doyle, Page Whitman, K. O'Rourke, and V. Sterling. Full artistic team information can be found at inisnuatheatre.org/show/same-team.

This production is supported by the Charlotte Cushman Foundation.

Photo Credit: Wide Eyed Studios

The company of SAME TEAM

MID PENN BANK SUMMER MUSIC FEST to Return to Bristol Riverside Theatre in 2026

Thu, 28 May 2026 17:52:05 PST

Bristol Riverside Theatre has announced the return of the Mid Penn Bank Summer Music Fest, an exciting lineup of live performances running June through August 2026. This popular summer series brings together fourshows, each celebrating a different musical era and style-from soulful classics to rock anthems and iconic pop hits.

The festival kicks off with Tap Into Soul (June 24-28), starring Solomon Jaye. Combining powerhouse vocals with extraordinary tap dancing, this genre-blending performance breathes new life into timeless hits from artists like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Bruno Mars.

Next, Rock Revisited (July 22-26) takes audiences back to the heyday of 70s and 80s Album Oriented Rock. Featuring the music of Toto, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Boston, and more, this high-octane tribute captures the sound and spirit of classic rock at its peak.

In August, 512: The Selena Experience (August 5-9) delivers a spectacular tribute to the Queen of Tejano music. With stunning renditions of beloved hits like "Como La Flor" and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," this acclaimed production recreates the magic and energy of a live Selena concert.

Closing the series is Sixtiesmania (August 26-30), a vibrant journey through the greatest hits of the 1960s. Featuring music from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and more, this crowd-pleasing show brings the unforgettable sounds of the decade back to life.

"The Summer Music Fest is one of the most joyful parts of our season," said Ken Kaissar, Co-Producing Director of Bristol Riverside Theatre. "It's a chance for audiences to come together, celebrate incredible music, and simply have a great time. Each show offers something different, but they all share the same spirit-high energy, outstanding talent, and the kind of entertainment that gets people on their feet."

"We're proud to once again partner with Bristol Riverside Theatre for the Mid Penn Bank Summer Music Fest," Mid Penn Bank President and CEO Rory G. Ritrievi said. "The festival has become a summer tradition in Bristol, and we're excited to bring another season of live music and entertainment to the community and all those who look forward to it each year."

Tickets are on sale now. Prices range from $20 to $64 and may be purchased by calling the BRT Box Office at 215-785-0100 or by visiting brtstage.org.

To learn more about the Mid Penn Bank Summer Music Fest, visit brtstage.org or call 215-785-0100.

Photos: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES at Bristol Riverside Theatre

Thu, 28 May 2026 17:05:22 PST

Bristol Riverside Theatre is presenting the return of the Mid Penn Bank Summer Music Fest, an exciting lineup of live performances running June through August 2026. See photos!

This popular summer series brings together four dynamic shows, each celebrating a different musical era and style—from soulful classics to rock anthems and iconic pop hits.

The festival kicks off with Tap Into Soul (June 24–28), starring the electrifying Solomon Jaye. Combining powerhouse vocals with extraordinary tap dancing, this genre-blending performance breathes new life into timeless hits from artists like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Bruno Mars, creating a fast-paced, unforgettable experience.

Next, Rock Revisited (July 22–26) takes audiences back to the heyday of 70s and 80s Album Oriented Rock. Featuring the music of Toto, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Boston, and more, this high-octane tribute captures the sound and spirit of classic rock at its peak.

In August, 512: The Selena Experience (August 5–9) delivers a spectacular tribute to the Queen of Tejano music. With stunning renditions of beloved hits like “Como La Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” this acclaimed production recreates the magic and energy of a live Selena concert.

Closing the series is Sixtiesmania (August 26–30), a vibrant journey through the greatest hits of the 1960s. Featuring music from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and more, this crowd-pleasing show brings the unforgettable sounds of the decade back to life. Tickets are on sale now. Prices range from $20 to $64.

Adela Romero, Regina Carregha, Paulina De La Parra, Ava Sofia Mattox & Luana Psaros

Ava Sofia Mattox, Paulina De La Parra & Adela Romero

Luana Psaros & Adela Romero

Luana Psaros

Paulina De La Parra & Luana Psaros

Paulina De La Parra, Ava Sofia Mattox, Adela Romero & Luana Psaros

Regina Carregha & Paulina De La Parra

Regina Carregha, Luana Psaros, Ava Sofia Mattox, Adela Romero & Paulina De La Parra

THE SOUND OF AMERICA Rock Musical to Make World Premiere at FringeArts in Philadelphia

Thu, 28 May 2026 05:16:59 PST

Beginning July 1, Philadelphia theater audiences can experience the world premiere of The Sound of America, a high-voltage rock musical created by Randall Lane and Todd Schwartz, reimagining Benjamin Franklin as America's first rock star. The production transforms the story of Philadelphia's favorite son into an epic rock musical about identity, rebellion, and the creation of a true American voice. Directed by Barrymore Award-winner Kyle Metzger, the musical features a live rock ensemble backing a cast of all-local actors led by Kohl Pilgrim as Benjamin Franklin and co-stars Federica Andino-Vega, Kaedon Knight, Jameson May, and Luke Preston. Arriving in time for America's Semiquincentennial celebrations, The Sound of America runs from July 1 to August 1, with 30 performances presented at FringeArts (140 N Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106), a 300-seat performing arts center right under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Old City.

In The Sound of America, Benjamin Franklin (Pilgrim) is presented as America's first rock star, a struggling musician, inventor, and runaway printer who forms a scrappy band with his Leather Apron Club friends in Philadelphia. He accidentally unlocks the power of electric rock n' roll after a lightning strike changes everything. As Franklin's revolutionary new sound makes him an international sensation, he and his wife, Deborah (Andino-Vega), are swept into a world of fame, excess, political intrigue, and growing tension with the British elite. Manipulated by the cunning Lord Alexander Wedderburn (Knight) and seduced by celebrity culture, Franklin abandons his band and risks losing the people and ideals that once grounded him. Blending humor, history, and live arena-rock spectacle, The Sound of America tells the electrifying origin story of both a nation and its most rebellious art form.

“Benjamin Franklin was America's original rock star,” said Lane, the editor and chief content officer of Forbes, and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, who wrote the book and lyrics. “He reinvented himself constantly, challenged authority, embraced fame, courted controversy, and used creativity to reshape the world around him. As America approaches its Semiquincentennial, The Sound of America gives us a chance to celebrate the rebellious, inventive, and unifying spirit at the heart of both the country and rock n' roll.”

Sir Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who, serves as The Sound of America's Royal Governor, with all production royalties benefitting his cause, Teen Cancer America, a partner of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Daltrey also makes a remote cameo in the show as part of his role.

“If I were ever asked for a sound that captures America, my answer would have to be: ‘The Sound of America is rock n' roll, and this musical brings it to life,' said Daltrey. “In directing the royalties to Teen Cancer America, it invokes the spirit of Ben Franklin.”

Developed by Lane and Schwartz over the past two years, the rock musical's producers include:

Ari Edelson, Artistic Director for the nationally recognized theater accelerator The Orchard Project;
Rosalind Remer, curator of the Benjamin Franklin Museum;
Philadelphia Eagles legend and TV analyst Seth Joyner;
Matthew Decker, the Philadelphia-based director and Co-Founder of Theatre Horizon, who is currently helping to adapt La La Land for Broadway.

To further celebrate Philadelphia and the Semiquincentennial, The Sound of America features special programming and partnerships to invite audiences from Philadelphia and beyond to further engage with our nation's history. Patrons can join a post-show historic walking tour through Old City following each performance of the production's run. The 45-minute, musical walking tours are curated by Benjamin Franklin historian Dr. Rosalind Remer and led by lead actor Kohl Pilgrim. Post-show walking tours are available free for ticketholders. Patrons attending weekend matinees enjoy Rock ‘n Roll Brunches, where FringeArts will serve special food and drinks during the performance.

The Sound of America will also feature special events and collaborations throughout its run. In addition to curating the post-show walking tours, Dr. Remer hosts a Franklin Night performance on July 2, where she'll lead a pre-show panel discussion with other historians and experts exploring Benjamin Franklin's life. On Friday, July 3, a special performance will culminate in a celebratory “Ben Drop” countdown to July 4, with a special guest MC to be announced. Weekend matinee audiences can also enjoy Rock ‘n Roll Brunches, featuring themed food and drink offerings provided by FringeArts.

The cast of The Sound of America features an all-Philadelphia group of actors bringing American history to life on the big stage. Leading the cast as Ben Franklin is actor and musician Kohl Pilgrim (Grease at Media Theatre; Million Dollar Quartet at Walnut Street Theatre) with actor Federica Andino-Vega (Fun Home at Media Theatre; Twelfth Night O Lo Que Quieras(Feste) at Delaware Shakespeare) as his wife Deborah. Actor and musician Jameson May (A Christmas Carol at Walnut Street Theatre; Kinky Boots at New Light Theatre/Delaware Theatre Company) performs as Hugh Meredith, Franklin's Best Friend and lead guitarist of his band. Rounding out the cast is actor Luke Preston (Rent at West Chester University) as Franklin's estranged son and rabblerouser William Temple Franklin, aka WTF, and performer Kaedon Knight (james from Fever Dream Repertory) as the calculating Lord Alexander Wedderburn, who seeks to end the American rebellion and claim rock for the British Empire.

The production is directed by Philadelphia-based, Barrymore Award-winning director, educator, and producer Kyle Metzger. Metzger moved to Philadelphia in 2020 after a decade in New York City developing new works and touring Shakespeare adaptations with his theater company, The Glass Eye. Since then, he has directed new plays and musicals in the region, including the American premiere of Drip at Inis Nua (2025 Barrymore Award for Outstanding Direction), Hannah and the Healing Stone at The Drake, and the pigeon, the inaugural production for Strides Collective. His recent musical productions include: The Little Prince the Musical at Quintessence Theatre Group, Once and Fun Home at New Light Theatre (2024 Barrymore nom Outstanding Direction), and 9 to 5 at Media Theatre. For the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, he directed Catholic Guilt by Kelly McCaughan (Shortlisted Best Newcomer at Edinburgh International Fringe), and two Dan Kitrosser productions, Homos! (Winner of Fringe's 2023 Best Nightlife Show) and Smooth. Metzger currently teaches musical theater performance and directing at Temple University.

Metzger leads a production team featuring Music Director Luke McGinnis, Set & Projection Designer Aimee Hanyzewski, Lighting Designer Aly Docherty, Costume Designer Kit Longo, and Sound Designer Nick Rahn. The team is rounded out by Production Stage Manager Cat Brennan. Serving as the house band are bassist Jacob Blizard, guitarist Jake Morelli, drummer Kanako Neale, and multi-instrumentalist and horn player Kevin Vu, with McGinnis playing keyboards.

THE SOUND OF AMERICA Rock Musical to Make World Premiere at FringeArts in Philadelphia

Thu, 28 May 2026 05:16:59 PST

Developed by Lane and Schwartz over the past two years, the rock musical's producers include:

Ari Edelson, Artistic Director for the nationally recognized theater accelerator The Orchard Project;
Rosalind Remer, curator of the Benjamin Franklin Museum;
Philadelphia Eagles legend and TV analyst Seth Joyner;
Matthew Decker, the Philadelphia-based director and Co-Founder of Theatre Horizon, who is currently helping to adapt La La Land for Broadway.

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