Walnut Street Theater Celebrates Its 201st Season

In the coming year, the Walnut Street Theatre, America's oldest theatre and the State Theatre of Pennsylvania, will celebrate its landmark 201st season of live entertainment and its 27th season as a not-for-profit producing theatre company. Boasting over 56,000 subscribers, The Walnut is not only the most popular theater company in Philadelphia, but also the most subscribed theatre company in the world!

Bernard Havard, Producing Artistic Director, is proud to announce the 2009-2010 Mainstage season. The upcoming season will include three magnificent and beloved musicals - get ready for DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, OLIVER! and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. The Walnut also offers two spellbinding plays: A world premiere production of Eric Conger's THE ECLECTIC SOCIETY and Noel Coward's classic comedy, FALLEN ANGELS.

The Walnut opens its 201st season with Broadway's smash-hit musical comedy, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (September 8 - October 25). This is the story of two confidence men who try to out con each other. When it becomes apparent that the Riviera isn't big enough for the both of them, they make a winner-take-all wager over the fortunes of a naïve American soap heiress: the first one to "clean her out" wins, and keeps the Riviera (and its unsuspecting tourists) to himself!

The holiday season at the Walnut will be a celebration of one of Broadway's most beloved classic musicals, OLIVER! (November 10 - January 10) This masterpiece vividly brings to life Charles Dickens' timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more. The score is filled with Lionel Bart's irresistible songs, including "Food, Glorious Food;" "Consider Yourself;" "I'd Do Anything;" and "As Long As He Needs Me." OLIVER! promises to be one of the most spectacular holiday musicals ever to grace the Walnut stage.

The New Year brings new theatre to the Walnut stage with the world premiere production of Eric Conger's THE ECLECTIC SOCIETY (January 19 - March 7). It's the 1960's, and in order to become the big man on campus, you've got to play the game. In this fraternal society, new recruits need testing and traditions need to be upheld. This new American play celebrates the spirit of youth and the mischief that follows.

Next up, break out the champagne and laughter with Noel Coward's FALLEN ANGELS (March 16 - May 2). Julia and Jane, two upper-class society ladies, have been friends for ages and have shared everything. When Jane receives news that her former lover, Maurice, is coming to town, the past catches up with both women! How do they escape the attentions of this dashing and daring French former lover? What if their inattentive husbands find out? Will old passions be rekindled? Find out in Noel Coward's classic story of fun, foibles and friendships.

Finally, the Walnut continues a great "tradition" with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (May 18 - July 18). This multi-award-winning musical has captured the hearts of people all over the world and finally makes its highly anticipated debut on the Walnut stage in this all-new production. As Tevye tries to hold on to his religion, his family, and his home, he learns that life is "as shaky as a fiddler on the roof." Filled with timeless songs such as "Matchmaker, Matchmaker;" "If I Were a Rich Man;" Sunrise, Sunset;" and "Anatevka," this is a story that will last forever in your heart.

The only way to guarantee the best seats is to subscribe! Renewals for the 2009-2010 season are already exceeding last year's numbers, so call today. For information on season subscriptions, call the Walnut at 215-574-3550 ext. 6 (Monday - Friday, 10AM - 10PM) our visit our website at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org. Subscriptions are available for as little as $85 a season - up to a 67% savings off regular ticket prices! All show titles, dates and subscription prices are subject to change.

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