Kathleen Turner to Open Philadelphia Theatre Company's 2016 Theatre Masters Series

Two-time Tony Award-nominee and film actress Kathleen Turner kicks off Philadelphia Theatre Company's 2016 Theatre Masters series on February 29 at 7:00 PM at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre (Broad and Lombard Streets). Turner will be joined in conversation by Margaret Engel, the playwright, with her sister Allison Engel, of Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins which Turner premiered at PTC. Launched last year as part of PTC's celebration of its 40th Anniversary season, Theatre Masters offers on-stage interviews with major theatre artists, many with whom PTC has worked, each sharing their personal journey of transformation and creative growth over time and how it has impacted both their art and their lives. This season's schedule also features David Morse on March 21.

Tickets starting at $15 are available at philatheatreco.org or by phone at 215.985.0420.

Kathleen Turner appeared at Philadelphia Theatre Company in Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins, one of the most popular productions in PTC history. She went on to perform this role at The Geffen, Arena Stage and Berkeley Rep. She has starred on Broadway in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, for which she received a Tony nomination for Best Actress; Indiscretions; The Graduate; and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, for which she received a second Tony nomination for Best Actress. On screen, she has garnered critical acclaim for her performances in movies including Body Heat, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe; Romancing The Stone and Prizzi's Honor, which earned her a Golden Globe Award for each; Peggy Sue Got Married, which brought Turner both an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe nomination; and War of the Roses, for another Golden Globe nomination. On television, Ms. Turner had a major recurring role playing the role of Sue Collini on Showtime's hit series, Californication as well the starring role in an independent film called The Perfect Family. Recently, Turner has turned her attention to directing to her list of accomplishments with such productions as Would you Still Love Me If... at New World Stages, The Killing of Sister George at Long Wharf Theatre, and Crimes of the Heart at both Roundabout Theatre and Williamstown Theatre Festival. In addition to her film and stage credits, Turner wrote of her many accomplishments and life experiences in her 2008 autobiography titled Send Yourself Roses: Thoughts on my Life, Love, and Leading Roles, which secured a position on the New York Times Best-Seller List.

PTC's 2015-2016 season continues with the currently running East Coast premiere of Exit Strategy by Ike Holter, followed by the Philadelphia premiere of Sex with Strangers by Laura Eason, a co-production with George Street Playhouse (April 8 - May 8) and the East Coast premiere of Hillary and Clinton by Lucas Hnath (May 27 - June 26).

Founded in 1974, Philadelphia Theatre Company is a leading regional theatre company that produces, develops and presents entertaining and imaginative contemporary theatre focused on the American experience. By developing new work through commissions, readings and workshops, PTC generates a national impact and reaches broad regional audiences. Under the guidance of PTC's Executive Producing Director, Sara Garonzik, since 1982 and Executive Managing Director Priscilla M. Luce, who joined the leadership team in early April of 2013, PTC supports the work of a growing body of diverse dramatists and takes pride in being a home to many nationally recognized artists who have participated in more than 140 world and Philadelphia premieres. PTC has received 57 Barrymore Awards and 180 nominations. PTC's home on the Avenue of the Arts, the Suzanne Roberts Theatre which opened in October 2007, has helped revitalize of Center City Philadelphia's thriving arts district.