WST’s Independence Studio on 3 Announces Upcoming Season

Walnut Street Theatre's Independence Studio on 3 is an amazing way to experience Philadelphia's best theatrical talent up-close and personal. With only 80 seats, this intimate space is the city's premier stage for new plays, international favorites and dynamic musicals.

The 2011-2012 Studio 3 season includes two Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning plays and three musical tributes, including a World Premiere. Audiences will enjoy NOËL AND GERTIE (November 22 - December 31), PROOF (January 17 - February 5), ETHEL! (February 21 - March 11), DOUBT - A PARABLE (March 27 - April 15) and Rodgers and Hammerstein's A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING (May 1 - June 24).

THE SEASON

The 2011-2012 season opens with ‘a marvelous party' celebrating the remarkable team of Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence in NOËL AND GERTIE. He was a talented actor, playwright and composer who entertained audiences with Private Lives and Blithe Spirit. She was a celebrated actress who triumphed on stage in Lady in the Dark and The King and I. Their friendship became part of show business history. Playwright Sheridan Morley showcases Noël and Gertie's mischief, wit, backstage stories and songs, including "Someday I'll Find You," "Mrs. Worthington" and "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" in NOËL AND GERTIE in the Walnut's Studio on 3 from November 22 - December 31.

Next up is a limited engagement of David Auburn's PROOF, winner of both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. Everyone has parents and everyone aspires to be like them in some way. But what happens when there's a distinct possibility that we may inherit their talent-and their madness? This remarkable play about fathers and daughters, genius and insanity, legacy and truth, will be in the Walnut's Independence Studio on 3 from January 17 - February 5. Philadelphia audiences can see the Walnut's production here first, before its National Tour!
The World Premiere of Ethel!, created by Broadway's Terry Burrell, celebrates the life of Philadelphia's own Ethel Waters. In 1949, Waters wowed Walnut Street Theatre audiences in A Member of the Wedding. Now hear her story! With colorful language, rough men and good old American street skills, Waters worked her way into a career that led to hit records, Broadway shows and an Academy Award nomination. Audiences will be treated to great stories and incredible songs, including "Dinah," "Heebie Jeebies," "Taking a Chance on Love" and "Stormy Weather" in ETHEL! from February 21 - March 11.

Up next is John Patrick Shanley's DOUBT - A PARABLE, a mesmerizing and suspense-filled drama, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play. Sister Aloysius Beauvier believes in restraint, self-control and a rigid dedication to discipline. When she learns Father Flynn has taken a special interest in a troubled altar boy, she becomes suspicious of his progressive, engaging attitudes. Did he or didn't he? Where's the proof? A seed of doubt is sewn from March 27 - April 15.

The finale to the 2011 - 2012 Studio 3 season is Broadway's tribute to the genius of Rodgers & Hammerstein, A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING. This Tony-nominated Best Musical shows how wonderfully timeless their music is. Audiences will be swept away during an evening filled with 30 songs from shows including Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music and Cinderella. Enjoy this "grand" finale on stage from May 1 - June 24.
SUBSCRIPTIONS

The only way to guarantee your seats is to subscribe. Subscriptions for all five shows are available for as little as $60! Single tickets are $30 - $35 each and go on sale on October 3, 2011. All show titles, dates and subscription prices are subject to change. For information on season subscriptions, call the Walnut at 215-574-3550 ext. 6 (10AM - 10PM) or visit our website at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org.

 

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