'Fair' starts 200th season
Alysson Cwyk
Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Philadelphia might not exactly be Broadway, but the City of Brotherly Love definitely has its fair share of great plays, musicals and other live arts attractions to satisfy any theatre aficionado's tastes this season. One theatre in particular is making history and inviting you to take part in this landmark year.
The Walnut Street Theatre is turning 200 at the start of the 2008-2009 season! Opening while Thomas Jefferson held the U.S. presidency in 1809, the Walnut Street Theatre has over 57,000 subscribers, making it the most subscribed-to company in the world. Aside from being the most subscribed-to and most popular theatre company in Philadelphia, the Walnut Street Theatre will be hosting some of America's most unforgettable plays and musicals during this breakthrough season. From John Waters' cult classic "Hairspray" to Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire," the Walnut Street Theatre has something for everyone.
America's oldest theatre is kicking off its 200th season with Rogers and Hammerstein's "State Fair." Running now through Oct. 19, "State Fair" brings viewers back to everything American - from blue ribbons to carnivals.
Revolving around the Frake family, Abel and Melissa, with their young adult children, Margy and Wayne, the Frakes take a break from their monotonous Iowa farm life to spend three memorable days at the annual state fair. As Abel and Melissa strive to win prizes for their pickles, mincemeat and pigs, the children go in search of love. This colorful tale is great for young and old alike, bringing together family and friends to reminisce about the good ol' days.
Along with a sincere story line and cast full of unique characters, the music and set design makes "State Fair" spectacular. More catchy songs are sung in the production than you can count on two hands. And upon exiting, you will definitely hear people singing along to the joyous closing number from their seats to the sidewalk.
The set design flashes with brilliant colors, bright lights and rotating floor props. Jon Savage, whose design work has been showcased across the country, did an outstanding job creating life-like, time appropriate set-ups, as opposed to unrealistic, over-the-top designs normally seen in musicals today.
"State Fair" also boasts a price that is right for college students. Tickets range between $10 and $70, with every seat in the house having a decent view of the stage.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office of the Walnut Street Theatre, located at 9th and Walnut streets, or online at www.walnutstreettheatre.org. Make sure to visit the web site for showtimes, hours and additional information regarding "State Fair" or any of the other productions taking place during the Walnut Street Theatre's historic 200th anniversary season.
The Walnut Street Theatre is turning 200 at the start of the 2008-2009 season! Opening while Thomas Jefferson held the U.S. presidency in 1809, the Walnut Street Theatre has over 57,000 subscribers, making it the most subscribed-to company in the world. Aside from being the most subscribed-to and most popular theatre company in Philadelphia, the Walnut Street Theatre will be hosting some of America's most unforgettable plays and musicals during this breakthrough season. From John Waters' cult classic "Hairspray" to Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire," the Walnut Street Theatre has something for everyone.
America's oldest theatre is kicking off its 200th season with Rogers and Hammerstein's "State Fair." Running now through Oct. 19, "State Fair" brings viewers back to everything American - from blue ribbons to carnivals.
Revolving around the Frake family, Abel and Melissa, with their young adult children, Margy and Wayne, the Frakes take a break from their monotonous Iowa farm life to spend three memorable days at the annual state fair. As Abel and Melissa strive to win prizes for their pickles, mincemeat and pigs, the children go in search of love. This colorful tale is great for young and old alike, bringing together family and friends to reminisce about the good ol' days.
Along with a sincere story line and cast full of unique characters, the music and set design makes "State Fair" spectacular. More catchy songs are sung in the production than you can count on two hands. And upon exiting, you will definitely hear people singing along to the joyous closing number from their seats to the sidewalk.
The set design flashes with brilliant colors, bright lights and rotating floor props. Jon Savage, whose design work has been showcased across the country, did an outstanding job creating life-like, time appropriate set-ups, as opposed to unrealistic, over-the-top designs normally seen in musicals today.
"State Fair" also boasts a price that is right for college students. Tickets range between $10 and $70, with every seat in the house having a decent view of the stage.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office of the Walnut Street Theatre, located at 9th and Walnut streets, or online at www.walnutstreettheatre.org. Make sure to visit the web site for showtimes, hours and additional information regarding "State Fair" or any of the other productions taking place during the Walnut Street Theatre's historic 200th anniversary season.
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