Fall Arts Guide 2019

 

Arts Guide PDF

If you don’t snag a ticket to Hamilton this season, there are plenty of choices locally. Here’s our preview of the upcoming season at area theaters and performance venues  as well as special concert events to mark on your calendar.

 

Theaters & Venues with Music, Dance & Theater Performances

Suburban PA Counties

American Music Theatre
Since 1997, AMT has welcomed Opry legends along with Grammy, CMA, Tony and Oscar winners. They’ve hosted acclaimed original shows, national Broadway tours, and Christmas extravaganzas.
2425 Lincoln Hwy. E., Lancaster
AmericanMusicTheatre.com
* Charley Pride, The Beach Boys, The Springsteen Experience, Vince Gill, Three Dog Night

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
*Stolen, Magic & Wonder: IMAGINE, A Bird-in-Hand Christmas to Remember, A Magical Merry Christmas

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
* Ran’D Shine, Aimee Mann with Jonathan Coulton

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
* Chicago 9 – A Tribute to Chicago, Sin City Band

Keswick Theatre of Performing Arts
A 1,300-seat venue hosting well-known acts with state-of-the-art sound and light equipment.
291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside. KeswickTheatre.com
* Rupaul’s Drag Race, Ted Nugent

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
* Kennett Symphony, Gina Chavez, Mister G

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. 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

West Chester University—WCU Live!
Live performances held on campus of music, theater and dance by national traveling groups.
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

Theatre N at Nemours
First-run independent feature films and concerts.
11th & Tatnall Sts. Nemours Bldg., Wilmington
TheatreN.org

 

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
* Mean Girls, Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar

Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Dedicated to the advancement of a diverse and thriving cultural community.
Univ. of Pennsylvania campus, 3680 Walnut St.
PennPresents.org
* Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, Hiromi

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
* NeYo with Tamia, The O’Jays with Russell Thompkin’s Stylistics and Bloodstone & The Intruders

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
* Check website for performances and shows at The Academy of Music and Forrest Theatre

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
* Sublime with Rome, A Night of Berlioz

The Met Philadelphia
This is the former Philadelphia Metropolitan Opera House, originally built in 1908 by opera impresario Oscar Hammerstein.
858 N. Broad St. TheMetPhilly.com
* Peter Frampton Finale – The Farewell Tour

World Café Live
Two separate stages in one building, offering a unique concert-going experience and great food.
3025 Walnut St. Philly.WorldCafeLive.com
* The California Honey Drops

 

New Jersey

BB&T Pavilion
Outdoor amphitheater/indoor theater complex located on the Camden Waterfront.
1 Harbour Blvd., Camden. LiveNation.com
* Dead & Company, Snoop Dogg & Friends

 

Events & Series

Anson Nixon Park Concert Series
Through Aug. 7
Enjoy free summer concerts on Wednesday evenings surrounded by the park’s beautiful scenery.
Waterworks Dr., Kennett Sq. AnsonBNixonPark.org.

Chester Cty. 91st Old Fiddlers Picnic, Aug. 10
Hundreds gather for music and memories.
Hibernia County Park, Wagontown
ChesCo.org/CCParks

Citadel Country Spirit USA, Aug. 23–25
Multi-day country music festival returning to Ludwig’s Corner for the second year.
5 Nantmeal Rd., Glenmoore
CountrySpiritUSA.com
* Little Big Town, Chris Lane, Billy Currington

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, June, 2020
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. 11
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. 27
Not only concerts but movie nights, Shakespeare in the Park and family festivals.
Wellington Square, Exton. InEagleview.com

Long’s Park Summer Music Series
Through Aug. 25
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. 16
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, 2020
A summer evening of performances complete with gospel, R&B, blues & country. StateStreetBlues.com

Musikfest, Aug. 1–11
Ten days of more than 500 free and several ticketed performances in Bethlehem’s historic district.
22 W. Broad St., Bethlehem. Musikfest.org
*Weezer, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Chainsmokers

2nd Annual Connective Art & Music Festival, Aug. 3
Bringing the community and region together through a fun day of arts and music.
13 S. Third St., Oxford. ConnectiveFestival.org
* Blind Melon, Trout Fishing in America, Ali Awan

Paoli Blues Fest, NEW DATE Sept. 28
Perfect for blues lovers and anyone who likes to eat, dance, shop and enjoy great music. Also a beer garden and KidZone. Noon to 6. Paoli Presbyterian Church, 225 S. Valley Rd., Paoli. PaoliBluesFest.com
* Little Buddy Blues Band, Georgie Bonds, Slim & The Perkolators, Jesse Loewy Band, AC Steele & The Galvanizers, The Fraction

Philadelphia Folk Festival, Aug. 15–18
Honors both national and emerging acts.
Old Pool Farm, 1323 Salford Station Rd.
Schwenksville. PFS.org

Riverfront Blues Fest, Aug. 3–4
Three days of Blues on the Riverfront.
Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, 80 Rosa Parks Dr. Wilmington. RiverfrontBluesFestDE.com

Turks Head Music Festival, July 21
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 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 5
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

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

 

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

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

Chesco 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
* Concert performance of the musical, Chess

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 Square
KennettSymphony.org

Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
Entertaining and educating the south central PA community through live musical performances.
226 N. Arch St., Lancaster.
LancasterSymphony.org

Opera Lancaster
A nonprofit group producing operas since 1952.
411 W. King St., Lancaster. OperaLancaster.com

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
Chorus and 35-piece orchestra.
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 3/24 Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ, in the Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville.
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
Concerts of chamber music on period instruments.
The Barn at Flintwoods, 205 Center Meeting Rd., Wilmington. BrandywineBaroque.org

Delaware Symphony Orchestra
Performing classical and chamber concert series.
P.O. Box 1870, Wilmington. DelawareSymphony.org

Mélomanie
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

The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet-Séguin joined the small yet illustrious group as the eighth music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra in over 116 years. One of the preeminent orchestras in the world.
1 S. Broad St. PhilOrch.org
*Bernstein’s Candide narrated by Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan

 

Performance Groups / schools

Suburban PA Counties

Angela Bates Dance Academy
Classes in all styles of dance, for all levels and all ages. Special summer programs are offered.
5129 West Chester Pk., Newtown Square.
AngelaBatesDanceAcademy.com
* Holiday Show on December 15

Ballet 180 / Studio 180
Ballet 180 performs at McShain Performing Arts Center, Rosemont College.
1708 Lancaster Ave., Floor 2, Paoli. Ballet180.org

Darlington Arts Center
Darlington Arts Center, providing “Every Art for Everyone” celebrates 40 years offering creative experiences in music, art, dance and drama for children and adults. Coffee House Concerts feature live music from September to June.
977 Shavertown Rd., Garnet Valley
DarlingtonArts.org
* Geri Smith, Liz Filios, Minas

Longwood Performing Arts
Classes from experienced faculty in a variety of
dance styles.
633 West Cypress St., Kennett Square
LongwoodPerformingArts.com

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
Presenting classic, contemporary, and new plays, musicals and dance produced by our faculty, students and Philadelphia guest artists.
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

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
*Mamma Mia, Shrek, Jr., Always Patsy Cline

Fulton Theatre Productions
Named a National Historic Landmark, considered the nation’s oldest continuously operating theater.
12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. TheFulton.org
*Evita, Peter Pan, Jersey Boys

Hedgerow Theatre
Featuring classical productions, fun-filled farces and traditional tales for the whole family.
64 Rose Valley Rd., Media. HedgerowTheatre.org
* Dracula, The Bloody Truth; Moliere’s Tartuffe,

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
*Forever Plaid; Matilda, The Musical; Elf, The Musical; Eleanor, An American Love Story, Baby

People’s Light
One of Pennsylvania’s largest professional theaters offers year-round programming in two performance spaces, mixing contemporary plays, music theater, classics and world premieres.
39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern. PeoplesLight.org
*Dot, Little Red Robin Hood: A Musical Panto, The Children, Shakespeare In Love, Hold These Truths, Bayard Rustin: Inside Ashland, Mary Jane

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
* Cabaret, Into the Woods, Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike

Theatre Horizon
A professional nonprofit theater company producing dramas and musicals and presenting original works.
401 DeKalb St., Norristown. TheatreHorizon.org
* Into the Woods, Minority Land, The Agitators

 

Delaware

The Candlelight Theatre
Celebrating 50 years of dining and entertainment, Delaware’s first dinner theater offers musicals, comedies, comedy club, quizzo and varied concerts.
2208 Millers Rd., Wilmington, (in historic Ardentown)
CandlelightTheatreDelaware.com
* South Pacific, Catch Me If You Can, Christmas by Candlelight

Delaware Theatre Company
Experience Broadway-caliber productions at this spacious regional theatre. Located on the Wilmington Riverfront, DTC has free parking and a concessions stand with wine, beer and light snacks.
200 Water St., Wilmington.
DelawareTheatre.org
*The Hound of the Baskervilles, One November Yankee, A Christmas Carol, Outside Mullingar

The Playhouse on Rodney Square
Located in the Hotel du Pont, stars of stage and screen have graced the Victorian stage since 1913. 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington. ThePlayhouseDE.org
* Beautiful–The Carole King Musical, The Illusionists

 

Philadelphia

Forrest Theatre
1114 Walnut St. Forrest-Theatre.com
*Hamilton

Merriam Theater
250 S. Broad St. KimmelCenter.org
* Latin History for Morons: written by and starring John Leguizamo

Philadelphia Theatre Company
480 S. Broad St. PhiladelphiaTheatreCompany.org
*A Small Fire

Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut St. WalnutStreetTheatre.org
*Legally Blonde: The Musical

 

Theater – Community

Suburban PA Counties

Barley Sheaf Players
Housed in the old Oddfellows Hall, offering a five-show season, summer youth programs, Play Festival, holiday production and children’s workshops.
810 N. Whitford Rd., Lionville. BarleySheaf.org
* Snow White, The Unexpected Guest

Footlighters Theater
Since 1930, this group has continued to entertain Main Line audiences with each production.
58 Main Ave., Berwyn. FootlightersTheater.com
* Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Forge Theatre
Year-round entertainment with six productions.
241 First Ave., Phoenixville. ForgeTheatre.org
* The Man Who Came to Dinner, Calendar Girls

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
* Schoolhouse Rock Live!

 

Delaware

The Brandywiners, Ltd.
With more than 300 members, the Brandywiners perform annually at Longwood Gardens.
P.O. Box 248, Montchanin. Brandywiners.org
* The Producers

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

Wilmington Drama League
Hosting volunteer-produced performances,
plus children’s theater performances.
10 W. Lea Blvd., Wilmington
WilmingtonDramaLeague.org
* Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical, Spring Awakening