Walnut Street Theatre is thrilled to announce the 2018-19 Independence Studio on 3 Season that showcases Philadelphia’s remarkable theatrical talent in the city’s premier space for theatre that’s up-close and personal.
“With each visit, I know our guests will be immersed in the intimate stories and staging that make theatre in this ever-changing venue so thrilling and different for every production,” said President and Producing Artistic Director Bernard Havard. “They’ll experience world-class theatre and, with just 6 rows of seating, be just a few feet from the actors.”
The 2018-19 Independence Studio on 3 season gives guests a variety of experiences, including a personal look into the Palestinian-Israeli identity with IN BETWEEN (September 25 – October 28, 2018); a fun and wacky holiday treat in WINTER WONDERETTES (November 13 – December 30, 2018); a timely tale of gender politics in OLEANNA (January 15 – February 17, 2018); an intimate look at one of America’s favorite stars in KATE: The Unexamined Life (March 5 – April 7, 2019); and an immersive look at the real stories of those from both sides of our country’s most divisive war in CIVIL WAR VOICES (April 23 – May 26, 2019).
THE SEASON
The 2018-19 season opens with IN BETWEEN (September 25 – October 28, 2018). On the precipice between two cultures stands Ibrahim Miari, son of a Palestinian Muslim father and Jewish Israeli mother. In this riveting and thought-provoking one-man show written and performed by Miari, he recalls his childhood in Israel and brings us into the complexities and contradictions that define his life “In Between” two worlds. With deftness, wit, and humor, Miari transcends today’s political distractions and reminds us of the deeper inner struggles and bonds that link us all.
Next, escape the stress of the holiday season with the zany and fun WINTER WONDERETTES (November 13 – December 30, 2018). Welcome to the 1968 Harper’s Hardware Christmas Party. Featured entertainment: The Winter Wonderettes, starring Missy, Suzy, Cindy Lou, and Betty Jean, each with her own unique personality – and color scheme. Sit back and enjoy as the ladies work out the kinks, and insert their own special humor into the holidays. Along the way you’ll be treated to classic – and wacky – Wonderette versions of seasonal favorites like Jingle Bell Rock, Sleigh Ride, Santa Baby, Winter Wonderland, and over 20 more!
The season continues with OLEANNA (January 15 – February 17, 2019). Pulitzer Prize Winner David Mamet pulls us into a fierce and fiery story that foreshadowed today’s headlines. “He said, she said” reaches explosive new heights when a university professor and his student view their tutoring sessions from two drastically different perspectives. Miscommunication, manipulation, misogyny…or more? Decide for yourself in this tense and timely tale of gender politics, privilege, and power.
Next up, we’ll have a touching portrait of one of America’s most beloved stars in KATE: The Unexamined Life (March 5 – April 7, 2019). From stunning ingénue who once graced the Walnut stage, to “box office poison,” to silver screen royalty, no actress commanded the stage, screen, and the public’s attention quite like Katharine Hepburn. Join Kate on New Year’s Eve 1999 as she prepares for her next project, shares intimate details of her life and loves, and ponders – at age 92 – what the future holds. A gracefully funny, witty, and poignant look at one of our nation’s greatest stars.
Our 2018-19 season finale is CIVIL WAR VOICES (April 23 – May 26, 2019). “This is our true story and these are our words.” With this line, a cast of actor/musicians immerse us in the compelling, passionate, and true stories of real people from both sides of our country’s most divisive conflict. In their own words taken straight from the writings they left behind, this insightful and stirring play with music brings to life a deeply human celebration of what makes us American.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
The only way to guarantee seats to the 2018-19 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. For information on season subscriptions, call the Walnut at 215-574-3550 ext. 6 (10AM – 10PM) or visit our website at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org. All show titles, dates and subscription prices are subject to change.
