Walnut Street Theatre

Was here last night to see Sister Act with the old lady because apparently she has a thing for watching pretend nuns wear sequin covered habits while they shake their asses. As someone who thankfully never saw or remembered seeing the movie it was all too much to take.
The Show:
The show itself starts out fairly slow for the first 20 – 30 minutes and during that time it’s fairly laugh free and quite honestly is about as fun as watching your weeds getting whacked. After that things pick up and the jokes get cornier, the music is all four on the floor disco/​soul and the storyline is about as believable as watching a Loony Tunes cartoon but if you’re hear for realism, you’ve clearly picked the wrong show.
The woman who plays the main character (Deloris/​Sister Mary Clarence) has got a set of pipes on here that are formidable. The rest of the cast also does a good job during the collective solos/​group performances.
Everything clocked in at around 135 minutes with it being split up as a 75 minute first act, 20 minute intermission and an hour and change for act two. Like most shows, act two works a lot better than act one both in terms of the songs, the story and the pacing of the show.
The Theatre:
It goes without saying that a lot of history has happened here over the years which is to be expected when you’re talking about 200+ plus years of events/​actors with everything from a presidential debate to Marlon Brando and now to… Sister Act.
The building is not what you would call opulent by any stretch but it serves its purpose well. Lots of pictures from years/​shows gone by with decently comfortable seating, good sightlines and sound that was surprisingly good. I hate to use the cliché but no seat is a bad seat.
One negative from last night’s proceedings. The lobby is very, very small and while it’s pouring rain the ushers did a horrible job scanning phones, processing will call orders and simply getting people into the building. They need more people upfront especially on night’s with weather to just get people into the building and away from the outside smokers which probably numbered at least forty to fifty.
That aside, it was a good enough show and the price was right so I suppose it was a win all around.
(On a interesting sidebar, the people sitting across from us were going to be moving out of the area and giving up their season ticket subscription that they’ve had since…1966! Unreal.)

The Walnut sets up a great experience each and every time. The plays are creative, fun, and uniquely interpreted for the theater its stage. The actors and players really put together a great show for the venue and you feel like you come out of it with a very satisfied & full experience! I was there this evening with my family which included a total of 3 adults and 3 young children. We went to an 8 p.m. show and it is always great to walk up to the lights and Sparkle of the outside with its glowing Marquee and friendly ushers. You walk into the lobby that is well supplied with Goods to buy and food and drink. A subscription to this theater is always a plus! We try to do it as often as possible. The theater itself is maintained extremely well, the seats are plush, the entire place is clean and easy to get around. You really can’t get a better all-​around friendly experience then going to the Walnut Street Theater.

This theatre excels in musicals («The Music Man» and Buddy Holly story) but handles dramas much less capably. As to the latter, we walked out of two dramatic performances and skipped a third (on the recommendation of a seasoned theatre-​goer).
A significant positive is that the theatre is small and even the «cheap seats» in the balcony have great views of the stage.
We look forward to returning for a musical in the near future but we are unlikely to return to full season subscription status.

Review is for becoming a member — season ticket holder. My tickets were messed up, already paid $ 16 to move tickets for the Christmas show (which the show was awesome), but that move was on us — the rest of our tickets were nit scheduled as we planned and now we will have to pay for each ticket to be moved. I would think they want members. We are members at two other theaters and never have this issue. I thought about this entry before posting, but then read more about the WST lack of customer service. Great performances on stage — poor performance off stage!

This review is for their theater school. We enrolled our daughter for two classes, 1 an intro acting (last year) and the 2^nd, an intermediate musical theater for 8 – 12 in Sept/​Oct. Even though she took a musical theater class, with full scale production in Phoenix, and participated in theater programs at her school, I wasn’t sure about enrolling her in the intermediate class.
I emailed the school several weeks in advance asking for their advice. No response. I decided to enroll her to stretch her abilities a bit. A few days after the first day of class, my daughter told me she was moved to a different class. When I asked at her second class, the guys told me that after an assessment, they moved her to the beginners class. I was really irritated that they never told me that. I wouldn’t have enrolled her for a beginners class since she had already done this in Phoenix.
Other warning signs of their disorganization was the changing of room locations each week and sometimes same day. So where you drop off your child not might be where you pick them up. Combine that with all of the other classes and shows happening, it gets very chaotic. The last straw for us was when we were a few minutes late picking her up. Yes, being late was our fault but I would expect that a teacher stay with the students until the parent arrives. I get to the 6^th floor and it was dark. I then proceed to search every floor, made my way down to the lobby, still don’t see my daughter, make my way back to other floors again fighting mild hysteria. I finally go back to the lobby by the elevator and she is sitting with one of the employees. That day, they had a substitute teacher who promptly left at the end of class. Thankfully my 8 year old daughter made her way down to the lobby after being left alone. I was furious. We stuck it out to the recital but I am enrolling her in the Arden theater next time. At approx $ 200 a class, there isn’t enough benefit to the classes at Walnut Street.

This review is specifically about «A Christmas Story» which we saw a few days ago. Okay, so maybe I should have paid more attention. We got season tickets, I didn’t know this play at all. But I am appalled. How can any theater think it is a good idea in 2015 to put on a play about a boy wanting a BB gun? Didn’t anyone say, wow, this play is really dated and not reflective of today’s environment or our values? Not to mention the very stereotypic roles of women. Oh, and how about that joke about who else was in the Chinese restaurant? The whole production made me quesy. It showed such bad taste. We’ll finish out our season, but I won’t be renewing.

We saw the opening day performance of A Christmas Story. I was curious how the popular holiday movie would translate on to the stage. The cast and crew did a phenomenal job portraying the favorite characters from the movie. The stand out actors were really the young children, especially Ralphie. What a great talent at his age! The theatre itself was interesting. It has a tremendous history and the walls are peppered with famous actors who once took the stage there. The only downside to the theatre were the balcony seats. There is a slight slant in the floor on the upper level and there are no hand rails anywhere so, it felt as if we would fall at any minute just walking to our seats. Also, if you’re not tall, you will find yourself sitting at the end of your seat to get a better view of the stage. But, overall, it was a great experience and I would definitely go back for other shows — just on the lower level.

Absolutely no customer service what so ever towards 10 years old girl who got sick!!!
We went to see the Christmas Story with my nieces on November, 2015. Unfortunately my 10 year old niece got sick. Since we had some medicine, we needed some water so I asked if I could PURCHASE a bottle of water. A lady at the merchandise shop wanted to help but when she asked one who appeared to be a manager, she said the shop was closed and she could nothing to help. I usually get average of 2 calls per month asking to subscribe and support the local theater. I haven’t sign up yet but boy I am glad I didn’t after today’s experience. I don’t think I will be ever coming back to the theater. What can I say about the local theater who does not support locals.

I went to the matinée of High Society yesterday (also my first trip to Walnut Street Theatre). Full disclosure, I was not looking forward to going and thought I might fall asleep. Wrong! The show was well done and entertaining from start to finish. High Society is a Cole Porter musical based on «The Philadelphia Story.» It’s set in the 1930s with the basic premise that a socialite is planning her summer wedding when her ex-​husband comes back and tries to win her back. We were the youngest people there by about 40 years (no joke) but it was nonetheless a good time. Show started at 2pm and we were out by 5pm, including a 20 minute intermission. I used to live in NYC and love shows, so am excited to have a place to go in Philly!

Be careful buying tickets from this theater! Make sure you know your specific seat location before buying.
I paid $ 95 for the preseason subscription & I’m three rows from the back tucked in the corner. I am so bummed — the theater called me multiple times trying to get me to buy, I finally caved because my sales associate said he was offering «premium» seats, great location, etc. Then I got my tix in the mail and I saw where my seats are: all the way on top, three rows from the back. I’ll need binoculars!
So, I called to ask to move and the saleswoman said, yes you can move to a seat four rows up, for $ 50 more dollars … ?!! Um no. So ridiculous, terrible service & basically a scam.

I saw Mary Poppins here last November and I was impressed with the venue! This being the first time seeing a musical outside of Broadway in NYC, I was a little skeptical if the experience would measure up and I was happy with everything. The theater itself is on the smaller side, but it doesn’t detract from the experience at all. The acoustics were great and even though we sat in the balcony, we had a great view of the production (lucked out with seats that were in the middle of the row). I will say that a major downside is that the restrooms for women are pretty tiny and the line was pretty long come intermission, but don’t let that deter you from enjoying a production here and plan strategically.
I love the location of this theater also. It’s right next the TJU Medical College and the streets are well-​lit and it feels very safe — can’t go wrong seeing something here!

I came here with my mom to see Memphis, and we really enjoyed it!
We made our decision to come last minute, and that worked in our favor. Tickets are 50% off the day of the show, so we only had to pay around $ 40 per ticket. Also, if you’re less than 24 years old, you can get a $ 20 ticket day-​of. The show itself was great! The set was pretty intricate and because the theater is relatively small, you get a good view of the show from almost every seat. The actors and actresses were amazing singers who told an emotional story through song and dance. I’m pretty sure my mom and I weren’t the only ones who loved the show — there was a long standing ovation at the end. Also, the theater is in a great area of town where there are plenty of restaurants to dine at before the show.

I’ve seen multiple musicals here and loved every production. Great for kids and teens. A smaller theater, not as big as the Academy of Music but still puts on good productions.

A wonderfully intimate theater with high-​quality productions. I believe this is the most-​subscribed to theater in the states, and with good reason! Even though the last time I went my boyfriend and I got «bad» seats (we had gift certificates so were picking between show times for the last weekend of And Then There Were None, and we were only free on Saturday night which was obviously the most packed), we were able to experience and enjoy every single part of the play. Nothing was obstructed, and the sound quality carried so that I felt I was in the orchestra seats.
I have come twice to this theater so far, and both times the auditorium is packed and the production quality has stayed the same. If you get a chance, please come visit this old-​school entertainment venue! Although the seats may be pricey, this is one of the last venues of the performing arts left, and well worth paying the wonderful actors for their talents!

I went their with a friend to see their recent production of And Then There Were None. I’m a big fan of the Agatha Christie play and had high hopes. I recently moved to Philadelphia and had not been to the theater. Being an American history nerd, I was excited to see a show in Americas oldest theater.
Unfortunately, I left the theater extremely disappointed and the friend that I took was not all that impressed. I was a bit disappointed by the theater physically. The walls and ceiling are all a simple concrete or plaster. There is no old charm or historic ambience to the actual décor. I was expecting a bit mor from Americas oldest continually operating theater.
My subsequent complaints are about the crowd in attendance and the experience following the show. The older gentleman we sat next to was constantly dislodging and resetting his dentures. The sound was extremely disturbing, to the point where the woman next to us voiced her complaint and left. Shortly before the end of the first act, someone threw up in the row behind us. We asked to be reseated during intermission and they accommodated but the seats were not of equal caliber.
Following the show, I have been routinely called and harassed by the sales office to buy additional tickets. I asked weeks ago to be removed from there call list and tonight I was called twice at 8:45PM and again at 8:48PM.
At this point, because of the sales office, I won’t go back unless it’s a show I really do not want to miss and can’t see elsewhere.

Have been a subscriber for 2014 – 15. So far they had great shows. Somewhat very commercial and but entertaining. Their actors were very talented and knew how to entertain audiences. Whenever I watched musicals/​shows there I ended up laughing a lot. Looking forward next show!

Went to see «A Christmas Carol,» so of course, there were quite a few kiddos in attendance. I love the feeling of the theater — it’s definitely a work of art itself. We had nosebleed seats but could still see the stage quite well. Like many older theaters, if there is someone tall sitting in front of you, you’re SOL when it comes to seeing the stage. That, and the teeny-​tiny bathrooms are probably the biggest flaws of this place.

So last night I went to the opening of Mary Poppins. Okay. Disclaimer alert! At this point in life, when I am in a dark, moderately warm place, I get very relaxed — too relaxed! I «rest» my eyes, while listening to all the goings on. I can keep track of everything-​I think! This is a skill I pride myself on, since grad school. Mid dream, I can wake and have a perfectly lucid, engaging conversation. Thank you UConn! I really did «master» that!
So, given that, the play was fantastic! The costumes were so colourful and vibrant. Loved the lion costumes. (It had nothing to do with the Adonis like physiques of the lions!)
But what is the highlight is the choreography! Omg! My daughter, God bless her, nudged me from my resting of the eyes, to alert me, it was time for Step in Time! Now this is my favourite from the movie. I’m still in awe of Dick Van Dyke’s moves. (In another life, I think I was a choreographer, mentored by Peter Gennaro, Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins.)
And when they started the number with a classic move from West Side story, all I could see was George Chakiris. Then they had all these Fossie-​esque movements. I just started talking to myself! It was so glorious, I started to stand right in the middle of it all and «go to church!!» Heaven!
Now I would be totally remiss if I didn’t mention how homogenized the cast was. Did no people of the darker hue audition? Just really wondering? This is 2014. Come on somebody.
The Theater itself is a theater goer’s dream, with all the old pictures on the walls. And the little sweet usher, who had to have been in her 80s and was walking very slowly, with purpose, was a total fashion diva. Gorgeously dressed. (So I don’t get the earlier review if the ushers.)
And Supercalifragilistic was sooooo clever!!! I really LOVED it!!! Kudos to the Walnut!!!

We came here to see _​How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying_​and left eager to return. Now, I used to have a raging paranoia about anthrax-​covered, HIV-​infected needles attached to syringes filled with lethal doses of street drugs lurking in the dark corners of theater seats waiting for the unsuspecting buttock. I haven’t been to a movie theater in an inappropriately long time.
That doesn’t really apply here as I’ve always considered actual live theater to be exempt. It doesn’t seem like the kind of place junkies would hang out and accidentally forget their disease ridden narcotics paraphernalia. Er, so, back in So Cal I would go to plays with some regularity, and had for years. WST is the first theater I’ve been to in Philly (I’ve been here for nearly 2 years! The shame!) so I couldn’t say how it compares with the others.
Man, this review is all over the place. Here’s what you need to know. They show great plays, in recent memory, the Elf musical, Arsenic and Old Lace, and How to Succeed is in the middle of its run right now. The venue is bright and clean. The staff is nice. The ushers are all a million years old, as is always the case with theaters. The attendees are virtually all white headed as well, that’s fine, just my kind really. The drinks are meh, watered down, but they do give you a pretty patriotic looking sippy cup for adults, which, incidentally, is very handy for someone like me. The bathrooms are downstairs and the line goes all the way up the stairs during intermission. I understand that; it’s inevitable.
I chose the 2pm showing because we had an early reservation for dinner, and I choose to believe it’s a little more casual. I didn’t see anyone especially dressed up but boy old ladies sure like to get their hairs done did. Anyway, Agatha Christie’s _​And Then There Were None_​will be on the mainstage over the summer, The Boy and I are definitely going to go, y’all should too! Young people, make it happen!

I recently had the chance to check out a tiny theater on the right side when you enter the walnut street theater that I didn’t know existed. The show was «I love you, you’re perfect, now change» which runs through the end of June and was amazing and hilarious!
What it’ll cost you:
Tickets are about $ 40 and general admission so you could be inches from the actors if you get there before the other 50 people who fit in this theater.
The show:
–Very intimate atmosphere, the actors might be singing to you.
–Minimal sets, but maximum laughs and a surprising amount of props and costume changes.
–Excellent extremely talented 4 person cast.
–The show is a series of short vignettes exploring everything in dating and love from terrible first dates to marriage and babies and picking up at a funeral.
Getting there:
You can take the elevator or the stairs up (on the way down, the fire exit is the door you want to go through, confusing and scary, I know). If recommend not being late because it’s a very small theater and it’s awkward of you are coming in late (personal experience here).
Definitely recommend for a fun night out and if you need a good laugh!