Starting next week, the annual Philly Theatre Week returns with shows and performances all across the region.
The event, now in its seventh year, is hosted by Theatre Philadelphia and sprawls the city, surrounding counties, Delaware and South Jersey. From April 4 to April 14, fans can check out new takes on familiar shows, original works and community events.
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All events include pay-what-you-can pricing, which organizers hope increases accessibility while encouraging donations and investment in the theater community.
On Monday, April 1, there will be a preview event at the Temple Performing Arts Center, with samples of the shows and a keynote speech from Ontaria Kim Wilson, an actress and director from Philly. In addition to the plays and musicals, the event also includes a story slam, virtual poetry and a community picnic, concluding with a "Cabaret"-themed karaoke party at the Painted Mug on April 14.
Throughout the week, attendees can catch classics like "Macbeth," "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "Urinetown." There are also new shows to check out like "Hatshepsut," the story of an Egyptian queen erased from history; "Laugh Of Totality," where a group of comedians discuss the upcoming solar eclipse, and "Gilbert & Sullivan & Cocktail," a mix of songs from the theater duo and accompanying drinks.
“We are excited to be back for our seventh annual Philly Theatre Week and to be continuing its mission for more accessible theatre for the Greater Philadelphia community,” said Theatre Philadelphia Executive Director Sabriaya Shipley in a statement. "We hope that Philly Theatre Week continues to be a time of year for celebrating, honoring, and gathering the Greater Philadelphia community around the current theatre season offerings and also giving tangible resources or connections to put towards the next Philly theatre season.”
Philly Theatre Week
Various locations
April 4-14
Pay-what-you-can pricing