Fall Guide to the Arts
The new season is arriving and our Guide to the Arts will give you a preview of the promises that holds.
The new season is arriving and our Guide to the Arts will give you a preview of the promises that holds. We’ve listed a wide range of area venues offering theater, dance, music and events and a peek into their upcoming performances.
Theaters & Venues with Music, Dance & Theater Performances
Suburban PA Counties
American Music Theatre
Featuring both touring concerts and original shows in a 1,600-seat theater, from Broadway tours to rock legends to today’s hottest acts.
2425 Lincoln Hwy E., Lancaster. AmericanMusicTheatre.com
* The Texas Tenors, Rock at the Park, Dione
Bird-in-Hand Stage
Offering exceptional entertainment, including Broadway-style musical theater and magic shows—one of Lancaster County’s must-see stops for live performances.
2760 Old Philadelphia Pk., Bird-in-Hand. Bird-in-Hand.com
* Magic & Wonder: Dream, The Home Game, Magic and Wonder of Christmas, A Christmas to Remember
The Colonial Theatre/Point Entertainment
Independent and classic films, programs for young audiences, concerts and community events. Major performances booked by Point Entertainment.
227 Bridge St., Phoenixville. TheColonialTheatre.com; PointEntertainment.com
* Yellow Submarine, Mister G, The Cat’s Pajamas
Immaculata University Alumnae Hall Theater
Seats 1,100 with great stage views from any seat, perfect for concerts, dance and theater productions.
Alumnae Hall Theater, Immaculata. Immaculata.edu
Kennett Flash
An all-ages, stage-centered, café-style venue showcasing professional national, regional and local music, comedy, children’s programs and more.
102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Sq. KennettFlash.org
* Open Mic with Guest Host Angelee, Steve Forbert
Keswick Theatre of Performing Arts
A 1,300-seat venue hosting well-known acts and bands with state-of-the-art sound and light equipment.
291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside. KeswickTheatre.com
* Blackmore’s Night, Hippiefest 2018: Vanilla Fudge, Rick Derringer, Mitch Ryder, The Detroit Wheels
Longwood Gardens Performing Arts
The arts at Longwood are as alive, inspiring and beautiful as the Gardens, showcasing leading artists.
1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. LongwoodGardens.org
* Angela Sheik, Bob Beach Duo, Poor Man’s Gambit
Mt. Hope Estate & Winery
On the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire offering events, festivals, concerts year-round.
Rt. 72, Cornwall. PARenFaire.com
Neumann University, Meagher Theatre
Modern 300-seat theater hosting lectures, theater, cinema, concerts and other theatrical events.
1 Neumann Dr., Aston. Neumann.edu
Sight & Sound Theatres
Faith-based live theater that’s been described as “Christian Broadway.”
300 Hartman Bridge Rd., Strasburg. Sight-Sound.com
* Jesus
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
Promoting cultural, economic and civic life through live theater, music, dance and film. The theater has nine resident companies with three separate performance spaces.
226 N. High St., West Chester. UptownWestChester.org
* Better Than Bacon: Interactive Improv Comedy, The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, Doo Wop to Soul Concert
The Ware Center
Off-campus visual and performing arts center for Millersville University hosting art exhibits, dance, film, Broadway cabarets, music, family arts and more.
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster. ArtsMu.com
West Chester University—WCU Live!
Live performances in music, theater and dance by national traveling groups held on the campus.
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall and Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, West Chester. WCUPa.edu/oca/WCULive
Delaware
The Grand Wilmington
Presenting more than 75 shows each season—from symphony orchestras and ballets to the latest rock and comedy stars, jazz, folk, family artists and more.
818 N. Market St., Wilmington. TheGrandWilmington.org
* Become Your Dreams: A History of Hip Hop!, Kathleen Madigan Boxed Wine and Bigfoot
The Queen Theatre
Once World Café Live, now under new management with Live Nation taking the helm. Still a 3-tiered music hall for music, food, drinks, entertainment and more.
500 N. Market St., Wilmington. Queen.WorldCafeLive.com
* Dan Montgomery, Marcia Ball, Chris Smither
Theatre N at Nemours
First-run independent feature films and concerts.
11th & Tatnall Sts. Nemours Bldg., Wilmington. TheatreN.org
Maryland
The Mainstay
With over 100 concerts each year, The Mainstay programs a diverse offering of concerts by local, regional, national and international musicians.
5753 Main St., Rock Hall. MainStayRockHall.org
* Charlie Byrd Tribute, Miles & Steve Brown Duo, RUNA
Philadelphia
The Academy of Music
Opened in 1857, it’s the oldest grand opera house in the country still used for its original purpose. This 2,900-seat venue is both a celebrated historic landmark and a contemporary concert hall.
Broad & Locust Sts. AcademyOfMusic.org
* Aladdin, Love Never Dies, Fiddler on the Roof
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Dedicated to the advancement of a diverse and thriving cultural community through innovation and intellectual engagement in the performing arts.
Univ. of Pennsylvania campus, 3680 Walnut St. PennPresents.org
* Ballet X, Black Violin, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
The Dell Music Center
This open-air amphitheater has 5,284 reserved seats and lawn seating for 600.
Ridge Ave. & W. Huntingdon St. MyDellEast.com
* Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Premier performing arts groups reside at the Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music—The Phila. Orchestra, Philly Pops, The Pennsylvania Ballet, Philadanco and more.
300 S. Broad St. KimmelCenter.org
* La NOCHE, Ophira Eisenberg
The Mann Center for Performing Arts
Located in Philadelphia’s beautiful Fairmount Park, the Mann continues its tradition as the greater Philadelphia region’s premiere outdoor cultural arts center.
5201 Parkside Ave. MannCenter.org
* Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, A Night of Gershwin
World Café Live
Two separate stages in one building, offering a unique concert-going experience and great food.
3025 Walnut St. Philly.WorldCafeLive.com
New Jersey
BB&T Pavilion
Outdoor amphitheater/indoor theater complex located on the Camden Waterfront.
1 Harbour Blvd, Camden. LiveNation.com
* Kevin Hart, Zac Brown Band, Chris Brown
Events & Series
Anson Nixon Park Concert Series
Through Aug. 8
Enjoy free summer concerts on Wednesday evenings surrounded by the park’s beautiful scenery.
Waterworks Dr., Kennett Sq. AnsonBNixonPark.org
Chester Cty 87th Old Fiddlers Picnic, Aug. 11
Hundreds of musicians and music lovers gather for music and memories.
Hibernia County Park, Wagontown. ChesCo.org/CCParks
Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, June, 2019
Wilmington’s tribute to a great man and his legacy is the largest, multi-day, free, outdoor jazz festival on the East Coast.
Rodney Square, 1000 N. Market St., Wilmington. CliffordBrownJazzFest.org
Delaware County Summer Festival, Through Aug. 12
Gather on the hillside for over 40 performances from a myriad of musical and dance genres.
Rose Tree Park, Rt. 252, Media. Co.Delaware.PA.US
* Makin’ Music, Jimmy & the Parrots, Us & Floyd
Eagleview Town Center Concerts on the Square, Through Aug. 28
Not only concerts but movie nights, Shakespeare in the Park and family festivals.
Wellington Square, Exton. InEagleview.com
* Jump Jive and Jam and Dirk Quinn
Long’s Park Summer Music Series, Through Aug. 26
Spend Sunday nights delighting in the 50+-year-old tradition of free summer concerts.
1441 Harrisburg Pk., Rt. 30, Lancaster. LongsPark.org
Media Jazz By Night, Nov. 17
The 15th anniversary of this annual festival that serves up a lively night full of authentic jazz.
State St., Media. StateStreetBlues.com
Media State Street Blues Stroll, June, 2019
A summer evening of performances complete with gospel, R&B, blues & country.
State St., Media. StateStreetBlues.com
Musikfest, Aug. 3–12
Ten days of more than 500 free and several ticketed performances in Bethl hem’s historic district.
22 W. Broad St., Bethlehem. Musikfest.org
*Daughtry, Kesha, Gary Clark, Jr., Styx and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Jason Mraz
Paoli Blues Fest, Oct. 6
For blues lovers and just about anyone who likes to eat, dance, shop and enjoy great music. Also a beer garden and KidZone.
Paoli Presbyterian Church, 225 S. Valley Rd., Paoli. PaoliBluesFest.com
* Little Buddy Blues Band, Russ Lambert
PA Renaissance Faire, Aug. 4–Oct. 28
Mirth and merriment amidst jousting knights.
2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. PARenFaire.com
Philadelphia Folk Festival, Aug. 16–19
Honor both national and emerging acts.
Old Pool Farm, 1323 Salford Station Rd. Schwenksville. PFS.org
Riverfront Blues Fest, Aug. 3–5
Three days of Blues on the Riverfront.
Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, 80 Rosa Parks Dr., Wilmington. RiverfrontBluesFestDE.com
Turks Head Music Festival, July 15
Enjoy a day of performances by regional bands, plus vendors at craft and food booths.
Everhart Park, W. Miner St., West Chester. TurksheadFestival.com
* Dukes of Destiny, Raven Hill Bluegrass
West Chester Swingin’ Summer Thursdays, July 12, Aug. 2, Sept. 6
Visit downtown West Chester for food, music, dancers and more along Gay Street on Thursdays.
Gay St., West Chester. West-Chester.com
Performance Groups
Dance
Suburban PA Counties
Brandywine Ballet
Providing professional training and performance opportunities for dancers and entertaining audiences as the region’s premier ballet organization.
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 700 S. High St., West Chester. BrandywineBallet.org
* Balanchine, Barber, and Brandywine, The Nutcracker
Chester County Ballet Company
A professional performance group at Chester County’s oldest training school for dance.
321 S. High St., West Chester. HarrisonDanceStudios.com
Swarthmore Ballet Theatre
A nonprofit educational organization performing at schools, festivals and communities.
118 Park Ave., Swarthmore. SwarthmoreBalletTheatre.com
Delaware
First State Ballet Theater
Delaware’s professional ballet company presents full-length ballets and mixed-repertory programs.
818 N. Market St., Floor 3R, Wilmington. FirstStateBallet.com
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Ballet Association
A premier ballet company, receiving widespread critical acclaim for extraordinary performances of a diverse classical and contemporary repertoire.
1819 JFK Blvd., Ste. 210. PABallet.org
* Romeo and Juliet, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Philadelphia Dance Company
Known for its cultural diversity, PHILADANCO works to preserve predominantly African-American traditions through its dances.
Philadanco, 9 N. Preston St. PhilaDanCo.org
Music
Suburban PA Counties
Brandywine Singers
A choral ensemble with a wide repertoire of music, partnering with other groups to present concerts.
TheBrandywineSingers.org
Chester County Choral Society
Led by a professional director and accompanist and performing diverse choral music.
P.O. Box 3466, West Chester. ChesterCountyChoralSociety.org
Chester County Pops Orchestra
Comprised of 65 talented and dedicated musicians from around the County, performing pops, jazz and light-classic repertoire.
P.O. Box 2468, West Chester. ChesCoPops.org
Delaware County Symphony
This community orchestra performs symphony and chamber series concerts at Neumann University.
Meagher Theatre Life Center, Concord Rd., Aston. DCSMusic.org
Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Chester County
Founded in 1987, the Society presents fully staged productions of the G&S operettas, complete with costumes, sets and full orchestra.
P.O. Box 195, West Chester. GSSChesco.org
Immaculata Symphony
From as far back as 1920, this orchestra has grown from a chamber-size group to a large ensemble.
1145 King Rd., Immaculata. ImmaculataSymphony.org
Kennett Symphony
Experience the unique thrill in witnessing the energy and passion of Music Director, Michael Hall, and the professional musicians recreating musical masterpieces.
106 W. State St., Kennett Sq. KennettSymphony.org
Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
Entertaining and educating the south central PA community through live musical performances.
226 N. Arch St., Lancaster. LancasterSymphony.org
Main Line Symphony Orchestra
Community orchestra that celebrated its 70th season in 2016.
VF Mid Sch, 105 W. Walker Rd., Wayne. MLSO.org
Opera Lancaster
A nonprofit group producing operas since 1952.
411 W. King St., Lancaster. OperaLancaster.com
Reading Symphony Orchestra
Providing high quality, live, symphonic and classical music to the Greater Berks County region.
Santander Performing Arts Center, 136 N. 6th St., Reading. ReadingSymphony.org
Rose Tree Pops Orchestra
A community orchestra with performances ranging from classical to pops to Big Band.
P. O. Box 932, Media. RoseTreePops.org
Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra
The chorus, accompanied by a 35-piece orchestra, performs two major theatrical productions each season.
Strath Haven Middle School, S. Providence Rd. Wallingford. RVCO.org
Theatre Organ Society of the Delaware Valley (TOSDV)
TOSDV owns, maintains and presents theatre organ concerts and silent movies on a fabulous 3/24 Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ, installed in the Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA.
P.O. Box 141, Cheltenham. TOSDV.org
Vox Ama Deus
Musicians are known for historical accuracy, frequently performing on authentic Baroque instruments.
P.O. Box 203, Gladwyne. VoxAmadeus.org
Delaware
Brandywine Baroque
Delaware’s premier early music ensemble, offering concerts of chamber music on period instruments.
The Barn at Flintwoods, 205 Center Meeting Rd., Wilmington. BrandywineBaroque.org
Chorus of the Brandywine
Singing modern four-part harmony in the Barbershop style, all a capella, using the human voice to create harmonic effects pleasing to the ear.
410 Upper Snuff Mill Row, Yorklyn. ChorusOfTheBrandywine.com
Delaware Symphony Orchestra
Since 1912, this orchestra has performed classical and chamber concert series.
P.O. Box 1870, Wilmington. DelawareSymphony.org
Mélomanie
Performing provocative pairings of early and contemporary works.
200 S. Madison St., Wilmington. Melomanie.org
OperaDelaware
The only professional opera company in the state and the 11th oldest in the country, with a reputation for excellence in opera and arts education.
4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington. OperaDE.org
Serafin Quartet
The Quartet performs frequently around the US and the world, receiving international prizes and awards.
1014 Sweet Cherry Ct., Wilmington. SerafinQuartet.org
Philadelphia
Opera Company of Philadelphia
Presenting innovative programming relevant to the multi-cultural Philadelphia region that broadens and diversifies the opera audience.
1420 Locust St., Ste. 210. OperaPhila.org
* Lucia di Lammermoor, Sky on Wings, Glass Handel, Queens of the Night, Fridays at Field
Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale
Encourages the musical growth of boys through difficult repertoire and a world-class education.
1336 Spring Garden St. PhillyBoysChoir.org
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet-Séguin joined the small yet illustrious group as the eighth music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra in over 115 years. One of the preeminent orchestras in the world.
1 S. Broad St. PhilOrch.org
* Tchaikovsky Spectacular, A Night of Gershwin, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Schools
Ballet 180 / Studio 180
Ballet 180 performs at McShain Performing Arts Center, Rosemont College. Studio 180 provides professional dance training for children through adults on the Main Line and surrounding areas.
1708 Lancaster Ave., Floor 2, Paoli. Ballet180.org
Longwood Performing Arts
Training students in the fine art of dance since 1978. A positive and comfortable environment offering classes from experienced faculty in a variety of dance styles.
633 West Cypress St., Kennett Square. LongwoodPerformingArts.com
Upper Darby Summer Stage
With participants ranging in age from 11 to 28, this youth theater program has been empowering young people and entertaining families since 1976.
* 42nd Street, Disney’s The Lion King, Jr., Mary Poppins
West Chester Studio for the Performing Arts
Teachers are experienced professional actors and provide a high-caliber performing arts education to students of all ages and abilities.
Held at: Chester County Historical Society, 225 N. High St., West Chester. WestChesterStudio.com
West Chester University Department of Theatre and Dance
The nationally accredited WCU Department of Theatre and Dance stages a variety of productions representing a broad spectrum of genres. Come see the stars of tomorrow today!
E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, High & Rosedale Sts. West Chester. WCUPa.edu/TheatreDance
Wolf Performing Arts Center
Professionally staged productions, coaching and classes with experienced teaching artists for children.
1240 Montrose Ave., Bryn Mawr. WolfPerformingArtsCenter.org
Delaware
The Music School of Delaware
Offering standard-setting instructional programs by expert educators for people of all ages and levels.
4101 Washington St., Wilmington. MusicSchoolOfDelaware.org
Theater – Professional
Suburban PA Counties
Act II Playhouse
Producing new, classic and contemporary plays and musicals.
56 East Butler Ave., Ambler. Act2Playhouse.org
* Tuesdays with Morrie
Bucks County Playhouse
Located on the site of a former grist mill on the banks of the Delaware River.
70 S. Main St., New Hope. BucksCountyPlayhouse.com
* I Hate Hamlet, Million Dollar Quartet, 42nd Street
Commonwealth Classic Theatre Co.
A nonprofit theater celebrating its 12th anniversary of free theater in local parks this summer. See website.
CommonwealthClassicTheatre.org
* The Complete History of America
Fulton Theatre Productions
Named a National Historic Landmark, considered the nation’s oldest continuously operating theater.
12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. TheFulton.org
* Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Hedgerow Theatre
Featuring classical productions, fun-filled farces and traditional tales for the whole family, Hedgerow Theatre is Delaware County’s home for entertainment.
64 Rose Valley Rd., Media. HedgerowTheatre.org
* His Girl Friday, Hound of the Baskervilles, Medea
Media Theatre
Producing five musicals annually, plus children’s productions, the Media Theatre has been honored with numerous awards for its performances.
104 E. State St., Media. MediaTheatre.org
*Sweeney Todd, The Wizard of Oz, Julius Caesar, Beehive:The ‘60’s Musical, Saturday Night Fever
People’s Light
One of Pennsylvania’s largest professional theatres offers year-round programming in two performance spaces, mixing world premieres, contemporary plays, music-infused work and fresh approaches to classic texts.
39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern. PeoplesLight.org
*Such Things as Vampires, Cinderella: A Musical Panto, Sweat, Nina Simone: Four Women, For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday, Endgame, Mud Row, Our Town
Resident Theatre Company
RTC is a professional company that produces musicals and plays using Philadelphia and NY actors and designers. Performing at various locations, including:
Knauer Performing Arts Center, 226 N. High St., West Chester. RTCWC.org
* Evita, Lend Me A Tenor, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Theatre Horizon
A professional nonprofit theater company producing dramas and musicals and presenting original works.
401 DeKalb St., Norristown. TheatreHorizon.org
* The Laramie Project, The Color Purple, Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale
Delaware
City Theater Company
Since 1993, this company has performed full-length original pieces, plus theater classics. High-quality, provocative and new works.
4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington. City-Theater.org
Delaware Theatre Company
The Company produces five professional productions each season, plus education and outreach programs.
200 Water St., Wilmington. DelawareTheatre.org
*Sanctions, Fully Committed, A Sign of the Times, Saint Joan, Honk!
The Playhouse on Rodney Square
Located in the Hotel du Pont, stars of stage and screen have graced the Victorian stage since 1913. Presents a six-show professional Broadway series for theater lovers, special performances and a Children’s Series.
1007 N. Market St., Wilmington. ThePlayhouseDE.org
*Miranda Sings
The New Candlelight Theatre
Award-nominated dinner theater celebrates 47 years.
2208 Millers Rd., Wilmington. NCTStage.org
* Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?
Philadelphia
Forrest Theatre
1114 Walnut St. Forrest-Theatre.com
* Hamilton
Merriam Theater
250 S. Broad St. KimmelCenter.org
* Bring It
Philadelphia Theatre Company
480 S. Broad St. PhiladelphiaTheatreCompany.org
Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut St. WalnutStreetTheatre.org
* Mamma Mia!
Wilma Theater
265 S. Broad St. WilmaTheater.org
* Blood Wedding
Theater – Community
Suburban PA Counties
Barley Sheaf Players
Housed in the old Oddfellows Hall, offering a 5-show season, summer youth programs, a Play Festival, holiday production and in-house children’s workshops.
810 N. Whitford Rd., Lionville. BarleySheaf.org
* Curtains, What a Knight!
Barnstormers Theatre
This community theater produces up to six plays annually plus two Singer-songwriter Nights.
Ward & Tome Sts., Ridley Park. BarnstormersTheater.com
The Company Theatre
A traveling production company of artists who bring their talents to local and surrounding communities.
PO Box 386, Chester Springs. TheCoTheatre.com
* The Co. Live improvisational comedy
Footlighters Theater
Since 1930, this group has continued to entertain Main Line audiences with each production.
58 Main Ave., Berwyn. FootlightersTheater.com
Forge Theatre
Year-round entertainment with six productions.
241 First Ave., Phoenixville. ForgeTheatre.org
* Actstravagan, All Shook Up
Montgomery Theater
Five productions & two children’s shows every year.
124 Main St. (Rt. 113), Souderton. MontgomeryTheater.org
The Players Club of Swarthmore
A community-based theater with seven main stage shows, plus smaller “Second Stage” productions.
614 Fairview Ave., Swarthmore. PCSTheatre.org
* Chicago, Other Desert Cities, Little Shop of Horrors
SALT Performing Arts
A nonprofit community theater performing musicals, plays, dinner theaters and Shakespeare.
1645 Art School Rd., Chester Springs. SALTPA.com
Delaware
The Brandywiners, Ltd.
With more than 300 members, the Brandywiners perform annually at Longwood Gardens.
P.O. Box 248, Montchanin. Brandywiners.org
* The Music Man
Delaware Children’s Theatre
This group aims to educate and entertain youths and adults through its popular theater productions.
1014 Delaware Ave., Wilmington. DEChildrensTheatre.org
* Wonderland: Alice’s Rock and Roll Adventure
Wilmington Drama League
Since the 1920s, the Drama League has hosted volunteer-produced performances, plus children’s theater performances.
10 W. Lea Blvd., Wilmington. WilmingtonDramaLeague.org
* Shrek the Musical Jr.