Walnut Street Theatre's Independence Studio On 3 Announces Its 2017-2018 Season

Walnut Street Theatre has announced the 2017-2018 Independence Studio on 3 season. This 80-seat theatre gives audiences an intimate setting to experience amazing music, mysteries and stories that make audience's hearts sing! The Independence Studio on 3 showcases Philadelphia's remarkable theatrical talent and is the city's premier space for theatre that's up-close and personal.

The 2017-2018 Independence Studio on 3 season gives comedy a new 'voice' in SOUVENIR, A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins! (September 12 - October 15); an angelic holiday treat IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play (October 31 - December 17); an exciting theatrical adventure BASKERVILLE, A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (January 2 - February 4); Broadway's red-hot thriller A STEADY RAIN (February 20 - March 25); and Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical, TELL ME ON A SUNDAY! (April 10 - July 1).

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THE SEASON:

The 2016-2017 season opens with SOUVENIR, A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins! (September 12 - October 15). It's the true story of one of opera's most unforgettable stars. Florence Foster Jenkins, an eccentric and wealthy socialite, believes she is an enchanting coloratura soprano and she wants to share her talent with the world. After teaming up with a new pianist, Cosmé McMoon, she begins to hold recitals at the Ritz Carlton, festooned in fabulous costumes. She becomes a sensation! Unfortunately, the truth is Mrs. Jenkins can't sing. But, there's more than one way to get to Carnegie Hall... Based on a true story, this tuneful comedy beguiles the hopeful artist that lives in everyone.

Next, the art of storytelling is heavenly when audiences discover IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (October 31 - December 17). The holiday classic comes to life anew, with five actors and an imaginative sound-effects artist, as a radio play. George Bailey dreams of traveling the world. His plans are postponed when the family business faces financial problems. Down on his luck, Bailey is at the end of his rope. He questions his purpose in life and considers ending it all. Just then, an angel arrives to show Bailey how the lives of those he loves would be affected if he were not around. The entire family will love this story from the heart that rings true today!

The season continues with BASKERVILLE, A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (January 2 - February 4). Laughter is "elementary my dear Watson." Ken Ludwig's acclaimed adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 1902 classic mystery, The Hound of the Baskervilles, is full of intrigue and... huge laughs. The male heirs of the Baskerville line are being murdered one by one and the renowned sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, along with his trusted sidekick, Dr. Watson, must work feverishly to crack the curse before it dooms the newest heir. Five talented actors, playing 40 quirky characters, follow leads, unravel clues, hit dead-ends, and zigzag with the story until the shockingly funny conclusion. All is not what it seems. Will audiences guess whodunit? Philadelphia audiences can see the Walnut's production here first, before its National Tour!

Next up, we'll have the hard-hitting Broadway smash will keep audiences on the edge of their seats! Friends since kindergarten, Chicago cops Joey and Denny are like brothers. Intensely loyal, they want to do right by the force, their family and each other. Joey is a loner with a bit of a drinking problem. Denny is a family man passed over for promotion one time too many. Their relationship is put on the line after responding to a domestic disturbance that takes a turn for the worse. Each man's harrowing version of the truth becomes a fight for their own survival. Where the moral grey area exists, A STEADY RAIN (February 20 - March 25) begins.

Our 2017-2018 season finale is TELL ME ON A SUNDAY (April 10 - July 1). It's the 1980's and a young English girl, full of energy and optimism, arrives in New York ready to find success and love. On her journey, she wakes up to frustration, anxiety and heartache. She begins to wonder whether she's looking for love in all the wrong places. This iconic musical, with a wonderfully original score, features some of Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Cats) and Don Black's best songs including "Come Back with the Same Look in Your Eyes," "Unexpected Song" and "Nothing Like You've Ever Known."

The only way to guarantee seats to the 2017-2018 season is to subscribe. Subscriptions for all five shows are available for as little as $70 ($14 per ticket). Single tickets are $35 - $45 each and go on sale on August 13, 2017. 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.